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Mind Overload

For the past week or so my mind has been racing! It is almost like God has been teaching and showing me so many things, but yet I am unable to comprehend them all. They are huge to me and it is difficult to wrap my mind around all of them! Thus, the reason for the blog. I want to share with you all a couple things which have been on my heart lately. I would love to hear feedback, comments, and suggestions on these matters as always! I love to learn and grow so please, feel free to help me out!!

Have you ever stopped to realize HOW VAST the Milky Way Galaxy is? Composed of its BILLIONS of stars, its gorgeous beauty and INCREDIBLE depth. This is one of no one knows HOW MANY galaxies. This is IMMENSE. What about God in all of this? What about me in all of this? What about you? How do I, as small as I am in comparison to this one galaxy, the Milky Way, What do I have to do with anything?

David writes in Psalms 139 that each individual has been "knitted together" and God created each persons "innermost being". The fact is God knew me and God knew you before we were thought of, before we were created, God knew WHO we would be and what we would become. He knew and knows the choices we will make...the sins we have and will commit, the destruction we will do....yes, the list goes on....Who are we? This God who CREATED the planets, the UNIVERSE, He created me. You. Us. According to science, putting things into perspective in relationship to the galaxies, we are a speck of sand. Each individual. But yet Scripture also tells us in Matthew, that God cares SO MUCH about us and HE KNOWS SO MUCH about us, that He has counted the hairs on our heads. Seems crazy, right? It's difficult to fully comprehend...the fact is...we can not comprehend it. We can not understand the why, thy reasoning behind it all. We are human. God is not. His thinking is not ours. We are his creation, who are we ever to think we know better than Him. The Creator, compared to, us, the speck of sand...who are we to not pray about matters or seek God in everything. After all isn't that what we SHOULD be doing?

This brings me back to "why"? Grace. The undeserved kindness of God. We can not understand it, it can not be understood. How can a God love us, who after all as the Bible says, sent His son to DIE for us while we were still sinners. That is what we are, sinners, people who know nothing and are nothing without God. Hopeless individuals in need of a Savior. Thank God this Creator became our Savior...His Love is so extravagant that He lowered HIMSELF to our status, to demonstrate His love for US...and, before we committed ourselves to Him. Think about the marvelous Mystery God is...the Love He has demonstrated...

Think about You. Your size. God. God's Magnitude. Who are we to worry? What right to we have to stress? Who are we to think we don't need God? He created us. He loves us. He passionately desires to have a relationship WITH US. What are we doing to cultivate our Creator's all time purpose for us? How are we displaying our Love and affection to our Maker?

Just some thoughts...on one issue. More to come of my ramblings...but I hope these are food for thought as they have been for me.

My prayer is that you continue growing, learning, striving to do all that you desire from your walk with God. I pray that your desire for God is never quenched, but always endless.

-Krissy

Good Morning,

It is now 12:49AM on Friday, October 2nd. I have recently returned home from my Dad's memorial service in Fort Myers, Florida. I guess I should tell everyone I am back from South Korea. I made is safely and have been living at my mom's house in Lehigh for the past couple months.

Let's just say since I have returned back to the States, I have been flooded with a whirlwind of emotions. I feel as though I have left a piece of me in Korea...and I will never be the same after returning to America. I learned so much from the Eastern side of the world, and I would not trade my year over anything. It has truly been an incredible, and life-changing experience for me.

The culture shock has been quite a challenge to handle...I still do not believe I am adjusted. I am not sure that will ever come though. However, I am getting better! I no longer bow to say hello!Although I do feel weird at times NOT bowing...like I am being disrespectful or something. :)

I guess I should get everyone up to speed on life...I have finally found a church and a job! I am also getting involved with the church and I love it. I will start my new job on Monday doing social work! I am excited for the challenge, but nervous too! Just hoping God will give me the grace to carry on and do the best that I am able too only through Him.

As many of you, or all of you know at this point, my father passed away last Wednesday evening. I was in Georgia and was the last one with him as he went to be with Jesus. There were many tears, but strangely, a peace about it. It has been easier to say "see you later, Dad", than see him suffer through his battle with cancer. He was such a great man. Full of life and a fighter. He never quit, even to the day of his death. He was an encourager, #1 fan, my biggest confidant, and self-less individual. I will miss him dearly. I just need to remind myself where he is...and he is better there than here. God has given me Exodus 33:14 "The Lord replied, " My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" as a promise during this time. I believe it, and stand on it. God has gone before me, and He has gone before you. There is no situation God will not be there to hold your hand and guide you through. God is love and a faithful father: never changing characteristics regardless of the situations in life.

Please hear my heart regarding the previous paragraph. I am writing not as one who has conquered the trusting God thing, but rather one who struggles with this, questions it, doubts it, but God is still faithful. He is still God. He is the never changing, the beginning and the end. I am writing from my weakness...that God is faithful no matter what. I am writing from my questioning and doubting, that God will still come through and will still Love you, and will always and forever continue His faithfulness towards myself and you, although I and we are not faithful. That is God. He is not human. He is.He is Never Changing: the I AM.

My prayer is that as you read this, if you find yourself in a struggle, a fight, a place of confusion, or a situation which seems hopeless, that you look to your Creator God and turn to Him. He has not left you, He never will turn His back. You must recognize His hand and His presence and His fingerprints in your life. Hold on to those moments when you have felt God in the past to carry you through your "dry" seasons when you might not feel His presence. Stay faithful. God will. Stay fervent. God is there and God does hear you. Continue in your pursuit of Him: to draw near to Him.

God Bless as you travel the road of a God-pursuer and God-lover. Stay faithful.

Kristina

Now is not the Time

It is Sunday afternoon. I have just come back from a great service, preached by Mr. David Bustos, a super fun children's church that went well, and really great food for lunch. Also, this afternoon I had the chance, along with two other teachers, to sit down and listen to Pastor Sean. Sean is a dentist...curently he runs a successful, English hogwon about 20 minutes away from Yongpyeong.

He was sitting at the pre school table where we were eating lunch, sharing his vision for the country of Ghana in Africa. God gave him this vision fifteen years ago, but he has not been able to go to Africa and fulfil this calling. His vision is to start a middle school in a village 6.5 hours outside the capital city. There are no middle schools in the area for about 40 km. It is also 99% muslim, but he wants to start a school there to reach these families with the Gospel. He was telling us stories of how God has shown His favor on this project. It is incredible to hear! Sadly, several mission organizations are encouraging him not to go as an occupations minsitry, but use his M.Div degree and preach. He will preach some there too, but it is sad that these organizations are discouraging him from using his dentristry skills and other practical skills as a tool to reach people.

From listening to him talk and hearing about his life for the past fifteen years I was reminded that occupational missionaries, in my opinion, often times have more opportunities to share the gospel b/c it is through relationship building. This is something that goes through any culture...a thread throughout all humanity: trust must be built, a foundation must be laid for people to want to listen to you. Think of the ways people are ministered daily too by having basic needs met! Look at the many doors that is opening for people in not only Ghana, but many other African countries. Okay...I'll get off my soapbox now.. :)

The next thing I was impressed with was his vision. God gave him the vision fifteen years ago. Throughout these fifteen years, Sean did not lose his passion for Ghana or lose sight of what God called him to do. Throughout these fifteen years, God has been molding him and preparing him for the adventure which will start in 6 months for Sean and his family. Wow!

I was reminded of my calling...to do missions work. I often think about my school loans and other things that I see which are "holding me back". However, are they truly "holding me back" or is it the preparation time God wants me to experience... prior to me going full time into ministry. Now is my time to prepare. I think about these past 10.5 months. I have learned so much and grown a lot. The calling God has on my life currently is not any less important than what He has called me to do on the mission field. It is the same. It is God's will for my life right now.

So, as I leave you with these thoughts and ponderings of my own, I am saying all this to say that God will have His way in His timing. Travel one step at a time. God called you in the first place and He doesn't forget that long term vision or goal. What you are doing now may be preperation for the long term vision or goal. Continue on, persevere, and do not lose sight of the vision. Live your calling now, as it is just as important as the long term, seemingly unreachable dream that burns in your soul. However, you will reach that dream as you continue in yourpursuit of your Master.

God Bless,

Krissy

Buddha's Birthday

About a month ago, as I opened the door of the van and stepped out, the sound of bells and chants greeted me. The occasion?It was Buddha's birthday and beside the orphanage, where I was, there was a temple. This was not my first encounter with a Buddhist temple, however, hearing the chants, and the sounds of people worshiping took me back...

Previously I had gone to Seoul with some other teachers and a friend from church. We were on a Korean tour excursion! It was exciting to see the palace, the "green house" (the President's home), and visit the famous restaurants we did! It was truly a fun experience! This fun time was suddenly put on halt, as we stopped at a Buddhist temple.

The burning smell of incense, and a musty building greeted me. I was stunned with what I saw. I took off my shoes and took about four steps further when I stopped. It was as if I was frozen. I could not speak. Before my eyes was a sight I had only heard about and seen pictures of. It was something I knew about, but it all seemed so foreign and shocking to me. Four people were performing a ritual. Bowing and chanting in a specific posture and rhythm towards a statue of a man sitting down. Buddha was embellished with gold and surrounded by food. The praises of his subjects were echoing through the room.

I stood there in disbelief, with only one response. This response to the environment in which I had presently found myself in sent chills through my body and an aching and pain in the deepest part of my soul. As I stood there lifeless with tears rolling down my cheeks, I was reminded of Christ's awesome grace and love. I was reminded of the brokenness and the need which surrounded me day in and day out. This need is one that surrounds every individual everyday. It's the need which each human being craves and struggles to find the answer too. This need is one of a savior, a healer, a restorer, and comforter.

In America, this need is often sought after through money, work, success, material possessions, friends, popularity, significant others, and the list goes on....and on...In Korea, although quite culturally different from America, the thread of all humanity which surpasses cultural differences was strongly displayed. It is the same need as that in America, but shown in a way that appeals to those on the Eastern side of the world. Still, the same craving to have an anchor for life and stability was present and thriving in that room.

My heart began to break as I realized that these individuals were worshiping one they could see, but not experience, talk too but who could not talk back, and touch but could not return affection. In that moment, I wanted to tell them of Christ. No, you can not touch him, but you can feel his presence, no, you can not see him, but you can see His power displayed through out all creation. His affection towards every individual is more than one can fathom. It is a love story which can never be repealed. It's stamp on history, and in an individual's life when accepted, is an indescribable and powerful, life-changing event. It is not one of question. Yes, you can talk to Him and He will talk back. This Jesus I am speaking of offers life and renewal for every individual. In every circumstance. In every land of the whole world.

If you are reading this, may you be reminded of your brokenness, your need for the everlasting arms of a Savior, and the perseverance to find the Truth and your fulfillment in Him. That you might conquer your need and want of fulfillment in material possessions, money, fame, friends, etc. and become complete, fulfilled and satisfied as you rest in the arms of the One who died for you. The One who holds your brokenness in His hands, and who is asking you if He can take your pain, heal your heart, and allow Him to substitute your human desire of a "money- savior" with Him, the eternal Savior. May He be your Rock, Fortress, and Anchor for your soul as you march through the torrents of life.

Peace,

Krissy

"May mercy, peace, and love be lavished on you!" -Jude 1:2

From Then to Now...

r
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Here are quite a few photos of the latest events going on in South Korea these days. The pics you see of the posters are from the day all the International School students walked a 5k to raise money for "thirsty kids". These are kids and families who do not have clean drinking water. I was so proud of them!! They all finished the walk, and on top of the gave over and above the amount we wanted to raise. We were able to buy one sanitary pit, several taps, and I believe one disaster relief kit to provide safe water for two individuals after a natural disaster. These kids raised enough money to save HUNDREDS of people from dyeing because of unclean water. Congrats ANCA students!!

The scenery shots are places around my house. I thought you guys might like to see where cows live. Its nice to see people water skiing and wake boarding on the river again. Yay its spring time too! The flowers are amazingly beautiful. They are so bright and colorful. The cherry blossoms have also started to bloom and are beautiful as well.

The colorful, Disney-like photos are from a theme park we went too called Lotte World. It is pretty much like a Korean Disney. The kids enjoyed it and had a blast. The architecture and creativity was incredible at the park. There was one place that is all inside which had a couple roller coasters and other rides inside. Also in the middle of this building there is a ice skating rink. Its a pretty big place and we had some fun :)

I have more photos but its pretty much impossible to upload all the photos on here. It would take me hours. Happy Monday!!

Third Grade

Hi Everyone! Well I thought it was time to blog about my new students and new job. Due to some circumstances at the school, I have now become the third grade teacher. It has been a big adjustment going form 1st grade with 2 students to 3rd grade having 10 students. However, the lesson planning takes a LOT LESS time. I would spend about 5-6 hours planning on Sundays for first grade. I planned 3rd grade last week in 2 hours! I was excited.

The kids are really great. They are super smart and I love how they are connecting themselves with the change in the world. For International school we are taking Matthew 25:35 and focusing on each part of the verse every month.

"For I was hungry and you face me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me"

This month, we are focusing on hungry kids and will be participating in World Vision's 30 hour famine. We will also be raising money to send to Africa to help hungry children. The third graders really seem to be grasping the concept of children in other parts of the world not having enough food. In various writing assignments, journal times, or discussions in class, hungry children will be brought up by one of the students. It is awesome to see their hearts toward children who are hungry and dying daily from malnutrition.

I am looking forward to teaching this class for the next several months. We will have fun :)

The first two photos in this post are from missions elective which is the last class period on Thursdays. All the students come together and are grouped into countries( my team, Bolivia, is below). In the missions elective the kids learn about the natural disasters, and reasons why their specific country is having problems with hunger, education and other reasons for poverty. In the picture below we were just about to start a game (that is why Crystal has an orange and grain clipped to her pocket).

The other photos are of my classroom and the kids making Valentine boxes for our Valentines party we had last Friday.

Speaking of Valentine's Day, Korea has some interesting traditions. There are around 5 special "love" holidays..that what I call them. :) For Valentine's Day women will give men chocolate, and then in March the men who received chocolate, will then give chocolate to the woman who gave it to them. I am not sure if they regularly keep to that tradition because I saw a lot of men in Seoul getting stuff for women on the 14th. Anyways...just thought I would share a random Korean fact.

Pretty much that is what has been going on here as far as third grade. I can't believe March 1st will be my 7th month! Crazy how fast time goes by.

Bye!

3rd Grade here I come

Here is the latest on my life in Korea. I am no longer teaching 1st grade. One of my students was pulled out of the school and there is a need to a third grade teacher sooooo that will be me.

This week I have been shadowing and checking out third grade, as well as, changing my first grade classroom into a third grade classroom. I have a lot of small details I need to get done, but will hopefully accomplish them by Monday...which is the first day of teaching 3rd grade for me. I will post photos of the classroom and students eventually. :) Oh, thats another thing I will have 10 students now...quite a difference from 2, but I am excited. I will miss 1st grade, but it will be a neat experience to teach 3rd.

My school is doing the 30 hour famine right now with World Vision. Which means that our hall is decorated with poverty statistics on cradboard boxes. The kids also made some neat projects out of cardboard that are hanging from the ceiling. I will have to post photos of that as well. I am super stoked about that too. The third graders really seem to be connecting with the poverty of other children, and noticing that in Korea they are very blessed to have food, clothes, and shelter. I think it will be a good experience participating in this project with the third grade. I will let you all know how that goes too.

SO as a side note and some random, fun things that have happened lately....#1 two other teachers and myself found a bowling ally (which we have been to two times already)!!! #2 I just skyped my sisters and my mom ALL at the same time. It was super cool having a conference call...so anyways I just thought I would fill you all in. :)

Ok Peace Out and pray for Korea b/c #1 North Korea is being weird these days.... and #2 my city is in a drought so there isn't much water. (A neighbor at the school is providing ANCA with a little bit of water)

I think I am really finished blogging now...I need to go to bed. Good Night!

-Krissy

SOme fun things...

So I just thought I would post some fun, crazy things about ANCA and Korea in general : )

-Lunchey (that's not spelled incorrectly...read as written : )

-Tuesday Nights

-AMAZING KIDS!!!!

-Wild Horses

-Costco

-the subway station and random songs

-Neighbors

-Tiger Shirts

-Eyes peering through glass doors and windows

-Disclosing of an individuals bowel issues...lol

-Two hands on a kid's head making a heart and hearing "saranghayo"

-Feel Espresso

-The New Subway

-The taste of a french fry from McDonalds

-Vacuums

-A copy machine that only likes to run when its "sweet talked"

-The screeching voice of a certain child

-Deborah and Christel's spunkiness

-wrinkled suits

-"there's a mouse in my house"!

-Muscles and swimming the Han River...lol

-Frozen pipes and a washer

-Random things appearing in a classroom every day lol

-Rob Bell day!

-pre school vs. elementary in soccer at lunch

- Oh Snap! They ARE girl jeans...lol

-Baby girrrr

-Baggy sweatpants

-The man with the crazy pants at the gym

-blow drying the wall

-Thursday night dinners and shopping

-late night runs to Mega Mart or 7-11

- spoons and ice cream

-wow, there are a lot of coffee houses here! We should check them out sometime!

-snow ball fights

-boiling water

-fellow teachers

-Pastor In's humbleness

-burnt pants

-"oh noooo"!

-Tubby



I am having a lot of fun working at ANCA. I love the kids, the people and it has been an unforgettable experience! It's hard to believe that Feb. 1st will make it 6 months! These are only a few of the inside jokes...I would be more than willing to add more if anyone has any suggestions :)

It's about time for an Update!

Hi Everyone!

Sorry, it has been a crazy couple months. I apologize that I have not kept y'all updated on life here in Korea. Well, I am writing to report first of all that it snowed yesterday!! Oh, it snowed so much and I for sure have had a few snow ball fights :) Actually the day it snowed, I noticed it was a lot warmer than usual. It has been in the single digits Fahrenheit for the past week or so, and when it snowed it was in the double digits and a lot warmer. Just in case you all are wondering I am surviving the winter!! Not only am I surviving, but I am liking the cold, surprisingly.

To keep you all updated I was in America for 6 weeks from Nov. 24-Jan 4th. During that time I had the opportunity to hang out with my Dad and chill with him. It was great being home, but at the same time I missed Korea. However, when I returned I had complete peace. Although it was difficult to leave America considering the circumstances, once I walked through baggage claim and was greeted by 4 girls jumping up and down, nearly knocking me down with their hugs and eagerness to see me, I knew Korea was the place for me right now. I have to say that I have complete peace where I am.

I got home at 12am Monday morning and was at work a few hours later. I thank God I did not have jet lag too bad! I literally have hit the ground running since I came back to South Korea. It's been good being back but tiring at the same time...because I wasn't unpacked I felt unorganized. lol Yes, many of you know my confusingness that kinda happens when I am not organized...lol...it seems to knock my schedule off a bit. Although I was not organized I kept going and had a great week...lol day 14 of being here...I have finally finished unpacking and moved back into my room COMPLETELY. lol

truKIDZ is doing really well. There seem to be some technical problems with the computer and worship videos but we are improvising :) I brought some worms and chocolate pudding for a "mud pie" game at church. The kids really enjoyed it. The pre school at church is really growing...there have been around 12 kids and around 16-20 in kids church. It's been a fun exerience!

Ok so today...I went to the orphanage with two other teachers. It was fun to see the kids there again. I have to say though that sitting on the floor with a kid playing it really gets me to thinking about their situation. It gets me to thinking how I wish I could adopt them all, take them all home with me...and then it gets me to thinking how many families in America have the space to provide a loving, family environment for foster children, but because they don't want their perfect lives to be messed up they choose not too. It gets me how many Christian American families have guest bedroooms for their family that visits maybe 1 week out of a year...while the rest of the time it sets empty with the door open so guests visitng for dinner can see the beautiful decor of the guest room.

I guess the whole thing of my rambling brings me to the point that there is a need. There is a need in Korea, there is a need in America: the need for children to be loved, to be placed in a loving environment and to feel love in a healthy way. I'm not sure who reads these....if anyone does, but if you have the opportunity and the means to provide a healthy environment for a child, then change a life,show God's love in a tangible way and consider fostering a child. Be Christ's arms and demonstrate His love. There is such a need. There are so many people who can impact these children's lives, and who can assist these children in shaping their lives and the roads they travel when they exit the foster care system.

Just some thoughts from today...and I have posted some photos of the snow here. I hope you all enjoy.

P.S.

If anyone is interested in fostering email me @ knwelborn@gmail.com. I will be more than willing to provide you all with contact information for you all to begin this process.

God Bless!

-Kristina

"Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, You are the Potter, we are all the work of Your hand."

Isaiah 64:8