The Winds of Change

Winter is quickly approaching here. That means the winds of change are again upon us. Mind you, I am enjoying having four real seasons here. Yet, I often find myself craving a sense of normalcy and stability within. I am learning that comes from embracing the truth that Jesus Christ is the same--yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Other changes are in store for me here, great and small. As such, I must eschew the poetic and pastoral for this blog, in favor of the purely practical. First of all, my American friends are gaining an extra hour of sleep tonight. However, we do not “fall back” here for daylight savings. Thus, I am now 15 hours ahead of Texas.

Also, I will be moving on November 24th. My roommate Young Gwang will be moving to Seoul to pursue his future. As such, I will be moving to a one-bedroom apartment close to my first address. I will once again be living alone, and I will greatly miss his fellowship.

Teacher Park is also moving on from our church and hakwon to begin a new ministry venture. It is an exciting time for her. She has been a good teacher and friend at the school. She has also been a huge blessing in ministry settings. She leads the worship and provides translation for our student Bible study. I have been teaching on the ABCs of God, to outline His character for our students. I will miss her as a co-laborer.

Another important change—I will likely not have internet at my new apartment, at least until the end of the year. That means that Skype calls and Facebook chats may not be options for a while. I will have internet at school. Yet, my hours there are 11am to 7pm. That puts internet access at the time when the US is largely asleep.

For those desiring to send packages or letters for the holidays, please do not send anything to my current address past November 10th. It takes about 10 days for things to arrive. I will send out my new address when it is confirmed by month end.

There will also be more transition for me in the coming year. I have come to a firm decision regarding my future here. Due to various factors, I will not be staying in South Korea past my year contract. That means my return trip in March will now become a transition back to the States. I have no idea what lies next at this point. I know I am “moving on” from here, but I don’t know what “going back” will look like. I ask that you pray for wisdom for my tomorrow, yet also for intentionality in my today.

Of course, I have also come to understand that change is the norm here, especially last minute. For example, we had another show for parents on Friday night. It went quite well. Yet, for one reason or another, seven students and their families decided not to attend the night. Fortunately, I have learned to adapt. This time, the show focused on individual poems and acts, as opposed to group plays. I have learned to make plans very flexible. In the end, it spared us from potential disarray.

There is no telling what may be in store for my remaining time here—which new faces may enter the picture and what new experiences will come. Please pray for a continued spirit of flexibility. Also, please pray for Young Gwang and Teacher Park as they follow the Lord’s will for their futures. Continue to pray for our church, Evergreen Church, and school, English Village. And, as the winds of change continue to buffet my life here, pray that I seek to build every day upon the Rock. With all my love ~ Paul