Well, if it seems like I haven't written in a while, it's probably because my fingers have been exclusively tucked into pockets or mittens to keep them from frostbite. Okay, I'm exaggerating a little; but the last month and a half has been bitterly cold. The power has gone out in our flat several times, which scares us because our heat is electric -- the outages never lasted long. Really, I'm part of the portion of this country that is very blessed to live in a place with new windows and good insulation. In Europe about 200 people have died because of the cold blast; 135 of those deaths were in Ukraine. I've heard of several ministries collecting blankets and trying to support the homeless during this low point of the winter. I feel it's appropriate to pray for some warmer weather! On a brighter note, we noticed that at 10 past 5 o'clock last night there was still some dim light coming from the sky! I love when you know the days are only getting longer.
Yet again, I can honestly say that time is flying! The last few weeks were busy and a blur. I've had some interesting experiences. A few weeks ago, a couple of my students invited me to visit an orphanage with them. We went for an afternoon just to hang out with the kids and give them a healthy snack. It was a blast; the children are so brave and lovable! I hope to go back there next time they go in a few weeks. Also, I stayed for a week with a family of three students of KCA while their parents were in America. I got to play mother, although they have a cook and a homework helper that come a few days a week. :)
Staying busy has helped me not focus on myself, which is good. The weeks after returning from Christmas break were a little rough. I think I was finally experiencing some culture shock and some spiritual/emotional trauma in the dark of winter. I'm going to insert a prayer from my journal that I wrote last week:
Church was really good today. I felt so encouraged; thank you, Lord! I know that was you. You know that I've been doubting and kind of down the last monthish. Today I was reminded in a real way of your faithfulness. YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS. You blood is proof. And the grace I've EXPERIENCED in my life is pretty much the most tangible thing I could get in this world. Your HOLY SPIRIT is the seal on my heart... And even if I don't feel it today or this week -- I CHOOSE TO TRUST YOU. I am putting up a mental ROCK to mark this place... and I will call it... When I am faithless, still you are FAITHFUL! (So, that was last week, a turning point, I think. If you have any questions about my prayer I jotted out, let me know!)
The little small group that I'm in is a continuous joy! We finished our Esther study and are hoping to start Beth Moore's study of James soon! James is a practical book with lessons on how to live out this life in our real world. I'm looking forward to learning from Beth's unique perspective! :) She's so cool!
Today is Valentine's Day and the first day of Teacher Appreciation Week. Man, I feel appreciated. Today I was rewarded with a pile of sweets, cards and some artwork from my students! The Korean moms provided an over-the-top Korean lunch. There were even tablecloths and candles. Giant electric woks were loaded with stir fry and noodles and there was kimbab galore (Korean sushi). Wow, life as a teacher turns out to be not bad! :)
Well, thank you so much, my dear friends; thanks for caring about my little life over here. Feel free to send an email or Facebook message my way! Much love and I miss you all!
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