May

It's May already?! Our time in Korea has begun to really FLY by. Neither Traylor or I can believe that it is already the middle of May! It has definitely been an eventful couple of weeks since we last posted. We are thankful for yet another weekend of rest and fun. We ventured into Busan (coastal city) this weekend, all by ourselves--to tackle the subway system and try to navigate Korea for the first time on our own. It was fun to find our way around the city and do a little shopping. Busan is a huge city coastal city with beaches, fun streets to walk down and little shops to peek in. We've only scratched the surface of things to do there! During this trip, Traylor was approached by an older Korean man who had clearly had several facelifts. "Hello, you are very handsome." Hilarious. (He is a handsome guy, but it was funny coming from this older Korean gentleman). He then proceeded to tell us that our country's ancestors saved this country. He wanted to make sure we knew our US history and Korean war history : ) We also signed up for Korean COSTCO. Hello cheese, salsa, coffee, Heinz Ketchup, Cheerios and cheese. and also cheese sticks. and cheese (we love cheese!)

Two weeks ago my co-teacher Angela and Traylor's co-teacher Ellie invited us to go to Gyeongju--one of the more historical and traditional cities in Korea. We hopped on a bus and traveled 2 hours to this gorgeous city. It was really fun going to Angela and Ellie, because they knew their way around and could show us the sites. Fields of bright yellow flowers and traditional Korean houses were among my favorite things we saw there. We also enjoyed the feast of a traditional Korean meal : ) Traylor loved the museums and ancient ruins, too.

Here are a few pics from our day:

Traylor shaved his head this month. Kinda by accident (he thought it was a 6 guard and it turned out to be a 2ish guard on his razor!) I've never seen his kids laugh so hard. They were genuinely tickled by his haircut...it was so cute. It's really fun watching these little kids love my husband. My heart melts every time little Adam sneaks into our teachers room and leans his head on Traylor's teacher's shoulder. Butterflies in my stomach for sure.

We have been so blessed with Hanbit International Church--our church family here. I am so thankful we've found this place of worship for our time here. Since we are being so stretched and challenged here, it is refreshing to be uplifted and encouraged throughout the week. Again, God provides for His children. He provided Hanbit. Today Pastor Marius spoke on Hebrews 12:1-2, a passage I've heard often. Usually you see this verse at the YMCA, or on christian sports logos, but it struck a new cord with me today.

"Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." 

run with endurance. 
this race that is set before us - this race has been predestined..."set before us." - God knew there would be challenges.
look to Jesus - He knew we'd need Him!
the founder and perfecter of our faith - He was and is and always will be sovereign.
who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross - Christ suffered on our behalf for us, so that we can find joy and God can be glorified. Even in my most desperate times of need, I am grateful to know that God always knows my heart. Thankful that he saved a wretch like me (to borrow from the ol' hymn ; ))

I can see how God is establishing His character in my heart during this time here in Korea. I am thankful for the hope He offers when we endure. 

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,  and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
-Romans 5:3-5


prayer requests:

it has been incredibly hard to be here with some sad situations going on in our families back home. if you could keep my family in your prayers, specifically for my cousin, we would be very grateful. pray for healing for her body and comfort for my family during this difficult time.

continue to pray for traylor's dad and his upcoming surgery this week.

continued prayers for strength and patience throughout our long days. pray we would love our kids well!

we love you guys. if you are going camping in the future, here is a shirt we found for you here:

"have a nice camping"

; )