Greetings!
The time has arrived for me and my friends, Sara and Jeanne, to run our half marathon. We leave on Saturday morning to head to the beautiful Soraksan area so that we can run our marathon on Sunday. We are camping out and I am looking forward to it!
I have often said, "If you can run six miles you can run thirteen. After six, it's a mental battle more than a physical." Well, I am going to test this theory this weekend. The longest distance we have run in our training is 6-7 miles. If you think of us on Sunday at 10 am(Saturday 8pm Texas time), and the following few hours, please pray that we would be able to run our race well.
How can you support me in this effort? Glad you asked! There are three different ways.
First, just pray. Pray for our safety and that we will have fun--that is what this is all about. Pray that we would have endurance. Pray for whatever the Lord brings to mind.Second, I have always thought it would be so great to run for a cause. After all, it is not everyone who decided to run 13.?? miles just to challenge oneself and to enjoy the high of crossing the finish line. How much better if I was actually running for something that has eternal value!?!
Second, support a greater cause. I would have sent this e-mail out but as I have been praying about what cause I should run for--I had heard nothing from the Lord. So the last few days, actually day, I have been pressing in harder asking the Lord to give me a reason to run--and He did! I am running to raise money for our school's Mission Trip to the Philippines this year over Spring Break.
I forget what it is called when you run for a cause (there is some official name), but I am asking you to pray and consider sponsoring me by paying me a certain amount of money for each mile that I run in this marathon. The most I can run is 13 miles! This will accomplish two goals. It will help motivate me to keep running when I am tempted to walk...and it will be supporting the work God is going to do this year in the Philippines.
If you are interested in doing this...please reply to this e-mail or comment on my blog your commitment. On Monday, when I get back from my race, I will let you know how much of the bath I was able to run. Just let me know how much you want to give for each mile I finish (example: 1 dollar for each mile I run) Technically, on these things there is an option for a flat donation--I would accept those as well. Basically, you agree to give me say...$1,000 just for crossing the finish line. ALL proceeds will go to support a mission trip to the Philipines. All things are better with encouragement and one of my main love languages are words of affirmation. Please feel free to reply to this e-mail or better yet, leave words of encouragement on my blog! Though I love running, I am more of a short distance runner. I think that 6 miles is a great "long" run but my favorite distance to fun is 3-4 miles. The race this weekend is going to be a bit of a challenge. So please, fill my love tank and encourage me. How much greater it will be to share in this victory with YOU. Thanks to all of you who have ALREADY been so supportive!
If you are interested in doing this...please reply to this e-mail or comment on my blog your commitment. On Monday, when I get back from my race, I will let you know how much of the bath I was able to run. Just let me know how much you want to give for each mile I finish (example: 1 dollar for each mile I run) Technically, on these things there is an option for a flat donation--I would accept those as well. Basically, you agree to give me say...$1,000 just for crossing the finish line. ALL proceeds will go to support a mission trip to the Philipines.
Third, send me words of encouragement! All things are better with encouragement and one of my main love languages are words of affirmation. Please feel free to reply to this e-mail or better yet, leave words of encouragement on my blog! Though I love running, I am more of a short distance runner. I think that 6 miles is a great "long" run but my favorite distance to fun is 3-4 miles. The race this weekend is going to be a bit of a challenge. So please, fill my love tank and encourage me.
How much greater it will be to share in this victory with YOU. Thanks to all of you who have ALREADY been so supportive!
9.27.2007
The Computer Saga Continues
As I sat down to blog on my computer...it kept freezing up--what it does when my battery is low and I need to charge it. The problem is, my computer was plugged into its power source. So, my laptop is officially out-of-service until ???
Basically, my computers power cord has decided to stop working and I cannot charge my computer's battery nor can I used it plugged into power. All is not lost. I am hopeful to find a friend who has a laptop whose computer charger that will work on my computer. But until that time...my computer is out of service and will probably remain so until mid-week as I am about to go out of town for the weekend and have no time to deal with my dieing computer.
Now, I have purchased a refurbished MacBookPro that is waiting for me in Texas, but I have 5 weeks until I and my Mac are united at last. In the meantime, I will have to steal time on Kara's laptop.
Until then...this is me saying that I probably will not post for a time. Perhaps for the next month! Sort of sad...I actally have some posts with pictures that I wanted to share with you guys.
Basically, my computers power cord has decided to stop working and I cannot charge my computer's battery nor can I used it plugged into power. All is not lost. I am hopeful to find a friend who has a laptop whose computer charger that will work on my computer. But until that time...my computer is out of service and will probably remain so until mid-week as I am about to go out of town for the weekend and have no time to deal with my dieing computer.
Now, I have purchased a refurbished MacBookPro that is waiting for me in Texas, but I have 5 weeks until I and my Mac are united at last. In the meantime, I will have to steal time on Kara's laptop.
Until then...this is me saying that I probably will not post for a time. Perhaps for the next month! Sort of sad...I actally have some posts with pictures that I wanted to share with you guys.
9.08.2007
Fish Anyone?
Here's the story. We went to Mr.Sorak last weekend. Though it is great to escape for a weekend, it also means you do not get to work on any school work over the weekend...at least if you are an Amber. I do not take grading or lessson plannning on vacations.
This is what the fish looked like to start with.
Here is the fish once I am finished with it. Notice...only the head is left. Yes, I ate everything else! It was very tasty and I enjoyed it very much and this fish saved me from starvation!
So what does an Amber do to still be ready for class on Monday? I stay up until 2:00 am Friday morning grading papers. This means I got four hours of sleep before heading into Friday. Not bad, but that also means I did not give myself time to eat breakfast Friday morning. Not a big deal...I can survive until lunch.
School got out at 11:30. We rush home and get home around 12:15 and need to meet the bus to leave for Mt.Sorak at 1:00. It is about a 5 minute walk to our meet point. So I have 45 minutes! Not a big deal, except I haven't packed because at 2 am I called it quits and went to bed. So I throw who knows what in a suitcase and I throw a piece of chicken and some Pringles in my bag for lunch to eat on the 5 hour bus ride to Mt.Sorak.
On our bus ride, I enjoy my chicken, Pringeles, and a coke (great lunch! huh?). We get to the hotel, drop our stuff in our room and leave in search for food. Afterall, we are hungry. All I have eaten all day is a piece of chicken and some Pringles.
We quickly discover we have one option, the Korean restauraunt in the hotel. I was expecting to eat Korean, so not a big deal. Almost every item on the menu has seafood in the title. Yuck. However, there was a beef and mushroom soup. It is that or Kalbi (which I love and know is filling). I decide not to play it safe and to order the soup. Bad idea.
On our bus ride, I enjoy my chicken, Pringeles, and a coke (great lunch! huh?). We get to the hotel, drop our stuff in our room and leave in search for food. Afterall, we are hungry. All I have eaten all day is a piece of chicken and some Pringles.
We quickly discover we have one option, the Korean restauraunt in the hotel. I was expecting to eat Korean, so not a big deal. Almost every item on the menu has seafood in the title. Yuck. However, there was a beef and mushroom soup. It is that or Kalbi (which I love and know is filling). I decide not to play it safe and to order the soup. Bad idea.
The soup ended up being this clear broth with three (not an exaaggeration) pieces of very thin beef. The other peices of beef in the soups where all fat. Also in my broth are some onions and some mushrooms. What do I do? I eat my three pieces of beef , the mushrooms, and onions. However, this is not very filling. Keep in mind...I have only had a piece of chicken and Pringles leading up to this meal. I was a little disappointed and was wishing I had just ordered the Kalbi.
Thankfully, Sara orderd a meal that came with the fish pictured below, a soup, and a rice dish with pumkin. She got a three-course meal. I got unflavorful soup. Anyhow, though everyone ate a bite or so of the fish...I ate the rest.
Thankfully, Sara orderd a meal that came with the fish pictured below, a soup, and a rice dish with pumkin. She got a three-course meal. I got unflavorful soup. Anyhow, though everyone ate a bite or so of the fish...I ate the rest.
This is what the fish looked like to start with.Here is the fish once I am finished with it. Notice...only the head is left. Yes, I ate everything else! It was very tasty and I enjoyed it very much and this fish saved me from starvation! MudFest 2007
Better late than never? Perhaps this should be the theme of my blog...
In July, a group of us went to MudFest. MudFest is a 3 day event in Korea at Daechon beach where you can do all sorts of things all having to do with mud! Just a few of the things you could enjoy...mud massages, mega mud tub, mud wrestling, mud sliding, a mud prison, mud military training and so on. My type of event!
In July, a group of us went to MudFest. MudFest is a 3 day event in Korea at Daechon beach where you can do all sorts of things all having to do with mud! Just a few of the things you could enjoy...mud massages, mega mud tub, mud wrestling, mud sliding, a mud prison, mud military training and so on. My type of event!
Not only is mud fun...but this mud is know for it's rich minerals that are good for one’s skin. The high quality sea mud is famous enough to make mud cosmetic products such as mud packs, mud soaps, etc. Though this is all well and good...I just enjoyed playing in the mud...my skin feeling good afterward...that was just extra.
Because it was a Mud Fest we only kept our cameras with us for a short time before putting them in the car and not having to worry about the state of our cameras cleanliness.
Why this trip was so Fabulous and exactly what I needed....#1--It was a roadtrip. Normally I have to travel via public transportation for by foot. It felt good to get their via Sara's vehicle and the adventure that comes with finding a new destination.
#2--An extremely relaxed day.
#3--A break from Songtan--this was huge. This rarely happens and making a trip into Seoul just isn't the same.
#4--Playing in the mud is just fun. And the beach...how can you have a horrible time?!
#5--Saving Starfish.
Ella saves a starfish! Rescuing it from the fate of being trampled on the stoney path, Ella carries the starfish to the ocean to return it to its home.Just for Fun
Alicia...Lovin' you gangsta style.
Mommie and Daddy--Fish Face just for you!
Shanny--Don't ask! I wasn't sure what to do for you.
It's too late...but if I could do this over...
I'd send my love through the "ksss" ksss of the snake! Duh!
School Stuff
Yes, another blog about my classroom. I have often posted pictures of my home, or of my classes...but normally not my classroom. Though I love my home and the various other places I go throughout the week, my classroom is a HUGE part of my life. A majority of my time here in Korea is spent in my classroom. I figured it was time I shared this part of my life with you.
This year, my classroom is completely different than it has been the past two years. I decided I needed change and figured the kids would appreciate it too. And they have! I have a theory about classrooms...kids should enjoy coming to your class. It does not have to be their favorite class, but at least tolerable. Though there are several factors that go into whether or not a student is comfortable in your classroom or not...I do my best to make its appearance is very welcoming.
Before school started, as I was in a meeting and Alicia was chilling in my room. I laughed when Alicia told me that two students came by my room, looked in, commented that they liked it, then said something about how it would probably just be changed--or something like that. Though my room did not change a lot last year as far as the teacher desk, decorations, TV, projector, and filing cabinet go....I re-arranged my desk every few weeks last year. I had a hard time finding something that worked with my varying class sizes.
Last year my class sizes were 17, 3, 11, 4 for half the year...we lost at Christmas taking the class down to 2, and 11. I struggled to find an arrangement that worked for my class of 3 and my class of 17! It took awhile, but I finally found something that worked.
PRAISE THE LORD! The Lord has greatly increased the secondary. Last year we only had around 170 students, this year we have around 195 and kids are still enrolling and we have only lost one that I know of to Osan (school on base). The way it goes here is that every year kids will start off at our school for a week or two until Osan decides they have room for them and they leave our school. It sucks for the kids who get yanked between the two schools. Our school's enrollment is very dependent upon the contracts of contractors for the military. Some year's the contract says they will pay for Osan, then the next year they won't (so the kids come to our school because we are half the price of Osan). Anyhow, its a vicious cycle and part of life here in Korea.
Back to the praise...We just have lots of kids. We have been praying for 200. The strange thing is we have gained a lot of upper classmen. Normally, our middle school classes are pretty full, but not the others. Also, this year, my smallest class has 12 students! For the past few years I have had at least one class that was around 5 students and a few with 9. This year my class sizes are 13, 17, 13, 20, and 12.
I thank God for the students He has brought us. Our kids our great. I love them all already. We have gained some great kids this year and I look forward to the new mix of students and to seeing what God has in store for all of us this year.
In the upcoming months I will try to post some pictures of the students! Until then...here is my classroom minus students.
This year, my classroom is completely different than it has been the past two years. I decided I needed change and figured the kids would appreciate it too. And they have! I have a theory about classrooms...kids should enjoy coming to your class. It does not have to be their favorite class, but at least tolerable. Though there are several factors that go into whether or not a student is comfortable in your classroom or not...I do my best to make its appearance is very welcoming.
Before school started, as I was in a meeting and Alicia was chilling in my room. I laughed when Alicia told me that two students came by my room, looked in, commented that they liked it, then said something about how it would probably just be changed--or something like that. Though my room did not change a lot last year as far as the teacher desk, decorations, TV, projector, and filing cabinet go....I re-arranged my desk every few weeks last year. I had a hard time finding something that worked with my varying class sizes.
Last year my class sizes were 17, 3, 11, 4 for half the year...we lost at Christmas taking the class down to 2, and 11. I struggled to find an arrangement that worked for my class of 3 and my class of 17! It took awhile, but I finally found something that worked.
PRAISE THE LORD! The Lord has greatly increased the secondary. Last year we only had around 170 students, this year we have around 195 and kids are still enrolling and we have only lost one that I know of to Osan (school on base). The way it goes here is that every year kids will start off at our school for a week or two until Osan decides they have room for them and they leave our school. It sucks for the kids who get yanked between the two schools. Our school's enrollment is very dependent upon the contracts of contractors for the military. Some year's the contract says they will pay for Osan, then the next year they won't (so the kids come to our school because we are half the price of Osan). Anyhow, its a vicious cycle and part of life here in Korea.
Back to the praise...We just have lots of kids. We have been praying for 200. The strange thing is we have gained a lot of upper classmen. Normally, our middle school classes are pretty full, but not the others. Also, this year, my smallest class has 12 students! For the past few years I have had at least one class that was around 5 students and a few with 9. This year my class sizes are 13, 17, 13, 20, and 12.
I thank God for the students He has brought us. Our kids our great. I love them all already. We have gained some great kids this year and I look forward to the new mix of students and to seeing what God has in store for all of us this year.
In the upcoming months I will try to post some pictures of the students! Until then...here is my classroom minus students.
Givin' my room Flair
When my sister asked what I wanted from India, I asked if she would get me curtains for my classroom. Not only do I love the colors and fabrics of India...but material is much cheaper there than it is here in Korea. So she graciously agreed to pick-out and purchase some curtains for me.
My parents did the world's greatest thing of suprise visiting my sister in India--she had NO idea they were coming. That is a great story, but not the one I am telling. Anyhow, since they were in India and shopping a lot, my mom and Alicia made it a goal to pick-out curtains for my classroom together. I am pretty sure my dad was tagging along...
They did an awesome job! I absolutely LOVE my curtains and my classroom is the world's best classroom. Just stepping into my classroom makes you want to sit down and learn! Thanks Mommie and Alicia for doing such a fabulous job!
My parents did the world's greatest thing of suprise visiting my sister in India--she had NO idea they were coming. That is a great story, but not the one I am telling. Anyhow, since they were in India and shopping a lot, my mom and Alicia made it a goal to pick-out curtains for my classroom together. I am pretty sure my dad was tagging along...
They did an awesome job! I absolutely LOVE my curtains and my classroom is the world's best classroom. Just stepping into my classroom makes you want to sit down and learn! Thanks Mommie and Alicia for doing such a fabulous job!
Not only did Alicia get to pick the material out, have them made into curtains, lug them in her suitcase to Korea, but she also got the priveledge of ironing them and then helping me hang them in my classrooom. This is the little space we carved out of the mess of my room for her to iron the curtains on the broken ironing board that refused to go up any higher!
We completely forgot to take a picture in front of the curtains while she was here...so sad! It was not until just a few days ago that I remembered to get this shot so that my mom could see how the curtains turned out since she dedicated some brain power to choosing a fabric.
We completely forgot to take a picture in front of the curtains while she was here...so sad! It was not until just a few days ago that I remembered to get this shot so that my mom could see how the curtains turned out since she dedicated some brain power to choosing a fabric.RESPONSES from individuals veiwing my classroom post-curtains and everything else...
"Your classroom just makes me want to sit down and learn." -I didn't make that one up...a student and a teacher on completely different occasions said that.
"This doesn't look like a math classroom."
"Your classroom is my favorite classroom to come to."
--I love the honesty and how she said classroom and not class--math is not her favorite, but she does like the classroom.
I have had several people (student, fellow teacher, and parent)ask me, "Do you like art?"...at least in a round about way. Math and art are not the normal combination so they are alwasy a little uncertain as they ask.
Other just walked by, glanced at the curtains, and just kept going...not sure what that means.
Indescribable
This weekend I got to experience God's majesety in the beautiful mountains of Korea. I don't think I understood the word majesty until I saw mountains for the first time. God's creation continues to scream out God's majesty and word cannot even begin to describe the things nature speak about God.The song below is by Chris Tomlin...Indescribable.
From the highest of heights, to the depths of the sea,
Creation is revealing your Majesty.
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring,
Every creature unique in the song that is sings.
All exclaiming...
Indescribale. Uncontainable.
You placed the stars in the sky and you know them by name.
You are amazing God.
All powerful. Untamable.
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim,
You are amazing God.
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go?
Or seen heavenly storehouses laiden with snow?
Who imagined the sun and gave source to its light,
yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night.
None can fathom...
Indescribable. Uncontainable. You placed the stars in the sky and you know them by name. You are amazing God. All powerful. Untamable. Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim, You are amazing God.
Incomprable. Unchangalbe.
You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same.
You are amazing God.
You are amazing God....
9.06.2007
Labor Day Adventures
Each year a majority of the teachers load themselves and enough food and luggage for 40 people onto a big bus and make the 5 hour jounery to Mt. Sorak. It is truly beautiful! We normally have a half day of school on Friday and leave around 1:oo. We basically get to our hotel that evening and unpack, eat, and hang out.
SUNDAY: Sunday started off with church. We got permission to one of their conference rooms and we set up chairs and had church. Laurie and Casey led us in worship, a few people shared testimonies, and Eric preached. Good stuff. I love that God is everywhere and it does not matter where you are not with your normal fellowship of believers that worship and growing in your faith as brothers and sisters in Christ can still happen.
SATURDAY: Hiking at Mt. Sorak--The Mt.Sorak area is where Sara, Jeanne, and I are going to run our half marathon in a few weeks. Knowing this, Sara and I set out to run up the trails at Mt.Sorak to help prepare us for our upcoming race. I must admit that we for the most part just enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and took very few pictures. However, I will include the few we did take. Also, as it might not come as a suprise to you...but it rained all day. It was a very tolerable rain though. So that is the good news. The down side is that I look like a drowned rat in my pictures. Not my best...maybe in a few weeks we will get some better pictures!
SUNDAY: Sunday started off with church. We got permission to one of their conference rooms and we set up chairs and had church. Laurie and Casey led us in worship, a few people shared testimonies, and Eric preached. Good stuff. I love that God is everywhere and it does not matter where you are not with your normal fellowship of believers that worship and growing in your faith as brothers and sisters in Christ can still happen.
Later that day, despite pouring rain, a portion of us kept our plans to go the beach. On the way there we stopped at this random light house and is where the pictures below come from.
A series of pictures of myself that I find interesting--maybe you will too!
We did eventually make it to the beach. And though it was POURING...there were some awesome waves. However, Koreans have this thing where they don't like to let you swim in the ocean. On loud speakers they tell you to get out of the water. Since we are Americans and don't know Korean...we can ignore these announcements. However, it is hard to ignore the Korean lifeguards who are blowing a whistle at you and making sure you don't even get your ankles wet! So what do we do? We walk down the beach away from the lifeguards and five of us (myself included) played in the waves. We had a great time. Unfortunately, there are no pictures!However, the picture below sort of captures the day.
Partners in Crime
At the beginning of the year there are many opportunities for the staff to fellowship with each other. Below are our attempts at getting a group shot. I am excited about the group God has put together for ICS-Pyongtaek this year. I think this every year and I mean it every year. He is faithful to meet the needs of our school and I cannot wait to see how God works in our school this year.
Nicole (ESL teacher last year) invited us all over the the Hospitality House for dinner on our first teaher in-service day.
On Wednesday of our teacher in-service week the school treated us to a Korean feast. The picture below was taken outside the Korean restaraunt. Grass is rare in Korea. Many took their shoes off to walk through the grass. Notice the palm tree. The Korean taking the picture made us wait while he brough over the palm tree to complete our picture. Eric is not resting his hand on the tree...but rather holding it up!
BACK ROW: Tad, Mr.Song, Jacob, Crystal, Mark, Jerry, Becca, Cheryl, Beka, Sunny, Matt, myself, Kara, Pam, Sharon, Youngsoon, Eric 
Nicole (ESL teacher last year) invited us all over the the Hospitality House for dinner on our first teaher in-service day. On Wednesday of our teacher in-service week the school treated us to a Korean feast. The picture below was taken outside the Korean restaraunt. Grass is rare in Korea. Many took their shoes off to walk through the grass. Notice the palm tree. The Korean taking the picture made us wait while he brough over the palm tree to complete our picture. Eric is not resting his hand on the tree...but rather holding it up!BACK ROW: Tad, Mr.Song, Jacob, Crystal, Mark, Jerry, Becca, Cheryl, Beka, Sunny, Matt, myself, Kara, Pam, Sharon, Youngsoon, EricFRONT ROW: Teal, Mrs. Moon, Grace, Nicole, Laura, Alexa, Mylene, Laurie, Diane
LAYING ACROSS THE FRONT: Aftan
These are all of my partners in crime this year minus John Peterson (our director) who was in the States helping his daughter settle in at Liberty University.
Each year over Labor Day weekend a group of us teachers head off for the beautiful Mt.Sorak. Here is our best attempt at a group shot before we all seperated on our various adventures for the day. The bright very colorful panchos are because it rained all day. I chose NOT to buy one because I figured I'd be soaked by the end of the day anyway and I did not want to mess with it. However, it does make for a colorful picture!
So...we keep trying to get a great group shot...we are bound to get one decent shot by the end of the year! Can you tell it is the end of the weekend? You would never guess that perhaps we were tired from our late nights fellowshiping and then tired from sleeping multiple nights on hard floor!
So...we keep trying to get a great group shot...we are bound to get one decent shot by the end of the year! Can you tell it is the end of the weekend? You would never guess that perhaps we were tired from our late nights fellowshiping and then tired from sleeping multiple nights on hard floor! Better Late than Never?
So I never posted more attempted Korean adventure's from Alicia's visit...sorry. However, I would like to take this moment to post a few of my favorite photos and tell you that you can always check out our adventures on her blog http://www.namaskarsa.blogspot.com/...though you will probably have to search her archives for them because she is so great about posting very regularly on her blog. Also, you might to check out her blog because while I thought I got l the pictures of our visit from her before she left...I am in reality missing pictures from the last week of her visit!
Alicia is pointing to North Korea and I am pointing to South Korea.
At the last subwaystation in South Korea. Currently is does not run into North Korea (duh!) but that is the hope of South Koreans--reunification.
Alicia and I at JSA (Joint Security Area) the base operated by the UN in the DMZ (De-militarized Zone). The DMZ is basically the border between North and South Korea where no military are allowed except for at JSA. JSA is also the only place on the demilitarized zone where North Korea and South Korea come face to face. There is a neutral area owned by the United Nations Command in the T-4 building (blue building behind us) where all peace treaties are made. We got to go in this building! yeah! North Korea is behind us...they are in the big grayish white building looking at us through binoculars.
Does this picture need words? Seriously.
Making this posts brings back good memories and makes me miss my sister more! I love you Alicia and am so glad you got to visit for a few weeks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)