Monday, March 30, 2009

Hangul Concerto in Deutsch

Well, if you love concerts then you should have come to our night service this past Sunday. We had a wonderful performance by one of the top organists in Germany, pastor Yi Sun's daughter. I actually don't know if she's one of the top organists in Germany but I know she's pretty good because I just saw her perform. I'm not a big fan of organs actually, but everyone in the church seemed to enjoy the performance. I really enjoyed the performances by the pianists. I like the piano a lot and she really rocked the house with some intricate pieces. They also had a string accompaniment with the organ that actually complimented each other to give you the feeling you were listening to a choir of angels. Maybe not a whole choir, but maybe a quartet of angels. All in all it was good and long. It gave me and Brandy enough time to read a couple of chapters from our books. We read books during services because we don't understand the language and it's better than playing games on our phones. I already finished The Five People You Meet in Heaven and now I'm half way through with Blue like Jazz. I would recommend the first book to about anybody. It's a short read and great story that you can really relate to. The book I'm in now started off a little groggy, like stumbling through a jungle of political caucus and complaints about the church. That was only the first 15 pages or so, and is now answering questions that I haven't even thought about asking yet. There's one chapter that just blew me away about the idea of a confession booth. Anyways, we're still doing good and still staying busy. Oh, I added another video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkL8u7fLosA

Friday, March 27, 2009

The changes of Teachnology

Well, I've heard a few complaints from some people about my blog and the point that they couldn't see the page. Maybe it's due to the amount of videos I have on there and some people's computers can't open my blog page so I have decided to only post here and just create links to the videos. You can also subscribe and have an e-mail sent to you whenever I post a new video. So I try to teach technology. Here is the link for the new video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tlvak_teiA
We went to Seoul on Thursday and Brandy recorded her part of Funex. Then we went to an American Burger place called Daily King's. It definitely helped with our craving of American food we have had for a while. Next time we have that craving we will go back and have another burger. I think we can last for two months. Then Ansley came to our place and spent the night for two nights. We were quite hospitable and Ansley drove Brandy and Chloe around Cheonan. I worked the whole time but it was night to have just the girls hang out for a while and have the house to myself. Well, time to get back to work. I hope this fixes the problems some of you have.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Donut Bookbag

Brandy and Chloe like Dunkin Donuts, and it so happens that we have one. So Brandy and Chloe visit that place as their reward for walking the mile it takes to get there. Of course I get jipped because I never get a piece of the heart donut, ever. I just get whatever's left which still tastes like sugar heaven in a country full of unsweet snacks. You think sweet tea is a phenomenon in New England? Try Korea where there's either hot tea or coffee. Their "sweet" snacks are made from rice or beans, somehow. At first, is tastes like a sweet toothpaste wrapped in soft bread, but after a while you get used to the unsweetness of it and learn to like it. This is how you lose 10 lbs in 2 months: eat nothing but vegetables, rice, and beans. Even the snacks are made out of the same thing, so that's why I miss American food; I miss the junk. It's bad for you, I know, but your tastes buds ignite with flavor and your whole body just feels satisfied. I think it's something about endorphins and stuff but I just think it's the sugar. So, we try to get the endorphins for Chloe and Brandy as much as possible.

Friday, March 20, 2009

TP

Who gives a crap? Well, Koreans do. They use toilet paper for everything! Need a tissue? Here's some TP. Need a napkin? Here's some TP. Need to make a counterweight for the elevator? Here's some TP. I find it funny that they seem to use this simple commodity for about anything. I think they're trying to save the environment or something. Crazy idea, right? But it seems they've put a limit on the things they have here. Cars are regulated on their emissions, you pay as you trash, and you can use the ditch for a port-a-potty to save on water. We're not supposed to flush TP down the toilet, but we do (don't tell anybody though). I just think it's stinky enough using the toilet, let alone leaving the odor in your trash can. But it's a good thought on saving the whales and stuff. I just wish they would put their thoughts of how to save the environment and focus it on how to lower grocery cost. I know this is new idea and all, but I was thinking that we should open our borders and trade a little. We could start with the small fish like China and Japan, then move our way to Hong Kong where all of the good stuff really is. It's a simple idea, I know, but I really think it will work. That reminds me, have you ever had a street lamp in your window while you sleep? Try a 300 ft metal Christmas tower with a lit cross on top. I think the view from the 4th floor is marvelous, but you have to have some pretty thick shades to keep out the light of Jesus. Corny, I know. Enjoy the movie and remember to give a crap.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

My class and Chloe Take 3

Class is still going well, especially with Chloe having a fun time in there. Brandy's been coming with her and now taking video to show everybody what's going on. Also with her blog up and running now she is trying to get video on her blog too. Chloe's been working on her spectacular movie to share with the world too. Here are both, you judge on who's better.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Fish Cake Furniture

Life comes at you fast. Many people say that, even those funny commercials that make you say that you're glad you're not that person. Well, it's true the older you get, kind of. I think it's actually the faster you get, physically and mentally, then the faster life comes at you. When you're younger, life just seems a little slower. There are no responsibilities and you just live because your parents tell you to. When you're old, your responsibilities are limited to your physical and mental condition, and you live because you want to. I'm in the middle right now. I live because I want to and because people tell me to. So life is coming at me at the speed of light. I hear a foreign language everyday and I can only understand a few words here and there. But it's just the same as when I was in America. I just chose to understand a few words here and there. You can't hide from life or run away from it. You have to live it because you want to or because you have to for the sake of another. And the people you have to live your life for don't even know it. They're either too young to understand or they can't see what you're doing. The greatest way to live your life is to live for another without them knowing. Brandy and I love Chloe so much that we work hard everyday to give her a good life. A life that we feel is good and the best thing we can provide. I love Brandy so much that I work really hard to provide for her and be the best husband I know how to be. But do I tell them this every moment I get? Do I say that I work my whole life for their well-being? No. That is selfish and prideful. I do it out of love and love does not boast. I am beginning to see we should do the same with every aspect of our life. I talk about how many classes I teach and the hours I put into my work everyday because it feels good to get a little empathy from others around you. But, I have found that doing this doesn't fill any part of my heart with joy or give me extra energy to finish the day. This seems to only make me weaker because I reflect on how hard I have worked that day. The thought of being exhausted enters my mind and my body crumbles. So forgive me for talking about my schedule like it's a big burden on me that I have to carry because I am providing for my family. This is not true. I love what I do and I would do it even without knowing I had to provide. My yolk is heavy but my burden is light, and I know Jesus is there when I need him to help me carry the load.
Brandy had a wonderful B-day here in Korea. We had cake, candles, and the Birthday song. They don't mass produce cakes so they're all fancy little ones like this. I like the massed produced ones myself, so I had a couple pieces and left the rest for the women. I'm doing great with my classes now. In my kids' class we are beginning the book, which makes the class so much easier. Also I have instated a behavior plan which the kids are actually following and I haven't had to punish anyone yet. The mothers have stepped in too to make sure the students know their place. I always like my adult classes, beginner's and advanced, and I am always happy to teach those. My bible study is starting to unravel and show the true character's of the people in my class. It seems that I got a few of everything: new Christian's, old Christian's, struggling Christian's, sound Christian's, and then there's me. They're homework for next week is to bring a question to class. Any question about the bible, Jesus, or Christianity in general will do. So I will be forwarding these questions to all of you who have the right backgrounds for a good answer; you know who you are. Chloe is really breaking out of her shell recently and it's really great. She doesn't completely shy away from adults and she seems to get along with kids of any age. She's still the boss of whatever happens, of course. Her and Brandy attend my kids' class and Chloe's in charge of the kids, even though they're 3 to 5 years older than her. So everything's going well here and remember to live your life, instead of chasing them papers.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Two are better than One

Well, I don't have basketball tonight. This is the 2nd week in a row that they have not allowed us into the gym on Saturday night, which is our regular time to play b-ball. I think this might be a permanent move so we need to make a new night for b-ball. But in its absence I have the time to complete the installing of the rest of the videos. I hope you enjoy, and I also apologize for not getting a special Chloe movie. She can only do so much at a time. I couldn't force her to make another masterpiece in such short notice. It's like asking asking a tree to produce fruit in the winter. It's just not the right time. So here are some normal boring videos from the regular uncreative folk. Some of the videoing shows a smidgen of talent that Chloe could have inherited from her mother.

Sorry for the Delay

I am sorry for the delay. There will be a flood of videos to come now. We had an interruption with our daily routine: Gramma. Yes, Carol came to our household and graced us with her beauty and presence. Seriously though, she has been a great help. I started classes this week, and I have been very busy. I have been so busy that I didn't have time to take care of my family like usual. So Carol came in like Supermom and took care of the house, Brandy, and of course, Chloe. My classes are going well. I really like the adult classes, which I was afraid of at first. And I dread the children's class, which I was excited about before. The adult classes have about 9 people in each, and the children's class has about 20 kids, which turns out is too many. I should've asked for around 10. Next time I know and knowing is half the battle. I thank everybody who sent stuff with Carol, everything is helpful. I especially like the Girl Scout cookies, yummy! I cherish every chocolately, sensational sweetness. The church has been so kind as to open our home to the whole congregation on Sunday. How terribly exciting! Of course, everyone wants to see how an American lives, so I wonder whose house will be visited the most. I was thinking about maybe getting a fog machine and put that in the entrance. Get some Metallica playing in the background as we serve people caterpillars and earthworms. I think it will be a hit! Of course, I can't find any caterpillars or earthworms at the moment so I think I'll just scratch the whole idea. Well, until next time, which is sooner than later.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Chloe Take 2

This is the anticipated sequel to her first movie. This one is title "The Train Station" and has a trailer along with it to hype up the main movie. Chloe spent hours and minutes working on this video so I hope you enjoy it. On a more serious note, be praying for us because we're going to definitely need it. First, Carol's flying in on
Friday and it's a long flight, pray for safety. Brandy and I start classes next Monday, pray for wisdom and energy. Chloe's feeling better but we don't want a stomach flu to sweep through our house, especially with a guest coming, pray for health. Lastly, I feel overwhelmed with all of the things coming my way I feel like I'm being stretched thin, pray for strength and understanding. The English service we attended on Sunday was great. They are Nazarene which believes the things we believe but they celebrate some other stuff like Lent. Since we're only going there once a month, Lent will be over by the time we go back. We took a taxi to the University the church is held and took a train for the ride back and it was a lot cheaper. But, we waited almost an hour for the train so next time we know what time to leave the church so we won't have to wait that long again. We did however get some good video clips which I'm sure you've seen by now. It wasn't that cold so we didn't freeze while we waited around. We actually had a fun time running around and talking, something we seem to not have time for. Brandy is very excited about Carol coming because that means they get to get the baby room ready. How exciting! I feel overwhelmed with emotions when I think about the next little girl in my life. With Chloe, it was a feeling of confusion and chaos. I didn't know how to take care of a child, let alone their whole life. Chloe was a blessing to me and Brandy and you can't take that away, I'm sorry next little girl. But the feelings I feel with this little girl are only love. I know how this time, which is different than when Brandy was carrying Chloe. I know what to expect and I can't wait for it to happen again. I can now see how the grandparents feel with Chloe, except I only had to wait two years compared to your 23 years.
I heard that you guys got snow in Georgia. That's crazy! I heard it was a blizzard of snow. That's just typical. Once we move to the other side of the world just to get some snow, it snows even more where we moved from. I believe that we sent you that snow, and you're welcome. Thanks for everything you's guys and talk to you later. By the way, if you want the local number that you can call from any phone you have and contact us on our computer with no international calling fees, just e-mail me or Brandy and we can give it to you.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Our address which I hope is correct in English:
197-1 Seubookyu Budaedong, Apt 201
Cheonan, Chungnam,
Korea 331-240