Saturday, May 26, 2007

NUMBERING OUR DAYS

Most of you who read this blog know that we will soon be leaving South Korea. June 12 is our scheduled departure date (it's also our arrival date in Ohio). One week of school remains; then we have a teachers' work week. Sorting and packing still awaits us.

The Lord has given us wonderful opportunities of service here. We have made many friends--both Koreans and ex-pats from many places around the world. One of the most exciting things has been to experience the instant bond of Christian love and fellowship with other believers even when we couldn't clearly communicate. We are truly thankful to the Lord for the door of opportunity that He opened to us here in Seoul.

We are looking forward to some family time in June. Jerred, Joanna, and AJ will be in Ohio for a couple of weddings. Marti will also be able to come to Ohio part of that time. Now if we could just get Joel and Gina over from Germany!

Regarding our plans for next year, we have accepted positions at Ferndale Baptist School in Charleston, South Carolina. I guess it's time to brush up on our "Southern," y'all!

For those of you who pray for us, we would make a few requests. Please pray for our re-adjustment to the U.S. I don't think the change will be that dramatic, at least for Elizabeth and me, but we have been living a somewhat different life here in Seoul. I'm sure the most noticeable changes will be positive--less pollution, noise, and fewer people, for instance.

Other requests involve the setting up again of our household. When we left four years ago, we gave away, threw away, or sold nearly all our belongings. Upon returning, we will need a vehicle. We will also have to acquire all home furnishings from dishes to beds. We're actually quite excited; we feel like newlyweds again! We have also learned that we don't need a lot of things. Possessions can certainly become possessors if we are not careful.

We look forward to seeing many of you again.

posted by Seoul Man @ 11:25 AM 0 comments

Saturday, May 12, 2007

WHERE DO 20 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE A PICNIC?



ANYWHERE THEY WANT TO!!!

posted by Seoul Man @ 1:49 PM 1 comments

Saturday, May 05, 2007

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS UNLESS . . .


South Korea has a strong desire to be English-fluent. Beginning in public elementary schools and continuing right up through university, students study English. Most major Korean companies require English proficiency in order to land a job. Some universities are starting to require their professors to lecture in English. Large bookstores brim with books (both for instruction and pleasure) on all levels of English. Just yesterday, I read that many expectant mothers are playing English language tapes to their unborn children in hopes of improving the children's language skills. Nearly every road sign is written in Korean and English. Public transportation systems make stop announcements in both languages. Seoul is extremely English friendly.


However, I continued to be baffled by the lack of good English that appears on signs such as the one in the picture. I must confess that such postings always make me smile, but I wonder why no one responsible for planning such a major event as the Hi! Seoul Festival consulted a native English speaker for translation help. (Truth be told, I have several Korean high school students who could have done a better job.)


Such laxness in clear communication, while providing humor for people like me, will only serve to hinder Korea in reaching its goal of being a world-class tourist destination.

posted by Seoul Man @ 9:02 PM 0 comments

LONG TIME, NO SEE!

Koreans commonly use that expression to greet us after not having seen us for a couple weeks. When I looked at the date of the last post, I realized that it has been 7 weeks since I last posted anything. Much has happened during those weeks, but I didn't feel that much of it was "blog-worthy." Basically, our wanderings have been between our apartment and the school (5 blocks) with the occasional trip to Costco. Ho-hum!











Today, however, we along with Joshua and Laurel Louk(above photo) ventured to the Han River. This past week has been the city's annual Hi! Seoul Festival. This is the 7th year for the event, and the theme this year is "The Miracle of the Han." The Han River (Hangang) bisects the city and is appoximatley 1 km across (.6 of a mile for you metrically challenged readers.) Over twenty different bridges cross the river keeping both sides of the sprawling city connected.














Several of the activities centered on or near the river. One of these events was the reproduction of the pontoon bridge used by one of the ancient kings in order to cross the river for a funeral.



Nearby, another bridge was constructed. This one allowed people to "walk on water." The floating bridge was slightly below water level which allowed pedestrians to cross the Han in ankle-deep water. (photo below)




After experiencing the miraculous Han, we hoofed over to the closest subway station and headed to Itaewon. The Louks did a bit of shopping, and then we refreshed at my favorite Korean restaurant--Outback!

posted by Seoul Man @ 8:14 PM 0 comments