Hi!
How are you?
First of all, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this letter; you are special. I hope you feel the heart and sincerity in my words!
I always look forward to the summer. I get to come back home, see my family and friends, be at a church I love, hang out, enjoy Seoul...honestly, I learn something new every day. I don't know if it's because it's the city and there's so much going on, but, I think it's more than that. Being here is a time not only of rest but of reflection and growth. I just applied to dental schools and this upcoming year will be my last year in college. It's thrilling yet mysterious, which, I guess is a boat everyone finds themselves in at this point in life!
One thing I realize through these times of transition is that life may be short, but, there's a way to live it with joy and fullness. There's a way to accumulate years and wrinkles yet preserve a smile and a bright outlook on the present and things to come. For me this year, that inspiration has been children.
Friends, I didn't expect to go on a mission trip this year. I really wanted to, but, time-wise, I thought it wouldn't work out, and, I wasn't sure if God was really calling me to Heartland or if I was running ahead and asking Him to watch me. This would actually be my second Heartland trip; the first was in '08. Through my uncertain prayers I feel God did what he always does; give more than what I asked. I feel not only peace about going but confidence and excitement!
The second week of August, our team of 14 will be going to a rural area in Korea called Namyangju. We will be teaching elementary school-aged children English through a summer vacation Bible school program. Yes, we'll be playing outside, eating lunch together, singing, dancing, making pretty things to take home, and sweating, some, too. We are expecting 300 children to come! These children do not have the luxury or the access to learn English like the others in Seoul do. Some are from broken families, as well. This is an opportunity to use English, one tool and mediator God has given us, to help these children. Most importantly, our goal is that we can remember these are tools and seek the greater: for them to realize the love of Christ and His nearness to them.
I would like to ask you to join me, join us, on this trip. Remember, some go, some stay and send. I'd like to ask two things:
Please pray for us. That God would give us everything we need to join Him on this awesome harvest and time of growth. Sooo much can happen; you never know how big and ready God's hands are to bless!
We're also in the process of raising funds! Money can be a catalyst to doing good things but can also be an entangling burden. I personally am not sure how I'm going to raise these funds but I'm waiting on Him! If you feel moved to give, please follow the instructions on how to pay online. Isn't technology great?
Lastly, I want to say thank you in advance. You've already been an encouragement to me somehow before, and, I'm honored to share with you about what our God is doing and planning to do in Korea.
We are all His beloved children! yes.
Blessings to you,
Kristi