Some Reasons to Praise God:

I haven't posted anything to this blog in a few days, but I thought I would update it by posting some things that I feel like I should praise God for today.

1. I am really thankful to God for giving me allergies to pork, seafood, and tofu! When I first found out I was allergic to so many things a little over a year ago, it was hard to figure out what to eat and it was not that much fun! I did eventually adjust to it and I handle it pretty well now. As hard as it was to adjust in the U.S., it is even harder to adjust in Korea since the main products Koreans eat are seafood, pork, and tofu! They have the occasional beef and chicken, but it is really hard to find here and even if a restaurant has it, I can't read Korean so I don't always know. I realized the other day that having these allergies was not that bad and it has given me even more reason to be thankful to God! Some of my teachers were eating live octopus that was still moving in the tray the other day. Totally Disgusting! A lot of times the fish that is served at the table still has the eyes and everything attached. Yuck! Also, a lot of the pork here resembles bacon and is more fat than meat! Double Yuck! All of these things have made me realize that it is often the most simple things that we forget to praise God for on a daily basis!

2. This one is really huge for me...I found out close to a month ago about the orphanage that is within walking distance from KNU where I live! Several professors here and friends at the church have tried to put me in contact with people that could help me volunteer there, but after many calls, facebook messages, and attempts at church, I always came up short! Current volunteers had been in contact with workers at the orphanage and I was approved to go, but the main problem was that no one was ever able to show me where it was! The saddest part was that I had been told the orphanage was near a big department store that I can actually see from my dormitory! It really bothered me because all I wanted to do was volunteer my time! Finally this past Sunday, one of my friends, Margaret who is Korean-American and therefore speaks very good Korean, told me she was volunteering at the orphanage on Thursday! She also offered to take me to the orphanage to meet one of the main teachers there. So today, I had a meeting at the orphanage and I get to go tutor some elementary children this Thursday! I am so excited because it is one of my life-long passions to work in an orphanage! I am also excited because I have been praying about this since I heard the orphanage was so close to KNU. I really wanted to work with babies and toddlers, but the teacher we met with said her main need is English tutoring because the children there do not know any English, at all. I am excited because I will be tutoring 2 students, but she wants it to be more like mentoring than just teaching. We will be able to take them places and get to know them more personally than I am able to do at school because there are so many kids. I just want to Praise God for answering my prayer and helping me to fulfill the desires of my heart! He is an awesome God!

3. I am really thankful for the Internet! I realize that more and more as I think about living on the other side of the world from my family and friends! It would be so much harder being in Korea if I was not able to instant message, text, call people on skype, and look at everyone's photos on facebook!

Well, I think I have rambled enough for the day! There are so many things that I could praise God for, big and small, but I will leave it at those 3 for this blog!

I Need Rest!

It has been almost a month since I updated this blog. The last time I updated it, Korea was beginning Chuseok, their thanksgiving holiday, and I had 5 days off of school. It was good because I got caught up on sleep and felt refreshed for the rest of that week. I have mentioned several times to people who know me the importance of Sabbath rest. I realize even more now how important it is. I made a promise to myself and to God to set aside time for Sabbath rest once a week. I will be honest...It would be surprising to me if I have done this once a month.

Living in a different country and trying to adapt to the culture takes a toll on a person. It doesn't help that I have complicated matters by taking 3 seminary classes and teaching English in the elementary schools which I have never done before.I am also a very social person that wants to experience all of the beautiful sights that can be seen in Korea.

I also know that I came to Korea to share Christ's love with people and be involved in building the Kingdom of God. Sometimes it is all a little overwhelming, but when I take the time to allow God to restore, renew, and refresh my Spirit, I am a more effective disciple of Christ. Tomorrow is Korean Foundation Day, so there is no school. I have the opportunity to go on a few day trips, but I have decided I need to spend this time resting and spending time alone with God. I will be in Korea atleast 11 more months, so there is no reason that I have to do everything that can be done in my first few months here!