A Step into the Unknown

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Full submission to his plan

Recently, I made a decision to live the next eight months pursuing the Lord wholeheartedly and surrender the distractions that I often let take precedence. I am going to focus on getting rid of all the lies I have believed for way too long. My past, present, and future is no longer weighing me down. I am filled with so much excitement, knowing God is going to reveal so much to me. My prayers are being answered one after another. He is continually blowing my mind by the way, he orchestrates talking to me. I feel his presence around me like never before.

When I get up each morning, I am overflowing with joy.
Your presence surrounds me and reminds me this day is yours.
My weakness becomes my strength.
Used to heal other people and further your kingdom.
I am a son of a king.
I am inheriting far more than I will ever deserve.
All because his son was nailed to a cross.
Draw me closer to you.
Fill me with a peaceful spirit, for I am free.

I encourage you to listen to this song and all of their other songs.
I Need You More by Bethel Church---------http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyabHxTmsl8

I am blessed with such an amazing family.
They have provided me with love, comfort, security and hope.When I had been given up, they took me in and adopted me.
They raised me on a foundation in Christ . We have faced many things together. Cancer repeatedly has shown up in our family. But it didn't destroy us or make us live in fear.. it brought us closer to the Lord and each other. God does not put trials in our lives without a bigger and better plan. The pain and suffering in this world is always temporary.

My mom has sacrificed so much for my brother and me throughout the years. I know she faced many struggles as a single mother. She forfeited dating and sometimes a social life for me. I beyond thankful for her dedication and hard work. She is an amazing and beautiful woman of God. She is always there for me and passed on her heart for children. I am so glad she has met someone. I am so excited to see her this week!

Happy Mother's Day!!
I love you!
:)

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Emmaus Retreat

The retreat last weekend seriously rocked my world.

I am still blown away by the way God showed up.

He broke done a lot of my past and showed me how much of it I was still holding on to.

I realized I was being targeted by Satan.

I was allowing my past to become my identity.

All my feelings of unworthiness and doubts about myself.

I gave them all over to God.

Now, I am free.

Freedom from all that bondage, has opened my eyes to many things.

I realize my future is truly in God's hands.

He has a big plan for me.

Monday, I went to hospital to get some medication.

I had been suffering for almost two weeks from an horrible cough.

I was given antibiotics and awful tasting cough syrup.

I was ready to conquer my illness.

Tuesday, I went to immigration and on the way back I started feeling strange.

I was dizzy and exhausted.

I think my body was just getting used to the antibiotics.

So anyway, I took a nap and ended up sleeping too late.

I missed KLI.

I got up and contacted Rona ( my small group leader).

We chatted about the retreat.

And it was just a real encouraging talk.

Still feeling dizzy, we parted ways.

She headed to Emmaus Large Group and I went back to my room.

I started journaling and in the middle of it I got up and out of bed.

I put on my jacket.

Grabbed my huge water bottle.

I was on my way to large group.

It had already started.

I had no idea where my strength came from.

The moment I stepped into Large group, my hands started shaking.

Completely unsure of what was happening, I started worshiping.

The moment Pastor Erin started her talk and until the end my awful cough didn't exist.

I knew I was meant to be there when the verses, she focused on was Hebrews 12: 1-2.

Walk it out was the title of the talk.

Here is what I got from it:

WALK IT OUT IN FAITH

We are living in a battlefield.

Things are being thrown at you in all directions. Insecurities, struggles, circumstances, doubt, failures, diseases and death.

But no matter what is thrown at you .. we have a choice.

truth or deception

Christ or Satan.

We may be sitting in the dark, but it doesn't mean we have to become the dark.

we can be the light.

we were meant to shine.
don't play the blaming game
there is only one thing to blame and it's Satan
Live with faith.
Walk it out with faith.
don't let your temptations become your identity.
your identity is in Christ.
Christ makes you new.
Christ gave you life.
You don't belong to Satan.
You are God's creation.
Satan can't create something as beautiful as you.
You are God's masterpiece.
So Come y'all let's walk it out in Faith.

THE RACE

Together we are running on the path set before us.

It is full of obstacles-- twists, turns, and steep inclines.

These aren't meant for us to loose hope, but to have faith.

Trust that the unseen path is all just part of his plan.

He is big.

He is strong.

He is on our side.

All the stuff that gets in our way-- it shouldn't slow us down.

Fix your eyes on the prize of eternal life with your father.

The one who created you, who knows your thoughts and the exact number of hairs on your head.

Don't be fooled by the lies Satan throws at you.

Remember the stories of those along the sideline.

Cheering you on.

You are not alone.

This week has been a blessing.

I am continually changing the way I think about life.

I am daily encountering God and its amazing to know how much I am loved.

My identity is in Christ.

He died for my many sins. Just like he died for you.

On the cross, he shed blood for us.

And 3 days after dying, he rose again.

I am alive because of his sacrifice.

Happy Easter!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

the challenge has arrived

Background:

I feel that God has been preparing me for something big to happen while I am here in Korea.

Each day I've been praying to be challenged by God.

Challenge to be completely faithful, trust him and grow more intimately.

I did not predict being challenged like I did today.

This evening a friend, from Emmaus, and I went rock climbing in Edae.

We stayed there for about an hour and then decided to call it quits.

On the way back toward school, I decided that I wanted to get some street food.

We walked by basically all the vendors and then I decided I wanted to get something particular.

It was a short walk up the road, but totally worth it.

I was asking my friend how to get something without the rice cakes.

And a guy fairly close by started chatting with us.

I started to zone out because I was trying to communicate that I wanted the food to go.

I came back into the conversation to a very surprising topic.

The guy talking to us was adopted from Korea ,like me.

He actually flew to the US with President Reagan.

And during a reunion with Mrs. Reagan, his real aunt realized who he was.

He is in Korea discovering his birth family.

Connections were made and he told me about an organization that helps adoptees.

We traded numbers and I hope to go the organization and get information on a f-4 visa.

The Challenge is here and God made it known.

Do I want to be reunited with my birth family?

Before today, I would of told you flat out , No.

I previously had decided that reuniting was too emotional and I couldn't handle it.

But, now I am reconsidering.

Is God telling me I am strong enough to face the fear?

I want to become fearless.

I suppose that might mean facing the fears that I have been avoiding.

God orchestrated tonight to end in that way.

I am blown away.

He is so Good.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

a shift in season

The weather here in Seoul is finally starting to warm up.

I am looking forward to being able to walk around without a heavy coat.

The changing of seasons means blooming plants and hopefully color.

I, however, have been under the weather slightly.

A cough, congestion and allergies.

Spring is what some people call it.

Anywho..

I am continuing to be challenged by God each day.

I was placed in a familia (bible study).

I love the girls in my group.

I am so excited to grow spiritually.

I want to become fearless, grow in prayer, fully trust and hand over control to God.

I am ready for God to use me and build me up for what is to come.

Last week, I went to a cat cafe.

The cats were all over the place.

They really only come up to you or play with you when you have food though.

You get a free drink with your entry fee.

I want to go to a dog cafe though because I tend to like dogs more than cats.

Also last week I met up with a student at Yonsei who studied abroad at UNCG.

We had dinner and are going to have lunch this week.

It is interesting to learn things from a Korean student's perspective.

She misses the US alot.

I really haven't gotten homesick yet.

I mean there are some things I miss, but overall I am just really enjoying the time here.

I am so thankful God gave me this opportunity and I don't want to take it for granted.

Last weekend a group of us went Karoking.
Its a popular activity here in Korea.
Many people even go daily by themselves so they can improve.
It was fun! Dana and I are already planning songs for next time we go.

Sunday following church, I met up with a girl in my familia and we went to an Indian restaurant.
The food was LEGIT.
We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken.
I can't wait to go back.
I miss Jocelyn's curry though.

My Sociology class will no longer have Wednesday's classes because we are starting our volunteer hours.

I am so excited to see what happens and what God puts in my path.

Monday we watched God grew sick of us.

The movie or documentary is about the Lost Boys of Sudan.

I highly recommend anyone to watch it.

This coming weekend is the Emmaus Retreat.

I am excited!

Prayer Concerns

-- Health

-- That I become fearless

-- That I grow in wisdom

-- That God uses me to further his kingdom

-- That I am challenged daily

Monday, March 12, 2012

Are you salty?

The past couple of days have been amazing.

God has been showing up!

Saturday- I didn't really have plans in the morning and just kind of went with the flow.

I went to the gym and then to Caribou Coffee got some OJ.

I got into journaling and reading Completely His by Shannon Ethridge.

BTW, girls I recommend reading it.

The book is amazing!

Then I decided, hey I should get some lunch.

My roommate wasn't up yet, but I decided I'll go see if she wants something.

I ended up picking us both up some lunch and there we were talking and eating of course.

Conversation was really nothing deep and there was a long pause.

She asked me What is your favorite verses?

I honestly was blown away.

I kept my cool and said well I have a lot, but I really like Psalms.

I sat there reading some verses.

Shortly after reading, conversation went back to surface conversation.

God is using me here and I am slowly witnessing it.

My hope is that he will continue to use me in Monique's life.

Later that night Dana and I decided to cook dinner in the kitchen.

Let me give you some background on the day:

We went shopping.

Lots of walking.

Not much talking.

Which is weird for both of us, we just were tired from the week and not real talkative.

We sat down after cooking our fancy dinner consisting of Korean ramen.

We talked about things and then she started sharing her heart.

Previously, we shared our Jesus stories, but it wasn't her full story.

All I can say is I am pumped to serve God and stand out from the crowd.

Sunday's sermon was really good about how Christianity is becoming very institutional.

I do not want to be a Christian living two lives.

I want to be on fire in all areas of my life and anywhere I go.

Attached are two links:

Pastor Erin at Emmaus Large Group on Tuesday

http://www.newphiladelphiachurch.com/podcast/emmaus/2012.03.06.tue%20-%20Death%20to%20Life%20-%20el.mp3

Pastor Christian on Sunday

http://www.newphiladelphiachurch.com/podcast/2012/2012.03.11.sun%20-%20Saltshaker%20Christianity%20-%20cl.mp3

I truly am being challenged and growing so much!

I am in this waiting season.

God is getting ready to use me somewhere and I am not sure where.

My future lies in his hands.

Prayer Concerns:

roommate, Monique

friend, Dana

consistent time with God

healthy diet options

strength to fight anything that comes my way

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Update :)

There is SO much to tell!

Emmaus

I found out about a christian campus ministry in Korea.

I have been attending their gatherings and have been having lots of fun!

I am meeting some amazing people who are hungry for the Lord as well as strong followers.

The first large group was on Tuesday and Pastor Erin's testimony was powerful.

Pastor Erin and her husband (also a pastor) are part of a church called New Philadelphia.

I visited their church on Sunday.

It had amazing worship and friendly greeters.

I plan on returning as well as checking out other churches.

Activities

Recently, I organized a group of exchange students to go rock climbing.

We had so much fun!

The gym consisted of only bouldering routes and I loved it!

It seems our group wants to go regularly so I can't wait to get to know them better.

We went out to dinner after and got coffee.

Left to right: Chris, Nari, Lawrence, Ben

Hop, Dana, and me :)

Dana and I have been spending a lot of time together and becoming close friends :)

Classes

School started about a week ago, last Friday, and I didn't have class until Monday.

The first class I went to was unfortunately only in Korean.

Somewhere in the registration process I misread the class.

I am now enrolled in only two courses.

KLI- This is Beginning Korean M-F for 2 hours.

We are working on the alphabet (Hangul).

I am gradually picking up how to read the letters.

I can't wait to be able to walk around speaking Korean. :)

Sociology- Migration - This meets Monday for 2 hours and Wednesday for one.

I am super excited about my Sociology course.

The course consists of a Midterm and a project.

In the project, we have to do 20 volunteer hours.

I am beyond blessed with an opportunity to experience serving in KOREA.

There are several options, but the one I think I will be doing is a mini refugee camp.

Many of you know that refugees recently have become a part of my life in the US.

I think that through Camp Allelu the past two years it has open my eyes to refugees.

Another major part of this desire was my two previous roommates Amy and Crystal.

Their dedication to Newcomers PTA really got me interested.

Thank you roomies! :)

Opportunities

Korea is challenging me to get uncomfortable.

The opportunities are growing in numbers.

I feel God is stirring up some amazing things for this semester.

I am looking forward to it unraveling before my eyes.

Prayer Requests:

God leads me to the right church.

My roommate, Monique from the Netherlands

God uses me to further his Kingdom.

That I continue seeking the Lord and setting aside quiet time.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Annyeong haseyo

Let's talk about shopping..
Korea has very high standards for the way you look and the way you dress.
It is interesting to look in the shops or even walk down the street.
Glasses are often worn for style purposes not always because the individual needs them to see.
The accessories are amazing.
Big hair clips are in style and are an adorable touch to any outfit.
Chunky sweaters are warm and extremely in style.
Casual wear is not the same in the Korea, but I am loving the outfits.
The other day, I went to a market and managed to haggle the price down.
I was able to save 22,000 Won.
It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment.

Shoes
They have my size in every store and I do not have to go to the children's section.
Typically, I wear size 235.
If you have bigger feet and want to get shoes in Korea just know that they only go up to 250.
I am so stoked to have my size in all the stores.

Makeup
I got an eye makeover the other day.
I loved how the lady did my eyes and bought the stuff that she used for extremely cheap.
There are almost as many makeup or skin care places as coffee shops.
The high standards are very visible.

The other night I met a campus ministry called Emmaus.
We went out to dinner and it was interesting getting to know fellow believers from all over the place.
Today, we are getting together again and I can't wait to meet more people.

Classes start tomorrow!!
I am excited and nervous about how much I will be trekking around campus in between classes.
I am excited though.

That is all for now!!
:)