this and that.

Lessons learned...hopefully there's no test soon.

I've been back in Korea for a month now and have expected things to settle into a routine. I'm expecting the "normal" to arrive, which I will embrace with open arms.

When I got back after Christmas break, I saw the world that I had come to learn and love here in Korea differently. It was familiar. I had stared at things so much before Christmas (BC), that now after Christmas (AC), there was a sense of familiarity that I clung to. I expected maybe too much from that feeling of 'having it together' because the last few days have been so hard on me-one would think I am just NOW moving overseas and saying goodbye to one thing for another.

I wish I could pinpoint what has been going on with me, and hopefully God will reveal to me what He has for me to learn in all of this, but at this point I cannot accurately communicate what has been on my heart and mind of late.  I do know that the enemy does not want our hearts and minds on things of Christ, of His peace and His word.  I know that Christ is Sovereign over ALL things, even my circumstances and feelings.  Focusing on Truth over feelings is important for me to remember.

As I was listening to some music this evening, a thought came across in one of the songs about being loved as a child by a wonderful Father who is always looking out for us. That brought a simple but true song to mind that all children of God need to be reminded.

Jesus loves me! This I know, 
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong; 
They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know, 
As He loved so long ago, 
Taking children on His knee, 
Saying, "Let them come to Me."

Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me still today, 
Walking with me on my way, 
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.

Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven's gate to open wide; 
He will wash away my sin, 
Let His little child come in.

Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way; 
Thou hast bled and died for me, 
I will henceforth live for Thee.

Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
The Bible tells me so...

Fun random parts of my life

We took our students ice-sledding one afternoon. I tried it too and had a blast.

We were all given a small board and 2 sticks with nails in the end to help steer us around the frozen ice paddy. So much fun!

 Later, we switched our boards for sleds and got to ride down this hill which teachers and students alike enjoyed. It. was. so. much. fun.

Then Lunar New Year Break came, giving us teachers a chance to go exploring parts of Korea or sleep in a couple of days. I did both. :)

One day a few of us took an excursion into Seoul to "On the Border" and to find the elusive Payless shoe store we'd heard so much about. Found both! I had to commemorate the occasion with a shot of my guacamole, which is a rare find.

I saw Frozen in the states over Christmas, but had to go again in Korea! It's a huge favorite with our students. This was on display in the theater. This is one of my roommates with me, Kim. 

So, yes, we've had snow. It is so pretty here, but things don't slow down because of it like in the states. Still I enjoy the beauty while it is here. There has been snow on the ground for a long time in places because it hasn't gotten warm enough to melt. 

                        Above and below are in my apartment complex.

 This is from my apartment on the 10th floor.

So, I pretty much look like these days.

 Thankful for my warm coat! And that you can buy thick scarves everywhere!

 I tried what I thought was sushi, but is actually tuna kimbop. It has rice, seaweed, radishes, and some other things. It's an acquired taste. eh heh. :)

This picture I took when my roommate Kim was cutting pickles for a party we were going to and I noticed a face! Kinda cute but silly all the same. Enjoy!