2 and 1 - In the thick of it...

Less than 24 hours to go.

Just finished hauling 10 bags of stuff to the curb in front of my apartment. Trying to leave as blank a canvas for the next occupant. I hope she can tell that this flat has been filled with joy.

And a strange, overarching peace abides... at least, that's what I keep telling myself.

Doing some last minute things tomorrow: closing up bank accounts, picking up some last minute shopping.

Have friends who will see me off, both from my apartment and at the bus terminal. This means the world to me. Hadn't realized just how much until this moment actually came. Funny the things that matter in the end.

Signing off, for the month and for the project.

100 days complete tomorrow.

And a new chapter begins.

3 - "Struggle"

In class yesterday we were discussing healthy foods and the exercise involved planning a healthy menu, with a main dish, sides, and dessert. One girl raised her hand and asked:

"Teacher what is kind of potatoes... struggle potatoes?"

Me: "Do you mean 'mashed' potatoes."

"Ahhh! Yes, yes." She said. " 'Mashed' potatoes."

Oh, thou potato, you valiant and worthy opponent.

4 - Slipping away...

It's Monday night (11:39PM korea time). I am about to pull an all-nighter to get my stuff packed. It never feels like enough, but somehow, I'm trusting that it will be enough. Harder than it looks, simpler than it sounds.

5 - LAST long walk on a Saturday...

... because this was my last Saturday here.

A restaurant by my house.

The Sun through the clouds.

The river (moving water).

... and me!

6 - Phonetic...

The homework assignment involved listening to sentences online and writing them down.

I kept seeing things like:

"altisstic"

"alrustak"

"alltrustik"

"alltrue-stick"

The word was "altruistic"

Gotta love those phonetic spellers.

7- All worthwhile...

Today was one of those days when it all seems worthwhile, when despite my weaknesses and shortcomings, the greater purpose of God prevails.

Had coffee with an awesome young man who is interested in serving our church in leadership and seems to be a direct answer to our prayer for God to raise up men of action and service. It's absolutely awe-inspiring and incredibly gratifying to see the church inhabited by such people.

In lighter news, I saw Resident Evil: Afterlife in IMAX 3D. Am glad that I got a chance to see another movie in Korea because I'm just convinced that movies look better out here. The seats are more lush and supportive, the screens more attractive than anything I've yet to experience in the States. One can also select one's seat when the ticket is purchased so there's no need to come early to claim a good spot. The movie was quite well-done for a shoot 'em up zombie flick and I left strangely inspired to live my daily life better.

If that isn't the summation of a successful day, then I don't know what is.

Keep the faith and fight the good fight!

8 - Fleeting...

"Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it."

W. Somerset Maugham, The Razor’s Edge

(shamelessly stolen from wordpainting.tumblr.com)