Happy February!! Warmer Week, but Things are Getting Busier!

Most of us thought we were experiencing a heat wave last week! :-)  Temperatures were between -1 and 7 degrees Celsius rather than -19 to -7 degrees which we had experienced the week before!  Kids and teachers were delighted that we did not have any indoor recess this past week!

It was a very busy week, and it is going to continue to be busy in February!  By the way, Happy February to you - 29 days this February!  Enjoy!

One of the frequent happenings at an international school - especially here in Seoul - is that parents are here for several years (we always love it when they can stay longer) and then their country or business will give them a new assignment in another city and country.  Two precious little girls had to leave this past week.  Neomi and Leona are being relocated and their mother made a point to invite me to the class party where the girls would be able to say "hasta la vista" to their classmates and teachers.  The girls wanted Mother to specifically invite Mr. Garman to come and write in their "Friendship Book" and enjoy some cake and get some hugs!  Both girls will be missed!  They always had a nice smile for me.  I got to know them and their mother because of meeting them many days after school when Mother came to pick them up after finishing their After School Activity.  Please pray for this family as they relocate.

          GGG with Leona and Mrs. Miller, grade 1B teacher.

GGG with Neomi and her mother at the party!

Neomi with some of her classmates and a mother 

getting ready to enjoy some cake at the party!   

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And yes, After School Activities began in full force this past week.  Over 350 of our 460 Elementary cherubs are involved in an activity or two (some three or four) this quarter.  Thanks for praying for the ASA program - especially for next year.  I was informed this week of the staff member on YISS staff who will probably be taking over this major responsibility.  He and I met on Friday so that I could begin sharing with him all that needs to happen to make the program run as smoothly as possible.  After an hour, I had to leave to begin dismissal procedures for the Elementary School.  He left my office looking very overwhelmed. Please pray as these transition meetings continue.

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Tuesday I was asked by our Elementary Chaplain, Ms. Johnson, to be part of a skit in Elementary Chapel.  I was John the Baptist in "An Interview with John the Baptist."  I enjoyed being part of this lesson and for the remainder of the day, I was greeted by the cherubs with "Hello John" or "Hi, Mr. Baptist Man." :-)  You will notice from the pictures that I refused to wear my animal skin costume.  Didn't want to frighten the children with my hairy chest, etc.  I couldn't locate any locusts or some Korean silkworm larvae to eat. :-)

Ms. Johnson and "John with a Locust" in Chapel.

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Tuesday was also the special day for Kindergarten!  It was the 100th Day of Kindergarten!  This is always a major celebration for them with many activities all centered around the number "100."  The kindergarten teachers, Ms. Regnier, Ms. Han, and Mrs. Bongiovanni, did a great job with the assistance of a number of parent volunteers in organizing some very successful fun learning 100th Day activities.  Ms. Regnier asked me once again to read a book to the kids about the 100th Day.  I always have a fun time with this.

GGG reading the 100th Day story to the Kinder cherubs on the 100th Day of Kindergarten!

The Kindergarten cherubs in the lobby of YISS.  They have their 100 Day Hats on and many were afraid to look up to the second floor where I was taking the picture.  Their hats kept falling off when they looked up! :-)

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On the other days I continued to be busy working on After School Activities' projects as well as assisting in interviewing for some elementary teaching positions that are open at YISS for 2016-17. In addition, I was assisting with two interviews for two positions at the International Christian School - Pyeongtaek for next year.

Then on Friday was the PTO's Newcomers' Coffee in the morning!  This is an event the YISS PTO plans at the beginning of each semester for new parents who have enrolled at YISS.  I always enjoy these special times of meeting the new parents and getting to know them a little.   Friday's group was not as large as the one in August so I was able to get to know more of the parents.  Always a great time!

Some of the PTO members mingling with the new parents to YISS at the Newcomers' Coffee.

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I have a particular prayer request for one of our Physical Education teachers.  The teacher has confided in me to pray so I will not share the name of the teacher.  God knows the teacher and will hear your prayers.  This teacher has been having some dizziness and nausea.  Last week the teacher had a CT scan and an MRI + the neurologist had the teacher wired so that the specialist could check out the heart rate of the teacher for one day of normal activities.  The teacher was to find out more results this weekend.  The neurologist said initially that the cerebellum was affected and there was a "shady image in the cerebellum that indicated a lack of blood fluid in that region."  Would you please for this person as the results are shared this weekend?  Thank you!

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Friday afternoon I received a text message from my new Chinese friend, Lu Chuan Qing, who is studying at Namseoul University in Cheonan.  I met Chuan back at the end of November when I was taking the subway on Line 1 to Pyeongtaek.  I didn't get off at the right stop for a transfer and as everyone was getting off the subway car, I was looking very bewildered and Chuan came along beside me and in his broken English, he said he knew where I was going and he would make sure I got on the right subway.  We started talking and then met in Seoul when he came up for an orthodontist visit.  This past Friday Chuan was coming to Seoul again to see the orthodontist before he flew to China on Saturday for a Lunar New Year break.  He wanted to meet if possible.  We met at a Thai restaurant, Wang Thai, in Itaewon and had another wonderful conversation.  He is excited about seeing his parents and his girlfriend back in China.  Please continue to pray that I will have continued opportunities to meet with Chuan and continue to share about the Lord. 

GGG with Li Chuan Qing at Wang Thai on Friday evening!

           Chuan wanted the Thai Chicken and Crab

                              Fried Rice!

                               

      I love the Thai Red Curry and Chicken!!!!           

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My wonderful friend and former SYME student, Yeongmin, has been very busy and our schedules have been so busy, it has been difficult to get together and chat.  He texted me and invited me to one of the many Strawberry Buffets that many hotels in Seoul have for about three months to celebrate the wonderful strawberries that Korea produces.  Our schedules were both open and he was able to get a reservation at the Seoul InterContinental Hotel COEX at the very large COEX Mall in Seoul! What a fabulous time at a very scrumptious buffet which included strawberries prepared very creatively!  The afternoon buffet was packed with strawberry taste treats as well as a salads and mini-sandwiches. Yeongmin and I enjoyed many trips to the buffet and neither of us ate any dinner later that evening!  As usual, we enjoyed some excellent conversation as well as some very delicious strawberry treats!

Waiting to go to the Buffet.  Our reservation was for 2:45.

GGG and Yeongmin enjoying some great conversation and many trips to the Buffet!

       The Chef presenting me with my personal

              Strawberry Flambe.  So delicious!

Chocolate covered strawberries!!  Soooo good!!  

The Macaroon Tree with many other strawberry treats underneath and beside.

             Strawberry Bread Pudding!  Loved this!

Yes, even Strawberry Pizza!

More things strawberry!                     

Strawberry Cheescake!  You will have to check out my Facebook page if you wish to be tortured more.

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This week I am going to close by asking you to continue to pray for me as I continue to work to finish well at YISS and continue to work on transition things for the new position as Director at ICS-Pyeongtaek.  In February, I will travel to the international headquarters of NICS (Network of International Christian Schools) in Southaven, Mississippi for two conferences.  One of them will be the New Directors' Training.  This is training for all new directors to NICS.  Combined with this is the ALC (Annual Leadership Conference).  This is for the directors and some other key leaders at the various NICS' schools.  During this conference, there is also a Job Fair at one of the large churches in the area.  Mr. Charlie Mooney, one of principals from ICS-P, will be coming from ICS-P to join me to represent ICS-P at the conference.  Charlie will be handling most of the presentations concerning ICS-P and I will be observing and learning!  Your prayers will be appreciated as I travel and participate.  I leave on Saturday, February 13, and will return to Seoul and YISS on February 28. Please pray that I will be able to get all of my responsibilities covered at YISS for this time when I am away.

Thank you so much for your continued love, care, encouragement, prayers, and support.  I really appreciate all you do for me.  Enjoy a great month of February!

Love,  Gregg

"Baby, It's Cold Outside!"

Yeppers, it was a cold one this past week.  The weekend was even colder.  Temperatures on Saturday and Sunday hit a low of -18 degrees Celsius (around 0 degrees Fahrenheit)!  And the wind made it feel even colder!  Throughout the week at YISS, students were only able to go outside for recess on Monday.  As you can imagine, teachers were ready for the weekend!  According to the weather forecast, it might reach freezing by Friday.

Here is a beautiful picture of Seoul.  Someone shared it (not sure who), but I really like it.  I wish my photography skills were so good!  Just thought I would share a photo of the city I have been calling home for a few years!

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With the bitter cold came a very busy week at YISS.  The new technology grading program continued to have a few bugs especially with the high school and middle school grade reports for Quarter 2.  Grades were to be emailed to parents on Monday, but the program was still not functioning properly.  Finally, on Friday, the elementary school was able to email grade reports to parents.  Please pray that they will be able to find the problems with high school and middle school grading programs so that Quarter Two grades can be emailed to parents.

After School Activities began with the swimming activities and one of the Elementary Basketball activities for boys in grades 4 and 5.  All of the remaining 26 activities will begin this next week. Please pray that all will go smoothly for the next several weeks.  I will be heading to the USA to the NICS Home Office on February 13 for the New Directors' Training as well as the Annual Leadership Conference for school Directors and some of the principals.  I am looking forward to this time as I meet the other Directors from other NICS' International Schools throughout the world.  I will be having New Directors' Training with one other gentleman who will be the new director for the NICS school in Uijeongbu, South Korea.  I know that I should be able to leave YISS and not worry about the ASA program and other responsibilities, but I still get nervous and worry.  I have a great group of people at YISS who have been so encouraging to me as I prepare for this next position at ICS-P (International Christian School of Pyeongtaek).

This week's post will be rather short for me, but there is much to do and I this past week was mainly working on getting things ready for the Quarter Three ASA program and preparing grades, interviewing prospective teachers for YISS, as well as giving input on some possible teachers at ICS-P, and working through lots of questions I have for the current director at ICS-P.  Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

On Saturday, my wonderful friends, Tony and Sue Kuhn, came up from ICS-P to have brunch with me at the Original Pancake House in Itaewon.  What a great time we had!  They were very helpful in answering many of my questions and giving me a flavor of the community of staff and families at ICS-P.  We spent about four hours sharing and discussing as well as enjoying a most delicious breakfast at this wonderful new restaurant in Itaewon!

Here I am with Tony and Sue at the Original Pancake House in Itaewon preparing to enjoy our very tasty brunches!

I enjoyed Eggs and Sausage Links with three pancakes

 and some delicious strawberries and bananas - which 

                                    we shared!

Sue enjoyed one of the Hash and Eggs dishes along with three pancakes!

Tony loved the Salami Hash with Potato Pancakes and 

sausage links.                               

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Some busy times are ahead of me as I continue to work at YISS in order to finish well and, at the same time, begin to prepare for the new position at ICS-P.  I already have been communicating with Mr. Bob Newman,  the current Director at ICS-P, concerning a number of issues and am working on a lot of reading material, including handbooks for parents, students, and staff at ICS-P.  Bob has already arranged a date for me to come down to Pyeongtaek to introduce me to the parents.  That meeting is scheduled for March 11.  Thanks for praying about that.  Then I will be taking two more personal days to go down for the accreditation visit on April 13 and 14.  Bob thought it would be good for me to hear the final comments of the Accreditation Team so that I would be ready to go when I arrived.  Lots happening and I would value your prayers.

Thanks so much for your love, care, encouragement, notes, emails, packages, prayers, and support. Many of you back in the States are experiencing some heavy snow this weekend.  We have the bitter cold weather, but no snow.  Please be careful.  Please also pray that we will be able to have some warmer temperatures so our cherubs will be able to get outside for some physical activity this coming week.

Love,  Gregg

"If we don't come apart; we will come apart!"

The title of my post this week is a quote from Vance Havner!  I needed to hear this over this Christmas Break.  I was working many days during the Break and when I read this, I knew I needed to get alone and reflect and spend time with the Lord.  One of the Teaching Assistants at YISS told me about this special place where she goes to get alone and reflect.  It is called "November Ocean Stay" and is located on the eastern shore of South Korea.  I was able to reserve a beautiful room at November Ocean Stay for two nights and three days.  It as a beautiful spot right off the East Sea in Jumunjin.  I was so happy to learn of this special spot.  I went and spent a lot of time walking the beach, enjoying the pounding of the waves against the rock formations and the beach, spending time reading and praying, and just enjoying reflecting on the greatness of God and the beauty He has created.

It was during this time that I began reading a little book my dear friends, Deborah and Douglas gave me for Christmas.  It is entitled Faith's Checkbook, a devotional written by Charles H. Spurgeon with promises of God to His children.  I arrived at November Ocean Stay on January 4.  I had made the decision to accept the offer of being the Director at International Christian School - Pyeongtaek right before Christmas and was starting to worry about all that would need to be done.  Was I really able to do this at 66+ years of age?  What have I done?  I just don't have the strength or ability to do this.  On the bus ride to Jumunjin, all of these questions and doubts kept going through my head.  Very early Tuesday morning, I took my first walk on the beach, I took Spurgeon's book on the walk and sat down on the beach and read his entry for Tuesday, January 5.  Here is part of the entry which was just what I needed:

A Wonderful Guarantee

"I will strengthen you."  - Isaiah 41:10

"When called to serve or to suffer, we take stock of our strength, and find it to be less than we thought, and less than we need.  But let not our heart sink while we have such a word as this to fall back upon.  God has strength omnipotent, and His promise is that He will give it to us.  There is no telling how much power God can put into a man.  When divine strength comes, human weakness is no more a hindrance."

There is more, but Spurgeon concludes January 5 with this: "My own weakness makes me shrink, but God's promise makes me brave."

Then on Wednesday morning, January 6, I went out for another sunrise walk on the beach and took Spurgeon's book and my Bible along.  Again, I sat down and this is what I read from Faith's Checkbook for January 6:

Help from Without

"Yes, I will help you."   - Isaiah 41:10

"Yesterday's promise secured us strength for what we have to do, but this guarantees us aid in cases where we cannot act alone.  The Lord says, 'I will help you.'  God can raise us up allies in our warfare, but even if He does not send us human assistance, He Himself will be at our side, and this is better still.

His help is timely, His help is very wise, His help is effectual, His help is more than help, for He bears all the burden and supplies in all the need.

Because He has already been our help, we feel confidence in Him for the present and the future.  Our prayer is, 'Lord, be my helper;' our experience is, 'The Spirit helps in our weaknesses;' our expectation is, 'I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from where my help comes;' and our song soon will be, 'You, Lord, have helped me.' "

Just what I needed to be reminded of!  I continued a beautiful time of reflection and refreshment at November Ocean Stay as I looked forward to what lies ahead as I prepare to serve Him at ICS-Pyeongtaek!  Thank you for continuing to pray as I prepare for this next time of ministry.

Here are some pictures from my delightful time at November Ocean Stay.  Enjoy!

Main building of the very quaint and beautiful "November Ocean Stay!"

Tuesday morning sunrise captured on my early morning walk!

My new friend, Min Seock, who is the General Manager of November Ocean Stay!  We had some great conversations and he was very interested in my beliefs and how I deal with loneliness.  A wonderful young man who goes out of his way to make all guests feel so welcomed!

          The view of the East Sea from my bedroom window!

A selfie from the Tower looking out to the East Sea!            

One of the wonderful rock formations I saw on my morning walks along the beach!

Enjoying some coffee and cheesecake at Cafe' Brazil!

Wednesday morning sunrise from my bedroom window - after my morning walk!

             Breakfast by the fireplace at November Ocean Stay!

One of my breakfasts at November Ocean Stay!!                

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On Wednesday evening, I returned to my apartment after the refreshing stay at November Ocean Stay.  I went into YISS on Thursday and Friday to do some final work on the Quarter Three After School Activities program, write some teacher evaluations, and proofread Quarter Two Comments for the eight classes I am assigned.  When I arrived on Thursday at school, I went to the Teachers' Room to check on mail I may have received and found some Christmas cards and a special package from my dear friends, Dale and Donna Ingram from Mystic, CT.  They had sent the original portrait that their son, Julian, had drawn of me about 3 months ago.  Julian is so gifted and he had created a great portrait of me from four photos I emailed to him.  I have been using it as my Facebook profile picture and was hoping some day to purchase the original.  Dale and Donna sent a really special note with the original of the portrait indicating that an anonymous donor had purchased the portrait for me and placed it in a frame.  I love it!  This is a wonderful treasure and a daily prayer reminder to pray for Julian and thank the Lord for his gifts and talents and how he is using them for God!

This is the original portrait that Julian Caleb Ingram did of me.  Dale and Donna sent this framed original to me and I am trying to determine the best location to put it.

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On Friday evening, I had a special dinner with a new friend I made when I was traveling to Pyeongtaek to visit some of the staff at International Christian School - Pyeongtaek.  I took the subway, Line #1, and it can be confusing at three different points.  I was traveling alone and thought I had it all worked out, but found out that at the final spot of the three points, I was taken on a detour. Everyone was getting out of the train and I had no idea where I was.  I just knew this was not my stop!  A young Chinese student saw my frustration and told me he would get me to the right stop. We introduced ourselves and had a delightful conversation.  His name is Li Chuan Qing and he s studying English at Namseoul University in Cheonan.  He made sure I made all of my connections! We exchanged contact information.  Chuan Qing said he would be in touch when he came up to Seoul to go to the "tooth doctor." :-)  He called me and said he would be coming up on Friday.  I was free so after some work at YISS, I met Chuan Qing in Itaewon and he said he had never had Mexican food.  So we went Los Amigos.  He absolutely loved the food and had a great experience.  He wants to continue to meet with me as often as he can.  We had some excellent conversation.  He was asking me about my beliefs and what I did.  He could not believe it when I told him I was 66 years old.  He said my parents don't look as young as you and are not as active and joyful as you, and they are only 52 years old.  Please pray for Li Chuan Qing as you think of him.  I am excited to see what will happen in his life.

This is Li Chuan Qing, my new Chinese friend, about to enjoy his Baja Burrito at Los Amigos.  He thought it was very, very, very, very good!  What a kind and caring young man!

After our meal, Chuan Qing wanted a photo with the server, and my friend, August, and me.  Chuan Qing really enjoyed meeting August and said he loves the humor of both August and me.  Thanks for praying for him!

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Saturday was the day I scheduled to meet with my dear friend from SYME days, Jin Seok and his bride-to-be, Eun Sun.  They came to Itaewon and because they were very late, Jin Seok said that they would go wherever I wanted to go.  I told them about a new favorite place that Ji Sang liked - The Original Pancake House in Itaewon.  I told them about the bacon and sausage and they immediately said, "Let's go."  They LOVED the food and we had a fantastic time together.  I was able to get to know Eun Sun a little bit more and prepare for my part in the wedding ceremony on January 16.  Jin Seok also told me that he would be seeking a new job because he wants to be with Eun Sun more than just on weekends.  She is the important person in his life right now!  Pray for Jin Seok and Eun Sun as they begin their lives together as one and serve Him together.  They both are getting very involved in their church with the youth as well.  Pray that Jin Seok will be able to find a good job near the apartment where they will be living, which is near their church in Incheon.  I know they would appreciate it.

GGG with the very happy love couple, Eun Sun and Jin Seok preparing to enjoy our brunches!  Everyone enjoyed the meals and our great time of laughter and conversation.  Thanks for praying for these two special people!

This is Jin Seok's choice!!  (Actually, he gave me the

                          whipped cream!!) :-)

Eun Sun enjoyed some pancakes and Jalapeno Potato and Bacon Hash!  Very spicy and very good!

I enjoyed the sausage, eggs, and pancakes with some 

delicious fresh strawberries and bananas!         

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Last Saturday I took Ji Sang to the Original Pancake House also.  You may not have seen the pictures on Facebook so I thought I would share a couple here.  Ji Sang LOVES the Original Pancake House and wants to have one right beside his apartment!  I know he would value your prayers as well as he does a lot of thinking on what God wants him to be doing down the road.

This was Ji Sang's very happy look when he saw the amazing bacon with the eggs and pancakes!  He wanted to take extra bacon home with him!

Here I am with Ji Sang enjoying some great conversation and preparing to dig into our tasty breakfasts!

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Thanks so much for all of your love, cards, notes, emails, prayers, and support over this past Christmas season.  You are very special to me and I trust you will enjoy a very meaningful 2106!!

Love, Gregg