Back Home

Yay! I’m finally back home! As much as I love and miss my family in Korea, it’s good to just get some time with my parents and my brothers. We’ll see what God does here over the summer :) I’m really excited to tell them all my stories!! And not only that, but also for me to hear stories of what’s been going on here. For the next few blog posts will be a recap of the different things that has happened throughout the semester. I know some of you have been wondering what kinds of crazy amazing things God has been doing in our lives in Korea. So I’m taking the time to write it all out for ya’ll. But before I go into all that, I’ll write about my journey back home so it’s actually fresh out of my memory. :)

These past few weeks have been pretty crazy! Saying goodbyes, packing, moving, pulling tons of all nighters, and enjoying every last bit of fellowship with family members leaving us. As a whole it was tiring but fun, yet I felt bittersweet about it all. I knew that it was probably one of the last times I would be able to hang out with them in a while. As I cherished every moment with my brothers and sisters I knew that the time would come when we will be separated by distance. Behind the smiles and laughs, I was sad inside. I didn’t know what I would do once they were gone. I know that God sent them to be a part of my life for a season, but I had a hard time letting go. I know life would be a lot different if they are no longer a part of it. God you have a plan, right? I caught myself asking Him as I walked the busy streets of Seoul. Then suddenly I was reminded of the exact same time I was crying in my bed in Egypt. I remembered feeling the same kind of sadness thinking of leaving my friends in Cairo. I wondered back then if I would ever have friends who would encourage me in my spiritual growth and support me through hard times as I pour into their lives. And boy, was I surprised when God brought amazing people in my life when I came to Korea. He went above and beyond anything I could have ever expected or imagine for that matter and this reminder brought joy and peace in my heart. I held on to that for a few days then it started hitting me again, as friends left the country one by one I couldn’t help but miss them. But thankfully a few sisters spoke life into my life on the few days that followed. My older sister Sue Mie encouraged me by saying that God has established those friendships and it’s not just going to end there, but rather it will get stronger over time. My other sister Jung Mi said that we are stronger when God spreads us and set flames all across the world. And my Filipino sister Jae Ah talked about how important it is to have the mentality that we are sending them off and not feeling like they are abandoning us in any way. All these things started to make sense, and instead of moping around and getting mad at God asking why He’s taking away my friends I would just submit to what He is doing.

I was then reminded of an image my dad shared with me when I was younger about God’s blessings. He used candy in the story so I could relate to it better (this was when I was like 7, ok fine I can still relate to it now.) Anyways my dad said “Let’s say I give you a handful of candy, and you hold out both of your hands to receive it. Now you hands are full, right?” I would then reply by gently nodding my head. He would continue on by saying. “Ok, well let’s say I want to give you even more candy. So I filled a whole bucket of candy just for you.” At this point my eyes would light up thinking about getting MORE candy. “but how can you receive it if your hands are both full?” I remember feeling puzzled at that question. Then he would conclude by saying “that’s similar to God’s blessing. There comes a seasons where you have to let go of a few things for more blessings to come. And although it’s hard sometimes, just trust in Him, cuz He knows what He’s doing.”

Having remembered that and being encouraged by my sisters, my mindset shifted. I knew God wants me home for a season and whatever that reason may be I should be willing to obey. I had to trust that He knows what He is doing in my life by giving Him control. As I said one goodbye after the next I wasn’t feeling abandoned anymore, to be honest I was actually more excited to see what God was going to do in their lives when they head out. Then I gave my friend/sister/mother/grandmother Katherine one last hug and felt not an ounce of sadness, but just peace that I will one day see her again. I’ll miss her a lot just like all the others that have left, but at least now I can be at peace with God’s plans for all of us. I am thankful for everyone who played a role in my life this semester! I will not forget your words of encouragement and how much you have truly felt like a family member in my life. May you be blessed wherever God takes you! Keep shining His light wherever you may go!!

As God wraps up this chapter of my life, I know that the next one will be just as exciting and as original as the one He has written before hand. Looking forward to seeing what You have planned! :D

Ok on the other side of the plane ride, as stepped foot on Philippine soil something stirred inside of me. As I looked around at the people and listened to the language, something in my heart claimed it to be mine. Although Tagalog is my 3^rd language and I hardly ever speak it unless it’s necessary…it was still mine. As none Filipino as I sound, I’m still 100% Filipino by blood and even if I tried to deny that, my looks would always reveal it. Something inside me longed to bring hope to my people, and change things for the better. We’ll see what God does and what opportunities I have in the next two months being at home. If He has showed me different aspects of His character and preformed miracles right before my very eyes in Korea I know for a fact He is the same powerful, and loving God that can do the same here! I’m excited just writing about this! God you have always surprised me! Blow my mind once again, will you? :)