Asia #4 - July 9

(from Linda)

Greetings from Asia!

Susan, Yin, and I have only been here for 6 days but have already been experiencing so much its been AMAZING! The M's picked us up from the airport and gave us a tour of the school. We were amazed of how the school was built, and how evident it was that it was founded on love for the students and for this area. They have art pieces around the campus and some of them have obvious messages that these artists wanted to communicate. I was deeply moved by the fact that every where around me, every C was living with such intention and purpose. They are always thinking of ways to reach hearts in all types of ways.

What we would be doing here is different than the other girls, so at first, we felt a little out of place. We were told to teach business English to the faculty and staff of the school. Even when we arrived, we were unprepared and wasn't sure where to even begin. But then we met with one of the professors who shared their heart for the staff members. She was sharing how there are many staff members of this school (i.e. Administrative staff) that were not believers. Most if not all of the attention is often given to the students but none to the staff, and they were hungry too to learn English and to receive love. This was the first time the staff would be receiving a class of their own, and volunteers to give them attention and care. When we heard that, our hearts were really burdened and we knew that G had a place for us here afterall, even if it wasn't in ways that we expected.

Our class is made up of about 12 students, ages ranging from 25-50+. They all work in various departments throughout the school, doing the administrative work of the university. Although we first felt awkward about being the teachers, our hearts grew quickly for them as we saw their eagerness to learn. Personally, it made me think about how few little outreach programs there are out there for this age group, yet they have the same innate needs and desires as anybody. After getting to know them, we learned that many of them were Cs, but few of them were not. We were blessed to see the fruit of this school, as many of them were once students and became Cs because of the love and relationships with their professors. Now they are alumnis wanting to work and serve at this school and community. I learned that reaching out can look very different on the outside, but it all ultimately comes down to love and having confidence in the work of the H.S. As someone who teaches for a living, it really rebuked and challenged me to have this same heart for my students back at home. 2 weeks is so very short and sometimes frustrating to think about because we have so much we want to give them. But this school and what is going on here is amazing, and our Dad is truly at work here and will take care of them.

Our team has been learning a great deal about this school and what is going on in the world through the professors that have been watching over us. Yesterday, this M couple gave us a presentation about the school and their future plans. They want to create another school with the same vision as them and words cannot describe the historymaking work they are going to do. Dad is working in this country and there is much work to be done here. I feel flustered right now because I really wish to share and express how amazing this place is but I am not eloquent enough! I think this is been said before but I will say it again: everyone must come here and see it for themselves!

We also do fun stuff too! We tried to naenmyun here yesterday and my personal favorite, Gobarro (fried chicken). Today I got a free massage and hand therapy from some of the students who need to learn how to do it, and I know the other team members are really enjoying the culture and city here. We also plan on going to an orphanage, visiting Baekdu San (sp?) mountains, and trying different food.

Personally, Dad is teaching me different lessons on love and how very little I know about it. The Ms here speak of him with such confidence and assurance, it felt silly to even question his strength and ability to work in any circumstance. I see that I have a lot to change about myself and how I am towards others, but most of all, I see that I need to change the way I view him. A lot of things are going on in this world, and he wants us to be a part of it!

I truly miss home and I miss my family in new york. We all joke about how the days go by so fast and yet so slow. I've only been gone a few days, but it seriously feels like a month or more! Thank you for reading and for support! Please ask Dad to continue to help us and may he help our family to be more of a part of what he is doing everywhere!