First, I had a fun experience after church last Sunday. Following the worship service and then the small group time, I went to one of my favorite restaurants, Puffin! It is very close to the main gate of Camp Humphreys where there is a special street for lots of restaurants as well as a variety of various shops. After lunch at Puffin, I went walking on this street and found the place that Tony and Sue Kuhn told me about. Sue gets hers nails done at the shop, but they feature "Doctor Fish" - very small fish that delight in eating the dead and dry skin from a person's feet! I walked by the shop and saw the large aquarium-type container with these Doctor Fish swimming around. I went past it and then decided to come back and try the fish! :-) It was a delightful experience. After cleaning my feet, I was told to place them in the tank. Immediately my feet and ankles were attacked by these tiny fish! It was a very strange sensation and for 10 minutes I sat and enjoyed having these Doctor Fish chew on my feet! I think I will return! :-)
Here I am last Sunday afternoon with my new friends, the Doctor Fish! They appear to find my left foot tastier than my right foot! :-)
A closer view of the Doctor Fish happily at work!
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Monday was a busy day for all of us at ICS-P as we had many reports to complete for the NICS Home Office as well as prepare for the NICS Fall Directors' Conference in Singapore that will begin on September 19. After a busy day, students departed. I had received some text messages from my dear friend from SYME days, Gunmo Kim. He was going to be near Pyeongtaek at a couple of the Korean schools that use the Grapeseed English Curriculum. I was very happy that he would be in the area. Gunmo said he would plan to stop by the school around 4:30. He came and I was very happy to give him a tour of the facilities at ICS-P. Then we went to a Thai restaurant that I enjoy and we had a fantastic time of fellowship and yummy Thai food. I was also able to show Gunmo my new apartment. Before he left, he installed a "Taxi App" on my phone so that I could type in my location and then my destination. A taxi driver would respond and inform you about how long it would take them to get to your location. Then you only pay for the cost from your location to the departure location. It already proved to be a great addition on Thursday when I needed to get to the Pyeongtaek Train Station to head to Seoul. Within five minutes of my text through the Taxi App, a taxi driver appeared at my front door!
My dear friend, Gunmo, and I at the Thai Restaurant on Monday evening! What a great time!
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Shortly after Gunmo left my apartment on Tuesday evening, I was sitting at my kitchen counter reading, Suddenly there was some rumbling and then swaying and shaking. This was so unusual for this apartment. Of all four apartments I have lived in while in Korea, this current one is the most soundproof of all of them. I knew something was wrong. On facebook, others in the area were posting about a mini-earthquake that they experienced in our area as well as in Seoul. I had experienced an earthquake. It was about 5.3 and lasted a very short time. As far as I know there were no deaths, but some damage to roads and buildings in a nearby town. This was my second time experiencing a mini-earthquake. So grateful that I am safe! I don't wish to experience another!
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Tuesday at ICS-P was a day the elementary school designated as Hanbok and Korean Sports' uniforms or T-shirts' day. It was so fun to see the cherubs in their Hanboks and sports gear! Here are a few pictures of the fun day in honor of Chuseok!
On Tuesday, the kindergarten cherubs and their teacher, Mrs. Cho, and Teaching Assistant, Mrs. Han, surprised me with a visit to my office to show off their Hanboks and sports outfits!
Two brothers in their sports' outfits!
A beautiful girl modeling her Hanbok!
A group of Grade 1 students with their Korean outfits in front of the World Map!
One of our teachers, Mr. Greener, and his
daughter in their Hanboks!
Grade 2 teacher, Ms. Dather, with some of our elementary cherubs!
Some of our elementary "fighting" boys!
These two grandparents brought their three grandchildren to school on this special Hanbok day!
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I was able to also enjoy High School Chapel on Tuesday. It is held in our new gymnasium and it was a great time of hearing them worship in song and then hear from our HS Principal, Mr. Mooney, concerning God's will. Here are a couple pictures of the students and teachers with the music worship team. You will notice in the photos that there were some items all set up in the one half of the gym. I arrive late so I did not get to see what this activity was ll about. It was great to experience HS Chapel!
High School Chapel with activity stations set up for some activities prior to the main time.
Mr. and Mrs. Hannings, Ms. Kim, and Ms. Gaul leading the music worship time!
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One of the parents gave me a Chuseok gift of Honey Red Ginseng. I decided to share the little packets of Ginseng with some of the office staff. As is usually the case, I was informed by the Koreans that this is expensive but very good for a person's health! I then tried one and didn't find it to be something that tasted too bad. However, the Office Staff seemed a bit reluctant to eat a piece in front of me. Finally, after telling them that they had just told me it was good for their health, they took a piece. Two of the staff were captured on my phone camera below. You can make your own decision as to the taste of Honey Red Ginseng - even though it is supposedly good for your health! :-)
Mrs. Tia, one of the office staff looking at the
Honey Red Ginseng not too endearingly!
Mrs. Tia's expression after the first bite of the "good for your health" Ginseng! :-)
Mrs. Lee, also one of our office staff, appears to be
happy about trying some of the Honey Red Ginseng!
After her first taste, Mrs. Lee has a different expression! :-)
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Wednesday I enjoyed breakfast at McDonald's in Pyeongtaek with my friend and pastor of Dae Kwang Church, Mike Nicholes. Mike wanted to get together to share about the vision for the church and how I could be involved + have a time of prayer. Because of Chuseok, we had to settle on McDonalds since most establishments were closed or would not open until much later than we met at 8:00 AM. We had a great time, but the food was typical fast food McDonalds! :-) No picture since most of you know what that food looks like. :-)
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Thursday I traveled to meet my dear friend, Yeongmin Baek and his parents in their new apartment. Ever since meeting Yeongmin at SYME back in 2010, Yeongmin and his parents always invite me to their home for a Chuseok feast! I believe this was my sixth Chuseok with the Baeks. Mr. and Mrs. Baek are great cooks and they know that I love the food they prepare for Chuseok. We always have a lot of fun, laughter, great conversation, and of course, delicious food! I would ask that you continue to pray for this wonderful family. They are not believers but keep wanting me to come and enjoy times together and continue to ask questions.
Mr. and Mrs. Baek, Yeongmin, and GGG after dinner in the living room of the Baek's new apartment!
Above is the Chuseok Feast that I was able to enjoy!! Oh, soooooo good!!
Some dessert: Asian pears, apples, and traditional Korean snacks!
This is Songpyeon, traditional Korean rice cakes. These were
homemade by the Baeks. Yeongmin said that his niece also helped!
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Thursday night I decided to stay over in Itaewon at the IP Boutique hotel, which had a special rate for a room over Chuseok. I had a great rest and then woke up to do some reading and then some walking in Itaewon. I was to meet my wonderful friend, Jungmin. I was really excited about seeing Jungmin. I originally was to also meet another wonderful friend from SYME days, JiSang, but he had contacted me the day before to let me know that some of his relatives had decided to come visit over Chuseok at the last minute and he would need to be with them
I was to meet Jungmin at Itaewon Station Exit #1 at 12:00 Noon. I was there a bit early and was waiting for Jungmin when suddenly coming up the stairs at Exit #1 was Jay Chae, another wonderful friend from SYME days. Jay Chae wanted to meet with me before he went to Officers' Training School for the Marine Corps in South Korea. You can pray for him as he begins this training on Monday. Both Jay and I were surprised since we didn't think we would be able to meet. Jay was coming to meet his friend from Liberty University studies. His friend was a little late and so was Jungmin! :-) Jay Chae and I chatted for a few minutes and then Jungmin arrived. Jungmin was surprised to see Jay so we had a wonderful time together until Jay's friend showed up.
Here I am with two very dear friends, Jay Chae and Jungmin Kim, at Exit #1 at Itaewon Station!
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Jungmin and I decided to go walking to find an eating establishment. We came across one that was open and one that neither of us had experienced. It is a restaurant called Braai Republic: South African Restaurant and Pub. We went in and enjoyed a very delicious and filling dinner! It was so good to see Jungmin once again. We always have such excellent and stimulating conversations. Friday was no exception! Following our excellent meal, Jungmin suggested going for coffee. I suggested going to Sweet East since they have Pumpkin Spice Latte all year long and Starbucks in Korea never has Pumpkin Spice Latte! We went there and the owner, Mrs. Park, was very excited to see me. I had not been back to Sweet East since I left YISS back in June. I know Jungmin would appreciate your prayers as he continues to work at his position in Gangnam. He is very busy working on preparing documents for a big project the company is working on. He also lives in a VERY small apartment, but never complains. Jungmin continues to go back to his home in Paju-sipastor.
Jungmin and GGG following our very delicious meal at Braai Republic South African Restaurant & Pub
Our Meat Platter: Lamb Chops (3), Pork Banger (1), Boerewors-
South African Sausage (1) with Garlic Potatoes, Salad, and Slaw!
Our South African Chicken Meat Pie with Gravy!
Yummy insides of the Chicken Meat Pie!!
Jungmin and GGG at Sweet East for some after-dinner coffee!
The owner of Sweet East, Mrs. Park, was so happy to see me again!
Here I am with the new manager of Sweet East, Joe!
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At our worship service on Sunday at Exciting Dae Kwang Church, we had a brand new family + another young Korean-American man visit the church. They seemed very happy with their time at our church and I am praying they will continue to come. The family is a family I met at ICS-Pyeongtaek about three weeks ago. They came to ICS-P because they did not want to send their children to the Camp Humphreys' DOD school. They also wanted a Christian school that emphasizes the importance of character and not just academics. I have really enjoyed meeting Captain Brandon Harris, his wife, Joy, and their four children! The two oldest in the family are enrolled at ICS-P in Grade 4 and Grade 2. Brandon is with the US Army and is very excited about getting involved at ICS-P as well as a good local church. Thank you for praying for this delightful new family. (Pictures will come later of the Harris family.)
During our welcome time, I noticed a new young man in the last row of our small church. I went back to introduce myself and we hit it off almost immediately. His name is Tommy Seo. He grew up in California and recently came back to Korea to teach English. He began telling me a little bit about his background. He married a young Korean lady about four years ago and they have a little girl who is three years old. Mother and daughter had gone to the Korean service, but Tommy wanted to be at the English-speaking service. I really enjoyed chatting with him and after our service and fellowship time, Tommy took me to the Korean service to meet his lovely wife and beautiful daughter. I was only able to get a picture of Tommy today, but we are planning to begin meeting regularly. Thanks for your prayers for Tommy. He is only 26 years old (very young for Koreans to be married and have a child) and I know he would value your prayers.
I will close this week asking you to pray for me as I prepare to leave on Monday morning for the NICS Fall Conference for Directors and Business Managers from a number of the NICS international schools located in Asia. The conference is being held at the NICS school in Singapore, the International Community School of Singapore. I have the opportunity of sharing with a fourth grade class of students during the week. Your prayers as I travel back and forth + for all of those back at ICS-Pyeongtaek as they teacher and administer.
During our welcome time, I noticed a new young man in the last row of our small church. I went back to introduce myself and we hit it off almost immediately. His name is Tommy Seo. He grew up in California and recently came back to Korea to teach English. He began telling me a little bit about his background. He married a young Korean lady about four years ago and they have a little girl who is three years old. Mother and daughter had gone to the Korean service, but Tommy wanted to be at the English-speaking service. I really enjoyed chatting with him and after our service and fellowship time, Tommy took me to the Korean service to meet his lovely wife and beautiful daughter. I was only able to get a picture of Tommy today, but we are planning to begin meeting regularly. Thanks for your prayers for Tommy. He is only 26 years old (very young for Koreans to be married and have a child) and I know he would value your prayers.
Tommy and I during our fellowship time following our worship service.
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I will close this week asking you to pray for me as I prepare to leave on Monday morning for the NICS Fall Conference for Directors and Business Managers from a number of the NICS international schools located in Asia. The conference is being held at the NICS school in Singapore, the International Community School of Singapore. I have the opportunity of sharing with a fourth grade class of students during the week. Your prayers as I travel back and forth + for all of those back at ICS-Pyeongtaek as they teacher and administer.
Thank you very much for your faithful love, care, encouragement, emails, regular mail, prayers, and support! You are such a fantastic encouragement to me. It is hard to believe that we are in the last half of September already. The weather is starting to get a little cooler for which I am grateful. Enjoy your week!
Love,
Gregg
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