Subject  |    Jennifer's Experiences 07-02-20  |  Hit : 4083 Name  |    Jennifer     If you were to travel to Shinchon, Seoul, and visit my apartment at the SDA Language Institute, you would notice that pictures cover my refrigerator, frames stand on any flat surface available, and I have no less than 5 photo albums lying around the room. Brightly decorated Korean fans lean against the picture window that looks out over Shinchon Rotary. A map of Seoul's streets and subway routes is taped to the inside of the front door, allowing for quick reference before sailing out into the wonderful world of Korea. Outside, the recycling garbage truck sings its familiar tune, reminding all to make the city less cluttered. Taxis beep their horns occasionally. An ambulance siren blares its warning at the intersection. The Fruit Man talks energetically into his microphone for all to hear as he pushes his cart of apples, bananas, and watermelon up the street. Across the way, people rush into the post office, just barely making deadlines. Next door, middle school students pause to eat a mid-afternoon meal of rice, seaweed, and vegetables rolled together to make the Korean equivalent of a sandwich - Kim bop (my favorite Korean food). This is Korea. This is the land I have come to know and love in the past 11 months that I have taught here. Like the pictures in my apartment, my heart is filled with memories of precious people: the almost 1,000 students that I've taught this year, the amazing members in my church, the teachers from all around the world that I have been blessed to know. How can I express with words what I have learned? I have gained so much. The tapestry of my life is now richly embroidered with the pumpkin thread of autumn leaves that graced the streets last October. Silvery traces of sparkling white lights brightened the frosty winter nights in December, and splashes of purple and crimson took over the baby green leaves as glorious spring burst forth in April. Yesterday I was reminded once again of summertime in the city, as I walked through the yellow heat to get on a bus. Once onboard, my herb-scented hand fan did wonders as I sat under the air-vent, enjoying the tinted windows and sudden coolness. Yes, this is Korea…with its intriguing food, unique music, colorful costumes, honored traditions, and thoughtful people. Korea…. with its busy society, hardworking university students, and over-stressed high school students. Korea…where most are looking for success, but where most find alcohol to be their best comfort when they don't find it. In this country I have had the joy of sharing my Jesus with people who really want to know Him, and who have come searching for true information about who He is. I love the fact that every day I get to impact my classes with God's Love in Action. I love the fact that every day I get to have a Religion Class, where students can ask questions about who God is, and why there is so much pain in this world. I love the fact that I get to open my heart and share with them what He has done for me. And I love the fact that I get to pray with them. Daily, students come to see God better through the lives of their teachers. And when a student decides to attend the weekend functions, she is able to meet the church members who also want to be her friends. Hand in hand, the missionary teachers and the missionary church members work to include each student in the family of God. I love that, because it's what Jesus told us to do in John 13:34,35 (NLT). "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." When I think about my year here, I realize that Korea has become a part of my every day culture. I now bow automatically when I meet someone new. I just naturally accept gifts with two hands. I answer the door with "An Nyoung Ha Say Yo" (Korean for Hello). When a Korean doesn't understand my English (while out on the town shopping) I resort to Konglish, which is a mixture of English/Korean that makes me very understandable. I sometimes eat potato chips with chopsticks. And now, I am starting to read the language….slowly. When I put all my experiences together, I get a delightful dish of "Bibimbop" (mixed rice, vegetables, and egg in a steaming stone bowl). Korea is filled with a variety of flavors, textures, and colors, just like this traditional meal. And I have enjoyed my time so immensely that I am staying another year. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God wants me here to make a difference for eternity. Not only that, but he also wants to enrich my life daily with the treasured people he has in this land. If you want to fulfill Jesus' commission….If you want to travel to an amazing country….If you want friends from all over the world….If you want to become a teacher….SDA Language Institute is the place for You! I know. Because it was the place for me! See you very soon, in the Land of the Morning Calm. Jennifer