Missing you

So I've come to realize that pretty much the rest of my life will be spent missing people. I had a conversation about this with Jess Becker a while back, and it definitely rings true.

Traveling has always brought me so much joy - and traveling to Korea to work and live for a year has been nothing short of a true adventure. But I miss you all back home. I miss the people I've met and who have left. I have come to realize that some of the amazing people I've met here (some of which I consider family) will have their days numbered here eventually. There will come a moment for me as well when I begin to mark the days on my calendar.

Anyways... my point? It hurts.... to always be missing people. Even worse, to know that I'll always be missing people. It's nice to know that simple and special moments with people should really be cherished, because they might not ever be able to happen again.

It's allowed me to gain a more thankful perspective on people who are in my life.

So please know I miss so many of you and think about you often.

Much love.

Olympic Torch!

My life here in Seoul is....absolutely amazing... I can't imagine my life any other way than what it is right now. Living overseas has been nothing short of incredible. I'll need to go into detail about how... this, I know. But for now... I want to show you all a bit about what I've been up to this weekend.

It's been another fantastic weekend. James Blunt concert on Saturday night and then tonight after church we headed to City Hall to watch the Olympic Torch come through. It was such a busy site! Here's some pics and video clips to show you a bit of what it was like.




My friend Lindsey was part of the earlier events that started all the way at the other end of the city and was caught in the middle of some pretty interesting riots. Love this girl. She loves adventure!



There wasn't any of that going on this evening though when the torch came through to City Hall. Really though, I was amazed to be amidst a part of history. There are so many tensions and frustrations with China and it surprised me to see so many people embracing China and not even realizing the incredible ways the country is run. Click here to read an article about one of the issues. Here's an interesting photo sure to spark some debate:



I don't know how we got so lucky to be up front... but we were SO close to all the action it was amazing! I really can't imagine how incredible it must be to be in Beijing right now! So I'm pretty seriously considering taking a trip for a weekend to Beijing to experience all the excitement!








This was the (not so intimidating) police force brought in to secure the area:



These guys on the other hand... yes... VERY intimidating:

Me and Linds- Although not too proud to represent Chinese Nationalism, we do love China and it's people. I haven't met someone yet who hasn't been to China who doesn't have a special place in their heart for China and fond memories of their time there.

And we decided to hit up On The Border in Sinchon (I of course never get tired of it)

L to R: Michelle, Lindsey, Myself and Sarah

Sarah just came on Tuesday -- welcome to Seoul Sarah!


I love living this amazing adventure here in Seoul. All I can do is soak in each and every day as they turn into weeks and now, into months! I'm so thankful.

NEVER a dull moment

Here are some videos I've taken over the course of the past week. I HOPE YOU ENJOY! I know that every time I watch I laugh - so hopefully you guys do too.


It's been a great spring so far.... been a bit chilly a few days this week, but I was still able to be out and about to enjoy the sun! Here's some video so you can see how green it's getting! This is Cheonggyecheong during the day when my friend Mark and I met up for lunch before teaching on Thursday:

I really could visit here everyday. I love coming to Cheonggyecheong!

Here's me totally kicking butt arm wrestling Sharon (per a student's request). I totally kill her with the right arm, but lose in no time up against Sharon's ambidextious left:



My student Michael arm wrestled me a few weeks ago. I of course won. So... he said that this week we would have a rematch. Only this time if he loses, he told me he'd buy me ice cream. Since I have become an ice cream addict since moving here, I decided it was worth it. I even made sure I didn't work out my upper body at the gym over the weekend just to dominate and win some ice cream! Who wins? Watch to find out :)



Michael will be bringing me ice cream on Monday :)

Onto the next video. This is what I walked into during one of the breaks in Eddie's classroom. All I can say? BOYS WILL BE BOYS! Haha - they crack me up!



I've been teaching on Saturdays and it's really fun since not everyone is here. There's only two classes and this Saturday I was the only teacher... well... teaching that is. Tom was in to do some voice over work. Listening to him was definitely a highlight (I couldn't stop laughing) - so I decided to capture it for you guys:



And of course who can resist having a good time when I get to hang out on Saturday with this kid:




We have a good time - Can you tell?



Did I mention we also like to abuse our students? Haha - all the boys LOVE to play rock scissors paper with Tong Pa. Jun was a little tired this day though so he seemed a bit fearful. My goofball Sean (AKA - Skunk) decided he was going to be tough and play too.




And last but NOT least, here's a group shot from Bible Study on Wednesday night as we celebrated Rachel's birthday. The week before that we celebrated Vanessa's birthday! So.. Happy Birthday to Vanessa + Rachel! We all also had the fabulous opportunity to meet Rachel's folks who are in Korea from Canada. Such wonderful people!

From L to R: Michelle, Rachel's mother, Vanessa, Jess Crew, Rachel + Kimchi, Myself, Jess Becker, Cathy, Jungmi, Alicia and the boys at the bottom: Trevor, Eric and Nate.


I also wanted to give a shout out to my childhood pal Holly - who I was able to get back in touch with this week. It's been way too long... but I really do love this girl! (Haha... if I ONLY had the pictures to show you when we were in 6th grade) Wow. Anyhow... she's considering a visit to Seoul in August. I hope she can make it work!

I'm moving toward month 6 here less than a few weeks. Where has the time gone? God continues to challenge me, humble me and teach me patience as well as perseverance. I still have been so thankful for what an amazing time of rest my time in Korea has been so far. I feel tremendously blessed.

I appreciate all your prayers and support - until next time!

Blessings!