"Look at all these Virginia people in New York!"

For this past Memorial Day weekend, Jarrod and I traveled to upstate New York to attend Jarrod's cousin's wedding at the Gregson's house. Tiffany made a beautiful bride - and her husband, Jarid, was grinning ear to ear from the moment he saw her. We had such a fun time at the wedding, being together with our family that traveled from all over to be together for the special day. It was a full afternoon and evening, complete with a delicious meal, great music by a fantastic DJ, some memoriable dancing, and a little cake smashing. :)

Here is a picture of the "Virginia family" that traveled to the wedding:Jarrod's Aunt Cindy could not get over having her Virginia family at her home in New York. We were so happy to be there!

The day after the wedding, we went to church with the Gregson family and then enjoyed a leisurely afternoon at their house. We took advantage of the beautiful flowers and scenery in their backyard from Tiffany's wedding to get some fun pictures together.... until we helped clean it all up (but that's what family's for!) We are thankful for these times - when Jarrod and I are both able to be off of work - that we can spend together with family and friends, making memories and investing in relationships that are so important to us. Jarrod is done with school at CCS at the end of this week and I finish working at RMH after the first week in June. As we continue to get ready to move to South Korea this summer, we hope to continue to spend quality time with our friends and family both near and far. Let us know if you are in the Valley so we can hang out!

Philadelphia

On our 17th month anniversary (May 15th), Stephanie and I headed North to Philadephia to visit my long-time friend, Cory Suter. We met up with him at his home and then went out to eat, enjoying authentic Korean food! Afterwards, the three of us met up with Cory's girlfriend, Allison, and all headed over to see a broadway musical.

The next morning, we had breakfast together and headed back into downtown Philly to see more of the city which included 'LOVE' park, City Hall, Independence Hall, the Kimmel Center, and the Liberty Bell.

Philly Cheese Steaks at the Terminal MarketA great place to learn about our nation's history

Spending time in Philadelphia was special because Steph and I were able to see more of Cory's life and surroundings. We're also glad to have spent more time with Allison.
Thanks you two for your time, energy, and laughs!

PS. Yes, we did go through 'west philadelphia'...
and yes, it's likely that rapping was heard in our car :)

immeasurably more

It's official, Jarrod and I are moving to Seoul, South Korea! Jarrod accepted a job teaching Bible, Computer, and Speech/Creative Writing to 7th-8th graders at Yongsan International School of Seoul through the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS). This is a great opportunity for him to get experience teaching the Bible in an international setting while networking and making global connections. I'm not sure yet what I'll do there - joining the teachers, finding something as a nurse or just a volunteer, or learning Korean? Needless to say, this is definitely an adventure that Jarrod and I are excited to take together.
I have been looking through pictures from my past trips to visit Jarrod in 2007in order to get more of an idea of what it will be like in one of the largest cities in the world (with a population of over 10 million people!) I know that there is SO MUCH to do in a city, there is public transportation to conquer, lots of shops and different places to explore, and vibrant life to experience.
I imagine the experience may include (but not be limited to) many motorcycle rides, lots of talks on the phone (Skype, googletalk, or whatever is preferred and free!) to family back home, fun experiences that come with living in a city, stretching our comfort zones, learning about a new culture and world view (notice the world is upside down!), and spending lots of time together to explore the world!
Here are some pictures of more fun times from Korea in 2007:
With all this in mind, we begin to switch gears and think about packing up our belongings to move around the world. We need to put all our stuff in some form of storage prior to June 22, when we will be heading to Mississippi for pre-field training with all of the NICS missionaries (teachers) for the entire world. The training lasts for 2 weeks, and in that time we will go through courses about living in a foreign country and start to build a community with the 20 (or so) people who will be joining the same school in Seoul. We will fly out to Seoul on July 22... and live there for at least 2 years!
We would LOVE to see you before we leave, and want to be sure that you know there is always a place for you to stay should you decide to travel the world and visit us in Korea!
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

even there...

O LORD, You have searched me and you know me,
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

*Psalm 139

DC: Take 2!

Jarrod and I talked about going back to DC someday in the near future but did not have any definite plans. Sunday at church, I was talking to my parents - and they offered us tickets to see a ballet - the final installment of The Washington Ballet's family series at the Washington Ballet studio. So, seeing as it was a rainy Sunday afternoon - and we could always postpone work for another day... we decided to take them up on it and headed back to DC. The ballet was fun - but not what I was expecting at all - as it took place in a little studio and was.. well, like watching a minor league baseball team play. Still, we had a good time together and enjoyed a more informal ballet experience.
From there, we headed towards the heart of DC, making our first stop at the National Cathedral. It had been 8-9 years since our last time there, and again I taken back by the enormity of the structure as well as the intricate and ornate details that are found throughout the Cathedral.

Next, we headed to the FDR memorial - and because it was a cool, damp Sunday afternoon, we were able to find parking close to the entrance. My memory of the memorial did not disappoint - it was still a poignant mix of nature and history, complete with quotes that reflect the spirit of that time.

We went ahead to the Library of Congress and Supreme Court - though they are closed on Sunday - to get a closer look at the buildings... especially for my Civics teacher! :)

I am so glad we were able to go back to DC and "be tourists" for the day... the only thing we still desire to do is go to the museums... which could honestly take a week!.. and perhaps we'll save that experience for the future... :)

Washington DC field trip

On Friday, Jarrod led a group of thirteen 7th and 8th graders on a Community Christian School field trip to Washington D.C. - and as the Civics teacher's wife, I went along to chaperon (along with 2 other teachers from CCS). Jarrod arranged for a group tour of the Capitol building and met up with our county's House of Representatives member to pick up some tickets to the gallery of the actual House floor. It was a great tour, and a great experience for the kids who have been learning about our national government all year. Jarrod was actively questioning the student's knowledge throughout the tour as well as making sure to point out key sites. While we were sitting in the House of Representatives, we took time to pray for our country and government - which was a unique opportunity to pray in a room where they actually make decisions to make legislation law. It was also neat to see how there were various sculptures of international figures around the room, all showing half a face to look towards the Speaker of the House's seat. The one that looks straight on to the Speaker is Moses! We did not get to visit other government sites due to time constraints, but Jarrod was sure to point out the Supreme Court and Library of Congress buildings. I don't think I can remember how many times the movie "National Treasure" was mentioned... which perhaps is telling as to what REALLY makes an impact in our memories. After touring the Capitol, we headed over to the United States Botanic Gardens and had the Science teacher take the lead in questioning the kids and pointing out various plant species and adaptations to their climate. It was so neat to be with a Christian school and hear the teacher say "isn't it amazing how the Lord created this perfectly in their DNA so that they could survive together" as she spoke about plants not needing as much light if they were usually under thick jungle coverage. We also saw an amazing collection of God's artistry found among the flowers that grow around the world.It was definitely an educational experience... who knew there was a "Lipstick plant"! I was particularly interested in this chocolate display... it seems as though the "speaking chocolate" sign might come in handy for our future travels. :) From the garden, we were picked up by our bus and taken to the Washington monument where we ate lunch and enjoyed the view. Praise the Lord it didn't rain or thunderstorm as the forecast has said! By this time it was nearly 2pm, so we drove around Washington on the bus looking at various memorials from the street and then headed back to Woodstock to beat Friday afternoon traffic.

Really, I did not have a whole lot of responsibility on this trip - just making sure we didn't lose a kid and no one got hurt - and I didn't think we walked all THAT much... but man, I WAS TIRED by the end of the trip! I slept a good amount of the way home. :0 Some chaperon!

Jarrod and I had a great time in DC and we were both reminded of how much there is to do there - and how we don't take advantage of living so close to our nation's capital. I do hope we return this summer to visit some of the museums, and my favorite place - the FDR memorial.

As I think back on the experience - of course, I think about what it was like to be with a group of middle school kids who will at times test the limits... but this trip was educational for me as well. The motto found on the United States Seal is "E pluribus unum" which means: Out of many, one. This motto originated at the birth of our nation, suggesting that out of many colonies or states emerge a single nation; however, it has come to suggest that out of many peoples, races, religions and ancestries has emerged a single people and nation. This idea is not foreign to me - as I have grown up in this "melting pot". As I have increased age and perhaps in my understanding of the Christ and the Church, I think that this is really what Christ intended for His body as Paul writes in Romans 12 verse 5, "so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others". How it must grieve the heart of God to see Christians fighting with each other, putting each other down, living side by side and not acknowledging one-another's presence. I walk down the street in New Market and see church buildings erected side-by-side, and upon questioning their leaders, find out that their is not association between the two churches, both believing the in the same Christ as their savior. Paul addresses this issue again to the Corinthians when he writes in chapter 12, "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.... God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

How many Christians suffer every day - without the prayers or assistance from the international church? How many Christians know of suffering and look for ways to walk with and assist their brother and sister in that trial? How many Christians choose to be ignorant of the truth to the suffering in the world- those persecuted, those starving, those widowed or orphaned? Who rejoices along with the angels when someone has come to accept Jesus as their savior? Who celebrates the rebellious child coming home along with the parents instead of maintain a critical eye? As a member of the body of Christ, we are not all called to do the same thing - as both Romans and Corinthians instructs - we do have different giftings and roles; but this is about having an attitude and perspective of being a part of a larger whole that drives the individual to action on behalf of the whole - on behalf of his or her self that is also affected by the whole.

As I look upon our nation's seal and motto - in our nation's capital, or on our currency - I remember our Lord, and our calling as Christians to not just think about me... but to be ever cognizant of the many that forms one. (who knew all this would come from a middle school field trip! ;)

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

E pluribus unum.