week 71: Closing the Korea chapter

Sorry the last week of korea–the closing chapter–is being written well over the ‘week 71′ deadline. I’m traveling–a lot. The computers in SE Asia are mostly unreliable (ie slow) and frankly, I’m busy being on vacation! The last week of Korea was spent not working [:-)] but instead closing up shop here with a trip to the “hawaii of Korea” : Jeju island.

I’m on a time limit at the internet cafe and soon will be boarding a bus for a 23 hour journy, sans toilet. Following the motto: a picture is worth 1000 words…

On second thought, after 10 minutes trying to upload one foto and only being on 45% uploaded, it would be better if you just check out the (incomplete) facebook album. When I arrive home, heavy-duty photo sharing from each country is in order. Until then, just the words…

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=27501035&ref=profile#/album.php?aid=2043327&id=27501035

Week 70: Club day

Club day happens once a month, the last weekend each month, in Hongdae, Seoul. For 20.000Won (equivalent to about 20USD) one can frolick to and fro 21 different clubs all night long, to their hearts content, with simply one wristband and one drink-on-the-house coupon.

Following is the Club day list:

1. Evans
2. Watercock
3. FF
4. Freebird
5. Spot
6. Soundholic
7. Live Club Ssam
8. DGBD
9. Hole
10. M2
11. Via
12. JokerRed
13. Tool
14. Qvo
15. Saab
16. Hooper
17. DD
18. NB
19. Ska2
20. Myungwolgwan
21. O.R

With the exception of #6 and #7, which respectively was way out of the way and closed before the usual 6AM closing of most clubs,  “Kboys and the Boss” hit up every place on the list. We felt like backpackers, continuously checking the map and starring the places we’d seen, but we definately got the best bang for the buck out of the thousands of party go-ers out that night. I’d put money on it we were the only ones to make the trekk to all ends of Hongdae to see what Club day had to offer.

While hot spots like Q-Vo, NB, and M2 had lines stretching down the block, we made efficient use of our time by going to the lesser-known clubs with no line. When we needed a break we chilled at the absolutely dead spots, wisely making use of the free drink coupon without having to push and shove our way to the front, waving down the bartender. Then, while relaxing on plush couches normally reserved for V.I.P., we happily sipped away at our FREE fruit juice and iced-teas.

Week 69: Memoirs of a Missionary

Always envious of people who could bring souls to know Jesus, was very nervous about teaching religion class. God takes care of our needs, and blessed me in March-April with a wonderful and very special All Day Club. This is a club for select college age students to come together for 2 months to study English intensively at the church…so we teach English using the Bible. Wish more institutions did this…it’s a blessing for the teacher as well as the students. Anyways, none of my students said and I was pleasantly and tearfully surprised when I saw over half my All Day Club students, who I had taught Faith, Hope, and Love Religion Class to, get baptized.  The next four months didn’t teach a religion class, but many people were touched by my groups vesper’s presentation, including my very own sister, Shani. After she expressed interest in wanting to be baptized at the church. It’s stories like these that give Korea a special (love-hate) status. Bringing souls to know God’s love is powerful and addicting. I want more–hope my personal testimonies have even maybe touched a heart of a reader here. I am nobody or anybody more special than you or the person next to me…we’re all on the same boat. Just trying to respect each day… The end of the two month religion class, wanted to evalute the pros and cons of my teaching style. The following are some responses to reflect. Praise God. Religion Class Evaluation, April 2009 Please do NOT put your name on this paper so you can keep your anonymity. Please answer the questions fully and honestly. To improve my teaching style, your opinion counts! Thank you so much for being great All Day Club Member Students in Faith, Hope, and Love Religion class. It’s been a pleasure. J I love each one of you! - Faith, Hope, and Love is a religion class. What did you learn about Christianity, Religion, and/or God from this class? I learned that God is love. And that love is best. I don’t know what can I say about this class…but at least I could spend my times to think about God in this class. I’ve ever heard that love is sending times. I could spend my titmes with God in your class. I learned about God. I learned how to believe Him and Love Him. I learned about love. I knew about forgive. Now, I can forgive someone who did to do whatever to me. I learned that God always love us. I coculd establish my faith. Before religion class, I didn’t know love of God. but now I know little bit about love of God. God is creator, providere, diliverer. That’s why. God love people. so we have to love God. -Class format alternated between Bible/Doctrine and the teacher’s autobiographical spiritual messages. Was sharing personal stories effective in teaching Faith, Hope, and Love? Which lessons were helpful? I loved to hear your personal stories. The first time of faith with your father’s story. I could be think about my father. Sure. I think this class is very helpful to me. It’s easy to understand about God because you tell us your experience. it’s fun and easy to understand. Yes. I draw lesson by your father story about Faith and Love. -Was discussion time too long, too short, or just right? Were the discussion questions appropriate for the Faith, Hope, and Love Religion class theme? I think the time is right. It’s good to me. and the questions appropriate too. I learned very much through our discussion. I want to spend more time to discussion. Too short. Yes, it was really appropriate. -What was your favorite part of Religion class? Love. I wanna knwo more about Love. Heard your experience and saw your action. ^^ Discussion and real story. -Did the teacher (Phoebe*) emit the spirit of Faith, Hope, and Love? Did the teacher create a comfortable class atmosphere? Religion class was most comfortable. I like it’s atmosphere. Sure. I am always comfortable. If the class uncomfortable, I not attend this class. But I love this class. Yes. I always enjoy Phoebe’s class. Phoebe’s gesture is so cute! I could concentrate your class. Yes. Youo mde us comfortable. Your explination is very fun because it contains funny action. Yes. Always your class was fill up love. -Did this class improve your English skill? What was most helpful in improving your English: listening to a native English speaker, vocabulary, reading comprehension, or conversation/discussion time? I improve my English skill especially listening to a native English speaker. and I can know more vocab than before. Most important thing is that I am not araid foreigner. _-Did this class increase your Faith, Hope, and Love? Did this class increase your spirituality? How or why not? Yes. It exists aruond me almost every day. I increase my faith, Hope, love, and spirituality. I think I try to lvoe everyone. and I try to express everyone. It was chance to change my thoughts. Now, I’m able to believe existence of God. This class increase my sprituality. Before this class I was confuse about God, but after this class, I establish my mind. Yes. I could increase my spirituality by your story and another people real story. -Would you like to learn more about the Bible, Christianity/Religion, or SDA? What specifically do you want to know more about? I want to know about the Bible. I want to know about God through the Bible. I want more knowledge about Bible. I want to learn more Bible. I want to know more about God. -Please give one suggestion to help improve my future religion classes. I satisfied your class. I like your friendly character. You should keep your smile. Keep going on your class style. I satisfied your class. It’s really good. -Additional Comments: Thank you for your teaching. Because of yoru morning class I started thinking about Jesus. Thank you Phoebe<3. I learned many things from you. I am so happy I can study with you. It was very valuable time to me. I remember you forever. Thank you Thank you so much. I love you. “See you tomorrow” I love you. Phoebe~<3 Thank you so much your concern. and I’m satisfied with your religion class. I think your class and you will remain forever in my mind. Do your best to excercise (jump rope ^^); I hope for you to lose your weight what you want. See you tomorrow~ Thank you Phoebe. I’m very happy to learn from you. I remeber you. See you soon~ I love you. I couldn’t forget you! Thank you so much! I wish you the best in life. Remember we are God’s children and He loves us. You can always go to Him for help. Pray for Faith, Hope, and Love. God will listen to your prayers; He will answer your prayers in His time and in His way.