Trick or Treat on the Hyundai Foreigner Compound

Seems like the foreigner's compound was invaded by witches, superheroes, fairies, princesses, mummies, vampires, zombies...etc.

Here is some proof! They even had a Trail of Terror and a Disco Dance afterwards.

A great time was had by all. Thanks to the PTA for all your hard work!!

Micah's progress!

Micah has been in the Early Years Centre for two months now. At first, he had a hard time with the structured classroom time. He also had difficulty with the routine.

However, about a week and a half ago, he started sitting with the kids during class time (carpet time). He was singing the songs, listening to stories, playing the games....all the things I thought he may not be able to accomplish this year.

We had a time yesterday where the parents could come and visit. Here are some pictures from that time....

Afterwards, I met with his teacher.....she had a surprise for me!

He was so excited! We know that these are baby steps....and most parents would not think it is much. But this is big for us! He has the best teachers at EYC!! We love you, Mrs. McAloon and Miss Elin!

Choosing to Change

I have begun meeting with a group of expat wives for Bible study and prayer each week.
It has truly been a blessing to me.

See, being an expat wife, especially a new one like me, can be very stressing.

I remember the first few months here....

I had never lived any farther that and hour and 45 minutes from my hometown.
I had never flown.
I was homeschooling a very active and strong willed child.
I left a very close-knit extended family.
I was active in the children's and youth ministry of our church and had close friends in this family of faith.
I knew only one language, English. And, I had a bad southern drawl, at that!

As you can imagine, I was not your typical expat wife. My children were to typical either.

I often asked God why in the world He would send me here to this compound, this city, this country.

Many times, through tears and anger, I told God that I just wanted to go home.

During the summer, I did go home. And things were different. We lived out of a suitcase while staying with family in two different states for five weeks. Life went on even though we were gone. And, I felt homesick in my heart for Korea.

God showed me that even though I was not perfect, classy, poised, or what I thought was the perfect expat wife, that He needed me in Korea. I have seen small ways He is using me...but I know there are many other ways He will show me.
Even though my children are not perfect, that He is working in and through them.

I have learned that I have to find ways to control my emotions, my frustrations, loneliness, and anger. He can turn all that into, joy, peace, fullfillment, and purpose.

Me? A Proverbs 31 woman??

Today, my prayer and Bible study group studied Proverbs 31. I have always been intimidated by this "list". I mean, really....this woman gets up before dawn, keeps a garden, sells her harvest, is a seamstress, can cook like Paula Deen, makes her husband proud, etc, etc.

At least, that is what she was from my point of view.

Today, however, we discussed how this is probably a description of a few woman. I never knew it, but a king named King Lemeul's mother wrote this. She was describing what type of woman her son should look for to be his queen.

Isn't it wonderful that God made us all unique? He gives us each special gifts. I have to remind myself not to compare myself with others. God is the only One I need to please. He made me the way I am for a purpose....for HIS PURPOSE!

I sure am thankful He lets me in on His purpose!

I am posting a video of Beth Moore about comparing ourselves with others.....

So let go and let God use you today!!

Beth Moore: Only You Are You (LIFE Today/James Robison)

Busy Fall of 2012

We have been so busy lately. Mike's family came for a few weeks in September. It is so great having them here. Hopefully they enjoyed themselves. They were able to grab a few days in Seoul before heading back home.

Then we had Chuseok, the Korean thanksgiving holiday. Everyone wears these beautiful hanboks. Luckily, I was able to get both boys to wear them to Chuseok Sunday! Here are some pics of the day...

That weekend also included something called "Pirates Day" at the school. This is an annual event to close the pool. The kids dressed up like pirates, went on a treasure hunt, and went on a raft ride with Captain Hook!!!

Now that Micah is in preschool in the mornings, I can do some things during that time. However, I have found that you can get busy quick.

I take Korean lessons on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
I volunteer with the four year old class at Micah's preschool on Tuesday's.
I have my prayer and Bible Study group on Thursday mornings.
And, I volunteer with year 5 students on Friday mornings.
Oh, and along with the help of other moms, we are starting the Christian student club back at school.

Whew! Seems crazy....but I am loving it. I can remember when I first came here. I didn't seem to be able to get to know anyone (because of caring for Micah) and was not able to find my "niche". Guess God just needed me to adjust and then put me into use! :)

Let God use you today. You'll be amazed how energizing it can be!