Happy Chusok!

Hello everyone! This weekend marked my 5th Chusok holiday celebrated here in Korea. It is amazing how time goes by! Who knew 5 years ago that this year my life would be the way it is now? Actually, even more crazy... who knew 6 years ago? At this time 6 years ago, I don't think I even knew where S. Korea was on the map! And now this is my home. I have a wonderful job, wonderful friends, a wonderful house, a wonderful church, and a wonderful husband. Praise God for the way he moves and directs our lives!

Over the years I have expanded my adventurous wings exploring many new places here in Korea as well as China, the Philippines (x3), Hawaii, & Mexico. I have made new friends and seen many of them come and go in our school. I have learned (but not nearly mastered yet :) the art of teaching, yet have improved vastly in the last 5 years. I have also gained confidence in my piano playing and am now even involved in our church's praise band. Other skills I have learned include: much more knowledge in the sports of soccer & cheerleading (as a result of having to coach them), learning how to drive a huge stick-shift van, and learning my gifts and what things I am passionate about. I have discipled HS girls and 5th graders alike. I have learned to read Korean (although understanding it still baffles me). I have gained HUGE confidence in traveling internationally & navigating airports. And I have learned the skill of how to pack EXACTLY 50 pounds into each piece of luggage. :) I have learned to appreciate Korean food and even to crave Kimchi... something of which I could not stand when I 1st arrived here.

And since coming here I have had MANY firsts: 1) My 1st classroom. 2) My 1st time living with Aftan :). 3) My 1st time leading a mission trip. 4) My 1st subway, taxi, and bus rides! 5) My 1st laptop. 6) My 1st time playing the piano in a band. 7) My 1st time flying extensively over water. 8) My 1st boyfriend. 9) My 1st date. 10) My 1st kiss. 11) My 1st love. 12) And my ONLY husband!

Chusok is a holiday much like our American "Thanksgiving." I know Koreans are thankful for the 1st of their harvest but I want to take this time to thank the Lord for all that he has done for me and blessed me with these last 5 years. Thank you LORD!

Laurie