Latest scoop...

I've been in Korea for a little over three months now, but ironically, have only taught the first five of those weeks. Because of the confirmed swine flu here in English Village, we have not had regular programs for quite some time. This has been both a blessing and a challenge.

Blessing: we have had a lot of time for staff development, personal development, and seminars.
Challenge: we are all teachers for a reason - with no students, teachers quickly get restless. That said, the staff has been less than satisfied lately, leading to tension, stress, and many disagreements.

All in all, this is the last week before our mandatory week-long Cheusok break (Korean Thanksgiving). Beginning in October, I am under the impression that we will again have students and regular classes. That could change between now and then, but I am nevertheless excited about the possibility of teaching again.

Not too much else is happening here. I am attending church every Sunday in Seoul. It is an international church so that makes things exciting - I've met people from everywhere but the US (Kenya, Russia, Thailand, Nepal, Japan, Korea, China, Dominican Republic, Philippines, Cameroon, Iraq, South Africa, Tanzania, England, Australia, and more - but I cannot remember them all). So fun!

I am also training to run a half marathon in October so that takes up a bit of my time. Since I am raising money to support a very dear Christian organization, I want to make sure to finish the race =) Running 13.1 miles (21K) is soooo far. Three weeks until the big day - October 11th - pray for me if you think of it =)

I also have an electric oven now, so a lot of my time is spent baking and contemplating what to bake =) So far I've made banana bread, blueberry muffins, brownies, and tons of cookies. Desserts are not that common in Korea so sharing my baking creations has been a delight. =)

I think that's about it - if you have any specific questions please feel free to email them to me.

Praises:
* despite not having students, I have been able to teach in other programs on and off
* I am still healthy and well
* church is a blessing and I enjoy our bible study class with the pastor
* training for the half marathon is coming along and I am getting more confident that I can finish it =)
* I have raised some money for my organization and am excited to be able to pass it along to those in need
* I am at peace about being here

Prayer Requests:
* English Village is going through a huge transition/restructuring right now - this angers teachers, changes my job, and creates a lot of questioning and unrest
* that I would continue to stay healthy and able to run the half marathon on October 11th
* I have a dear Korean friend who is struggling with her marriage - her husband recently became violent toward her and her 5 month old daughter - she is now living with her parents, but is terrified of her husband and what he could/might do.