Typical Sunday at Holy Joy Center, Ttang Ggeut Church's English Service

REFLECTING ON HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED

I realize I have not written much about Holy Joy Center, my home church here in Busan, since I first posted about it here. Back in September when I wrote that, I was struggling with whether or not to stay with this church out of a sense of boredom. Even in that initial post, I was aware that my mentality of expecting to be entertained at church was a sign of my immaturity and would be a roadblock to my goal to grow spiritually. 

I am glad that I gave it a chance. I am glad that I stayed. I am glad that I woke up long enough from my stupor to actually begin giving back to this church instead of expecting for my presence and attention to be continuously "won over," as if I had yet to be convinced of something. 

Russel doing what he loves

HOLY JOY CENTER'S ENGLISH SERVICE

Russel gave the message today on "Christ's Rest." This man has helped make me feel welcome and at home not only in Holy Joy but in Busan (if not the whole of South Korea). His friendship has served to quickly absorb me into the various communities he had already become a part of. Everyone who has welcomed and loved Russel has welcomed and loved me here as well, which only increases my gratitude towards him.

I have seen first-hand how he loves this church through various acts of service. This kind of spirit is sweet to me - something I want to emulate. My time here would definitely not be the same without his friendship and guidance!

WELCOMING THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
Some of those who regularly attend come from: Cambodia, South Africa, Myanmar, Bangladesh, the United States, and the Philippines - along with a number of Koreans who, on top of attending the 11 a.m. Korean service, also make the time to join us foreigners for afternoon fellowship. I appreciate this!

I have made many wonderful friends - old and young alike - and have been further exposed to the diversity of the body of Christ. 

MY KOREAN YOUNGER SISTERS
The girls are enchanted by my long hair. Seemingly every Sunday now, at least a couple of them will begin following me around, remind me that I have the longest hair they have ever seen, and start braiding my hair. The two little girls here with me are named Grace and Joy!

MORE CUTE KOREAN KIDS
Warning: So much cuteness ahead! 

Little Samuel is the firstborn son of a Korean professor who comes periodically to speak at our church. When she comes, her husband and child come, too, and the picture of their whole family together just makes me glad!

I BELIEVE YOU CAN FLY
My church family has been a phenomenal source of support and encouragement to me here. Even when my needs and my struggles are kept hidden, there is somebody who talks to me or sends me an SMS at just the right time to help me keep everything in perspective!

Sometimes the messages directly speak to what I am currently facing. And, sometimes, one of the more endearing deacons from church, who is really passionate about using any and all English he knows, will send me a text like this:

"If you can see it

then you can do it

If you just believe it

There's nothing to it

I believe you can fly"

There was something terribly familiar (emphasis on "terribly") about these words, so I googled it and found out it's from R. Kelly's "I Believe You Can Fly." Despite the lack of attribution, (and the fact that it's from R. Kelly period), I found myself sufficiently amused, especially mulling over how the jibsanim might have stumbled across this man's music.

Dinner & Noraebang Date With Jana at Seomyeon & Going Past My Curfew

RE-MEETING JANA
I met Jana on my first month here in Yeongdo, but was just reconnected with her this April due to a storm of events. We met up at Seomyeon this evening - eating what looked to me like strips of grilled chicken on a bed of sweet and sour salad. It was tasty, as she had promised! Once I remember what this dish is called, I will add it to my list of "To Cooks."

After dinner, she led me through a maze of people on our way to what would turn out to be the swankiest noraebang (karaoke) place I have ever been to (which is not a lot, btw, considering this is only my second one here in Korea). But, she assured me that this place was, indeed, the most popular place to go to because, not only was it tastefully designed, they also served unlimited beverages and ice cream.

It was a bit difficult to sing and eat my cup of strawberry ice cream, but I managed. So did she, with her helping of chocolate ice cream. It was a fun night, but I definitely went past my curfew (still 9:30 p.m. for those who are curious). This curfew thing is not as bad as it sounds! I understand that my Korean host parents are only concerned about my safety, so I make sure to let them know where I am going, with whom, and what time I will be returning home. My host mom usually promptly replies with messages like these:

TEXT MESSAGES FROM MY HOST MOM

"Mimi and spend a great time and come home with care ~~^^ <3" or

"Mimi is a delicious dinner and have a great time~^^ <3"

"Mimi have an enjoyable dinner~~** <3" 

She always ends her messages to me with a heart! I love you, too, Host Mom ^^ <3!

Stoked: Teaching an Extra Class with Second-Graders During Ninth Period

Slowly but surely (emphasis on slowly), I will revive this blog!

With eight of my nine students giving our best "serious" pose outside the school 

NEW CLASS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Last night, I walked back to school in time for 9th Period, when I would meet students in a class I had just been asked to take up. The class is new, made up of nine of my former first-graders, and has some funding. I have absolute freedom as far as the content, structure, media, and even location of the class (didn't I say I was stoked for this?)!

THE PERKS

Because this is considered over and above my normal teaching load, I will be getting extra pay to teach this class in 10 sessions (Praise God for the generosity of my school, not to mention my contract!).

THE CHALLENGES
Now, having taught 10-week (or quarter-long) introductory courses for freshmen at the UW as well as 10-week Focus Groups for the CHID Department, I know that 10, 1-hour-long class sessions are nothing, especially when said 10 class sessions have to be spread out between May and December. This is nearly a whole academic year (!) - a timeline which *ahem* actually implicitly assumes my application to renew for a second year will be approved.

My main challenge will be to really plan and squeeze as much out of each class session as possible. Despite the fact that the nine students selected for this class appear to be extremely enthusiastic, high-achieving, and highly-motivated, I know I will face the related challenge of keeping the purpose of the class clear to them, and maintaining their excitement for said purpose - for a whole year.

THE STARRY-EYED LOOKS
Since I returned to school for the new academic year, my now-second-grade students have been cheerfully bumping into me in the halls, assaulting me with their excited-but-almost-accusatory inquiries of, "Teacher, why we no class together?!?! WHY TEACHER?!?!" I smile broadly while working to extract myself from clinging arms and starry-eyed looks by explaining/reminding them that, "Aww, I miss you, too! But I only teach first graders, remember?? [insert sympathetic pout here]."

They pout back at me and, seeming to find no other choice but to accept my explanation, are soon found waving goodbye at me, blowing me kisses, and skipping down the halls arm-in-arm with their classmates.

These are the students who I will have the privilege of teaching again!

The Parable of the Lost Seaman & Other Stories from Our Ship Ministry

Our ship ministry is with Korean International Maritime Mission in the Port of Busan. I became involved when the church told me such a ministry existed and, upon conferring me with this knowledge, simply expected that I would be a part of it. Thus began my trips to the Port on many a Saturday morning.

WHAT WE DO WHEN WE DO "SHIP MINISTRY"
Once or twice a month, I join Jibsanim John, a former sea captain and member of Ttang Ggeut Church's English service, as he drives to the Port of Busan and ministers to the seamen currently docked there. Most of them are Filipinos, making Russel's presence vital. We board the ships (lately joined by students from Korea Maritime & Ocean University who lead worship), and settle into their dining area where we spread devotionals, magazines, and Bibles. Sometimes, we bring food and small gifts, which disappear quickly from our extended hands. One time, we have even brought wifi on board with us - something that really excited the men, who hardly paid attention to Russel's message as they logged on to their various mobile devices and checked their Facebook and email accounts.

Our group along with some of the Filipino seamen we met today!

RUSSEL SHARING THE GOSPEL IN 5 MINUTES

Whether he has their attention or not, Russel usually preaches for 5 minutes. That's it. He tells the men it will only take this long right off the bat. The men are busy, joining us in the dining area in waves, disappearing now and then, and ducking their heads in out of curiosity. Those who decide to join us answer or ignore their handheld transceivers as they crackle, and generally insist on remaining standing even as we ourselves recline in chairs - one tuning a guitar here, another nervously shuffling music sheets there, and yet another engaging a neighbor in conversation.

Sometimes, we will have 12 men; sometimes eight; sometimes three; and sometimes just one.

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SEAMAN
When it is just the one, I often think something along the lines of, "...Wait - what? This is it?! This is what the 12 of us came here for??" 

And then I get over myself and remember that even just the one is worth all of our efforts. We do not go to the ships just to bring magazines for the men's entertainment, or food for their enjoyment, or wifi for their leisure. We come to share the very good news of Jesus Christ. If only one man hears this news and comes to receive it right then or later, it is worth it!

Reminding myself of the parable of the lost sheep in Luke has changed the internal monologue that plays in my head when we go out. Even when we board a ship where none of the seamen are available to meet with us, it is still worth it. They know we are there. They know we came for them. They know we will come again. 

THE BEGINNING: BOARDING THE SHIP

LOGGING IN OUR INFORMATION

READY, SET, ENTER

SEXY PHOTO CALENDARS & MY THOUGHTS AS THE ONLY WOMAN ON BOARD

Sometimes during these gatherings, (and while I am totally minding my own business), it will happen that my eyes will alight upon a sexy photo calendar hanging prominently on a wall. After the initial shock, I avert my eyes as quickly as possible lest any of the men in my company trace my stare and all kinds of awkwardness ensues. As if by not continuing to look, the photo of barely-clad or stark naked young women casually chilling by the wall (as if also listening in to Russel's message) will cease to exist; and as if the seamen who have been living and working on that ship will have never noticed what I noticed within minutes.

The ships have their own culture, I understand. But, man, is it super awkward to be the only woman on a ship full of men! Even though I am clothed in layers, I feel immediately exposed. This has happened a couple of times.

One of these times, Russel was standing immediately in front of the calendar. He continued to talk to the men, encouraging them in their walk in faith, and challenging them to call on God that night before they go to bed. There was no way he did not see the picture, and I was curious if he would ever acknowledge it. And how.

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MEN STANDING UP FOR WOMEN IN FRONT OF OTHER MEN
And, eventually, he did. I don't remember exactly what he said, but I do remember that his words didn't condemn or judge. He spoke what to me seemed like the language of men and, once again, challenged them even in this area. Because I was hyper conscious of the photo, I may have subconsciously evaluated the manner in which he handled this situation. I would give him a solid B-. There is a lot of room for improvement (especially because he was very vague and round-about when he addressed it), but he nevertheless did what most men would not even think to do.

Men standing up for women in front of other men. That's what we need more of.

TAKING OUR LEAVE

HEADING OFF TO THE NEXT SHIP

A bit grainy because this was taken inside the van

The other ship we boarded

The aftermath

UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEAK VISAYA
It is usually mid-afternoon when we finish and return to the Seamen's Center.

I am glad to be a part of all of this even though many things are new, and even when I hardly understand what's really going on. Often, there will be men hailing from central or southern Philippines and I am able to talk to them in their native tongue. They are amazed when they hear me speak - some having assumed that I am, somehow, Korean or a woman of a different nationality. A handful of them have asked if I am not a Filipina married to an older Korean man, alluding to many instances when this is the case.

These are the moments when my research as an undergrad stares me straight in the face, and I blink. 

Springtime Date with Fellow Teachers: Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Cherry Blossom Petals, and Mt. Hwangryeongsan Bongsudae in Gwangalli

THE RESTAURANT
This afternoon, after the school field trip, I joined two other teachers for lunch at Gwangalli. Stella, a new teacher this year, cheerfully drove us to a Vietnamese restaurant, where we enjoyed food (seafood fried rice and fresh spring rolls) the memory of which makes my mouth water. The atmosphere of the place was perfect, with high ceilings that encouraged breathing suffused with relaxation and contentment, and with sunlight pouring in from a wall made of glass on one side and warm ambient lighting on the other. 

Two of my beautiful fellow teachers before our meal was served

Spring roll ingredients. Those different sauces had the three of us continuously wrapping spring rolls all throughout the meal!

THE CONVERSATIONS
Not only was the food delicious, the company and conversations were also definitely well-seasoned. We talked about seemingly everything: from professional to personal lives, different cultural cuisines, our relationship statuses and dreams, this year's goals, next year's ambitions, thoughts on multicultural dating, marriages, and families, the two main government-sponsored English teaching programs in Korea (Fulbright and EPIK), traditional and contemporary Korean dating, including match-making companies, and the absolute beauty of springtime.

I am usually not one for dipping food in sauce and whatnot, but these were different...

THE MOUNTAIN TRIP
[aka Tour of 황령산 봉수대 (Mt. Hwangryeongsan Bongsudae, Beacon Mound]

After lunch, and at Stella's promptings, we decided to drive up to Mount Hwangryeongsan Bongsudae, where Stella said an incredible view awaited us. She was right! You could see the whole city of Busan with the 360 degree view afforded to us. As if the vista was not enough, there were hundreds of beautiful white and pink cherry blossom trees lining the roads we traveled on, and the paths we walked and hiked on. There were cherry blossom petals everywhere - swirling in the wind, caught in our hair, and landing randomly on our shoulders. It reminded me of winter, except the swirling snow were soft and colorful, and remained in your hand for as long as you were gentle enough to handle them.

Stella's role of photographer continues...

I climbed up here to get an even better view of the city!

I don't know who this man is, but I think he makes my photo more epic-looking by conveniently matching the surrounding area with his white jacket and looking pensively off into the distance

Sujin Teacher giving one of her wonderfully shy smiles

"[E]scape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while" = Check

The two of them were smart enough to have worn flats and tennis shoes today, while II, unfortunately, wore high-heeled, ankle-length boots 

This picture does absolutely no justice to the view

Paths lined with cherry blossom trees!

You can see the pink petals clearer here where they are contrasted with the green shrubs

Here we are at the end of our journey, and heading back to Stella's car

PRAYER FOR MY FELLOW TEACHERS
When we went back down, Stella's car was covered in pink petals. A light breeze blew a thin layer of these petals inside Stella's car as I opened the door and eased into my seat. It seemed like a grand but invisible wedding was being performed in our very midst.

Lord, thank you for this day. You showed me the beauty of things You have created, both large and small, and I praise Your name for each and every one of them! Thank You for the lives of my fellow teachers. I pray that You would empower them in their professions, nourish them in their current and future relationships, and guide their ambitions as You prosper their dreams!

Yeongdo Girls High School Goes on a Field Trip: Broaching the Sensitive Topic of School Field Trips in Light of the Recent Sinking of the Sewol

THE SINKING OF THE MV SEWOL

I have been back blogging this past week. In light of the recent tragedy of the MV Sewol sinking, there is one particular topic/event that I have been hesitant to post about for the past two weeks: school field trips. 

Yeongdo Girls High School students bused to the Busan Museum in Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu for their annual field trip five days before Danwon High School students boarded the ship that would ultimately never reach Jeju Island, the destination of their own field trip. 

A small percentage of my students from different classes posing for a photo after exploring the museum

The whole of South Korea is in agony over this tragedy. While some passengers were rescued, many more were not - including hundreds of students just one year older than the ones I teach and have the privilege of continuing to teach. 

THE AGONY, THE ANGER, THE SHAME, THE GRIEF

 I can relate to only a very small percentage of it all. Culturally and linguistically, I am many levels removed from directly experiencing the full gravity of this loss, and so I feel unfit to even broach this topic. However, because I am here in Korea, continuing to teach high school students, and basically daily encountering and re-encountering the ghost of April 16, I suspect that I will have opportunities to write more about this later. For this post though, I simply want to accomplish two things:

     1) Acknowledge the aforementioned heavy feelings shrouding the heart of the nation, and
     2) Without detracting, distracting from, or devaluing the aforementioned, celebrate:

THE HOPE, THE UNITY, THE STRENGTH, THE LIFE

of South Korea. I continue to be impressed by this nation's ability to unite together and stand its ground. Unity may crumble, strength may wane, life may be lost, but, no matter how bleak the hour, I believe Hope still reigns at the end of the day.

As Korea grapples with the reality of hundreds of [young] lives lost, may she also not lose a beat in continuing to love and care for the millions of young people who are with us today.

Here are my students, who, everyday, I will learn to love more and more. 

YEONGDO GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL FIELD TRIP TO BUSAN MUSEUM

Students traveled in groups, boarding buses from our island to the mainland.
I bused down with a group of students living in my neighborhood and, thus, was able to find the museum.

There were other school field trips this day. The girls got excited over the sight of an all-boys high school also roaming around the museum grounds

This student gives me the deepest bows every time she sees me! Extremely respectful and polite - I adore her!

Teachers half-heartedly trying to create organized lines out of the hundreds of students milling around the square

Alright - you got me. Putting away the camera now...

This green-jacketed man perfectly matching the well-maintained shrubbery

It was a Seattle weather kind of day

Stella agreeing to be the girls' personal paparazzi

The silliness memo did not reach me or the older, male teacher to my left...

A PRAYER FOR SOUTH KOREA
Lord, give South Korea a Hope so extravagant as to pierce through this overwhelming current of despair. Enable her to, once again, rise from the ashes, assured of the beauty of Your plans for her and, especially, her children.