Unofficial Last Day of School Celebration: Ramyeon House & Wicked Snow in Yeongdo with Some of My 1st and 2nd Grade Students!

THE RAMYEON HOUSE

I didn't know where we were heading when a friend first took me to this place. It is so hidden away that you could miss it going by! Amazingly enough, this place is always packed when we come in to eat, with the majority of the customers being couples or students from the nearby schools

The end of the school year is upon us! Today, we only have classes for half the day. The other half is dedicated to a singing competition between the different classes, which ends at 4:00 p.m. Hearing about my impending return to the States, many of my students have asked to spend time with me outside of school. My former YDAC students have been particularly persistent, and so I was all too happy to arrange a date with some of my girls after their singing competitions. 

We walked together to the Ramyeon House, a small restaurant tucked away from the main road whose owners are an elderly couple who, apparently, haven't updated the interior or their recipe for over 30 years! I love the bare-faced simplicity and the humble aura of the place. I especially love going through this thin, half-sized bamboo curtain, and hearing it clink behind me into a thousand broken unbroken pieces. Once inside, everything you see is what's all there is! 

The only thing even more tucked away than the restaurant's location is the restaurant's secret recipe to their secret recipe bibim ramyeon (or biram for short, as Ji Eun slyly told me). 

Ji Eun being served her biram by both owners - in front and behind her.
I will miss this elderly couple a lot! I find their teamwork endearing

The price of each? W2-3,000 (or the equivalent of $2-3.00).
Not pictured: the equally delicious and slightly-spicy egg-drop-like soup that comes with each bowl of ramyeon

My very smart and fun-loving students: Jeong Min, Ga Rim, and Ji Eun. I really enjoyed sitting down with them and asking them more about what they want to accomplish in the future. Two of them are thinking of becoming educators - win! 

Love these girls! Each of these girls have taken some special class with me outside of our normal class schedule, whether that be YDAC, WYLD camp, or English Book Club!

After I paid for the biram, they insisted on paying for dessert and took me to Wicked Snow, a place I kept seeing but had never been to before. I will miss these bus rides around Busan - clean environment, predictable schedule,  scenic island-life views!

THE WICKED SNOW

Iced Dessert & Brunch Cafe

Jeong Min leading the way across the street.
This dessert cafe is just across from Busan Bank, Paris Baguette, and Top Mart!

They treated us to two bowls of delicious patbingsu!

The air-conditioned cafe was a perfect place of respite from the humidity and heat outside

I got the Korean poses down, as you can see

After a while, it got to be a bit too cold, so we headed out and went on our separate ways

I am amazed how many of my students tell me, "Teacher, I don't speak English" (with some even punctuating this by running away) when they can speak English! These three, for example, talked so much, I have a hard time recalling how they managed to eat either the biram or the patbingsu.

Jeong Min headed on home, and Ga Rim headed to her academy. Ji Eun and I returned to Yeongdo Girls High School riding the local green bus that I had never ridden before. It was a perfect way to seal the end of my time in Yeongdo.

But, of course, I didn't want to think about it too much, so I got on and, a few minutes later, I got off.

Spring 2015 Busan YDAC | Video of Yeongdo Girls High School's Journey

As a Fulbright ETA, one of my favorite events in the semester is YDAC (or Youth Diplomacy & Activism Conference). Overall, this is my fourth time coaching a team of students for YDAC and my third time coordinating for the Gyeongsangnamdo region.

You can read about previous YDACs Yeongdo Girls High School has attended here and here. The experience of preparing students for this English writing and speaking conference has always proven rewarding, though certainly not without its challenges. I will be making a separate post with photos and more detail, but, for now, here's a video I snapped throughout our last few days of prep work to document my students' journey through YDAC! 

App: Snapmovie/ Song: "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap

Date Night w/ My Co-Teacher | Samgwangsa Temple's Festival of Lights!

One of the cooler [and more unexpected] aspects of my time here in South Korea has been the absolutely fantastic Fulbright co-teachers I have been blessed to work with. To date, I have worked with five - three "official" ones, and two who, for various reasons had to temporarily sub in for my "official" ones. They have all been extremely helpful, accommodating, and adventurous! 

My second Fulbright co-teacher was Jane. Even though she is no longer assigned to me, she still takes the time to spend time with me at school (taking walks around the school grounds, giving me rides home after staying late at work), and outside of school (asking me if I want to go on day-trips with her on the weekends). If it weren't for her, I would see less of Busan!

The video and photos below show one of our many adventures together!

There were probably thousands of these tags, containing people's full names, address, and wishes

The lanterns were in different colors

This whole temple was absolutely enchanting in the evening

My beautiful, adventurous co-teacher! 

Fun Peniel Church Spring Retreat at Songjeong Beach Near Haeundae!

ARRIVING AT SONGJEONG BEACH

Peniel Church had a spring retreat In the midst of Lunar New Year holiday, and took foreigners to a beach-front pension at Songjeong Beach. Russel and I traveled from Yeongdo-gu to Haeundae-gu to join the rest for the overnight retreat. 

The commute was long but, amazingly, the weather cooperated. We got lost on the way to the pension and ended up trekking up and down the beach before finally finding the Tom N Toms coffee shop landmark. When we arrived, the skies were blue, people dotted the beach, and seagulls danced, flying above heads and hands that reached out to feed them. I was heading straight for the pension house when Russel veered right towards the beach. 

Russel: We're already here, so we might as well enjoy this!

I considered the high heeled boots I was wearing and the backpack I was carrying before taking a few ginger steps to follow his form weaving among crowds. I could just shake off the sand from my shoes later. And...this would only take a few minutes.

Russel picked up a few pieces of snacks from the sand that children had thrown haphazardly in the air. 

It was so cold, especially with the strong winds, but Russel (with his thin jacket) still decided to frolic on the beach first before meeting everyone

Footsteps. So many people trampled over these grounds. This evidence will just be washed away soon...

The seagulls were so numerous. Some of them looked like they were going to dive right for my face!

The pension turned out to be on the end where I'm standing from. However, Russel and I walked all the way (15 minutes away) over to that other "end" of the beach you see here before noticing that the number of hotels/motels/pensions were diminishing. We doubled back (another 15-minute walk), and were pretty hungry and tired by the time we met up with folks

Even though Songjeong Beach had a lot of people today, it is still nothing compared to the size at Haeundae Beach. Therefore, Songjeong has a much more pleasant and relaxed atmosphere than its neighbor 15 minutes away

ARRIVING AT THE PENSION

The pension was on the 5th and 6th floor of this building. Russel took the steps and I, once again, reluctantly followed - neither of us realizing there was a very convenient elevator located right at the entrance. The set of stairs was narrow and winding, so I became not a little nauseated just making my way up!

At long last, we finally arrived. The group of folks from Peniel were in various positions of repose. Some simply sitting against a stack of pillows and blankets, others sitting next to each other quietly tinkering with their phones (later, I would find out that they were actually playing Scrabble); still others were snacking and a few were beginning to prepare our dinner.

Ate Blessy took charge of our meals during the retreat. Thank you, Ate!

The Scrabble competitors. Behind them, a beautiful sun was slowly setting, casting a warm, orange glow all over this room

Aaand dinner was served, and just in time, too, as more guests arrived!

After dinner, we took a walk as a group. The people most vocal about taking a walk were the ones who, apparently, were not even planning on joining the walk. Haha. I mostly walked and talked with Monica, asking her questions like, "If you could establish any business, what would it be and why?" as lights from business establishments twinkled on the other side of the street 

PLAYING AN HOURS-LONG GAME OF "MAFIA"

After our refreshing walk, we played a long, super fun, and extremely hilarious game of "Mafia"! I didn't know how to play this game until my friends at Peniel explained it to me during our last retreat. It turns out this game is super exciting! 

But not so much if you get the cards for the lowly "townspeople," which were basically the only cards I managed to draw. That's pretty incredible, especially considering the fact that we played over 15 games, lasting from about 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. That's more or less 6 hours of Mafia! 

Nanay caught in a lie! And then another lie!

I love this series of photos. I took them while watching Ate Blessy prepare the next day's meals and making coffee for folks. This laughing fest occurred while the group was playing a card game called "BS." We called it a more appropriate name, of course, and the object is to get rid of all of your cards while going in consecutive order. Due to the nature of the game, you will most likely have to lie about the card you're putting down in order to get rid of your cards. This game was Russel's version, which, I think, involves more crazy lying, and which he defends as being more interesting and fun. 

No words...

The laughter lasted an extraordinarily long time! I didn't know what happened, but I was compelled to laugh along with them

At 9 p.m., I grew hungry and ate another serving of sopas. At 2:30 a.m., hours after Nanay had gone to bed and was attempting to sleep right next to our huge, noisy group, we had another midnight snack of sopas before finally retiring for the night. 

The men (all 3 of them) had a smaller, separate room, while the women (about 8-9?) stayed in the big room and laid out blankets to sleep on. Thankfully, the floors were heated!

I went to bed satisfied at having maxed out my laughter quota of the week. It was good. I'm a fan of retreats without "programs" or itineraries. This community-building was all organic, and it felt right. 

HOW TO GET TO SONGJEONG BEACH: 
Take Line Number 2 and get off at Haeundae Station (Exit 7).
Take bus no. 100, 100-1, 139, 142 and get off at Songjeong Beach!

A Few Sundays in the Life of a Filipino Pastor Serving in South Korea

In honor of October being Pastor Appreciation Month, I'm posting a video to celebrate Russel, one of the many amazing pastors who have now graced my life! But, before that, here are a few things we have learned from Russel as a pastor, as a family member, as a brother, and as a friend.

A FEW THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED FROM RUSSEL

He has been always encouraging me in every way. I was very shy to share the Gospel in front of many people but, because of him, I dared to stand in front of many people. Even though he is older than me and more mature than I am but we always talk like friends. When he shares the Word of God, I enjoy his preaching very much. People call him pastor, preacher but I always call him brother. He has never excused about that. Spiritually, mentally always he is mentoring me as a leader, as a pastor, as a brother, moreover as a best friend. This is very short word to describe about him. You are an amazing person ever I met. Love you brother, Russel. - Amit

Pastor Ruzz is a one of a kind person. He is seldom to find. Pastor Ruzz, I wanna say thank you for being such a great spiritual adviser. You have taught me how to be brave in facing life's hardship. You have taught me that God is so big that we have to be hopeful when situations seem to be hopeless. Thank you for always keeping me and my family in your prayers. I also pray for your journey. - Amy

Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you." And because of this He wants us to follow God's commands and to remain in His love...By surrendering everything to God and giving all of our faith to Him we, as children of God, will surely acquire a true and complete Joy in Christ. This made me realize how blessed my family and I are being loved and taken care of by God unconditionally! - Badeth 

Whatever you do work for it with all your heart as working for the Lord, and Jesus is Lord we are His slaves. These are the passages that struck me most through Pastor Russel sermon - Blessy 

I was totally blown away by the words and sermons every Sunday. By faith I received them in Jesus' name. God be the Glory...My life has been changed and is now emerging in what God spoke to me through you, Pastor Russel. Thank you. Your prophetic words are light for my path; the words help me to keep my focus on the Father. I thank God for speaking through you. It gives me courage to keep pressing into God and not to look to the left and right, but to have a singleness of heart. That is, to please the Father. God bless you and the ministry. I pray every need is met and every desire is fulfilled in Jesus' name. God is good! - Sheila

Dear Russel Jeondosanim! You are truly GOD's person! Your kindness and faith will be remembered. Whenever I hear your sermon, I can feel how much you put your time, sweat, and prayer as well. Thank you for being here for us at Ttanggeut Church. Best regards - Connie

I will always remember the day we had lunch at Febias. You shared your dreams and desires to us. I was so excited for you! I thanked God for bringing you close to Him. I can sense that God has great plans for your life. I hope that your love for God will continue to grow even through difficult times. Be faithful even in small things. May you experience the joy of loving and serving others. I praise God for your obedience and perseverance. Hope you can visit us soon. Please allow us to give you some financial help. Love, Tita Ellie

Russel has touched the lives of many people within our neighborhood even at his young age. He has shared the gospel to almost everyone of them. Even in our province, he would go even to the barracks of the army to proclaim the good news. He is a man of faith, and a generous giver, willing to make sacrifices for others. - Paul

Russell once said, You know what Ate? I Am A Millionaire, and I think Everyone is!" Then he showed me bundles of receipts he purposely kept and said, "If we only learn how to count our blessings, we'll see how rich we are and how God provides!" - one fine morning conversation. He collected all the receipts he bought, from books to even small things like pen or toothbrush and etc. After that, I started to collect receipts, too...hahaha just to prove if I'm a millionaire, too! I also often borrowed that memory to illustrate a point in preaching - Esther 

Being with Russel for many years, it taught me the value of empowering my hands and equipping my life so I can have faithful service to the Lord. The value of taking actions and addressing people's needs as Jesus did while doing His ministry. And not only the spirituality of the people. It turned me into a doer from being a spectator of those people in need - Julie 

God does everything for His Glory. It shows me that God has a plan and His plan is for His own desires, desires which include me - Kerry

I feel so glad that I met this guy as my friend. Every time I visit the Christian Service, I really feel happy and blessed that I have the chance to know the word of God. I think often about people who influenced my life. One of those influences for me is Ruzzle. I want to thank you our Dear Pastor Ruzzle Ocampo for preaching the word of the Lord. Thank you for the times we've shared, especially during our bonding moments (when we have our devotion). We didn't do it often but I still remember when we did. I watched you interact with others, share the Gospel with us, and pray for us. God bless you always Pastor Ruzzle. More power to you and I'm so proud of you! - Marjherie

God is the center of all creation. Everything is created for His glory. God is including us to take part in the restoration of His original plan for His creation by placing every aspect of our lives under the Lordship of Christ. Pastor Ruzz's sermon helps me examine my life, my relationships, and my future plans. It serves as an encouragement to bring it under the lordship of Christ! - Mark 

Through my conversations with Russel, I am becoming more and more convinced that, despite everything I see to the contrary, the world is actually becoming a better and better place! This new perspective has shot through my pessimistic view of creation and humanity and has challenged me to recalibrate the way I think about and treat the material/natural world, as well as how intentionally and joyfully I live my life. Russel keeps reminding me that, as a Christian, I am not only to be a passive witness to this upward trajectory towards glorification, but an active agent helping bring about heaven on earth - Mimi

In my view, my nephew Ruzz had a rough childhood. But God got a hold of his life and has turned it into a trophy of His grace. I am so thankful to God for what He has already accomplished in his life and what He is still building him to be. God has a special work for him to do and I am praying that he finds it and pursues it passionately - Tito Abe

I remember the time we had a trip to Jeju Island and he challenged me to read verses in the Bible. And the passage that struck me most was Jeremiah 29:11. And so true, God has a perfect plan for everything. You just have to wait and be faithful for God's purpose is greater than your heart desired. I am so proud of this man (Russel) for he is such a really, really good friend of mine, and all of his advice and encouragement really changed me a lot. I do believe as if he has a magic tongue (not magic tricks, ha...:)) that whenever he speaks, it really touches and awakens people's hearts and minds. I'm so proud of you, Ruzz! God bless you always, and thank you! :D - Irene

God is your happiness. Do not depend on something or someone to make you happy. Those are some lines that I remember during his sermons that has struck me most - Xymon

The very thing that I have learned from Pastor Russel's sermon is all about knowing how big our God is. God is bigger and greater than what a human mind could imagine. No wonder he always mentions that everything we do and how we live our lives should bring glory to the King of kings. Moreover, I am always moved by the introduction of his sermon (something I think is almost constant) and that is to pray for our loved ones who haven't known Jesus Christ or haven't heard the Gospel. I am moved by his heart's desire to reach out to our loved ones through prayer so that they could experience as well the gift of Salvation that we believers are enjoying through the grace of our Lord Jesus. This invitation of Pastor Russel to pray for our unsaved families and friends is already a message indeed! :) - Joan 


Russel, I am sure you will be a powerful man of God who is using you by His hand. Your sermon always have touched our hearts. Please work hard for the Kingdom of heaven so that it will make Him pleased, cool wherever you are, whatever you do. I hope everything may go well with you by His favor. God bless you! - David 

FILIPINO PASTOR IN SOUTH KOREA

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this post! If I missed a message from you, please send it to me and I will include it here. I hope you enjoyed the video, especially since I hazarded my life on multiple occasions just to get these few clips (he is extremely camera shy)!