Anyung Haseo Korea

(goodbye Korea)

My farewell to Korea began last Sabbath, April 22 during the church service. I was asked to give a short speech of my overall impression and memories of Korea. For the first time in my life, I was at loss for words. It's difficult to describe an overall experience - especially when it covers the span of one year. I don't think I'll fully understand the impact of this experience for atleast another few months, but I did the best I could to gather a few thoughts and share a few memories.

After my short talk, all the faculty and staff surprised me with a special song. As the song was coming to the end, each one of them presented me with a single pink rose - it was such a sweet gesture. We then took a group picture including a few of my students who came to the church service to spend some time with me.

Dong Seoul faculty, staff & some students

Saying goodbye to this institute is more difficult than I thought it would be because of my students. I have really enjoyed getting to know the students each term and this term was no different. I was showered with gifts, thank you's, and hugs from so many.

a few of my students and good friends

My Director Pastor Oh, presented me with a plaque during our lunch yesterday. It reads: "In appreciation for your dedication and selfsacrificing service here at the SDA Language Institute in Korea from May 2005 to April 2006, we offer this plaque in appreciation."

Dong Seoul teaching staff

with my foreign teachers

As I now look around my empty bedroom, I'm beginning to realize that this is it. God called me on this mission, and I pray that my work here has been acceptable in His eyes. I have struggled, cried, been so lonely at times, but God has never left me and has always shown me at my weakest moments, that I am loved and that He is by my side in everything.

It's Wednesday morning here in Korea - so what does that mean? Well, it's my last day of class before I head out. I don't think that it's fully hit me yet that I'm leaving. I keep thinking about all the things I have to do before I leave - closing my Korean banking account, finishing up my grades(which I did last night), and most of all - PACKING! I was sorting through my room a bit yesterday afternoon and discovered SO many things that I've had that I never used. So my roommates went through my room taking things that I know I won't need once I'm home. I leave tomorrow for New Zealand first, then a few days later, I fly to Australia for a quick visit. I'll eventually end up in the states on the 6th after doing some running around on this part of the globe. :o)

In all seriousness, God has really blessed me that I've been able to travel so much - not just during my year here, but throughout my life. I've visited a total of 25 countries, beginning with my first trip abroad(excluding regular trips to Chile with the family, of course) to Venezuela, and many countries since then. I have this side of me that needs constant adventure and change. Coming to Korea definately was a big change for me, but it was a good choice. It's been difficult at times to be away from my family and good friends, but I've grown in ways that I probably wouldn't have if I'd stayed in the states. God is continuously working in my life to change me and mold me into the person He wants me to be - I just have to keep listening and try to keep walking in His footsteps.

A couple of weekends ago, all teachers were sent to Madalpi - a camp site for the annual teacher's retreat. All 360+ teachers of the SDA Language Institute came together for meetings and various activities like a talent show and sporting events throughout the weekend. This was my chance to say my final goodbyes to many teachers that I've met over the course of my year here.

We had an excellent speaker from the General Conference come out to give us some encouragement for our work here in Korea. It's easy over time, to lose focus on the reason why we're here because of the stresses of teaching or for some, homesickness. I've been lucky enough to have frequent chats with my family and close friends which has been SUCH a blessing. I'm very thankful to have so much support from those I love.

With Lillian

Vivian and Lils goofing off for the camera. :o)

I was recruited to play the drum for
the Puerto Ricans singing Parrandas

Chris, teacher from Kwangju days

My old Coordinator
Miguel from the Kwangju Institute
I learned a lot from him