Clippers Advance

There's nothing worse than losing when you've had the lead for the majority of the game. The Warriors are infamous for their turnovers and careless defense, especially from their superstar shooter, Stephen Curry. Klay is like a light switch. He's either on or off. Hot or cold. Draymond Green commits stupid fouls and takes way too many three pointers with his low shooting percentage. It doesn't help that their big men are prone to injury. Ultimately, they're a very unreliable team.

But that's also why I love the Warriors. They're very human. They remind me of a group of people who are so imperfect and inconsistent yet still have the ability to work together and accomplish some amazing things. Kind of like the church. Today's loss was heartbreaking, but I look forward to cheering for them again next year but this time with my brother. I'll finally have someone to scream and cry with. Till then, let's go Portland!

Thought of the Day: Good News
Song of the Day: Fun-We Are Young

Playoffs

Mr. Lee chews. He spits. He scores! I can't believe I'm getting (someone else's) food on me every single week now. I wish the school gave technical fouls and ejections for such flagrant behavior.

The NBA playoffs are so fun this year. Already there are so many games that have gone into OT with some breathtaking moments. I am fortunate to work at a place where I can watch many of these exciting events in my classroom and even cheer in solitude when class is not in session. My brother is convinced that I'm going back to Cali because my school is firing me for watching basketball and not teaching English. Either way, I see it as a win-win. :)

Let's go, Warriors!


Thought of the Day: Copies

In this week's episode...

Mr. Lee accidentally spits food onto Mr. Jung's arm during lunch, and both teachers pretend nothing has happened (again). What will our victimized hero do? Stay tuned.

Thought of the Day: Mario Game

Song of the Day: Green Day-Tired of Waiting

Where is God on Good Friday?

Korea has been overwhelmed with sadness, anger, confusion, and frustration over the recent tragedy of the ferry boat accident. Many are outraged by the guilt-ridden captain of the ship, the unreliable press, and the incompetent politicians along with the president. The reality of the situation hadn't hit me until I finally saw a video of the ship completely submerged under water. The man sitting next to me on the subway was also watching the same news channel on his phone and sniffling and fighting back tears. I've never mourned with Korea like this before. Where is God in all of this?

Less than a week ago on Palm Sunday, our church sang and gave a lot of attention to the word, 'Hosanna,' which means 'save us.' That word carried a lot more meaning after hearing about the Korean high school students crying out their own hosannas as their ship was sinking into the water. Desperate for rescue and safety, the country has joined in their cry for any form of help they can get. God, where are you in all of this as we're crying out for salvation?

Tonight, our Good Friday service had a record attendance of 11 people. After a time of scripture, hymns, and prayers, we were asked to leave in silence with a sense of solemnity just as the disciples had after Jesus was arrested. Funny how our number of 11 happened to match the number of disciples who had scattered and abandoned him that night. But before we separated and went our own ways, we read through the psalm that Jesus quoted while hanging on the cross: Psalm 22 that starts with "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

We've all prayed that same prayer before. God seems to be M.I.A. Unaware. Unresponsive. Uncaring. Silent. Distant. I will repeat the same question a third time: God, where are you? But the psalm Jesus quotes does not end with that question; it is merely the introduction to a cry that ends in praise. What appears to be a psalm of despair actually turns out to be a psalm of hope. He knew pain and suffering. He knows our pain and suffering. Our God is deeply and heavily involved with every situation and will not let death have its final say. As it says towards the end of Psalm 22, "All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive."

The Lord hears. The Lord knows. The Lord died. The Lord resurrected. The Lord is working. Where is God in all of this? He is right here deeply and heavily involved with us.

Thought of the Day: Good Friday
Song of the Day: Third Day-Medley

Basketball and Powerpoints

My students will walk into my classroom and find me either working on a powerpoint or watching basketball. As they've grown accustomed to watching the NBA, I've grown accustomed to hearing some funny comments about various players and teams.

Denver Nuggets = Chicken Nuggets

GS (Golden State) = Gangnam Style, GS25

Gasol (Mark) = Gasoline

Mister Jung = MJ

And of course, every basketball player they see is automatically Michael Jordan.


I should get back to my powerpoint.

Thought of the Day: National Siblings Day
Song of the Day: Gillian Hills-Zou bisou bisou

S(pr)ay

Two different teachers accidentally spit out rice while chewing and talking during lunch. That's a new record.

But that's okay because it's FRIDAY!


Thought of the Day: Rainer
Song of the Day: Darude-Sandstorm

5-0

Look how happy the cop is.

Thought of the Day: Birthday Party
Song of the Day: Ann Margaret-Slowly

Lego Future

I don't know when, but at some point Legos started taking steroids and produced a line of amazing Star Wars (and now, Simpsons) figurines. One of my friends has a nephew who is dying to get this Simpsons house. Unhindered by its $200 price value, he is actively looking for anyone in the U.S. who would be willing to ship it to him here in Korea. I wonder if I'll have children someday who will beg their father to buy them $200 toys. Yikes.

But I gotta admit it's pretty cool.

Thought of the Day: Calvin & Hobbes
Song of the Day: WHOwho-Her

Waiting for "Superman"

This is the only documentary that has ever brought me to tears. I need to learn to become a teacher of excellence.

Thought of the Day: Sick

It was fun, girl

Tomorrow is my last day of Winter Camp, which means pizza, Pocari Sweat, and prizes! Out of all the English Camps I've taught, I prepared the most for this one and feel like all the brainstorming and hard work really paid off. I received three student evaluations so far, and they all chose 'Very Satisfied' with the camp. I wonder what the other six will say, but whatever they write...it was fun, girl.

Here's the music video we made in class for our final activity that I'll be showing tomorrow.

Thought of the Day: Milk
Song of the Day: Bruno Mars-Marry You

Fighting!

Here's my first post for 2014. With all of our hopes and wishes for this year, how about we start it off with some 화이팅?

I hear various people thinking about leaving for California this year. Is it a sign?

Thought of the Day: Dry Air
Song of the Day: 마익흘-The Konglish Song

Smaug

I had put off watching the second Hobbit movie due to lack of finances and interest, but I finally mustered enough will to reserve a ticket and make time before it disappeared from theaters. Although I was limited to a front row seat at a matinee hour, I was able to get a generous discount and appreciate a lowly anticipated movie with an AWESOME dragon.

That is one mean dragon. It's almost disappointing to know that he'll die in the next movie, which I had no idea about. I was sitting through the movie wondering how in the world Peter Jackson was going to wrap up this whole story in the next 30...20...10 minutes! And so when the movie ended with those awesome lines, "I am fire. I am...DEATH," I was half-disappointed that I'd have to watch another Hobbit movie but also satisfied with how this sequel ended. But yeah, I am totally a fan of Smaug now.

Thought of the Day: Jansport

"I wanna be a billionaire..."

Last night, I had a dream that I was in a Simpsons episode that parodied Korean culture in America. I somehow ended up living in that episode and went to an ATM to deposit a paycheck that was just over $200 so that I can buy some lottery tickets for this current Mega Millions jackpot. My paycheck ended up jamming the machine, and I had to leave the machine with many frustrated people who were in line behind me. I went to Hana Bank to tell them about my problem, but their wonderful solution was to wait. The end.

There is a Korean superstition about seeing a dragon, pig, dung, or gold (and I think even money) in a dream that could mean good luck. With the current jackpot nearing a billion, I wonder if I should get a lottery ticket.

Thought of the Day: Christmas Eve
Song of the Day: Bruno Mars-Billionaire

Stuck on States

I'm trying to think of three simple American history lessons that I can teach during my Winter Camp, but it's proving more difficult than expected. At one point, I thought of having the kids learn all 50 states of the U.S., but I'm still figuring out how I would do that. I wish I had the talent to somehow remember and perform the states through a song like Yakko's 'Nations of the World.'

I'll probably need a Plan B.

Thought of the Day: American History
Song of the Day: Study Music Project-Sweet Saturn

That's my team!

Thought of the Day: Creative Juices
Song of the Day: Huey Lewis-The Power of Love

Golden State

I never had a heart for the Warriors until last year's playoffs. Typical bandwagon, I know. But you gotta admit that they are one exciting team to watch. Did you guys see yesterday's amazing comeback?

It's pretty warm for December, and I like it.

Thought of the Day: EBS
Song of the Day: Jay Sean-Down

Melancholy

Are you feeling melancholy with the autumn season?

Thought of the Day: Atmosphere
Song of the Day: Oh Happy Day

Dear Mr. Watterson

Thought of the Day: Proofreading Done
Song of the Day: Canon in D

Holiday Hangover

It isn't easy coming back to school after two consecutive weeks of 4-5 day weekends. It's like a holiday hangover that you're trying to recover from. But thank goodness for Hanguel. And thank goodness we're celebrating it tomorrow.

BTW, Breaking Bad was awesome.

Thought of the Day: Bad Morning Commercials

lol

I see a lot of humor on the Internet, but this picture actually made me laugh out loud.

I love midterms.


Thought of the Day: Windows Updates

Good Afternoon

During lunch...

Teacher: Yummy lunch! 수제비 very yummy! Double yummy!

Me: Yeah. Very good.

Teacher: Crazy yummy.

Sometimes, it's impossible to correct someone who is just so confident...or should I say 'double confident?'

Colorado

I saw this picture of the Colorado floods on CNN this morning. Can you imagine being overwhelmed by so much rain? Incredible.

Thought of the Day: Ringtones
Song of the Day: Sara Groves-Miracles

Monday > Thursday

Here's a picture Nate showed me a while back that I just happened to find online to use for a lesson I'm preparing. As bad as Mondays are, Thursdays happen to be my hardest days. Aside from being so far yet so close to the weekend, a chunk of my worst classes happen to all fall straight in a row right before lunch. Those morning classes truly kill my appetite. It's days like Thursday that make me see Monday on the brighter side. Boat! Land!

Thought of the Day: 닭도리탕
Song of the Day: John Mayer-St. Patrick's Day

Best In-Game Dunker

He was so good when he was in the Raptors.

Thought of the Day: Finally Friday
Song of the Day: 6kies-Run Away

Thank God It's Friday

This has become my new Friday celebration song. Thank God indeed.

Thought of the Day: Rain
Song of the Day: Dr. Dre-Keep Their Heads Ringin'

Blast from the Past

Our new EM pastor is arriving soon, so we thought about getting the church laptop cleaned up for him without any bugs or problems. Reformatting didn't take very long, and it was totally MY pleasure. Believe me.

As we were browsing through the files and folders to back up, we stumbled upon a picture from the past.

That's 2008! So much has happened to and within the ministry since then. The small remnant are hopeful for new changes in the coming months and years.

Thought of the Day: Goose!

Song of the Day: Beach Boys-Kokomo

Final Week of Vacation

What a week!

Thought of the Day: Photoshoot
Song of the Day: Eminem-Till I Collapse

Dinosaurs eat man. Woman inherits the earth.

Growing up with a healthy obsession with dinosaurs, Jurassic Park probably had to be one of the best movies of my childhood. In fact, it was the only time I can clearly remember my whole family going out to watch a movie together. I loved how the dinosaurs seemed so real throughout the entire movie. So real that my brother cried when the T-Rex made its first memorable appearance. It was the perfect movie.

In fact, it was so perfect that I even asked my dad to buy me the original soundtrack. So perfect that I begged my mom to buy me the original Michael Crichton novel along with the The Lost World hardcover edition even though I was only in 5th grade and couldn't understand 80% of it. So perfect that we bought it on video from Costco and my brother and I watched it at least 30 times. "Shoot huh! Shoot huh!" It was seriously da bomb.

Unfortunately, the sequels were nowhere nearly as good although I was always excited to watch them and still look forward to the fourth one supposedly coming out in 2015. I never rewatched any of the sequels until last night when I had nothing better to do and decided to relive one of my childhood memories. I never knew that Vince Vaughn was in the Lost World! He's not so money with dinosaurs.

Anyway, I have to watch the third one now even though it got the worst ratings out of the three on IMDB. It seems as if there will never ever be a great dinosaur movie again like Jurassic Park.

방학식

Today is the last day of the first semester, which means I'm just hours away from starting my vacation. I got my second semester material all ready, so I was planning on just vegging in front of the computer without a worry...until a student's father came into the office with his son's report card. The student had gotten A's in every single subject except for English with an 89.4% B, and my writing assessment grade was responsible for that. So, naturally, the father wanted to speak with me, the Native English teacher who isn't supposed to speak Korean, let alone to students' parents.

I had pretty much damaged the student's chances of getting into a foreign language high school, so he was wondering if I could be 'understanding enough' to change the grade. He's doing all of this AFTER the test correction period and AFTER the final report card grades have been sent out. So basically, the father was in no position to ask for such a change, to me, on the last day of the semester. But my heart goes out to him anyway even though I wouldn't have been able to change anything even if I had decided to.

I'll never forget the worst psychology class I ever took in college called Research Methods. The class was insanely boring and the professor was unusually strict. He made it clear on the first day of class that anything under a 90.0% would be a B. Even an 89.99% would be a B. Straight up. And of course, I had fallen victim to that hypothetical situation with an 89.6%, but I knew better than to ask for a higher grade. The rules were rules, and the professor was an a-hole for making those rules. So yeah, I feel for that student and his father, but he can't always have daddy talk to the big bad teacher for him.

I wonder how many students have written about me in their blogs.

The vice-principal has officially dismissed us! Vacation starts NOW.

Thought of the Day: Grades
Song of the Day: Xzibit-What You See Is What You Get

To This Day

I used to hate being called 'Stupid.' Even if it was just a joke, I used to hate it. I think the only way I stopped letting it get to me was when I accepted that I was and could be stupid and that it was okay. I guess there are a bunch of other words that have replaced 'stupid,' but I'm learning to accept those too and overcome them one by one. I think we can only accept our flaws when we know that we are still accepted. And that's really liberating.

Thought of the Day: Heel Pain
Song of the Day: Audio Two-Top Billin'

The Green Line

I take Subway Line 2 aka 2호선 aka 지옥선 (the Hell Line) practically every single day every single week. It's one of the busiest and crowded subway lines in Seoul due to its circular route, so it can get pretty nasty during rush hour. As a result, I try to leave 10 minutes earlier than I normally have to just so that I can beat the bum rush. I've been able to time it well enough to get a seat every morning for the past two months or so, but my streak broke today when a lady strategically placed her body just a couple of inches closer to my unmarked territory to unofficially qualify for the seat that opened up just four stops after I had gotten on. If I don't get a seat by Guro Digital Complex, I won't be sitting for a while.

Sitting during rush hour is so important. It's the difference between sitting first class and getting tossed around with the cargo. You can read, pray, and sleep without having to stand, shove, sweat, and step on shoes. You appreciate it so much more during the summer months and even more on the rainy days. That's why you gotta be extra quick on your toes whenever you're coming up on a transfer station. Cause once a seat opens up on that train, everyone's antennae go up and one lucky lottery winner cashes in the prize right away. You just have to pray that no grandma walks in with heavy groceries and a cane. But for the most part, the elderly know better than to take the Hell Line at the most hellish hours.

You build a lot of character on that Green Line.


Thought of the Day: Sonata
Song of the Day: Scarface-In Between

War and Peace and Neutrality

Tonight, the English teachers were supposed to meet for a friendly dinner now that the final exams are over and the semester has nearly come to an end. Unfortunately, the ongoing conflict between a few of the teachers prevented more than half of the teachers from coming out. They've had a number of meetings to find some resolution, but in the process more feelings were hurt and past scars were reopened. One teacher even took a one month leave to restore her physical health that suffered from her poor mental and emotional health. There have been a number of individuals who have tried jumping into this burning building only to come running out with burn marks. It's a very messy and childish situation.

I'm in a very interesting position being the foreign teacher who has the eyes and ears that no other teacher has. Since I teach with each of the English teachers every week, I guess you can say that I have a slightly wider perspective on the situation. But like Switzerland, I don't get involved in others' wars, and I do everything to remain neutral and see how everything unravels. If you were to ask for my two cents though, I would say that at least one person needs to swallow their pride and work towards some form of apology. Truth-telling has been done, but now there has to be room for acknowledgement and forgiveness. Otherwise, our English department will remain volatile and unstable like the North and South Korea situation...with Switzerland having dinner all alone.

Happy 3rd of July, Egypt.
Happy 4th of July, America.

Thought of the Day: Egypt
Song of the Day: Dr. Dre-Keep Their Heads Ringin'

Ain't No Half Steppin

I had always thought this Big Daddy Kane beat was originally from Biggie's demo, 'Microphone Murderer.' I also never knew he was such a respected lyricist that even Rakim refused to battle him. But now, Big Daddy Kane is a nobody in the music business. I wonder if the same would have been the same for Biggie and Tupac. I guess we all have our peaks and primes. Just like Kobe and eventually LeBron.

It's interesting to see how my basketball peers often talk about how they 'used to be good.' They used to run faster, jump higher, and play longer when they were younger. Today, however, they complain of fatigue, aches, and fear of injuries. Less driving and more shooting from outside. The sad thing is that I can relate. Whether it's eating or balling, my body just can't keep up anymore. Ok maybe not the eating part so much. :)

Imma tear it up at the bbq tomorrow. It's great to be on vacation!


Thought of the Day: 한강 Picnic
Song of the Day: Biggie-Microphone Murderer Remix

What in the World

This semester's writing assessment was on traveling, and one of my students shared a quote from St. Augustine: "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." I really like that quote.

I've sort of made it a goal to travel to at least one new country every year ever since I visited Dinko when he was in China. I've been hoping to maybe squeeze in another country this year, but it looks like time and money won't allow for Cambodia to happen. I love seeing new places, meeting new people, eating new food, and experiencing new cultures. It's all about expanding my tiny perspective of the whole wide world.

If I had too much money and was absolutely selfish in how I spent it, I would want to stay at every single country in the world, one month at a time. That would amount to approximately 16 years of traveling, assuming I don't die along the way. I like to fantasize about it from time to time. But in the meantime, I think it would be cool to aim for a new country or mission trip every year considering teaching jobs come with paid summer and winter vacations. Definitely one of the perks of being a school teacher.

Anyway, I have a short vacation coming up this weekend, so I'm looking forward to getting out of Seoul. Ain't no Cambodia, but it'll have to do.

Thought of the Day: Can vs. Able to
Song of the Day: Sixpence None the Richer-With Every Breath

Restless

I can't remember the last time I had a full week of good sleep. I was close a couple of times around April, but I never made it a full a week. There's always something that comes up. The hamster. Convenient store drunkards. Insomnia. A fight. A text message. I wonder how much happier and healthier I would be if I got eight hours of good sleep every single day for a month. I was gonna say a year, but let's be realistic now. I guess even one month is kind of ridiculous.

But I guess that's life. We don't live in cookie cutter situations where everything is neat and pretty. Every day is a mess of confusion and events where the world doesn't just revolve around us. We're surrounded by noise and brokenness, and there just aren't enough earplugs and blinds to make them go away. And so, my sleep is messy too. I can't fall asleep at least once a week. And when I do fall sleep, there's always something that will disturb my rest. Alas. I want to sleep.

Thought of the Day: Friday
Song of the Day: Baek Ji Young-사랑안해

Brothers

Sam shared this song with me, and I fell in love with it. I think it resonates in a particularly beautiful way to brothers.

It's a new week!

Thought of the Day: 할매 닭갈비
Song of the Day: the Avett Brother-Murder in the City

Middle of the Term

Here's a funny picture I found for one of my lessons just now. Midterms have begun and I'm lovin' it. I watched Iron Man 3 last night and will watch Oblivion with my school teachers later today. Both mediocre movies, but hey. COEX is right there, and it sure beats being at school. I wish my students had to take tests more frequently.

Thought of the Day: Milk
Song of the Day: Raekwon-Knuckleheadz

i love this game!

I love the playoffs. The hard fouls. The Game 7s. The raw emotions. How can you not love this game?

Thought of the Day: Office 2010

Cheeses!

Gonna get my burger on tonight!

Thought of the Day: Hamburgers
Song of the Day: Common-The Game

Warming Up

It's getting warmer every week, so I recently started going out to the courts a little more often than usual. I'm rusty and out of shape like crazy though. I can't play till midnight like I used to, but I still have my basketball buddy who never fails me. If you need to reach me, you know where I'll be.

Thought of the Day: French Cafe
Song of the Day: Green Day-Jesus of Suburbia

Concerned?

The Situation in Korea
I think they pretty much summed up my situation as well. I have bigger concerns over getting my classroom computer's Chrome to update properly. But yeah, you never know.

Thought of the Day: Chrome Installer

Am I Wrong?

I've spent close to a total of 10 hours trying to get my dad's TV tuner to work on his computer. We got the channels and sound coming out but no picture. I've tried so many drivers and 'solutions,' and I've 'given up' so many times that I feel like I can't stop trying. I hate how much it bugs me when there's something wrong with something that ought to be so fixable. Am I wrong? Am I wrong?

Turns out that The Big Lebowski is a pretty funny movie.


Thought of the Day: 합격!

Office Space

My students are on their field trip till tomorrow, so I used this morning to rearrange my desk and move my computer from the floor to the table. Ironically, my desk feels 50% more spacious and presentable. If I can remember where I stored my usb fan, I'll even have a slightly more bearable summer at school this year. I think it was an excellent decision.

I'm going to find a reason to show this video to my classes.

Thought of the Day: Power Cord!
Song of the Day: 장기하와 얼굴들-좋다 말았네

The D is Silent

I had been waiting for Django Unchained for so long that the hype and excitement for the movie died within my heart, especially after the much later release in Korea. But that only made me enjoy the movie so much today that I currently consider it even better than Inglorious Basterds. "I'm curious what makes you so curious." Joe and I were the only ones in the theater laughing throughout the movie. Loved it!

Happy Birthday, Terrance.

Thought of the Day: Exhausted
Song of the Day: De La Soul-My Writes

This week's persecuted church: Mali

This month, Christians from a church in Diabaly gathered for worship amongst bullets on the ground and graffiti on the church wall that reads "Allah is the only one." A few days before that, the church was doubling as a military base after Islamist rebels had been ousted, following a period of violent occupation.

After the occupation was overthrown, Christians returned to their homes. But one pastor believes that the Islamist groups had been tipped off about the church by local support. As a result, neighbors who once lived together in harmony are now suspicious of each other.

Thought of the Day: 17!
Song of the Day: Fun-We Are Young

This week's persecuted church: Nepal

About 30,000 people live in the city where Bilal’s family live, but there are only four or five Christian families. When Bilal died, radical Hindus tried to take his body for cremation, according to Hindu custom. Death, along with birth and marriage, is one of three significant milestones in Hindu culture. By cremating Bilal’s body, the Hindus hoped to erase his Christian testimony. Cremation would be a message in their culture that Bilal hadn’t really been a Christian, that in death he’d returned to Hinduism. Conversely, a grave would be a permanent testimony that this man had died a Christian.

Bilal’s family refused to turn the body over to the Hindus; they wanted a Christian funeral and burial. The family was at home making funeral arrangements with their church’s pastor, Pastor “Sabal,” when they heard shouting outside the house. A large Hindu mob had gathered, shouting threats and demanding the body in order to perform Hindu last rights and cremation.

Sabal told the Hindus that Bilal was a Christian and that his family wanted a Christian funeral. The mob then became enraged, grabbing Sabal and two other Christians and beating them with sticks and their fists. The Christians tried to flee on their bicycles, but the mob continued to attack.

Thought of the Day: Bag
Song of the Day: Jewel-Pieces of You

B-girl

I've seen a lot of breaking in my day, but I've never seen anyone so...

small girl.

I've never seen anyone so small girl!

Thought of the Day: Bitterness
Song of the Day: Jewel-You Were Meant For Me

This week's persecuted church: Somalia

Two masked men killed Ahmed Ali Jimale, a 42-year-old father of four, on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. as he stood outside his house in Alanley village, near a police station, they said. The killers were suspected to be members of the Islamic extremist Al Shabaab, a rebel militia ousted from the area four months ago but still engaging in hit-and-run tactics. A few of the four rival clans in Kismayo, 328 miles southwest of Mogadishu, are said to be housing members of Al Shabaab.

A businessman, teacher and medical consultant well-known in the area, Jimale ran a pharmacy in Kismayo. He would give private lessons on medicine and first aid, and as an underground Christian – as are all Christians in Somalia – he highlighted the teaching with discussions comparing the Bible and the Koran, sources said.

The students would share these lessons with other children, and this teaching, along with his close work with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that provides aid, appeared to have caught the attention of the Al Shabaab extremists, said a source who worked with Jimale but is no longer in the area.

Thought of the Day: 삼겹살 Day
Song of the Day: Be Still My Soul

Busy Vacation

House searching.
Tax filing.
Application submitting.
Money ordering.

It's all finally done. It's been a busy vacation. Let's start March already.

Thought of the Day: Registration Number
Song of the Day: Deli Spice-고백

Ned Flanders = Walter White

I search through hundreds of pictures whenever I make a powerpoint lesson. Sometimes, I find some pretty interesting and unexpected pictures.

Thought of the Day: 생활 규정
Song of the Day: Eric Satie-Gymnopodie No. 1

This week's persecuted church: Pakistan

On February 17th, when Saba BiBi was working in fields of Landlord, there appeared one Muslim man namely Muhammad Akram (also known as Amar) armed with Pistol and forced her to take some secret place with intention of rape and she started to weeping and crying loudly. The culprit also torn her clothes and made her naked, “told Naziran Bibi her mother".

The plight of Christian girls and women who have been forced for conversion to Islam, kidnap, abduction,rape and sexual assault in Pakistan has been on large number published and confined to run-of-the mill articles in the local and international press, sluggish cases in the courts, and common expelled charges due to bribes and personal influence, threats of further violence and family pressure on the victims to avoid at a great distance ‘remorse’.

Thought of the Day: 대동

Poor Ankles

I didn't know he made another one.


Thought of the Day: Productive
Song of the Day: Living Sisters-How Are You Doing?

This week's persecuted church: Indonesia

CCTV footage obtained by the Jakarta Globe shows details of the attack where a gang of about 50 members from the hard-line organization scaled the gates of the religious facility, caused havoc and destruction within the place of worship and physically threatened the minister — at one point using Bernhard’s necktie to strangle him.

Bernhard was arrested by officials from the Sumedang Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) two days later for continuing to hold services without a valid permit, which breaks a 2005 local government law.

The minister is currently serving a three-month sentence at the Sumedang prison as he could not pay the Rp 25 million ($2,600) fine ordered by the district court.

Corry said this is the third major act of violence the FPI has inflicted upon them in the past two years.

The grandmother explained that the latest attack on the church, which has been running for 26 years, had significantly traumatized the 400-member congregation, many of whom are now too afraid to return.

Thought of the Day:  Great Morning
Song of the Day:  Eric Satie-Gnossienne No. 2

Mr. Sick Chap Stick

There are seven essential things I always take with me whenever I go out:  glasses, watch, keys, wallet, cell phone, ear phones, and chap stick. I don't consider myself a forgetful person, but I accidentally leave the house without one of those necessities from time to time. Today was one of those days.  The chap stick.

It's not the end of the world or anything, but I feel like I'm missing a part of myself if I don't have everything with me.  I guess it has something to do with routine and security or something.  BUT! out of my seven necessities and out of all the days I could have forgotten one of them, I'm glad it happened to be the chap stick and I'm glad it happened to be today.

I've been coming in to school these days while most of the teachers have been enjoying their last few weeks of vacation. But there are always a handful of teachers coming in for random duties or supplementary classes. One of the teachers that came in today was this sick guy who coughs, snorts, and spits loudly into the garbage can, almost like he's making it a point to make sure we can all hear his nastiness. We'll call him Mr. Sick.

Anyway, most of the teachers don't really bother to talk to me, let alone make conversation with me. But Mr. Sick decided to have his loud morning coffee next to my desk and make small talk with me.  "Did you go anywhere during the winter vacation? Do you know so-and-so?  I used to be his homeroom teacher." Stuff like that. He eventually went back to his desk, and I got back to work. But after a few noisy coughs here and there, Mr. Sick returned and asked me if I happened to have any chap stick for his dry lips. Disgusted and relieved, I told him I did not. And he went back to his desk.

Nasty Mr. Sick. And that's my Valentine's Day morning for ya. Hope yours is better than mine!

Thought of the Day: Double Down
Song of the Day: Eric Satie-Gnossienne No. 1

This week's persecuted church: China

Cao Nan, a 39-year-old charity worker from the southeastern city of Shenzhen, was detained on December 15 last year after meeting with other Christians in the city's Lizhi Park to sing hymns and preach.

Mr Cao, who worships at an unofficial local 'house-church', said he had been accused of "falsely using the name of Christianity to harm social order" – charges he rejects.

"I am indeed a Christian," he told The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, a day after filing a lawsuit against police. "I did not pretend to be one or use the name of Christianity [falsely]. We were just singing the gospel and preaching Christian principles. I think they just found an excuse to detain people, to warn and to threaten." Mr Cao blamed much of the persecution he claimed to suffer on "national security" agents.

"They are worried that if they allow Christianity to grow, its influence will surpass that of the Communist Party, win the public's favor and challenge the governance of the ruling party. They also have worries that it might be used by anti-China parties or countries," he said.

Thought of the Day:  Lint
Song of the Day:  Jay-Z-La La La

It's a Doozy

It snowed like five inches last night.  On the way to work this morning, I totally stepped into this huge black pool of ice water.  Six seconds after my feet jumped out of that cold nastiness, I heard a woman scream her own icy surprise.  That doozy is deceivingly deep!

Thought of the Day:  Niners!
Song of the Day:  Beyonce-Halo

What a Wonderful World

Thought of the Day:  Word
Song of the Day:  He's Got the Whole World

This week's persecuted church: Syria

Opposition fighters had “deliberately destroyed religious sites” and that the attacks had been carried out after the areas had fallen to opposition control and government forces had left. Churches were raided by armed gunmen after they seized control of the Christian villages of Jdeideh and Ghasaniyeh in Latakia.

They took control of the former on 11 December and, once the government troops had fled, broke into the village church; they stole items and fired numerous shots inside, causing structural damage. The rebels also used the minister’s quarters next to the church to fire at a neighbouring village, where government troops were present.

One resident told Human Rights Watch that opposition fighters stole medicine from a church-run clinic, looted homes and kidnapped civilians. Events in Ghasaniyeh followed a similar pattern. Rebels entered the village in late November, broke into the local church and stole petrol and diesel fuel. They looted homes and kidnapped one resident. The violence and dire humanitarian conditions in Jdeideh and Ghasaniyeh drove Christians to flee the villages in large numbers.

Thought of the Day:  Study
Song of the Day:  Yang Dong Gun-골목길

This week's persecuted church: Pakistan

The young daughter of a Pakistani evangelist remained in hiding Wednesday, January 23, after Muslim extremists allegedly threatened to kill her.

"My 10-year-old daughter Shifa Gill is not going to school," said Reverend Kamran Gill, who survived an assassination attempt while evangelizing in Pakistan's Punjab province.

"She is hidden in a secure place right now," he added.

Gill, who lived in provincial capital Lahore before fleeing to the United States this month, told BosNewsLife that the troubles began in June last year when he attempted to preach among those suffering in some of Punjab's notorious brick kilns.

Thought of the Day:  Future

7 Billion

My next speaking class topic is World Population.  Here's a cool video I found for my students:


Thought of the Day:  Taxes
Song of the Day:  6kies-확인

Super

Bowl!

Thought of the Day:  Dinner
Song of the Day:  Sandra McCracken-Rock of Ages When the Day Seems Long

This week's persecuted church: Myanmar

Catholic and Protestant leaders in Myanmar have issued a rare statement calling for an end to conflict in northern Kachin state where three civilians including an elderly deacon were killed by artillery fire on Monday.

Bishop John Hsane Hgyi, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, and Yin Yin Maw, president of the Myanmar Council of Churches (MCC), yesterday urged an end to recent aerial bombing and artillery fire by government forces and called for international monitors to be permitted access.

The government this month admitted for the first time that it was carrying out air strikes.

The three civilian fatalities on Monday were the first for some time in Laiza, the stronghold of the rebel Kachin Independence Army on the border with China.

Following the attacks, about 200 residents fled to take shelter in two churches in Laiza.

Thought of the Day:  Bingo
Song of the Day:  DC Talk-Colored People

What do we say to the god of death?

Not today.

I thought the show was slow in the beginning, but I'm really enjoying it now.  After this, I'm gonna move on to Boardwalk Empire or Homeland.  Those should keep me busy enough until Mr. White returns.

Thought of the Day:  Game of Thrones
Song of the Day:  Angus & Julia Stone-Big Jet Plane

This week's persecuted church: Colombia

On Monday, Jan 7th 2013, as the family's pastor finished an evening devotional in the home of widow Alicia Castilla, assassins entered the home and opened fire on her with pistols, killing her instantly in front of her three children and her father.

An Open Doors worker who cannot be named for security reasons told World Watch Monitor that before leaving the home, the guerrillas told Castilla's son, 18-year-old Hernán, that the rest of the family had three days to leave the region. After that, the killers warned, they would return and one by one kill other family members.

Castilla's death follows the murder of her husband, lay evangelist Nelson Ramos, two years before, in January 2011, also at the hands of the ELN. The armed rebel group holds a virtual sway of terror over the area.

Ramos, who had come to faith in Christ two years before his death, often shared the gospel in Saravena, a border town near Colombia's frontier with Venezuela. A few months after his conversion, the ELN issued its first expulsion order against him and his family.

Thought of the Day:  Nap
Song of the Day:  Deli Spice-고백

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

For today's speaking class, our topic is about North Korean teenage defectors.  Instead of merely imagining and discussing opinions, I think it will be good for my students to see and hear from real defectors directly.  I think it was good for me to see and hear this for myself as well.

Thought of the Day:  Cold School
Song of the Day:  Aha-Take On Me

I Dreamed A Dream

Not for everyone and not easy to watch but very impressive.

"Anne Hathaway reportedly blew everyone away at her audition, leaving them in tears."
-IMDB Trivia

Thought of the Day:  Look Down!  Look Down!
Song of the Day:  Fantine-I Dreamed A Dream

This week's persecuted church: Colombia

For more than 40 years, Colombia has been terrorized by kidnappings and murders resulting from power struggles between drug lords, revolutionaries and paramilitary groups. But in the midst of the chaos, brave Christians in Colombia are risking their lives to spread the gospel. VOM is committed to helping them, and our readers from across the country are joining the effort.

One of VOM’s partners in Colombia is a pilot named Russell. VOM helped Russell purchase an airplane, and today that plane flies over FARC-controlled areas of Colombia dropping small packages attached to parachutes. The packages, which float down into FARC camps and villages, each contain a selection of Christian books as well as a solar-powered Galcom radio pre-tuned to a Christian station. Before the parachutes are dropped, the radio is turned on so that even if the parachute catches in a tree, someone will hear the radio and climb up to retrieve it.

Thought of the Day: HAPPY Birthday
Song of the Day: The 5, 6, 7, 8s-Woo Hoo

계란 한 판

I turned 30 in Korea a few days ago.  It seems like everyone feels more depressed than thankful on their birthdays once they become an adult.  We get so focused on losing youth or not accomplishing certain things by a certain age.  There is no longer HAPPY; it's just BIRTHDAY now (and often a secret one).  What happened to celebrating the fact that you're still alive after so many years?  Why do we limit these celebrations to 100 days or the first birthday for Korean babies?  I say be thankful every year for how long you've been alive but also for how you're being "recreated" along with the rest of the world.  Let's learn to embrace our new age this year and anticipate the eventful years ahead.

Thought of the Day: Bow

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

This week's persecuted church: Nigeria

Suspected Islamist extremists have killed 15 Christians by slitting their throats in an attack on a village in Nigeria's volatile northeast, residents and a relief source said Sunday. The gruesome violence was the latest to be blamed on Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, though this Christmas season has been notably less bloody than in 2011, when attacks on churches and other locations left scores dead.

"From the information we gathered, the attackers broke into selected homes and slaughtered 15 people in their sleep," the relief official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.
Authorities had previously confirmed the predawn Friday attack in Musari, but gave few details and said only five were killed. Musari is located on the outskirts of Maiduguri, Boko Haram's base.

Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, spokesman for a military task force in the area, told AFP on Sunday that he stood by the toll of five dead, adding that some were shot and others attacked with machetes. Nigerian authorities tend to under-report death tolls however, and the relief official's information matched up with that of residents, who spoke of 15 people having their throats slit.

Thought of the Day: Winter Camp
Song of the Day: Sara Groves-Maybe There's a Loving God

It's Showtime!

"I thought I would never see Showtime again. The Clippers are Showtime! THIS is Showtime."
-Magic Johnson


Thought of the Day:  막걸리
Song of the Day:  Blur-Song 2

Is this your church?

Thanks, Sam!

Thought of the Day:  전구
Song of the Day:  The Temptations-My Girl

고백

Love this song/performance!

This week's persecuted church: Laos

As a member of the government, Boun had permission to cross in and out of Thailand to conduct business. There, in 1997, he sought out the man he had heard speaking on the radio.

The Christians there were afraid of him, and he was just as afraid they would report him to the Lao government. But the man he sought was willing to meet with him. This man took him to a private room and explained Christ to him. The soldier was baptized that night and began to share the gospel wherever he went.
The authorities warned him over and over to stop preaching. He was let go from his job. He was arrested June 8, 1999, and sentenced to 15 years in prison. On Feb. 2, 2012, he was released, two years early.

Thought of the Day:  담배가게 아가씨
Song of the Day:  담배가게 아가씨

Following the Leader

There are two things that I've always hated talking about.  Politics and the economy.  Unfortunately, these two subjects seem to get thrown at me more and more as I get older and become a bigger part of society.

Last night, I tossed and turned in my sleep after hearing about Korea electing its first female president.  I even had a dream that I was working for her red-colored administration with some of the staff at my school. Ms. Park let us off early that day and everyone was happy, including myself.

News articles say that the no. 1 issue for most voters is the economy.  That means that the candidate who offers the most financial benefits will win the election, apparently even at the cost of moral issues.  That is why a leader's character and integrity are considered secondary to their financial promises and economic plans, and corruption can easily be ignored, explained, or excused.  There is a self-serving agenda on everyone's mind.  Is it any wonder why bad leaders get elected?

Thinking and talking about the recent election in Korea, I am reminded of God's anger and displeasure with the nation of Israel throughout the book of Ezekiel.  The widows, orphans, and foreigners are neglected while the poor are abused.  Everyone is selfish and greedy.  Killing and injustice are rampant.  There is a lot of judgment ready to be poured out.

But as I think about these things, I am also reminded of the few who are faithful, living under godless leadership during the times of Daniel and Esther.  Despite the oppression and in the midst of the wailing and cries of the suffering, we have a small number that is living upright and honest lives.  They may not be able to overthrow or change the government, but they choose to live in a way that challenges it and points to the real leadership that every creature is under.

America or Korea, you may be happy or upset by the newly elected leaders that will lead for the next 4-5 years.  If you are happy, do not put your hope in the government administration that is prone to all sorts of unspeakable evils.  If you are upset, do not feel so disappointed and helpless because every country is still in the bounds of God's rule and sovereignty.  Do not worry about the daunting present or unforeseeable future that we cannot control, but live faithfully now and never lose hope for a good tomorrow that is promised to come.

Thought of the Day:  Passionate
Song of the Day:  Third Day-Your Love Oh Lord

This week's persecuted church: Iran

Thought of the Day:  Candy Canes
Song of the Day:  Sara Groves-Star of Wonder

Kill Park

You have to be in Korea to understand/enjoy this.

Thought of the Day:  피부과
Song of the Day:  The Game (feat. 50 Cent)-Hate It Or Love It

This week's persecuted church: Cuba

David became a believer when he was 15 years old. His family kicked him out of the house, and he was forced to work as a field hand to sustain himself. He didn't give up his faith though, and at 22 he became a pastor. At 57, he’s lived through the decades in which many Cuban Christians left the island and the church was whittled down to a faithful few. He also led his church during times of revival. But “if you want to pastor in Cuba, you cannot say anything against the government,” he said.

He has been interrogated more than 20 times, and humiliated, beaten and threatened. His interrogators blamed him for the growth of his church, accusing him of using “secret indoctrination methods” from the United States. For these offences, he was forced to spend six months cleaning public outhouses every day. He was also prohibited from leaving the island for more than four years. The officials in charge never told him why his exit permits were never granted. There was always an excuse: “We lost the paper work!” or “We never got your application.”

When David was finally able to obtain a telephone connection for his house, the first phone call he received was from the state security office, warning him that they knew his phone number and they knew all about him. They even described the color of the books in his office, and told him, “We can make something happen to you if we want.”

Thought of the Day:  버럭
Song of the Day:  Dumb Ways to Die

Shaqtin' A Fool

Simon, this one's for you.


Thought of the Day:  RAM
Song of the Day:  Oasis-Champagne Supernova

Dumb Ways to Die

Thought of the Day:  Chocolate Cake
Song of the Day:  The Beautiful Mistake-A Cradle in Bethlehem

Childish

Legos are the best toys in the world.  I used to be obsessed with these building blocks as a child, but I still like to stop by the toy aisle every once in a while to see some of the newest Star Wars or Technic series' models.  I secretly want to buy a lot of the overpriced Star Wars stuff, but I restrain myself because I know I would hate myself for buying something so


childish (expensive).


But I couldn't hold back from getting the best of two worlds: Legos + Transformers!  Although I wanted to buy some Decepticons that come with cool Kreons, I knew they would be way too childish (expensive).  So I settled with the smallest Optimus Prime.  I still haven't built it yet, but I get happy every time I look at the box.  Still a child.

Thought of the Day:  Sujin
Song of the Day:  Justin Bieber-Mistletoe