We're Back Home, from Being Home (?!?)

Well, we're back in Seoul after our much needed vacation/reunion.  Our entire time in The States was wonderful down to the last second.  Christopher and I were so blessed to spend so much quality time with our families, friends, and of course, our pack.  

The trip was planned beautifully with the two main events (graduations) sandwiching lots of laughs, food, drinks, games, memories, and good times.  Here are some pictures from both graduations.

Graduation #1 - Hillsdale, Michigan

Graduation #2 - Denver, Colorado

Not much has changed in Seoul, other than our sleeping habits - we've both been out cold by 10pm and up bright eyed at 6:30am; our schedule is still so out of whack.  It was so great to see the kids this week - they were just as excited as we were.    It has been rough getting back in the swing of things here.  We were both welcomed with a mile high stack of term tests to grade and about a million progress reports to write.  The weather is beautiful right now, a little overcast but a perfect 70 degrees :)  We sure are missing the beautiful Colorado sun that we were blessed with for the majority of our trip.

Thankful Thursday

Thank you for...

• Vacation
• Online Check-ins
• Jets
• Exciting news about August
• Family reunions

Recent Videos

Our 2010 kindergarten class gets the opportunity for gym class, unlike last year. We get to accompany them and view all the greatness...

A coule of our kindy girls with their version of patty cake?

This last video comes courtesy of one of our new first graders. He has warned both of us before about traveling through the Bermuda Triangle because it is too dangerous. He talks about sharks every possible moment. Sorry the video is a bit blurry.

Thankful Thursday

Today we couldn't be more thankful for...

• BIS laptops
• next Thursday we'll be in the USA!
• Birthdays
• movie days
• kimchi

Drop the Hate

Unfortunately hate exists. Undeniable, it is probably right around the corner from you. Untimely acts will result from its cause. Undermining you is its goal. Under your skin, it will crawl.

Unbridled hate was uncovered late last night while on the underground train. It can be described as uncomfortable, almost unbearable.

We boarded a train headed home from a work meeting at 10:00pm with a few friends, some foreign some not. We sat on the subway chatting about the meeting as we traveled along. We came to a stop when the door opened and a man began to exit. Before leaving, he turned, screamed something at Lauren and I, gathered his phlegm and then performed a very unsightly act. He spit on us. I wish it were untrue.

He then sprinted off the the subway as the everyone on the train sat and stared with open mouths at the unbelievable act.

Fortunately his aim was not great and he missed for the most part.

The rest of the train ride was ridden with unanswered questions riddling us.

I do want to say, I am surprised. Our entire time in Korea we've experienced only unbounded love and acceptance. I was thankful for it before, and even more thankful for it now. This man was not a representation of anybody but himself.

This event wasn't earth shattering or ground shaking and was, in-fact, an extremely mild act if compared to anything similar. I don't want to claim injustice, beg for sympathy, or even say I know what it feels like to feel hated for no reason.

To the man on the subway: I sincerely hope the unrest you feel towards unsuspecting individuals will unravel. While the act can't be undone, it is not unforgivable.

"For if you forgive other their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive other their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 6:14-15

Thankful Thursday

This week we are thankful for...

• Frequent flyer miles!
• Opening windows in spring
• A plethora of restaurant options in our neighborhood
• Daily readings
• 2 week countdown

What a Happy Day!!

This is one of our new kindergarten students. She doesn't normally have a smile on her face but we caught her actually enjoying herself and having fun. It's amazing what being outside can do to you. Too cute :)