Prayers for Peace

The Lunar New Year brought a much welcome long weekend! It was a wonderful time of rest and relaxation, but also life-enriching experiences. Sarah invited Abby and I to join her on a trip to Ganghwa Island to spend a few days with new scenery and visit the Peace Observatory. As we trekked up the hill to the observation deck, North Korea emerged across the water from seemingly no where. It was completely surreal. I have never experienced the cliche "near but yet so far" so flawlessly.

As the three of us took moments to pray onlooking the North's shore, all that consumed my mind was: if we were doing this across the river, we would be executed.

But some exciting news did arise this week: on February 4th a meeting was held between North and South Korea to arrange family reunions that will take place at the end of the month. It's hard enough being separated from family because of distance...but to think of the families that live within miles of each other that aren't allowed to be together because of an oppressive government?

As with so many other struggles the world is currently facing - big and small - I don't want the aching of my heart to stop with acknowledgement of how blessed I am. May I never be satisfied with feeling "blessed." That is just not enough.

Though words and pictures could not possibly touch your heart as deeply as experiencing it yourself, here are just a few simple shots to help see it through my eyes:

A map of Ganghwa

(the Observatory being on the northern-most tip).

The tan on the map marks North Korea.

Catching a glimpse of North Korea, up close and personal.
People were just walking around,
participating in their normal daily routines.

Sketches from a concentration camp escapee.

His heartbreaking yet empowering story is told in the book Escape From Camp 14.

A room in the observatory dedicated to prayers and wishes for unification.

It was incredible seeing the commonality of hearts in people from all around the world.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! ~Psalm 133:1

Where are you today?

Are you working? In class? Busy at home with the little ones? In this very moment I challenge you, no matter where you find yourself, to seek peace and pursue it in your corner of this world ~

By Our Love

Few things hurt my heart more than Christians bashing other Christians. 

It pains me to see the consequential result of their words or behavior, and the effect it can have in many ways - including on people's views of Christians as a whole. However, I will choose to not be driven into responsive shame brought by those whose words or actions do not seem to measure. I know that the confidence of my faith should come from no one but solely the Lord! When Paul wrote to the church of Corinth (1 Corinthians 12), he addressed their current sin - not out shame from their actions or pride from his own - but in a determination to speak the truth in love! I pray this will be the initial response of my own heart when faced with similar struggles.

Today I've been meditating on this passage of scripture:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" ~ Matthew 5:43-47

It seems many Christians have taken that verse to the extreme: we are finding it easier and easier to love the world, yet are coming to hate those who share with us in the Body of Christ. Do we agree with everything other Christians do? No. Will we ever? Very unlikely. Do we sometimes want to cover our eyes at the actions of other believers? Absolutely.

Who would have thought the biggest downfall for the Church could be the Church itself? I am convinced that if the children of God humbly exercised love, accountability and forgiveness among one another - as we have been called to do - we would see immeasurable transformation in the progression of God's kingdom here on earth. 

Jesus calls us to love the unlovable. To forgive the unforgivable. To reconcile what was meant for Him. Well, sometimes our brothers and sisters will be the unlovable ones. There will be times when forgiving them seems impossible. Sometimes, if we're honest with ourselves, we do not want to be reconciled to particular members of the family of God. But do you know the beautiful thing about God's love? He didn't just give enough to satisfy our hearts - he has lavished His love upon us so that it overflows!  It's a gift that is meant to be shared! We need to just trust in His provision.

Love covers wrong. Mind you this does not mean it justifies wrong, but rather it allows forgiveness to have the overriding word. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

God is love and will faithfully supply us with all the love we need to share with others. "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." ~ 1 John 4:7

Despite our various shapes and sizes, love - for God and for one another - unifies us! "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." ~ Colossians 3:14

The words of this convicting hymn have been playing on repeat in my head. They will know we are Christians by our love for one another! How are we doing, truly?

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,

And we pray that all unity may one day be restored. And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.

We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride.

All praise to the Father, from whom all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus, his only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one.

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

~

Measuring Sticks & Burning Bushes

Student 1: "Would you rather marry a handsome dumb man or an ugly intelligent man?"

Student 2 (and followed by the rest): "I'd rather marry an ugly and intelligent man, because since he's smart he can get a good job and have plastic surgery to make himself handsome."

This conversation happened a few days ago, and while it may initially pull out a laugh or two at its seemingly absurdness, it only added to the burden I have already been hauling for this class of four preteen girls. Such questions and answers do not only mirror their thoughts toward others, but the way they view themselves. 

I live in a culture where it is not uncommon for parents to provide their children with plastic surgeries as graduation gifts and where before-and-after billboards plaster the walls of subway stations displaying the endless possibilities for "improvement." One could hardly blame these helpless hearts for the lies they believe. 

I'm fat. I'm ugly. I'm dumb. I'm not good enough.

Thoughts like these and others can encourage drastic and destructive measures..

I need to lose weight.  I need to change my looks. I need to be the smartest.  I need to be something; anything more than I am now.

My mom recently shared a devotional with me from Anne Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience. The post was her reflections of the harm caused by comparison:

“The world isn’t a forest of measuring sticks. The world is a forest of burning bushes. Everything isn’t a marker to make you feel behind or ahead; everything is a flame to make you see GOD is here. That God is working through this person’s life, that God is redeeming that person’s life, that God is igniting this work, that God is present here in this mess, that God is using even this.” (Anne Voskamp)

This is the message I long to instill in the lives of my precious students. It pains me seeing the insecurities that seep through mouths and actions of these amazing girls I have come to love so dearly; it pains me because many of those insecurities are battles I have fought and continue to fight deep down. I know the war is real. I know the wounds can cut deep. As I riot at the door of their spirits, seeking to engrave in their hearts messages of love and hope and worth, I often hear my words as if they were not words leaving my own mouth.

Do you really believe what you're saying to them right now? Of course! Then allow these truths to be engraved on your heart too, dear one.

I am not here to be known for who I am.

I am here to make Him known for who He is.
Oh, the security of being in His arms!

In a world of measuring sticks, I so long to be a burning bush ~

Glimpses

Though all the staff are followers of Christ, Connexus is not publicized as a faith-based academy. Our students come from all different family backgrounds and experiences to join Connexus with the purpose of learning English in a positive environment. But, God has been providing daily opportunities for His love to be shared in this place.

In my final class of the day we celebrated the birthday of my two eldest students (twin girls). When first arriving, they ran to me, each giving me enormous hugs. If that wasn't enough to make my day! Along with the other two girls in our class, we had a great time eating cake and exchanging gifts while still having time to complete our entire lesson. No complaints from this teacher!

This evening, shortly after classes were finished, I received a homework assignment from one of the birthday-girls and just had to share it:

'Today is my birthday. So my friends give me a presents. I like that so much. And I went to the connexous. Kate teacher, Sally and Allie gave me a present. That was 2 notebook and 3 pens. I like that very much! My best time today was in connexous and night in our house!! I think you would want to go to your home. I will pray instead for you! "Please Kate teacher's family don't became not healthy. Please Kate teacher's parents, sisters and brother became healthy!" Bye!!'

~ A-very-encouraged-and-thankful-Kate-Teacher

Thanksgiving

On Sunday, we joined together celebrating a traditional North American Thanksgiving (a month early for me, but a week late for our Canadian teachers!). Here are a few snapshots from our amazing evening:

The beautiful sunset I had a chance to see on the way to dinner. (I love having these mountains right out my front door!)

The lovely new apartments where our community will soon unite.

Gathering with 40 people from all over the world - new friends and old - sharing what we are thankful for.

The many hands who prepared all the incredible food!

Watching generations of those committed to serving the Lord.

Thankful that I did not get sick downing this whole plate of food.

Sharing stories and laughter...

...and great pie.

With friends who welcome you in like family.

So much to be thankful for ~

Fall At Last

While I love the summer sunshine, there is just something so incredibly delightful about crisp, overcast fall days. As I walked to work this morning and ran errands this afternoon, I could not wipe the smile off my face as I drank in the autumn. This sweater-wearing, hue-changing, tea-drinking season never ceases to warm my heart. There's something inside of me that longs for a "bouquet of newly sharpened pencils." (You've Got Mail - a fall must-see everyone!)

Some days I feel so distracted. In the writing of this post, I also wrote a lesson plan, graded a pile of homework, sent a few emails, bought a cake (no, I did not eat it, too ;), and mailed a postcard. Oh my. On days like this when I find it difficult to just sit down and type, I revert to pictures. So here are just a few happy things from this last week:

I got to see this artist perfecting the finishing touches on his murals at Dosim Station. He even painted in the rain. So talented!

Friday after work, Anna and I went to the night market with my students and their families. We ate amazing food, played carnival games, and laughed a lot. They are some of the most generous people I have ever met! 

Thoroughly enjoyed an abundance of persimmons in our house!

Abby and I discovered a new restaurant and coffee shop near home. Will definitely be going to both again soon!! 

 Went to the Zandari music festival with a group of friends. It was so much fun!! I love that good music can always be enjoyed, regardless of language.

Take time today to enjoy the small things!

~Kate

A Bubble Tea Breakdown

What a full week it was! Outside of teaching, we had an incredible staff retreat in Puncheon with time together, soaking in the beautiful country quietness and learning more about Restorative Justice. On the weekend some friends and I partnered with Justice for North Korea in a 5k run to raise awareness for refugees who are journeying to Seoul.

Friday morning, I asked God to show me new ways to love people.  Had I known His response prior to my request, perhaps I would have prayed a slightly different prayer. But I didn't. And I am glad of that, now. He has been on this kick of stripping me clean of my pride, so this is how He answered:

Abby's computer broke last week, which is a super bummer. I wanted to buy her something to get through the day so off I went up and down our street until I found a place that seemed to have good bubble tea. But, when I tried to order it, the woman couldn't understand me - I tried English and Korean, and then both again. Nothing but a blank stare. I felt humiliated and just completely dumb. I told her I was sorry (in Korean) and walked out of the cafe holding back the floodgates. I went for the elevator in my school's building, planning to escape to the bathroom to cool down as soon as I reached our floor, then someone tapped me on the shoulder: Sarah was just heading up too. I tried keeping the tears back so she wouldn't notice. Then the elevator opened and Abby and Heather emerged. Whew, they didn't notice. The two of them went on their way but when the elevator shut containing me, Sarah and a random Korean woman, I lost it. Then I cried and laughed simultaneously. After telling her about my excursion, Sarah determined to go back and order the tea, which we did. What a gem, that woman..

Here is what I am learning...

1. Loving is not about what I can or cannot do, but all about Him and His work in my heart.
2. I need to approach love with the sole purpose of letting go of myself and allowing Him to take over.

What a journey.