Wednesday night I attended Everlove's special music program. The talent pool here is very deep. It was a variety show that included a Brass Sextet, various instrument and vocal solos, a men's choir and even a performance by traditionally dressed ladies playing the Gayageum. I was especially moved by the violin solo. It was sweeping melodies played with tremendous feeling. The beginning of the program was surprising to me. The Brass group came on and played what the program called "Sacred March Medley". It was in fact "America the Beautiful" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." I nearly rose to my feet and sang. I still don't know if they use different words to those tunes. The evening ended with Pastor Jung singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" in both Korean and English. Another reminder of how vast the greatness of God is.
Thursday night I went to the TCIS Christmas Concert.
http://www.tcis.or.kr/anniversary.html)
Choirs, String Ensemble and Band...a great night of well performed music.
Here is a video of the Gayageum:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIF6UItETiU&feature=related
And Mama, you'll especially like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfmvRqRtMak
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Just A Couple of Things...
Q: What do short people, an occasional stare and James Taylor singing on the radio have in common?
A: A Korean bus.
Just to let you know...I will be enjoying a traditional American Thanksgiving meal on Saturday. Several of the American teenagers at church came to me Saturday and said, "Do you have plans for Thanksgiving?" I said, "Turkey...dressing...??" They said, "Yes." So I'm invited. Now if I can find a football game...
A: A Korean bus.
Just to let you know...I will be enjoying a traditional American Thanksgiving meal on Saturday. Several of the American teenagers at church came to me Saturday and said, "Do you have plans for Thanksgiving?" I said, "Turkey...dressing...??" They said, "Yes." So I'm invited. Now if I can find a football game...
Korean-Kazakh...
In 1937 Joseph Stalin deported 180,000 Koreans then living in the far east edge of the Soviet Union near what is today North Korea. He sent them 3,700 miles away to Kazakhstan. Since then, these Korean-Kazakh people have maintained their cultural identity. I met one today. She is the young wife of a Korean missionary to Kazakhstan. He went there on mission. They met, married and after 3 years training in Korea are now on their way to the Czech Republic.What interested me was hearing how she actually had difficulty adjusting to life in South Korea. She said the food was difficult to get used to. "Ha" I thought, "you too?" Kazakh cuisine is more meat and bread, while Korean food is heavily based on vegetables soaked in hot spices. She said she misses the bread. Another interesting thing is that she had difficulty with the language. "What?" I thought. You see, her native language is Russian! Her husband learned Russian to be able to minister there. So, they both speak Korean, Russian and English to varying degrees.
I participated in a prayer and dedication service for them and several other families who are going back to the mission field. They are going to Czech Republic, Israel, Egypt and China. We sang hymns and prayed together. What a privilege.
"Lord, protect our brothers and sisters in distant lands. Give them boldness to share your saving truth with others. Fill them with your love to overflowing so that others will see the difference Jesus makes in the lives of believers."
'Til We Meet Again...
I met a nice little grandmother at the bus stop tonight. It was about 9:00 p.m. and she was sitting there alone. As I arrived, I said the usual, "Anyangheseyo" (standard greeting with the respectful ending), and she immediately smiled and began jabbering away as if she had waited all day for someone to talk to. I could only smile back and say, "English?" and "Little Hangeul" as I used my thumb and forefinger to indicate a very small amount. She smiled again.
So there we sat, the Korean lady and the foreigner...
I've been trying to be brave in conversation, so I made the attempt. Through hand motions and the clock on my phone, I asked when the bus would arrive. She did better than that. She told me that the buses come about 20 minutes apart..."ee ship bun." Wanting to be sure I understood, I said, "buseh...ee ship bun...buseh?" using my hand again to motion the bus coming around the corner. She nodded and began jabbering again. It's amazing how certain words you have learned will jump out of the fog of foreign conversation. I heard the name of my neighborhood (Shinseong-dong), so I nodded and said, "Shinseong-dong, Lucky hana, bek-ship-dong." That's Lucky Apartments, building 110.
Well, our bus arrived and we rode in silence with everyone else. As my stop neared, she spoke to me and motioned so I wouldn't miss it. I used some or my new Hanguel, "Manaso pangapssumnida" (It's nice to meet you.) She agreed. As we walked, she motioned toward my building, but I said, "oo-you" (milk) and pointed toward the little store at the corner. She smiled one last time and said, "Anyangheseyo." I replied, "Jal-ja" (Goodnight), and we went our separate ways. I really hope I see her again...
So there we sat, the Korean lady and the foreigner...
I've been trying to be brave in conversation, so I made the attempt. Through hand motions and the clock on my phone, I asked when the bus would arrive. She did better than that. She told me that the buses come about 20 minutes apart..."ee ship bun." Wanting to be sure I understood, I said, "buseh...ee ship bun...buseh?" using my hand again to motion the bus coming around the corner. She nodded and began jabbering again. It's amazing how certain words you have learned will jump out of the fog of foreign conversation. I heard the name of my neighborhood (Shinseong-dong), so I nodded and said, "Shinseong-dong, Lucky hana, bek-ship-dong." That's Lucky Apartments, building 110.
Well, our bus arrived and we rode in silence with everyone else. As my stop neared, she spoke to me and motioned so I wouldn't miss it. I used some or my new Hanguel, "Manaso pangapssumnida" (It's nice to meet you.) She agreed. As we walked, she motioned toward my building, but I said, "oo-you" (milk) and pointed toward the little store at the corner. She smiled one last time and said, "Anyangheseyo." I replied, "Jal-ja" (Goodnight), and we went our separate ways. I really hope I see her again...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Chi...
Remember my Vietnamese friend Chi? He made it clear the other day that he was not a Christian. He was not trying to throw it back in my face. He was merely stating that we are not the same in our worldview. I found out later that it also means he was opening up to discussion. Saturday night I sought him out after Worship. We enjoyed some general conversation. He explained some things about himself and his home. God guided our conversation and presented an opening for me to explain the uniqueness of Christianity--namely that it's not a religion but a relationship, and that it's based upon a living Savior rather than a dead teacher. I also shared Jesus' own words from John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
As we talked, I noticed a couple of the church leaders joining us, and one of them had a tract in her hand. I felt at peace about allowing the conversation to end there. In my mind, I felt it was a beginning for future conversation. I did not know God was using me as one cog in the machine. After Chi and I parted, Mrs. Choi went to him with a copy of the "Four Spiritual Laws." He allowed her to share with Him the wondrous grace of Jesus, and Chi gave his life to God right there.
Fulfillment...to be used for God's glory. Nothing can match that.
Do you know the "Four Spiritual Laws?" Check them out...
http://4laws.com/laws/english/flash/
As we talked, I noticed a couple of the church leaders joining us, and one of them had a tract in her hand. I felt at peace about allowing the conversation to end there. In my mind, I felt it was a beginning for future conversation. I did not know God was using me as one cog in the machine. After Chi and I parted, Mrs. Choi went to him with a copy of the "Four Spiritual Laws." He allowed her to share with Him the wondrous grace of Jesus, and Chi gave his life to God right there.
Fulfillment...to be used for God's glory. Nothing can match that.
Do you know the "Four Spiritual Laws?" Check them out...
http://4laws.com/laws/english/flash/
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sangnok Aquapia...
Water slides, wave pool, hot tubs and kids. About an hour north of Deajeon.
On the way, we saw these ladies in traditional Korean dresses. They may have been on their way to a wedding.
We arrived before they opened, and for a moment I thought I was in the movie "Vacation." Remember Wallyworld?
Oh, did I mention the whole thing is indoors?
On the way, we saw these ladies in traditional Korean dresses. They may have been on their way to a wedding.
We arrived before they opened, and for a moment I thought I was in the movie "Vacation." Remember Wallyworld?
Oh, did I mention the whole thing is indoors?
Now for the funny part: Most of our group started in the hot tub in the center of the complex. Luke (one of the Saturday Night worshippers), Tom (a guest on this trip) and I were sitting together. Pastor Paul came up and sat down in the water. He then pulled something out of the water and held it up for us to see. He said, "They want you to wear one of these in water." He saw the looks on our faces and said, "Really, I'm serious."
What he was holding up looked like a small black speedo. I thought, "I'm not wearing that!" But I held my tongue and waited. I looked around the tub and noticed that most of the other men were wearing trunks like me. Then I notice the swim caps. "Oh," I thought. "Whew!" After the tension was broken and everyone realized what was going on, we all had a big laugh, especially Pastor Paul. I said, "I didn't think I could get that thing on anyway."
If you're curious: http://www.sangnokresort.co.kr/internet/waterpark/waterpark.htm
Check out this video:
The Black Sheep...
A carpenter, a school teacher, and scientist were traveling by train through Scotland when they saw a black sheep through the window of the train.
"Aha," said the carpenter with a smile, "I see that Scottish sheep are black."
"Hmm," said the school teacher, "You mean that some Scottish sheep are black."
"No," said the scientist glumly, "All we know is that there is at least one sheep in Scotland, and that at least one side of that one sheep is black."
This is an illustration shared with me the other day to explain that we can only believe what we see. Many of the people we are trying to reach at the All Nations Community Fellowship are scientists. While scientific deduction is important and has its place, it also makes faith a difficult thing for scientists to accept. Of course the illustration above is incomplete. I believe the ending goes something like this.
The train stops in the next town, and the scientist runs into a shepherd. The scientist mentions the discussion on the train and shares his conclusion with the shepherd. The shepherd smiles and says, "The sheep you saw is one of mine, and I assure you it is black on both sides. In fact, I have many black sheep in my flock." The scientist is sceptical. The patient shepherd sees the uncertainty in the scientist's face and says, "You can take my word for it."
John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Pray as we attempt to break through the barrier of scepticism that exists in these people whom God loves so much.
"Aha," said the carpenter with a smile, "I see that Scottish sheep are black."
"Hmm," said the school teacher, "You mean that some Scottish sheep are black."
"No," said the scientist glumly, "All we know is that there is at least one sheep in Scotland, and that at least one side of that one sheep is black."
This is an illustration shared with me the other day to explain that we can only believe what we see. Many of the people we are trying to reach at the All Nations Community Fellowship are scientists. While scientific deduction is important and has its place, it also makes faith a difficult thing for scientists to accept. Of course the illustration above is incomplete. I believe the ending goes something like this.
The train stops in the next town, and the scientist runs into a shepherd. The scientist mentions the discussion on the train and shares his conclusion with the shepherd. The shepherd smiles and says, "The sheep you saw is one of mine, and I assure you it is black on both sides. In fact, I have many black sheep in my flock." The scientist is sceptical. The patient shepherd sees the uncertainty in the scientist's face and says, "You can take my word for it."
John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Pray as we attempt to break through the barrier of scepticism that exists in these people whom God loves so much.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Korean Barbeque...
In Korea, or any foreign land I suppose, you quickly become accustomed to having no idea what's going on. I learned that during our June Mission Trip, and I've had quite a number of those episodes since arriving in Daejeon. Surprisingly, it rarely bothers me. In fact, most of the time it's humorous, at least to me.
One of the best moments happened today. David, my Korean teacher and Ki Hyun (we'll call him "The Joker") took me to Costco. They bought supplies for a Korean Barbeque lunch for the staff, while I purchased some American essentials (Quaker Oatmeal, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Honey Roasted Peanuts and a 12-pack of giant muffins). The Korean Barbeque I discovered involved Johnsonville Brats. ^_^!!!
Anyway, someone mentioned mustard. After some discussion we agreed it wasn't necessary to buy a 5 gallon bottle for lunch. After we paid, David walked over to the fast food counter and ordered something. Standing some distance away I thought, "What's he buying? I thought we were having Barbeque for lunch." He came over with a hotdog and handed The Joker the drink cup. The Joker then proceeded to the condiment dispensers where he began filling the cup. First came the diced onions, followed by mustard and finally ketchup on top. He looked up and grinned at me as David said, "Korea way. We don't take drink."
I could only smile back and say, "Genious." David laughed and replied, "You will learn to survive like Koreans." That's how David got his new name. (I still can't quite shake the thought of languishing in a Korean jail.)
One of the best moments happened today. David, my Korean teacher and Ki Hyun (we'll call him "The Joker") took me to Costco. They bought supplies for a Korean Barbeque lunch for the staff, while I purchased some American essentials (Quaker Oatmeal, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Honey Roasted Peanuts and a 12-pack of giant muffins). The Korean Barbeque I discovered involved Johnsonville Brats. ^_^!!!
Anyway, someone mentioned mustard. After some discussion we agreed it wasn't necessary to buy a 5 gallon bottle for lunch. After we paid, David walked over to the fast food counter and ordered something. Standing some distance away I thought, "What's he buying? I thought we were having Barbeque for lunch." He came over with a hotdog and handed The Joker the drink cup. The Joker then proceeded to the condiment dispensers where he began filling the cup. First came the diced onions, followed by mustard and finally ketchup on top. He looked up and grinned at me as David said, "Korea way. We don't take drink."
I could only smile back and say, "Genious." David laughed and replied, "You will learn to survive like Koreans." That's how David got his new name. (I still can't quite shake the thought of languishing in a Korean jail.)
"The Joker", Me & "Genious"
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Smile...
Sitting in my bus at a red light, I looked out the window into the bus next to me. Seated on her mother's lap was a little girl perhaps 2 years old. She was blankly staring out the window as toddlers will do, and she turned to see me looking at her. She was only 5 feet away, and I smiled. For a moment she only stared, but then her face broke into a huge smile back at me. No words, not even a wave, only the simplest form of communication. A smile...something every toddler in the world can understand. It was a great feeling, and we both held onto the moment.
I was dissapointed when her bus pulled away, but then I was comforted by God's presence. He put that girl in my path to brighten my day. He gave us both the capacity to communicate with a single expression. He placed His love in my heart, and I need never look far for a comforting, encouraging smile.
Psalm 80:7 "God who rules over all, make us new again. Let your face smile on us with favor."
I was dissapointed when her bus pulled away, but then I was comforted by God's presence. He put that girl in my path to brighten my day. He gave us both the capacity to communicate with a single expression. He placed His love in my heart, and I need never look far for a comforting, encouraging smile.
Psalm 80:7 "God who rules over all, make us new again. Let your face smile on us with favor."
The Bachelor Pad...
This is Jamie VanDyck, who opened his place to me during my first week in Daejeon.
I moved into my own place on Monday.
I moved into my own place on Monday.I owe a lot to Robert Hale. He has been instrumental in working everything out. He's been praying about housing for weeks, and God has answered. He even loaned me his childhood bunk bed to use while I'm here. Thanks Robert for all you've done.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Your Daejeon Travel Guide...
I found a nice ebook you can look through.
http://tour.daejeon.go.kr/ebook/data/ebook.html?startpage=1&MailingID=[null]&RcptEmail=[null]&dbookdata=1
Also, here's a bus map.
http://tour.daejeon.go.kr/english/tourguide/transportation/busroutes.pdf
Find the National Government Complex near the center. I live in Sinseong-dong (pronounced Shinsong) half-way to the map edge at about 11 o'clock from the National Government Complex. I take the 185 bus east to the T intersection. Everlove Church is just south of that stop. If I continue south, I can go to the Movies, EMart or the Galleria which is on the curve just south of the National Government Complex.
There is a single Subway line (in red) that goes from the Government Complex to the south and east. You can see it better on page 2 of the map. Find Daejeon Station. That's where the KTX (high speed train) leaves for Seoul. Only 40 minutes and I can be in Gwangmyeong-si where Calvary Church is. There are 45 KTX trains per day, and it only costs 19,600 won which at the moment is less than $14.
I don't have to go far for the comforts of home. There are Dunkin Donuts EVERYWHERE. There is even one right across the street behind my building. (At least I have to walk to it.)
http://tour.daejeon.go.kr/ebook/data/ebook.html?startpage=1&MailingID=[null]&RcptEmail=[null]&dbookdata=1
Also, here's a bus map.
http://tour.daejeon.go.kr/english/tourguide/transportation/busroutes.pdf
Find the National Government Complex near the center. I live in Sinseong-dong (pronounced Shinsong) half-way to the map edge at about 11 o'clock from the National Government Complex. I take the 185 bus east to the T intersection. Everlove Church is just south of that stop. If I continue south, I can go to the Movies, EMart or the Galleria which is on the curve just south of the National Government Complex.
There is a single Subway line (in red) that goes from the Government Complex to the south and east. You can see it better on page 2 of the map. Find Daejeon Station. That's where the KTX (high speed train) leaves for Seoul. Only 40 minutes and I can be in Gwangmyeong-si where Calvary Church is. There are 45 KTX trains per day, and it only costs 19,600 won which at the moment is less than $14.
I don't have to go far for the comforts of home. There are Dunkin Donuts EVERYWHERE. There is even one right across the street behind my building. (At least I have to walk to it.)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Fully Available...
When you make yourself fully available to God, you do so with no preconditions and with no promise that you will see beyond the needs of the moment. Tonight I taught a bible study. I was given no book or outline. As I walked into the room, Pastor Paul asked me to fill in for the absent teacher. I was here last week, but everyone in the room tonight was new to me except one. There were 2 Americans, 2 Koreans, 2 Chinese, 1 Vietnamese and 1 Indian. Immediately I began to pray...that God would speak through me. It is in these moments that God brings to mind recent experiences with Him and the truths He has taught me.
During some "get to know you" time, we shared names, occupations and home countries. Then I asked, "What is the most difficult thing you've found about living in another country?" Most agreed that food was a major difficulty, but by far the greatest difficulty was language. Everyone shared the same basic fears and difficulties because of the language barrier. Now let me share with you what God gave me to share with them.
A language barrier can be very frustrating. You may be able to share basic thoughts and facts, but concepts and ideas are extremely difficult to communicate. One thing I have discovered is that scripture can be an effective way to share these things. Many times I've found a verse or passage that said exactly what I wanted to. Thanks to biblegateway.com I can find my verse and instantly translate it into Korean. That's a practical use that I never thought of. Of course the main purpose of scripture is to share God's thoughts with us.
Recently I was reading Psalm 43. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2043;&version=77) In it we find the psalmist struggling through some dark time, calling out to God and experiencing a roller coaster of emotions and faith. Within his despair he remembers God's faithfulness and expresses his trust in Him. Notice that the psalmist asks God to "Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me." He knows that just as a single candle can light an entire room the light of God will scatter the darkness he is in. Darkness is always scattered by light. Darkness cannot overcome light. Therefore, darkness has no power.
Were you afraid of the dark as a child? Most of us were. Now we know there is nothing to fear, yet I still get a shiver up my spine sometimes. In Psalm 23:4 we are reminded that God is with us in the darkest valley, even the valley of the shadow of death. Did you know there can be no shadow without light being present? Even in our darkest valleys, God is there. Darkness has no power. We only give it power over us. Satan has no power. We only give him power over us. Jesus has all the power. He died for us to defeat the sin and darkness in our lives. He rose from the dead to give us the victory over death.
I asked them to share comments and a couple of people acknowledged dark times in their lives. One man shared that he once had an apartment with a roach problem. He recounted turning on the light and watching roaches scurry for the darkness. He then spoke of reading John chapter 1 where it talks about Jesus being the light. He said as he read it he felt like those roaches, wanting to run and hide from God. But God did a mighty work in his life, and he gave his life to Christ. Now he's not afraid of the light.
After bible study, we worshiped and the pastor preached from Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom should I fear." WOW! Only God can take an unprepared servant like me and speak through him like that.
After worship, we shared a fellowship meal. I spent some time with the Vietnamese man. His name is Chi Hyu Do. We talked about his time in Korea and family. Then he said point blank, "I'm not a christian." That's how they do it here. To them christianity is just another philosophy. I asked him what he is. He said, "Well, nothing." I offered to answer any questions he may have, and I'm going to be his friend.
Pray for Chi, and pray for me. Pray that I will have opportunities to share my Best Friend with these people. These people He loves so much and died for.
During some "get to know you" time, we shared names, occupations and home countries. Then I asked, "What is the most difficult thing you've found about living in another country?" Most agreed that food was a major difficulty, but by far the greatest difficulty was language. Everyone shared the same basic fears and difficulties because of the language barrier. Now let me share with you what God gave me to share with them.
A language barrier can be very frustrating. You may be able to share basic thoughts and facts, but concepts and ideas are extremely difficult to communicate. One thing I have discovered is that scripture can be an effective way to share these things. Many times I've found a verse or passage that said exactly what I wanted to. Thanks to biblegateway.com I can find my verse and instantly translate it into Korean. That's a practical use that I never thought of. Of course the main purpose of scripture is to share God's thoughts with us.
Recently I was reading Psalm 43. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2043;&version=77) In it we find the psalmist struggling through some dark time, calling out to God and experiencing a roller coaster of emotions and faith. Within his despair he remembers God's faithfulness and expresses his trust in Him. Notice that the psalmist asks God to "Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me." He knows that just as a single candle can light an entire room the light of God will scatter the darkness he is in. Darkness is always scattered by light. Darkness cannot overcome light. Therefore, darkness has no power.
Were you afraid of the dark as a child? Most of us were. Now we know there is nothing to fear, yet I still get a shiver up my spine sometimes. In Psalm 23:4 we are reminded that God is with us in the darkest valley, even the valley of the shadow of death. Did you know there can be no shadow without light being present? Even in our darkest valleys, God is there. Darkness has no power. We only give it power over us. Satan has no power. We only give him power over us. Jesus has all the power. He died for us to defeat the sin and darkness in our lives. He rose from the dead to give us the victory over death.
I asked them to share comments and a couple of people acknowledged dark times in their lives. One man shared that he once had an apartment with a roach problem. He recounted turning on the light and watching roaches scurry for the darkness. He then spoke of reading John chapter 1 where it talks about Jesus being the light. He said as he read it he felt like those roaches, wanting to run and hide from God. But God did a mighty work in his life, and he gave his life to Christ. Now he's not afraid of the light.
After bible study, we worshiped and the pastor preached from Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom should I fear." WOW! Only God can take an unprepared servant like me and speak through him like that.
After worship, we shared a fellowship meal. I spent some time with the Vietnamese man. His name is Chi Hyu Do. We talked about his time in Korea and family. Then he said point blank, "I'm not a christian." That's how they do it here. To them christianity is just another philosophy. I asked him what he is. He said, "Well, nothing." I offered to answer any questions he may have, and I'm going to be his friend.
Pray for Chi, and pray for me. Pray that I will have opportunities to share my Best Friend with these people. These people He loves so much and died for.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Road Rules...
The basic rules are as follows:
Semis can cut off buses. Buses can cut off flat-bed trucks. Flat-bed trucks can cut off taxis. Taxis can cut off cars. Cars can cut off motorcycles. Motorcycles can cut off scooters. Scooters can cut off bicycles. But pedestrians can cut off everybody. Oh, and bikes and scooters can drive on the sidewalk. Other than that, anything goes. Lights don't mean much and bus drivers learn to drive using that old "Need for Speed" video game. Still, I have yet to see any sort of traffic accident. I haven't seen anyone get pulled over either, but it would really shut things down if they started doing that.
I've been out every night, and it actually reminds me of home. More like Nashville or Louisville I guess, but it's still surprisingly familiar. Only when I look at the signs do I realize where I am. The other day I was only a couple of blocks from the apartment, but it gave me a really strange feeling. I realized that with just a few turns, I could really be lost. All the apartment complexes look the same, and at the time I didn't even know the name of mine. I've kept the leash fairly short when by myself.
The weekend should be very busy. I'm meeting with Ilbin, the worship leader for lunch Saturday. Then it's rehearsal, bible study, worship and a fellowship meal. Sunday morning is English children's church, and English classes begin Tuesday. We'll meet 4 days a week. I'll be learning Korean as a trade. We had Kimchi, Gongchi (fish) Kamja (potato) and Bop (rice) for lunch the other day. That's part of my homework. My Korean teacher says it's survival Korean. He knows what's important.
Now for the big news: I picked up an International Driver Permit before I left home, and the church offered me a car. :) Now, where did I put my "Amazing Race" bandana?
Semis can cut off buses. Buses can cut off flat-bed trucks. Flat-bed trucks can cut off taxis. Taxis can cut off cars. Cars can cut off motorcycles. Motorcycles can cut off scooters. Scooters can cut off bicycles. But pedestrians can cut off everybody. Oh, and bikes and scooters can drive on the sidewalk. Other than that, anything goes. Lights don't mean much and bus drivers learn to drive using that old "Need for Speed" video game. Still, I have yet to see any sort of traffic accident. I haven't seen anyone get pulled over either, but it would really shut things down if they started doing that.
I've been out every night, and it actually reminds me of home. More like Nashville or Louisville I guess, but it's still surprisingly familiar. Only when I look at the signs do I realize where I am. The other day I was only a couple of blocks from the apartment, but it gave me a really strange feeling. I realized that with just a few turns, I could really be lost. All the apartment complexes look the same, and at the time I didn't even know the name of mine. I've kept the leash fairly short when by myself.
The weekend should be very busy. I'm meeting with Ilbin, the worship leader for lunch Saturday. Then it's rehearsal, bible study, worship and a fellowship meal. Sunday morning is English children's church, and English classes begin Tuesday. We'll meet 4 days a week. I'll be learning Korean as a trade. We had Kimchi, Gongchi (fish) Kamja (potato) and Bop (rice) for lunch the other day. That's part of my homework. My Korean teacher says it's survival Korean. He knows what's important.
Now for the big news: I picked up an International Driver Permit before I left home, and the church offered me a car. :) Now, where did I put my "Amazing Race" bandana?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Number Quiz...
Congratulations Richard! What do we have for him Johnny?
"Richard is going home with a year's supply of kimchi!"
Kimchi is a tasty dish that comes in a variety of types and seasonings. Check out these pages for details: http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Culture/kimchi/kimchi.cfm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchi I didn't think about this earlier. Korean language uses the same numbers as we do when writing. The previous chart is for speaking numbers. So, 36,745 is said "sam mahn yuk cheon chil bek sa ship oh."
Getting Started...
So far the demands have been fairly light. After the busy weekend, I spent Monday resting and exploring. Tuesday Robert (IMB Missionary) took me to Everlove Church, and I met many of the staff. While Robert taught his Tuesday Bible Study, one of the staff took me to get a local phone. By the way, don’t bother calling my regular phone. It’s off, and listening to voicemail is a pain. Please email or facebook me. I love to hear from you, and I check both regularly.
After lunch, we explored a bit and then went to the apartment again to finalize the arrangements. I move in Monday. My residence will be:
Sinseong-dong (pronounced Shinsong / dong means neighborhood)
Lucky Aparture (apartment complex)
Bek ship-dong (Building 110 / here dong means building)
Sam bek sa hoe (Apartment number / “hoe” = “number” / #304)
For those interested:
1 = il
2 = ee
3 = sam
4 = sa
5 = oh
6 = yuk (pronounced like “put”)
7 = chil
8 = pal (between “all” & “Hal”)
9 = gu
10 = ship
11 = ship il
12 = ship ee and so on
20 = ee ship
30 = sam ship and so on
100 = bek
200 = ee bek and so on
1,000 = cheon
10,000 = mahn
There is an older set of terms for numbers that some still use, but most people use the one above. The structure is simple really. I’ve already gotten the hang of the words and I’m beginning to catch numbers in conversations I hear. It’s interesting how easily words you have learned will jump out.
Just for fun, why don’t you try to write out the following number in Korean: 36,745. I’ll post the answer next time.
At 5:00 p.m. Tuesday I met with Pastor Paul. He is the Pastor of the ANCF, the English speaking congregation. I will work primarily with him. We shared a Korean meal, explored and had some good discussion and planning. Pastor Paul was raised in America and understands American culture as well as I do. I felt comfortable asking him questions about Korean culture that I had been hesitant to ask before, including “What is that?” and “What am I supposed to do with this?”
Wednesday I was on my own again, and Jamie came home early so we could go out. We went to TGI Fridays!! It’s good to give the palate a rest from time to time. J We took the bus so he could show me my route and various stops. Keep in mind that the signs are in Korean, so memorizing is vital.
After lunch, we explored a bit and then went to the apartment again to finalize the arrangements. I move in Monday. My residence will be:
Sinseong-dong (pronounced Shinsong / dong means neighborhood)
Lucky Aparture (apartment complex)
Bek ship-dong (Building 110 / here dong means building)
Sam bek sa hoe (Apartment number / “hoe” = “number” / #304)
For those interested:
1 = il
2 = ee
3 = sam
4 = sa
5 = oh
6 = yuk (pronounced like “put”)
7 = chil
8 = pal (between “all” & “Hal”)
9 = gu
10 = ship
11 = ship il
12 = ship ee and so on
20 = ee ship
30 = sam ship and so on
100 = bek
200 = ee bek and so on
1,000 = cheon
10,000 = mahn
There is an older set of terms for numbers that some still use, but most people use the one above. The structure is simple really. I’ve already gotten the hang of the words and I’m beginning to catch numbers in conversations I hear. It’s interesting how easily words you have learned will jump out.
Just for fun, why don’t you try to write out the following number in Korean: 36,745. I’ll post the answer next time.
At 5:00 p.m. Tuesday I met with Pastor Paul. He is the Pastor of the ANCF, the English speaking congregation. I will work primarily with him. We shared a Korean meal, explored and had some good discussion and planning. Pastor Paul was raised in America and understands American culture as well as I do. I felt comfortable asking him questions about Korean culture that I had been hesitant to ask before, including “What is that?” and “What am I supposed to do with this?”
Wednesday I was on my own again, and Jamie came home early so we could go out. We went to TGI Fridays!! It’s good to give the palate a rest from time to time. J We took the bus so he could show me my route and various stops. Keep in mind that the signs are in Korean, so memorizing is vital.
Today, I’m sitting at my desk in the office. The whirlwind is over and it’s down to business. I’m looking forward to whatever God leads to experience and do.Monday, November 10, 2008
Survival In A Foreign Land...
For those of you who've been here before, here's a little taste of home. Survival foods, including good old Vita 500. But it's not all that desperate. Today I found a bakery and a Baskin Robbins right next door to me. Oh well. Guess I'll have to let the pants out again, right Terry?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Genesis 12:1 & 4
"The Lord said to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and you father's house to the land that I will show you. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him...." Abram was not told much of his future - only that through his obedience God would bless him and bless others through him. Without hesitation he followed and received great reward for his faith.
I knew from the beginning of all this that God would lead me here without fully revealing His plan or the tasks I would perform. Still, it was easy to speculate and put God in the box of the familiar. I came here to find that God intends to stretch me. The needs here are somewhat different than I expected, but there is important work to do. I had anticipated being used as worship leader and to find and build a team. God is way ahead of me. The ANCF has recently been blessed with a young man to lead the praise team. His heart is for service, and I am excited to serve with him.
My purpose here is to be a resource and advisor, and this freedom opens the door for some other things. Pastor Paul mentioned other areas of need including teaching English to the church staff, leading the English children's worship and building relationships with the foreign nationals in and around the church. We will be exploring those ideas this week.
Here's the exciting news. My initial housing plan fell through and I'm staying with Jamie Van Dyck for the time being. Today in the Korean worship service, Pastor Jung of the mother church introduced me and talked about my calling here. He also mentioned the housing need. After worship, a Korean gentleman came up and spoke to us. He and his wife are going away for training and need someone to stay in their apartment. They will be gone 3 months! Also, the apartment is located in the same housing complex where many of the foreign nationals from the ANCF live. Only God can do that!!
When I came here, I had plans. God said, "That's nice. Now, here's what you're going to do." Already I've experienced some apprehension. As Todd said Sunday, I don't like anything that messes with my plan. I had certain things I wanted to accomplish, but wondered if it was going to be possible. In the Korean worship this morning, God refocused me. Through the Korean praise team, God once again opened my eyes to His overwhelming presence. And as we sang, "Draw Me Close" I could heard His voice clearly say, "Be faithful to me, and I will give you the desires of your heart."
Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I'm your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
'Cause nothing else can take your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find the way
Lead me back to You
You're all I want
You're all I ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know you are near
I knew from the beginning of all this that God would lead me here without fully revealing His plan or the tasks I would perform. Still, it was easy to speculate and put God in the box of the familiar. I came here to find that God intends to stretch me. The needs here are somewhat different than I expected, but there is important work to do. I had anticipated being used as worship leader and to find and build a team. God is way ahead of me. The ANCF has recently been blessed with a young man to lead the praise team. His heart is for service, and I am excited to serve with him.
My purpose here is to be a resource and advisor, and this freedom opens the door for some other things. Pastor Paul mentioned other areas of need including teaching English to the church staff, leading the English children's worship and building relationships with the foreign nationals in and around the church. We will be exploring those ideas this week.
Here's the exciting news. My initial housing plan fell through and I'm staying with Jamie Van Dyck for the time being. Today in the Korean worship service, Pastor Jung of the mother church introduced me and talked about my calling here. He also mentioned the housing need. After worship, a Korean gentleman came up and spoke to us. He and his wife are going away for training and need someone to stay in their apartment. They will be gone 3 months! Also, the apartment is located in the same housing complex where many of the foreign nationals from the ANCF live. Only God can do that!!
When I came here, I had plans. God said, "That's nice. Now, here's what you're going to do." Already I've experienced some apprehension. As Todd said Sunday, I don't like anything that messes with my plan. I had certain things I wanted to accomplish, but wondered if it was going to be possible. In the Korean worship this morning, God refocused me. Through the Korean praise team, God once again opened my eyes to His overwhelming presence. And as we sang, "Draw Me Close" I could heard His voice clearly say, "Be faithful to me, and I will give you the desires of your heart."
Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I'm your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
'Cause nothing else can take your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find the way
Lead me back to You
You're all I want
You're all I ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know you are near
Saturday, November 8, 2008
KTX...
Korea Train Express. High speed transportation at a competitive price. Only $15 took me the 90 miles from Gwangmyeong to Taejeon in 40 minutes. That's 200 miles per hour folks. You may not realize this, but I like speed. ALOT! This thing is fast...but it's a little misleading. It's a little like the interstate with everything so far away that you don't realize your actual speed. I was looking out the window and watching the scenery go by. I thought, we're really moving. That's when the other train passed us. Wow! A thing that size going that fast really moves some air. My train was rocked, and there was a brief roar outside. That's a dozen train cars going by in about a second and a half.
I met IMB missionary Robert Hale and his family. We went to dinner with Jamie Van Dyck. He's the canadian man who works at the Christian school. He apartment sits near the Hale's and I will be staying there for now. I really hit a jet lag wall last night. If you have not experienced it, you should. It's like a "headache/dizzy spell/nausea/I really want to go to sleep right now in this chair" feeling. What is really strange is that one minute you feel fine and the next you feel terrible. It usually hits me right about the time you are waking up in Knoxville. It cleared up after a while and then I just wanted to sleep. I slept my first full night last night and feel pretty good. Looking forward to a big day.
There is a get to know you lunch with the Praise Team and later today we will practice and lead worship tonight. Tomorrow I will worship with and be introduced at the mother church, Everlove. I will also go to the other English speaking congregation and get to know them. It should be an exciting weekend.
Thank you God for all the ways you have provided. You have put generous people in my path and provided at every turn. I can only imagine what you have in store as this adventure really begins.
I met IMB missionary Robert Hale and his family. We went to dinner with Jamie Van Dyck. He's the canadian man who works at the Christian school. He apartment sits near the Hale's and I will be staying there for now. I really hit a jet lag wall last night. If you have not experienced it, you should. It's like a "headache/dizzy spell/nausea/I really want to go to sleep right now in this chair" feeling. What is really strange is that one minute you feel fine and the next you feel terrible. It usually hits me right about the time you are waking up in Knoxville. It cleared up after a while and then I just wanted to sleep. I slept my first full night last night and feel pretty good. Looking forward to a big day.
There is a get to know you lunch with the Praise Team and later today we will practice and lead worship tonight. Tomorrow I will worship with and be introduced at the mother church, Everlove. I will also go to the other English speaking congregation and get to know them. It should be an exciting weekend.
Thank you God for all the ways you have provided. You have put generous people in my path and provided at every turn. I can only imagine what you have in store as this adventure really begins.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Herding Cats…
Imagine a classroom full of 4 to 6 year olds…
Imagine they are going on a field trip to the museum…
Imagine they are excited and distracted…
Imagine they speak very little English…
Imagine they have 30 minutes to kill before they leave…
Now imagine the pastor asks you to teach them a bible story…
...in English…
You have a 30 second elevator ride to come up with something…
...anything…
Too late, you’re there…
Anyone on our June mission trip will fully understand. The children are running around the room and the adults are looking at you to hear what your next word will be. They rub your arms and pull your beard. They climb up your legs and hug you till it hurts. All the while you are teaching them Jesus Loves Me in English, and you can’t shake the feeling they are only taking advantage of you.
That’s what happened to me this morning. I was desperate. I was sinking and gasping for breath…literally. But in the midst of the chaos came a beacon of light. As I was struggling to do something…anything, one of the ladies came from the back of the room with something in her hand. It glimmered as the morning light shown through the window and reflected off. I wondered what it could be, and as she came closer I saw my salvation. She held in her hand an open CD case. My eyes left her knowing smile and traveled to see the greatest words ever written by man… “I Am the Music Man.”
”Glory, Hallelujah!!” I thought. I can do that!!!! “Hey kids, do you want to sing 'Music Man?!?'” “Yeah!!” came the reply. We all sang it a thousand times in June and one more time couldn’t hurt a bit. Whew! Later I thanked the lady with the CD case. She said, “I understand.”
I had stopped dreaming about the “big bass big bass big bass drum”, but I guess it will be back tonight…
By the way, I’m sitting in the Calvary Church café and they just turned on some music. Anybody ever heard Korean hip hop? Oh, now they’re singing. Ok, much better.
Imagine they are going on a field trip to the museum…
Imagine they are excited and distracted…
Imagine they speak very little English…
Imagine they have 30 minutes to kill before they leave…
Now imagine the pastor asks you to teach them a bible story…
...in English…
You have a 30 second elevator ride to come up with something…
...anything…
Too late, you’re there…
Anyone on our June mission trip will fully understand. The children are running around the room and the adults are looking at you to hear what your next word will be. They rub your arms and pull your beard. They climb up your legs and hug you till it hurts. All the while you are teaching them Jesus Loves Me in English, and you can’t shake the feeling they are only taking advantage of you.
That’s what happened to me this morning. I was desperate. I was sinking and gasping for breath…literally. But in the midst of the chaos came a beacon of light. As I was struggling to do something…anything, one of the ladies came from the back of the room with something in her hand. It glimmered as the morning light shown through the window and reflected off. I wondered what it could be, and as she came closer I saw my salvation. She held in her hand an open CD case. My eyes left her knowing smile and traveled to see the greatest words ever written by man… “I Am the Music Man.”
”Glory, Hallelujah!!” I thought. I can do that!!!! “Hey kids, do you want to sing 'Music Man?!?'” “Yeah!!” came the reply. We all sang it a thousand times in June and one more time couldn’t hurt a bit. Whew! Later I thanked the lady with the CD case. She said, “I understand.”
I had stopped dreaming about the “big bass big bass big bass drum”, but I guess it will be back tonight…
By the way, I’m sitting in the Calvary Church café and they just turned on some music. Anybody ever heard Korean hip hop? Oh, now they’re singing. Ok, much better.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
On The Town...
Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins and good company. Need I say more?? Tomorrow it's on to Taejeon.
Wednesday Night...
Wednesday was a full day. While the men are at work, many of the ladies participate in a morning bible study. This week, Pastor Won's wife taught. I didn't understand much, but picked up on a few words. I learned that "Kidok-kkyo" (기독교) is Chistian. The Korean language, while not easy is really not much different than ours. Unlike Chinese which has hundreds of symbols, the Korean lanuage is built on vowels and consonants, forming syllabols and words. 기 is Ki, 독 is dok and 교 is kkyo. Simple right? After bible study, we shared lunch together. The Korean people really are Baptist at heart. Food is everywhere.
Wednsesday evening I was once again thrust into the praise team. I was asked to sing a solo and shared my Korean version of "He Knows My Name." I was pleased to hear that my pronunciation was good. During the evening, I was reaquainted with several of my new friends. I got to spend a little time with them after worship and even hung around with the praise team for rehearsal. During that time, from 9:00 - 10:30 p.m., Pastor Won leads a Men's bible study. It is a year long discipleship time for future leaders of the church. He explained to me that after they graduate, he will decide which of them is ready to be leaders and enlist them.
This morning, Thursday, is the ladies version of the discipleship class. They begin with song and prayer and food of course. I slipped out because I've heard it all before. :) I think I'll wander the neighborhood and see what kind of trouble I can find...
Wednsesday evening I was once again thrust into the praise team. I was asked to sing a solo and shared my Korean version of "He Knows My Name." I was pleased to hear that my pronunciation was good. During the evening, I was reaquainted with several of my new friends. I got to spend a little time with them after worship and even hung around with the praise team for rehearsal. During that time, from 9:00 - 10:30 p.m., Pastor Won leads a Men's bible study. It is a year long discipleship time for future leaders of the church. He explained to me that after they graduate, he will decide which of them is ready to be leaders and enlist them.
This morning, Thursday, is the ladies version of the discipleship class. They begin with song and prayer and food of course. I slipped out because I've heard it all before. :) I think I'll wander the neighborhood and see what kind of trouble I can find...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
First Morning in Korea...
The sights, the sounds, the smells...mmm. I was even awakened to hear that guy on the loud speaker selling fish from his truck. Sort of like the ice cream truck, but not really...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
On My Way...
Well, I didn’t know 4 o’clock happened twice a day. You guys who get up that early for the fun of it are crazy. My dad got me to the airport at 5:00 a.m., and everything ran like clockwork. The ladies at the ticket counter were very helpful and even apologetic for charging me for my overweight bags. Security was a breeze. When I checked in at the gate I noticed the ticket ladies had appeared there. I joked with them about doing everything. One of them said, “Just about.” After boarding, we were just about to be pushed back from the gate, and I glanced out the window. Guess who. That’s right, dressed in yellow vests and waving red flashlights were the same two ladies. Now I know why United is cheaper than Delta.
God gave me a beautiful sunrise this morning. Layovers in Chicago and San Francisco then to Inchon and Seoul. With the time changes, I had 3 breakfasts. I’ll stay in Seoul for a couple of days to spend some time with the people at Calvary church. Then on Friday I’ll move on to Taejeon, 90 miles south. Stay tuned.
God gave me a beautiful sunrise this morning. Layovers in Chicago and San Francisco then to Inchon and Seoul. With the time changes, I had 3 breakfasts. I’ll stay in Seoul for a couple of days to spend some time with the people at Calvary church. Then on Friday I’ll move on to Taejeon, 90 miles south. Stay tuned.
How Time Does Fly...
How time does fly. I can’t believe the day is finally here. It’s more than 2 months since Benny called me with this proposal, and all those weeks are gone. It reminds me that 3 months in Korea will fly by the same way. Benny put me in touch with Robert Hale. He's the SBC Missionary in Daejeon. We have had several good conversations about the mission, I'm excited to meet him.
Most of you are not aware of the headaches I’ve had the last several weeks. Besides the preparations for my absence at church, I’ve had a bathroom to remodel. I started it before all this came about and since then I’ve scrambled to get it finished so there would be a functional bathroom for Erin while she house sits. I know now that I never want to be a contractor. The plumber got sick, and that pushed everything back, requiring me to find other people to do the job. Thanks to those of you who helped me find folks.
With all the last minute scrambling, haven’t had time to think much about the adventure, but reality hit me last night. I’m actually going to live in another country. I’ve known others who did this sort of thing, but it never seemed possible for me. Being the type I am, analyzing everything to the last degree, I suppose I may have talked myself out of this if there had been time. But now I think God allowed all the last minute demands to occur to keep my thoughts occupied. Many times we can second guess what we know to be the right thing and back out of God’s will. Not this time. I’m so excited to see what He has in store.
Most of you are not aware of the headaches I’ve had the last several weeks. Besides the preparations for my absence at church, I’ve had a bathroom to remodel. I started it before all this came about and since then I’ve scrambled to get it finished so there would be a functional bathroom for Erin while she house sits. I know now that I never want to be a contractor. The plumber got sick, and that pushed everything back, requiring me to find other people to do the job. Thanks to those of you who helped me find folks.
With all the last minute scrambling, haven’t had time to think much about the adventure, but reality hit me last night. I’m actually going to live in another country. I’ve known others who did this sort of thing, but it never seemed possible for me. Being the type I am, analyzing everything to the last degree, I suppose I may have talked myself out of this if there had been time. But now I think God allowed all the last minute demands to occur to keep my thoughts occupied. Many times we can second guess what we know to be the right thing and back out of God’s will. Not this time. I’m so excited to see what He has in store.
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