Hey everyone!!! So, as you know (and if you don't, just scroll down), our church got a new building. God is so good! Last week's sermon was all about the new building, complete with a powerpoint. Our pastor was so excited, just like a new dad. ^^ Go to our church website: http://www.jubileeseoul.com/, click on "building update!!!" and then you can listen to the sermon and see pictures.
SO, Praise God for this exciting time in Jubilee. God really heard our cry and provided. Please keep praying for the church as we prepare to move into our new home!
- Jillian L.
- Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea
- I maintain that you can find corners of brilliance anywhere, if you take the time to look for them. I aim to be happy, no matter the surroundings. I believe that anything (even the small, overlooked, mundane, daily activities...and maybe especially those sorts of things) can be an ADVENTURE if you have the right attitude. Of course, matching t-shirts also always help endeavor. And yes, if I get to wear an outfit, I really will be more apt to do something...I enjoy outfits.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Love Letter from Daisy
This morning, there was a pretty pink envelope on my desk in the classroom. It was a letter from Daisy. Daisy writes:
Dear Jillian,
Hello! It's me! I like you. Do you like me too? I like LCI because you are there. Your the best one in the class. I like you even when you be scold me. I have so much fun in LCI. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I will go to LCI. Are you gonna teach me? I go to Elementary school on Tuesday and Thursday. It is near my house. I hope I like my Elementry School. See ya on the second page!
Dear Jillian,
Hello! It's me! I like you. Do you like me too? I like LCI because you are there. Your the best one in the class. I like you even when you be scold me. I have so much fun in LCI. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I will go to LCI. Are you gonna teach me? I go to Elementary school on Tuesday and Thursday. It is near my house. I hope I like my Elementry School. See ya on the second page!Hi! This is my second page. On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday I was in O2 resort. I started to learn ski on Monday. I leard with my dad on Sunday and I did very well! That's how I started to learn ski from a teacher. Happy Valentine and have a good lunar New Year! When are you going to U.S.A back? I'm sad. It's almost time for you to go. :( I won't forget you in my whole wide life. I will write it in the diary when you go. Cause you the best teacher I've ever had. Send me a letter soon! GOOD BYE!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Love Story: Church
Ok, I'm going to begin with the end (or not END per se, but the situation up until now) first...
PRAISE GOD! We got a building today!!! Our pastor met with the lady today, toured the building, and signed the papers. Jubilee is moving to Sinsa! Thanks to everyone for praying for our church!
Hearing this great news tonight reminded me that I should perhaps share a little bit about my church. If you talk to me very often, you probable hear me mention it alot. Church has become a pretty big part of my life here, so I thought I should share the story...
After about a month at Jubilee, I wanted to "give back" somehow. I felt just going to a service on Sunday wasn't enough, and I really wanted to get my hands into the church. I joined the Ecclesia ministry. Ecclesia is the church coffee shop (it is also open to the public). I thought, ok, I know how to make coffee and they need people to make coffee. It has worked out well! I serve there on Sundays before and after service. I get to see new faces every Sunday and make them smile by making them wonderful espresso-drinks! Working in Ecclesia has also given me friends in the other baristas and the Refreshing Team (we work pretty closely with the Refreshing Team). We usually all order lunch in together on Sundays!.JPG)
One thing lately that's been pretty awesome is evening prayer services. I've never really gone to prayer services before...but somehow, I could just see in my head that these were ushering in an exciting time for church and everyone was invited to join. Prayer services are 3 times a week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. Not that I go to all of them, but I have been going to 1-2 services a week. This is the first time I have ever gone to prayer services, and at first I was a little nervous, but each time it's like God is teaching us something new. I've gotten to pray in different ways and share in this really special time of growth and seeking with other people in the church.
SO, keep praying for Jubilee. B/c even though we have a building, there is still more work to do! Pray for wisdom for the leadership and different ministries as they try to organize the new building. Pray for protection from any attacks from the devil. And pray that we continue to be a congregation that earnestly seeks God.
Here's the website, if you want to check it out: http://www.jubileeseoul.com/
PRAISE GOD! We got a building today!!! Our pastor met with the lady today, toured the building, and signed the papers. Jubilee is moving to Sinsa! Thanks to everyone for praying for our church!
Hearing this great news tonight reminded me that I should perhaps share a little bit about my church. If you talk to me very often, you probable hear me mention it alot. Church has become a pretty big part of my life here, so I thought I should share the story...
First, how did I find Jubilee? My boss at school had suggested that I go to her church, Sarang, in Gangnam because they offer English services. I said, "Ok!" Gangnam is like the "downtown" for my area of Seoul; it's about a 20 minute walk or so from the apartment. This was when I first arrived here and didn't have internet yet. I had made a map but left it at school. Sunday I thought, ok, I know how to get to Gangnam and I think I remember where the church is...I'll just start walking that way.
Right when I'm about to enter the main strip of Gangnam, I see a group of white people with Bibles. I thought, ok, I thought the church was down farther, but maybe I was wrong? And then I kind of got anxious...do I approach them? Should I just follow them? Should I keep on going by the map in my head? Then I thought...well, even if they aren't going to Sarang, they have to be going somewhere, so why not just be bold?
SO, I started following them and asked a lady at the back of the group, "Are you going to English church?" She said yes, and I asked if I could come with them. She said yes. Turns out they were going to Jubilee. And the lady's name was Sam...I still sit by her every Sunday. :)
Jubilee just clicked. In some ways, everything was new...and sometimes difficult...but I felt like I got there at just the right time. Like the sermons were being written just for me.
Right when I'm about to enter the main strip of Gangnam, I see a group of white people with Bibles. I thought, ok, I thought the church was down farther, but maybe I was wrong? And then I kind of got anxious...do I approach them? Should I just follow them? Should I keep on going by the map in my head? Then I thought...well, even if they aren't going to Sarang, they have to be going somewhere, so why not just be bold?
SO, I started following them and asked a lady at the back of the group, "Are you going to English church?" She said yes, and I asked if I could come with them. She said yes. Turns out they were going to Jubilee. And the lady's name was Sam...I still sit by her every Sunday. :)
Jubilee just clicked. In some ways, everything was new...and sometimes difficult...but I felt like I got there at just the right time. Like the sermons were being written just for me.
Within 3 weeks I had rededicated my life to Christ and was throwing myslef into church. It had been a LONG TIME since I had felt comfortable enough at a church to want to really be involved there, since I had felt I was really "a part" of a church. I was so eager to meet others there, I jumped all aboard for church trips...rafting, church picnic, women's retreat.
These events not only gave me chances to make some awesome friends, but to see how our church fits together -- how we work together, play together, and worship together. I also involved in a "aXis group" a small group that meets once a week. These girls have now become my very best friends here in Seoul. I honestly don't know where I'd be without my sisters.
After about a month at Jubilee, I wanted to "give back" somehow. I felt just going to a service on Sunday wasn't enough, and I really wanted to get my hands into the church. I joined the Ecclesia ministry. Ecclesia is the church coffee shop (it is also open to the public). I thought, ok, I know how to make coffee and they need people to make coffee. It has worked out well! I serve there on Sundays before and after service. I get to see new faces every Sunday and make them smile by making them wonderful espresso-drinks! Working in Ecclesia has also given me friends in the other baristas and the Refreshing Team (we work pretty closely with the Refreshing Team). We usually all order lunch in together on Sundays!One thing lately that's been pretty awesome is evening prayer services. I've never really gone to prayer services before...but somehow, I could just see in my head that these were ushering in an exciting time for church and everyone was invited to join. Prayer services are 3 times a week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. Not that I go to all of them, but I have been going to 1-2 services a week. This is the first time I have ever gone to prayer services, and at first I was a little nervous, but each time it's like God is teaching us something new. I've gotten to pray in different ways and share in this really special time of growth and seeking with other people in the church. AND, we came together to seek God's will for our church...to bring our prayers before Him and ask for a building...because our building was sold and we didn't know where church was going to meet. And today, we FOUND one. We have a new home, and PRAISE GOD! for hearing us. And I am thankful for this season He has given us, because He not only showed us a new building, but more importantly He gave messages and pictures and inspirations about the body and what He desires in our relationships. And it's amazing to see it all in action.
SO, keep praying for Jubilee. B/c even though we have a building, there is still more work to do! Pray for wisdom for the leadership and different ministries as they try to organize the new building. Pray for protection from any attacks from the devil. And pray that we continue to be a congregation that earnestly seeks God.
Here's the website, if you want to check it out: http://www.jubileeseoul.com/
Monday, February 8, 2010
Year-End review for Jillian-Teacher's Class
I haven't shared much about my school life lately, so I thought I'd give a brief update about what school's been like this winter.
We had a week off for Christmas break; classes were supposed to start up again on January 4. However, because of record snow-fall in Seoul the night of January 3, January 4 became a "teacher work day." A lot of teachers groan at teacher work days, since it's us, all sitting in our teacher office for 12 or so hours...but I have a quiet appreciation of teacher work-days, b/c I'm always falling behind on getting copies made or being organized for the new session. I was glad to have a day to get everything really organized before the kids showed up. Plus, I was able to clean my desk :) 
Through the month of January, our school held "Winter Intensives." These were early morning classes for students to take. The elementary school students, who only come to LCI in the afternoon, were on break all throughout January from school, so Winter Intensives provided a way for them to just keep on learning! I taught a reading class every morning starting around 8:30. For my class, we were reading through the Marvin Redpost series by Louis Sachar. We read 1 book a week and covered several deep life questions, such as: "Well, do you pick your nose? Do you think you will turn into a girl if you kiss your elbow? Does dog food really taste good? How would you dress to meet Obama?" I had 8 students total and really enjoyed teaching the class. Even though it was early (ohhh so early), we were able to have some pretty good conversations and I think they enjoyed the more-relaxed pace of the class. Plus, Marvin is just a silly kid. I laughed out loud reading those books.
In Kinderland...it's been play practice and more play practice. Our "school year" ends in February, and all of the classes will be doing a presentation. The 7 year olds, though, have to perform a play. My class is doing a play called The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. I thought this up after teaching them a few Veggietales songs. We pretty much practice the play all day, every day. Sadly, my class will be "graduating," and I'll start with a new class in March. I'm really going to miss my 7 year olds!!!
Oh yeah, we're also getting ready for Valentine's Day. I kind of slacked off and apparently did not build them up enough for Peppero Day, but that is not the case for Valentine's Day. :) Apparently, some of my children love Valentine's Day more than others...
We had a week off for Christmas break; classes were supposed to start up again on January 4. However, because of record snow-fall in Seoul the night of January 3, January 4 became a "teacher work day." A lot of teachers groan at teacher work days, since it's us, all sitting in our teacher office for 12 or so hours...but I have a quiet appreciation of teacher work-days, b/c I'm always falling behind on getting copies made or being organized for the new session. I was glad to have a day to get everything really organized before the kids showed up. Plus, I was able to clean my desk :) 
Through the month of January, our school held "Winter Intensives." These were early morning classes for students to take. The elementary school students, who only come to LCI in the afternoon, were on break all throughout January from school, so Winter Intensives provided a way for them to just keep on learning! I taught a reading class every morning starting around 8:30. For my class, we were reading through the Marvin Redpost series by Louis Sachar. We read 1 book a week and covered several deep life questions, such as: "Well, do you pick your nose? Do you think you will turn into a girl if you kiss your elbow? Does dog food really taste good? How would you dress to meet Obama?" I had 8 students total and really enjoyed teaching the class. Even though it was early (ohhh so early), we were able to have some pretty good conversations and I think they enjoyed the more-relaxed pace of the class. Plus, Marvin is just a silly kid. I laughed out loud reading those books. 
In Kinderland...it's been play practice and more play practice. Our "school year" ends in February, and all of the classes will be doing a presentation. The 7 year olds, though, have to perform a play. My class is doing a play called The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. I thought this up after teaching them a few Veggietales songs. We pretty much practice the play all day, every day. Sadly, my class will be "graduating," and I'll start with a new class in March. I'm really going to miss my 7 year olds!!!
Oh yeah, we're also getting ready for Valentine's Day. I kind of slacked off and apparently did not build them up enough for Peppero Day, but that is not the case for Valentine's Day. :) Apparently, some of my children love Valentine's Day more than others... Sunday, February 7, 2010
Prayer Request
Hey everyone, I've got a prayer request to add to your lists here.
My church here, Jubilee, is looking for a new building. The building we currently meet in was sold a few months ago, and the new owners are not willing to renew our lease. The lease is up at the end of March, but the church is hoping to be out by the end of February, so as to leave on good terms. That means, if we are going to sign a new lease, we need to find a building in the next 2 weeks.
After Christmas, the church moved morning prayer to evening prayer 3x a week, to give everyone a chance to come together and really seek God's will about the building. Through these prayer times, though, it seems to be the consensus that the building isn't the main issue right now...that we need to focus on the body...on relationships and unity and letting God refine us.
So as it stands, we might be meeting in the subway or in a park in a couple of weeks. I think all this is ushering in a really exciting time for our church, but there's also a lot of anxiety.
SO, please be praying for Jubilee Church...that God would give our leadership wisdom as we move forward and that the church would keep earnestly seeking God and being attentive to what He wants to say to us...and just pray for understanding/peace about the whole building issue...whether we end up meeting in the park or God reveals a place in the next couple of weeks.
We've had some really rockin' sermons lately on the 10 Commandments; you can find them and others here: http://www.jubileeseoul.com/sermons.php?pageType=sub&pageID=150&pageName=%2FResources%2FMessages%2F
My church here, Jubilee, is looking for a new building. The building we currently meet in was sold a few months ago, and the new owners are not willing to renew our lease. The lease is up at the end of March, but the church is hoping to be out by the end of February, so as to leave on good terms. That means, if we are going to sign a new lease, we need to find a building in the next 2 weeks.
After Christmas, the church moved morning prayer to evening prayer 3x a week, to give everyone a chance to come together and really seek God's will about the building. Through these prayer times, though, it seems to be the consensus that the building isn't the main issue right now...that we need to focus on the body...on relationships and unity and letting God refine us.
So as it stands, we might be meeting in the subway or in a park in a couple of weeks. I think all this is ushering in a really exciting time for our church, but there's also a lot of anxiety.
SO, please be praying for Jubilee Church...that God would give our leadership wisdom as we move forward and that the church would keep earnestly seeking God and being attentive to what He wants to say to us...and just pray for understanding/peace about the whole building issue...whether we end up meeting in the park or God reveals a place in the next couple of weeks.
We've had some really rockin' sermons lately on the 10 Commandments; you can find them and others here: http://www.jubileeseoul.com/sermons.php?pageType=sub&pageID=150&pageName=%2FResources%2FMessages%2F
Look at our beautiful art!
After a long week of play-practice and more play-practice, I decided by Friday my Kinder needed a break. Friday afternoon was dedicated to art, and my Kinder did a wonderful job, so I wanted to share.We had 2 art projects Friday: marbeling paper and coloring CDs to look like Mark Chagall's Opera House Ceiling (it was the artbook, so I said, ok.). I was a little nervous about the paper marbeling, because it involved paint...and I don't trust my kids with paint, but I thought it would be a fun treat.
SO, I set them to work on their Opera House designs, filled a tray with water and dropped in some oil paint. Well, first, I managed to get red oil paint all over my hand, but after that snafu, the rest went into the water.
THEY LOVED IT! It went so well. I had my kids working on the CDs because I wwas worried they would get bored watching their classmates dip paper into water, but 1 by 1, they kept coming to the back to watch each other marble paper. It sounds cheesy, but as a teacher, my heart just boomed. Here are my kids, making beautiful projects and LOVING it. They were so excited to see how beautiful the paper kept turning out. Everytime someone dipped in paper, a few of the girls were always there to say "Oh, that's going to be so beautiful...OH, this is going to be the most beautiful...This one is going to be the best!" Everytime I added in a new color of paint, they just couldn't wait to see what design would come out. I kept sending students down to the office to get us more paper! more paper!
And our hands got messy, and there was wet paper everywhere, and the doorhandle turned blue, but it was a wonderful afternoon. I loved watching them make art and really appreciate how beautiful it can be.
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