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Dejuj Kries

2012-02-15T22:51:00.001+09:00

Student: Teacher, what is Dejuj Kries?
Me: Where did you hear that?
Student: My teacher she always said, "Believe in Dejuj Kries!"

So apparently, my student had a substitute teacher who always taught about Jesus in his computer and math class. She ended up getting fired because she wasn't really teaching what she was supposed to be teaching. A clear breach in state and church. But what was interesting was how upset my atheistic student was with these "strong believers" of Christianity. He began to tell me about another negative experience he had with a woman who was evangelizing to him on the street and saying that he would suffer painfully in hell for not believing in God. My student is just entering 6th grade. As you can imagine, he has a pretty bad image of evangelistic Christians.

Brennan Manning said that "the greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians..." I remember hearing that for the first time in middle school and being surprised by such a profound idea and statement. But through the years of being surrounded by both Christians and non-Christians, the surprise has only been replaced by sadness. When people ask me questions about the Bible, my answers are inadequate and poor. When people view my life, it is inconsistent with what I profess to believe. When people see my Christian brothers and sisters, they don't see a community of believers. I'm sad because I know that I too am a cause of atheism in the world today.

But thank goodness that God is greater than my failures and even the poor preaching and presentation of Dejuj Kries.

Thought of the Day: STOP NORTH KOREAN REFUGEE EXECUTION!
Song of the Day: Taru-Summer Day

The Jeremy Lin Show

2012-02-12T23:59:00.000+09:00

My my my.

This week's persecuted church: Saudi Arabia

2012-02-12T01:20:00.000+09:00

A Christian leader from Saudi Arabia explained: “The Saudi officials are accusing the Christians of committing the crime of mixing of sexes because if they charge them with meeting for practicing Christianity, they will come under pressure from the international human-rights organizations as well as Western countries. In fact, when an employer of one of the detainees asked for the reason for their employee’s arrest, the Saudi official told him that it was for practicing Christianity.”

Saudi officials strip-searched all the women and subjected them to an abusive body-cavity search, and assaulted the men. In a remarkable prison interview with the Voice of America’s Amharic-language service, one of the women, who contracted an infection from the search, attested: “We are traumatized by the strip search. They treated us like dogs because of our Christian faith. While talking about me during a recent visit to the prison medical center, I overheard a nurse telling a doctor ‘if she dies, we will put her in a trash bin.’”

Thought of the Day: Resource Conflict
Song of the Day: Humming Urban Stereo-넌 그날 (Gros Câlin Mix)

Seizing Seasons

2012-02-07T21:21:00.001+09:00

I finally started the second season of Community. Like many shows that I watch, I often get stuck on the same season for many a month. I progress very slowly by watching about an episode a week, so I don't get to see many new things that everyone else is going through. By the time I finish a season, everyone is already finished with the next one I'm supposed to watch. I'm always a couple of steps behind.

I feel like a lot of my young adult years have been that way. People would enter grad school. I'd be at hakwon. People would finish grad school. I'd be at hakwon. People would start some profession. I'd be tutoring. People would start dating. I'd be tutoring. People would start getting married. I'd be tutoring. People would come in and out of Korea. I'm still tutoring. A cold and frozen life like these frigid winter months.

But Sam recently told me that it seemed like my life was finally going through some big changes...positive ones. My dad has started something new (again). My brother has graduated and is now working for the first time. And would you believe it? I'm getting married before all y'all! It's almost as if I'm experiencing five unfrozen years all in a matter of five months. For once, I feel like I'm finally a season ahead of everyone!

However, I can only say that I'm finally having my "fast break" because of those stagnant seasons. Let me just take one of the many scenarios that has come to my mind. A little less than a year ago, I applied for a public school position and had thought how perfect it would be if I could land the job that would start in September. A million people prayed for me. But despite getting to the final stage of the interview process, I didn't get it. Because I didn't get it, I continued with my tutoring. No big deal, right?

It actually was a big deal because...

if I had gotten the job, I would have made less than I make now. If I was making less than what I make now, I probably would not have proposed to Jaime in January. If I had not proposed then, we wouldn't have thought of getting married this June. In other words, the awful news that I received last June was actually very good news in disguise for this coming June.

If I take a step back even further, it's really amazing to see the chain of students that I've been able to meet and teach. When I trace those chains back, they all go back to my hakwon and the first church I had attended in Korea, my two biggest burdens at the time. I think Marj stated it perfectly while sharing her testimony: "God knew what He was doing." I can now see how all of those frozen years in my life were preparing me for my warm and sunny wedding this summer. But like I said, this is only one scenario.

Speaking of seasons, Jeremy Lin, NBA's first Asian American basketball player has been giving quite a show lately.

Thought of the Day: Boracay Hotels
Song of the Day: Mos Def-Beef

This week's persecuted church: India

2012-02-04T00:42:00.000+09:00

Hindu extremists barged into a prayer meeting led by a pastor and beat him and stripped him naked. They shouted at the Christians in coarse language as they started beating and kicking the pastor before parading the naked pastor in a procession throughout the village. At about midnight they tied the pastor to a tree near a temple and sent for police. The police took him into custody for questioning, was charged and locked up, but was later released the same night.

Thought of the Day: Wedding Fairs
Song of the Day: SNSD-Mr. Taxi

D-130

2012-01-31T23:23:00.001+09:00

Today, my mom called her friend to tell her that I was getting married. But before my mom even had a chance to share the news, her friend answered the phone by saying, "Has he set a date yet?"

Apparently, she found out through her son who had seen my brother's Facebook. Forget "word of mouth." I think we've entered the era of "word of Facebook." As if social networking wasn't convenient enough, smartphones decided to throw in an extra cushion. To the hundreds of people (I'm flattering myself here) who didn't get to hear from me first, I apologize. (Simon's) Facebook is just that much faster.

June 9th. Mark your calendar!

Thought of the Day: Beaches
Song of the Day: KRS-One-Step Into A World (Rapture's Delight)

This week's persecuted church: Nigeria

2012-01-29T21:24:00.001+09:00

The Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram has killed at least 935 people since it launched an uprising in 2009, including more than 250 in the first weeks of this year.

The report said 550 people were killed in 115 separate attacks by Boko Haram last year, mostly in the far northeastern state of Borno, where the sect was founded in 2002.

Boko Haram has moved from drive-by shootings and petrol bombs to suicide attacks using large and increasingly sophisticated explosives. A suicide car bomb last year killed 25 people at the United Nations headquarters in the capital Abuja.

Thought of the Day: Antarctica
Song of the Day: Just As I Am, Without One Plea

Plenty of Fish in the Sea

2012-01-26T23:40:00.000+09:00

So much can happen in so little time. I'll give you a fastforwarded version of my past week:

Friday: Proposed
Saturday: Informed my parents
Sunday: Informed the church
Monday: Wrestled with parents over marriage plans
Tuesday: Informed Jaime's parents and settled marriage plans with my parents
Wednesday: Informed Mom's side of the family
Today: Reserved a potential place
What will tomorrow bring?

As I was listening to a sermon on Jesus calling the disciples and making them into fishers of men, it occurred to me just how much I've been worrying about finances. I've constantly been estimating and calculating and budgeting and visiting banks and punching the calculator and...I'd forgotten that the Lord who is the master of all the fish in the sea is also the master of my bank account and especially my wedding and marriage. I feel like my restless heart and mind are similar to a broken computer that won't shut down properly unless you hold down on the power button. Where is the power button to my heart and mind? Why won't they "shut down properly" and find rest in its master?

It's probably because I have forgotten exactly who it is that sits in the very same boat right next to me.

I think my restless mind has mixed too many analogies. But yeah, I'm pretty darn excited for marriage!

Thought of the Day: Simon got a job!
Song of the Day: Yuna-More

찜질방

2012-01-23T23:44:00.001+09:00

I've lived here for so many years but finally had my first 찜질방 experience last night. The late night food was awesome. The man yacking in the bathroom all night was not so awesome.

I can't believe I'm still 65 kg.

Thought of the Day: Parent Talk
Song of the Day: Clazzi-우리 변한거잖아

This week's persecuted church: Uganda

2012-01-22T10:02:00.001+09:00

A Pentecostal preacher who has converted thousands of Muslims to Christianity was disfigured when men shouting “God is great” in Arabic threw acid in his face in a Christmas Eve attack that has stoked religious tensions here.

Mr. Mulinde, a 38-year-old father of six, described the attacker who threw acid onto his face as a man pretending to be a Christian. The attacker approached Mr. Mulinde after the Christmas Eve service at his Gospel Life Church International, about 10 miles outside of Kampala.

“I heard him say in a loud voice, ‘Pastor, pastor,’ and as I made a turn and looked at him, he poured the liquid onto my face,” Mr. Mulinde said.

Mr. Mulinde said the man fled, shouting, “Allah akbar,” or “God is great.”

The attack disfigured the right side of his face and left him blind in his right eye.

Thought of the Day: Luke Sermon Series
Song of the Day: Etta James-At Last

At Last

2012-01-21T20:48:00.000+09:00

We're engaged.

At last.

Thought of the Day: 찜질방
Song of the Day: Etta James-At Last

This week's persecuted church: China

2012-01-14T18:18:00.003+09:00

The brothers and sisters of Shouwang had no choice but to continue meeting outdoors on Jan 1st, 2012. The worship time was 8:30 a.m., so we rushed to the plaza [that had been Shouwang’s designated outdoor worship site], but unfortunately, at 8 a.m., the police had already taken into custody all the brothers and sisters who were making their way to the plaza. The plaza [was now] totally empty, with only one person in a red coat with a camera standing alertly in an inconspicuous corner looking as though he was ready to pounce. He photographed everyone in the plaza who passed by him. Police had used green tarp to enclose the entire plaza and block off all access to it, and several police vehicles were parked next to the plaza, their drivers waiting for arrests. We took a few cell phone photos, then walked the long way around to the Xin Dong Fang building next to the plaza, hoping to find a way through the building to the plaza.

Many brothers and sisters were in tears, not only because they could not worship indoors, but because they saw the government’s unbending attitude, unwilling to give any ground at all and unwilling simply to sit down and talk, an attitude of not giving up until the death [of Shouwang]...Because of the Sunday restrictions, if Shouwang brothers and sisters want to go worship in the plaza, they have to stay away from their homes starting on Friday and spend the night elsewhere.

Thought of the Day: Crazy Arcade
Song of the Day: The Killers-Mr. Brightside

Millenium Falcon

2012-01-13T09:09:00.003+09:00

Me: Would you ever eat human meat?
Student: No.
Me: What if it was just a tiny piece?
Student: How small?
Me: Like a little 삼겹살 piece.
Student: No.
Me: What if it tasted really really good?
Student: Only if you ate it first.
Me: Then you would eat it?
Student: No. I would call the police.

Me: What if I said I would give you a Millenium Falcon?
Student: OK maybe.

Thought of the Day: 현백
Song of the Day: T-ara-Lovey Dovey

Priorities

2012-01-11T23:05:00.000+09:00

Today, I met up with my old 실장님 and her brother-in-law for dinner. I've actually been helping him with his English through emails for the past 6+ months. It was really weird finally seeing him in person after only communicating through broken English sentences. Anyway, the topic of marriage came up, and 실장님 said something along the lines of finances being the number one priority when deciding to get married. But the brother-in-law disagreed by saying that that kind of priority shows that there's no love. If the two people want to get married because they love each other, then finances will somehow work itself out. I liked his answer.

Thought of the Day: Simon
Song of the Day: Biggie-Party and Bullsh*t

Birthdays

2012-01-08T00:55:00.000+09:00

10 years of complaints, insights, stories, pictures, videos, quotes, and memories. Happy Birthday, Blog.

6 months of eating, drinking, watching movies, going on trips, subwaying, shopping, texting, calling, emailing, chatting, learning, and growing. Happy Birthday, Girlfriend.

Thought of the Day: Midnight in Paris
Song of the Day: Celine Dion-To Love You More

This week's persecuted church: Eritrea

2012-01-07T23:54:00.000+09:00

Thirteen Eritrean hostages who are being held in northern Sinai, close to the Israeli border, have issued a desperate appeal for international intervention after being informed that they would be sold to organ traffickers if an exorbitant ransom is not paid for them.

The hostages said, "We have been beaten, tortured, humiliated in the most atrocious fashion. We have now received an ultimatum from our persecutors: if our families do not pay US$33,000 per head within 24 hours, we will be sold to clandestine clinics that traffic in human organs. We are calling on the civilised countries, religious people who abhor these atrocities, the United Nations and the European Union not to abandon us. If we had been Europeans or Americans, would you have left us in this terrible condition? We are young men and women who have fled from a country that persecuted us.”

Thought of the Day: 1000만원
Song of the Day: Celine Dion-To Love You More

Smiley Face

2012-01-04T20:11:00.000+09:00

"I have a friend who's just because of the way his face is made, he looks as though he's never smiling, and I remember him saying..his grandmother said to him one day, 'You keep that look on your face and one day God will freeze it.' I actually think that happens. I mean some of us are facially put together in such a way that we seem to be constantly smiling. That's so irritating, isn't it? But you know, nobody with ordinary health is incapable of smiling. And some people almost seem to make a point of not smiling...Sometimes when I look into this face that used to be a young boy, I think, 'Have I made this face by the way I've lived?" You do, don't you? You make your face. It kind of settles in. Whether it's physiological or whether it's just disposition it settles in. You never smile. You never laugh. You're a frowner."
-Sinclair Ferguson

Sometimes when I have conversation classes with some of my students, I like to ask them what they would change if there was one thing they could change about themselves. Whenever I used to aim this question at myself, the first thing I usually thought of was physical appearance. I had wished I would look more like this or less like that. But I know that if I were to ask my parents what they could change about me, they would say something along the same lines of my answer. They would wish that I smiled more.

Next year is 2013. That's the year when my California driver's license expires. Three months later, that's when my passport expires. Three months after that, that's when my visa expires. That's the year I turn 30 (Korean age). I remember telling someone that I thought it was going to be a very special year with all of the mentioned coincidences lined up one after another. I remember thinking so many of my questions would be answered by then.

2012 is here. Most of my questions remain unanswered. When questions remain unanswered, it's hard to smile. It's hard to laugh. It's easy to be a frowner. But I am hopeful. I am hopeful because God gives me reasons to smile even when my questions become even bigger, more difficult questions. I am hopeful because our mistakes and accidents are not coincidences, and our successes and joys are planned to the very last detail. I am hopeful because even when you don't see me smile, God is turning me into someone who will never frown ever again. But till then, I'll try to smile more. =D

Thought of the Day: Do you know the Muffinman?
Song of the Day: Park Bom-You And I

This week's persecuted church: North Korea

2012-01-01T01:23:00.003+09:00

"I spoke the night after the announcement of Kim Jong-Il's death with one of our VOM workers who works on the Korean peninsula, and his message was, 'Don't look for any significant changes, at least in the short-term.'"

It is estimated that between 50,000 to 70,000 Christians suffer in prison camps because of their faith. People rarely get out alive.

In practice, there is no freedom to build churches or to worship in homes. An estimated 400,000 Christians practice their faith in underground networks. Possession of a Bible or Christian material is illegal and punishable by death.

Thought of the Day: 2012
Song of the Day: Third Day-Medley

End of the Year Reunions

2011-12-31T11:37:00.001+09:00

Thought of the Day: Happy New Year!
Song of the Day: Voy-Ever Ever(Feat. 계피)

This week's persecuted church: Laos

2011-12-27T13:45:00.001+09:00

Eight Lao Christian leaders arrested on 16 December for “organising” a Christmas visit with 200 Church members are still in jail. Village security forces entered the building, isolated the eight leaders, blindfolded and handcuffed some before marching them off to Boukham government headquarters, where they were detained without charge.

Thought of the Day: Banner in the Sky
Song of the Day: Clazzi (with 코타 & 주비 of 써니힐)-Sexy Doll

Veni, Vidi, Vici

2011-12-26T00:49:00.000+09:00

We came,

we saw,

we conquered.

Thought of the Day: 야!
Song of the Day: The Beautiful Mistake-A Cradle In Bethlehem

Ho Ho Ho

2011-12-23T00:11:00.002+09:00

I love how she loves meat. This is going to be the best Christmas ever!

Thought of the Day: Christmas Weekend
Song of the Day: Dianne Reeves- Baby, It's Cold Outside

Reporting

2011-12-19T23:48:00.000+09:00

Report #1

Report #2
I didn't get any of the public school jobs that I had applied to mainly because of email complications. Looks like the tutoring gig stays for at least another eight months.

Report #3
Christmas gifts are FINISHED. May the distributing begin.

Report #4
I have become a fan of Sinclair Ferguson. "Our past sins do not paralyze God." I like that. I finished his Ruth and Christmas series. So good. Now I'm going to start James.

Thought of the Day: Dream
Song of the Day: 어른아이-Oh Happy Day

This week's persecuted church: Iran

2011-12-17T21:23:00.000+09:00

"When he first went into prison, they put him into solitary confinement in a tiny cell. After that, they moved him into another room, and he was with quite a few people," DeMars reports. "It was very hot in the room, and all he could do [was] sit down day and night. They couldn't [lie] down to sleep."

Now, Irani is in a regular cell, according to the ministry spokesman. "However, he's been daily beaten up by criminals there in the prison. The criminals have been asked to do it by the authorities there," the PTM founder relays. "From what we've been told, they basically stand by and watch while it happens."

Irani is in poor health. Relatives say he has a foot that is so badly injured that he might lose it. Also, his hair has turned completely white. But the pastor reportedly is not giving up hope.

Thought of the Day: 쇼핑
Song of the Day: 창 밖을 봐요

A Day in the Life of...

2011-12-15T00:14:00.002+09:00

1st Class
아줌마: My daughter goes to a gym.
Me: Oh. How often does she go?
아줌마: She's fat.
Me: Oh ok.

2nd Class
(learning the proper usage of "promise")
Me: So we use this when someone has broken or hasn't kept a promise.
아저씨: Oh. Like "약속했잖아!"
Me: Yes. Exactly.
아저씨: (looks at time and gets up to leave) I need to go to the dentist right now. I have a promise.
Me: (not quite) Ok.

3rd Class
Me: What's "Celebrations, Mom!"?
Student: 축하해, 엄마!

4th Class
Student: Today, we watched "기생령."
Me: What is that?
Student: Do you know 기생?
Me: Is that like a ghost that comes back to life?
Student: Do you know 기생충?
Me: Oh! You mean like parasite?
Student: I don't know.
Me: Oh. So it's like a parasite ghost. A ghost that lives in other people's bodies?
Student: Yes! Then we watched 폐가.
Me: What is that?
Student: Abandoned House.
Me: You mean Haunted House?
Student: No. Abandoned House.
Me: Oh.
Student: This is now Korean class! Then we watched...

5th Class
Me: So you believe in Santa Claus?
Student: Yeah, he even wrote me a letter (points at wall).
Me: I didn't know Santa Claus knew Korean.

6th Class
(talking about right and left hands)
Student: With my left, I punch like this (punches straight). But with my right, I hook... (demonstrates hook).

7th Class
Student: Hello, Teacher!
Me: Hello, Mark.
Student: How are you today?
Me: I'm good.
Student: Yeah, it's a little bit cold today.
Me: Yeah, a little bit.
Student: Today, I'm going to tell you about the background story of Dead Rising (zombie game).
Me: (*sigh* here we go) Alright. Great!

Thought of the Day: Christmas Gifts
Song of the Day: Shocking Lemon-Under Star

Winter Coma

2011-12-12T23:34:00.001+09:00

Today, my student imitated what I looked like struggling to stay awake during class. I told him it was just that my eyes were really uncomfortable today. I think he bought it. But that imitation he did of me today...yikes.

Thought of the Day: Mariah Carey Christmas song
Song of the Day: 자전거 탄 풍경-너에게 난 나에게 넌

This week's persecuted church: Ethiopia

2011-12-11T00:15:00.001+09:00

On November 29, more than 500 Muslim students, accompanied by Muslim police officials, burned down a church. The church was burned down after the police destroyed its roof four days earlier. The Muslim students screamed, "Allahu Akbar!" and "Jihad!" as they poured gasoline and burned the Saint Arsema Orthodox Church.

Thought of the Day: Polar Express
Song of the Day: 수상한 커튼-겨울의 끝

Free Mornings

2011-12-05T23:47:00.001+09:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was sharing with Michael how I would have "free mornings" once I was done with my TESOL course. After he finished his Korean classes around the time of our conversation, he used his mornings by waking up around 8 and listening to sermons and doing other holy and productive stuff. Well, I had my first "free morning" today. I got about nine hours of sleep. I ate breakfast. I had a drowsy time of prayer. Then I went back to bed...until 1:30 in the afternoon. I guess you can call this holy cause I'm sure no one really does this on the first weekday of the week. Productive, not so much.

Throwing away precious time. I'm a professional.

Thought of the Day: Christmas Gifts
Song of the Day: Maroon 5-Won't Go Home Without You

This week's persecuted church: Pakistan

2011-12-03T23:17:00.001+09:00

“We were cultivating chickpeas when the Muslims arrived at our fields...ㅅhey asked us to leave everything and never return because it was their land now. [We said] we have been cultivating the land since 1976, how could we just leave? This angered them, and they attacked us. They pulled away our headscarves from our heads and started hitting us indiscriminately with clubs and punches...Martha, around 40, and Nasreen, about 28, refused to leave the land, which infuriated the Muslims, and they attacked the women, hitting them with batons and punches."

Thought of the Day: 나라
Song of the Day: The Notorious B.I.G.-Hypnotize

I want to become a room (translated)

2011-12-02T23:52:00.001+09:00

An autumn night like these days, at Seoul Station

waiting for the morning

in the waiting room, running away from the coldness

I want to become a room that will hide my shame

I want to become a room, I want to become a room

when the rain falls, when the wind blows

until the sun comes up.

-Yoo Chang Man

(homeless man who lived in the streets near Seoul Station before passing away last December)

Thought of the Day: Simon

Song of the Day: Sowelu-Material World

It Is Finished

2011-11-30T23:41:00.001+09:00

I don't know how, but I just flew past the last third of my TESOL course. I was anticipating finishing a week or two from now, but I was actually able to finish it before December. Thank the Lord! I was especially surprised by how fast I was able to finish my very last assignment, a 500-700 word essay on my topic of choice, in just a little over half an hour. And so I conclude my celebration (after listening to my "Tequila" jam) by sharing Philip Chung's Why complete a TEFL course (8):

Today, we live in an age where English is the primary language of the world with the highest demand and need for work, media, and relationships. As a result, millions of people are studying English to keep up with the rest of society. That is why hundreds of TEFL courses are offered all over the world as numerous schools and institutions seek qualified English teachers everyday. Although there is some debate regarding the effectiveness and necessity of a TEFL certificate, there are three clear reasons why English instructors should complete a TEFL course. There are great benefits to one’s grammar skills, teaching abilities, and job qualifications.

One of the best things about taking a TEFL course is the in-depth review and refining of grammar skills. Ranging from various tenses to active and passive voices, students can look at the fine rules of grammar by examining various structures, conditions, and examples. Even native speakers who feel very comfortable with these rules may have some trouble with particular areas of grammar. It does not hurt to review these lessons, especially when these same lessons will be taught to English learners in the future. Another great thing about studying grammar in the TEFL course is being able to practice the application of these grammar rules in teaching. TEFL students will be given many opportunities to think of ideas for educational and engaging activities for classes that will focus on foundational rules. As a result, reviewing grammar will be very beneficial and relevant for all TEFL students along with other areas of teaching.

A TEFL course introduces and improves various teaching methods that will make an effective teacher. Students will learn how to manage different types of classes, teach students of various levels, age groups, and sizes, make instructive lesson plans, and choose appropriate material for the class. They will be introduced to different theories and present all kinds of advantages and disadvantages to numerous approaches. Students will learn how to combine new teaching methods while finding a balance between diverse options. Ultimately, the different areas that will be covered will help produce teachers who are flexible and able to adapt to unexpected situations as well. At the same time, these new methods will constantly be put into practice through the assigning of lesson plans and theoretical situations. Students will be challenged to analyze and understand all of these things through various reading and homework assignments as well. In addition to sharpening teaching skills, taking a course can also help with work-related areas.

Completing a TEFL course will certainly help with future jobs and pay. As the need for English teachers is growing all around the world, so is the need for qualified instructors who know what they are doing. The educational market is growing rapidly in several countries; so many native English speakers are seeking lucrative teaching jobs as well. However, many of these jobs are now requiring certificates in education, but especially in English education as a foreign language. Even if some institutions do not necessarily require a TEFL certificate, having one can actually increase the chances of getting hired along with a noticeably higher salary. When schools or academies see that a teacher has taken this course, it builds credibility and reliability, which will ultimately benefit both parties. Although the TEFL course has great benefits with learning and teaching, the job and financial benefits should be considered as well.

In conclusion, students who take a TEFL course will have positive experiences with studying, refining, and even job-searching. There are hundreds of courses to choose from that will bring about better teaching and learning for teachers and students. Although there are several teachers in many countries that have not taken a TEFL course, having this certificate will bring various advantages and benefits to all who choose to take it.

Now I've gotta start applying for jobs and begin some Christmas shopping. Hello, December!

Thought of the Day: 내시경

Song of the Day: Haste the Day-O Come Emmanuel

Don't Stop Me Now

2011-11-27T01:51:00.001+09:00

I usually limit myself to one post per day, but I couldn't resist after seeing this awesome video clip of one of my favorite songs from Queen...what a fitting title for this post too.

Thanks, 정민!

This week's persecuted church: Algeria

2011-11-27T01:41:00.001+09:00

Krimo, 29, was arrested on April 14 and detained for three days in Oran for giving a CD about Christianity to a neighbor. On May 4, Krimo was given a five year prison sentence for blasphemy based on the neighbor's accusation that he had insulted the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Having appealed the decision, Krimo waits to be summoned to an appellate court where a final verdict is expected to be handed down.

Thought of the Day: Unit 16
Song of the Day: Kim Kyung Ho-금지된사랑

Bullied Bullies Bullying Bullies?

2011-11-23T00:25:00.001+09:00

I was working on a sample lesson plan and wanted to find a youtube clip on bullying. Many of you might have already heard of this incident a while back, but I just found out about it a few minutes ago.

I had a dream that I finally started a facebook and the whole world was so happy. I think that's why they call it IN YOUR DREAMS.

Thought of the Day: Bombarded
Song of the Day: INOJ-Movin' On

This week's persecuted church: Iran

2011-11-19T20:38:00.001+09:00

Dissident student Peyman Aref, who was imprisoned for two years and released after enduring 74 lashes, was rearrested recently after he prayed at the grave of Neda Agha Soltan, the young Iranian woman shot down in the streets of Tehran during the anti-government protests of 2009

TESOL

2011-11-19T00:58:00.001+09:00

I am more than halfway done with my online TESOL course. I LOATHE doing the homework assignments. There are a total of 20 assignments for the course, and each one takes me approximately 2.5 hours to finish. Part of it is the fact that I already know 80% of the material. Another part is that I would rather spend my time studying or doing something else. I honestly thought that I'd be able to gun through all of the units in less than a month, but it looks like I'll need a couple of extra weeks (I think I'll be getting my diploma when Simon gets his). It's times like this when I realize how undisciplined I can be. The thing that really pisses me off is that I know that this course is actually helping me too. I AM learning. I NEEDED to practice making lesson plans. I HAD to refine some of my grammar rules.

Anyway, I recently remembered that this was what inspired me to write that one blogpost about "what I wish I had known." John Ro was right. I wish I had come in to Korea with a TESOL certificate. Freak.

Thought of the Day: 등갈비
Song of the Day: 2Pac-Life Goes On

This week's persecuted church: Nigeria

2011-11-14T23:41:00.001+09:00

They stormed this town in Yobe state, northern Nigeria like a swarm of bees, and at the end of their four-hour rampage, some 150 people had been killed – at least 130 of them Christians, according to church sources.

More than 200 members of the Islamic extremist Boko Haram sect stormed the Yobe state capital, Damaturu, at 5 p.m. on Nov. 4, and soon the terrorists had blocked all four major highways leading into town. Some of them charged the police headquarters, commando style, killing all officers on duty, while the rest broke into two banks – First Bank Nigeria PLC and United Bank for Africa, stealing millions of naira. Boko Haram also bombed police stations and an army base in and around Damaturu.

“When Boko Haram members and other Muslims here attacked us on that 4th of November, it was like the end had come for Christians in this settlement,” Garba said. “Bullets were fired indiscriminately into our houses. I and my family locked ourselves in my house. Bullets were dropping on rooftops like ice blocks from a rainstorm. The trauma my 10-year-old son had as a result of sounds from guns and explosions has not left him, as he has refused to eat ever since the attack.”

Thought of the Day: Future Tense
Song of the Day: Sweetpea-떠나가지마

Music and Lyrics

2011-11-10T20:43:00.000+09:00

If you've been following my blog for some time now, you'll be familiar with some of my horror stories of teaching Daniel. Just to refresh your memory, he was the nightmare student who often spat, farted, cried, drooled, and coughed on me. Today, he's finally reduced that list to merely spitting, farting, and coughing. I think we're seeing some progress here. Much to my surprise, however, we've grown on each other over the years as we now spend every class telling each other scary stories and jokes in between our lessons. There is finally peace in the land!

Every once in a while, he'll sing some random English song (without my request) that he learned at school. Today, he sang this to me:

At first, I thought it was some cute kids' song about Jesus or playing on the monkey bars until he got to the "but I'll go crazy if I can't get next to you." Then he told me that his class sang this song as a performance. When I was his age, we performed Lion King songs and Christmas carols, so I was kinda taken aback. But what really gave me a cow was when...

Daniel: Do you know the song, "Eat You Up?"
Me: You mean the BoA song?!
Daniel: Yeah!
Me: You guys learned THAT song?!
Daniel: Yeah! Why?

He even showed me how they "studied" the song, and I couldn't resist taking a picture. He told me that he didn't like the lyrics at the bottom of the page...as he ought not! After I finally calmed down and gained some composure, I challenged him to ask his teacher what she thought the meaning of the lyrics were. I'm dying to hear from him next week.

In other news, Daniel saw a picture of Jaime on my phone to which he literally replied, "Hey, she's pretty cute!"

Sheki.

Thought of the Day: Salted Pork
Song of the Day: A-Teens-Upside Down (Bouncing Off the Ceiling)

This week's persecuted church: Kenya

2011-11-07T14:51:00.001+09:00

In a town in Kenya, Hassan was returning home from running errands at 8:30 p.m. when the six young Muslim men stopped him. They hit him with a metal bar on his forehead and face, he said, and he lost two teeth on the spot. Others hit him on the back.

Some stomped on his stomach while he was on the ground as others hit him on his legs, he said through bandages on his nose and above his mouth. His hands were bandaged where they wounded him with a knife.

The attachers stripped him of his clothes as he bled and dragged him away, dumping him at the entrance of an area Presbyterian Church of East Africa. Some passersby found him and called his mother.

"What happened to my son is the climax of the threats that I have been receiving from my Muslim neighbors," she said. "They have now discovered that we are Christians. They have heard my small children sing Christian songs. In fact, there are rumors going round that I am the pastor of the group, but my strength is from God and my seven sons..Even though has he has been beaten, I trust God to protect us. I will not return to Islam; I will stand with Christ."

Thought of the Day: 불안정
Song of the Day: TLC-Creep

What I Wish I Had Known

2011-11-04T02:32:00.000+09:00

Being in my sixth year of Korea, there are a number of things that I wish I had known or done way back in my first year here. I only write this now because I just recently made my SKT card so that Jaime and I can go to Lotte World for 40% off. I can't believe they had a million other discounts too. ㅠㅠ

1. Membership/Point Cards. Korea is the land of stamps and point cards that offer so many discounts and benefits. There are SO many places I wish I had made cards to because I could have reaped so many cheap or free things, especially after being here for more than five years. Some examples would include cards to Kyobo, Hot Tracks, McDonald's, and Luxury 노래방.

2. Debit Card. Last week, I commended Michael for getting a debit card relatively soon. It took me three years to finally ask the bank lady if I could apply for one. It was a combination of laziness and fear. Even now, I fear the awkwardness of not understanding some policy or word on applications. Unfortunately, this fear caused me to agree to a long distance phone plan that costed me around 200,000won last year. Those SK Telecom people talk so fast over the phone! But that's a different story...that I will never tell anyone.

3. G-market. If you ever plan to travel, you gotta check out the tickets on this site. I have yet to find any site that gives better deals than G-market. I'm pretty sure I paid too much when I went to China, Mongolia, and Thailand.

4. Bicycle. Although I've been living in Yeongdeungpo for 3+ years, it took me about two years to realize just how close Mokdong was, especially by bike. I could've saved hundreds of thousands of won if I had biked from the official start of my tutoring-only career since I would've avoided taking the bus hundreds of times. I would've been doing the air and my body a lot more good too. If your work isn't too far, get a bike!

I swear I had like this long list, but my brain fails me at 2 in the morning.

I can do 10 pullups now!

Thought of the Day: TESOL
Song of the Day: Donawhale-Echo

Right in the Kisser

2011-10-31T00:56:00.001+09:00

"I fell asleep that night thinking about the kiss that might have been. What did a kiss feel like, anyway? Somehow I knew it wouldn't be like the one I got from Mom or Dad at bedtime. The same species, maybe, but a radically different beast, to be sure."
-Juli from Flipped

It's amazing to think how powerful a kiss can be. It can make people happy, jealous, angry, embarrassed, turned on/off, surprised, confused, awkward, betrayed, and/or sick. It has the power to unite but also the power to destroy. You can communicate so much with so little, but it's also possible to communicate so little with so much. You can kiss without being kissed in return. The fascination with one's first kiss. The dread of grandma's kiss. This kiss that we have. Isn't it amazing?

The funny thing about that picture is that I entitled it "nasty shekis."

Thought of the Day: 100일
Song of the Day: Spice Girls-2 Become 1

This week's persecuted church: Eritrea

2011-10-29T19:33:00.002+09:00

The number of believers in Christ now dying in the country while serving time in prison for their belief totals 21, said officials at Open Doors USA.

Terhase Gebremichel Andu, 28, and Ferewine Genzabu Kifly, 21, died as the result of starvation and untreated health problems, confidential sources inside Eritrea told Open Doors. Andu died on Oct. 16 and Kifly died one week later on Sunday.

Both were arrested during a prayer meeting in 2009 at a private home in Tesenai, according to Open Doors. They faced two years of physical torture and were denied medical care inside Adersete Military Camp.

Angesom Teklom Habtemichel, 26, who was imprisoned at Adi Nefase Military Camp in Asab, died at the end of August, officials with the ministry said. He suffered from severe malaria but was “denied medical treatment because of his written refusal to recant his Christian faith.”

Thought of the Day: 등산
Song of the Day: B2ST-You

Threads

2011-10-27T01:18:00.002+09:00

"God is holding the threads of your life. Believe me, you will never know until you stand before Him how beautiful a design He has planned before you...the Grand Weaver is holding the threads of your life. I do not know what you are going through now, but you submit your life to Him, and I promise you He will surprise you and pull those threads together till you stand before Him and say, 'Only you could have brought such beauty out of such a chaotic life.'"
-Ravi Zacharias

Thought of the Day: Basketball
Song of the Day: Elton John-Can You Feel the Love Tonight

Yesterday...

2011-10-26T20:27:00.001+09:00

was my mom's birthday, so we celebrated over the weekend. I don't remember too many of her birthday celebrations, but I'd like to believe that this was her most memorable one yet.

While my mom was out celebrating with her best friends, I went on a baby hike with Michael to 우면산. We were originally supposed to pull a crazy by going to 서락산 in one day, but time and logic told us otherwise. I regret not going now; I think Michael does too?

Who am I kidding? I'd probably be dead meat by now.

Thought of the Day: Francis Chan

Song of the Day: Coldplay-Yellow

This week's persecuted church: Pakistan

2011-10-23T23:05:00.002+09:00

A Christian woman named Zubaida Bibi, aged 35 and mother of four was employed as sanitary worker in Crescent Enterprises, a garment factory in Korangi Industrial Area.

On October 12, 2011, during duty hours, Zubaida Bibi entered to clean factory bathrooms when one Muslim employee named Mohammad Asif followed her and locked door behind him.

When Mohammad Asif attempted to sexually assault Zubaida Bibi, she cried for help on which Mohammad Asif took out a dagger and slit the throat of Zubaida Bibi.

There are rising incidents of sexual harassment against Christian women workers on workplaces in Pakistan which go unreported due to cultural and social values.

The influential Muslims feel free to kidnap and rape Christian women in Pakistan where Islamic laws protect culprits. In kidnap and rape cases against Christian women, the Muslim culprits walk free from courts which keep victims silent on such abuses.

Thought of the Day: in urban
Song of the Day: Nirvana-Drain You

Balloons

2011-10-20T02:09:00.001+09:00

"You can never tell where the winds will take you, what fantastic good fortune they can lead you to."
-Professor Sherman from The Twenty-One Balloons

We balloons act like we can control the course of our lives when in fact our destinations are governed by the direction of the winds.

We balloons act like we are so strong and smart when in fact our bodies can pop in an instant and our minds are merely puffed up with empty air.

We balloons act like our shapes, sizes, and colors are the result of our merit and worth when in fact our curves and shades were determined by our maker.

We balloons act like our rising to the heavens is dependent on our own efforts when in fact it is the hot air within that brings us closer to the stars.

We balloons act foolishly. Yet our Owner gives us life and delights in us.

Thought of the Day: Free Tuesdays
Song of the Day: Bad Meets Evil feat. Bruno Mars-Lighters

Pulling Up

2011-10-17T14:09:00.001+09:00

I did nine pullups for the first time in my life. I think this is the best shape I've ever been in.

Thought of the Day: Practice
Song of the Day: 2Pac & Elton John-Ghetto Gospel

This week's persecuted church: Eritrea

2011-10-15T22:26:00.004+09:00

"They held a gun to my head and threw me in a cell." - these are the words of Eden, who fled Eritrea five years ago after being persecuted for her faith.

She faced regular beatings and assaults from police officers – just for practising her religion.

Eden’s years of abuse came to an end when policemen brandishing guns burst into the safe house where she and her friends were holding a prayer meeting.

The armed officials grabbed her and threw her into prison and she had to endure kickings and beatings from prison officers.

Eden is a Pentecostal Christian, a denomination which is forbidden in Eritrea, where the state religion is Orthodox.

Thought of the Day: Man Date
Song of the Day: John Mayer-Great Indoors

The Happiest Place on Earth

2011-10-12T13:11:00.002+09:00

Thought of the Day: Internet Addiction
Song of the Day: Coldplay-In My Place

간현

2011-10-11T21:52:00.001+09:00

Yeah, I'm kind of traveling a lot these days. I think I need to take a break and just stay in Seoul this weekend.

Thought of the Day: 안동
Song of the Day: YUNA-곰신

당일여행 2

2011-10-10T02:05:00.000+09:00

Thought of the Day: 11:30 Talk
Song of the Day: Coldplay-Yellow (<---이거였어!)

This week's persecuted church: Burma

2011-10-10T01:44:00.001+09:00

In the past two months, the Burma Army has repeatedly attacked Kachin villages. Civilians have been taken for forced labor, raped, tortured and killed.

On 20 August, Burma Army soldiers stationed in Je-U village, Man Si Township fired mortars at Nam Gau village. The village school teacher’s house was hit by a mortar shell, while the teacher, Mai Awng, was tutoring students inside. A six year-old child, Hpaula Htu, was killed and four people injured, including the teacher, her seven year-old daughter and two children, aged seven and six.

On 16 September, soldiers from Light Infantry Unit 387 arrested 12 Kachin villagers aged between 14 and 70, from Namhpathka village, Momauk Township, ten miles from a hydropower project at Taping. The villagers, accused of supporting the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), were tied with ropes, detained at the army base and severely tortured, before being released on 19 September.

On 21 September, Mr Tam Gam and his wife Roi Lam Ja Ngai, both aged 24, were seriously injured by landmines on a Roman Catholic prayer mountain near Jahtuzup, Phakant Township, while they were gathering bamboo. Rou Lam Ja Ngai’s right leg was blown off below the knees and her left leg was seriously injured. Her husband was injured in his face and chin.

당일여행

2011-10-03T14:32:00.000+09:00

I don't mean to brag, but I have the best girlfriend in the whole world.

Thought of the Day: 개천철
Song of the Day: Norah Jones-Don't Know Why

Alarm Clock Gene

2011-10-02T08:38:00.002+09:00

I completely forgot to turn on my alarm for Sunday morning, but I ended up waking up two minutes before it was supposed to go off. This "alarm clock gene" really works (and comes in handy)! And because of it, I will no longer be late for Korean class this morning...unless I keep blogging like this.

Thought of the Day: Seoul Station
Song of the Day: Third Day-Medley

This week's persecuted church: Iran

2011-10-01T22:39:00.002+09:00

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, a member of a Protestant evangelical church in the Islamic republic, faces death by hanging for refusing to abandon his Christian faith.The 34-year-old pastor of the Church of Iran was born a Muslim but became a Christian after his 19th birthday. Under Iran’s version of sharia law that makes him an apostate — Muslims cannot renounce the faith into which they were born.

“Repent means to return. What should I return to?” he asked. “To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?”

The pastor’s wife, who was initially sentenced to life imprisonment, was released on appeal.

Thought of the Day: Paju
Song of the Day: John Mayer-Heartbreak Warfare

It's 2009

2011-09-28T23:15:00.000+09:00

I finally started Community. I remember seeing this video somewhere a while back (probably 2009) but finally watched the episode where it actually came out. It's so much funnier when you know the characters.

Thought of the Day: 소포 (not 뽀뽀)
Song of the Day: No Doubt-Just A Girl

Fishy

2011-09-27T23:02:00.000+09:00

I went fishing with Jaime and Sam over the weekend. We were pretty confident that we'd catch at least one fish, especially with Jaime being our good luck charm. Throughout our time though, Sam reminded us that fishing is all about being patient. Even with his years of experience and expert technique, even he couldn't catch a single fish...with all them flapping around teasing us to catch them if we could.

You could be doing everything perfectly, but all of your ways and methods mean nothing if the timing just ain't right. I am reminded of the many times I've pursued good deals, jobs, and girls (but to no avail). Seriously, timing is everything. As fall has kinda snuck its way in and winter right behind the scenes, I often think of the beauty of snow and the various things required to make our beloved snowflake. You gotta have moisture. You gotta have negative temperature. BUT! you gotta have them at the same time. Timing is everything.

And because timing is everything, you gotta be patient. I'm realizing just how impatient I can be as I am getting older. I have an agenda that I want to follow. I don't want to be behind or too ahead of others. But I think it's during these times when our agendas are ripped apart we learn the most to be patient. Patience really doesn't come naturally. Just like humility. It's something we have to undergo...the hard way. Like fishing. And going home fishless.

Thought of the Day: Joey Pigza
Song of the Day: The Smashing Pumpkins-Freak

Reruns

2011-09-22T02:09:00.000+09:00

I was rereading through some of my old blogposts from every September I've been in Seoul. I came upon two hilarious stories that I had long forgotten about:

Story #1: Statue of Liberty

Me: What?

Daniel: State of Laboratory.

Me: What did you say?!

Daniel: State of Laboratory!

Story #2: "Stand By Me"

Finally, my private student, David, was listening to Ben E. King's "Stand By Me," and he thought the song was saying, "So darling, darling, ZIM...BA...BWE! Oooooh ZIM...BA...BWE! Oh ZIM...ZIMBABWE. ZIMBABWE."

I'm so thankful for this blog. Sometimes, it secretly makes me want to write a book some day. But till then.

Thought of the Day: Marvel

Song of the Day: The Smashing Pumpkins-Tonight, Tonight

Season Premiere

2011-09-20T01:05:00.000+09:00

I started my 6th year in Korea yesterday with a nice goodbye to Summer and a pleasant welcome to Fall. I think it's going to be a wonderful season for my body, mind, and soul. Exercise routines are set. Korean studies have re-resumed. I'm finishing up Martin Luther King Jr. sermons/speeches and will move on to Matt Chandler soon. My dad gave us some really good advice on how we need to be physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy. Looking forward to it.

Thought of the Day: 아빵
Song of the Day: Deli Spice-9월

This week's persecuted church: Indonesia

2011-09-17T23:23:00.001+09:00

According to our latest data at 7 a.m. this morning, we found out that seven people were dead and 65 suffered from minor injuries. From this 65, two were police officers.

Thought of the Day: Meet the Parents
Song of the Day: Davichi-안녕이라고말하지마

This week's persecuted church: Pakistan

2011-09-11T01:49:00.002+09:00

"I thought of him as a good friend, since we were working together...he used to visit my home often and was known to my family. He started criticizing Christians for not observing the purdah (covering of women) and of following our 'own brand of religion.' One day when I was least expecting it, he told me that he had started liking me and that I should convert to Islam and marry him. I told him that I had always considered him just a friend, and that although I held him in great regard, marrying him was not possible since we belonged to different faiths.

He was holding my arm tightly and forcibly led me to a white car in the parking lot. He said that they would shoot me if I raised my voice. I was in cmoplete shock...my senses went numb, and I could not believe this was happening to me. They took me to a house, where he raped me while his friend filmed the entire incident. They ruined my life completely."

In Pakistan, a rape victim is genreally considered too shamed to resume a normal life or pursue marriage.

Thought of the Day: 삼청동
Song of the Day: The The Band-DO YOU LIKE SOMETHING

After the Storm

2011-09-05T01:16:00.001+09:00

My week started off horribly with my head cracking open and everything. But to my surprise and delight, the week ended fantastically!

Sam's favorite hobby happens to be fishing,

and I happen to be down for fishing. Totally beats working.

I did ALOT of walking on Saturday. After going to Costco, David and I walked over to 신도림 to meet up with Michael to check out the new D-Cube City that was under construction for forever.

It had many floors

and looked pretty modern. But ain't no Times Square.

After we walked to Times Square, we went to 홍대. Then 신촌. Then 이대, David's favorite place in all of Seoul.

Here is my new Canadian friend that keeps me accountable every Friday. I totally forgot that I was wearing that bandaid the whole day.

I never knew 이진's school

was such a beautiful campus. Totally gotta bring you here one day, 정민.

Yesterday, my dad turned 60 (in Korean age). Even though I get my dad the same Dunkin Donuts cake every year, he (and my mom) never get tired of it.

My dad's usually in his 아저씨 wifebeater mode at home, so he purposely put on a shirt just to pose for this picture. He didn't bother with the pants though. ㅋ I was in a particularly good mood because I was expecting some freak accident scab/scar after taking off my bandaid. It still looks kinda nasty up close, but it's all about perspective...and apparently, expectation.

My life felt like it was in a storm last week, but I was all smiles yesterday. I'm sure the weather had a lot to do with it too. I leave you with a nice remake of an old classic.

Thought of the Day: Circumcision
Song of the Day: Martin Solveig-Hello

This week's persecuted church: Afghanistan

2011-09-03T22:58:00.004+09:00

'Ali' (not his real name), an asylum seeker in an immigration center in Jaeren, Norway, had boiling water poured over him after he would not comply with Ramadan fasting rules. He and the other converts at the center now fear for their lives. ‘If you do not return to Islam, we will kill you,’ was the message from the other asylum seekers at the Asylum Reception. He said, "Two of the Muslim residents asked why I had not fasted during Ramadan. When I would not answer, they began to discuss the matter. One of them said that he knew I was Muslim and converted to Christianity, and that they had to engage in Jihad."

One resident held Ali while another struck him in the back of the head with a pot of boiling water and Ali collapsed to the floor. Several other Muslim residents joined the commotion. A third man walked into Ali's room and began to trash it. The police arrived, but only an hour later - the damage already done. "I was still on the floor when police arrived. I told them a little, but was in too much pain to talk, so I was taken to hospital," he said.

After a night in the hospital, Ali went back to the reception center, knowing that danger had not passed. When he checked, the door handle to his room turned out to be covered with an acidic substance that causes burns on contact. He summoned the staff who washed away the chemical, but the Christian Afghan feel still does not feel safe.

"They're really killing me and they will not rest until they have done it."

Thought of the Day: Ehwa Expert

Song of the Day: Casker-천생연분

Sliding Doors

2011-08-30T00:27:00.003+09:00

I should have done what Gwyneth Paltrow did with the subway doors. Instead, I decided to take a leap of faith as I've often done and ended up slamming my forehead into the sliding doors. So I had to check into a hospital (for the first time in my life) and get stitches at midnight. Waste of time, money, and blood. Now I'll be left with some nasty Harry Potter scar to remind me of my imbecility. The train ended up stopping at 신도림 too. Definitely one of the worst nights of my life.

Thought of the Day: Premarital

Song of the Day: John Mayer-Waiting On The World To Change

This week's persecuted church: Pakistan

2011-08-28T00:12:00.003+09:00

A group of Muslims have kidnapped a 14 year old Christian girl from her home under the threat of a gun and in front of witnesses. The incident occurred on August 17. Mohammad Tayeb Butt along with four other Muslims raided the house of Rashid Masih in broad daylight, pointed the gun to the head of his daughter Mehek forcing her to climb aboard a white car. Two young Christians, Imran Masih and Mehboob Masih, tried to rescue the girl, but Mohammad Tayeb pointed the gun at them and threatened to shoot. He also added that the Choori Mehek will be purified "convert to Islam and become my mistress."

Thought of the Day: 고기킹

Song of the Day: Brave Girls-툭하면

Only With Me

2011-08-22T01:17:00.003+09:00

I usually dislike and disenjoy the books that I have to read for my 5th grade reading freak student. But this book, "A Year Down Yonder," is actually pretty entertaining. The grandma in this book is this awesome character with a very spunky attitude and way of living. I actually chuckled pretty loudly in the subway when I read:

Mrs. Sheets: Did your late husband go to war?

Grandma: Only with me, and he lost every time.

Hehe. It's much funnier when you read it in context.

Thought of the Day: Monday

Song of the Day: John Mayer-Great Indoors

This week's persecuted church: Somalia

2011-08-21T10:55:00.001+09:00

Members of Somalia's jihadi group al-Shabaab are on a campaign to starve the country's Christians by preventing food from being delivered to them. Al-Shabaab is the government in those areas. So when the food is distributed, they have a lot of influence over who should get the food aid. That's how they discriminate against people that they suspect are members of the underground church in that country. The group uses control of certain areas of the country to deliberately prevent aid from reaching Christians. The al-Shabaab militia groups that control certain areas ensure that the food goes only to Somali Muslims. 18 Christians recently have died as a result of al-Shabaab's tactics. That number, 18, may not seem like many, but because there are so few Christians in Somalia, 18 people makes a bigger percentage than in many other countries.

And Be Glad In It

2011-08-17T19:54:00.004+09:00

"...drop some of them bricks you keep hauling around with you. Life just ain't that heavy."

-Ob from Missing May

Charley once told me over a beer that he sought to enjoy every single day. At the time, I had shared about some of the many things that kept me from being happy in life. But when he told me that there was so much to enjoy from each day, how every day is special, I guess I had a moment of clarity or enlightenment. I had forgotten that life was supposed to be enjoyable.

I feel like I have become so purpose-driven in everything that I do. When I read a book, it's because I have to prepare for a class. When I study Korean, it's because I need to be able to communicate better with my fellow natives. When I exercise, it's because I need to stunt the growth of my love handles. When I work, it's because I need to save money because I need to pay off loans because I want one less thing that I have to deal with. I have forgotten to enjoy these activities.

So these days, I am consciously dropping some of my own bricks to enjoy my many daily routines. Just like listening to music, going on dates, or playing basketball, there is so much to enjoy. Is your life heavy?

Thought of the Day: Entourage

Song of the Day: John Mayer-Great Indoors

Happy Birthday, Dago.

2011-08-16T19:39:00.001+09:00

I miss these guys.

Thought of the Day: Job Search

Song of the Day: MGMT-Oracular Spectacular Album

Since she's my rose.

2011-08-12T01:55:00.004+09:00

I didn't appreciate The Little Prince the first time I read it. I reread it today for one of my classes and was so impressed this second time around. I'm sure many people love this quote, but this was the first time it actually stood out to me:

The little prince went to look at the roses again.

"You're not at all like my rose. You're nothing at all yet," he told them. "No one has tamed you and you haven't tamed anyone. You're the way my fox was. He was just a fox like a hundred thousand others. But I've made him my friend, and now he's the only fox in all the world."

And the roses were humbled.

"You're lovely, but you're empty," he went on. "One couldn't die for you. Of course, an ordinary passerby would think my rose looked just like you. But my rose, all on her own, is more important than all of you together, since she's the one I put under glass. Since she's the one I sheltered behind a screen. Since she's the one for whom I killed the caterpillars (except the two or three for butterflies). Since she's the only one I listened to when she boasted, or even sometimes when she said nothing at all. Since she's my rose."

I love that.

Thought of the Day: 광복절

Song of the Day: Angus & Julia Stone-Big Jet Plane (Live)

Only In Dreams

2011-08-11T08:55:00.003+09:00

These days, I visit Vietnam every single day in my dreams. It's never been this consistent before.

Thought of the Day: Relationship

Song of the Day: Brave Girls-아나요

Vietnam!

2011-08-08T08:36:00.006+09:00

I never thought I'd ever visit a country like Vietnam in my life. Well, here's my trip.

This is our amazing 선교사님. I still don't know what his name is, but he was a great tour guide and encouragement to our team. 70% of all of our transportation was on this bus.

We arrived in Ho Chi Minh

and learned that 80% of the population gets around by motorcycles. For some reason, I always thought it'd be bicycles. Anyway, people who own cars are considered rich.

Vietnam has KFC, Pizza Hut, and Lotteria. But no McDonald's.

Our main source of water was Aquafina. I hadn't had this in years!

Vietnam has SO many rivers.

Our ministry was focused in a countryside area called Vinh Long, which is about two hours away from the capital city.

For our first meal, we ate flowers

in a stew

with AMAZING green peas and pork

and other kinds of freaking delicious food. EVERY meal was a very very good meal.

(soy sauce)

Vietnamese 계란찜 pizza.

We stayed at a resort that was pretty nice.

But we had our first experience of some heavy humidity on our first night. I helped carry a few bags into our room but was soaked in sweat in a matter of seconds.

For breakfast, we had our first bowl of rice noodles. Everyone got really excited thinking it was pho, but it wasn't. I forget the name, but it was crazy good.

They always gave us this awesome bread that they use for Vietnamese sandwiches.

Ironically, I didn't see a single bottle of Sriracha sauce anywhere.

One thing I never knew about Vietnam was the coffee. SO SO SO good. I had at least two cups every single day.

Here is Jeremy, one of our EM team members who was well received by the KM and especially the Vietnamese.

We often went to a market to buy tropical fruits.

Here is our EM team leader and representative. Definitely one of the most proactive members on our team.

We ate a lot of these

and other kinds of new fruits I had never even heard of.

Here we are on our way to our first day of ministry.

We had a medical team and a house building team. I was asked to help out with the medical team.

There were so many patients waiting for us to come since early in the morning. We found out that many of these people were receiving medical treatment for the first time in their life.

They would first come in and tell of their pains and problems. Grace received the translation from one of the many young Vietnamese friends who were very good at Korean and would write a brief description

for the doctor who would do the actual checkup through the help of another translator. Then he would write a prescription

and pass it on to us. We had so many different kinds of medicine, so it was kind of chaotic in the beginning.

But with the help of these two gentlemen, we were able to get the job done. These two guys were actually deaf, so I was afraid that it would be hard to work with them since I didn't know any sign language. It turned out that they worked so much harder and more effectively than I did. A very humbling encouragement.

The prescription would go to the checkout window to the line of waiting patients.

It was surprising to meet some of the older people who were able to speak a little English.

When we were in the village, we always rode in the back of some truck or wagon since the dirt roads were very small and bumpy.

There were times where we'd fit like 10+ people in the back of this thing while cruising through the BEAUTIFUL countryside area. Definitely one of my favorite memories.

Another awesome lunch.

Jeremy was so good with the kids. Body language and a funny voice can accomplish so much. Being big and white too. Hehe.

After lunch, we got back to work.

After work, we had our wonderful coffee break.

After ministry, we went back to the market to try even more fruits.

After the market, more amazing dinner.

I forget what these are called, but they tasted like a hybrid of apple and bell pepper.

Amazing lemonade drink.

My main buddy on this trip was our youngest team member, 성웅. We called him "웅이." Hehe. He was very very active and so good about talking to all kinds of people from different countries. Absolutely fearless and positive.

Vietnamese candy.

Every once in a while, we'd see a church but more often saw cathedrals.

This is our second day of ministry. Sam was especially popular in Vietnam too.

Lots and lots of rice fields.

This is the tiny convenient store/rest stop that we often visited for a few drinks during the hot hot day. Many people got sunburned pretty badly despite the continual sun block. One of our natives, Mai, told me that you could tell who the foreigners were by looking at how they dressed. All the natives new better to cover themselves up with long sleeves and pants.

Due to some complications with getting approval from the government officials, our medical ministry got canceled, so we all helped out with house building.

I forget the details of this family's story, but one of the daughters had a problem where her entire left side was paralyzed before.

Anyway, half of us got started with house building

while the other half got started with children's ministry: face painting, balloon art, and some origami.

After finishing up here, we went on our way to

lunch.

Then we rode this ferry boat

that was pretty cool

to go to our second site.

Many Vietnamese had some shrine or idol around their house.

On our first few days, I realized that I never had to go to the bathroom...because I was sweating it all out throughout the day. But in these village areas, nature is your bathroom.

Here are some of our scary makeshift ladders.

More children's ministry.

We couldn't fit everyone in the boat, so I went ahead with the first group. It actually started pouring,

but this guy invited us in to his house. He gave us something to drink and showed us

a memorial of his father who lived to be 104 (?) years old.

On our bus rides, we often had 노래방. Our natives were actually very familiar with Korean dramas and music, so they often sang many of the Korean songs too. They especially liked the song, "거위의 꿈."

At the market, Sam called me over to tell me of the best sandwich he had ever had in his life. Haha. Lee's Sandwiches ain't got nothing on this.

Giant fruit.

I loved the eggrolls in Vietnam.

On our third day of housebuilding, we had kids follow us right behind our truck.

This day was even hotter than the previous day. My sunburned arms went from red to maroon.

There were many muddy paths, so we often had to get out and push the truck.

At our first site

the grandpa climbed up a very high coconut tree just like a monkey

so that we could have something to drink.

Here is the finished product.

This is what most school classrooms look like.

I never knew that the capital city, Ho Chi Minh, was actually named after a person. You'll see his picture EVERYWHERE. He is the country's hero who was responsible for winning the Vietnam War.

There was some square dancing to Abba.

More children's stuff.

Then we played soccer. The men in green are actually young men preparing to become police officers. They were suspicious of us at first but soccer in the rain brought us together.

The girl on the left is Hien. 24 years old. Korean teacher at a university. The two girls next to her are her students. Both are 22 year old Korean majors. Hien's Korean was probably better than mine. Her professor was a Christian and actually introduced Christianity to her. Now Hien is doing the same with her students.

The girl in the middle is Giang (or 양). She decided to start going to church after working with us and hearing some messages from this one other missionary.

The girl to the right is Anh.

I had a chance to share my testimony with these girls.

We had a special dinner.

It was like Vietnamese 삼계탕.

These are our other native helpers.

We had this one dedication ceremony thing that awarded and encouraged students to do well in school.

I was awarded a very special prize by Ho Chi Minh himself.

Then children's ministry.

One of the main things I made for origami during children's ministry was this lotus flower that I learned from Joe, my old Artesia Outreach Vietnamese student.

Since we could not explicitly share our faith, Sam shared his idea of going subliminal. I chose to draw an ichthys underneath all of my lotus flowers.

Sam doing his thing.

Now that ministry was over, we finished up our time in Vietnam with touring.

I particularly liked this shirt.

We went on the Mekong River

to go to this island

and had "elephant fish"

all served and peeled by someone.

More eggrolls.

Then we went to a different area

and had some honey tea

along with a snaky experience.

I was honestly pretty scared during this picture. Haha.

Here is a picture of a guy selling ban bao on a motorcycle.

Coconut rice paper candy samples.

Even more fruit

with a really cool music show

Very interesting fruit that disappeared pretty quickly.

We rode in these small boats

through a pretty cool area

and onto our boat ride back to the main land

with coconuts to drink.

We came back to Ho Chi Minh

and had Korean food just like every mission trip I've ever been on. It was interesting to see how quickly we got full after going from Vietnamese rice to Korean rice.

I always make it a thing to ask as many natives how they came to know God. Hyu said that he was actually brought up in a Christian family but didn't know how his parents became Christians.

This older gentlemen in the middle was like a really cool mentor to me throughout the trip, giving me life advice and encouragement. I think he had a heart for me because he has a son that's the same age as me who grew up in the states too.

We went to another island the next day but not before another coffee break.

I'd never been on a ferry with so many motorcycles and even a bus!

We first went to this are that had all these monkeys that would get super close to us. One of them actually jumped on me out of nowhere cause I was holding an empty water bottle. That was kinda scary.

You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

Then we went to this area with crocodiles.

It was pretty much a downgraded version of what I had seen in Thailand.

But out of nowhere, a monkey stole a camera from one of the bags on a table. It was a pretty tense moment, but we were able to bribe it with food and snatch back the camera.

More cool things to eat.

This

actually just turned out to be this.

Lots of dried up land.

But the water was incredibly warm. It felt like I was stepping inside soup.

The girl on the right is 수하, the 선교사님's daughter. She told us how some of her friends joke about her name by inserting it into sentences like "맛있솨?" Nice girl.

Pretty muddy water.

cool

things

eat.

This was an interesting outdoor bar-like scene.

Interesting

options.

We often ran into little kids late at night trying to get us to buy things. When our natives told us not to buy anything, we were informed that they were probably kidnapped and hired by gangsters. It was a pretty sad realization. These kids would be out at like midnight.

This sign says that there are many accidents on this road.

So we obviously went on it to take pictures.

This reminded me of a mix of 한강 and 천계천.

I took this picture while standing in the middle of the road. Kinda dangerous.

On our last day, we did Vietnam War educational touring.

This here is the entrance to Cuchi Tunnel, which was a huge factor that allowed the Vietnamese to win the war.

Crazy small tunnels.

Trap floors. It would not have been cool to be an American soldier during the Vietnam War.

Secret floors.

Cool souvenirs.

Cool Vietnamese drink.

We saw how rice paper was made

and had a chance to go inside one of the tunnels.

Very very cramped and hot.

Many of us were pretty sweaty by the time we got out, so we cooled ourselves with this cool bamboo water thing.

Tea and a potato thing.

That huge building in the back is supposed to be tallest building in all of Asia, but some of us were a bit skeptical.

Finally. Pho.

This place blew up after Clinton visited this place.

The BEST pho I've ever had in my life.

Here is the other missionary kid that befriended me really well for some reason. I gave him the name 성규tron because he loved Transformers.

We had a chance to visit the war crimes museum.

It was really interesting seeing the Vietnam War through the eyes of the "enemy."

I didn't expect to get very emotional, but I couldn't help but want to apologize to all the Vietnamese on behalf of America. EVERY American should visit this place some time in their life.

Many Vietnamese suffered and (still suffer) from the effects of Agent Orange, which was a chemical that was bombed on many places to wipe out life and agriculture. All kinds of rare diseases and body disfigurements.

I didn't expect to see some real life victims of this horrendous war crime.

These are the Tiger Cages where many Vietnamese were tortured in various cruel ways.

Here is a list of the various methods.

Tiger Cage.

After that emotional experience, we went to the city center that had this old fashioned cathedral

and the biggest post office in the city (maybe country).

One last BOMB dinner.

And that ends my trip.

I would especially like to thank Enoch for supporting me financially. Thank you to all who remembered to pray for me during my time there. We had to work with four different languages on our team: Korean, English, Vietnamese, and sign language. It was a very diverse group filled with all kinds of challenges but also several gifts that were used for the same purpose of making Christ known. God is slowly but surely doing some amazing things in this hot and humid country. The end.

Thought of the Day: 몸살

Song of the Day: John Mayer-Daughters

Hey, Copycat...

2011-07-31T05:50:00.001+09:00

Meow Meow Meow!

Thought of the Day: Vietnam

Song of the Day: Prodigy-Colours

More Wise Words 2

2011-07-26T22:23:00.002+09:00

"Everything is necessary that he sends; nothing can be necessary that he withholds."

-John Newton

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in the world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

-C.S. Lewis

"Everything is simple when you are alone, or at home, but as soon as you meet other people you are in difficulties."

-Laura Ingalls Wilder

Thought of the Day: Islands

Song of the Day: Mariah Carey-Fantasy

과자마을

2011-07-25T22:34:00.002+09:00

If you only knew how special this day was to me.

Thought of the Day: Seven Classes

Song of the Day: Sugar Ray-Someday

This week's persecuted church: Eritrea

2011-07-24T00:55:00.003+09:00

On 12 February 2011 Eyob Mussie was arrested in Saudi Arabia for proselytising, an offence which carries the death penalty. After psychiatric tests conducted 15 days after his arrest confirmed Mr Mussie’s sanity, there were reports that he would receive the death penalty. However, it appears that the Saudi authorities have decided instead to deport him.

CSW’s Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said, “We commend the Saudi government for sparing Mr Mussie’s life. However, deporting him to Eritrea means he has effectively been granted only a brief reprieve from danger since the Eritrean authorities will certainly subject him to cruel and inhumane treatment. As a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), we urge Saudi Arabia not to return Mr Mussie to a country where there is a strong likelihood he will face severe mistreatment, and appeal to the Saudi authorities to consider alternative countries of asylum for Mr Mussie.”

Thought of the Day: 과자 마을

Song of the Day: 2NE1-Hate You

B

2011-07-23T11:28:00.002+09:00

Here's a very poor picture I took of B and his new wife. I found out that he was going to law school while she was going to med school in New York. Power couple. I found out that she grew to be attracted to him because of his knowledge in theology. Holy couple. I found out that God seriously orchestrated every little event to bring them to marriage. God-dependent couple. Sorry for the crappy picture, guys. Congratulations again!

Thought of the Day: ?

Song of the Day: Ray Charles-You Don't Know Me

A Wrinkle in Time

2011-07-20T23:42:00.003+09:00

I finally read A Wrinkle in Time for the first time in my life. I had always seen this book's title in many book lists and people's libraries, so I had assumed it was another children's classic like The Phantom Tollbooth or The Cricket in Times Square. It turns out that it's actually a book for young adults filled with a number of Christian themes and controversial references. One quote that really resonated with me was:

"She had found her father and he had not made everything all right. Everything kept getting worse and worse. If the long search for her father was ended, and he wasn't able to overcome all difficulties, there was nothing to guarantee that it would all come out right in the end. There was nothing left to hope for."

We pursue so many things that convince us that they will be the answer to all of our problems and desires, only to find out that they aren't "able to overcome all difficulties." I hate how I know this but still continue my "long search for father."

I didn't like this book.

Thought of the Day: Slippers

Song of the Day: After School-밤 하늘에

Summer Retreat '11

2011-07-18T20:14:00.005+09:00

I feel like most youth and college group retreats were predictable with the typical retreat sites, games, and schedules. But every single retreat I've gone on in Korea has been unique and special in their own way.

A few of us started the retreat off at church and stayed up playing spades for the first time.

I've been to a number of pensions, but this was probably the best one I've ever seen.

The kids were very excited about catching tadpoles.

I LOVED this swinging chair!

Pretty nice weather

that didn't last for too long.

Real Kentucky

Fried

Chicken

Here's Nate loosening up for the big event.

Naked Taboo

Tower of Babel

This team had the highest tower, but I got so excited and accidentally knocked it down.

Bitter smiles. Haha.

Pentecost

Body of Christ

I think this was the first retreat I went on where we didn't take a group picture at the end.

But I guess these pictures show more of who we really are.

There were many moments where I could have left PCL in the past, but I'm so glad that God has kept me here. We truly are WORKS IN PROGRESS.

Thought of the Day: Week 38

Song of the Day: Michael W. Smith-The Stand

This week's persecuted church: Laos

2011-07-16T08:14:00.001+09:00

Officials marched 11 Christian families, totaling 48 people, out of a village at gunpoint last year in January after they repeatedly refused to give up their faith. The officials left them to find shelter about six kilometers outside the village and confiscated the Christians' homes, livestock, and essential registration documents. Another seven families, totaling 15 people, were forced to leave the village last December.

Villagers then thwarted the Christians' efforts to plant rice on commonly-owned village and and warned people in neighboring villages not to assist the Christians as they were "breaking the law" by following Christ - even though provincial-level authorities had told the Christians they had the right to worship as they chose.

Thought of the Day: Retreat

Song of the Day: Third Day-Medley

Sex Talk

2011-07-14T22:55:00.002+09:00

5th Grader: I don't know what S-E-X is, but I know it's a bad thing.

Me: =)

I never had the sex talk with my parents. I remember learning what sex was in 5th grade by looking it up in my encyclopedia britannica. I was so scared and confused by the idea and wondered if there was any other way to make babies. Why would a man do such a thing to a woman, and why would a woman let him? My student may not know much, but at least he knows that sex is a bad thing.

Thought of the Day: North Korea

Song of the Day: 브로콜리 너마저-보편적인 노래

Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous

2011-07-13T21:46:00.005+09:00

-Many of my students struggle with recognizing big numbers in English like million or billion. A few weeks ago, I had this conversation during a lesson on numbers:

Student: Teacher, is one million a lot?

Me: Yeah. $1,000,000 is similar to 1,000,000,000won.

Student: That's not a lot.

Me: Yeah, it is. Why don't you think so?

Student: My family has a billion won.

Me: No, you don't.

Student: Really! I checked my parent's 통장, but I don't know why we still live in this house.

Me: ...

-You think that's rich? One of my previous students has parents that have not worked in decades because they don't need to. They're the richest people I know personally in my life. But before leading their job-less lifestyle, the mother used to be a stewardess. She totally looks like one too. Pretty pretty for her age.

-Another pretty lady I know is one of my adult students. A mother of three, married to a doctor. It's not that she's strikingly beautiful or anything, but I noticed that she has an attractive face and figure, especially for her age. Turns out that she used to be a news reporter.

And then, there's me. Haha.

Thought of the Day: 어학연수

Song of the Day: Weezer-Pork and Beans

2011-07-11T22:30:00.002+09:00

I feel dehydrated.

Thought of the Day: Summer Schedule

Song of the Day: Keane-She Has No Time

This week's persecuted church: India

2011-07-10T01:23:00.002+09:00

About 20 Hindu fundamentalists belonging to the RSS and Bajrang Dal stormed into Pastor Bhaskar John Poojappa’s house and beat him up alleging that he was involved in forceful conversions.

The extremists “ruthlessly beat up all the members of the family, slapped them and kicked them all over the body, and didn’t even spare the two year old little child”.

They dragged Pastor Poojappa to the Rajenkunte Police Station and made cooked up charges against the pastor and his ministry.

Thought of the Day: Sadness

Song of the Day: Hillsong-Still

Refined Taste

2011-07-07T23:42:00.003+09:00

Last night, I was at Bar 다, and one of the bartenders came over and handed this to me. At first, I thought it was a pretty crappy coaster or something cause it was just a piece of paper. Then my friend pointed out that the picture was me! Haha.

I think it's really interesting how I actually enjoy beer now. I was truly a beer nazi whenever I hung out with friends, but it is now my choice beverage at bars (minus Korean beer b/c all it really is is water with beer flavoring). I like how it's relatively low in alcohol and good for socializing, but it can easily shrink the wallet and grow the gut too. Always gotta be moderate.

Another sign of maturity is how I can now appreciate coffee too. I'm not talking about sugary lattes or macchiatos; I'm talking about straight black Americano. I can even tell if it's good or not! The stuff that my student's mom used to give to me is gooood. The stuff that my adult student, Cynthia, gives me is gooood. The stuff that 행복 Cafe gives me tastes like swamp.

So now that I know how to enjoy these adult things, I can finally be friends with Enoch and Dinko, my two beer+donut lovers. Ironically, my two favorite beers happen to be Becks and Stella Artois, which are their favorite beers respectively. I wonder what took me so long.

What's next? Freaking golf?

Thought of the Day: X-men: The Last Stand

Song of the Day: Keane-Somewhere Only We Know

Apology for Apologetics

2011-07-05T01:53:00.004+09:00

"If there is no God, then why is there so much good?"

-St. Augustine

"We do not speak like Paul because we do not feel like Paul because we do not see like Paul."

-John Stott

"When was the last time you walked into a church and heard a sermon on why the Bible is true? This is our problem. Our young people want to believe this, but they are not getting answers on why this is true. We tell people they are framing their lives by a lie. We have followed the truth, and the biggest question in our churches today is, 'Why is this the truth?' Why have you traded your life for what's 'Genesis 1-12 says here' and the rest of it? If this is true, then we'd better tell our young people why it is true because they can't go into their colleges and universities and just say, "The Bible says..." We tell them they are living by a lie, and we tell them we are living by the truth, and they want to know who says so. The biggest failure we are doing as Christian leaders today to our young people is we have not taught them how to defend this."

-Ravi Zacharias

I love good preaching and apologetics, but I RARELY see the two together. Reading through Acts these days, I'm seeing how evident apologetics was in Paul's teachings. As for today's preachers, I can only think of Tim and Ravi who do an excellent job in presenting the Gospel in a relevant manner yet with many reasons to believe it too. I think Ravi put it very well when he said that apologetics is the appetizer while the Gospel is the main course. Preachers, give us reason to believe what you're preaching!

Thought of the Day: 부성이네

Song of the Day: Keane-Everybody's Changing

This week's persecuted church: Nigeria

2011-07-02T23:36:00.003+09:00

Churches in predominantly Muslim northern Nigeria are now being fitted with metal detectors because of threats of bomb attacks. Worshippers in Christian churches are also having their bags and persons searched over fears of explosives being smuggled inside. Nigerians, who give gifts frequently, are being warned that the gifts, too, can be rigged to explode. The unusual measures were precipitated by several bombing attacks against churches in the region attributed to the radical Islamic group Boko Haram. Last Christmas Eve, more than 80 people were killed in numerous attacks in the region. Just last weekend, Boko Haram killed 25 people during attacks on several beer gardens in the city of Maidugur. A week prior to that, eight people were killed when Boko Haram attacked police headquarters in the capital Abuja.

Thought of the Day: 비밀

Song of the Day: Beastie Boys-Super Disco Breakin'

Little House on the Monday

2011-06-29T22:37:00.005+09:00

I think I first started to enjoy reading after I started the Little House series in third or fourth grade. It didn't occur to me for a long time that these books were more geared towards a female audience. Looking back, I can't believe I had actually asked my mom to buy me all the Rose Wilder Lane books too. But in my defense, I wasn't reading these secret series out of enjoyment; it was more out of a stubborn persistence to be able to say that I had finished all that there was to read about Laura Ingalls. I think I didn't know what I was trying to prove really.

Anyway, I recently found myself having to read The Long Winter, which is one of the books in the original series. It's fascinating to read about the naivety and innocence of these farm girls who have never lived in the midst of anyone outside of their family. Once they move in to town and start going to school, the book says:

"Mary and Laura and Carrie were all enjoying school so much that they were sorry when Saturday and Sunday interrupted it. They looked forward to Monday."

I personally cannot remember the last time I ever looked forward to a Monday outside of holidays and school breaks. While Korean students, or any person today for that matter, would think that the Ingalls girls are crazy, I think there was something right and proper in their attitude and approach to the weekday.

God did not intend our studies or work to be dreadful or burdensome. But somewhere between the fall of creation and now, Monday became the epitome of the worst thing to look forward to in the average person's life. In fact, Office Space even coined the expression, "the case of the Mondays" as if it were some disease or sickness. Today happens to be Hump Day. On Friday, we thank God that it's finally here! How is it that man has turned Monday into something so terrible?

Thought of the Day: 판다

Song of the Day: 재주소년-춤추는 대구에서

This week's persecuted church: Uzbekistan

2011-06-25T23:39:00.002+09:00

Mid-May in Eastern Uzbekistan police badly beat a woman, attacking in her home, in front of her daughter, for having taken part in Christian religious activities. Several hospitals have also refused to treat the woman, frightened by the police.

In the country, even owning a Bible can be a serious crime. The appeals court in Tashkent ordered the Christian Baptist Galina Shemetova to a fine of 2,486,750 som (about 1,015 euros, 50 times the minimum monthly pay) for having given a children’s Bible to a colleague. For this reason she is accused of proselytizing. The woman was also beaten by the police, but the court of appeals did not want to discuss the issue.

On April 14 the Protestant Anvar Rajapov was sentenced to a fine of 80 times the minimum wage because the police found religious books in his house. The Tashkent court did not notify him of the sentence, but the police confiscated his passport and threatened him with death if he appeals the decision.

On 26 May Tashkent police arrested the Baptists Amir Temur and Sergey Shilnikov: they had a Bible, two Gospels of John and two other religious texts. They were charged for having introduced and illegally traded improper religious literature.

Seinfeld & Scott Pilgrim

2011-06-25T23:08:00.003+09:00

I didn't really start to appreciate Seinfeld until I got to the middle of the third season. It's funny because so many people can relate to the things that happen in the show.

Terrance recommended Scott Pilgrim vs. The World to me almost a year ago. I finally watched it yesterday and freaking enjoyed it. WE ARE SEX BOB-OMB!

Why do I like so many things that aren't necessarily for everyone?

Thought of the Day: 63 Building

Song of the Day: Sex Bob-omb-Threshold

Kimjongilia

2011-06-24T00:34:00.002+09:00

I just finished watching an amazing documentary on North Korea. Make time to watch this.

"Since I've tasted freedom, I need to share it with my people."

Thought of the Day: North Korea

Song of the Day: Tchaikovsky-Swan Lake

All of the Above

2011-06-23T22:46:00.005+09:00

11:35 AM - Phil buys a new umbrella in case current ghetto one breaks or gets stolen/lost/forgotten somewhere during this monsoon season.

5:20 PM - Phil stands underneath a building passageway to avoid rain while killing time before 5:30 class. He holds his umbrella with one hand while the newly bought one is held inside his bag.

5:21 PM - Pretty girl comes out of nowhere and stands underneath the passageway without an umbrella.

5:22 PM - Pretty girl contemplates when to run across to the other side while rain is still coming down.

5:23 PM - Phil contemplates whether or not to offer Pretty girl his (spare) umbrella.

5:24 PM - Phil contemplates awkward reaction from both parties.

5:25 PM - Pretty girl runs across to the other side in the rain and enters Mister Donut.

5:26 PM - Phil regrets not being a gentleman to Pretty girl.

5:27 PM - Phil goes to class.

Phil is...

a) selfish

b) a coward

c) not a gentleman

d) all of the above

Thought of the Day: Visa Picture

Song of the Day: M.I.A.-There's Space For Ol Dat I See

Out of Context

2011-06-22T13:58:00.003+09:00

My favorite TV show these days is Modern Family. I think the brilliance of this show comes from the use of ambiguity in different contexts. The misinterpretations are timed perfectly so that words and behaviors are taken out of context, thus leading to some hilarious misunderstanding. Unfortunately, many of the misunderstandings in our lives are also "timed perfectly" in a way that doesn't always lead to so much laughter. But speaking of the matter, here's a quote I recently heard by Lawrence Krauss:

"If one believes that homosexuality is an abomination because it says so in the Bible, one has to accept the other things that are said in the Bible including the allowance to kill your children if they are disobedient or a validation of the right to sleep with your father if you need to have a child and there are no other men around and so forth."

How would you respond to this statement to put everything in its proper context?

Thought of the Day: Humid

Song of the Day: 2PM-Hands Up

남이섬 and 춘천

2011-06-20T10:52:00.006+09:00

Martin and I took a Friday off to escape life and work in Seoul to go to 남이섬.

The train to 춘천 area is awesome. 급행 and everything.

My favorite sandals finally broke on me when I tripped out of the taxi. My mom was happy I finally thew them away.

Going abroad

to Nami Republic.

We thought this was a pretty cool looking bridge

until we realized those were flattened soju bottles.

Christmas tree

made out of more soju bottles.

We wanted to explore some more, so we headed over to 춘천, home of everyone's favorite 닭갈비.

Here is a map at the station showing a number of restaurants to visit.

But we just asked the taxi driver to take us somewhere not too bad. Not bad at all.

We asked our next taxi driver to take us to the fun spot of 춘천, so he took us to a place called "명동"

which happened to be like two streets.

The End.

Thought of the Day: Closed Haircut

Song of the Day: The Submarines-Love Notes/Letter Bombs Album

This week's persecuted church: Pakistan

2011-06-18T23:27:00.002+09:00

Police this month tortured a young Christian woman into revealing the whereabouts of the legal team helping her family after an influential Muslim family kidnapped her and her sister. Police also helped the Muslim family beat the relatives of the Christian woman on court premises and attacked the offices of the organization trying to help her family.

This family is a very influential family of the area, and they had been threatening a repeat of a Gojra carnage if their girl was not returned to them. At least seven Christians were burned alive by Muslim mobs in Gojra after the spread of a rumor of blaspheming Islam on August 1, 2009.

Thought of the Day: Wedding

Song of the Day: f(x)-피노키오 (Danger)

Just in case you were wondering,

2011-06-16T11:12:00.001+09:00

I didn't get the job.

Thought of the Day: Cosigner

Song of the Day: Nada Surf-Inside Of Love

Daily Bread

2011-06-15T00:14:00.006+09:00

"The most important thing in your life is your personal devotional study each day. If you fail there, you will fail everywhere. If you fail there, you will fail everywhere."

-Ravi Zacharias

I don't remember too many of my youth group Friday Bible study nights, but there was one night where our director, Allen Lee, challenged us to read the Bible once or twice a day for one week. When we regrouped the following Friday, it turned out that everyone had failed the challenge...everyone but me.

Today, sometimes people ask me how I am so "disciplined" and consistent with things like daily devotionals. I understand where they're coming from as I have my share of difficulties with setting aside time each day for the Lord. But I think more than anything, the problem begins when we view these precious times as "discipline" or even "time FOR the Lord" as if God needed us to read and pray to make Him happy. While there is worship that goes to God, we are the ones who receive the benefits and joys of being near Him.

I know that my devotional time becomes a burden as soon as I see God's Word as just some book or if prayer feels like an obligation or duty. But I also know that when I choose not to read or speak to God, I am being blatantly arrogant and living as if I don't need Him in my life. Man, devotionals are the easiest and the hardest thing to do in the world.

Thought of the Day: Happy Birthday, Snugs!

Song of the Day: Utada Hikaru-Keep Tryin' (Forever Voices Mix)

짝사랑

2011-06-14T01:50:00.004+09:00

Leave me alone, 모기s, or else I'll have to break more than just your heart! 1:58AM. !@$%

Thought of the Day: Sprained Finger

Song of the Day: 푸른새벽-Tabula Rasa

This week's persecuted church: Indonesia

2011-06-12T09:03:00.003+09:00

An Indonesian court jailed 17 men for up to five months Thursday for burning churches and attacking police, one of the worst religious hate crime cases to have hit the mainly Muslim country.

A 1,500-strong mob of angry Muslims set two churches alight and ransacked a third in the Central Java town of Temanggung in February as they demanded that a Christian man be sentenced to death for insulting Islam.

The incident began when mayhem erupted inside a court and spilled into the streets, where protesters set a police vehicle ablaze and threw stones at officers, who responded with tear gas and warning shots.

Four panels of judges at Semarang district court convicted a total of 17 Muslims in connection with the violence, sentencing 16 of them to five months in jail and the last to four months.

"They are legally and convincingly proven guilty in destroying public properties and carrying out assault," one of the judges said.

The terms were lighter than the 10 months sought by prosecutors as the convicts had been co-operative during the trial, he added.

One of those convicted, Supriyanto, was found guilty of sending text messages to several people a day before the Christian's trial, on the orders of a local Muslim cleric.

"Based on evidence and witnesses' testimonies, Supriyanto incited people to take part in the attack in Temanggung," another judge said.

Nine more defendants, including the cleric said to be the "mastermind" behind the attack, will hear their verdicts next week.

Indonesia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion but rights groups say violence against minorities including Christians and the Ahmadiyah Islamic sect has been escalating since 2008.

Thought of the Day: Charley/Joe Birthday
Song of the Day: Chris Tomlin-Famous One

Out of Time

2011-06-08T00:04:00.002+09:00

Many of my students find it very interesting how I always come on time. They ask me if all Americans think keeping the time is important. I've always thought that I was a relatively punctual person (occasional exceptions aside), but maybe it's just the American in me. When I ask about when their other teachers come, they say usually 10-15 minutes, sometimes even 30 minutes late. Freaking Korean Time.

The thing that really amazes my students though is how I don't even come a few minutes early or late; I'm always right on the dot. It's to the point where if I am a few minutes late, they ask me if something had happened to me. Haha. What do they call that again? Type A personality?

I promise I'm more of a Type AB!

Thought of the Day: Match Point

Song of the Day: TheThe-못믿을 사람