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.