Another Exciting Week at YISS as RAT Ends!

The last week of February has come to an end and with it comes the end of our annual Read-A-Thon (RAT) at YISS.  The teachers and kids had a great time and this past week there were a number of activities to bring it to a close.  The kids are still waiting to hear the final count of minutes of their reading.  They are so eager (too eager as far as my face is concerned) to see if they have reached their goal to throw pies in the faces of the elementary principal and her two assistant principals!  That will be determined next week and then we will see what happens at the Wrap Up Assembly the following week!  The kids, of course, are very excited!

Wednesday was the final day of reading (to count for minutes read) and it was also Pajama and Pancake Day!  The kids love this day...as do the teachers!  They get to wear their pajamas to school, bring their favorite stuffed animal, and enjoy a yummy pancake and sausage breakfast for lunch!  I believe it is the only day that there is no Korean meal offered to the elementary students, and they do not mind.  They love the pancakes and sausage + the extra breakfast items at lunch on that day. Here are few pictures from that day!

The YISS PTO had prepared a Photo Booth for students and teachers to use.  Here I am with my face in the opening of the YISS mascot, The Guardian.  The kids had such fun!

                 Kinder cherubs in PJs at "lunch."

Some fourth grade girls in their PJs at "lunch."

I took this picture of James while he was  

raising his two fingers indicating he wanted

seconds on the pancake and sausage "lunch.

One of our first grade Teaching Assistants, Ms. Kathy Lee, in her PJs at lunch!

  Elementary Principal Mrs. Birmingham and me 

                              in our jammies! 

Here I am with one of my grade 5 buddies, Ryan! He was coming back with seconds.  He was wearing his hooded bathrobe over his jammies; wanted to stay warm! :-)

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I continue to work busily with Mrs. Williamson on Quarter Four After School Activities as well as keep things moving with Quarter Three activities.  Quarter Four hopes to offer several new activities for the students.  They have loved Speed Cup Stacking and that teacher, Ms. Buster, is planning to have an Advanced Speed Cup Stacking class as well as a Beginner Speed Cup Stacking class.  She is planning to have a new one for students in Grades 4 and 5 - Ultimate Frisbee!  I know the kids are going to love it.  One of our grade 1 Teaching Assistants, Ms. Kathy Lee, is planning to have two classes called 10 Artists Children Should Know.  Kathy's background is in art and the kids love her creativity. These two classes are going to be so good!  One staff member is planning to have an activity that involves fun with a Spelling Bee activity and competition.  I would value your prayers as we prepare to have everything ready for parents by March 20 - right before Spring Break.

I thought I would share a few pictures of some of the Quarter 3 activities.  Many of these photos were taken on Wednesday afternoon, the day of our PJ and Pancake Day so you will see kids involved in their activities while wearing their pajamas! :-)

Some of the children in Joy of Chinese Culture enjoy-

                 ing making Chinese firecrackers.

Some of the 4th and 5th grade students involved in Speed Cup Stacking.  Joshua on the right is practicing on the time mat to gain speed.

Some of the girls practicing their new skill!         

Another picture of some of the girls focusing intently on stacking their cups.

            Several more working with great focus!

Some of the boys working on picking up speed and accuracy!

The Arts & Crafts class after school is always a favorite

of children in Kindergarten through grade 3.  Here they 

are doing some painting!                 

This little lady is intent on painting her cat!

Two boys very focused and one seems to

be making an impression on the little girl

              with his artistic skill. :-)

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On Thursday morning I had scheduled appointments with six fourth grade cherubs.  They have been studying the calling of the prophet Elisha in their Bible class and how he completely left behind his old way of life to follow God.  They were comparing that to the passage in Luke 14, when Jesus calls His disciples and the crowd to count the cost before deciding  to follow Him.  Their assignment was to interview a follower of Christ today to discover the challenges and blessings that person has had in her/his walk with Jesus.  These six had chosen to interview me. They were to come up with some questions of their own and then meet with me to get my responses. I had such a delightful time with these six young people!  They had some great questions (some not very easy) and it was so much fun to see them writing down notes from the interview and asking follow-up questions.  What an exciting time we had!

Here I am with all six of the interviewers from Grade 4!  What a wonderful group of youngsters!

  Here are the three boys who interviewed me on Thursday in my

                  office.  We had a special time together!

After the three young men left, the three young ladies came in for  

another great interview. They had some excellent questions!       

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In addition to participating in three Chapels and the OASIS Assembly on Friday, I was invited to the Publishing Party for our Kindergarten (KB) class.  Ms. Han has been doing a great job in her first year at YISS and it was so much fun to go to her class in the afternoon to listen to her delightful cherubs read the books they had authored and illustrated!  So many parents came for this special event and I always love seeing them interact with their children!  Such a great time of fun and learning and encouragement!!  Enjoy some pictures form this special event!

One of the mothers brought her baby to listen to her daughter read;

            Ms. Weir also listening as another cherubs reads.

I am always so happy when Dads come to special events during the day.  Here is one listening to his little one and Ms. Han (the KB teacher) listening to another.

Oh, how I loved having Trinity read to me.  She had some great  

illustrations, too!! I love her smile!!                   

Ms. Han, Ms. Weir, and Ms. Buster took time to listen to some KB cherubs, too!

  Here I am with Jamie. He loved reading a couple

of his books to me. (He is a hard one to get to smile.)

Here I am with Luke.  On each of the children's books we were encouraged to place a post-it note of encouragement.  The kids love these. I like to print my comments and then ask the kids to read what I wrote.  They did a great job reading some words that I thought they would have trouble with.

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Then Friday evening I went to the Opening Night performance of our Drama Club's rendition of the musical, Mulan, Jr.  Our Drama and Speech teacher, Dr. Murdoch did a fantastic job of bringing some very talented middle school and high school students together for a fantastic performance of this Disney production.  I was so impressed with each one of them.  A new girl to our sixth grade really captured my attention.  She was a Chinese Grandmother in the musical and she was so outstanding!  I wish you could have witnessed the production.  I am sorry but because of all the restrictions on shows like this, I wasn't able to get any pictures. :-(  The only picture is the front of the program.  The picture isn't real clear.  The cast also performed at 2:00 and 7:00 on Saturday in the YISS auditorium.

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Saturday was a relaxing day!  I enjoyed my early morning coffee at Starbucks while working on my weekly post.  Then I did some walking, which I love!  I walked to my favorite bookstore in Itaewon, "What the Book?" to see my author friend, Darren Farrell.  He was there reading his new book (soon to be published) Stop Following Me, Moon!  Kids and parents enjoyed the time with Darren.  Our YISS kids really love him when he visits us at YISS.  There was another company there who is taking some of his illustrations and making them into fun art pieces for children to select their own colors for the piece and by just pressing on strips of paper, they can color the little wall hanging. More later on this.  I am hoping to meet with one of the owners of the company this coming week to see how all this works.  I know our YISS cherubs in Kinder through grade 2 would love these.

My friend, Darren Farrell, reading one of his books, Thank You Octopus! to children and parents at What the Book? bookstore on Saturday morning!

Some of those gathered on the carpet area in the What

              the Book? bookstore to hear Darren!

Darren preparing to read from his third book, Stop Following Me, Moon! - soon to be published.  Our kids in Grades K-2 were the first to hear him read this book and they loved it.  The kids at What the Book? loved it, too!

Some of the children watching and listening as    

Darren read his book to them.              

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After the Darren Farrell reading, I walked to get my haircut.  On the way I stopped for lunch to enjoy some of my favorite pizza in Korea.  Pizzarium makes a number of creative toppings for their pizza, but my favorite is Rucola Ranch!  I enjoyed mine with a side of pickles.  Since coming to Korea, I have learned to eat my pizza with pickles.  It seems that most Koreans have to have their pickles with their pizza. :-)  Actually not bad!

Oh, so yummy!!!!

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There is a magazine published mainly for foreigners each month simply called SEOUL!  I enjoy getting a copy at YISS each month for free and seeing special places to visit in South Korea.  It includes eating places to try, musicals, dramas, music concerts, etc.  On Friday at YISS the March edition of SEOUL was available.  On the inside cover was a full page advertisement for YISS. It had a really cool photo of our elementary principal's son, Blake!  Blake is now in Middle School and this photo was one that was not posed.  Our tech director found it in a collection of photos that staff members have taken candidly over the last year.  I am sure Blake will be giving many autographs!

Here is the inside cover of the March issue of SEOUL magazine showing my friend, Blake!

This is a picture of the cover of the March issue of SEOUL magazine.

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After a great worship service at New Harvest Ministry Sunday morning, I decided to stop and enjoy lunch at a small Korean restaurant near my home.  I enjoyed some very tasty Kimchi jjigae and Chamchi (Tuna) Kimbap!  Oh, it hit the spot especially on a chilly day!!  Sooo good!

You want some, don't you?  Oh, it was so yummy!  Come on over and enjoy some with me!

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It is hard to believe that today is March 1 and in less than three weeks Quarter Three will be history and teachers and students will be on Spring Break.  Our GWAM teams are in the final weeks of their preparations for various mission and service trips to about 7 or 8 destinations.  I know they would value your prayers.  You can also remember our elementary student-led parent conferences on Friday, March 6!  I always enjoy these times where the teachers have worked with students to lead the parent conferences.  It is so wonderful to see students using communication skills they have been learning to share their accomplishments and their progress.  Teachers are in the room for any questions students are having difficulty answering.

Thanks so much for your faithful encouragement, love, emails, notes, prayers, and support.  Please enjoy a great month of March!

Love, Gregg

Happy Seollal (Lunar New Year) from Seoul! Shortened, but Busy & Relaxing Week!

Yes, I wish each of you a wonderful Seollal from Seoul, South Korea!  "Seollal (Lunar New Year; January 1 of the lunar calendar) is one of the most celebrated national holidays in Korea. This year, Seollal falls on February 19 of the Gregorian calendar. More than just a holiday to mark the beginning of a new year, Seollal is truly a special occasion for Korean people. Not only is it a time for paying respect to ancestors, but it is also an opportunity to catch up with distant family members who travel home to get together for this special occasion. During Seollal, Koreans traditionally wear hanbok (traditional clothes), perform ancestral rites, play folk games, eat traditional foods, listen to stories, and catch up with one another. Read on to discover how Koreans celebrate Seollal." (from Korea Tourism Organization)

This is always a very special time when students and teachers at YISS have a shortened week and are able to refresh and relax.  Students had only a day and a half of school; teachers were working two days.  Everyone had off on Wednesday through Friday.  It is always a time when I get to catch up with some of my Korean friends from SYME days, read a lot, walk, and just enjoyment some refreshment.

Before getting into the Lunar New Year week activities, I wanted to share with you a poem that I received on Valentine's Day from my friends Douglas and Deborah Goshorn-Stenger.  Deborah has written poems fro many years and usually sends one to me.  This one arrived through regular old fashioned mail last Friday, the day before Valentine's Day.  I thought I would share it with you.  Take a look at Deborah's last question.  I try to ask that question to myself each day as I go to YISS.

Deborah's Living Love poem!

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Monday was a very busy day at YISS.  I was asked to present some gifts to the Chadwick family before they leave for Singapore.  The Chadwicks came to YISS when I did and the Dad, especially, has been very involved with volunteering for many projects sponsored by the PTO.  When parents, who have been very active at YISS, leave for another assignment, the PTO presents some gifts to them.  I was delighted to be the one who was selected to present the gifts to Mr. Chadwick on Monday morning in my office!  I was hoping to see Rob and his two boys one more time before they left and it was a great time of saying "Hasta la Vista" to a great family.

GGG presenting a couple special gifts from the PTO

     to the Chadwick family.  Mrs. Chadwick had to 

                   finish some packing at home.

The Elementary Secretary was taking the pictures and snapped this

one as Rob said, "Are you going to give your usual 'victory' sign in

the picture, Gregg?" I laughed and then said I would refrain, but as

I moved my 'victory' sign away from Conrad's shoulder, Mrs. Yoo

snapped the picture right when my 2 fingers gave Conrad donkey 

ears. Rob was laughing! :-)                         

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Monday was also the day the PTO displayed the students' calendar art projects for its 2015-16 School Calendar.  This year there were 88 submissions from Kindergarten through Grade 12.  On Monday in the new multipurpose room some teachers, administrators, and parents were asked to come and judge these 88 submissions on the theme: "Seoul, Where I Live!"  I was one of those who had this privilege.  It is always difficult!  Eventually the 88 will be narrowed down to 18-20 pieces that will be used in the 2015-16 School Calendar.  Here are some of the pieces that I really liked:

This is a picture of the tables that were set up in the  

multipurpose room with the 88 submissions ready for

judging on Monday!                      

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Tuesday was busy all day for me as I continued to work with Abby Williamson on Quarter Four After School Activities. We should have quite a collection of activities!  Now we just need to be able to find locations for each of them.  Thanks for your continued prayers as this After School program continues to grow with many exciting activities.

Wednesday began some delightful outings with former SYME students and great Korean friends. They continue to shower me with abundant love and care.  Wednesday I was so happy to meet with my dear friend, Ji Sang!  He asked me to meet him in Gangnam so that he could take me to lunch at Brick Oven of New York  Pizza!  Ji Sang loves Buffalo Wings with Ranch Dressing + pizza. It is always very interesting that he loves pizza with cheese on it but will NOT eat cheese alone, especially cheddar cheese. :-)  We had such a great time together!  Continue to pray for this dear young man as he seeks to serve God with his many gifts.

Ji Sang and GGG at the Brick Oven of New York in Gangnam on Wednesday!

Some of the Buffalo Wings with Ranch Dressing and

a spicy sauce!  Ji Sang ate most of these!  He LOVES

                                   them!  :-)

When our pizza arrived, Ji Sang was very happy!! :-)

Our Trio Pizza: Italian Sausage, Bacon, and Grilled Chicken!!!!  

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After lunch and coffee with Ji Sang, I came back to Itaewon and headed to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. This is the hotel where the President of the USA stays when in Seoul.  I had won a gift certificate at one of the raffles at a YISS Fun Fest and decided I would use it over Lunar New Year.  The certificate allowed me to stay one night in a beautiful room and enjoy a most yummy buffet breakfast in the morning! It was a great evening and morning of rest and refreshment.  No food pictures but I did get a picture of their winter lights on the trees outside the main entrance.

The Grand Hyatt Seoul - my home for one night! :-)

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I was scheduled to meet my awesome friend and former SYME student, Jungmin, on Saturday, but he texted me to ask if he could visit me in my apartment on Thursday.  His parents had prepared some delicious Korean food for Lunar New Year and wanted Jungmin to bring it to enjoy with me in my own apartment.  What a great time!  I have had some of the Kims' delicious food before and Thursday was no exception!  So tasty!  Although Jungmin and I cannot get together as often as we would like, we are able to continue our conversation so easily and naturally.  Please pray for Jungmin as he has been accepted at a position at POSCO Energy in Gangnam.  POSCO was a leading steel producer in Korea and is now expanding to include a Fuel Cell division.  Jungmin is excited about this area of using renewable energy sources to help in countries needing inexpensive energy sources.  He has a particular interest in expanding this to North Korea - especially if reunification happens.  He wants to be ready to move into North Korea to assist in having electricity that is affordable and won't be a drain on the economy.

In my Seobinggo apartment with Jungmin preparing to eat a very

                tasty Korean meal on Lunar New Year Day.

Jungmin putting the finishing touches on the yummy food his mother sent for us to enjoy!

A sample of the tasty food!!  There was more + a great

variety of fresh fruits.  Sorry, no pictures. :-(         

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On Friday I was scheduled to visit Yeongmin at his parents' home for a wonderful dinner, but his parents had a change in their plans which caused them to have to travel to relatives on Friday. However, Yeongmin met on Friday evening and we were finally able to see the movie Unbroken. I had told him about the book, Unbroken, and wanted him to see the movie.  After seeing the movie we went to K-Dining Restaurant, a Korean restaurant in Ichon where we enjoyed some excellent conversation and very tasty food.  Continue to pray for Yeongmin as he still asks questions about God and Jesus.  Pray as he begins a new position at SK Telecom on Monday.  He continues to impress his managers with his many gifts.

Yeongmin and GGG at the K-Dining restaurant in Ichon.

A very yummy Braised Fish over boiled radish and a 

                          delicious spicy sauce!

A platter of veggies with acorn jello with a vinegar dressing.

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Saturday was a day of reading, walking in the rain, writing, and cleaning.  All greatly enjoyed - even the cleaning. :-)  Just want to thank those of you who read my posts and for your encouragement, love, prayers, notes, cards, emails, and support.  I hope you enjoy a wonderful week!

Love, Gregg