learning

it's so beautifully amazing that God knows everything. I think I know what I need when I need it and I get grumpy when what I expect doesn't turn up when I expect it; but then the tiniest unpredictable thing will happen that normally wouldn't take a second glance and suddenly sends me soaring with gratefulness into how loving our beautiful God is.

brothers and sisters, I have been in Korea for almost two months now, and it has been a crazy time of learning and exploring and discovering God. this whole year, really, has been incredibly intense, and the most important year of my life to date. and sometimes I fear I'm falling backwards to how things were a year ago and I wonder if I've learned or grown at all during all these months. I know I have. I just sometimes see myself slipping. it can be tough to believe something you've learned, do you know what I mean? I feel as though there are so many things that I know, but believing them is an entirely different matter. my own prayers and encouragement from such beauties as you reading this are the loveliest things that build that strength.

since coming to Korea I have lived in five different apartments (though I seem to be fairly settled by now) and I've taught English to eight different groups of Korean children. I start with a totally new group today, which should be an exciting new adventure. most of the children I've had so far have been around 3rd to 8th grade, and are anywhere from perfect English conversationalists to not being able to communicate much with me at all. it's very chaotic and often I don't know what, who, or when I'm teaching until just beforehand, but being very flexible and open helps. I'm afraid to admit that I've gotten annoyed at times with the unstructured demands of my jobs, but I've been trying (more recently) to focus only on just being grateful for the opportunity to be here right now and to be learning and growing so very much. a lot of you I told I was only suppose to be here in Korea for a little over a month, but God seemed to want me to stick around here for a bit longer, finding me jobs and places to stay free of charge right when I needed it. it's been lovely and may God forgive me for not being constantly grateful for the beautiful way He works.

where I am right now is within walking distance of the Korean Nazarene University where Eric Stevenson and Kendal Stoltzfus (two Houghton grads) live. Eric and I started dating soon after I got to Korea. that has been lovely, strange, and I've been learning a lot more though that than most anything else. if I may be honest, relationships are difficult. mostly in learning not to be selfish. I am glad we were great friends beforehand. and we've had such a beautiful time exploring Korea together.

it's amazing how stories don't end. not really anyways. there's always an after, a then, and things continue. there is always more growing to do, more learning, more mistaking, and more getting up and going on. a lot of times it's difficult or annoying and you just want a rest. but I suppose that if it all stopped life would be rather dull. learning goes along with adventures, and who doesn't like adventures?

I thank you for your time lovelies. I do very much miss you all. I truly do. you are beautiful, you inspire me (as I've said, if you're reading this it does really mean you). and I hope to hear from you soon, or at least see you soon. take love in as much ways as I can give what God gives me, He gives more than enough.
love, elizabeth