Telling Grandma and Uncle John about school

Video for Grandma and Uncle John in TX!

Amethyst Cave and Church

This past Saturday, we had quite an adventure. We heading out to find the Amethyst Caves here in the outskirts of Ulsan. We plugged in the address into the trusty GPS system. Then, we headed out. When we were only about 10 minutes away...we took a wrong turn and ended up on an expressway that had no turn arounds for at least 20 km. We eventually got back on track. Then we stopped at about 3 places when we got close to it. No one could help us....no English!

We climbed up about what seemed to be 100 steps to find a group of men who were sightseeing. One man came up to us to ask where we were from......"You speak English!!!" is what we were thinking. He told us that the cave entrance was down the hill....right past this "fair ride" type area. Now, how are we going to get the boys to walk on past that area???

Only God knows...but we were able to go on by there and finally found the cave.

There was so much to see.....replica settings of how it was to mine for amethyst in the caves and a show with these teenagers and kids who did gymnastics, tricks and some acrobatics. Micah loved that part.

Then came the part I was nervous about.....the boat ride. This was no boat...it was more like a raft. Everyone sat on the outside edge, holding on to only the rope lining the outside of the raft. With some encouraging from Mike, we went ahead and got on. Micah was again stunned and still through the whole ride. I think he liked it! haha!

Then, we heading home. Before going home, we decided to put in some addresses for churches in Ulsan. After we prayed, talked and searched the internet about the two churches we found, we finally decided to check out the church nearest to us.

There were only about 25 people.....but it was a precious service. There is a family there whose daughter goes to JC's school. They had a fellowship afterwards so we could meet and talk with everyone.

At the end of the service, JC told his dad, "Dad, this is our new church!".

JC and Micah sat through the whole service with no big interruptions. I was worried since Micah had never sat through a church service since he was a baby. But, he did great!

I think I have also been recruited to help start a children's Sunday School...haha!

A New Life Blog

I will be blogging about my journey to health and fitness. I have an additional blog. It is at the following link:

A New Life

This blog will be more for the adventures of the family.

This will be more geared to the physical, mental, and spiritual health we all need to work on and maintain.

I will do this first and foremost for God, then myself, and my husband and family!

Being Grateful for What You Have

Gratefulness.....what a big word. To be thankful, appreciative.

I was reminded of how blessed I am.....and how grateful I should be.

I had a stressful afternoon with the boys. I was trying to help JC with his homework, and Micah was just grouchy. And, I remembered what happened the last time I let him take a late night. He was up past midnight that night. Tonight, thank goodness, he went on to sleep around 9 a.m.

About a week ago, our dryer stopped drying. I think it was the heating element. However, the repairman that the compound sent only spoke Korean. I have no idea what he did...except that he replace some of the dryer vent and took the tub out. It was just one of those aggravating moments. I took for granted that I would always have my appliance repairman father around. I was agitated that I didn't have the dryer to use tonight.

But then, God reminded me that most people in Korea don't even have dryers...even foreigners! And if they do have it, it is a dryer/washer combo...and takes forever to wash and dryer.

I am blessed with my health, a wonderful healthy family, a place to live in two countries, and loving friends. So what if I have to hang laundry for a few days!

So, I hope can do this in the upcoming days.....

I will take advantage of every moment I have. I will be grateful for what I have. I will be grateful for every person in my life. I will smile and try to  show God's love to every single person I meet.

There are not many churches in South Korea. We have yet to see one in our district! It is so different from where we came from in the US. There is a church on almost every corner.

God, I'm yours to use here in South Korea. Please help me be sensitive to every opportunity....dryer or no dryer! :)

JC got a Homework Award!!

When JC first started school here, we knew he may be a little behind with the move and everything. However, we are finding that the curriculum here is way ahead of that in America. So, he has a lot of catching up to do. He is doing great in everything, though, except writing. We still have a lot of catching up on that.

He is doing great even behavior-wise. No problems so far, thank goodness. We even found an award in his homework folder. I don't know if his teacher realizes what that did for JC. He is even more motivated.

Thanks for all the prayers and support! Here is a video and picture to share.

A Black Pebble Beach

Yesterday, we went to a black pebble beach near here. There was fine black sand in some places...and gray and black stones in others. It was a site to see. Here are a few videos of the day.

Yes, we got wet. Yes, it was cold. But to those who will remain nameless who think I was bad to let them get wet..........no, my kids do not have a cold or cough today. :) (That is the good Lord looking over us, I know! But they had a ball!

There was also a saxophone player on the beach. We tried to drop some money off, but he would not take it. He told us it was his hobby. I thought that was amazing! No one was gathered around him, no one was praising him other than us....he was just doing what he loved. He didn't do it for personal praise....he did it because he loved it. What if we served God that way....serving Him because we loved Him...not for praise or reward??

Another Mountain Conquered!

Today went climbed a moutain. It was truly a mountain. There was an old Japanese fortress at the top.

Now, understand, anyone who has not seen me in the last twenty years may say....what is the big deal? Well, I am very overweight now....and out of shape. However, with just two and a half weeks behind me, I have been getting stronger and more in shape. I don't have a scale right now, so there is no way to gauge by pounds how much I have lost. But, I can tell it in my clothes.

See, just about every other day, Micah and I go for a walk. Sometimes we head to the Hyundai Department Store to their market. Sometimes, we take him for a special McD's happy meal. Either way, we walk close to two miles. Then with the walking we do to JC's school, we might get another mile in during the week. This is a chance for me to finally get off my duff and get in shape...and lose this weight.

There were several times going up the steep stretches of the mountain that I wanting to quit. Mike became my own "Bob Harper". I think it was a true "Biggest Loser" moment. I told him how I was sorry I didn't do anything about this before....and how I felt I embarassed them. Both Mike and JC were so supportive, and JC told me...."Mom, you never embarass me." From an almost seven year old, those words were golden.

I will be revealing a whole lot in these blogs, so I hope you don't mind reading. Here is some "footage" of our way down the mountain.

Next, we went to the Myeonseon Bridge which was on right beside a beautiful beach. Here is more footage from that adventure.

I know this is a lot of video, but we sure had an adventure today! Thanks for sharing it with us through this blog!

Karen

Our child is a monkey!

Thought I would share some funny videos from tonight. The first one is of our monkey, I mean, son, Micah. He can now climb the cabinets!

He also decided he would spray air freshener.....in his own way. He just went around making the sound of the spray. I thought it was too cute. Of course, our future camera hog, JC, had to make his appearance. haha!

Valentine's Day and new play area

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. It is not as big of a deal here as it is in the states. Micah and I went to McDonald's for lunch, then we headed to the Hyundai Department store to the fresh food floor to grab some stuff for a steak dinner for Mike. Wasn't Longhorn's or Outback...but I did okay with what I had.

It has finally gotten over 0 degrees Celsius, so I have opened the balcony for Micah to play in. We just have to make sure the outside glass is locked. He might try to be Superman and fly off if I didn't!

Hope you are all doing well. We love you all. Thanks for checking our blog for new adventures.

McDonald's in Korea

Next is some of Micah and JC playing............



Trip to the Busan Aquarium

We took a trip to the Busan Aquarium yesterday. It was quite an experience, at least with Micah in tow. When he wants to go....you have to go....when he wants to rest, he just collapses on the floor. We are thinking maybe he gets in "information overload" with all the changes. :) Kind of like a computer....he crashes when there is too much going on??

And, it was crowded. I know Korea is crowded because of the population, but I think 3/4 of Korea was there yesterday! :)

Here are a few clips of the day.....we saw fish......

Now, this next video....is PG...parental discretion advised. It may look like Happy Feet, but they throw in something that just "ain't right"! haha!



Then we went on a glass bottom boat...yes, we were brave enough to take our 2 boys in a boat....

...........................over sharks!



And, no, I didn't understand much of what the guide was saying, either! :)



We did have fun...more adventures to come!!!



Trip to Costco

A friend of Mike's took us to Costco yesterday. It was great! We saw so many things we liked..hahah! We have decided to go once a month. The closest one is in Busan. They even had roasted chickens....the big ones! (Chickens here are little.....no steriods, etc.)

They also have boneless chicken breasts! Yay!

New Toy for Micah

For all who know Micah, you know his love for cars. The clubhouse has a kids' room for children to play in while the parents visit....it has a Hot Wheels Racetrack.

We tried to find him one today....and this is a cute one that is more durable for him.

I think he likes it................

Myeongyang Reservior

We went to walk around a lake today. The walk took about an hour or so. It was quite a trip with our two boys.

Here is a bridge we went over. Most of the lake had ice over it.

 

Koreans are pretty serious about their exercise. I have no excuse not to get in shape...in addition to the hour long walk up and down hills and stairs...there are places where you can "take an exercise break" and exercise on the free equipment available.

There was one part of the reservior that had thick enough ice that some kids were sliding and "ice skating" on it.



Some neat things about our apartment.

Here are some things that are just plain "neat" to me in our apartment.

First, the shoe room....or mud room, whatever you want to call it....

If we ever remodel at home....this will be on my list! You walk in, there is a space to pull off your shoes and a cabinet to keep them in....along with scarves, gloves, hats, etc.....

Next, the fridge...I know we have some like this at home, but this is just cool....You have an extra little door on the front....

Push the little door.....

And there are some "hidden" cans of juice and drink!

Then there is JC's room. It has a desk and shelf. He hasn't pulled out the videos once since we got here. He loves playing with his legos in here!

Mike found these models that he and JC can make together. That is a ritual most nights after dinner.

Then, JC picked up a DVD called "Mater's Tall Tales" the other night at Homeplus. Micah loves it! We have to play it at least once a day! :)

The "neatest" thing, though, here is that we have our family together. Last night, we walked down to a restaurant called Zoonos Chicken. JC loves it! I think we may be a regular there. The waitress just "made over" the boys.

More adventures to come.......................

A Good Start to our 2nd Week!

It has been a pretty good week. JC has been doing okay in school, even though we have a long way to go. He has made a lot of friends, already. He has a friend over now, in fact. That boy could make friends with a fire hydrant, I do believe!

Mike had a coworker from the Singapore project over last night. His wife came over with him to check out the area. They will be moving over here after school is out.

I am praying that the boys make lots of friends over here, since we will be over here for three years. However, I know these kids move in and out all through the year. I am also praying that we can be a family with open doors who welcome everyone....showing them God's love through our hospitality.

Mike asks me sometimes if I am getting bored. Between taking JC back and forth to school, keeping the apartment clean, washing clothes, etc....I have no time to get bored. I bet if I didn't have the boys, I might get bored...but it would be easier to join groups of people for activities without Micah in tow. But for now, Micah and I will hang out! :) I am loving every minute of that!

Thank you all, again, for all the prayers and support! We are seeing those prayers answered every day!

Korean Hand Gestures

We had someone mention to us to study the customs of Korea. Here is a video of how we "use" our hands in Korea.

Fish Aquarium

Watching the Dolphins swim!

Watching the Dolphins

The Whale Museum

Today we took the boys to the Whale Museum here in Ulsan. Thanks to the wonderful Miss GPS, we found it pretty easily!

We were able to see some real dolphins! :)

Some videos will hopefully be on my next post.

Making our Mark

Well, I think we are making our mark....good or bad...on Ulsan and the Hyundai Foreign Compound. Today, I turned the toaster off to find that the power went out...all through the apartment. So, I may not be the favorite resident now! haha!

The boys are making their mark for sure. The guards at the front gate recognize us now. We have made a daily trip out to walk down the strip that has markets leading to the Hyundai Department Store. JC also tries to say hello in Korean...the guard smiles and say hello. He now salutes us for some reason. :) I don't think it is because we look like royalty....far from it...haha!

We get a lot of stares....one for me probably....I am overweight and most women here are a size medium or smaller. Two, we are all blonde headed. The ladies smile and giggle...pointing to Micah. I guess they think he's cute?? hahah!

Mike got his car yesterday. We did not make it back for our big shopping trip to Homeplus. Mike and JC went, but Micah and I were suffering from jet lag. We both crashed around 5:30 pm. Micah didn't get up until around 5 this morning.

Hoping our bodies are adjusting to the new time. We have been invited to the home of Mike's project manager tonight. They have two girls the same ages as JC and Micah. We are excited to meet some new friends!

Thank you all for your prayers! We are seeing them being answered!!!

First Day in Ulsan!

We got to Ulsan late Monday night. Then, Mike got up the next morning and headed to work. They let him come home around 2 pm. We spent the morning unpacking and washing. Then, when he came home, he took us on a walk to some of the shopping area outside our compound. We ended up at the Hyundai Department Store and a walking park that was across the street. I am striving to walk more everyday. Hopefully, none of you in the states will recognize me when I get back!!!

One of Mike's dear friends from work, Mr. Chinn, volunteered to take us to Homeplus (a four story mega Walmart with a kid play area and food court). Mike will get his car today with a pass for the shipyard and compound. We are going on our big shopping trip tonight back to Homeplus.

Thanks for all the prayers. We are really loving it so far. We begin every morning with breakfast together and prayer before Mike leaves for work. What a difference prayer makes!!!

We're Here!!!

We are in South Korea! And, we are having a ball.

First, we started in New Orleans....

Then, we got on three planes............

Someone pretty much "konked" out during the last flight............

Everything went pretty well....just a few bumps in the road...like...

- getting charged extra for extra bags and weight...we figured the weight...but not for every extra bag!

- Micah had himself about a 4 hour fit on the long flight from Atlanta to Japan. He thought we could just open a door and go outside. He was not happy! And, Mike and I were worn out, especially Mike. Seems Micah would rather have his daddy than me when he gets upset! :)

But, all in all, it was an adventure...and we are just beginning! Yesterday was great! That is the next post!

More to come!!!!