Housing

Well, hello!

So, the predicted "apocalypse" didn't happen.  No surprise there.  Jesus said that no one knows the day or hour when the end will come.  I guess the Mayans were no exception.  Although, I gotta say, I felt kind of ready, if you can ever be ready for a catastrophic event.  With all the moves and temporary living situations we've been in since we returned in September I've really mastered the art of living out of a backpack.  We've moved 8 times already and the kids and I are now ready to go at a moment's notice.  I would've been keen to hit the woods with my handful of belongings if some catastrophe had hit.  Oh well.  (I'm totally joking.)

Anywho, in the last blog I mentioned our housing situation.  Well, the amazing thing for us after looking at many, many, many houses was to find that our cheapest and best option would be building.

I was really shocked that new construction was the way to go.  As it turned out, after scouring the housing market for several months we discovered that the inventory of houses in the greater Atlanta area was down to around 16,000 from previously hovering around 75,000 homes.

What that meant for us is that all the foreclosures we looked at were truly the "bottom of the barrel."  The repairs needed were ridiculously costly, causing the vast majority of them to be money pits.  The bids we did make on the better houses were not accepted because investors could bid faster and higher than we could.  The few decent houses that were for sale on the market were snatched up in less than 24 hours after being put on the MLS.  Deal after deal fell through until we stumbled upon the new construction option.  The particular subdivision we found was one of only three in the county that had secured the necessary permits for building.  It took them 11 months to convince the county to let them build and even then the builder had to concede to pay for any necessary repairs to the streets, curbs, streetlights, drains, etc.  Normally, that is the county's responsibility.

Providence put us in the right place at the right time.  We found the subdivision 2 weeks after construction had begun on the first home.  There was 1 poured slab in the neighborhood, which gave us the opportunity to choose our lot out of the remaining 43 available.  We chose the largest and most secluded lot we could find.  It is a cul-de-sac lot with a stand of trees and a deep ravine with a creek running along the edge.  We love to stomp around outside so it seems perfect for us.  It's technically on a flood plain, which might scare some folks away, but we really like the lot and we're going to stick with it.

The contract is signed and the permits are secured.  We're simply waiting on the builder to break ground.  It is an exciting prospect as we had assumed that we would be making repairs on an older home.  The idea of a brand new home is very appealing.  We are thankful for God's guidance and provision throughout this process.

Speaking of the process.  It has been so helpful to remember that contentment never rests in circumstances.  As a wife and mom it is not easy to be comfortable in a constant state of earthly change and unrest.  I've often felt as though my vision is tremendously impaired because I cannot see past getting into a home and getting my family into some semblance of normalcy and routine.  The Holy Spirit faithfully reminds me that we are just where we need to be and that we have more than enough.  He is, of course, absolutely right.  And I must keep in mind that we have been phenomenally blessed to have been able to stay in so many places RENT - FREE since we returned to the United States.

So, that's that.  Christmas has come and gone and it was very special.  Barry and I will officially start as youth pastors on Wednesday, Barry will start night shift at the hospital on Thursday, the kids will start a new school next Friday, we'll move into our next temporary home on Saturday and all is well.  We don't have to live life depending on our own understanding, we can trust the guidance of our Shepherd.  His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.  His ways our higher than our ways.  He is always good, always loving, always faithful, ever-present, inconceivably wise and fills us continually with real joy, real peace, real hope, real relationship, real provision and real purpose.  Hallelujah!

Back in Georgia

Hello!  A lot has transpired since the last post.  I'll do my best to catch you up to the present...

For starters, Barry successfully finished the DMZ marathon that we told you about and he made a friend in the process!

I love this photo.  Barry said they met during the race and ended up spurring each other on and eventually finished the race arm-in-arm.  What a beautiful picture of the partnership between the church in the U.S. and in Korea!  Awesome.

Barry was able to raise $1200 for KidsWorship Inc.  So, THANK YOU for helping us further God's work!!!

After the race Barry took off for a whirlwind filming trip in Europe.  They hit 27 cities in 24 days and slept in cars, on floors, in churches, and no-telling where else.  They got some great footage and told some great stories about the Reformers and their faith.  Mary Delaplane graciously allowed Barry and Ross Schmidt to borrow her costumes.  The were incredible and perfectly suited for the task.

Meanwhile... the kids and I helped box up the Yi family's belongings that we borrowed during our stay and then we hoped on a jet to cross the Pacific.  I had wonderful help along the way. Jinhun, Yunlim, Jihyun and Byoungik were so kind to drive and help us haul all our bags to check-in and then they saw us off at security.  It was very surreal and a little teary.

Mom and Dad and our Costas met us on the other side in Atlanta.  After chasing my guitar around the airport for an hour and half we finally got it and left and then ate some Chick-fil-A and then were dropped off at Grandmas where we happily fell into our beds.  We bounced between grandparents for 3 or 4 weeks and then Barry returned.  We stayed with grandparents another week or two and then moved into Snow's Mill Guest House for 6 weeks.  (That's where we are now!)  We've been so blessed to have a place to stay!

There was a bit of culture shock in returning home.  For several weeks I felt really weepy at times, especially during church because I missed my dear friends in Korea.  There were also, of course, so many unknowns.  Barry and I weren't sure about much of anything (cars, house, jobs, school, ministry) except that God had a plan and that everything would fall into place in His timing.   We were able to quickly get a van and a job.  That was a huge blessing.  Meanwhile, I literally scoured the Internet for houses, but alas, everything we looked into or placed an offer on fell through.  (If you're wondering, we still do own a house in Statham, but it is occupied by a family.  The husband/dad has MS and they are afraid to move right now because of his health so we told them not to worry about it.  They committed to at least another year in that house.)

The Lord had reminded me of His word when we were still in Korea.  He reminded me about the secret of contentment and how the Bible says to be content if you have food and clothing.  That simplified things tremendously.  We have never been without food and clothing!

Fast forward to last week.  Pastor Mel (the senior pastor from our church here in Athens) requested a meeting with us.  We invited him out to the Guest House to meet and he asked us if we would consider coming on staff with the church as youth pastors, continuing in our "team-style" ministry.  That was a little mind-blowing because it was unexpected and it had the Lord's fingerprints all over it.  What a perfect fit and a tremendous answer to some of the questions we had had!  In Korea we worked primarily with children, youth and young adults every week so that fit in perfectly with our experience and heart.   One more piece of the puzzle was in place!

Housing, school and another vehicle were still needed.   (I've been homeschooling the kids since we returned and we've been looking into several options, but we're still waiting to hear something from the school we like best.)

So yesterday, the housing plan came together.  Again, our minds are absolutely blown... much like the ministry opportunity, the housing is more than we could have asked for or imagined -- absolutely EXCEEDING our highest hopes or expectations.  More on that later...

Running the Race Part 9

It's official. My race packet was delivered yesterday. My number (with safety pins), a 106 page program and a 3 kg bag of rice.

Well I am ready. Thanks to all the people who are joining me by pledging support for KidsWorship Inc.

Also yesterday we moved the Kids Worship office here in Korea to Cheongnam, and we also bought the plane tickets for our trip to Germany. Eventful day! We are trusting that everything we do leads to a more fruitful ministry for the Kingdom.

~Barry

Running the Race Part 8

Ecclesiastes 9:10-11

(10)Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working or planning nor knowledge or wisdom.
(11)I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time a

nd chance happen to them all.

This time the race is not to the swift. Sure some other guy will cross the finish line way ahead of me. And he will be celebrated, but his glory will not last.

This is my race. This is my chance. Together we will do something to make a difference. A difference that will last. Long after everyone has forgotten about this marathon the Gospel will still be going forth and bearing fruit because of what we did that day.

Please join by giving a contribution to KidsWorship Inc. The money will be used to increase God’s kingdom in Mongolia, China, Korea. And we are still finding new opportunities throughout Asia.

~Barry

Running the Race Part 7

Thank you to all who have pledged support in the upcoming DMZ marathon.

KidsWorship's next major project is filming in Europe for a series about church history and the reformation. As usual our tour will be of the low budget variety. We will rent a van for traveling and sleeping in. We will visit friends houses for showers. And we will be packing ungodly amounts of ramen to eat. Five friends, a couple of costumes and a video camera.

Don't get me wrong we are going to have a great time. I only say this as an example of how we manage the money that is donated. Money donated goes directly into producing, duplicating or distributing resources to disciple and evangelize children. No five star hotels, fancy restaurants or first class flights. No money comes to us. Everything that comes in goes through us to the children who need hope.

There is still time to sponsor the upcoming marathon on Sept. 9, 2012. Check out my facebook page for full details.

If you are planning to support KidsWorship by sponsoring my upcoming marathon, it helps me to know who is committing pledges. You can verbally commit here on facebook or if you prefer anonymity you can email me at crazyfins@gmail.com.


After verbally pledging you can send a check to: KidsWorship, 1918 Noah Lane, Statham, GA 30666.

Thank you again to everyone who joins me in this effort.

~Barry

Running the Race Part 6

Romans 10:13-14

(13) for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (14) How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

Verse 13 ends with a great promise. Then verse 14 presents the problem. God accepts and saves every person that calls upon him… BUT there are still so many people who have never heard of Jesus or his love for them.

Recently I was in Shanghai, China I was blown away by how big the city was. Shanghai is a city of about 25 million people. The vast majority of the people have never heard of Jesus Christ. The Gospel that we often take for granted is relatively unknown to the average person in China.

No one knows the actual numbers, but I think it would be safe to assume that 9 out of every 10 people that you’d meet would have no clue who Jesus is. In a city of 25 million, you can do the math, that is a huge number of people who are living without hope.

Kids Worship has an open door into China. We are translating the gospel stories into Chinese and distributing the material to educate and evangelize Chinese children. This work has great potential to spread through multiple channels into China. We are connected to the underground church and we have had the material approved for printing and distribution in the public registered churches as well.

Help us give this nation and it’s children the chance to “call upon him”. None of these donations are paying operating costs. All of the funds turn directly into ministry materials. Please help us as we try to make Jesus famous in China.

~Barry

Running the Race Part 5

Hebrews 12:1b-2a

(1b) Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.(2a) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.

It was the future joy that motivated Jesus to endure the cross. The thought of the result helped him stay focused on the trial before him. He endured the hardship, knowing that what was being gaine

d was worth the pain. I will be running a marathon in September armed with this same attitude.

Please consider joining us. Our contributions increase what the ministry of Kids Worship can accomplish in Asia. For more details please visit my facebook page. So far we have two people committed to make donations. Imagine what we could do if we all worked together.

~Barry

Running the Race Part 4

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

There is more than one kind of prize to run for. When I run the DMZ Marathon in Cheolwon, South Korea on Sept. 9, 2012. I will not be running to cross the finish line first. The prize that I have in my sights is the children in the Asian countries we are tryin

g to reach. Every donation that I receive will go to support the ministry of Kids Worship as they tirelessly work to reach the hundreds of millions of children who have never heard the good news of Jesus Christ.

Please consider supporting the work that we are doing in Asia. Also please forward these updates to any friends you may have that may be willing to stand with us. Join us as we share the Father's heart for his children.

~Barry

Running the Race Part 3

This is who we are and what we do:

Kids Worship

Kids Worship is a ministry based in Seoul, South Korea. Their mission, which my family has been helping with for over six years, is to disciple and evangelize children in Asia. We are currently actively working in South Korea, Mongolia and China.

We make a DVD based weekly curriculum for children’s ministry. We are currently making the curriculum in Korean, English, Mongolian and Chinese. The teaching is made in the native language of the people it is distributed to. The purpose of this version made in the native language is discipleship. The English version is the evangelistic arm of the Kids Worship ministry.

All over Asia there is a hunger to know and speak English. English teachers and English education are in high demand. When a church offers English education for free as a program of their church, many people become interested. Many families that are not Christians will gladly send their children to church to practice English regardless of their religious background.

It takes $$$ to make this happen, hence the fund-raiser. We give the resources that we make away for free. We don't sell this stuff in China and Mongolia. God gave it to us, we add our time and talents, then we give it away to everyone that needs discipleship. Please support this work. Thank you.

~Barry

Running the Race Part 2

Today I will tell you how to give. Then for the rest of the week I will tell you/ remind you of why you should support KidsWorship by sponsoring me in the DMZ marathon.

Pledge Support

To help support KidsWorship I will be asking individuals to support our work in one of two ways.

(1) By pledging a donation- you can pledge $26.2 which is one dollar per mile or $42 which is one dollar per kilometer (if you are feeling generous) or you can pledge any amount, all donations are appreciated.

(2) If you choose I would like to have individuals or groups sponsor each kilometer. Minimum suggested donation for each kilometer is $20. This will help me with the motivation it will take to continue running for over four hours. During each kilometer I can keep in mind and pray for the individuals that are standing with me for the children of Asia. If you want to sponsor a kilometer please let me know via facebook or e-mail me at crazyfins@gmail.com.

I will post a list of the people who are supporting me during this run on my facebook page.

The easiest way to give the donations is to send a check to KidsWorship Inc. 1918 Noah Lane, Statham, GA 30666. Make checks payable to KidsWorship Inc.
Thank you for supporting this effort to make Jesus famous in Asia.

~Barry

Running the Race

Alright my friends, In order to not bombard you with an extremely long post, that no one will read, I have broken these posts down to manageable chunks. Please read! Please respond! 

Running the Race

My family has been in South Korea working with a ministry called Kids Worship for almost two years now. Very soon we will be returning to the United States. We will continue our partnership with Kids Worship from Georgia.

One of the last things that I will do here in South Korea is to run a marathon. The marathon will take place in the north part of South Korea in the Demilitarized Zone. The DMZ marathon will take place on September 9, 2012.

We have started a non-profit company called KidsWorship Inc. to be the vehicle of this new partnership. This marathon will be a fundraiser to help support the efforts of KidsWorship as we reach out to the unreached children of Asia.

~Barry

Mongolia Week 1

After picking up our American friends and serving and Daegu, we all took off for Mongolia (after a 1 day flight delay.)  Mongolia is by far the strangest place I've ever been.  It's the least "westernized" of the countries I've visited.  The sky is incredibly beautiful and the weather is so pleasant, but the city is filthy.  Everything is coated in dust and there is trash and broken bottles are everywhere.  The roads are the roughest I've ever seen. There are literally huge pot holes and piles of rocks all over the roads and the traffic is absolute chaos.  We've witnessed wrecks, fights, etc.  It's quite an adventure!

We arrived at Chinggis Khan Airport in Ulaanbaatar last Tuesday.  It's a tiny little airport and the passengers all clapped after we landed!  I guess they are pleased that we made it safely.  I'm not accustomed to any other outcome...

We are staying in 2 locations.  The Blackmons and Yis are staying in a Russian built apartment building.  It's very run down by American standards, but it has hot water and a place to sleep.  We are very grateful for the hospitality. The Americans stayed at a hotel called "Holiday" (you should ask them about it...) for the first few days and as of today they and the other Korean team members are staying in the university dorms.

We just finished our first camp today.  We spent our days with Korean missionary children here in Ulaanbaatar.  We sang songs, played games, had teaching time and small group times. It was a good camp.  I've had a severe head cold, though.

I've been so proud of our team.  Ross is now a drummer.  He actually played our entire camp here with chopsticks because the drumsticks were too loud.  Erica and Hannah did a great job leading worship, Barry was the overall leader of camp (his first time doing that) and we all had small groups.  It's been good.

We are very blessed to be able to encourage and strengthen our Asian brothers and sisters.  We feel that God has called us to serve and bless them as they reach out and serve here in Mongolia.

Tomorrow we will have a worship service and then regroup for the upcoming seminar.  We will be ministering to 800 to 1000 Mongolians there.  I will lead worship for 1.5 hours a day, so if you don't mind, please pray for this miserable cold to go away.  Also, please pray for the Mongolian people.  Mongolia is a very poor nation in many ways.  It's intense and so visible everywhere you look.  These people are so hungry for the Gospel, but there is such an oppression and a lot of anger and hostility here.  They need a breakthrough.  Thanks for praying with us for God's will!

Summer and then... Home

Hi!

I'm so sorry we haven't updated the blog more faithfully.  Things here have been fantastic and our hearts and minds are staying so full!  It's time to get some of it on paper, so-to-speak.  I'm not even sure where to start, but here goes...

Pastor Kidoong has been asked to be the lead pastor of a new church.  So, every Tuesday we've been meeting together to pray, worship, fellowship and hear the word.  I've been leading worship in English for the group and then the word is shared in Korean.  This particular group is missions-focused.  We have members fluent in Korean, English, Chinese, Mongolian, etc.  The church will be called The Hub and will be located in Gangnam with branches extending to Taiwan, Thailand, the U.S., China, Mongolia, Germany, France, Holland and other nations.  It's a very exciting time and we are thrilled to see how God is building His global church and spreading His harvest nets across the world through people of so many different nationalities and cultures.

We are still actively involved at Youndong.  Barry continues to teach children, middle-school, high-school and young adult classes as well as preaching on Sunday nights and I have enjoyed leading worship for the weekly English service as well as Bible study time with the worship team and teaching a Bible study on relationships for the young adults.  We've also continued to help KidWorship with vocal and film work for their children's English curriculum.

Another project that is underway is the completion of the worship CD for young adults/adults.  We recorded 2 songs for it last January at Tree Sound and we've continued the process from Korea.  We're planning to get that out in September just before our worship tour in Europe.

Right now Barry and I are focusing our energies on preparing for Kids Camps and Seminars this summer.  We will take a break from our work responsibilities (although we'll continue our Sunday commitments) from July through mid-August.  We will put on 12 English Camps/Seminars in 3 different countries.  The schedule will be intense, but the opportunities are phenomenal.  We will be able to teach and train both children and adults in Korea, Mongolia and China.

We are currently writing the curriculum for these camps and preparing for the arrival of the U.S. team members.  I'm also trying to pack and organize a bit so I'm not so overwhelmed in September when we prepare to return to the U.S.

As it stands, we will finish camps/seminars mid-August and then resume our old work schedule for the last 2 weeks of August.  (I don't yet know how the finances will work out when Barry and I are out of work for the 6 weeks of camps and then September, but I'm trusting that God will provide as He always, always has.

In September Barry will run a marathon at the DMZ (I think he's going to incorporate some fundraising for missions so stay-tuned), we will take our first and last family vacation in Korea to Jeju Island (I'm REALLY excited), Barry will travel to Thailand with Kidoong, we will pack for home and then Barry and the kids will fly back to the U.S.  After Barry and the kids leave I will go with Kidoong and a handful of others to the Hillsong Conference in Hague October 2nd-4th and then we will lead worship at various locations in Europe for 2 weeks and then I'll fly home to America.  I'm such a family nut, so I know I'll miss Barry and the kids like crazy, but I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to worship Jesus in Europe.

Barry and the kids will stay with the grandparents for the first 2 weeks of October and then October 15th they will move in to Snow's Mill Guest House for a month or so.  I will join them there when I return.

Barry intends to look for a nursing job when he gets back to the U.S.  Beyond that we don't know what's next other than getting a car and hopefully moving back into our old house before Christmas.  We will continue our work with KidsWorship and next year we'll house some of the Korean team members for a few months and work together in our home on materials.

That's what I know so far.  I'm trying to remember to live in the present.  With so many plans waiting in the future I continually have to remind myself to just be in today!

So anyway, enjoy your "today" and we'll see you soon!

Winter 2012

(This is not an uncommon sight...)

Spring is almost here.  We had snow flurries this past weekend, but we'll get up into the 50's this week.  I hear it's been HOT in Georgia.  I know you all have enjoyed the flowers and the opportunities to be outdoors.

Today is Monday, our weekly day off from school, work and ministry responsibilities.  Barry and Sam went to the local English library and Will's playing a Wii game here at the house.  I've got a cold so it's a good day to just type and think, hence the blog update.

We've had a good Winter.  We're finally settling into the new routine.  I'm home more, which means I can keep up with house work and cooking.  I really missed cooking last year!  I didn't miss the housework, though.  Our relationships and connections here are stronger and more established and we are really enjoying that.  It's so nice to feel at home here.

Barry's birthday is in a couple of days.  He was presented with a cake and a song at the Y.E.S. service last night.  That was fun!  Hopefully, we'll do something unique as a family to celebrate his birthday.  I'm still brainstorming about that.

We're continuing to homeschool Samantha (7th) and Will (4th).  That's going well.  I'm always trying to tweak our schedule to improve things and teach the kids, especially Will, how to manage time and not get overwhelmed with the tasks at hand.  So far, so good.

Barry is still teaching various Bible studies and sharing at the Y.E.S. service each week as well as teaching English to the KidsWorship staff 5 days a week.  He's mentioned lately how much he enjoys teaching the middle school students because of their receptivity and interest.  I'm still leading worship for Y.E.S. and Tuesday night prayer as well as teaching a Bible study on Sunday nights.  The Y.E.S. band is preparing for finishing a CD by June.  Barry and I are also working with KidsWorship recording children's songs and videos for their kids curriculum.  I spoke in Korean for the last one.  Oh dear!  That one's going to be funny...

We're writing curriculum now for our summer camps and ministry opportunities in Mongolia, China and Korea.  We'll have 6 straight weeks of camps and training seminars starting in July.  We'll fly 4 additional team members in from the U.S. for that.

Another project that we will carry over into life in the U.S. is developing more children's discipleship materials (teaching, songs, videos, etc.) with no copy write so that we can copy and distribute it freely in other countries.  Right now we've got open doors to China and Mongolia.  We're also looking at Taiwan and Thailand.

As for when we return to the U.S. right now it looks like we'll spend October in Europe and then come back to the U.S. in November.  Our schedule is always changing, though, so I'm not sure how it will all pan out.

Our house in the U.S. is still being rented out. Our tenants have done a fantastic job paying rent every month and the contract will end at the end of October 2012, which is perfect.  If we come home in November then the house will be ready and we can prepare to move back in.  So, despite setbacks, like having to replace the HVAC, everything is working out.

That's all I can think of to share.  We're just grateful for the opportunity to be here, support His work in the Eastern Church and help share the Word with the Nations.

Love,
The Blackmons

First Bloom

Here's our first bloom in our little "yard." Spring is right around the corner!

Work

As we returned to Seoul this year, Barry and I sense a need to make the most of our remaining time here. We want to work and invest our time in the relationships and ministry projects that the Lord has given us while we have the opportunity.

My employers and visa sponser, S&P, have graciously offered to support us as we continue our mission here. They are willing to provide our visas and insurance in return for 3 hours of work a week teaching English. Barry will also work an 5 hours teaching Tae Kwon Do.

This arrangement allows us the incredible opportunity to spend more time working for KidsWorship, more time for translating and writing songs, more time for leading Bible studies and small groups so that we can invest as much as possible in the remainder if our time here.

We are very thankful and humbled by this incredible situation. Like they say, where God guides, God provides - abundantly!!!

Below is a picture of Joy-Bird in our "yard."

Annnnnnd We Are Back...

We had a GREAT time in the US with family and friends. Christmas and New Year's were fantastic. We spent the last 2 weeks of the trip hosting 7 of our Korean brothers. We had a blast showing them our "world" here in America and introducing them to our "people." We also got some recording done -- 2 songs ("On the Cross" and "Wonderful"). I think they'll be on iTunes under "kidsworship 5.5" soon.

Now, we're back in Seoul with time to focus on settling into family life, homeschool and our ministry priorities. We miss our friends and family back home, but it's good to back here with our Korean family.

I'm going to try and post more frequently even if it's short just to stay connected with y'all back home.

November

Oh man it's almost Christmas!!!  Time is flying by.  It's time for an update.

Korea is getting colder, but it sounds like Georgia has us beat!  Y'all had your first frost before we did and it sounds like you may get a snowfall before we do.  Crazy Georgia weather.

Right now we have a friend staying with us for 10 days.  We met him last year at Taize in France.  He is Dutch and is a worship leader.  Kidoong went to Holland to visit him and his church, "Door Brekkers," a couple of months ago.  He arrived last Thursday, Thanksgiving Day (more on that later...).  Rutger joined us for a worship team retreat and participated with me and the YES team for leading worship for 2 services.  He did a great job and we all really enjoyed having him. 

About Thanksgiving... well, let's just say that I'm glad "thanksgiving" is not confined to food, family and geographic location.  I'm hoping for a little turkey when I come back for Christmas.  I had to work extra for Thanksgiving and there was no time for cooking or celebrating in the way we would in the U.S.  I struggled with homesickness that day.

Barry and the kids are doing great.  Most kids make a paper chain to count down the days to Christmas.  Sam and Will made a paper chain to count down the days until our flight back to the U.S.!  It will be a happy time.

See you all SOON!!!

Autumn, My Favorite!

Hello from Korea!!!  It's been a month and I'm sure it's time for an update.  So here we go!

Barry and the kids just got back from Yesan Retreat Center with the KidsWorship gang.  The kids had a blast climbing around and exploring in the area.  It's a beautiful place.  I had to stay home and work, but I'll get my dose of Fall colors and mountain scenery this weekend at the Y.D.B. retreat at Horeb.  I'll be helping out with worship and soaking in the sights of Fall.  I can't wait!!!

October has flown by and our visit home is fast approaching.  Our flight tickets are set for December 19th and we'll stay in Georgia for 5 or 6 weeks.  Slowly, but surely the details for housing and vehicles are falling into place.  Some dear friends of ours from Statham offered us their home and a vehicle for about 2 weeks around Christmas while they are out of town.  THANK YOU!!!  We'll also stay at Snow's Mill for a week and stay with our family some.  We do not own a vehicle at the moment, so we'll enjoy our 2 weeks with wheels fo' sho'!  I haven't driven a car since December 2010.  Be afraid...

Our home in Statham has found new tenants as of November 1st.  This will help us with our mortgage payment and keep the house occupied in our absence.  Our agent, Burgundy is amazing.  She's done a fantastic job dealing with everything via email.  We thank God for her help!  She is truly a blessing.

I'm working 5 days a week and Barry and I are serving in the ministry simultaneously, but like the majority of folks out there we still have to trust God for our finances.  It'll cost 6k to get us all back to Korea after our visit home.  I'm still hoping for the day I can snap my fingers and jump from continent to continent, but so far it hasn't worked...  We feel confident that the Lord wants us to return to Korea to continue working for a season so we're expecting Him to provide.  He already has in so many incredible ways!  There are not enough hours in the day to tell of all He's done.  Following Him is such a wonderful adventure.  He created the universe and everything in it, I think He can manage a plane ticket or two (or four.)

In terms of ministry, well that's a multi-faceted topic for us, but over-all we're praying that the Lord will help us to faithfully teach what He's taught us and that He'll create a hunger here for His word and give "the spirit of wisdom and revelation" spoken of in the book of Ephesians, that we may all come to know Him better.  We have plans for recording an album with the YES team this winter and Barry is leading the English service in the Word every week.  We're also working with Pastor Kidoong and KidsWorship team to create resources to share the Gospel around the world.  Wahoo!!!  The Lord will return.  While we wait we want to be found doing His work.

"The Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations."   ~Isaiah 61:11b

September

Happy Birthday, Mom! 

Happy Fall!!!  It's been an eventful month (in our hearts).  This picture was taken at a botanical garden type place that we found near our apartment.

Life is moving along at a steady pace.  Barry teaches English in the mornings at the church now.  I think he really enjoys teaching and working with the young adult students.  We're still doing the Sunday night English worship service and Barry still leads Bible studies for various age groups during the day on Sundays.  Things at my school are going well.  I enjoy working with the kids.

The latest news is that after praying and thinking and talking extensively, we feel like we need to stay a bit longer in Korea.  The plan is to come home for Christmas and then continue our work here for a little longer.  I will still work at the school, but I will have some weekdays open to wrap up some of the KidsWorship projects I need to get to.

There are a lot of details yet to be dealt with, but we're trusting that God will help us fill in the gaps as He leads us.  We may have already found a potential new renter for our home in Statham.  We're working on those details now.  We'll need to pay someone to move our junk out and do some painting then the house will be ready to go.  That saves us the headache of having an unoccupied house in the U.S. and it will help a little with the mortgage payment. 

We're all really excited about coming home for a bit.  It'll be so nice to catch up with friends and family in Georgia.  We'll need to borrow or rent a car while we're home and we're still working on living arrangements, but it's falling into place little by little.

While we're home we will lead a 2 week trip for a group of folks from South Korea.  We're not sure how many people are coming yet, but we know that we will spend 1 week in Georgia and then we'll split up and spend the other week in either Nashville or Orlando.  We plan to do some recording in Nashville and the other group is attending a conference in Orlando.  The dates will fall between January 9th and 23rd.  I'm happy to have the opportunity to see my two "worlds" come together -- Koreans in the U.S. among my home friends and family.

I guess that's it for now.  Love and miss you!