Settling in...

This past week has been full of settling in to our new home, learning about where we are living, and going through new staff orientation at YISS (Yongsan International School of Seoul). We are so blessed by the community of believers around us - people from around the world called to this place at this time for the same purpose: to love kids and share the Good News with our words and actions. Today was the first day that the YISS staff returning from previous years was required to be at school - and while it is a bit overwhelming to learn so many new names and faces - how much more we are blessed by their fellowship and encouraged by those who have alraedy been where we are! Jarrod even had an opportunity to play basketball this afternoon: a staff team vs. returning students... he came home very sweaty and happy. :) I have been trying to balance new teacher orientation with spending time in the nurses' office - and honestly, my focus is much more on lesson plans and curriculum mapping than on learning where things are in the nurses' office. This is primarly because there is a Korean nurse (Kyunghee Han) whose sole job is to focus on nursing, so she has been diligently working to do an inventory of supplies, straighten up the office, and go through immunization records. I am thankful for her presence as it allows me to focus on other tasks right now (and for her knowledge of the korean language -- most often I can't read the packages, and would have to open them to know what is inside!)

Overall, I feel like we are adjusting well - we still have limited internet access, but we are hoping that our alien registration cards come next week so that we can set up internet in our home. Speaking of home... here are some pictures that have been asked for...
Notice the "happy virus" bread... yes, we did eat it.. it was good... and so far - no virus? ;) Tonight we hosted our downstairs neighbors for dinner and games... they are are first visitors - and we are thankful for their friendship.
Jarrod has his motorcycle back from Mr. Lee, and he is LOVING it! I must say, it is such a convenient way to get around... cutting a 45 minute walk/subway ride down to a 5 minute motorcycle ride. The other pictures are of the allyways that we frequently walk to get home, our building (we live on the second floor), door, other pictures around our house. Thank-you for your continued thoughts and prayers during this transition. We testify to the Lord's provision in our lives... even on the far side of the sea... and say with confidence that our "God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). As we move forward day by day, we rest in the knowledge and hope of our Lord who "is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made" (Psalm 145:13b).

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (2 Thess. 3:16)"