So I’m sitting here at my computer (obviously) trying to write again. Many of you know I’m back in Korea now after having had a wonderful month in the States with family and friends. How dare I say that it was too short…? Well, it was and I’m confident in others’ love for me enough to say that they would agree.
My month at home included much needed time in the prayer room at IHOP-KC; running time with a good friend; coffee dates; revisits of my favorite restaurants; a one-week trip to Eastern and Central Iowa where I saw one of my aunts/uncles/cousins, my close friend and one of my sisters and her family; and then I headed to my hometown for two weeks where I got not nearly enough time with my parents and other siblings. There we celebrated Thanksgiving, I met up again with friends and I headed back (tearfully) to KC for a couple very short days before flying out of the country.
This is clearly a vague description of what I did during that time, but most of you who read this got in on at least one or more of the phases of my trip and for that I’m more grateful than I can express to you all in words. Thank you!
There are clearly a few others that I had intended to see but just wasn’t able to, and those visits I surely hope to get to in the future. Some states I think of off the top of my head that include these people would be mini-trips to Florida, Virginia, Washington and California. Soon and very soon…
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As I’ve arrived back in Korea, there’s been minor (re)adjustments. I think I’m pretty well over the jet lag, I’ve just recently gotten sick (a minor cold, but please pray for quick recovery) and I’m back in my academy teaching English to my 40+ students every Monday through Friday. Most of you know that I returned to the same academy, so I didn’t have to go through another long list of transitions this time around. I actually only have about 10 months left on my contract with this academy, so I’m thinking ahead already on what my next step(s) will be. You can pray for me to have wisdom as I pray, too. There are a couple of options for directions I’d like to take after September 2012. I will process these with you after the end of December. Thank you for praying.
One note to leave you with as I finish this short update is one thing I can articulate at least a little bit regarding what my first year here looked like is this: my relationship with the Lord and how it looks to me both internally and externally in this very different environment compared to my past 7 years of full-time ministry at IHOP-KC is just that–very different. It’s taken me at least as long as my first year to recognize that and to adjust accordingly. It’s been hard and good and I’m hopeful for this second year regarding that relationship. Vague, I know, but that’s what I got.
Continue checking back here. Don’t give up on me, or more specifically, my post-writing irregularities. My intention will be to share with you in January again as I continue to process my options for next fall. They will very likely include you at some level. I’m grateful for all of you. Grace and peace.
just sitting here reading your blog
i like that