Less Words...More Pictures: Part 3

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! There's just something about being mindful of God's neverending faithfulness and HIS overwhelming blessings that puts a smile on my face and a feeling of fullness in my heart. It's great being able to consciously take time to remember all that I have to be thankful for and giving specific thanks to God. I should be focused on HIS wonderful generosity daily, but sometimes, I neglect to talk to Him about it with a grateful heart.

This Thanksgiving, although spent away from family, was an absolute blessing! I had a wonderful time. One of the families from our school had 9 of us staff members over for Thanksgiving. We had turkey and all the fixins! I thank God that HE provided a home away from home at such a special time of the year and surrounded me with men, women, and kids that love HIM. I had a blessed day!

Playing Pictionary! Little Benton (1st grade) decided to join the adults and did an awesome job.
Getting my hair done by my student Hannah! Her family was the host of the day. It's not every day that I get to wear teddy bears in my hair.

Our school's first annual Turkey Bowl---staff vs. Dads Club United soccer game. Staff is in the blue. Dads are in the red. And the daughters of dads (cheerleaders) are in front. This was a great event and a lot of fun. It really got the dads involved, and the daughters had cheerleading practice for weeks in advance. They had jerseys made and cheerleading sweatshirts. It was quite a big deal!

some random display in a coffee shop that I found funnyThe special character bench---I felt cheesey being on this hiddeous thing!

Less Words...More Pictures: Part 2

In November, I was able to tour the DMZ (demilitarization zone between North and South Korea). It was a very unique and humbling experience. The day we went was super foggy, so we were unable to go to the viewing decks or even clearly see North Korea's propoganda city. We were able to go into the tunnels that the N. Korean military secretly dug across the 38th parallel line. 4 Tunnels have been found (and at least 17 more suspected) along the 38th parallel line in order for N. Korea to cross over into S. Korea's territory 44 km from Seoul. 30,000 armed troops accompanied by heavy guns and equipment could pass from N. Korea into S. Korea in just 1 hour. US troops who are stationed at the DMZ only have 1 year assignments, b/c of the secluded nature of it and very little contact with the outside world due to strict time schedules. It's very depressing, and those who serve there are hand-selected after psych evaluations and background checks.

Conference Row: Standing on the southern side looking at N. Korean side. Blue building on left is the Military Armistice Commission Building where the UN has conferences with North Korean officials. The blue buildings are UN or neutral buildings. The large building in the back is N. Korea. The first horizontal line on the ground (cement slab) between the 2 blue buildings marks the line between the 2 countries. There were armed guards on the porch of that building. The men in green that you see are S. Koreans. They stand half covered like the one on the right in order to defend the border.

Guard inside the Military Armistice Commision Building: He's in the center of the room at the end of the "conference table." No touchie! There were 3 black rectangles (mics) that record all conversation/sound in that room 24/7. To his right is N. Korea's side of the building and to his left is S. Korea's side. UN flags in a case above the sound booth/translation booth in the MAC Building. They used to wave freely on a shelf until a surveillance camera caught a N. Korean guard shining his boots with the US flag.
Me and Kate in N. Korea. The guard behind us is S. Korean but is guarding the entrance door into N. Korea.

Me and my friend Kristen standing on the border. N. Korea's about 1,000 meters behind us.

Monument marking the signing of the Armistice that ended the Korean War and gave S. Korea its independence.
N. Korea; There is a guard tower there in the haze. If you look closely through the fog, you can see a N. Korean guard facing us.

Join me in praying for N. Korea and all of the N. Korean refugees who are in other countries. Some have not been reunited with family members in over 60 years. May God change the hearts of those in government positions and shine Truth into the lives of all of those oppressed people.

Less Words...More Pictures: Part 1

Okay, so I realize that I tend to be a "novel" writer when I update my blog. Well, I've decided to share some pictures from over the last few months with quick (as quick as I can be) explanations below them. Hope you enjoy! Here's Part 1...

my friend Beth and me at Cirque du Soleil

me and my 'babies' in front of the Blue House (Korea's White House)

my friend Kate, our co-workers' 2 daughters, and me at the entrance of Everland

me standing in the rose garden at Everland in front of the T-Express (world's steepest wooden roller coaster)

me ending the day at Everland with a nail-biting horse race---I won!!

Unending Faithfulness

The phrase "unending faithfulness" is one that often comes to mind when I reflect on the goodness and character of God. I am blown away when I think about all the times HIS faithfulness has been and is evident in my life. Even when it's not "evident" to me, it still remains. Just thinking about it right now brings countless experiences and circumstances that I have had over the span of my life that point to undeniable evidence of God's faithful hand at work in my life. These thoughts also bring songs to mind such as "Great is Thy Faithfulness" (one of my all time favorites) and "How Great is Our God." I am so thankful for Christ's presence in my life! I am also thankful that HE's not through with me yet.
As I prepared to share at our elementary school faculty devotions, I was trying to discern what exactly it was that God wanted to say to my colleagues. Well, I wrestled back and forth with what was most important. What has God been teaching me? How can I best encourage those I work with? What part of my testimony should I leave out? And the questions went on. In the midst of all that thinking, one thing stood out and remained consistent throughout my testimony---the Bible's influence. God's word has and always will be an active part of the life of a believer. It has encouraged, disciplined, challenged, inspired, humbled, and lifted me up throughout my walk with Jesus. The other thing that has remained consistent is God's patience with me and HIS faithfulness to remind me of who HE is and who I am b/c of HIS presence in my life. I seem to be taught the same lessons by God in cycles and often times through different scriptures that convey the same message. I guess I'm in need of refresher courses/reminders from time to time. Here's how my cycle works:
1. I feel God telling me to do something. Ex: "Thou shalt leave America." I immediately realize that I must obey or disobey. However, I'm initially thinking, "That's great God. Let me research places that I'd feel comfortable moving to, plan out how the next few years of my life will work into overseas ministry, and then I'll go." God uses Hebrews 11:8 to inspire me to obey immediately, without having every last detail. It says, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place for which he'd receive as an inheritance. And he went out, NOT KNOWING WHERE HE WAS GOING."
2. Okay, Lord, I'm going or doing this, but I'm not going or doing without you. Exodus 33:15-16 says, "Moses said to HIM, 'If your presence doesn't go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me...unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me...from all the other people on the face of the earth?"
After acknowledging my desire for God to go with me, I'm sailing smooth for a while until the "Attack of the Mind" comes into the picture just like JAWS.
3. I go through this phase..."Now, Lord, do you realize what you're asking me to do? Do you realize who you're talking to? Do you realize I could screw things up royally? I don't know about this plan."
HE answers, "My grace is sufficient for you, Audie. My strength is made perfect in your weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) "You have such trust through Christ toward [ME]. Not that [you] are sufficient of [yourself] to think of anything as being from from [yourself], but [your] sufficiency if from [ME], Audie." (2 Corinthians 3:4-5)
Then, I rest easy for a while and respond with relief, realizing that the task is not left up to me alone. It has nothing to do with my skills or lack thereof. I don't even have to know what HE's going to do with or through me. I just have to make myself available and obediently follow HIM.
4. Then, I go through the phase of uncertain certainty. It goes like this..."God, I know you're in control. I know that Your strength is made perfect in my frailty. I know that I can do all things through YOU. I know Your timing is perfect. BUT (and it's a big but) I'd feel a little more comfortable if You'd let me in on the details. I'll obey YOU and do what YOU say, BUT it'd be great to have the when and where of things and maybe the why, too. It'd put my little heart at ease and my worries would be lessened."
HE answers, "[I] will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on [ME], because he trusts in [ME]." (Isaiah 26:3) "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways your ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Then, I remember the last 100 times I went through this cycle and thank God for HIS patience with me and HIS willingness to re-remind me of HIS sovereignty and faithfulness yet again.
There are 2 scriptures/promises that have encouraged my heart over the past several months. I will share them with you in closing and pray that they will encourage you as well.
"For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; NO GOOD THING WILL HE WITHHOLD FROM THOSE WHO WALK UPRIGHTLY." Psalm 84:11
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD." I Corinthians 15:58

Emphatically Awed by God

Okay, so I realize that I'm an inconsistant blogger. However, I just so happen to be serving a very consistant Master. HE is never-changing, always reliable, and unmistakably Sovereign. I am utterly exhausted at present, yet so overwhelmed by HIS faithfulness, it's hard to let my mind rest easy. Let's just say that God does hear our prayers, respond to them, and perfect HIS strength in our weaknesses so that we can glorify HIM in the tasks HE's set before us to carry out. I have been so encouraged by who HE is in my own life and in the ministry HE's called me to. Let's just say that although I've felt a little "changed" since my earlier years, the God I surrendered to 20 years ago (WOW! I can't believe I can say that. One score and several months ago, I gave my life to Jesus Christ.---Craziness! I feel like I should be wearing a top hat and beard.) is still the same and is still reminding me of HIS unchanging character and revealing HIS power to me in new and fresh ways. Let me explain...
For the most part, public speaking has never been a fear-raising factor in my life. I mean, I think I popped out of the womb talking. I probably interviewed my delivery doctor right then and there. I was a child full of questions and ready to interrogate anyone willing to entertain my questions. My Aunt Joker always used to say that God engineered me with a button on my bottom, b/c whenever I sat down in the car, to eat dinner, to watch a movie, etc...my mouth started to run and run and run and...you get the picture. I remember a few times feeling a little nervous right before giving a speech in college or something, but other than a few butterflies and sporting a red face for about 15 seconds, speaking in front of others hasn't been a huge fear of mine. Since arriving in Korea, I have wondered a couple of times where good ol' Audra went, b/c this new Audie girl has been freaking out about speaking in front of large groups.
First of all, I "voluntarily" signed up to lead one of the large group Bible lessons for our Immersion (middle school Spring Break mission journey to Indonesia) training session. After learning that 60 something students and 16 other faculty members were going to be in attendance at these sessions, I was like, "Oh my stars! What have I done? Why did I sign up to teach to that large group? And why did I sign up to teach at the 2nd meeting of all things? There are like ex-pastors, experienced missionaries, and chaplains in that group of faculty members. I shouldn't be teaching them. OH STARS! I'll probably say something wrong and lose all credibility as a "bringer of the word." I'll be fired from the trip!" I told my mom over the phone that I must have been on crack when I signed up. Or maybe, just maybe, INSULIN inhibits one's abilities to make common-sense choices. Well, we know that too much insulin does indeed do that, but that's a whole other story. I'll just stick with the crack excuse, b/c I know that my blood sugar wasn't low when I typed on the dotted line.
Anyway, in the midst of this dilemma, our sweet elementary school chaplain, Dr. Casino, asked if I'd be willing to share my testimony during our elementary school faculty devotions. Immediately I thought, "Hot DOG! Another opportunity to speak in front of a group of seasoned Christian adults." Actually, in all honesty, I was quite encouraged by the request but a little overwhelmed and feeling a little underqualified. I do enjoy sharing with others what God is doing in my life, but for some reason, Satan was attacking me in the confidence area. As I began to prepare for the Immersion meeting, I started with the provided, pre-preparation devotion. God could not have hand-chosen a better passage to calm my frantic state of mind. I kind of laughed after reading it and thanked God for HIS comforting words.
The passage was 2 Corinthians 3:4-6: "And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life."
I imagined Jesus looking down at me and saying, "Rest easy, child. I agree with you. You can't do it in and of yourself. Your sufficiency comes from ME. Trust in ME for the sufficiency of the task at hand."
What peace I felt instantly as I reflected on God's word! Not all my nervousness went away, but my reservations and questions about whether I could do it disappeared. That was no longer the question or the point. The question became, "Do I acknowledge Christ as my sufficiency?" It then became a matter of my willingness to submit to and rely upon God alone to prepare me through HIS word and speak through me.
Of course I'm my own worst critic, but the session turned out okay! I did not get "booed." (At least not that I could hear.) Tomatoes were not thrown at me. I did not hyperventilate. And most importantly, to my knowledge, I was able to speak the truth of God's word without distorting it or leading others astray. I pray that HIS message of hope and the fact that we must accept it was conveyed to all in attendance that day.
Have a fantabulous day! Please let me know of your encounters with the Father. How has HE encouraged or challenged you this week? Be blessed!

A Descriptive Paragraph about "Ms. Van Dyke"

Last week we started talking about descriptive paragraphs and essays in class. Well, it's a little sad when you're the "new teacher" and your present students like you, but they LOVE last year's teacher. When I gave them the assignment of writing a descriptive essay, I wasn't surprised to find that several of them were writing about their teachers from 4th grade. What I did not realize until I was grading the papers tonight was that one of my students, fresh to Korea from California, wrote about me. I found it amusing, especially the line that I will write in bold print. I hope those of you who know me best will enjoy this!

"Ms. Van Dyke is our witty 5th grade teacher. Her tall, slender form glides across the room as her green eyes look intently at us. We may be working on school work as Ms. Van Dyke starts a story. MS. VAN DYKE IS A 26 YEAR OLD, AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL STORY TELLER. Sometimes, she wears a long-sleaved, red sweater with gray pants. As if that isn't dazing enough, her hair is a dark blond with brown and golden streaks!"

So, I'm not quite sure what "dazing enough" means, and I don't own any gray pants. I'm also not sure if I've ever glided across any floor, stumbled or tripped maybe. However, I'm loving the title she gave me (all except the age of course)---Ms. Van Dyke, American Professional Storyteller! It has a nice ring to it. I don't really know where that came from either, because we all know that I NEVER TELL STORIES, especially not while working in the classroom. Now that I know that at least one 5th grader thinks of me as a professional---not teacher but storyteller---the future does not seem that scary with no opportunities beyond teaching! I think my next career should be full-time storytelling! It sounds a lot less stressful and demanding than the one I'm in now. Hmmm, maybe I could be a traveling storyteller?!? Oh the possibilities! It's amazing the ideas that one simple paragraph can stir up! Have a great week and be blessed!

Thanks Be Unto HIS Name!

Well, I'm finally back to the blogging world, at least for the next few minutes! I decided it was a good time praise the ONE who is in control of all and holds each of us in the palm of HIS hands. I have had some very discouraging days over the past few weeks. Yet in the midst of it all, God, my faithful Friend, has shown me HIS great mercy and the love HE has for those who wait on and rest in HIM. HE has also brought to light many things for which to be thankful! God is so creative in the ways that HE encourages us. He is also very crafty in allowing those encouragements to come to us at just the right time.
Over the last week or so, HE has allowed many people from back home to "randomly" e-mail or message me with the encouragement that God had placed me on their hearts and they were praying for me. Several of those times, I had just been in the position of thinking, "I could really use some prayer---in addition to my own---right now." Sometimes, just a small note of a few words is just what is needed to kick me in the butt, remind me that God is faithful beyond my understanding, and get me up on my feet and moving for HIS purposes again. Thanks to you "encouragers" out there who allowed God to use you to spur me on.
Let me briefly share a list of things I am thankful for:
1. A sweet friend of mine who is also a teacher and one of the other mom's at school took me to Costco to get some "Americanized" food items. Hopefully, I can pack on the 15 pounds I've dropped off since I arrived here. I had a great time hanging out with these women and am greatly indebted to them for their service and help.
2. God's sovereignty! I'm still living in faith of that very thing I'm thankful for. Often times, I have no clue what HE's doing in my life or with my life, but I can rest in the promises of HIS word and trust that HE's doing what's best according to HIS plan.
3. Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Matt Redman, and Francis Chan! The Passion World Tour was in Seoul this weekend, and I felt like I was at home. I was partly "at home" in that I was surrounded by my extended family in Christ! It was a great day and a half of worship and focus on Daddy God! I love when people from different nations and tongues join together and worship God, especially in song!
4. My team teachers! They are so helpful and patient with me---the new classroom teacher. They are good about sharing ideas and encouraging me. What a blessing!
5. Religious freedom in my classroom! God has really been working in our Bible times each day at school. Bible is absolutely my favorite subject to teach. This past week, my students were given the opportunity to write their personal testimonies about how they accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives. Those who are not yet Christians wrote about another topic related to Christ as God in the flesh. I was so encouraged to read them. I was also brokenhearted by those students who shared reasons why they weren't Christians or weren't allowed by their parents to be Christians. That brings me to the next thing I'm thankful for:
6. Prayer!! God hears them, works through them, and always ANSWERS them! Thank you so much to those of you who have been praying for me and my precious kids. I have definitely felt them and seen them at work! You'll never know how much you're doing for the sake of spreading the Gospel here in Korea!
7. Family! My family rocks!! I love and miss them so much, but they are quick to encourage me in the LORD and to keep my mind and heart focused on Jesus and the ministry HE's called me to. There is a beautiful 2 year old girl who better run for her life come Christmas, for she will constantly be wrapped up in hugs and smothered by kisses from me! I'll have to think of some amazing game to incorporate those into every moment, so she's not freaked out by this hugging and kissing maniac!
Well, I'm still at work and am exhausted! I'm going to cut this off and head home! I love you all and pray that you'll find things to be thankful for this week, even if things are a little bleak or challenging right now!

Exercising Eaglet Faith

Okay, so I've had this topic on my heart since the first week in June, and I'm finally taking time to share it! I was doing the Bible study, On Mission with God: Living God's Purpose for HIS Glory, by Henry Blackaby and Avery T. Willis, Jr. Well, I learned a lot as I went through the chapter on Moses. They used an eagle illustration to describe what God did with the Israelites, and I realized that God is still working through the same process and has done so at least 2 times in my life in recent years. Let me explain (all quotes are taken from the above mentioned study pgs. 70-73):

#1: God stirs up our nest to get us on HIS agenda. We've all heard that when an eagle prepares its nest, it searches for a crevice or ledge where other wild animals cannot get to their eggs/eaglets. The momma eagle creates a large, comfortable nest for her babies lining it with feathers, fabric, and other soft items. As babies, those eaglets are safe. However, that momma eagle knows that those babies were not born to veg out in that nest forever. To encourage those eaglets to get ready to fly, the eagle strips the nest of all the soft comfort until they are left resting on sticks, bones, and other hard, sharp objects. Of course those eaglets begin to cry out and complain. Israel had been in the best part of Egypt for 400 years when the LORD decided to stir their nest and create some discomfort by letting them fall captive to Pharaoh. God knew that they were meant for something better---the Promised Land. Yet HE had to get their attention in order that they would cry out to HIM. "When you get stuck in one of the stages of development, one of God's ways is to make you uncomfortable by stirring your nest, readying you for the next move...God is stirring HIS people all over the world to join HIM on mission (p. 70)."

#2: God demonstrates HIS power by hovering over us. After the momma causes the babies to squirm, she hovers over them with her wings spread to show how big she is and to let them know that she is still in control---no need to worry. The LORD showed Israel (and surrounding nations) HIS power through the 10 plagues. "After God stirs your nest, HE hovers over you, showing you HE's all you need...HIS hovering is not to make you feel comfortable but to cause you to believe HIM for the next thing HE wants to do in your life (p. 71)."

#3: God leads you to take the next step on mission with HIM by bearing you on HIS wings and then shaking you off. The eagle extends her wing to the edge of the nest inviting her eaglets to leave the nest and hop on in order to take flight. If they remain in the briars, she beats them with her wings until they step out. The babies must feel as if their mother has turned against them. Once the eaglets are on her wings, she plunges off the cliff and begins to fly to their enjoyment. They finally catch a glimpse of their purpose in life. Momma takes them back to the pokey nest, and immediately they jump back on her wing. As the eagle takes flight again, she allows the eaglets to feel comfortable and then shakes them off mid-flight. Some instinctively begin to fly, while others begin to freefall. The protective mother catches those who aren't natural soarers and begins the process again. "Sometimes God has to let you get beaten by circumstances until you say, 'I'll take anything but this.' At that point you get on [HIS] wing p. 71.) To fulfill the purpose for which HE created you, HE puts you in a faith-creating situation [shakes you off HIS wing or brings you to the edge of the cliff]. When the Hebrews flew by faith, HE repeatedly demonstrated that HE was sufficient (p. 72)."

"As HE did with Israel, God brings HIS people to a decision point. He brings you to the place where you must choose about exercising faith---stepping out on a limb that you don't know will hold you up. But the end of the limb is where the fruit is. In stepping out in faith, you find that God provides wings of faith. You begin to fly and fulfill the glorious purpose for which God has designed you (p. 73)."

Let me just say that God has definitely added some elements of discomfort into my areas of comfort over the last few years. HE's brought me to several decision points, many of which were uncomfortable and frightening. However, in putting those decisions in front of me and requiring me to step out in obedience and exercise the faith that I so easily "talked" about having, HE has proved HIMSELF to be faithful beyond measure. HE has provided me with the wing support and enabled me to boldly walk out on faith. In the process, HE has allowed me to realize a little more of what it means to live for and walk with Christ. HE has also gently reminded me that HE has more planned for my life than comfortable living in the knowledge of being a sinner saved by grace. HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!

Let us wait on HIM to prompt our next faith exercise with the strength of HIS inviting wing. Then, let us boldly step on realizing the greatness and power of our GOD and look for the next thing HE has planned for us for HIS glory. May we always be moving forward on our journey with Christ and not remain captive slaves to the things/comforts of our lives---our habits and routines, our good deeds, etc...

Be encouraged, and be blessed!

"Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Reunion and Randomness

Let me just say, "Thank you, Ashley and friends!" I was blessed to be able to meet up with my friend from college, Ashley, whom I haven't seen in several years and some of her friends Friday night and Saturday. It was such an encouragement having a familiar face in Seoul and just what I needed at the start of my week off for Chusok. We were able to catch up on the past few years of our lives, enjoy a great Mexican dinner and yummy ice cream from B&R, explore around Seoul, eat more American food, and part ways at none other than Seoul Station.

We went to Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain---a famous landmark here in Seoul, Itaewon---tourist strip near my house, and Insadong---market with traditional Korean arts shops and such. Ashley's friends were a fun bunch, and one of them was a friend of mine from Alabama's cousin: Randomness #1! What a small world this is!

Me and Ashley after downing a huge plate of Mexican grub!

Taking advantage of a tourist photo opp. at Seoul Tower!

I live somewhere down there!

Randomness #2: Padlocks on the fence at Seoul Tower blocking the view from the viewing deck. Thank goodness I'm tall!

Randomness #3: Hanging wiremen at Seoul Tower.

Randomness #4: The names of our waitor and waitress at Bennigan's--> Soldier and Beyonce. I think that Beyonce has had some major plastic surgery. She didn't look quite the same at the restaurant. She had stretched, squinty eyes; black stick straight hair; thin lips; no bust and no butt.---HILARIOUS!

Korean Awareness Days

September 11th (field trip day) and 12th were Korean Awareness Days at our school. On the morning of the 12th, my students presented different things about Korea---historic events, traditional housing, traditional dress, holidays, food, sports, attractions, writing, etc... They did a great job, and I learned a lot about my host country. That afternoon my class partnered with another 5th grade class for games, food, and a Chusok presentation planned by some of our room mothers. The students were able to experience playing 4 Korean games in the courtyard. Then, we went up to the classroom where one of the mothers did a powerpoint presentation on the history of Chusok. Chusok is sort of equivalent to our Thanksgiving. It is a 3-day harvest celebration in which families travel back to their historic cities throughout Korea, visit their ancestors graves, and eat. After the presentation, the kids were able to taste some of the traditional foods and drink (all were made out of rice) and participate in the traditional Chusok dance. Again, I learned a lot. The kids had a good time, and I was so thankful to have so many mothers there to help out!

Some of my students who wore Hanboks---traditional Korean attire!

One of the games---throw a wooden arrow with rubber tips into the golden target!

The traditional Korean stick game.
Traditional Chusok foods---all made out of rice and very sweet!

Let me just say that most days lately have been Korean Awareness days for me. Most recently, that has not been the most positive experience. I seem to be in that phase where stupid little things are getting on my nerves. I know that sounds bad, but I'm being honest. I didn't think that I would experience this "semi-negative" phase, but I am going through it a little now. In all fairness, I was warned about it. Let me share just a few things that are annoying this week:

1. The smells: If I smell one more rotten egg/sulfuric smell, stewing sewage in my neighborhood, heated trash heap, or nasty cabdriver breath, I may need to barf!
I need some fresh country air to breathe in! If you are in Alabama or Mississippi, please go outside and take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. I hope you're enjoying that and thanking the LORD for clean country or coastal air!

2. The sounds: If I hear one more child screaming outside my window at 11 pm or 12 am, one more man belching or hocking a loogie in the streets or subways, or Konglish (Korean mixed with English) commercials on t.v., I might just scream.
I was trying to walk down the street and mind my own business when I passed by a Korean man who rudely belched in my ear. It was so hideous I felt as if I could smell that rank thing in my eardrum. I almost turned around and slapped him upside the head. I could feel the force on the side of my head, hear it loud and clear, and imagine the putrid smell of it. Thank the LORD I did not actually smell it. I think I would have gone psychotic. Y'all might have been telling me, "Welcome home, Audie" by now. I do realize that I've "accidently" burped a few times around my close friends and family, as has Daddio. However, these men need to learn the proper place and purpose for that kind of activity. Place: at home with close friends and family (only if it's on accident). Purpose: to create an atmosphere of laughter and enjoyment!
In the last couple of weeks, I have entered 3 cabs that have smelled so nastidious (halitosis mixed with garlic) that I've had to shove fingers in my nostrils and pray. One ride, I was convulsing in the backseat as I gagged just thinking about it! It was kind of embarrassing.
Three times on Sunday, while I was riding the subway, a man (and this is common around town) hocked a huge loogie and spit it in the station as I was walking by. I don't even want to think about what would have happened if it had landed on me. Let us pray for the future now. Just the sound of these men working up the loogie and then the spitting sound-----uuuuhhhh---Enough said.

3. The sights: I so wish I didn't have to look at one more sunny day covered in a thick gray fog and dust. I do miss the blue skies of the south, the sound/smell/sight of the ocean and beach, the smell and sound of grass being mowed, and the sight of trees and flowers. I did find a park up the road from me that has beautiful sunflowers and greenery! I'm telling you that was such a blessing for a girl who's not even that environmentally conscience.

Yea for sunflowers!
Okay, enough negativity! I love my students and coworkers! I'm thankful for a place to sleep, shower, and eat. I know the Creator of the universe! I am able to see HIS unique handiwork each day through people from several different nations. I am blessed even amidst the overwhelming sights, smells, and sounds!

Field Trips, Fun Times, and Fitting Lessons

On September 11th, the whole elementary school went on a field trip to the Korean War Memorial and Museum. Outside of the museum, there are all sorts of planes, tanks, and other vehicles. That part is free of charge, and the kids were able to climb inside the vehicles and walk around them. There was this one tank that was moving back and forth making ammunition noises. Of course the kids (especially the boys) were falling out on the pavement pretending that they'd been shot down. I know that war and death is not funny, but it was quite entertaining to watch them, especially since all of them quickly rose in order to "die" again. It was wild! The museum was 3 stories and told the history of Korea and all its wars in chronological order. It also allowed the students an opportunity to try on gas masks and experience some of the past consequences of trouble between North and South Korea.Three of my students trying out the gas masks! That grosses me out. I did not put one of those on my head. They went into a room that filled with gas!

The vehicular mall outside the museum!

Inside the museum.
Before we toured the museum, almost 400 students and teachers made pottery outside and ate lunch under the planes. I have never made pottery, and let me just say there is lots of room for practice! I was just telling someone how the LORD surely is 'molding' me as I serve HIM over here. It got me thinking while I was molding my clay. God has a very important, intricate job as HE shapes HIS children. I believe it must be frustrating too at times when we people of clay do not easily fold into the design that HE desires to shape us. It made me aware of the fact also that fingerprints aren't easily left off of the "pottery." My prayer is that the fingerprints of God would be found on me. I pray that I will submit to the Potter, so that I can be exactly what HE wants me to be. I know HE's had to before and will have to again, but I pray that I won't have to be "flattened out," cut at, and pressed in order to be moldable. I pray that I'd be cooperative as HE cuts at the raw edges and smooths those rough parts out of me, so that HE alone may be glorified in my life. When others look at me, may they see a work of art that can only be explained by and credited to the Master Artist!
My students eating lunch under the jet! I don't even remember which US model this is!

With that said, you can join me in praying that I will be readily available to HIS molding. I have faced some very tough issues internally over the past few weeks and am confident that they are issues that the LORD wants to deal with and must before I can be further molded into HIS image and used for HIS glory. It's those issues closest to my heart that are toughest to let go of and to even admit to myself, others, and even God. May I learn quickly to leave them at the foot of the cross and trust in the faithfulness of the ONE who conquered death on that cross!
Be encouraged by the lyrics to Darlene Zschech's song "Potter's Hands:"
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour,

I know for sure, all of my days are
held in your hands, crafted into your perfect plan.
You gently call me into your presence,

guiding me by Your Holy Spirit.
Teach me, dear Lord,

to live all of my life through Your eyes.
I'm captured by Your holy calling.

Set me apart. I know you're drawing me to yourself.
Lead me, Lord, I pray.
Take me, mold me,

use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand.
Call me, guide me,

lead me, walk beside me.

I give my life to the Potter's hand.

Potters in the making!

Massage Parlor Hilarities

Here's me after a trying day and a funny massage experience!

There was reason to smile after all!

Okay, so yesterday didn't start off all too grand, but God provided just the humor I needed to brighten my day. I woke up yesterday (Saturday) morning and realized it was time to change my insulin pump. I really haven't been enjoying those days, b/c it keeps messing up requiring me to change it out several times before I finally get a spot that works. Anyway, yesterday was no different. I injected the canula into the site, and not long after, I hear the annoying beep of my pump telling me that insulin delivery is not working. SO I CHANGE IT OUT AGAIN. It seems to be working, so I head to work. I practiced patience by riding the busses.

Well, at work I decide to get all my stuff done and then join my team teacher April for a massage at 4 pm. I was not feeling well and then at 3 pm, my stupid pump starts beeping again telling me that insulin delivery is not working. I was so frustrated at this time, b/c my blood sugar was so high and I felt super tired and ready to barf. I hadn't even gotten all my work done and now I was having to pack up, ride busses back home, change my pump out, then take a taxi to the massage parlor, and then go back to work.

Well, I made it home and took care of the pump problem. On my way out to catch a taxi, a lady stopped me and started witnessing to me. I was so annoyed, b/c she asked, "Are you going somewhere?" I told her that I was and then she said some opening line and asked, "Would you like to live forever if you could?" I explained to her that I was already planning to live eternally with Jesus Christ in heaven. We talked a little more and then the Jehovah's Witness pamphlets came out. God really knows how to keep us in line and remind us to treat others with love at all times even when we're not feeling too patient and loving. I must admit that I wanted to yell at that lady after she had made me miss 2 or 3 empty taxis and then she ended her wholesome, spiritual talk with pamphlets that perverted God's word! I was already short and not in the mood to deal with people. After I told her my beliefs and that I was not interested in taking her literature, she walked off and I was left to wait for what seemed like forever for another taxi. I barely made it to my appointment in time.

In the taxi, I began to pray for my attitude and that woman. I was now frustrated with my attitude and outlook on the day. The truth of the matter is that God was in the midst of what seemed like a not-so-good day. The weather was gorgeous. God had protected me physically and has provided me with a way to control my diabetes through insulin pump therapy. HE has blessed me with the promise of eternal life! HE's forgiven me and allows me to join HIM in His work, even when I fail HIM. Okay, now for the humor!

I have been wanting to get a massage since last August and have never followed through with making an appointment. Well, yesterday I got an hour long dry back massage! It was great and worth every penny! The first kind of funny thing was the fact that April got a woman (which I was told we'd both have) and I got this cute little Korean man. I lay down and of course I wasn't immediately relaxed. I kept thinking of Katie Jo and Heather and what they'd be doing in my situation. This man was pressing and working so hard that it hurt but felt good at the same time. I was smirking at the ground, glad that he could not see my face. I kept imagining Heather and Katie yelling or making noises as if to say, "Lay off, dude. That's a little too firm." The real smirking came when he began to massage my BUTT (yes, the entire thing), which I guess is considered to be the "lower back." I almost cracked up, but held it in just as if I were in the pews at church. The whole time I was thanking the LORD that that man couldn't see my immature smirk. Then, the dude jumps up on the table and is hovering over me. All I could think at this point was, "He better not sit on my butt and massage/crack my back like my sisters and I used to do to each other. This is also not horsey time with Michaela." I was a little nervous at this point, but decided to relax. Again, I was picturing Katie Jo and Heather.

All of that to get to this...He tells me to flip over on my back and massages my face and head with this cloth over the top half of my face. All he can see is my mouth. He then stands behind my head and raises my arms up over my head. He started massaging my armpits. I was think, "Good laws, I'm about to burst out laughing. Please Lord help me to contain myself. It's all mental, Audie. Stay strong." I was also thinking about the fact that he can now see me smirk. And then I realized how funny it would truly be if Hea and KaJo were there in the room with me. "So far, so good. Be strong, Audie. Oh no, he can see me smirk." At that point, I lost it and let out a gut-wrenching laugh. The poor man froze and then I hear, "You ok?" I was still kind of giggling and said, "Yes, I'm sorry. I'm ticklish!" Then, the man, April, and the other lady, crack up. I was mortified. I felt like a 6th grade girl! However, I had a lot more laughing to do and was glad that the massage was only about 2 minutes longer. We were all smirking upon exiting the room. I kept laughing everytime I thought about it. Even as I was walking back to work down the crowded street and in my classroom. God is so faithful and knew that I needed to release some stress through laughter! I was relaxed with my face and makeup crumpled, but glad to be a child of the king! You better believe I'm taking Katie Jo there when she visits this summer!

Friday Night's Back-to-School Picnic

Friday night we had our PTO sponsored Back-to-School Picnic. It is quite a large event. They provided food, games/activities, and entertainment. The picnic included inflatable games for jumping, boxing, and bungee running; basketball and soccer tournaments, water gun fights, a magic show, a balloon making man, and great food (Outback Steakhouse, On the Boarder, California Pizza Kitchen, and Korean and Indian food). The kids had a blast and the parents were able to mix and mingle. I've posted some pics below!

Me with Julie and Emily. They're both middle school teachers!

Some of my crazy but wonderful students having fun! I have an outstanding group of kids this year with amazing parents. God has blessed me beyond compare!
Aladdin---the balloon man!
Games on the soccer field. This picture was taken right before everything got wild and crazy.
This picture will always mean a lot to me. I was hanging out with some of my students on the soccer field and they all started hollering with excitement, "Look, Miss Van Dyke! A rainbow just like the one we studied about with Noah in the Bible!" You can see the city in the background and the haziness that has come since China has turned on all of its factories once again. However, the sky and rainbow were gorgeous! My camera didn't capture it like it was in real life. I was so excited that my kids were excited about seeing in real life what we had been studying in class. Bible time is my favorite part of the day. My kids are really soaking up the truths and asking deep questions. They are also making observations in the stories that are teaching me things! God is so amazing!

Home, Sweet Seoul!

Okay, I must admit that I have not been good about blogging or updating since moving to Seoul. I just haven't been in the mood to write! Well, here are some pictures just to show you were I spend a lot of my time. I'll update more specifically after this one. For those of you with Facebook, I have a lot more pictures posted there.

My classroom at school is so nice! Everything is so new and clean. I have an LCD projector attached to the ceiling and a nice retractable screen that I can have come down in front of the boards. I use it a lot more than I'd ever expected.
The outside of my house. There is one floor above the garage that my landlord lives in, and then I live on the second floor above the garage. It is not decorated at all and looks somewhat bachelor-paddish. Those of you who know me well, know that it could take up to a year or longer for me to make a place look and feel like home. I'm fine if I can relax, shower, and sleep. Not my best quality, I know!
The living room of my house. I am sprauled out on the couch now updating my blog!
The local grocery store. I pretty much buy noodles, milk, and Hershey chocolate bars there regularly. I've only shopped for real like 2 times since moving here. I am still a little aprehensive about buying unknown items and cooking.
Seoul Tower as seen from my porch. Lots of people hike up Mt. Namsan, which is in the center of Seoul! There are parks and different trails to the top. The tower has a revolving restaurant, video room, and viewing deck up top. You can also take a cable car to the top of the mountain. It's a well-known landmark in Seoul.

Blessed! Tired! Entertained! Disappointed

Okay, I'm back to the blogging world! Let me just say that these last few days have been a mixture of all of the adjectives in the title above! Let me explain:
Blessed:
We had Open House on Monday night (Aug. 11) and school for the students started on Wednesday (Aug. 13). I have 24 students in my class and 22 of them and 23 of their parents showed up for the big event Monday night. I enjoyed meeting all of them and sharing with them the LORD's answer to my prayers in sending me overseas and hand choosing each of their children to be in my class. They were so encouraging. Many of the parents told me that they had been praying that the LORD would put their child in the 5th grade teacher's class of HIS choosing. So in actuality I had been praying for them and their children at the same time that they were praying for me. God is so wonderful! I have students from Switzerland, USA, Korea, Japan, India, Brazil, Nigeria, and Belgium in my class. How awesome is that? I am so blessed! We had school on the 13th and 14th, and then had Friday off due to Korean Independence DAY. My first 2 days with the students were smooth sailing and fun! God also allowed me to get a full night's rest before both days. Having Friday off was a God-send, as well as a tiring experience!
Tired:
I came to work on Friday from 9:45 am until 8 pm. I did have a lunch break in there. However, I was very tired and a bit overwhelmed after thumbing through curriculum and planning all day. Then, this morning I got to work at 9 am and just finished my first week's plans at 6 pm. It should not be this grueling every week. I have a better handle on things now and feel that it will get easier to plan with time. Can we say tired??
Entertained (or freaked out):
Okay, so I left my house yesterday morning thinking about what I'd share in my next blog. I was going to tell you that Koreans have not been staring at me intently like the S. Africans, Chinese, and Thais did when I was in their respective countries. I haven't felt so out of place. However, I can no longer say that. Yesterday, I decided to practice patience and step out of my comfort zone by taking the busses to school. (I still am not in my element where public transportation is concerned. I usually end up walking miles and sweating like a pig until I make it to my destination just to avoid busses or taxis.) Well, I get on and off my first Bus 03 and make it to my second bus stop to wait for the anticipated Bus 0014. As I am waiting, this seemingly nice looking younger Korean man (looks can be deceiving) comes strolling down the sidewalk staring intently at me. Well, I took 2 steps backward to clear the walkway, so he could get by. He decides to align himself with me by taking 2 steps to his right. He then stands almost shoulder to shoulder with me and proceeds to stare at me. It freaked me out. I took 2 steps to my right and forward, and he follows standing within 6 in. of me still staring at me intently. I proceeded to pray for the "stupid" public transportation to hurry up and get there and took my subway map out and pretended to study it. In the midst of praying and "studying," I again shifted away from the psychotic fellow. This time he stayed put, lit up a cigarette (or cigaLette as the signs here say), my "coach" arrived, and he didn't get on it. Praise the LORD!
Also, as I was walking to lunch with some fellow Americans, several different Koreans stopped and stared at us as we talked. Needless to say, I can no longer report to all of you that these countrymen don't stare at me/Westerners in general.
One of the Korean builders working on our school brought me and my friend April food last night. That story is entertaining too, but I can't write all of it now. I think that it was a peace offering since they had been pounding on my wall all day due to adding on next to my classroom. That was a blessing, b/c it served as my dinner!
Disappointed:
I am disappointed, b/c I had planned to post pictures of my house and classroom. However, my school computer is not allowing me to download my pics. I'm sure I'm just too dense to figure it out. Anyway, I'll have to post those soon.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. I have definitely felt them! God is using you to encourage and uplift me. So far, things have been going much better than I ever anticipated! However, I know that things will not always been easy cheesey! I did experience a hint of being overwhelmed over the past few days. However, God reminded me that easy or difficult I need to depend on HIM.
Please pray that Satan will not be able to use stress and worrying to distract me and get me down. God is bigger than any stress or any overwhelming circumstances. HE alone is sufficient to strengthen me to carry out that which HE's called me to.
Please also pray for me as I prepare to co-lead a 6th grade girls' discipleship group here at school.
GOD is so FAITHFUL, and I have been so BLESSED! I look forward to hearing from you!

Seoul: Part 1

Okay, I admit it has been too long since I’ve posted something on here. A lot has taken place since I left the US. Let me just say that the LORD has been MORE than faithful since my arrival and has allowed me to feel quite at home under the circumstances. To HIM be the glory for HIS goodness and comfort in the midst of unfamiliarity. The first full day here in Seoul was a little overwhelming and somewhat emotional, although I could not let my emotions break forth until late that night. I was touring around with two guides (assistant principal and teacher) and a family who arrived the same day I did and who lives across the street from me, so naturally I kept swallowing the huge lump in my throat each time it threatened to act out. Unfortunately yet thankfully, that lump jumped up and burst forth from my eyes and nose the moment I heard my mother’s voice on the phone my second night in Seoul.=) Momma, bless your little heart for having to deal with that right after saying goodbye to me. I LOVE YOU! Katie Jo and Heather, you 2 had to deal with the “attack of the lump” also. Thanks!
Everyone here in Seoul has been so helpful. I can’t even begin to express the joy that I have experienced being surrounded by fellow co-workers who love the Lord Jesus, who have a heart for the nations, and who have moved far away from the familiar in order to minister to students from many different nations and walks of life. It is such a treat to begin each work day praying, worshipping, and studying God’s word together as a faculty/staff. Jesus has been and is the one thing that has joined a group of diverse individuals together. How amazing HE is!
So much has happened since my arrival, and so much has been discovered. Here are a few things that I’ve learned about Korea(Seoul)/Koreans as I’ve explored this huge city:
1. Koreans are or can be fairly tall! Much to the dismay of many of you girls (you know who you are), I do not tower over all of the menfolk! Nor do I or can I easily throw them over my shoulders!!;) haha
2. Life without a car, air conditioning, Internet access, and a cell phone is possible! I did get a cell phone (Friday, 8/1), and I finally have working air conditioning as of last night (Monday, 8/4). I have Internet access from work for now. As far as a car is concerned, I am thankful that I do not have one in this chaotic city. I have successfully journeyed on foot and by bus, taxi, and subway! All I can say is thank heavens that my foot modeling contract expired before I left the US. My former foot agent would probably drop dead if he saw my feet at this point---swollen with multiple blisters, cuts, calluses, and bites!
3. The US military base here in Seoul is humongous and has more Koreans on campus than US military men/women/families.
4. This is definitely the technology capital of the world. A few examples: Some waitresses take your order on electronic palm pilots. Some cab drivers allow you to pay with electronic subway/bus cards. Security cameras in gas stations/grocery stores are viewed on flat screens. Cell phones work EVERYWHERE---there are no dead spots even underground! On church Sunday, my friend had us get out and then he pulled his car into an elevator type room and got out. The elevator door shut and took his car underground where it was carried by a conveyor belt to a parking space in an underground parking lot across the street. When people ring my doorbell, their faces appear on a screen in my house. I can talk to them and unlock the door from the screen. CRAZY!
5. I am not a skilled mountain/rock climber or hiker. I tried hiking to the top of this mountain. On the way up, I fell forward and skinned my hand as I caught myself on a rock. On the way down, I slipped and almost fell like three times and then I finally did about 50 yards from the bottom of the mountain. I busted hard, and apparently missed hitting my tailbone on this huge root by about 1 inch. I muddied my shorts and camera, cut my hand again, jammed my middle finger, and bruised my pride! haha I have turned into Katie Jo, Jr., if that’s even possible.

Me, Abby, and Beth resting on our hike.

Getting toward the bottom. Right before my crash.

Attempting to show my muddied bottom. The left "cheek" was nice and dingy.

6. There are some strange/hilarious things written in English around town. I'll post some examples later, but here is my favorite! I felt like Snoop Dog was going to appear from around the corner.

Well, this posting is way too long now, so I’ll stop. The next posting will have pictures of my house, my classroom, school, and actual Seoul. I haven't been too good about taking pics. President Bush is staying about a 30 sec. drive from my house, so things are crazy around my neighborhood and in town. I'll have to capture it on my camera. Thanks so much for all the prayers!

Pre-field Orientation (PFO)

As many of you know, I was back in Southaven from the 23rd of June until the 4th of July for PFO. I was not overly excited about getting there, b/c quite honestly, nerves started settling in a couple days before I had to leave. I think the reality of moving "to the ends of the earth" began to sink in. However, it wasn't long after my arrival that I began to feel comforted. I soon met fellow PFOers that were from all over the US and from different countries who were feeling a little like I was---stressed, unprepared, uncertain about what to expect at PFO and upon arriving in our host countries for the next couple of years, yet certain that GOD had called us to the place that we were headed for HIS purposes. Listening to others soon calmed my nerves and made me feel somewhat 'normal.' I felt normal, all except for my southern accent which won me the nickname Alabama, for about the 1st week of PFO. The second week I began to feel overwhelmed with the huge responsibility and task before me. I was on information overload (host culture vs. school culture, working with and understanding third culture kids, integrating the Bible into core subjects, embracing the host culture both old generation and new, etc...) and the truth of the challenges of transition that lie ahead where a tad bit scary. I was thinking, "I must be an idiot, b/c I definitely had not considered all of the things that I would be dealing with once I arrived in Korea."
I think that I had been somewhat in fantasy mode up until I got to PFO. I was on a Seoul mission destined to reach the lost for Jesus. Glory be to HIM---with HIM all things were going to be easy and adventurous! (haha---true but not everything is going to be so rosey) OK ok...I did realize that there would be tough times ahead. What I didn't fully realize and probably still don't is that the little, everyday things will be different and might serve as a test of my faith on more than one level.
What I do know is that HE who called me will be faithful. It will be HIS identity, not mine, that will make the difference! I also know that HE has already provided me with a great group of friends that I will be working with. I was able to hang out with quite a few people who will be working at my school which was a blessing. I was also able to meet some incredible people who will be serving Jesus in other parts of the world. I've posted some pics below.
These 2 girls are my "Korean" buddies or role models. They know it all, so I'll just follow them. Right? I'm sure they secretly refer to me as "Alabama, the village idiot."
These are my "non-Korean" buddies. We're the blind leading the blind, but boy do we have fun!
This is my PFO small group, minus Mallory who left early. Our group represents S. Korea, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Germany.
Our first Korean restaurant group experience. It was delicious! Our girls did a great job ordering for us. I pretty much liked everything.
Don't let Julie's beauty fool you. This girl is very deceitful. haha I chose her as my 'leader,' and she tricked me. I am not a confident chopsticker, and I expressed my lack of skill before eating. She served me stew and told me to eat the solid chunks with my chopstick. She told me that when the chopsticks hit the broth they would expand into straws, so I could suck up the broth. She kept looking at her chopsticks funny when they didn't 'expand' and said that the restaurant must not have authentic Korean chopsticks. I totally fell for it and began talking about how cool the chopsticks must be in Korea. Can we say: A-L-A-B-A-M-A? I'm never that gullible. I was trying to learn so much about the culture that I forgot to have a sense of humor or discernment of character! It was hilarious.