a little update on life

In the last month since I've posted there have been many changes around us. It went from being freezing cold around here with a blustery winter wind to a nice spring breeze, with lots of warm sunshine. The trees went from completely bare, to small buds, to bursts of colorful petals everywhere. It's amazing at how the change of season lifts the spirits a bit, gives us a little more energy to get outside and enjoy God's creation. Walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms and jogging (or skating, in Scott's case) have brought a smile to our faces.

This year is already flying by and we're 3/4 of the way through our contract. In exactly 4 months we'll be landing back on U.S. soil! Ahhhh. What's to come after that? Great question. We've got plans to pursue formal Bible training, but we're still waiting on the specifics. It's been quite a period of waiting, but we're so glad that God already knows and has big plans. Excited for Him to reveal those to us! We'll keep you updated on the specifics.

In these next 4 months there's so much to do, one day at a time. Relationships with co-workers, students, neighbors, and friends that we want to continue to dive into 100% and take full advantage of---some that know Jesus and some that we pray will come to know Him. Pray that we can continue to be completely intentional with the rest of our time here and that we finish strong!

Prayer Mug

We picked it out together, the three of us, Scott, Liz, and myself.My first drink in it was chai, my second, coffee, made to perfection by my husband, one scoop of creamer one packet of splenda just the way I like it. This little perfect hand-cupping shaped mug helps me wake up and holds cups of goodness, but most importantly it is a reminder. A reminder for me to pray for my dear friend when I drink from it and for her to pray for us when she drinks from it.



We drank from them together first and chatted about how we didn't want to say goodbye and about how grateful we are to have met each other and spent time together.



Sisters in Christ, united by His blood. One of the beauties of moving to the other side of the world, seeing the provision of God in the form of instant friendships.



And so when I drink from this wonderfully crafted mug, I pray for my dear friend.

Sober Reminders

She lies there in the hospital bed, surrounded by 5 other patients. Looks at me with her dark eyes above the neck brace, immobilized by the plastic holding her fragile bones in place, and she smiles, reaches out her hand for mine. And I see the pain covered with the smile and she says, "I'm okay."
And I hold back the tears, surprised--completely unexpecting the the seriousness of the injury because she texted me those same words, "I'm okay."
Is she really okay without Jesus?
The five minute conversation in Korean is broken down into a five second translation in English. She has a broken bone in her neck. She was thrown out of the car and knocked unconscious. And so many emotions rage inside of me. I feel her pain and think of the long month ahead in a drab hospital room with nothing to keep her occupied. I wonder. What can I do? What can I bring? She could have easily been taken from this world. She was spared. But she doesn't know Jesus. Have I been bold enough? How can I show the love of Christ? I'm often so ungrateful..that I can walk, breath, experience life to its full. So assuming..that tomorrow will come, that nothing bad could happen to me or one I love. So lackadaisical in living and loving the gospel to my co-workers, my students, my neighbors.

How can I love like Jesus loved? How can I savor the moment and breathe out thanks? How can I live with the lenses of eternity, changing my so earthly eyesight? Lord, only through you. I can't without You.

Mark 10: 27
"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

2010 in Photographs

Psalm 89: 1-2 I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.I will declare that your love stands firm forever,that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

Serving in a different culture

Since living in Korea, I've slowly come to realize that the way we serve others in the States, isn't necessarily the best way to serve Koreans. A good friend here in Korea has told me about a book titled, Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility by Duane Elmer. I haven't read the book yet, but I'm hoping to get to it soon. It's now much more accessible due to the wonderful gift of a kindle we got in the mail this Christmas from my parents. Anyway, the theme of this book is illustrated in a recent occurrence. Let me tell you what happened. So you know the Yuja "cha" tea that I wrote about in a previous blog? Well, I brought a large jar of it to school to share with my co-workers (they drank it up, by the way) and made a cup of it for the particular teacher who gave me the fruit to make it. When I arrived at her desk and handed her the steaming mug, she smiled and said "kamsahamnida", thank you, and I smiled and bowed. Two minutes later, the same teacher appeared at my desk with a bag of two new to me fruits called "mogwa." She politely told me that I should do the same thing with the mogwa that I did with the yuja. And I chuckled inside at how my small attempt at serving her in her language of giving gifts was returned with her serving me in her language of giving gifts. So, I arrived home that evening with 2 large mogwa and this is what I did:





1. Wash the "mogwa" well.
2. Cut the mogwa into quarters. Be careful. This fruit is very hard.


3. Cut out the seeds and core!



4. Cut into small, 1 inch by 3/4 inch slices.



5. Mix the mogwa slices with the same amount of sugar as mogwa, 1:1 ratio.






6. Pour the mixture into 2 or 3 small glass jars. Layer the top with sugar before screwing on the lid!


Wait 10-14 days! Scoop one heaping spoonful into a mug and pour hot water on top. Stir and Enjoy!

Come Ye Who Are Weary

Dear Friend,

Wow it was so nice running into you this past holiday weekend. Did I say Merry Christmas? If not Merry Christmas!
It had been so long since we had spent time together. I have just been so busy lately. You know how it goes. Teaching, meeting with people, trying to find American groceries in Asia. Sometimes I even forget that we used to have a weekly get-together.
Yesterday I was reminded of what a blessing you are in my life. I have talked about getting back in touch with you for months it seems, but i haven't even given you a call. Sorry. I know that you are a friend that I have taken for granted-- on and off these past few years. Thanks for forgiving me when I think there are more important things to do and people to see. You have always welcomed me back with a smile.
Well old friend, winter break is here. Why don't we catch up. I would love to see you more my dear friend, Sabbath.

Scotty

Home

home. it's where I long to be. where everything feels the way it's supposed to be. where i belong. where i'm welcomed in with open arms. is it because it's where people are like me? where i blend in, don't stand out, get pointed out, the black sheep in thinking, ways made clear by actions unfamiliar. but where is home-where I belong-is not always where I long to be, but an unseen desire to be where I think is home--deceived by this world's offers, things visable, tangible, lust of flesh, what is comfortable, but leaves unsatisfied, not quite home. home. it's where I long to be where everything feels the way it's supposed to be.

-AJ