It's quite strange to be in Korea and to have virtually nothing to do. I've worked pretty hard the last two days at getting myself logistically prepared to leave Korea at a moment's notice. I've been running errands all around town. It's been nice to feel so productive before noon. I haven't had that feeling since my first year here when I didn't work until the afternoon.
I have moved out of my apartment. My replacement, Amanda, was so wonderful to stay with her sister for one week while I finished packing up and working. After that week, I promised her that the apartment would be all hers, minus my suitcases. So I am now living at my friend, Naomi's place. Her apartment is a bit cozier than mine, but she's been wonderful. I feel bad that I'm invading her space, but she claims that she wouldn't have it any other way. Thank God for good friends.
In moving into Naomi's apartment, she gave me a book that I had bought months ago, but never read. It's called "Chasing Daylight" by Erwin McManus. I'm about a third of the way through it and the timing of this book is impeccable. The book, in short, is about seizing the moment by having confidence in God's character, as well as, your own character. It's talking a lot about the Will of God, what that could possibly look like and how sometimes we don't get the nice, clear-cut answers that we'd like. I had heard of the author before from a sermon that I had listened to, but this is the first book of his that I have read. I'm enjoying it so far. He uses many Biblical examples yet throws in parts of his life or ministry, too.
I have moved out of my apartment. My replacement, Amanda, was so wonderful to stay with her sister for one week while I finished packing up and working. After that week, I promised her that the apartment would be all hers, minus my suitcases. So I am now living at my friend, Naomi's place. Her apartment is a bit cozier than mine, but she's been wonderful. I feel bad that I'm invading her space, but she claims that she wouldn't have it any other way. Thank God for good friends.In moving into Naomi's apartment, she gave me a book that I had bought months ago, but never read. It's called "Chasing Daylight" by Erwin McManus. I'm about a third of the way through it and the timing of this book is impeccable. The book, in short, is about seizing the moment by having confidence in God's character, as well as, your own character. It's talking a lot about the Will of God, what that could possibly look like and how sometimes we don't get the nice, clear-cut answers that we'd like. I had heard of the author before from a sermon that I had listened to, but this is the first book of his that I have read. I'm enjoying it so far. He uses many Biblical examples yet throws in parts of his life or ministry, too.
It's Tuesday afternoon and I find myself in limbo. I've been accepted into a Bible College in England, but the first time I applied for my student visa, I got rejected. Last week my appeal was turned in and now my fate seems to rest in the hands of some government worker in the UK.
I feel pretty peaceful. I am not freaking out. I know that God is in control and I know that He works for the good in every situation. I must admit that I am getting restless. I am tired of people asking me when I'm leaving. I'm tired of saying good-bye to people to only run into them again the next day. Talk about a complete lack of control. I have none. I could be leaving Korea this week or I could not be. I could be going to England and starting Bible College or I could not be. I have no idea what is going on right now. It's scary, but it's freeing.
I think this is happening for a few different reasons. I think one of them is the fact that I do not do a good job at living in the present. A bad habit that I have picked up while living in Korea is "living for the weekends" or "living for anything that does not involve teaching." Since right now, and for the past few weeks, I do not know when I'm leaving, I've been forced to enjoy now. I have to live each day to it's fullest potential, because it could very well be my last day with these people or in these places.
I also think God's sort of been forcing me to look at my relationships in Korea. I have been abundantly blessed here. I have an amazing church body whom supports me to know end, whether it be through prayer or finances. I have some solid friends whom would do anything for me and whom have done anything for me. I look at my school and everyone that entails, and I see how I've impacted people's lives. Whether it was a supportive, Christian parent or a co-worker who needed a shoulder to cry on. Since I am not sure what future to look forward to, I have been able to take a step back and realise how blessed I am. It's given me a chance to enjoy being with people and to allow those people to bless me. It's incredible the amount of love that I feel.
I am grateful even for a few days of down-time. It's been nice to take my book and sit in the park or to go get coffee at 2:00 in the afternoon. It's nice to be able to walk around and play with my camera or listen to my iPod on the bus. Even though my future is uncertain, I'm learning to enjoy the now and to trust God. I know that I'll be fine. I know that things will work out just fine. For now, I need to just relax and rest in Him.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. --John 14:27 NKJV
I feel pretty peaceful. I am not freaking out. I know that God is in control and I know that He works for the good in every situation. I must admit that I am getting restless. I am tired of people asking me when I'm leaving. I'm tired of saying good-bye to people to only run into them again the next day. Talk about a complete lack of control. I have none. I could be leaving Korea this week or I could not be. I could be going to England and starting Bible College or I could not be. I have no idea what is going on right now. It's scary, but it's freeing.
I think this is happening for a few different reasons. I think one of them is the fact that I do not do a good job at living in the present. A bad habit that I have picked up while living in Korea is "living for the weekends" or "living for anything that does not involve teaching." Since right now, and for the past few weeks, I do not know when I'm leaving, I've been forced to enjoy now. I have to live each day to it's fullest potential, because it could very well be my last day with these people or in these places.
I also think God's sort of been forcing me to look at my relationships in Korea. I have been abundantly blessed here. I have an amazing church body whom supports me to know end, whether it be through prayer or finances. I have some solid friends whom would do anything for me and whom have done anything for me. I look at my school and everyone that entails, and I see how I've impacted people's lives. Whether it was a supportive, Christian parent or a co-worker who needed a shoulder to cry on. Since I am not sure what future to look forward to, I have been able to take a step back and realise how blessed I am. It's given me a chance to enjoy being with people and to allow those people to bless me. It's incredible the amount of love that I feel.
I am grateful even for a few days of down-time. It's been nice to take my book and sit in the park or to go get coffee at 2:00 in the afternoon. It's nice to be able to walk around and play with my camera or listen to my iPod on the bus. Even though my future is uncertain, I'm learning to enjoy the now and to trust God. I know that I'll be fine. I know that things will work out just fine. For now, I need to just relax and rest in Him.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. --John 14:27 NKJV
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