Originally I was going to wait to post again, until life had settled back into a normal rhythm, but I realized many people have been praying and waiting for an update.

The Lord has provided a new position for me inside of Seoul. Full time. Housing provided. Reasonable hours. It is definitely an answered prayer.

When I have told people where I am moving to, the reactions have been pretty mixed. I am moving to the northern part Seoul, to a neighborhood called Eunpyeong-gu. Eunpyeong-gu is closer and officially in Seoul, but it is a much older area than Suji-gu, where I previously lived. People expressed enthusiasm, nervousness, sadness, and even joy. I am also feeling all of those emotions. I am moving away from friends and neighborhoods that I know and enjoy well, to a whole new community, filled with a much different demographic than the one I have left. For me this was one of the aspects I worried about the most, because I tend to build relationships slowly. I want to be apart of the community not just surrounded by it. So it feels a bit like being a plant being re-potted over and over again. But I am also happy about the opportunity to grow and build new relationships here. I am closer to friends and church. I can join events and activities without worrying about trying to find a way home. There is so much potential about where God has moved me.

 I officially started working at the school yesterday and I will take over the teaching on Monday. It is never easy to take over a class in the middle of the year, and this will be the second time, is as many years, that I have had to do just that. The routines and patterns established by teachers, students and parents may all change a bit, and there is going to be a bit of struggle in that. All in all, everyone has been very kind and accepting, just very busy.

Truthfully, I am not yet excited about this situation. I think the reason for my solemness is, in part, to this process being taken mostly from my grasp. I did not feel ready to leave my former position. By the time I was informed that I did have to find a new job, I had no time to research and settle my own mind and heart. I have for a long time struggled with my own desire to dictate what I can in my life. It developed as a coping and self -preservation method from my childhood. But I am still alarmed when I see how deep this trait has rooted itself into my personality. My goal in this next month is to develop and maintain a true excited nature for what this new home and job (new teachers & new students).