good-byes and hellos

It's been a bittersweet time over this past week...having to say goodbye to some really amazing people I have shared life with here over these past few months: worshiping together, praying together, fasting together, going on mission trips together, laughing together, crying together, exploring together, and sharing lasting memories together. My time in Gumi has been defined by my experiences with this amazing group of brothers and sisters in Christ, and now as He sends one this way and one another, it would be a lie to say I am not saddened and heart-broken because of it. I trust in God's specific plan and purpose for each one of us (amen to that!), and I am utterly blessed beyond measure by the time He has given me with these people. Jade...Kwame...although we are miles apart, the memories will never leave (although, Kwame...we expect to take a road trip to the west side of SK to see you in Buan this year!).


Jade...You are such a beautiful, strong, rooted woman of God. Whether you knew it or not, I looked up to you soo much (and still do). Sometimes when something would get hard, I would think of you and your faith and determination and would not give up. I would have your words replay in my head, and it would be just the "wings" I needed (Isaiah 40:31). You have such charisma and character. When I think of the Proverbs 31 woman, I think of you:


Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character


 ¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find? 
   She is worth far more than rubies. 
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her 
   and lacks nothing of value. 
¹² She brings him good, not harm, 
   all the days of her life. 
¹³ She selects wool and flax 
   and works with eager hands. 
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships, 
   bringing her food from afar. 
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night; 
   she provides food for her family 
   and portions for her female servants. 
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; 
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously; 
   her arms are strong for her tasks. 
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable, 
   and her lamp does not go out at night. 
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff 
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor 
   and extends her hands to the needy. 
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household; 
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 
²² She makes coverings for her bed; 
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate, 
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them, 
   and supplies the merchants with sashes. 
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity; 
   she can laugh at the days to come. 
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom, 
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household 
   and does not eat the bread of idleness. 
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed; 
   her husband also, and he praises her: 
²⁹ “Many women do noble things, 
   but you surpass them all.” 
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done, 
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.


I love you, my dear Jade, and I look forward to all that God has in store for you! 


Kwame...my brother in Christ. You are such a pillar of the Lord. Your passion and fire and desire for His name to be known among all nations and peoples...it's contagious and electrifying. From the first day I met you at prayer group, I knew you were someone special...a prophet and disciple of Christ. When you speak, you speak truth. When you teach, you challenge others to higher and deeper understandings. You have truly been a gift. Thank you so much for sharing life with us. I pray for you and your continued growth and for the NEW people God is preparing on your path in Buan, South Korea, over these next few months you are placed in service  there. Although we won't be able to see each other every week, I do look forward a road trip with the crew here to explore your neck of the woods. And then...who knows....can you believe we may even be in Missouri at the same time too? Welcome to MY corner of the world! ^^


 “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you." ~1 Chron. 28:9


"Many claim to have unfailing love, 
   but a faithful person who can find?" Proverbs 20:6




And even with these tearful good-byes, we are saying hello to many things too. Hello to new foreign teachers coming to join along our paths--God's path. Hello to new co-teachers (I am saying good-bye to one co-teacher who is now a grade 3 home room teacher and the other I won't be teaching with any more)...two new English co-teachers will be joining us this Friday (in Korea, the new school year starts in March, not August like the USA). This will mean a lot of changes and getting used to new schedules and English speaking levels (??), but through it all, I trust God has His hand in it and does not intend to see me fail. Thank you, God for that. Thank you God for being everything we could possibly ever want or need and more. Thank you for your Son. Thank you for true, sincere, faithful friends. Thank you for your Holy Spirit and continued presence through ALL our changes and paths life takes us.