Korea fun!

There is so much to write about - and while I feel myself drawn to share special moments with Jarrod - I don't want to leave out all the other fun things we did and saw during my time in Seoul. First, as I said before, I was able to go to Lila Elementary school where Jarrod teaches 3rd-6th graders. There, the school gave me a warm welcome - with some of the administration presenting me with gifts, and the students ever excited to have me in their classes. I had the privilege to watch Jarrod teach his student - coming up with creative ways to explain different ideas to them. His students definitely love him as their teacher - and it is evident in their actions that they mean a lot to him, too. Unfortunately for Jarrod, I was one of the more distracting "students" - and would often be the cause of talking in class... opps! I was afraid that Jarrod might send me to the corner! ;)

I really did have a good time with his students - they were so much fun to interact with... and they were definitely excited about Jarrod and my engagement!
Jarrod and I also had a great time hanging out with friends... He has made some special friends at his church, in his coworkers, and through other acquaintances. They were so fun to see again, or to meet for the first time - and I felt a warm welcome from them all. Two friends in particular, Ruth and Jody, found out about our engagement first - as we planned on getting together with them the day after it happened. We had planned on going to take pictures and spend the day outside, but plan B was implemented and we ended up playing a quality game of Settlers of Catan.. Jarrod did a good job teaching us all the game and we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon while listening to the heavy rain outside. I had been bulking at learning to play this game for many years - as it is a family favorite in my parent's house but I never really knew why... after beating Jarrod on another occasion (yes, I'm rubbing it in because it is rare that I beat him) I must say that this game is quite fun. :)

I ventured out one afternoon to meet Ruth for chicken wings, lots and lots of talking, and then some coffee... and more talking. :) She is a dear friend that I met in Governor's school after my junior year of high school, and we then attended college together - maintaining a special friendship. She has been living in South Korea the past year and a half - and had recently gotten engaged to Jody, another teacher in Korea. It was a joy to share in our excitement together as we are entering into this new stage of life at the same time.

Another special memory was visiting the DMZ (the demilitarized zone) between North and South Korea. Jarrod's boss, Mr. Lee, and his son, David, picked us up early in the morning and drove us North to the DMZ. We took a tour of many different places there learning about the history of the Korean War leading up to the present state of the nation.
We went down into the 3rd Tunnel - a tunnel only 52km from Seoul that North Korean soldiers were digging to attack South Korea. It was discovered in the 1970s.. and was the largest tunnel - allowing 30,000 soldiers to pass through it in 1 hour!
Afterwards, we went to a look out on a small mountain that looked over the DMZ into North Korea.

We were in Korea during a historic time, as the first trains crossed the borders in 56 years. One train on the western side of the country headed into North Korea, and another on the Eastern side headed to South Korea. Just two days after this event, Jarrod and I stood at the Western train station. There are high hopes for the future of North and South Korea... as Mr. Lee says, "God is in control" and they are trusting in Him.Mr. Lee was very generous with his time and money - facilitating a wonderful day and many memories. We were truly blessed by him.

There are many more memories I could share, as these are just some of the highlights. It was an unforgettable trip - for many, many reasons... and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to return to this country... and to Jarrod.

in Love

Jarrod has swept me off my feet...
and continues to...

So.. when I have more time, I will actually write about my trip here. I leave in two days, and already am dreading it. Please keep us in your prayers.
Thank- you all for your encouragement and excitement that you share with us in this time! We both appreciate it more that words can express.

"Two are better than one..."

it's official!!

I travelled safely to Seoul, Korea on Tuesday, May 8th and arrived here on May 9th. The long plane ride was a gift from God as I needed an excuse to just sit and do nothing after running around trying to get exams and packing into a very condensed amount of time. Jarrod greeted me at the airport with flowers and chocolate kisses - what a good idea... :)
It feels like a dream to be here once again, to experience familiar sights and sounds in the city.. share meals and fun times with sweet friends.. enjoy time to laugh and play without any worries or concerns... and especially to be with Jarrod.
I have been able to go to Jarrod's elementary school to experience his classroom and students, as they were on vacation last time I was in Seoul. I must say that I definitely felt like a movie star there. :) Jarrod has been telling the students for a while that I was coming, and so everyone knew my name and word spread quickly through the school when I showed up. I was amused at the students during the breaks who would come to "check me out" and see who i was - they would peer in through the window and door - and i could only laugh.. so this is what it feels like to live in an aquarium!

Everyone has been so welcoming and generous to me, again, this reflects upon the reputation that Jarrod has built for himself, and it speaks of his character. I have definitely been blessed by and because of him.

So.. the news...
On Friday, after school, Jarrod and I took a motorcycle ride and ended up at Namsam mountain - a wooded mountain in the middle of massive city. I was immediately captivated by this place, as i was so used to countless people, city noise, and car exhaust.. and I found myself being led by Jarrod up and down a path through these woods that reminded me of woods i used to play in behind my grandmother's house in Virginia. There was fresh air, birds chirping, beautiful scenery all around us, and still an amazing view at times that looked out over the city. We walked for a while, and then Jarrod led me to a bench near a gazebo to sit down. He pulled out his Bible and we read it together, and then he began to speak to me...to my heart.. about me.. and us.. (for a long time..) as I was trying (unsuccessfully) to hold back tears. Jarrod then led me into the gazebo.. got down on his knee.. and asked me to marry him! Of course, I said yes! It was a perfect moment - one that will be etched in our hearts forever.. and we can't stop beaming.

We are engaged!

We waited a few days to call home and share the news with our families... not necessarily on purpose, but I guess it just worked out that way. We have been so blessed by our families' responses.. and also by our friends here in Korea who share in our joy together. It has been "bitter-sweet" to be in Korea at this time, as we have missed sharing our love and joy with our families, with you all, in person - but we have also enjoyed being able to really let the reality and the fullness of our decision to sink in...and for us to come to this place together - without any other influences.
Perhaps now is not the time to discuss how I unknowingly brought the ring to Jarrod - or how he got it out of my stuff. So if you want to hear some more stories :) I know that I/we would love to hear from you and talk with you - I return to the States on the 20th of May - one week from today :( and Jarrod is always available by email or skype or telephone.

I am so glad to share this news with you all!

{{HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!}}

...cause i'm leaving, on a jet plane!

On Tuesday, May 8 - I board the plane and begin to journey around the world to see Jarrod in Seoul, Korea. So you may remember (or may not?) that I was in Korea in January - which was an amazing experience - as Jarrod took me around the city to show me all the popular sites and sounds.. I was inundated with Korean language and lots of people all the time, tall buildings everywhere, and my first ride on a motorcycle... I tried new, yummy foods, learned some new words, and met really nice people. I even got to see and catch up with a sweet friend who has been in Korea for the past (almost) two years. And, of course, I was able to be with Jarrod and see him in a new environment. He had built such an incredible reputation for himself there, as a man of character who loves the Lord (and likes to have fun!) - and I was treated very well because of their love and appreciation for him.

Obviously you can see why I want to go back! But maybe I should make it a little more tangible:
I enjoyed watching Jarrod teach his hogwon classes... ...but I missed out on his Lila Elementary students as they were on vacation during my visit, so of course I want to share that experience with Jarrod... Who wouldn't want to see a room full of yellow and green? ;) those really are great colors.

Then there's the food... and every part of a Korean meal is good for you in some way if you let them explain it to you... :)I enjoyed going out to try all sorts of Korean dishes, but I also appreciated Jarrod's cooking - as he sought to serve me in every way while I was with him. after I left, Jarrod learned how to make a certain Korean dish (like I know the name?..) that is "good for the joints"... see how he takes care of my poor knee? ;)

Jarrod's musical abilities are put to use each Sunday as he helps lead worship in the English service he regularly attends. This is a great little group - and it is so fun to see Jarrod up there using some of his gifts for the Body of Christ in Korea. Jarrod's church is a sweet, sweet community of believers that made me feel very welcomed and included from the moment I met them. This picture was taken shortly after Jarrod began to regularly attend Kwanglim English Ministry - and in it is the pastor, Jarrod, and Angela - these two members of that congregation were influential in Jarrod's decision to attend this service, and they both went out of their way to make me feel loved and welcomed during my time there.

The last time I was in Korea it was very cold, so with the months that have past and the warmer weather, there are parts of Jarrod's life that I missed out on before.. such as: basketball! I have been "talkin' smack" to jarrod about how I was going to school him in some bball when I got there - unfortunately my knee injury makes his future humiliation less imminent :)
...at least I was going to try to shoot over those long arms of his!

Another development since I was last there is this facial hair - definitely in need of an up-close inspection. :)

Who can resist that face?!

These reasons to go to Korea are all very fun - and true - but the real impetus is the love we share. Through Jarrod, I have learned so much about loving the Lord, and what that relationship ought to look like. I have also seen and felt His love for me, and the words in 1 John 4 ring clearer in my heart than ever before: "If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us... God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." From a distance Jarrod and my love for each other has grown, as we both look to the Lord. It was enhanced in January during the two weeks we spent together, and since that time, my heart has longed to be with Jarrod again. As this opportunity arose for me to return once again, we both jumped at the idea.

I know we would appreciate prayers for safe travel and for our time together. I will definitely continue to post updates.. but you can also check out Jarrod's blog for his perspective :) at Jarrodkorea.blogspot.com

I echo the words found in 1 Peter 1:22b, and encourage us all to "love one another fervently with a pure heart..."