Feeling Loved

It doesn't hurt today.  7 years and not a day goes by when I don't miss my mother.  I love her, she loves me but God loves us both and ultimately, He gives me strength on the days it does hurt and sustains it on days like today.  Love you mom. You were right. God's taking good care of me.  No worries. :) 

525,600 Minutes

A year ago I left everything comfortable and familiar to fulfill my dream of living oversees.  

So much has happened this past year.  I'm thankful for new relationships, the growth I've made and various experiences that have turned the last 525,600 minutes into some of the best of my life.  

Today, I received my Korean name: 

유다정 meaning affectionate to others. I'm honored to be given a name that reflects my heart but more importantly, the heart and character of God. We've gotten a lot closer these last several hundred thousand minutes...lol. 

Here's to Year 2!  

Until next time...

I've Got a Feeling...

I love summer (vacation)...lol. 

Last July, I decided I was too young to walk around unhappy with my body, have my couch be my best friend (y'all know) always tired and lazy.  So, I bought a pair of running shoes and matching gear (OCD like) and started running again. 

Got to Korea, kept working out and this past May began training for a body figure competition.  In addition to the competition, my goal was to be confident  in myself and my body and have an awesome summer at the beach.  

Well folks, it's summer. And the understatement of the year is I'm having an awesome summer, confident, happy but most importantly joyful, from the inside out.  

I climbed a mountain today. The highest mountain in S. Korea and was amazed at how well I did.  Yea, I'm hurting...lol. But it's that good hurt, you know. I've been at the beach all week, just radiating confidence, I'm surprising even myself. This is awesome!! Gotta keep this up. 

I'm so proud of myself, haha! And what an incredible feeling that is. 

Until next time...

Mudfest

Hello all!! Happy Summer!!

I know it's been a while but I promise this won't be too long. 

Things are going really well.  I've officially renewed my contract which means I'm staying in Korea for another year!  I promise to TRY to do a better job f blogging and keeping you all posted this next year.

One of the first things I was told to do in Korea was "go to Mudfest" so I did! And it was great!  It's exactly as it sounds, grown people playing in the mud.

Brief history: the mud is supposed to be really good for your skin and the festival has been going on for many years now. 

There are mud slides and mud pits to roll around and wrestle in. It's just a free-for-all in those pits...and be careful cause if you're an attractive female, strangers'll tackle you for sure. 

When you're done, head to the beach, catch some waves, soak up the sun. At night, an outdoor concert, awesome fireworks show and dance the night away. 

Pretty cool experience...thanks for the suggestion Britt. Keep em coming! 

Until next time...

A Random Reflection

Late last night coming home from rehearsal, I'm standing up on the train praying someone close to me gets up so I can sit down.  A wet umbrella in one hand, a heavy bag around my shoulders and a bag of chicken in another hand (thanks J), I'm tired and hot and just wanna get home.

An older man walks up to me and shows me a picture he just took of me standing on the train.  The fact that he took the picture doesn't bother me, it happens quite often...but the fact that he shared it with me took me by surprise.  What's more, at first glance I didn't the think picture would be all that good.  It's been a long day and I look like a bag lady that needs to take a long nap so how could this picture be any good? And who is this guy?

Well, the picture is actually really good.  It's a candid shot that he caught very well and offered to email it to me.  Then, he asked me to sit down in the "reserved" seating section for older people, pregnant women and children.  It doesn't seem like a big deal but you're not really supposed to sit there as a young able bodied person unless there isn't anyone else around.  Not only did his invitation justifiy my sitting there it filled my desire to sit down.  God works in cool ways man.

With the little Korean I know, and the little English he knew, we had a pretty nice conversation.  It was one of those rare, wonderful, unexpected moments.  Wherever he is, I hope he was as blessed by our meeting as I was.


Until next time...

I Live in Korea

Sitting in a cab on the way home and a thought hits me: I live in Korea.

Live, like reside.

It's a weird thought. One that I've had several times and seems really obvious but for some reason every time it hits me in this way, it's like a fresh revelation. Even on "bad days", I live in Korea. I'm here living out one of my dreams. Huh. 

It's awesome how good God is. 

That's all. 

Until next time...

Chomp Chomp!!

I've always loved going to the dentist. It's my favorite doctors visit, even when I was younger, going to the dentist was exciting for me. I know that sounds weird but eh, it is what it is. I'm very protective of my teeth so any ole dentist won't do. I need referrals. Today was my first oversees dentist visit. Read on...

When I arrived, I was treated pretty much the way I'm always treated when I go places; with respect, awe, and hesitation. They always chuckle when I say "안녕하세요" and then run to find someone who speaks better English then they do. It's quite amusing to watch. I don't feel like a threatening person, but I know my neutral face isn't the most pleasant...lol. So, I try to smile and be patient. I too chuckle at their initial shock and horror of what to do and say with me and try to use what little Korean I know to put them (and myself) at ease.

I sat in the chair for a while, while they debated on who was to come help me out. I could hear their whispers and chuckles and see the other patients sitting outside my little cubicle straining their necks to get a look at the "아프리카 사람" (african) with wild hair...lol.

All went well. It wasn't the same process as back home. They cleaned but no flossing or polishing. The polishing is my favorite part cause I love the way my teeth feel after but oh well. Still feel good.

The doctor found 2 cavities, bringing my total to 4. Not happy about that but since it's been 2yrs since my last visit, I won't complain.

Dentist is still my favorite doctors visit! My chompers feel GREAT! Shout out to the iTranslate app for getting me through the appt!!


Until next time...

Time Zones Suck!

Having to stay up till midnight to call back home and get "business" taken care of and then spend 30 min on hold pretty much waisting your phone card minutes only to not be happy with the results of said call... no bueno!

At 1:22am, I am heading to bed. LORD, please give me good dreams so I don't wake up angry and exhausted tomorrow (later...smh)!!

Until next time...

A New (Philly) Kind of Family

Tonight was awesome!! I'm still reeling from all the love and excitement!!

Whenever I talk about my natural family people always comment "you and your family are so close" or "you can tell you love them very much". Both are true but I give all credit to first God and then to the older generation of my family (grandparents, aunts, uncles) and of course my mom and dad for setting the example of unconditional love and support. It's because of them, the relationship they have with one another and the way they raised my siblings, cousins and myself that we continue to be a strong and loving family.

Today I experiences that on a spiritual level and I gotta tell you...I am OVERWHELMED!! The culture of love, honor, support, encouragement and freedom at New Philly Itaewon is amazing!! And like my natural family, it's because of our spiritual parents (PC and PE) that we have what we have. I experience such an outpouring of pure love tonight. I've been welcomed with open hearts and arms. Adopted by brothers and sisters who genuinely love and care for each other. I'm part of a New Philly kind of family!!!

How blessed am I to have that both naturally and spiritually?!? I don't really have words except... thanks God!! Whew!!

Bout to be submerged!!

Until next time...

Featured in Video

Hello everyone!!

As an alumni of the International TEFL Academy (the course I took to get certified to teach oversees), I was asked to contribute photos and articles about my experience.  My photo is featured in this video put on YouTube...yay!!!  It's at 0:29...enjoy!!!

Opening Night

Tonight was opening night for my show "Good People" and I.FEEL.GREAT!

It's been years since I've acted and been onstage and this whole process has been a reminder, no...confirmation of my love for the theater.

The audience was small but really engaged which is awesome! Having their energy made such an impact. Live theater baby!! Gotta love it!

So, 1 down, 5 more to go... excited like!!

Until next time...

Home

The hardest thing about being away from home, is being away from home...

But God...

Well, it happened. I lost the key to my apt. Now, losing your apt or house key at any time is annoying and upsetting but losing it in a foreign country where the ppl don't speak your language is even more daunting.

But God...

You see, wherever I am, He takes care of me and tonight His compassion came in the form of floor mates I'd met only once before and His care through my co-teacher who called the building manager, and His love through a new friend who offered support. And through it all, His strength became my strength.

So now I'm home. Safe within the walls of my apt. Thankful that I have a God who loves me enough to always be there and be everything I need.


Until next time...

This Christmas

This year Christmas didn't "feel" like Christmas. There are little to no decorations on the streets and definitely no carolers or Santa...lol. Even though I know that's not what Christmas is all about, it's always been nice to see. And no, I didn't get to spend it with my family, at least not in the traditional way but God always provides.

Even on His own birthday, He looks after and comforts those away from home. I had a great time celebrating with hundreds of other foreigners at church and new friends.

I may be far away from home, it may get lonely at times and I may have only gotten to see my family via Skype but guess what? I am a child of the Lord and wherever I am, He's there with me, loving me, taking care of me. As I know He is with you!!!

Merry Christmas!!! Tell someone you love them today!!


Until next time...

Learning the Language/Culture

I tell ya, I don't understand why ppl will live in a country for several years and not learn the native language.  I understand the how, especially if you live in a community within the country that speaks your language, but I find it disrespectful to live in a place for so long and not learn their language/culture.  I dunno...

I've been in Korea for 4 months now, and I've been doing my best to learn Korean.  I'm at the point where I can read and write it pretty well but of couse the speaking and comprehension parts slower to get right.  Part of the reason I came out here was to learn and experience Korean culture, which includes their language so for me it just seems like the right thing to do.

And it's helped...a lot!!!  For example:

I left a friend's place tonight.  She lives 45min away from me by train.  Similar to DC, the trains stop running at a certain time.  Well, I was able to get on the last train leaving the station nearest my friend but wasn't able to get on my transfer train to take me to my "home stop".  What to do?  Well, most people would've taken a cab home.  Call me cheap but I didn't wanna spend $4 on a cab when I could spend $1.20 on train or bus, so using the little Korean I've learned, I navigated the bus system and 2 buses later, arrived at home.

Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against cabs, I've used them quite a bit.  But I don't wanna depend on a cab to get me places because I don't know how to get around.  I wanna add the cabs to my transportation arsenal, not have it be there by default and because I don't know enough about the language to get around on my own.

Anyways, it's 1:25am here in SoKo...getting down off my high horse and heading to bed...

안녕히계세요 = an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo (good night)


Until next time...

Music: Universal Lanuage

Maybe it's cause I grew up in a family of musicians; a family where singing and playing we're as frequent as breathing but there is just something indescribable about being able to attend a Korean orchestra concert and be just as moved by the talent and music as everyone else.

Music is truly a universal language, one I've been blessed to learn and can appreciate wherever I go.

Costco Comfort

I love Costco. It was always one of my favorite places to go back home. When I found there was one 10 min away from me here in Korea, I got really excited.

My first venture out there, I got terribly lost. This past week, I made another trip out there (shout out to May for showing me how to get there) and man, I couldn't get the smile off my face. I ran around like a kid in a candy store!!

Stuff here is still more expensive than back home (understandably so) but worth it. I won't get most of these "western items" anywhere else. They have all the Kirkland brand items and a few of my favorites!! I'm smiling now just thinking bout it!!!

Did I mention the yearly membership is only $30!!!

Oh Costco, I love you!! Thank you for being here.


Until next time...

Winter is HERE!!

Standing at the bus stop waiting for my ride home and my fingers are begging me to stop typing...lol. It feels like once again we've skipped over Autumn and gone straight to Winter, which sucks cause I LOVE Autumn!!

Am I prepared? Do I have warm clothes? Yes and no but I promise you, I don't "LOOK" out of place. Walking around, you wouldn't think it's 40 degrees F. I get it...they're used to it but sheesh!! Found out today though that looks can be deceiving. While they look like they're not wearing much, truth is they've got on like 5 layers...lol but since most of them are so small in the first place you can't tell...smh.

When in Rome right? I will be jumping on this bandwagon immediately! Especially since my school refuses to put on the heat and open windows to "air out the room". Forget the air. I can't feel me toes. Yes, I said "me toes".

Anyways, I hope we slow down on Winter's approach. I really do love Autumn!!
"Autumn, where are you? Have you seen Autumn?"


Until next time...

Tastebuds

Maybe my tastebuds are changing as I get older or maybe it's cause I'm in Korea and I gotta eat to survive but recently, there are a lot of food that I'm beginning to like that I didn't when I was younger...squid, radish, jam...the list continues today with mushrooms.


Until next time...

Birthday in Korea

Special...

This year, I had a pretty special birthday.  I'm away from my family and friends but thankfully, I've met some pretty great people here that I was able to spend the time with.  It's pretty awesome that my birthday coincides with the Korean Thanksgiving Holiday, Chuseok, so I've been off since last week Thursday and able to stretch out my birthday activities all week!!  It's been quite a few days so I'm glad to have today to rest and enjoy some "me time".

But you wanna know how I spent the weekend don't ya?

Well, where does royalty spend their birthday, at the palace of course!  I went to 2 palaces: Doeksugung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace.  Absolutely stunning pieces of history!  It's hard to put it into words.  I kept trying to imagine what it would've been like to live during that time in a place so grand.  If I could go back in time, just to witness...

I also got a chance to walk along the Cheonggye Stream.  I walked for quite a while...taking in the beauty of this stream in the midst of Seoul.  Surrounded by modern buildings and skyscrapers.  The infusion of the past and the present here in Korea is amazing!  I'm intrigued by how the 2 seem to come together so beautifully. 

After the palaces, something I've always wanted to do: Ballroom Dancing!!  Went to a Tango class, rocking a pair of low-top chucks...lol.  Needless to say, I had to take them off.  Man!!  Ballroom dancing is intense!  It's definitely harder than it looks and toes were stepped on repeatedly.  It was a lot of fun!  Some of the people there were really good, been dancing for years and others were beginners like myself.  It was nice to get out and do something different!!!

Tuesday, I went to the DMZ (demilitarized zone).  It's an area between 2 military powers, where military activity is not permitted.  Kind of like a boundary of peace...  Seeing as how I visited the DMZ between North and South Korea, I had to abide by very strict rules from dress code to gestures.  North Korean soldiers look on as tour groups come around and if they see anything that could be construed as offensive, then we have a problem so no waving or pointing and picture taking is only allowed at certain times.  Not gonna lie, it got a little nerve wracking standing on the North Korean side of the conference room, next to a South Korean soldier...but what a moment!!!

They have a bridge, called the Bridge of No Return.  After the Korean War ended, soldiers were allowed to choose which side to live on.  Once you made your choice, there was no going back.  Many South Koreans have family members in North Korea that they have not been able to communicate with since the war.

A very different, very special birthday this year.  I plan to embrace every new experience and moment that I have whilst in Korea.  There's so much more to see...and while I just turned a year older, I feel 5 years younger!!

For pictures of the weekend, check out the Photos page!!!


Until next time...