My moments here in this Seoul land, like the month of June and those *super fun* KOREA/ USA world cup games, are quickly coming to a close.
(Alright, so I had to through that in there… Korea, USA- you guys did us proud! )
(Here, a picture taken in Seoul’s City Hall, waiting for the final game to start!)
Throughout the last two years of my stay here, just about the only thing which has remained a constant is change. In the past two years, I’ve seen about 5 different managers at my place of work, and countless other co-workers (and students) come and go. I’ve had to switch apartments, (and in less than 24hours), seen the opening of a new subway line, and an even an entire mall, both just outside my doorstep. Oh, and that apartment they stared building out my window a few months ago? Yeah, it’s almost finished. Not to mention- and here’s perhaps the biggest one- my close circle of friends, because of the whole “language barrier” thing, are mostly other foreigners from around the globe. They, like me, are on short contracts and face constant comings and goings.
Needless to say, all of these *changes* tend to create a lot of pressure in a short amount of time, and all of that pressure bubbling up eventually leads to a gigantic eruption. Yesterday, was perhaps indeed, the cumulation of all of this change….
After finishing teaching my afternoon elementary darlings, I walked into a room of sad faces on my co-workers. The air so thick, it could’ve been cut with only the sharpest of knives.(It didn’t much phase me though, I’m usually outta the loop anyway because of the language thing, anyway.)
“Good time to go make some copies” I thought, jetting outta the room.
Scanning the last pages of my book I wondered,
“What’s the worst that could’ve happened? If a student died, there would’ve been actual tears. The school… closing? Naw, it’s looking too good right now. Hmm…”
Arriving back in the room, all eyes were on me. There was a moment of silence for the translation to occur…
“Krystle, the school is closing after summer vacation.” (turns out now that date is actually not three weeks away, but THIS FRIDAY… That’s right. School’s closed in 4 days…WHA?!)
Hit. Me. Like. Bricks. Okay, well, not like a ton of bricks, exactly. You see, there have been many bricks over a very long period of time. This one just happened to be the biggest and hit the hardest.
I laughed *out*loud*. My co-workers seemed shocked at that reaction, but to hear something so absolutely absurd, that was all I could do.
I realize not that in many ways, this could be a huge blessing if it allows me more time with my parents before I head out again in October. Okay, so I suppose my initial reaction was to worry. The truth is, the biggest of those worries was financial. Working another two months adds up to a decent amount of cash…I couldn’t help but think, “Maybe my school will be like those others I always hear about and not pay what they promised to…”
Really though, in beginning to pack up *all* *my* *stuff* tonight… I realized I can’t possibly be worried about that. My school should honor me as their employee, but I also I should humble myself and remember it’s not that big of a deal if I loose a little cash. In a world with so many starving people, my belly is more than full; so are my cabinets. I am forever grateful for that.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges now is saying goodbye to these precious little ones!
And hey, the *truth* is, that God is good- ALL the time! I continue to trust that HE will provide for the next step. Already in this month, I have seen my funds for this journey go from $300 to $4,000. PRAISE GOD! I am over a fourth of the way funded! A large portion of this donation came from loving immediate family members, so a special thank you to them! A thank you as well to my extended family I have found here in Seoul, and their generous hearts. Those who have come and left, and those who gave generously at a fundraiser/informational meeting held at KMI at the beginning of the month. More than anything, that that night was such an amazing opportunity to share my story with those I’ve grown to love so deeply over the last couple of years-people who have been loving me an praying for me before they ever had even met me!
<——-Here we’re playing a round of “Is That Flag Really From Bolivia?” Trivia Game… Snickers make for great prizes. Not to mention they’re super fun to throw at people!
That night and this entire month has been a fantastic testimony of God’s provision, and of the ability of God’s people to graciously open their hearts and support one another. In all the nights I’ve fallen asleep in this strange and foreign land, that night was perhaps the sweetest. I was at peace knowing that I finally got the chance to formally encourage and share in detail with the people closest to me of my convictions! Not to mention it was that weekend that I had the tremendous blessing of having one of my dear friends from college, Mr. Dan Schmidt make the 3+ hour journey from the south to come and help out!
How awesome we find ourselves reunited in this foreign land!
(Seriously, about those soccer games, did you guys see em? Good stuff! Another *amazing* experience of the month, having the opportunity to watch the final Korea vs. Uruguay game with my dear friend Mayumi, a Japanese student I met during my time at PSU. Again,*how awesome to find ourselves reunited in this foreign land*! Hopefully I can make it around to see her home too, someday!)
So as this month is coming to a close, so too is this Korean chapter! Till next time!
~Krystle
***And oh yes, as a little P.S.~ let me never forget the *extra* special unexpected blessing of the final “Slayer” performances that took place this month. Mr. Erik Johnson and Reuben Haggar had been rockin’ the stage just about every Sunday, turning your traditional idea of “church” upside down. No more choir robes for these guys.**** Check it out!
