Korean Konnection

I just finished two weeks of pre-field orientation (pfo) in Southaven, MS (near Memphis). It was encouraging to be around 180 people who are going to a variety of countries through the same organization. Several times during the two weeks we broke up into small groups, which helped me to meet women going to different countries and form neat friendships with them. I was also able to meet most of the other new teachers going to Seoul as well as my principal and a few returning staff members who came to help out with pfo. They covered a variety of topics including personality types, TCK's (third-culture kids), moral purity, and transition to name a few.

We took two personality type tests before arriving at pfo and not only received the results, but had an opportunity to discuss them one-on-one with our advisor/small group leader. My personality type tends to be really excited about starting things and not so great at completing them. I make plans that are bigger than my attention span. I need to learn to be more realistic when planning and to have more will power in following through on things.

Then, in the middle of the week a member of the church I grew up in, one of my former high school teachers and the football coach, was murdered. The grief was overwhelming, but it also made me reflect on how much he had impacted me as a Christian teacher in a public school and simply as a man of God. I am so thankful that I shared that with him in the recent past, but there are many people who influenced me in whom I have not taken the time to thank. As a result of the session on transition I knew I needed to go home to have the closure I would need. Not only did I need to say goodbye to a Godly man, I needed to hug and say goodbye to so many in the church I grew up in. I made a quick trip home and was blessed to attend church and the visitation with my family before returning to finish pfo.

Although I dread the goodbyes and anticipate missing family and friends, I am excited about this new adventure God is leading me on.