Dear God… June 26, 2008

Dear God,

You made the mountains, you shaped the oceans, you planted the trees.  You sent your son to die for humanitys sins. Your acts are wonderous, you are the almighty.  You have saved my life when i was 13 and kept me from giving up numerous times.  I call on your grace once again.  I have made a mess of my life.  Doing my will instead of your own.  Guide me and comfort me during these days of trial and confusion.  Deliver me from the sins of my heart.  Be with me Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay.  The next portion of my life is going to be an exciting challenge and I want to share it all with you. Lets do this together. 

Love your daughter.

To appear foolish for the world for God’s sake, is to be a soldier in the Lord’s army.  I enlist and prepare for the spirtual battle that faces me.

 

 

In times of trouble Lord, you are always there. June 26, 2008

Lord,

Your will be done. I give up control of my life today. Do with it as you will. You know what a mess I have made of it.
You have blessed me with this opportunity in Korea. I have made the most of it, learning many lessons along the way. Guide me through this next chapter, comfort me and hold me as I adapt.
I love you Lord. You are amazing, magnificient, wonderful for sending your son on the cross for a person like me.
You have saved me in the past from my mistakes. I ask that you do it again.

Your daughter.

I wonder if they have ever felt the freedom of independence.. June 5, 2008

As I walk through the busy university area of Busan, after 9 months, it occurs to me that I have never seen a Korean woman by herself.  They follow in at least twos, as if they are going to enter Noah’s ark.  And its every age group.  I have yet to decide whether or not this is a good thing.  I first believed it was charming and was jealous that such friendships exist. However.. upon witnessing the competition that goes on between korean mothers and hearing stories of mothers who can’t let go of their children, that continuously meddle in their children’s lives, I am not so sure.

I know the Korean teachers I work with are constantly shocked at my exploits on my own.  Oh my goodness a single woman who has a life of her own.  A woman that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to do things on her own and enjoy it.  I often wondered at their response but now I understand. 

Independence is a foreign concept.  I can’t imagine having to have someone with me at all times.  That would drive me crazy.  When would you have time to think for yourself?  Or do you ever think for yourself? 

MInd you, I know many western women that would be afraid to do anything on her own as well.  But it just seems that in South Korea, its cultural, and its most women.

The verdict is still out on this pack mentality….whether its a good thing or not.  Do you think it is?