Last night, a rather unlikely thing happened. I was making my way out of the bookstore, minding my own business, probably in the midst of some internal warfare over whether to buy a Charles Dickens classic or to save my money, when I heard someone shout my name in an alarming tone. Jolted, I looked up in anticipation of having to dodge death and realized quickly that I was on a collision course with Kevin (the guy I met at my church in Kingston but who lives in Seoul). 
I'm not sure who recoiled more at the shock of this improvised meeting, perhaps Kevin, because as I recall, he was clutching his chest. Regardless, it was odd. Perhaps this sounds a little melodramatic, and maybe it is, but almost 'literally' running into someone you know in a foreign country is unarguably odd and providential. The odds have to be nearly improbable when you ponder it (I didn't even know he was in Korea when I came here - imagine I didn't know he was here and I ran into him, that would've been an story and a half). Anyway, it was a blessing to see him because he's leaving in 3 days for McMaster University in Hamilton and I was unlikely to see him before he left. I wanted a chance to encourage him to go on for the Lord before he went, and God graciously arranged a goodbye for us. After a short conversation (he had friends to see), I gently prodded him to consider the Lord and bid him well on his studies and that I'd see him in 9 months when he returns to Seoul (that sounded really strange for me to say!)
I've recently acquired a laptop, which is a fascinating story in and of itself. Schuyler and I ran into some Christian English teachers from Africa on the subway on their way to buy a laptop at Yong Sen electronic market, the very market I was heading to and for the very same purpose (God has been orchestrating some pretty amazing things!). Tami (the brother - not a girl's name haha) did some serious wheeling and dealing in his broken Korean and landed me a good deal on a computer that I thought was new but turned out to be refurbished (I was not impressed!). I learned this after getting home and reading about my " Meger 3 Month Warranty for my REFURBISHED laptop" and discovering that my touch pad keys and my Wifi card were dysfunctional. I got on my knees and sought the Lord's favor that I may be able to return this junky laptop for a new one. Amazingly, in my pathetically limited Korean vocabulary, I negotiated a comparable laptop and $40 back in my pocket. Tami, if you read this bro', you don't catch flies with vinegar. Tami's negotiation style was less persuasion and strategic word play, and at times more like reckless boxing with wild jabs and sucker punches hahahah It was at any rate, very entertaining and admittedly, I did learn some handy haggling maneuvers.
Once I get connected to the internet (I'm in a PC Bang right now) I hope to keep in touch with everyone a little more frequently. My wifi works (wifi is my wireless internet connection for those like myself who are technically impaired ), but my conscience won't let me bilk another person's internet (and there are a few tempting connections up for grabs in my apartment).
I I've been extremely busy with school and getting to know my new "Megook" co-worker, friend and brother in the Lord, Schuyler (Megook is not derogatory, but Korean for American). Being paired me with a Christian co-worker is such a wonderful blessing. My pesky fears of having no companionship have yet to materialize and I pray they never do. Teaching is getting better. The schedule for September has been rearranged to give Schuyler and I more breaks and less classes, which is fantastic blessing.
I continue to have my struggles and victories. I have some classes that I look forward to teaching, including one where the kids chant "Jelly Fish" almost religiously and for no apparent reason. My kindergarten kids are growing on me. They're so cute. Rachel, one of my seven year olds said this morning that her guinea pig likes me and thinks I'm a good teacher. Ahhh... A disguised compliment! She then latched onto my legs, giggling wildly and I had to pry her off of me. The kids love my robot impression. "Do the robot," they ask me. "You mean like this...." and I start attempting to be robotic (which probably looks more like a seizure) which sends them in to a tizzy, running around screaming like the end of the world is nigh! Hhahahha They dash under the desks or run frantically behind my desk, flailing their arms. It's lovely, really.
Oh, I almost forgot - perhaps suppressed is more accurate - I do have one dreaded class. The girls are angels but the boys are nefarious.. I think I mentioned this class before. The one with the kid who pitched a pen at the markerboard. There are three boys and they thrive on pushing my buttons. To maintain a semblance of order, I have to send the boys against the back wall so that I can concentrate on teaching the girls, who actually want to learn. The boys have come to like being stuck to the wall, and on occasion ask for "sticky glue". Sticky glue is loosing its effectiveness. Now instead of going reluctantly to the wall, they go merrily to the wall, and instead of facing the wall, they face me with wide, devilish grins. "Turn around," I'll shout with an icy stare. "OK!" they'll say gleefully and do a 360 degree turn. "Not funny," but it is kind of.. so I get fiercer ... "Face the wall or Mr.Yi," I'll threaten. Mr. Yi, the Director, is my last straw and for now it does the disciplinarian trick. In case you're failing to comprehend how fiendish these kids are, I'll add some dimension for you. Recently, a couple of them fetched Schuyler's wallet when he was out of the classroom and took $200 dollars in cash. The wallet was recently found near a nearby bank and $70 was recovered from one of the students Mr. Yi suspected and interrogated ( I suspected as well).. Strangely, one of the three has taken a liking to me and occasionally talks with me after school and even gives me treats. To be honest, I do care for all of them, and pray for them all the time, especially the rebel-hearted. I also pray for all of you too... Be blessed... More pictures coming soon.
I was just pleasantly interrupted by Jordan. He and his wife, good friends from Union Street Gospel chapel are coming to Seoul, God willing on Sunday. I think they'll be living near me. Pray for their safe arrival. More people to stumble around Korea with 
