A note from Madame Secretary...

Last week, I was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of Friedhelm Illian. Herr Illian is in Saturday morning Korean class. During class, he invited me and some of the other students out to dinner with the Exploring Club. I was a little confused at first and tried to figure out what this "Exploring Club" was. Turns out, Friedhelm and a friend of his, Hyeon-Cheol, made up this club as a way to explore Seoul. Every weekend, they want to go someplace new and have fun. Friedhelm is the president and Hyeon-Cheol is vice-president. ^^ During the first meeting, they apparently ate the world's best Deok Boki (rice cakes) in Anguk-dong. That was before they got a secretary, so it's really only conjecture...
Here are the notes from the 2nd meeting:

President, VP, and Jillian met at the Starbucks outside Anguk Station. After waiting to see if any other students would come, they headed out towards the Somerset Hotel to convene with Susan (Friedhelm's wife) and another friend (Cathy). Along the way, they stopped to help some tourists. Jillian suggested that the tourists should walk around Samcheong-Dong (although she couldn't remember the street name at the time), because they could see traditional Korean architecture and also several cute coffee shops and boutiques. This feat of city-knowledge promptly earned her the position of club secretary and she accepted.

The exploring club met at the Bärlin deutsches Wirtshaus, a German restaurant inside of the Somerset. There was a variety of German cuisine available. The club began the meal with a round of soup and Altbier.  Secretary and VP ordered Wienerschnitzel and Thüringerschnitzel, which came with Pommes Frites (French Fries), Gurkensalat (cucumber salad), and Kartoffelbrei (fried potatoes) for the main dish. In true German style, the club ate their meal leisurely and afterward enjoyed a cup of coffee with dessert. For herself, Secretary decided to try the rote Grütze (red berries with cream).

Although the waiter did not speak German, (he did wear clippies in his hair, however), he was friendly and the atmostphere was open and welcoming. The menu had a variety of dishes from all over Germany, so it was a true sampling of German cuisine. The club members spent a very enjoyable evening there, getting to know each other, and eating delicious food. President instructed that the club must have fun, and the members obliged!

Exploring Club rating: Erfolg! (success!)

Adventure Korea: Cycling on Seonyudo

Last weekend, I took a trip to Seonyudo (Seonyu Islands) with a group called Adventure Korea. Adventure Korea is an organization that organizes weekend trips for foreigners. They go all over Korea, and oftentimes to places that are not so overrun with tourists. I was waiting for the weather to get a little better, but decided in March it was time to get out of the city!

I boarded the AK charter bus early Saturday morning. There were about 45 people total on the trip from all different English-speaking countries. We drove about 2 hours southwest to the port city of Kunsan, in the province of Jeollabak-do. At Kunsan, we boarded our ferry and headed out to the islands! The ferry ride took about an hour and it was so cold. I stayed outside the whole time, but rarely left my seat. The Koreans on board had a grand time of throwing potato chips at seagulls. Apparently, seagulls do not have the same pesky reputation as they do back in the States.

Seonyudo is part of a larger archipelago of about 20 islands. This part is actually the island of Seonyudo connected to 3 other islands (Meonyudo to the east, and Jangjado and Daejangdo to the west). The only vehicles on the island are mainly for carting tourists around or delivering supplies. The main town on Seonyudo is Jin-ri, but there were also fishing villages on the other islands.

Hit "Keep reading" to hear the rest of the trip!

After we dropped our bags off at the "pension," we grabbed our bikes and started pedaling. Our tour guide (Seok-Jin, owner of AK) suggested we bike to Meonyudo first so that we could watch the sun set of Jangjado. I fell in with a big group of girls, most of whom were from Minnesota. It was a relaxing afternoon because we could cycle, but also take time to enjoy the scenery. Seonyudo has 1 large sandy beach and 3 (I think) pebble beaches. We spent the whole afternoon cycling around Meonyudo, Seonyudo, Jangjado, Daejando and back again.
By around 5 o'clock, the tide was out and the town seemed very desolate. Fishing boats were stranded and residents seemed hunkered down for the night (kind of an eery change from Seoul).

My favorite part, though, was seeing how the landscape changed with the tide. Once the tide went out, the beach seemed to double. There was a little island off of the sandy beach; when the tide went out then it was possible to walk to the island. In the evening, a few families came out to the beach to dig up shellfish. I enjoyed seeing the "quality time." 

Saturday night we enjoyed a group dinner at a local restaurant. The main course was Sundubu-Chigae (Spicy Tofu stew) and plenty of sidedishes. One of the sidedishes was a cooked fish...it was all there, cut into 3-4 chunks and stacked on the plate. We just had to take our chopsticks and eat it a little chunk at a time! It was really delicious though, and it didn't taste sea-foody at all.

Sunday morning, I got up early to watch the sunrise. However, it was overcast, and we didn't see much of anything (hence, the lack of photos). The day (luckily!) brightened up and turned out to be very sunny. After breakfast, we all headed down to the beach to try our hand at digging out shellfish. This is how you do it: find a hole (you can see little holes on the surface), dig a little bit and pour salt over the hole. When the shellfish emerges, grab it!
The traditional method, though, kind of took a long time. Eventually, Seok-Jin just started digging out big piles of sand to root out the shellfish. This turned out to be much more profitable.

Our main activity Sunday was taking a hike up Mangjubong. Seok-Jin suggested this as an easy hike. However, when we were about a quarter from the top, the path turned into a craggy rock face that we had to somehow scramble up. If this is his definition of easy, I don't want to know what a "medium" hike is. Once we reached one peak, there was a path that led to another peak. The second peak offered some AMAZING views of the island. It was absolutely gorgeous...the type of view you could look at all day. The type of view that's just like, Thank-You God for letting me look at this (and be default, thank-you God that I did not fall off the mountain).

On our way down, we stopped at a pebble beach and climbed on the rocks for a little bit. The tide was coming back, so I spent some time watching as the waves kept hitting a little bit higher and higher each time. By the time we headed back, the island I had walked to the night before was now surrounded by water again and the fishing boats were floating.
I haven't gotten out of Seoul much, but this trip was really worth it. Saturday I was a little skeptical because it was colder and kind of overcast, but it was so gorgeous on Sunday, it was like being on a whole new island. 

The One Where I was in a Movie

A few weeks ago I get an email from a friend saying that there is a director who goes to our church (Jubilee) who needs some extras for his new movie. My friend Taryn and I decided to go for it. We were given very little information besides "dress like you're going to an art gallery opening" and the time to be there.

The scenes they needed extras for took place at night, so we filmed 2 nights at a restaurant called ColaPasta. The first night, a Friday, we filmed from 10pm to 8am on Saturday. Saturday night we filmed from 11pm to 9am the next morning.

Overall, it was a really fun experience! The first night, there was a lot of sitting around...but luckily, I am always thinking and had brought some "coloring" to do. I was not thinking, however, about the weather. We were filming outside, and even the shots "in" the art gallery were freezing because it was not an enclosed space. I did not bring a sweater and so did my best to have thick skin during the shoots. In between shots, everyone hustled under blankets and coats to get a few minutes of warmth. My hand was very definitely frozen in the wineglass-holding position. I hope they didn't get a close-up.

I got assigned to be "friend #1." Most of the time this meant murmuring in the background and looking at paintings. However, around 3 or 4 am on Saturday, I also found out I had actual lines! And not just a quick 1-liner, but a whole conversation! The director places us all and then says, "Ok, are you ready to go?" And I'm like, uhhh, I haven't even seen the script yet! I was supposed to be "ditzy and vapid"...it took a little practice, but I think I eventually pulled it off!

I really enjoyed getting to know so many people from the movie. A lot of the cast/extras go to Jubilee, but I hadn't met them before, so it was a good chance to connect with more people from church. I also got to practice my German with one of the main actors, Pascal. He's German-Korean...and a SUPERMODEL! In fact, he's from the same state I lived in when I studied there.

I know Sun-ho (the director) is planning to enter the film into some festivals, so if it becomes widely available, I'll let everyone know. I'll be in the background, staring at paintings. ^^

My friend Youngen took a lot of photos, so you can see more on her facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=2376957&id=22417896&ref=mf

Chop! Chop!

This weekend while I was out, I passed by a rock'n'roll salon and thought, I want to go to there! So I did. As soon as I walked in, one of the assistants walked up to me and immediately started grabbing at my backpack and then asked me to take my clothes off. He really just meant my vest, as in Korean salons they love to hang your jackets up for you. Then the stylist comes over, sizes me up, and says "Short cut?"
What I've noticed in Korean salons is that there seems to be some sort of apprentice system, whereby the apprentice washes your hair and then has to stand and watch the master stylist cut your hair. So, the apprentice takes me back to wash my hair and gives me a little head massage. When he takes me to the chair, the stylist hands me a hair magazine. I looked at the cover, which had a cute wavy style and asked "Perm?" He said "Wave." Then he takes the magazine from me and flips open to a page which has 2 short cuts on there and he says, "This one or this one." I pointed to the shaggier one.

The poor apprentice took my glasses and then just had to stand there and watch while the stylist cut, razored, and zoushed my hair around. Occasionally, the stylist would throw things around when he was done using them and then the apprentice would have to pick them up. It's a very interesting system. All in all, though, it was a GREAT HAIRCUT! I feel really cute now, and they took pictures, so I hope I make it onto the wall. They probably don't get that many foreigners coming in. ^^

I also wanted to related one of my favorite hair-cut reactions. It comes from Yoon-Jae, who works on the Refreshing Team at church. Yoon-Jae is Korean-Korean and sometimes asks the best questions. (Such as, so how do boys and girls start dating in your country?) (Sometimes he also brings me pictures from work...he's a surgeon, so usually the pictures involve the inside of someone's hand...) So I get to Ecclesia to help out before service and am down in the kitchen and Yoon-Jae looks at me and says "Whoa! What happened to your hair?!" And I'm like, "I got a haircut, Yoon-Jae." And then he says, "Did you get a perm?" "No, a haircut." He says, "It looks like you got some sort of chemical reaction on your head." Here, I just have to laugh. Koreans do not always realize how they sound to Americans. He finished with: "I thought you got a straightening perm." I don't really understand this, because my hair has been straight for quite some time...but I think in Yoon-Jae's world my haircut was equivalent to sticking my finger into a light socket. :)

Building Update: Jubilee's New Home

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!

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!

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!

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...

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.

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/