Spring is here...FINALLY!

 I just realized it's been a MONTH since I last posted!!!  After receiving some inquiries as to why I hadn't been writing, (sorry!) here are my latest adventures, thoughts, and blessings-

I had a wonderful time last weekend when I went on a trip with Adventure Korea. This company organizes various excursions for foreigners at a very affordable price.  It's a great way to get away, de-stress, and meet new people.  Believe me, I had my doubts when, at 5:30am on Saturday morning my alarm was buzzing and I felt like I couldn't peel off my eye mask and sit upright, much less climb a mountain.  But alas, I dragged my weary body out of bed and to the bus station. 

After 4 hours on the bus, including a stop for lunch, we arrived at Gayasan National Park.  The hike up the mountain was pretty, and Kerry and I paused numerous times to allow for photo ops.  Due to these minor detours, we were in the last group to make it to the top, but that was fine by us.  The weather was perfect for hiking: sunny with a cool breeze.  After we reached the top, we relaxed for a bit and took some more pictures, wishing we had packed snacks for the summit.  Next time :)

Kerry and her infectious laugh <3

Emek & Briza

On the way down the mountain I walked with two girls I had met on the way up, Emek and Briza, who were also at the caboose of the hike ;).  They are both in Masters programs at different universities in Korea on scholarship.  Emek is from Turkey and Briza is from Brazil.  I really enjoyed talking with them about their experiences in Korea and asking them questions about their hometowns (as I am always curious about what life is like around the world).

After the hike, we walked about mile down the road and came to Haeinesa Temple, which is one of the more famous Buddhist temples in Korea. They were setting up for celebrations that will take place on Buddha's birthday, therefore, the grounds were a little cluttered, but it was still very interesting and beautiful.

That night, we went to a traditional Korean village which is used to having Korean tour groups who want to experience a traditional lifestyle stay for a night or two.  We formed groups of four and were assigned to different houses.  We put away our things and gathered together for dinner and a bonfire.  It was wonderful to mingle and talk with so many new people who are in similar situations and to share advice and encouragement with each other.

Our house

The next morning, we got up early and went to the Daegaya festival, which is named after the Daegaya Kingdom in Korea during the 5th century.  Of course, activities at the festival were centered around this time period and included pottery making, traditional instruments, museums, crafts, and even a dying experience that my new friends and I took part in.  You were able to put on the traditional funeral clothing and everyone was placed inside a separate wooden coffin and enclosed for 3 minutes!  I'll tell you, it was most definitely a reflective experience...

holding the will that I wrote, awaiting my fate~

death was actually a pretty nice guy, haha

Me, Camille, Briza, and Emek about to be buried...

Briza, Lisa, and Camille in traditional dress

 

view of the festival grounds from the hill

traditional rice porridge

The next stop before the long bus ride home was organic strawberry picking!  We each received a container to fill with delicious strawberries and we were instructed to eat as many strawberries as possible while we were picking - a request which we all gladly obliged :-)

This past Saturday was just wonderful...when I got home from a day walking around Yeouido, (which is an island in the northern part of Seoul, bordering the Han River) I was so refreshed.  I wandered around all afternoon with Siu and Jia, looking at the cherry blossoms, taking pictures, and soaking up the beautiful sun.  It's amazing how those little rays of sunshine can completely warm your mind, body, and soul and have you smiling from ear to ear.  At least that's what they do for me :-)

so pretty <3

sweet Jia :-)

Siu, me, and Jia enjoying the sunshine~

view of Seoul skyline from Yeouido

along the Han River

so many people...

the National Assembly building

a nice old man who took our picture ^.^

Yesterday was a wonderful Palm Sunday! I received a message that seemed to be meant for me. It was about being weary and tired, and how Jesus Christ, the son of God, the uncreated one, was even weary and tired at times. However, in spite of this, He unfailingly fulfilled the works of our Father in heaven.  It's easy to have a giving spirit when we are full and joyful, and when all is as it should be.  However, God also calls us to give when we have little.  During times of hardship, of depression, of darkness...we are called to serve the Father.  In our times of weakness, there are countless individuals who can be ministered to if we will be obedient and make sacrifices.

I can't stop listening to a song called 'Hosanna.'  Many of you may have heard it, but the words are my cry and prayer as of late.

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
 
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

I was reminded that, in order for the Lord to work in our lives, we must make faith-based decisions.  If we leave no room for God to direct our paths, we leave no room for Him to bless our lives. I had been praying for answers to a few questions that have been weighing on my mind lately, and the Lord has revealed to me so many answers over the last few days! A weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, and although they weren't the answers I had originally hoped for, I feel such a peace knowing that He has it all figured out, so I don't have to.  Thank you Father, for continuing to draw me closer to you~

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After church, I went to lunch with Briza and her friend Nikki.  We walked along Karasukil in Gangnam and found a delightful little parisian cafe.  We spotted a little table outside on the front patio, and it was a little piece of heaven.  I spent a lovely afternoon with new friends having great conversation.  I know we will frequent our-little-piece-of-Europe-in-Korea as often as possible!

our-little-piece-of-Europe-in-Korea.

Nikki & Briza

That evening I met up with some current and old coworkers for Turkish food.  We hit up the photo booth on our way home and, when I got on the bus to go back to Bundang, my friend Jee Eun, whom I met a few weeks ago on the bus, was on the bus heading home as well!  We made a coffee date for next Saturday morning so we can walk around another park close to us which also has a lot of cherry blossoms.  It was the perfect way to end a perfect day <3

 

photo booth!

Thank you family and friends for your constant love and support~

All my love,

Miss Jones

a new semester & new adventures.

Hello friends,

We're beginning a new school year here on the other side of the world, and my new kids are wonderful.  For the most part, I have really loud, rowdy classes, but I love the energy level.  I have to be mean Miss Jones at times, but I've found that my favorite students are often the troublemakers, who when they're good, are fantastic and so much fun.  I just have to stare them down and say a few words when they're bad and that puts them in their place reeeal quick...most of the time =P  Sometimes, however, my rules backfire-

For example, one day I had scolded one of my 2nd graders for constantly talking and disrupting the class.  After helping a few other students, I look across the room and see her with one hand quietly in the air and the other cupped under her nose holding a pool of blood.  I cry out madly as I run to her and cup my hands under hers.  Of course we didn't have any tissues in the room that day... "Clear the way everyone!  Can someone open the door please?!"  All of my other 2nd graders jump up to help as they watch Flora and myself with concerned eyes.  By the time we made it to the bathroom, my hands were covered with blood, as was her shirt.  Poor thing.  She's okay now, maybe it was the dry air? 

the kiddos like to give me stickers =)

My kindergartners are a little difficult and require loads of energy from me, but they are SO precious.  All of the morning program classes have been given animal names.  I teach the Lions class (my home room) and the Bears class.  I haven't been able to take very many pictures yet, but here are a few-As you can see, they won't really hold still long enough for me to take a descent photo.  We'll have to work on that...

Randy

total cutie pie

Sunny & Eddie

Amy

Joshua

Hilary

Lily & Sarah

Chris

Rachel

Daniel

Sunny & Olivia

Gordon & Daniel

Daniel

some candies they gave me for White Day

I know it's been a while since I've written, but I've been so tired when I get off work that I haven't had the energy to socialize, even if it is just through the internet or skype, lol. I have transitioned into the new semester fairly smoothly, although I still feel like I'm always fighting to stay on top of my work load.  Most nights I leave school around 8:00pm, without finishing all of my grading and I get home around 8:30pm, only to eat, sleep, and do it all over again at 9:00am the next morning.  I almost always have a scratchy voice because I lecture in most of my 11 classes everyday.  I've been trying to go to bed early in order to catch a break from the perpetual sore throat and runny nose.

So that's the bad part.  I'm done complaining now.  I also have seen and experienced really lovely things lately.

Catholic church in Meyongdong

A couple of the new teachers wanted to go sightseeing in Seoul and asked if I wanted to join.  I did want to walk around and take some more photos so I agreed.  I took on my role as tour guide and began trailblazing through Insadong, Gwanghwamun, Namdaemun, and Meyongdong.  We left pretty early on Saturday morning and, when I got up, I was regretting the fact that I had accepted the invitation, but it was worth it.

I want one! *Dilemma: I'm still struggling riding bicycles...

Our first stop was Insadong, where one can find art galleries, souvenirs, and other traditional goods.  It was a lovely, sunny day and we encountered a generally pleasant bustle of people as we wandered the city streets.  We also stumbled upon a park which held a memorial for, what we think was, the Japanese occupation of Korea (the signs were completely in Korean).

shop in Insadong

Sam & Simon tasting a traditional Korean candy called "Dragon's Mustache"

taking pictures with cardboard celebrities can be fun ^.^

a pretty park we stumbled upon...

chillaxin'

memorial

gambling in the streets

Insadong

After spending an hour or so in Insadong, I wanted to see Jogyesa temple which was nearby.  After taking some photos at the temple, we took the subway to Namdaemun, which is a huge outdoor market where you can find most anything.  The boys were a little overwhelmed by the crowds one has to shove through to walk along those streets.  Meyongdong, which is another outdoor shopping area with retail stores and most brand names, is right next to Namdaemun, so I showed them how to take the bus home because I wanted to stay and do a little shopping.  Because, let's face it, it's difficult to shop with boys. Or maybe it's just me, but I like to browse and ponder various purchases while men are more of the "grab it and go" philosophy (correct me if I'm wrong here guys).  All in all, it was a fun day and the weather was beautiful, giving us a little taste of Spring :)

Jogyesa Temple

Namdaemun

tea museum in insadong

fruit cart in insadong

I have SO many more photos and stories, so I'll write more soon!

I hope you are all healthy and happy,

<3 Miss Jones