XXIII. Procrastinating.

Currently: in a PC 방 (internet cafe) in 강남 listening to Kpop on web radio and correcting a bazillion essays from my students. Fun times. UGH. If I go blind, I'm blaming Korea >.<
But. My feet are tapping so at least the Kpop tunes aren't half bad.

ANYWAYS.

Updates.. updates.. hmmm. Really, nothing really new. I've been involved with a North Korean church which has been cool. It's been challenging me to study Korean.. by how discouraging it has been to communicate. Not only am I a beginner, but North Koreans speak so differently, so even the easiest phrases can be misinterpreted. Regardless, I've managed to connect with some ladies and hopefully will be tutoring them (in English) soon. Woo!

As far as work, I dread it. Two words: oppressive negativity. I feel like I'm in a tangled web that I was thrown in. I'd rather be eaten by the hungry spider, than to keep up with the hot mess (and I HATE spiders). We need Truth. Thank goodness it's not my battle. God, it's yours. :} Just help me to love. And to forgive! I have a hard time trusting people now :/

On a positive note, it's helped me to see the hot mess that is MYSELF. I really need God to fill me up and help me love. I used to think it came so naturally. People would say, "Aw, Lisa, you're so loving blah blah blah"... BS! Only God gives us the ability to show real love.

I've also realized how much I appreciate true fellowship and people who aren't afraid to be themselves (or OF themselves) even if it's not a pretty sight. I miss authenticity in people. It's hard to find in Korea. Everyone's got a guard up (but for reasons I understand).

Anyway, that was my vent sesh. Don't worry, it's over.

Oh wait. One last moment of honesty: it's hard for me to keep in touch with everyone! I'm trying with my two blogs and facebook, but other things like mail, Skype or phonecalls are difficult. They were more possible before when I had lulls in work/life, but the lulls are no more. So again, I apologize a MILLION times. Please don't take it personally if you don't hear from me. I love each of you SO much and if I didn't have to work, I would spend all my time with you. Really.

Mkay. Back to work. Everyone around me is laughing at the games they're playing. I'm not laughing..

:]

Love,
Spin it like an LP

XXII. Oi.

You can only wish to be as happy

as these kids. I spoiled them too much.

Argh. What a life it is in Korea. If you're not careful, you'll find yourself drowning in the busy life, with all there is to do. Needless to say, I'm backed up and behind by a couple of months. I owe several of you letters, messages, and birthday greetings (Sorry, Whit :/). They'll slowly start to trickle in, once I get my life together again.

Basically, since the exchange rate is so terrible (as well as my saving skills), I've been working a lot more, now taking on a 6 day a week work schedule. And also, maybe important news, I'm staying in Korea longer to save up more mons. Despite her kicks and punches, little Lisa is growing up. Ugh. :}

SO, here are a few pictures and a video of one of my old classes. We got new ones this month, which has been a blessing for me, so I'll try to get pics of those kiddos soon. Omyword, I can't believe June's almost over! I've been here 10 MONTHS already. Phew.

Sophia. The perfect student.

She likes to tell people about Jesus.

Sweet Sally.

Everyday she said, "Teacher, I love you."

Her face says it all.

Other then that, Korea is still the same. I'm getting used to the walk home at 10pm every night, with drunken ajushies lurching on the sidewalks. They spit everywhere, and they have no concept of "closing the bathroom door." What is new is the intense humidity that gives us buckets of rain (only on the weekends). But, heyyy, gotta love Korea :]

Anyways, I can't get to everything because it's getting late, but hey peeps back home: I MISS YOU. Hey peeps in Korea: I LOVE YOU. Thanks for reading. Oh, and I just trimmed my bangs.

That pretty much sums it up for now.

XIX. The other half of me.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Phil. 2:3,4







North Korea, here I come.

XVIII. Korea's gone back to 80s.

XVII. De la Seule Beauté

5. Julie Dreyfus. Kill Bill's Japanese liaison.

4. Marion Cotillard. She's classy. 

3. Emmanuelle Beart. In Manon of the Spring she's flawless. 

 

2. Sophie Marceau. Uniquely striking and charismatic. 

1. Audrey Tautou. Of course. 

Sometimes I wish I were more french than my last name.