New beginnings, new friends

There are new projects, new people, I new relationships to be made. With the beginning of school, there are many new people to meet. That is expat life. People move, people come.

I remember when I was younger that I thought about becoming a missionary. I thought that would be a great way to serve God. Then, God called me to the classroom.....an Algebra classroom to be exact. He also called me to church ministry. Even though it was fulfilling, there was still a little part of me that was drawn to ministry overseas.

But, God didn't call me to be ordained or train with the Foreign Mission Board. He called me to be Mike's wife. And in that calling came leaving my comfort zone.

He called me to a battle. This battle was to leave the life I always lived in my home state. I was going to a foreign land where I did not know the customs, the language, or the life. I didn't know anything about being an expat wife.

However, God is teaching me every step of the way. I also am learning that God has called me here. I needed help when I got here.......and I know others need that same help now as they come to Ulsan. I am praying God can use me to minister to these who are adjusting to this new life.

And, I am praying I can show these families that we are here for a reason. We are here to support our husbands. We are here to create a safe haven for them to come home to. This may not be what we had planned for, but with the economy, this is the life we have. Families are having to relocate and redesign their lives to make it.

And now I stand to that challenge. I will be an encouraging wife. I will put my husband and children first just after God. And I will help others do the same.

God has a plan here to save families.....one encouraging word at a time. And there are more and more of us here to walk with Him in His plan! :)

The Continued Journey

Things have flown by this summer. Here is what happened.

We went back to the US the first of July. We went to Texas and visited my husband's family, then went to Mississippi to visit my family and for doctor and dental visits. We came back and had a Vacation Bible School here at the compound.

I have been involved in Vacation Bible Schools for over 20 years. This has to be the best yet. We had around 16 kids, and about that many volunteers. Everything went smoothly, and the kids enjoyed the week. I loved the program, the kids and the spiritual growth that happened that week.

We started school this week. It has gone well. My youngest is staying in the first preschool group. He has some delays and is on the autistic spectrum, so he is truly going to benefit from another year to make a stronger foundation of learning for him. He has the same teachers as last year and is loving it! My oldest got a new teacher. (She is new to our school.) So far he loves his class. I am so excited!

I will continue to update our adventures. We have been able to meet so many new people.

We are looking forward to another great year!

His Most Important Decision

My first born made the most important decision of his life. He gave his life to Christ.

I cannot tell you how happy this made me!

We  came back to the states to visit our families. Our church pastor is on vacation now. So we prayed about it, and we decided to ask my distant cousin's husband (both of them are just like my first cousins....we are very close, they live across from my parent's home, and he is my parents' pastor). So, JC was baptized at the same church I grew up in from age 11 and up. This is the church where I felt the call to go into youth and children's ministry. This is where so many prayed for me throughout the years. This is where my daddy was ordained as a deacon. This is where my sister was married. This is where my family was taken care of when my dad had his heart attack and heart surgery. This is the same place we took refuge from Hurricane Katrina.

JC made it through one of the strongest hurricanes here when he was 4 months old. And now he came back to the same place to share his testimony of how he gave his life to God and was baptized.

Thank you, God for his decision. May he forever be changed and used by You!

How Home is Like Duck Dynasty

I began watching Duck Dynasty a few months ago. Being the southern girl that I am, I love it! This family reminds me of my family a lot.

See, my dad is Phil. How fitting is that? My dad is a strong Christian man. And, he can fix almost anything. What he can't fix, he knows where to take it. :)

Now, don't worry. My dad is clean shaven and cannot stand going over six weeks without a haircut. His hairdresser has him on a regular schedule for that. My dad doesn't hunt, but could if he had to. He still has a garden. He, also, knows good food. He even cooks a lot! I miss my daddy's cooking so much.

My mom is not as "endowed" in body as Miss Kay, but she is down to earth just like her. She has that sweet smile, also. Most people fall in love with her pretty quick. She has been known to be an "adopted" aunt/mom to many a newcomer to the small town they live in.

Her kitchen is sort of similar to this. She taught me how to make homemade dumplings, cake, cookies, etc....

And I have one of the most awesome uncle's ever. He has a beard, but it is short. But he has a wit about him. Everyone who meets him loves him! He is a lot like Uncle Si. I think that might be why he is one of my favorite characters!

I have a brother-in-law who is a cross between Willie and Jase. He loves his boats and ATV's like Willie, but he hunts like Jase.

 

 

 

Now, I'm not sure who Martin and Godwin are like. There are many guys I know like them. I just have to laugh at them because they are so much like the guys I grew up with.....hard working with a sense of humor....and haven't lost their sense of "fun".

I do pray that I will be like Miss Kay. She is such a godly woman who is giving and loving to her family and the community around her.

So, here's to Duck Dynasty. I am just praying they can point more people to God through their show and not get caught up in fame and fortune. I'm pretty sure Phil will make sure that doesn't happen. I admire so much that they are still living in the same house for years. They are down to earth, despite their riches.

It is hard to explain expat life to someone who has never experienced it.

You move to a foreign country where you know no one.....and I mean NO ONE! Then you enroll your child in a school where you have no idea who the teachers are kin to or who they taught in the past. And then, you run the risk of no restaurants serving sweet tea! Talk about culture shock!

We have been lucky enough to move into a foreigners compound. We have people from all countries and all walks of life here. Needless to say, I am one of the few who grew up in the country in South Mississippi.

I wear my "Southern Belle" shirts, one of which says 'Hey Ya'll' on the back. I don't worry too much about manicures and pedicures. I don't have a maid or a nanny. I don't even have a car.

When my family tells folks that I am in South Korea, they automatically think I am on the mission field. That is not totally false.

Yes, we are here with my husband's job, which is on a project team building drillships. But we knew God was up to something when He led us to take this job.

We have been able to help continue a student Christian club at our son's school which was started by a precious couple from South Africa who were teachers here.
We now help with the children's church with a worship group here on the compound.  We are able to interact with so many people on a daily basis.

My reason for this blog is this:

I could have viewed this move as one of the worst things in life. Yes, I miss my family terribly, both in Mississippi and Texas. I miss sweet tea, fried catfish, strawberries year around, Pam cooking spray, Crisco shortening, an array of canned and frozen veggies, and a cheap gallon of ice cream. I miss driving my own car. I miss knowing the language. I miss my friends. I miss my church.

But, God has blessed me beyond measure here....
He called me here for a purpose....or maybe many purposes. I just have to be willing to be used. And, I can see my husband more that 3 months out of the year.

What could be better than to follow God's leading?

I am now taking Korean class. I have several friends I can call on to help me interpret for me. I have become part of a new family here. I can be used to help others who are new here. I can help them feel like family.

So, no matter what situation God has you in.....He calls you to be content in whatever season you are in. He loves you and cares for you more than you can ever imagine.

Let Him use you in this season of life. I'm sure not going to let this season pass and miss what He could have done here in Korea...I want to be a part of it! :)

Boston Marathon Tragedy

Yesterday, our home country was once again targeted by bombs.

Everyone back home has been worried about us here in South Korea. Then, someone does a senseless act at the Boston Marathon.

There are blogs firing up about what happened yesterday. It seems the major news networks have forgotten about North Korea. As we all know here in Ulsan, the media can create its own spectacle...just depending on what news story is hot at the time.

I know some are going to blame everyone. At first, some thought this was a terrorist attack from abroad. Now a backpack and pressure cooker has been found. It looks like it may be a terror act from one of our own.

It is truly a tragedy. Why would anyone want to target innocent people? Why not target the ones you are really mad at? Or maybe people could use some common sense and work on their anger in a more humane way?

We are truly looking at the end times. We, as Christians, stress and grieve. But, ultimately, this should not surprise us. God tells us about the events of the end times in His Word.

This is another event that has drawn us to our knees. The sad thing is, we may have full churches this Sunday, but it will dwindle off week by week. Why do we run to God only when there is a disaster or tragedy? Why do we not spend every waking moment turning to Him?

If we did turn to Him daily, no matter what.....what would our world be like?

North Korea and God's work

It is all over the news......North Korea. North Korea has been stating that they are ready to shoot missiles and test nuclear weapons. South Korea, the USA, and Japan have been mentioned in targets. Many back home have been concerned about us being here in South Korea.

Here is how things are now.......

All of the embassies of the major countries around have no extra warnings, except for taking the regular security precautions. Most companies here are making plans for evacuations if needed.

This is my take on it......God's got this! I know it sounds simple, but I have to trust that God's will is going to be done. If we have to evacuate, so be it. However, I want to stay! God is doing a work in His people here. He is moving in hearts and lives. And, I want to be a part of it!

I know we aren't ordained missionaries. We have never been trained by the International Missions Board. But, God does call us all to be missionaries. What about the Great Commission? It is not the "Great Suggestion".

It is a commandment!


He was directing this to His disciples. But if we have given our lives to Christ, we are now disciples.

Mike and I both felt that God was leading us to Korea...not just a drillship building project. We can see where God is using so many people here, including us, in Ulsan.

My prayer is that I will let God do His work here in Ulsan. I pray that more and more people will be reached for Christ.

I even pray that God will find a way to reach the leadership of North Korea. It would be amazing if the leadership....if Kim Jong-un gave his life to Christ!

God has something great in store for South Korea! I pray He will do a great work back home, also!

I pray that I will not miss any opportunity. I am not an ordained minister. I am not a missionary who has been sent out by the International Mission Board. I'm just a housewife....who is now in South Korea.

Let me be humble, sensitive, and loving. Give me Your eyes, Lord.

Even if it is something like this.....
http://youtu.be/Xtk5WgzZcYA

So, don't worry! We are okay! Just continue to pray for us as we are here. And pray for peace.

What a month!

We have had such a great month! First, we had some special folks move to our section of the compound. One of JC's teachers and his wife have moved in front of us. Another family moved upstairs from us. They have the sweetest two boys. One is a year old and one is seven...the same age as JC! They are inseparable now! I am so thankful for all these new friends!



Micah's birthday was this month. He had so many special celebrations at school and at home!











Then there was Spring Celebration at school. We made brownie bites for the bake sale.....and Micah had a ball with licking the bowl and the spoon.



He wasn't as excited about the spring parade. :(


But then Good Friday brought a visit to Grand Park with some friends!













God has been so good to us! Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings! I sure don't deserve it.

May I be a light to others here for You!

Reflections on Good Friday

I have many memories of Good Friday. I remember attending Holy Week Services in churches I served in. Some years it just became a habit, another day that we observed. This year I have tried becoming more and more aware of the price Christ paid for me.

If I was the only one who needed to be saved, He would still die for me. Just me. Think about that! If you were the only one......He loves you enough......He would have died on that Christ for YOU! He loves you that much!

Today we are so complacent and spoiled. We don't think about the price that was paid. We don't even think about the sacrifice so many martyrs made for the faith. Where would our churches be if they had not paid the price?

Today, don't let the day go by without remembering the price that was paid, the hurt, the sorrow, the agony, the darkness, the void.........

But remember that Sunday is coming!

He's growing up! :(

I have been so inconsistent with my blog. This has got to change! :) I know that it helps our family and friends still feel connected to us. It also keeps me accountable.

Lots of things have been happening. It seems busyness can easily take my sight off what really matters.

Micah turned four last week. He has made tremendous progress since coming here. A huge part of that is due to his preschool. He has excellent teachers and friends. The parents of these friends have been so patient and supportive of us. They are a huge part of his progress. He is finally counting items, recognizing letters, and interacting more and more with people around him other than our immediate family. He talks about his friends from school all the time. He has also developed a few friendships with some imaginary friends. Isabella, from Phineas and Ferb, is now the new friend. :) She is the little girl who is quoted by saying "Phineas, watcha doin'?" :)

Happy Birthday, little dude! I am so proud of you!!

Doesn't seem like two years........

It sure doesn't seem like two years. My father-in-law had battled cancer a little over two short months. We never dreamed this would have happened. We lost him on March 3, 2011.

He was one of a kind. He was a country boy from Missouri who joined the Air Force. It was only supposed to be for four years.....but the Air Force grabbed him! He traveled the world....Alaska, Korea, Japan, Arizona, Washington DC and Texas.

Then his oldest son nabbed up a country girl from South Mississippi. He treated her like the daughter he never had. He was absolutely in awe of the two grandsons she gave him.

I think this may be some of his favorite times with these guys. JC remembers him, but Micah will have a harder time remembering. However, I think Mr. Harvey would have understood Micah more than most.

We sure do miss you, Grandpa!

I have been tracking down my family tree, along with Mike's ancestry. I think Mr. Harvey would be having a ball tracking down our heritage. Sure wish I could share everything I have found!

I think you would be loving the idea of us in South Korea. Just wish you could be here to visit and see how your two grandbabies are thriving here. :)

Love and miss you, Grandpa!

Goodbye's are so hard!

We are having to say goodbye to a precious couple from our church family. They will be in the country for a few more weeks, but this was their last Sunday with our worship group.

We had the crew over today for a farewell get together to say goodbye. :(

 

It is always hard to say goodbye to people you grow to love....but we know God is planning great things for them! We love this church family so much! They have been a rock for us during this time in Korea.

We also have to say goodbye to a wonderful family here on the compound. Their daughter is in Micah's class. I will miss this little princess so much....and her family!

 

 

Lunar New Year

I am behind on my posts, but these are some pictures of the boys from their Lunar New Year Celebrations earlier this month. They had so much fun learning more about the Korean holiday and culture. I love that God has blessed us to have opportunities like this!

So here's to another year here in South Korea! We love and miss everyone back home, but God is blessing us with some precious friends here who are becoming like family! :) (Another post on some "family" time next!)