Thursday, March 29, 2012
Some days are easier than others.........
Yep, that's just life...some days are easier than others. We have had many the ups and downs this past week. Mike left for Singapore to check on one of his projects there on Tuesday. He will be gone until next Monday.
I was kind of "low" today, missing everyone back home. It is one of those drizzling rainy days where you can't really do anything outside. So, with no vehicle, we pretty much are staying home and watching Mater's Tall Tales. Micah really wanted to play on the slide this morning. It is so hard to explain to him that everything is wet! And, he is hard-headed.
Expat life is different, especially on a compound. You have all these people here living in one little area.....from all different walks of life. Also, people come and go all the time....moving from one job to another. It is hard to really connect with people on a personal level. And, with my case, when you have a very active little one like Micah with you all the time...you don't get to sit and have coffee anywhere that often.
Also, JC is a very outgoing kid.....sometimes too outgoing. We are trying to teach him not to be rough (he is bigger than other kids....and doesn't realize how strong he is.) And, he is used to playing with good ole' country boys back home. Praying he is able to find a balance and make some friends here.
We have been blessed to find a wonderful church family at a local International worship service. This group has truly embraced us and our children.
I can dread days like this when it is rainy and icky....or I can count my blessings.
I know people who are creating a site on CaringBridge.org because a loved one has been put on hospice.
There are people driving to St. Jude's Hospital because they have been given no hope for their sweet child's illness.
I have a roof over my head. I don't have to worry if the water my child is drinking is going to make him sick.
My husband has a good job and enjoys it. He has made some wonderful friends all along the way who have become like family.
I have a God who loves me just the way I am.....He loves me so much He gave up His Son for me!
The icky days are one way we become stronger...and draw closer to our Father.
So, the music side of me looks to these two songs to help me look beyond the drizzling rain...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emgv-VRtMEU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knuHDPbE5es&ob=av2e
I was kind of "low" today, missing everyone back home. It is one of those drizzling rainy days where you can't really do anything outside. So, with no vehicle, we pretty much are staying home and watching Mater's Tall Tales. Micah really wanted to play on the slide this morning. It is so hard to explain to him that everything is wet! And, he is hard-headed.
Expat life is different, especially on a compound. You have all these people here living in one little area.....from all different walks of life. Also, people come and go all the time....moving from one job to another. It is hard to really connect with people on a personal level. And, with my case, when you have a very active little one like Micah with you all the time...you don't get to sit and have coffee anywhere that often.
Also, JC is a very outgoing kid.....sometimes too outgoing. We are trying to teach him not to be rough (he is bigger than other kids....and doesn't realize how strong he is.) And, he is used to playing with good ole' country boys back home. Praying he is able to find a balance and make some friends here.
We have been blessed to find a wonderful church family at a local International worship service. This group has truly embraced us and our children.
I can dread days like this when it is rainy and icky....or I can count my blessings.
I know people who are creating a site on CaringBridge.org because a loved one has been put on hospice.
There are people driving to St. Jude's Hospital because they have been given no hope for their sweet child's illness.
I have a roof over my head. I don't have to worry if the water my child is drinking is going to make him sick.
My husband has a good job and enjoys it. He has made some wonderful friends all along the way who have become like family.
I have a God who loves me just the way I am.....He loves me so much He gave up His Son for me!
The icky days are one way we become stronger...and draw closer to our Father.
So, the music side of me looks to these two songs to help me look beyond the drizzling rain...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emgv-VRtMEU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knuHDPbE5es&ob=av2e
Friday, March 23, 2012
A Beautiful Encounter
I had an encounter today....
It was not just any encounter. We have Koreans who come up to us all the time....especially because of the boys and their blonde hair. They are "goo" and "gah" over them.
Today, two sweet ladies came up to me as I was looking at some ABC, 123's, and times table charts at Homeplus. I had Micah in the buggy seat. They asked, " Korean?". I had to say, "No, I do not speak Korean." "English?" I asked. They told me "no". We could at least understand that they were asking me Micah's name and how old he was. One of the ladies asked if I was American. She then patted her chest and asked, "Jesus?".
I was floored. I almost started crying right then and there because I knew better than anything that we had officially bonded, in spite of our language barrier. She was asking if I had Jesus in my heart!
Oh, the smile we shared. We kept looking at the charts, then, as they walked off, I used the translator on my iPhone to tell her "nice to meet you". We bowed to each other and shared more big smiles.
Why doesn't that happen in the US? We are so caught up in our lives that we cannot stop to see if someone has Jesus in their heart?
Oh, Father, help me to be like that lady every day for the rest of my life!
It was not just any encounter. We have Koreans who come up to us all the time....especially because of the boys and their blonde hair. They are "goo" and "gah" over them.
Today, two sweet ladies came up to me as I was looking at some ABC, 123's, and times table charts at Homeplus. I had Micah in the buggy seat. They asked, " Korean?". I had to say, "No, I do not speak Korean." "English?" I asked. They told me "no". We could at least understand that they were asking me Micah's name and how old he was. One of the ladies asked if I was American. She then patted her chest and asked, "Jesus?".
I was floored. I almost started crying right then and there because I knew better than anything that we had officially bonded, in spite of our language barrier. She was asking if I had Jesus in my heart!
Oh, the smile we shared. We kept looking at the charts, then, as they walked off, I used the translator on my iPhone to tell her "nice to meet you". We bowed to each other and shared more big smiles.
Why doesn't that happen in the US? We are so caught up in our lives that we cannot stop to see if someone has Jesus in their heart?
Oh, Father, help me to be like that lady every day for the rest of my life!
Kid's Cafe in Ulsan, South Korea
Mike got off after lunch from work since it was HHI Establishment Day. We decided to go find a place called the "Kid's Cafe" that a friend told me about. It was great!
Before Mike got off...this was the scene.....
Then, Mike got home and we loaded up into the Sonata.....
We found the place...and it was great! Here are some of the scenes we caught when we first got there...
There was an awesome little playhouse....with a rooms full of toys!
There was a train....but Micah would not ride it. JC got on....they put this little girl on with him. She was none too happy to have to ride with him. :(
So, he choose to be the engineer on the next round....
Then Micah found the Merry-go-Round....
They had a blast......
And on goes the adventure!
Before Mike got off...this was the scene.....
We found the place...and it was great! Here are some of the scenes we caught when we first got there...
Then Micah found the Merry-go-Round....
And on goes the adventure!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
HHI Establishment Day
JC had no school yesterday or today. There was an inset day (staff development) yesterday. Today is what is called HHI Establishment Day.
HHI stands for Hyundai Heavy Industries. HHI was opened first as a construction company in March of 1947. Then it became a shipbuilding/industry company in the 1970's. It has been booming ever since. You cannot believe the massive presence of Hyundai here. There is a whole stretch of road, probably 10 miles long of just Hyundai offices, construction sites, etc. along where we live. Our compound is actually called "Hyundai Foreign Compound". JC goes to the "Hyundai Foreign School". There is no escaping it here!
HHI stands for Hyundai Heavy Industries. HHI was opened first as a construction company in March of 1947. Then it became a shipbuilding/industry company in the 1970's. It has been booming ever since. You cannot believe the massive presence of Hyundai here. There is a whole stretch of road, probably 10 miles long of just Hyundai offices, construction sites, etc. along where we live. Our compound is actually called "Hyundai Foreign Compound". JC goes to the "Hyundai Foreign School". There is no escaping it here!
The only bad thing is that it has been wet and rainy both days. We hope to get out later when Mike gets off work.Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Update on our adventure
This week has been a little different. We have an inset day (similar to staff development) tomorrow. Friday the students are off again for HHI Establishment Day.
We have been doing well in many areas, not so great in others. This is really a learning experience, developing routines and find ways to improve.
Miss you all!!
We have been doing well in many areas, not so great in others. This is really a learning experience, developing routines and find ways to improve.
Miss you all!!
Friday, March 16, 2012
JC's great day!
JC got two awards today at school....Star of the Week, and for participating in the Math Challenge this week! :) Very proud of him!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Pictures from Micah's Birthday Get-together and church's birthday cake
Our church celebrates the birthday's of the month on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Here are some photos from there....
Here are several pictures from the get together I posted about.......................................
The last picture is of our pastor praying over Micah. That was the most precious moment of the day!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Blessed Beyond Measure
We are sooo blessed beyond anything we deserve. It has not been more evident than tonight!
See, Micah's third birthday is on Tuesday. Last year, we were in Texas for his birthday. It was all bittersweet. We had just attended my father-in-law's funeral. There were lots of family there. We went ahead and had an early birthday party for him since so many of our family were in one place.
He even got to have a mini-party at his grandmother's on the exact day of his birthday. And, we thought 2 birthday parties in one year would top it all.
This year measured way up there. We just thought at the last minute that we would invite some people from Mike's work along with their spouses and children. Then I thought about our neighbor across the hall, our pastor and a family from church who have a daughter who goes to school with JC.
All were able to come except one family. I cannot express how I feel right now. These people who I hardly know (even though many work with Mike....he knows them very well) came to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the birth of my second born. I was awed by the love that was shown to our family tonight.
Back home, we had a 2500 sq. ft. home. When we were looking into buying a home, we prayed that God would lead us to buy a home, not only for how it "fit" our family, but that it would be a place of ministry. God took us beyond our dreams on that one.
Now we live in an apartment that is about 1000 sq. feet. We only have one bathroom. And, we had 10 adults and six children here tonight. We were plied on top of each other. But we all had a blast.
We were able to visit with our pastor, his precious wife, and darling children. That was a true blessing. Before they left, our pastor came, laid hands on Micah and prayed over him. I was in tears! At that moment, I knew I was where God wanted me to be. He knew I needed to have my child prayed for. He knew that I loved my precious child more than anything....but I know that I cannot bring him up to be the man of God I want him to be...I cannot do that without God's power!
Thank you, Pastor, for lifting us up in prayer, and bringing a new fire in my heart. Thank you to all of our friends who came together in one place to hang out and love on us! We pray we can be 10 times the blessing to all of you!
Thank you, Lord, for bringing us here! We know you have something awesome planned for us throughout our time here!
See, Micah's third birthday is on Tuesday. Last year, we were in Texas for his birthday. It was all bittersweet. We had just attended my father-in-law's funeral. There were lots of family there. We went ahead and had an early birthday party for him since so many of our family were in one place.
He even got to have a mini-party at his grandmother's on the exact day of his birthday. And, we thought 2 birthday parties in one year would top it all.
This year measured way up there. We just thought at the last minute that we would invite some people from Mike's work along with their spouses and children. Then I thought about our neighbor across the hall, our pastor and a family from church who have a daughter who goes to school with JC.
All were able to come except one family. I cannot express how I feel right now. These people who I hardly know (even though many work with Mike....he knows them very well) came to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the birth of my second born. I was awed by the love that was shown to our family tonight.
Back home, we had a 2500 sq. ft. home. When we were looking into buying a home, we prayed that God would lead us to buy a home, not only for how it "fit" our family, but that it would be a place of ministry. God took us beyond our dreams on that one.
Now we live in an apartment that is about 1000 sq. feet. We only have one bathroom. And, we had 10 adults and six children here tonight. We were plied on top of each other. But we all had a blast.
We were able to visit with our pastor, his precious wife, and darling children. That was a true blessing. Before they left, our pastor came, laid hands on Micah and prayed over him. I was in tears! At that moment, I knew I was where God wanted me to be. He knew I needed to have my child prayed for. He knew that I loved my precious child more than anything....but I know that I cannot bring him up to be the man of God I want him to be...I cannot do that without God's power!
Thank you, Pastor, for lifting us up in prayer, and bringing a new fire in my heart. Thank you to all of our friends who came together in one place to hang out and love on us! We pray we can be 10 times the blessing to all of you!
Thank you, Lord, for bringing us here! We know you have something awesome planned for us throughout our time here!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
A Busy Day!
Today was quite a busy day. First we walked JC to school. Then, Micah and I went for a walk. I am trying to do that more and more. Seems I might be losing weight and getting healthier! Gasp!
We walk usually to the Hyundai Department Store which is about 3/4 of a mile from our compound. We ventured a little more to a small park on the other side of Hyundai, and also down some more of these "one way" streets that come in and out of the main road of Hyundai Heavy Industries.
When I say "one way", it means this is a narrow street. However, there are no signs telling which way. People just weave in and out both ways. And, sometimes you are having to pull over almost to the walls of shops to get out of the way because people even park on these streets. After this experience, I will never complain about traffic in Hattiesburg again! Hardy Street is heaven compared to the traffic here!
Micah just loves going to the McDonald's across from Hyundai Department Store. I'm not sure if it is just the store itself (it is two floors), or the attention he gets from there. They have several tables that are right up against the front windows. He likes the one that faces the corner. People walk by and are pointing and giggling. You can tell the ladies think he is too cute. We have had many ladies come in and pat him on the head..haha! He then pours on the charm by saying, "Annjeung-haseyo", which mean, 'Hello, how do you do?'. :)
JC only had a half day of school today (same thing every Wednesday). We had a classmate of his over for lunch. Her dad works with Mike, and her mom was tied up taking her little sister to the doctor. We then headed down to the clubhouse to play. Let me tell you....there are so many kids that hang out and play there on Wednesday afternoons. It is so cool!
JC even went exploring for lizards. He came back to tell me that he and his friends found some lizards that had to be in water to survive...and that he now has one for a pet. It was in a bowl on the kitchen counter. Luckily, I was able to convince him that it would only be kind to set him free so he could live out in the "wild". It didn't help though when half the compound kids were scooping them up in soda bottles one by one..haha! But he wanted to set his free. (Yes, I almost fainted at the fact that he agreed with me!)
He spent the rest of the afternoon playing with classmates around our area of the compound. When he finally made it home, he announced that one of his friends said I should wash his tennis shoes. He said he had accidentally stepped in dog poop......now there is no doubt that JC is all boy! haha!
It was truly a wonderful day. We also went to Homeplus after Mike came home to get a new shelf for JC's room (for all his new model figures that he builds with Mike and his Star Wars Lego "stuff". I also tried to get comforters for the boy's beds...but they are so expensive here. And the beds they have are not a twin and not a full....something in between. The ones I got do not fit well....but their rooms look more like boys' rooms than dorm rooms. :)
We also got Micah birthday presents and party supplies together. Granted, he is not in school and doesn't have any playmates yet, but we are inviting some people from Mike's work. Many of Mike's friends have "adopted" the boys as their "nephews"...haha! It is just wonderful to see that!
I know this is a long post....but there was just so much to share about today!
We walk usually to the Hyundai Department Store which is about 3/4 of a mile from our compound. We ventured a little more to a small park on the other side of Hyundai, and also down some more of these "one way" streets that come in and out of the main road of Hyundai Heavy Industries.
When I say "one way", it means this is a narrow street. However, there are no signs telling which way. People just weave in and out both ways. And, sometimes you are having to pull over almost to the walls of shops to get out of the way because people even park on these streets. After this experience, I will never complain about traffic in Hattiesburg again! Hardy Street is heaven compared to the traffic here!
Micah just loves going to the McDonald's across from Hyundai Department Store. I'm not sure if it is just the store itself (it is two floors), or the attention he gets from there. They have several tables that are right up against the front windows. He likes the one that faces the corner. People walk by and are pointing and giggling. You can tell the ladies think he is too cute. We have had many ladies come in and pat him on the head..haha! He then pours on the charm by saying, "Annjeung-haseyo", which mean, 'Hello, how do you do?'. :)
JC only had a half day of school today (same thing every Wednesday). We had a classmate of his over for lunch. Her dad works with Mike, and her mom was tied up taking her little sister to the doctor. We then headed down to the clubhouse to play. Let me tell you....there are so many kids that hang out and play there on Wednesday afternoons. It is so cool!
JC even went exploring for lizards. He came back to tell me that he and his friends found some lizards that had to be in water to survive...and that he now has one for a pet. It was in a bowl on the kitchen counter. Luckily, I was able to convince him that it would only be kind to set him free so he could live out in the "wild". It didn't help though when half the compound kids were scooping them up in soda bottles one by one..haha! But he wanted to set his free. (Yes, I almost fainted at the fact that he agreed with me!)
He spent the rest of the afternoon playing with classmates around our area of the compound. When he finally made it home, he announced that one of his friends said I should wash his tennis shoes. He said he had accidentally stepped in dog poop......now there is no doubt that JC is all boy! haha!
It was truly a wonderful day. We also went to Homeplus after Mike came home to get a new shelf for JC's room (for all his new model figures that he builds with Mike and his Star Wars Lego "stuff". I also tried to get comforters for the boy's beds...but they are so expensive here. And the beds they have are not a twin and not a full....something in between. The ones I got do not fit well....but their rooms look more like boys' rooms than dorm rooms. :)
We also got Micah birthday presents and party supplies together. Granted, he is not in school and doesn't have any playmates yet, but we are inviting some people from Mike's work. Many of Mike's friends have "adopted" the boys as their "nephews"...haha! It is just wonderful to see that!
I know this is a long post....but there was just so much to share about today!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
New Church!
Thank you all for the prayers.
We think we have found a place of worship. It is actually a Korean church that has an English worship service on Sunday afternoons. There are only about 20 - 25 people who attend, but there is such an awesome spirit there. So many people from so many places worshipping our Lord and Savior. It is awesome!
Yes, just so Micah from Revolution Church and Brad from Willow Pointe will not worry....they have an wonderful praise band!
When we came the first time, we knew God was working something out. See, long before we came to Korea, I was researching all kinds of things about the area online. I found a website from a wonderful couple who wrote about this church. Also, some of JC's teachers had told us about this church. Then, as we walk in the doors, we heard the sweetest little voice saying, "JC, it's JC!".
Yeah, we could not believe it either! haha! We didn't know he was that popular??
It was a girl from his school. Her father plays guitar for the praise band. Everyone just welcomed us with open arms. At the end of the service, JC told Mike, "Dad, I think this is our church!". :)
This past Sunday we were met at the door with hugs and greetings.
We are praying for God to continue to give us opportunities to serve.
Again, thank you all for your prayers!!!
We think we have found a place of worship. It is actually a Korean church that has an English worship service on Sunday afternoons. There are only about 20 - 25 people who attend, but there is such an awesome spirit there. So many people from so many places worshipping our Lord and Savior. It is awesome!
Yes, just so Micah from Revolution Church and Brad from Willow Pointe will not worry....they have an wonderful praise band!
When we came the first time, we knew God was working something out. See, long before we came to Korea, I was researching all kinds of things about the area online. I found a website from a wonderful couple who wrote about this church. Also, some of JC's teachers had told us about this church. Then, as we walk in the doors, we heard the sweetest little voice saying, "JC, it's JC!".
Yeah, we could not believe it either! haha! We didn't know he was that popular??
It was a girl from his school. Her father plays guitar for the praise band. Everyone just welcomed us with open arms. At the end of the service, JC told Mike, "Dad, I think this is our church!". :)
This past Sunday we were met at the door with hugs and greetings.
We are praying for God to continue to give us opportunities to serve.
Again, thank you all for your prayers!!!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
The Teddy Bear Museum!!!
Okay, Mississippi....you have thousands of little girls and boys who love their teddy bears. Here is an idea of a museum...A Teddy Bear Museum!!!
We took the boys there today. It was as cute as can be! :)
Here are some clips........
Missing everyone back home....but do not take offense that we are having a wonderful time! :) We love you all!!!!
We took the boys there today. It was as cute as can be! :)
Here are some clips........
Missing everyone back home....but do not take offense that we are having a wonderful time! :) We love you all!!!!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Korean Declaration Day/Independence Day
Mike and JC had the day off today for the Korean Declaration/Independence Day. We decided to go get a new laptop (The netbook power cord is broken......can't find one here! grrr). Then we headed to the Ulsan Grand Park again.
Here are some clips from the day. Now, Micah and JC kept drawing a crowd. JC even has his own "fan club" now...haha! You'll see what I mean...........
Here are some clips from the day. Now, Micah and JC kept drawing a crowd. JC even has his own "fan club" now...haha! You'll see what I mean...........
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