Nobody worry, we are still here. I am sorry that I have been remiss in updating as I should, but I think the “honeymoon” stage of our acclimation period is on hold for awhile as we settle into the last few busy weeks of school. I think one of the teachers said we have about 19 days left in the semester. Sometimes it feels as if we have been here always, while other times I am still the lost sojourner at Inchon Airport. Life is full of surprises and living here is no different.
While I have little news, I will say that Charity and I are signing up for Hangul (Korean script) classes for the summer and while we are excited about formalized teaching, I can say that it is a most frustrating language for my English tongue to learn. I never really truly empathized with the missionaries attempting to learn a new language in adulthood till now. While my need to learn the language is not an absolute necessity, it would be wonderful to walk into a business, restaurant or even church on Sunday and have even simple conversations with the wonderfully kind local people.
Something that I just noticed recently, as not knowing Korean is much akin to a language cocoon, by trying to use Korean, they assume that I know waaaay more then I can actually say. I can simple say in my best pronunciation “한국어 조금 이해하다” which, as near as I can make out, means “I understand Korean a little” (literally though it is “Korean little understand).” Then they shoot down another lengthy list of Korean words as I repeat over and over again that I don’t know Korean in Korean. I then have to finally say “I don’t understand” in English and that usually ends the matter.
What is worse, some Korean words pop into my head at the wrong time and the right ones won’t come, no matter how hard I think. It is very awkward to say thank you when you should be saying hello…
A couple of quick items and then I will have to touch in with you all again later. First, I was asked and had the privilege of leading Bible Study last Sunday. It is a little daunting to be opening the Bible in front of the local body as I have not really done this before and because many in the local body have very strong faith and knowledge of the Bible already. My plea for prayer comes on two fronts. First, that I would not be the center of the teaching time and Christ would take preeminence. Second, that I would have enough time and diligence to properly prepare.
Second, this week has been insane! With the absence of one of the teachers this week, Charity and I have been picking up the other classes and while I initially thought it would be no big deal, it has been quite hectic!
All that to say that we are still here and I know I have been remiss in my posting, but I will try to get back to it shortly…
Until next time,
More to come…
