25-year old Kingdom of Heaven player Mark P. Soni has opted to become a free agent this upcoming offseason.
Soni, who has averaged in 5.5 Making Girls Cry Points Per Class (MGCPPC), has opted to go into the free agency after not signing with his current school, Hakik Girls High School.
"Its time for a change, the Lord is willing it on this one. This is one of the more hard decisions I have to make, but at the same time its the obvious one," said Soni.
Asked for particular reasons on his decision to go into the free agent pool, Soni reiterated its not the program, but a time for someting new.
"Its not like I have something new to do after I'm done. In fact, no teams have been calling me to sign me up. I'm taking the market slow because the market is actually slow. I think its time for a new voice to come to Hakik Girls High School, because I believe I done the best I can for this school. I will miss my students, my teachers, and the great people who supported me in this effort."
Mark has cited numerous achievements during his time as a full-time teacher on the HGHS team. One of his students is going on to Koryo University next year, as well as successful teaching year, and of course, the free-agent signing of Fae (정별) to the Kingdom of Heaven squad.
"Only the Lord knows how many seeds been planted. I know I'm not always the perfect teacher. In fact, I'm not a trained teacher. I just know people. The Korean people need something fresh when it comes to the English language. I hope that I brought that to the table and they ate from it," contemplated Soni. "Its going to be sad to move on, but His Will keeps me going."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Soni To Apply For Free Agency
Maryland native Mark P. Soni will apply for free agency at the end of his contract with Hakik Girls High School, which ends in 2010.
The 25-year old kid has been in the Incheon Native Teachers' Program for three years after making a big move to his mother's native Korea in 2007. The free agency looms for Soni as he will most likely opt out of his current contact after it expires in 2010.
"Its time to test the free agent waters and see where I'm going next," said Soni, during an interview at a local PC Cafe where he was not giving away turkeys to local people, because the birds do not exist in this country.
"Its pretty daunting because I was pretty secure in this job and I felt I could do the best at the highest level, but I know its time to move on...but to where to next? Who knows."
For Thanksgiving, Soni will spend time with local expat teachers in Incheon in fellowship.
On Sunday, the mercurial player from Maryland will have a speaking engagement at a local church, emphasizing highlights from his career here in Korea and how God changed his life.
"My testimony is important to me, and since Christ changed my life, its time for me to share with the community how God saves souls from sin," said Soni, nothing that this will be his first speaking engagement in the Korean language. "Its pretty scary, doing it in Korean, but I know that He was willing to help out young Moses when he faced the Egyptians, so I know that I walk in confidence in Him."
As we head into the winter season, Mark Soni will be testing the Free Agent waters soon. Who will we sign with next? Time will tell for the young man hailing from the state of Maryland.
Marcio Silva
Reporting from Incheon, ROK
The 25-year old kid has been in the Incheon Native Teachers' Program for three years after making a big move to his mother's native Korea in 2007. The free agency looms for Soni as he will most likely opt out of his current contact after it expires in 2010.
"Its time to test the free agent waters and see where I'm going next," said Soni, during an interview at a local PC Cafe where he was not giving away turkeys to local people, because the birds do not exist in this country.
"Its pretty daunting because I was pretty secure in this job and I felt I could do the best at the highest level, but I know its time to move on...but to where to next? Who knows."
For Thanksgiving, Soni will spend time with local expat teachers in Incheon in fellowship.
On Sunday, the mercurial player from Maryland will have a speaking engagement at a local church, emphasizing highlights from his career here in Korea and how God changed his life.
"My testimony is important to me, and since Christ changed my life, its time for me to share with the community how God saves souls from sin," said Soni, nothing that this will be his first speaking engagement in the Korean language. "Its pretty scary, doing it in Korean, but I know that He was willing to help out young Moses when he faced the Egyptians, so I know that I walk in confidence in Him."
As we head into the winter season, Mark Soni will be testing the Free Agent waters soon. Who will we sign with next? Time will tell for the young man hailing from the state of Maryland.
Marcio Silva
Reporting from Incheon, ROK
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Beautiful Game Has a Black Eye
With all the hype coming up for the World Cup next year in South Africa, one might become excited as the final teams finish out the qualifying stages to see who is going to the Prom of Soccer.
Los Yankee Boys will be joining their Mexican and Honduran qualifiying partners as they take on the rest of the world in their next World Cup Challenge. We have a great and talented team this year, considering they almost defeated the Brazilians in the Confederations Cup this past summer and upset defending Euro Champs on their way to the finals. We got some evidence to back it up.
Heck, the All Whites, aka New Zealand, a country known for its fearsome rugby thugs, the All Blacks, will be joining their Down Under cousins the Aussies in WC 2010, and both Koreas will be in the same competition, adding more spice to the Footballing Stew.
Then there's the French. O Boy. Their November 18th qualifier will be probably one of the most controversial in history, a huge "*" goes on the side as the Hand of Thierry bats the ball...twice...to help keep the ball in play and narrowly escape defeat at the hands of the Irish. No luck of the Irish on this one, they got a load of garbage on their doorstep for this one.
The Irish fought hard both games, but they came up short. For their efforts, they got robbed, like someone passed GO on Monopoly and not only took $200, but they busted open the jail and got everybody out robbed. And those thugs took everybody else's $200. It must be really awful how the Irish got robbed on that one.
See in professional basketball and in American football, refs can look at the plays and they can check if someone goofed up. It's not that hard. Its called "pause," look at a camera and do your best to make a call. Its pretty blatant when THE ENTIRE WORLD can see a handball and the whole Irish team are in your face if they saw something.
Its like if someone told me that I had a big zit on my face the day I have to give a press conference to release my new CD, and they are pointing to me and showing me exactly where to crush the manifestation of oil and skin suicide. But I refuse to look at a mirror. Because someone says something to me, I don't have to believe them. They can make all the hand motions they want and say I have a zit, but I can ignore them all they want. But doesn't make sense if there are a whole rack of people seeing a target market on my face, wouldn't I want to check?
Henry, I felt bad for the guy. I probably would have batted the ball with my hand too. But I would also expect the referee and his team to do their job and make the right call too, and Henry wouldn't have been in this predictament.
Thanks to this incident, even though I am big fan of soccer, I am a little bit sore at FIFA and in the game in general.
This plate of "missing the point" mixed with unfairness feels like the game that people can get away with stuff.
Until the WC, I'll be paying attention to the NBA for a while.
Los Yankee Boys will be joining their Mexican and Honduran qualifiying partners as they take on the rest of the world in their next World Cup Challenge. We have a great and talented team this year, considering they almost defeated the Brazilians in the Confederations Cup this past summer and upset defending Euro Champs on their way to the finals. We got some evidence to back it up.
Heck, the All Whites, aka New Zealand, a country known for its fearsome rugby thugs, the All Blacks, will be joining their Down Under cousins the Aussies in WC 2010, and both Koreas will be in the same competition, adding more spice to the Footballing Stew.
Then there's the French. O Boy. Their November 18th qualifier will be probably one of the most controversial in history, a huge "*" goes on the side as the Hand of Thierry bats the ball...twice...to help keep the ball in play and narrowly escape defeat at the hands of the Irish. No luck of the Irish on this one, they got a load of garbage on their doorstep for this one.
The Irish fought hard both games, but they came up short. For their efforts, they got robbed, like someone passed GO on Monopoly and not only took $200, but they busted open the jail and got everybody out robbed. And those thugs took everybody else's $200. It must be really awful how the Irish got robbed on that one.
See in professional basketball and in American football, refs can look at the plays and they can check if someone goofed up. It's not that hard. Its called "pause," look at a camera and do your best to make a call. Its pretty blatant when THE ENTIRE WORLD can see a handball and the whole Irish team are in your face if they saw something.
Its like if someone told me that I had a big zit on my face the day I have to give a press conference to release my new CD, and they are pointing to me and showing me exactly where to crush the manifestation of oil and skin suicide. But I refuse to look at a mirror. Because someone says something to me, I don't have to believe them. They can make all the hand motions they want and say I have a zit, but I can ignore them all they want. But doesn't make sense if there are a whole rack of people seeing a target market on my face, wouldn't I want to check?
Henry, I felt bad for the guy. I probably would have batted the ball with my hand too. But I would also expect the referee and his team to do their job and make the right call too, and Henry wouldn't have been in this predictament.
Thanks to this incident, even though I am big fan of soccer, I am a little bit sore at FIFA and in the game in general.
This plate of "missing the point" mixed with unfairness feels like the game that people can get away with stuff.
Until the WC, I'll be paying attention to the NBA for a while.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Invictus
I finished reading this awesome book by John Carlin named Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that made a Nation. It is about democratic South Africa's birth and how Nelson Mandela emerged as president of a nation that was divided and almost on the brink of civil war after his election. To sum up this interesting historical novel that is now being made into a movie named Invictus, Mandela cleverly uses the power of sport to unite a nation where there are 11 official tongues and a myriad of races that have clashed throughout the RSA's tumultuous history. A rough man's game of rugby and the nation's victory at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa brings delirium and a sense of identity to its conflict ridden people.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison as leader of the African National Congress, then a banned-political group which was deemed "Communist and terrorist" during the Apartheid-era. Apartheid was a political and social policy constructed by the all-white Afrikaner government of South Africa, a policy that means "separateness" in the language of Afrikaans. It was designed to protect white power while keeping the majority blacks and other minorities at bay with clear social policies and boundaries where no interaction would occur between the races. It was a humiliating time for black South Africans who had no ability to climb out of their poverty and were constantly being put down by their white overlords.
In this book, Carlin cleverly paints a portrait of how Mandela, from his time of being released from prison to his rise to power in 1994, uses his charm and innocent trust to gain the respect of Afrikaner officials to start building a new concensus for his eventual new government. The Afrikaners realize that with the riots, violence, and constant pressure from the outside world concerning their Apartheid policies, they will soon become more vilified and not be able to govern if social chaos continues. They knew that time was not on their side and that this Apartheid was digging their own graves.
Enter rugby. I particulary never cared for this game until I came to South Korea. When I met a few compadres from Australia and New Zealand in my teaching program in 2007, I started to learn about this game from them. They were absolutely big fans of this game, as we Americans are about football. In fact, both games are very similar but have an entirely different approach on how to play. It was not until the Rugby World 2007 in France that I started to learn and follow the game a little bit more and more. I learned about Rugby culture and history, a game that focues on brute power and quick ball movement, combining the elements of American football and soccer. Its actually a pretty neat game (the South Africans won that World Cup too).
For the Afrikaners, a race of peoples descended from Europeans during the migrations to South Africa in earlier centuries, this was their game. The Afrikaners enjoyed rugby as these young white boys grew up with the rough hussle and tussle of knocking each other and trying to score points through field goals or "tries," the equivalent of a touchdown. Meanwhile, soccer was the sport for blacks, who were mostly poor and all you need to play is a small ball to kick on your feet. Both races were worlds apart. In fact, the book mentions that blacks in South Africa would cheer for any opposing team that scored against the all-white "Springbok" teams (an African deer which is the iconic mascot of the national rugby team).
Yet Mandela had a plan. He had many choices at his disposal to gain power in the new government of 1994: why not take revenge and oust every Afrikaner politician who has brought hurt and pain to the African majority? Or perhaps violently oust the white minority like Robert Mugabe did in Zimbabwe (and look what happened there)? Or being a man of pragmatic nature and a forgiving spirit, why not reconcile and build all things new?
Mandela, instead of using the usual, sometimes backfiring policy of political reconcilation (because you can't please everybody), tried his hand at using a game that the South Africans were good at and uniting his people through sport: rugby. However, there was a problem: they were banned playing internationally due to the sanctions against them from the outside world. So Mandela gave the sport back to the Afrikaners and allowed them to take it on again, much to the chagrin of the blacks and other minorities who thought it was risky to give the Afrikaner minority a sense of legitimacy again.
Through meeting the players as they prepared for the 1995 World Cup, and with team manager Morne du Plessis creating a nation unifying team motto of "one team, one nation," Mandela constructs a plan to bring a new way of thought to bring both sides down on one issue: towards victory through sport. With their pragmatic captain, Francois Pienaar, a giant of a man who grew up in a more humble environment than other priveleged Afrikaners, the players and staff started to change their attitudes that by only through getting the support of the entire nation they could not only achieve victory, but also bring a violence-battered, politically-failing apart nation together. Meanwhile, Mandela throughout the book is meeting with political enemies left and right and simply appeals to their heart that violence is not the answer.
The upcoming film is set for a December 11, 2009 release date and directed by Clint Eastwood, a renowned film director and starring Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as SA's rugby captain Francois Pienaar. It is something I look forward to seeing in the near future. The story I read in this book by Carlin was inspiring because a man used not further violence to make things right, but reconciliation to put a ripped-nation almost on the brink of civil war to become a new democracy where Africans of all colors could me made.
On a spiritual note, how much more does Christ reconcile us with God, when "all of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath." (Ephesians 2:3) We could have been dead...forever. But Christ reconciles with God through His death and resurrection.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison as leader of the African National Congress, then a banned-political group which was deemed "Communist and terrorist" during the Apartheid-era. Apartheid was a political and social policy constructed by the all-white Afrikaner government of South Africa, a policy that means "separateness" in the language of Afrikaans. It was designed to protect white power while keeping the majority blacks and other minorities at bay with clear social policies and boundaries where no interaction would occur between the races. It was a humiliating time for black South Africans who had no ability to climb out of their poverty and were constantly being put down by their white overlords.
In this book, Carlin cleverly paints a portrait of how Mandela, from his time of being released from prison to his rise to power in 1994, uses his charm and innocent trust to gain the respect of Afrikaner officials to start building a new concensus for his eventual new government. The Afrikaners realize that with the riots, violence, and constant pressure from the outside world concerning their Apartheid policies, they will soon become more vilified and not be able to govern if social chaos continues. They knew that time was not on their side and that this Apartheid was digging their own graves.
Enter rugby. I particulary never cared for this game until I came to South Korea. When I met a few compadres from Australia and New Zealand in my teaching program in 2007, I started to learn about this game from them. They were absolutely big fans of this game, as we Americans are about football. In fact, both games are very similar but have an entirely different approach on how to play. It was not until the Rugby World 2007 in France that I started to learn and follow the game a little bit more and more. I learned about Rugby culture and history, a game that focues on brute power and quick ball movement, combining the elements of American football and soccer. Its actually a pretty neat game (the South Africans won that World Cup too).
For the Afrikaners, a race of peoples descended from Europeans during the migrations to South Africa in earlier centuries, this was their game. The Afrikaners enjoyed rugby as these young white boys grew up with the rough hussle and tussle of knocking each other and trying to score points through field goals or "tries," the equivalent of a touchdown. Meanwhile, soccer was the sport for blacks, who were mostly poor and all you need to play is a small ball to kick on your feet. Both races were worlds apart. In fact, the book mentions that blacks in South Africa would cheer for any opposing team that scored against the all-white "Springbok" teams (an African deer which is the iconic mascot of the national rugby team).
Yet Mandela had a plan. He had many choices at his disposal to gain power in the new government of 1994: why not take revenge and oust every Afrikaner politician who has brought hurt and pain to the African majority? Or perhaps violently oust the white minority like Robert Mugabe did in Zimbabwe (and look what happened there)? Or being a man of pragmatic nature and a forgiving spirit, why not reconcile and build all things new?
Mandela, instead of using the usual, sometimes backfiring policy of political reconcilation (because you can't please everybody), tried his hand at using a game that the South Africans were good at and uniting his people through sport: rugby. However, there was a problem: they were banned playing internationally due to the sanctions against them from the outside world. So Mandela gave the sport back to the Afrikaners and allowed them to take it on again, much to the chagrin of the blacks and other minorities who thought it was risky to give the Afrikaner minority a sense of legitimacy again.
Through meeting the players as they prepared for the 1995 World Cup, and with team manager Morne du Plessis creating a nation unifying team motto of "one team, one nation," Mandela constructs a plan to bring a new way of thought to bring both sides down on one issue: towards victory through sport. With their pragmatic captain, Francois Pienaar, a giant of a man who grew up in a more humble environment than other priveleged Afrikaners, the players and staff started to change their attitudes that by only through getting the support of the entire nation they could not only achieve victory, but also bring a violence-battered, politically-failing apart nation together. Meanwhile, Mandela throughout the book is meeting with political enemies left and right and simply appeals to their heart that violence is not the answer.
The upcoming film is set for a December 11, 2009 release date and directed by Clint Eastwood, a renowned film director and starring Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as SA's rugby captain Francois Pienaar. It is something I look forward to seeing in the near future. The story I read in this book by Carlin was inspiring because a man used not further violence to make things right, but reconciliation to put a ripped-nation almost on the brink of civil war to become a new democracy where Africans of all colors could me made.
On a spiritual note, how much more does Christ reconcile us with God, when "all of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath." (Ephesians 2:3) We could have been dead...forever. But Christ reconciles with God through His death and resurrection.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Masked Men
So, its fall season, and today it plunged almost towards freezing. They cancelled classes for our 1st and 2nd grade ladies for three days due to the pandemic we all know as "swine flu," or how my friend Michael calls it, "Pig Flu." My friend Ryan's school shut down for a week last week due to several kids and staff catching the dreaded disease. Michael's school has a whopping 160 students out of action, and they still haven't shut down the school. Worldwide, people in many countries are stocking up on TamiFlu and going to their clinics to put needs into their arms.
Rewind three months to August. I just returned from the United States. Reports in the media circulate worldwide for an upcoming pandemic. "Get ready for the worst." The U.S., England, Spain, and other countries monitor patients who catch the disease early with the closest degree while the WHO tries to figure out ways to prevent the worst. Its something to keep their eyes on for sure.
But the funny thing about this tiny Indiana-sized country is that when a media report circulates, its usually inflated to degrees that are not necessarily true. Its only August.
Go back to last year, 2008. Reports come around this country that American beef is tainted and is prone to mad-cow disease. Some Koreans claimed that there was evidence that Koreans are suscepitble to "infection" of mad-cow than other races. Give me a break.
Since I came back from a country that had few cases of mad-cow disease, I got the best gift possible: an extra week of vacation, oh I'm sorry...a "quarantine." Which meant staying home, playing videogames, sleeping all day, going to my Korean classes, going to the bathouse, eating some more, and enjoying the hot summer sun. The problem is, who is checking my quarantine? Nobody was. I had a good time visiting my aunts by the way.
Thanks to the Korean government, I got TWO weeks of vacation, hot dog! Thanks to the scare, our school festival was delayed permanently. Thanks to the scare, I slept in all day.
Kidding aside, the panicky attitude of the Korean people got them into this mess, because when the real infections started happening late this Fall season, they were sitting on their hands and looking at each other and saying, "what do we do now?" Especially with the scholastic aptitude tests coming up November 12th, several of my senior girls are out cold because of the virus. If they were aware that infections pick up in the Fall, they should have focused their efforts for treating the disease and preventing it now rather during a time when hot weather kills diseases better.
So, I'm sitting in my office with classes cancelled. After several of my girls were hit by the illness, they decided to do the right thing and shut the place down. Let's put it this way, 37 girls in one room, and with Korean girls very touchy of one another and sharing each other's food...its about time they shut it down.
Meanwhile, I'm sitting in office, with lots of valuable time on my hands. Let's use this time efficiently. Time to pray and ponder about the future.
My favorite moment of the Pig Flu scare is when one girl was walking with two of her friends. She is fanning her notebook in front of her, outwardly, not inwardly. Not because she was hot. "What are doing?" I asked. "Swine flu, I'm trying to blow it away." I could only laugh.
Rewind three months to August. I just returned from the United States. Reports in the media circulate worldwide for an upcoming pandemic. "Get ready for the worst." The U.S., England, Spain, and other countries monitor patients who catch the disease early with the closest degree while the WHO tries to figure out ways to prevent the worst. Its something to keep their eyes on for sure.
But the funny thing about this tiny Indiana-sized country is that when a media report circulates, its usually inflated to degrees that are not necessarily true. Its only August.
Go back to last year, 2008. Reports come around this country that American beef is tainted and is prone to mad-cow disease. Some Koreans claimed that there was evidence that Koreans are suscepitble to "infection" of mad-cow than other races. Give me a break.
Since I came back from a country that had few cases of mad-cow disease, I got the best gift possible: an extra week of vacation, oh I'm sorry...a "quarantine." Which meant staying home, playing videogames, sleeping all day, going to my Korean classes, going to the bathouse, eating some more, and enjoying the hot summer sun. The problem is, who is checking my quarantine? Nobody was. I had a good time visiting my aunts by the way.
Thanks to the Korean government, I got TWO weeks of vacation, hot dog! Thanks to the scare, our school festival was delayed permanently. Thanks to the scare, I slept in all day.
Kidding aside, the panicky attitude of the Korean people got them into this mess, because when the real infections started happening late this Fall season, they were sitting on their hands and looking at each other and saying, "what do we do now?" Especially with the scholastic aptitude tests coming up November 12th, several of my senior girls are out cold because of the virus. If they were aware that infections pick up in the Fall, they should have focused their efforts for treating the disease and preventing it now rather during a time when hot weather kills diseases better.
So, I'm sitting in my office with classes cancelled. After several of my girls were hit by the illness, they decided to do the right thing and shut the place down. Let's put it this way, 37 girls in one room, and with Korean girls very touchy of one another and sharing each other's food...its about time they shut it down.
Meanwhile, I'm sitting in office, with lots of valuable time on my hands. Let's use this time efficiently. Time to pray and ponder about the future.
My favorite moment of the Pig Flu scare is when one girl was walking with two of her friends. She is fanning her notebook in front of her, outwardly, not inwardly. Not because she was hot. "What are doing?" I asked. "Swine flu, I'm trying to blow it away." I could only laugh.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
USA Is Going to South Africa 2010
Team USA is going to the World Cup in South Africa next year.
In spectacular fashion, the Americans went to the politically-embattled nation of Honduras to take a 3-2 victory in a hostile country.
In my opinion, after the Americans' disastrous campaign in 2006 in Germany, the Yankees have chances to make noises in Africa next year after doing well to reach the finals of both the Confederations Cup and the Gold Cup (losing in both).
New players like Charlie Davies, a speedy forward who plays in France and Jozy Altidore, another fast and skilled forward who plays in England, along with defender and captain Carlos Bocanegra and speedy forward Landon Donovan, we will have a great team ready for next year.
Its time to make some noise down south in the world. I'm just relieved we qualified in that tough group.
In spectacular fashion, the Americans went to the politically-embattled nation of Honduras to take a 3-2 victory in a hostile country.
In my opinion, after the Americans' disastrous campaign in 2006 in Germany, the Yankees have chances to make noises in Africa next year after doing well to reach the finals of both the Confederations Cup and the Gold Cup (losing in both).
New players like Charlie Davies, a speedy forward who plays in France and Jozy Altidore, another fast and skilled forward who plays in England, along with defender and captain Carlos Bocanegra and speedy forward Landon Donovan, we will have a great team ready for next year.
Its time to make some noise down south in the world. I'm just relieved we qualified in that tough group.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Coolest Summer Ever
And I mean that literally. F'real. I didn't do anything special this summer except return to my homeland to pay respects to my grandmother, who passed away August 22, 2009. Miss you grandma.
Despite that turmoil in my life, I wanted to thank God for a "cool summer." Weather wise and terms of relaxation and ponder.
Summers in Korea are brutal. Since Korea is a peninsula like the state of Florida, surrounded by three side of water, you would think the sea breeze would be nice for the Land of the Morning Calm? Sike! It gets real hot in the summer, especially in August. The humidity slaps you like a child that talks back to his mommy!
But there were two factors that helped me fight the summer heat as the summer passed me by with hardly any suffering:
1. America
2. The Jjimjilbang
Going to America, I was blessed to see my wonderful family (especially my family in Jesus) and during my stay there I was blessed with awesome weather. It was a nice break from the humidity back in Korea.
The "jjimjilbang" is rougly translated to "bathhouse" in English. These establishments are everywhere in Korea. They are mostly 24-hour centers of baths and sweat rooms where Koreans congregate, shower, and get a profuse sweat on and come to get their stress out in the midst of their fast lives.
I was a little way of these places throughout my time here in Korea, but it wasn't my experience of bathhouses in Japan that I became more comfortable in visiting these places back in my 2nd home (o the irony!).
So I have been an aficionado of these joints for a while. I go in, undress and take a shower, then put on a special "jjimjilbang" uniform where you go into the sweat rooms of various kinds and sweat it out.
There are several of them: from the "salt rooms" (filled with salt rocks), to stone rooms (where the floor is filled with smooth, hot stones), and to ice rooms (to cool off).
Throughout the summer, going to these places has helped me become more sweat resistant and more tolerant of sweating. So, when I step outside, my body became not a heat pump as it used to be.
Sweating is an awesome thing because it gets the toxins out your body. It makes your skin healthier and more vibrant. And, it helped me get through the summer without being plastered by salt throughout the day!
A great summer, thank you Lord.
Despite that turmoil in my life, I wanted to thank God for a "cool summer." Weather wise and terms of relaxation and ponder.
Summers in Korea are brutal. Since Korea is a peninsula like the state of Florida, surrounded by three side of water, you would think the sea breeze would be nice for the Land of the Morning Calm? Sike! It gets real hot in the summer, especially in August. The humidity slaps you like a child that talks back to his mommy!
But there were two factors that helped me fight the summer heat as the summer passed me by with hardly any suffering:
1. America
2. The Jjimjilbang
Going to America, I was blessed to see my wonderful family (especially my family in Jesus) and during my stay there I was blessed with awesome weather. It was a nice break from the humidity back in Korea.
The "jjimjilbang" is rougly translated to "bathhouse" in English. These establishments are everywhere in Korea. They are mostly 24-hour centers of baths and sweat rooms where Koreans congregate, shower, and get a profuse sweat on and come to get their stress out in the midst of their fast lives.
I was a little way of these places throughout my time here in Korea, but it wasn't my experience of bathhouses in Japan that I became more comfortable in visiting these places back in my 2nd home (o the irony!).
So I have been an aficionado of these joints for a while. I go in, undress and take a shower, then put on a special "jjimjilbang" uniform where you go into the sweat rooms of various kinds and sweat it out.
There are several of them: from the "salt rooms" (filled with salt rocks), to stone rooms (where the floor is filled with smooth, hot stones), and to ice rooms (to cool off).
Throughout the summer, going to these places has helped me become more sweat resistant and more tolerant of sweating. So, when I step outside, my body became not a heat pump as it used to be.
Sweating is an awesome thing because it gets the toxins out your body. It makes your skin healthier and more vibrant. And, it helped me get through the summer without being plastered by salt throughout the day!
A great summer, thank you Lord.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
MMA
Check out this video of MMA and UFC, commonly known as Mixed-martial arts, which is used to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. UFC is a huge sport in America now, making lots of revenue using the medium of pay-per-view. I used to not be a fan of this stuff...I thought it was just too violent and bloody (yeah, even some guys are sensitive to this real-life stuff). Just too dangerous, ya know? Yet all of my American friends back at home watched this stuff in intensity and mimic the workouts that are associated with it.
After a lot of rule changes and an added structure to the sport, UFC has become safer (albeit the blood is still there) and has become popular with alot of young men around the world. My friend Jordan Jackson learns this stuff and he even showed me a few moves at home which I know is painful. Many men learn it not only to learn how to fight, its a great workout and regimen. Even women these days are getting into this stuff, as there is a women's competition now.
Maybe if I have the time and motivation, I would like to learn something like this. Watching this stuff brings out the gruff man in me and makes want to bulk up. Maybe I can learn hapkido now here in Korea and mix it up with MMA in the future.
A good, healthy body is not a bad thing.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Changed and Transformed
I just got back from America to visit my family, in particularly my grandparents who are currently ill. It was a sad period to be coming home, but at the same time the sudden realization of how life is so precious, especially in a broken world made me enjoy my time there. I had such a good time back at home.
Living a fast-paced life here in South Korea has got its benefits and of course its cons as I'm always doing something: whether it be teaching them girls English, studying Korean, hanging out with my friends, going to Bible study groups, or studying Hapkido, its hectic but fun.
I was called back home to Maryland this past week to visit my ailing grandparents and to pay my respects to them. To see them in their states was saddening and a stark reminder about how I need to take my life seriously and live it for Jesus Christ. Yet at the same time I am thankful to God that I had a chance to spend time with my grandparents and get to know about my Indian (from South Asia) heritage more. Not that being Indian enhances who I am and that brings a wholeness to my life, but it was neat to see where my roots came from in my other-half of my racial make-up.
During this time period I was really blessed to spend time with everybody who was dear to me during the past five years of my life. These people dear to me also have a trusting, loving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ and they take their redeemed lives seriously, unlike alot of American Christians who are church-goers but aren't Gospel-touched over-floers.
My boy Jordan Jackson, my best friend, was unfortunately cut from the DC Capitol Police academy program. He passed the initial boot camp training and graduated from his training down in Georgia, which was a huge praise. What was remarkable was his faith through this whole time, in fact he was encouraging my father who was sad for him when he heard the news! My boy Jordan knows that Jesus has a plan for him during this time and it was remarkable to see my boy's child-like faith in Jesus continue to outpour in this time of his life.
My friend Jon Soule was blessed with his first child. To hold his new little life in my hands was a special moment, being like an uncle seeing that Jon and I have been friends since 1997. It was unreal but another huge blessing in my life and of course, his. I know that despite his funny, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Republican, gut-toting Conservative exterior he's aiming to be a Godly father.
My brother Sean was blessed with a wonderful new home. His wife Catherine and him have worked especially hard these years to make this happen while this whole time maintaining their trust that the Lord has got a plan for their lives; He opened up a new sale to build their new home in. I was the first guest to christen the home and stay in their guestroom.
My parents are rocks of faith in Jesus. Caretaking for ailing grandparents is no easy task and requires patience and love. Being witnesses to them is even more difficult, but Christ's love conquers all and it was so comforting to see how much love my parents invested to spend time with my grandma and grandpa despite their ills. Only the Spirit of the Lord can do that.
My friend Paul Brown is going to be another expecting father. He's about my age and he's already striving and getting ready to be a Godly father. And now he's going back to school to get some training in computers. A solid, all-around Christ-loving guy.
My boy Charlie is a wonderful dad and he too loves the Lord. It was so cool to see him and his wife take care of their young one at the dinner table Friday night and giving her the care she needs.
What about me? The theme of change has just rocked my world last week. Some of my friends haven't changed at all, and some people I know my life are still stagnant. Yet I think back about my wonderful trip last week and thinking about change...and not Obama's Hope for Change (which he is struggling with back home). I'm talking about people who love the Lord and being honored for that.
One of my fave Bible verses, from Romans 8:28, "In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." He works, we have faith. Works is an outpouring of faith in Jesus. This past week was a time of seeing that display, while enjoying the company of those whose lives are transformed by the Lord.
Its still a broken world, but we as Christians know that the Lord is still in control and continues to love His bride. Its a great relationship.
So, I'm back in Korea and I am also quarantined due to the swine flu epidemic. Trust me, its not that bad. Its an extra week of vacation and I pray that it'll be a time of rest, prayer, and getting to know the Lord. Its the best quarantine ever.
My goal this final semester at Hakik Girls High School to bring the message of Jesus Christ to my students. Whether it be through my actions and living my life in Him or straight up Holy Spirit-led conversations with students and teachers about my faith. I just want to trust in Him and look at Him, nothing else. Thank you Jesus.
Enjoy them hot days of summer ya'll!
Living a fast-paced life here in South Korea has got its benefits and of course its cons as I'm always doing something: whether it be teaching them girls English, studying Korean, hanging out with my friends, going to Bible study groups, or studying Hapkido, its hectic but fun.
I was called back home to Maryland this past week to visit my ailing grandparents and to pay my respects to them. To see them in their states was saddening and a stark reminder about how I need to take my life seriously and live it for Jesus Christ. Yet at the same time I am thankful to God that I had a chance to spend time with my grandparents and get to know about my Indian (from South Asia) heritage more. Not that being Indian enhances who I am and that brings a wholeness to my life, but it was neat to see where my roots came from in my other-half of my racial make-up.
During this time period I was really blessed to spend time with everybody who was dear to me during the past five years of my life. These people dear to me also have a trusting, loving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ and they take their redeemed lives seriously, unlike alot of American Christians who are church-goers but aren't Gospel-touched over-floers.
My boy Jordan Jackson, my best friend, was unfortunately cut from the DC Capitol Police academy program. He passed the initial boot camp training and graduated from his training down in Georgia, which was a huge praise. What was remarkable was his faith through this whole time, in fact he was encouraging my father who was sad for him when he heard the news! My boy Jordan knows that Jesus has a plan for him during this time and it was remarkable to see my boy's child-like faith in Jesus continue to outpour in this time of his life.
My friend Jon Soule was blessed with his first child. To hold his new little life in my hands was a special moment, being like an uncle seeing that Jon and I have been friends since 1997. It was unreal but another huge blessing in my life and of course, his. I know that despite his funny, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Republican, gut-toting Conservative exterior he's aiming to be a Godly father.
My brother Sean was blessed with a wonderful new home. His wife Catherine and him have worked especially hard these years to make this happen while this whole time maintaining their trust that the Lord has got a plan for their lives; He opened up a new sale to build their new home in. I was the first guest to christen the home and stay in their guestroom.
My parents are rocks of faith in Jesus. Caretaking for ailing grandparents is no easy task and requires patience and love. Being witnesses to them is even more difficult, but Christ's love conquers all and it was so comforting to see how much love my parents invested to spend time with my grandma and grandpa despite their ills. Only the Spirit of the Lord can do that.
My friend Paul Brown is going to be another expecting father. He's about my age and he's already striving and getting ready to be a Godly father. And now he's going back to school to get some training in computers. A solid, all-around Christ-loving guy.
My boy Charlie is a wonderful dad and he too loves the Lord. It was so cool to see him and his wife take care of their young one at the dinner table Friday night and giving her the care she needs.
What about me? The theme of change has just rocked my world last week. Some of my friends haven't changed at all, and some people I know my life are still stagnant. Yet I think back about my wonderful trip last week and thinking about change...and not Obama's Hope for Change (which he is struggling with back home). I'm talking about people who love the Lord and being honored for that.
One of my fave Bible verses, from Romans 8:28, "In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." He works, we have faith. Works is an outpouring of faith in Jesus. This past week was a time of seeing that display, while enjoying the company of those whose lives are transformed by the Lord.
Its still a broken world, but we as Christians know that the Lord is still in control and continues to love His bride. Its a great relationship.
So, I'm back in Korea and I am also quarantined due to the swine flu epidemic. Trust me, its not that bad. Its an extra week of vacation and I pray that it'll be a time of rest, prayer, and getting to know the Lord. Its the best quarantine ever.
My goal this final semester at Hakik Girls High School to bring the message of Jesus Christ to my students. Whether it be through my actions and living my life in Him or straight up Holy Spirit-led conversations with students and teachers about my faith. I just want to trust in Him and look at Him, nothing else. Thank you Jesus.
Enjoy them hot days of summer ya'll!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
My First Solar Eclipse
On July 22, 2009, I saw my first solar eclipse in my life.
Awesome. More later.
Awesome. More later.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Pajama!
So, I was teaching about Latino Culture and English this past week.
We were discussing the various countries of Central and South America, and up comes my list on the PowerPoint:
Sp___
Me____
P___guay
El S_l_vador
Pa_ama
Look at the last one. Very obvious? Well, to my 1-5 class student Hyun-ha, it was obvious...
"PAJAMA!" she screams out.
I've never laughed so loud in a long, long time.
Thanks Hyun-ha...thanks girl.
We were discussing the various countries of Central and South America, and up comes my list on the PowerPoint:
Sp___
Me____
P___guay
El S_l_vador
Pa_ama
Look at the last one. Very obvious? Well, to my 1-5 class student Hyun-ha, it was obvious...
"PAJAMA!" she screams out.
I've never laughed so loud in a long, long time.
Thanks Hyun-ha...thanks girl.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Spiritual Warfare
Word up! My friends on the Internet and back at home.
I haven't blogged in such a long time, I forgot to keep my peoples informed about my activities.
Here I am, approaching my third summer in South Korea. Teaching has been alright, its the same, no real breakthroughs, as kids are slogging it out towards the end of the first semester.
My new freshmen are more eager and enthusiastic to learn about English, but I now I can see them struggling.
We approach the summer days, it gets hot, the girls get antsy, exams approach, dark eyes like owls appear, the irritable meter rises, the initial drive to have fun with English gets shifted into lower gear and sometimes goes into neutral.
Sometimes kids fall in asleep in my class, partly because I'm boring (at least that's what I think), and mostly because these little girls go to sleep around 1 or 2AM. Its ridiculous what the Korean public school program puts these adolescents through. It saddens me and I feel so bad for them. Life is the same for them day in, day out as they are supposed to become adults.
The problem is, when they become adults (i.e. college), they go into a world where the pressure when the valve is released can sometimes become too great. Now they have to make decisions when they were always told what to do. Its the Confucian mindset. Do what you're told. Be a good study soldier.
Meanwhile, I got my own battles. In my life, I'm starting to realize more than ever that spiritual warfare is upon us as believers. What is spiritual warfare? It is battle between the principalities of the spirit-realm, its your personal battle as a believer in Jesus Christ and the dark forces of the spiritual realm that want to hinder your walk in Jesus. Its more real than you think.
You go to the Word not just to get your fill of the Holy Spirit, but to also equip yourself for battle. You don't do quiet time to make God happy, He wants a relationship with you not only because He loves us but He wants to equip us to fight in a world where everything is just...wrong...and sinful.
We encounter depression, frustration, anger, mindless thoughts of evil and lust, hatred, and random thoughts that are not holy. I struggle with this daily. I'm not a perfect saint, but I'm a sinner saved by Grace.
The devil is not just some goofy cartoon character you see trying to make you do bad things, he's capable of doing more. He is trying to take every single human being that doesn't trust and believe in God down with him.
He can't touch the saints' salvation. But he can attack them.
He's a schemer, the Bible calls him a liar. He tries to do many things to get to his ultimate goal, to distract you from focusing on the prize...Christ. He sews the seeds of doubt when you question, he pounces on impurity when you let unwholesome thoughts into your mind, he tries to fuel your anger into sin when someone is pushing your buttons, and piles paranoia onto your anxiety about certain situations.
1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxieties onto Him, because He cares for you." This word of Truth helped me fight some thoughts of anxiety today. Wow, I became lifted up. That's the Word of God. Its not about making God happy, God doesn't need anything from us. What He wants is us...all of us.
I have messed up this week. All now I can I do is make things right and give my life to Him, so He can clean house and the Holy Spirit can work in me.
The devil? Can be squashed with one pinky by God. To battle, there has got to be a mindset and faith that is set on Christ himself, to be like him and to consciously keep him at that forefront of your daily decision-making and interacting with people, as well as your thoughts. This is not easy, but God gives us His Holy Spirit to make it.
Why is battling not easy? Because we battle our old sin nature while we are being set apart for His glory, called sanctification. Another part of successful spiritual battling is prayer. I'm learning that prayer is like a Samurai's fighting technique, if the Bible is like a Saint's samurai sword, cutting into the world of lies. Lifting up our anxieties and fears about the future, as well as giving Him the praise for His daily gifts and Grace, is getting to the heart of the matter and putting God first.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". - 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18.
Look at the highlighted words. There is a stress on constancy...of consistency. I used to be one of those type of Christians who would read my Bible and pray, then I would think my work was done and I expected God to give me a good day. I was such a selfish Christian back in high school. When I had a bad day, in my mind I would think I didn't do my quiet time right or something.
But look at this letter of the church of Thessalonica...always, continually, and all, I mean who in their right mind would be joyful when you got a bunch of haters at work who don't appreciate your hard work? Or when some student punks you in the middle of class and you're embarrassed? Or when a teammate gets mad at you for a play that you didn't mean to make? Or when a loved one is going through a terminal illness?
That's what a Christian is being about. We're supposed to be so radically different from the world that the world would have no excuse or choice BUT to see Christ in us. But everytime, in spiritual battles, we give the devil a foothold, we can put ourselves into dangerous situations where we can right into sin.
A consistent Christian life is not fulfilling duty, its about a lifestyle of honor to the Lord. Its about keeping Him first in our lives at all hours. That's the continual hard part about this new calling in Jesus. We have to give up our old selves and reject the old ways of dealing with things. Is "joys always" meaning we have a big smile everywhere we go and laughing it up because that's what the world calls "joy?" Forget that...I personally am one of those guys who has joy most when I'm alone or when I'm just straight up calm. For another sister in the Lord, she may be just on fire and loud for the Lord. Or for another brother, he could just keeping it chill while enjoying the moment of peace from the Lord. Always is, always shall be.
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." 1 Thessalonians 4:7. We're just a bunch of bums saved by Grace. We're lambs led by the Shepherd Jesus Christ.
But equipped with truth, with Grace, and by giving our anxieties and fears to Him...that holiness that oozes from our bodies will contaminate the people around us and they too will see a changed person in us, in the form of Jesus.
Oh Lord, forgive me for being selfish and losing control of my life. Let's try this again my Savior...that's what Grace is all about.
Ephesians 6:15-19:
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Time for some battling, but remember, we already have the victory...in Jesus!
I haven't blogged in such a long time, I forgot to keep my peoples informed about my activities.
Here I am, approaching my third summer in South Korea. Teaching has been alright, its the same, no real breakthroughs, as kids are slogging it out towards the end of the first semester.
My new freshmen are more eager and enthusiastic to learn about English, but I now I can see them struggling.
We approach the summer days, it gets hot, the girls get antsy, exams approach, dark eyes like owls appear, the irritable meter rises, the initial drive to have fun with English gets shifted into lower gear and sometimes goes into neutral.
Sometimes kids fall in asleep in my class, partly because I'm boring (at least that's what I think), and mostly because these little girls go to sleep around 1 or 2AM. Its ridiculous what the Korean public school program puts these adolescents through. It saddens me and I feel so bad for them. Life is the same for them day in, day out as they are supposed to become adults.
The problem is, when they become adults (i.e. college), they go into a world where the pressure when the valve is released can sometimes become too great. Now they have to make decisions when they were always told what to do. Its the Confucian mindset. Do what you're told. Be a good study soldier.
Meanwhile, I got my own battles. In my life, I'm starting to realize more than ever that spiritual warfare is upon us as believers. What is spiritual warfare? It is battle between the principalities of the spirit-realm, its your personal battle as a believer in Jesus Christ and the dark forces of the spiritual realm that want to hinder your walk in Jesus. Its more real than you think.
You go to the Word not just to get your fill of the Holy Spirit, but to also equip yourself for battle. You don't do quiet time to make God happy, He wants a relationship with you not only because He loves us but He wants to equip us to fight in a world where everything is just...wrong...and sinful.
We encounter depression, frustration, anger, mindless thoughts of evil and lust, hatred, and random thoughts that are not holy. I struggle with this daily. I'm not a perfect saint, but I'm a sinner saved by Grace.
The devil is not just some goofy cartoon character you see trying to make you do bad things, he's capable of doing more. He is trying to take every single human being that doesn't trust and believe in God down with him.
He can't touch the saints' salvation. But he can attack them.
He's a schemer, the Bible calls him a liar. He tries to do many things to get to his ultimate goal, to distract you from focusing on the prize...Christ. He sews the seeds of doubt when you question, he pounces on impurity when you let unwholesome thoughts into your mind, he tries to fuel your anger into sin when someone is pushing your buttons, and piles paranoia onto your anxiety about certain situations.
1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxieties onto Him, because He cares for you." This word of Truth helped me fight some thoughts of anxiety today. Wow, I became lifted up. That's the Word of God. Its not about making God happy, God doesn't need anything from us. What He wants is us...all of us.
I have messed up this week. All now I can I do is make things right and give my life to Him, so He can clean house and the Holy Spirit can work in me.
The devil? Can be squashed with one pinky by God. To battle, there has got to be a mindset and faith that is set on Christ himself, to be like him and to consciously keep him at that forefront of your daily decision-making and interacting with people, as well as your thoughts. This is not easy, but God gives us His Holy Spirit to make it.
Why is battling not easy? Because we battle our old sin nature while we are being set apart for His glory, called sanctification. Another part of successful spiritual battling is prayer. I'm learning that prayer is like a Samurai's fighting technique, if the Bible is like a Saint's samurai sword, cutting into the world of lies. Lifting up our anxieties and fears about the future, as well as giving Him the praise for His daily gifts and Grace, is getting to the heart of the matter and putting God first.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". - 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18.
Look at the highlighted words. There is a stress on constancy...of consistency. I used to be one of those type of Christians who would read my Bible and pray, then I would think my work was done and I expected God to give me a good day. I was such a selfish Christian back in high school. When I had a bad day, in my mind I would think I didn't do my quiet time right or something.
But look at this letter of the church of Thessalonica...always, continually, and all, I mean who in their right mind would be joyful when you got a bunch of haters at work who don't appreciate your hard work? Or when some student punks you in the middle of class and you're embarrassed? Or when a teammate gets mad at you for a play that you didn't mean to make? Or when a loved one is going through a terminal illness?
That's what a Christian is being about. We're supposed to be so radically different from the world that the world would have no excuse or choice BUT to see Christ in us. But everytime, in spiritual battles, we give the devil a foothold, we can put ourselves into dangerous situations where we can right into sin.
A consistent Christian life is not fulfilling duty, its about a lifestyle of honor to the Lord. Its about keeping Him first in our lives at all hours. That's the continual hard part about this new calling in Jesus. We have to give up our old selves and reject the old ways of dealing with things. Is "joys always" meaning we have a big smile everywhere we go and laughing it up because that's what the world calls "joy?" Forget that...I personally am one of those guys who has joy most when I'm alone or when I'm just straight up calm. For another sister in the Lord, she may be just on fire and loud for the Lord. Or for another brother, he could just keeping it chill while enjoying the moment of peace from the Lord. Always is, always shall be.
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." 1 Thessalonians 4:7. We're just a bunch of bums saved by Grace. We're lambs led by the Shepherd Jesus Christ.
But equipped with truth, with Grace, and by giving our anxieties and fears to Him...that holiness that oozes from our bodies will contaminate the people around us and they too will see a changed person in us, in the form of Jesus.
Oh Lord, forgive me for being selfish and losing control of my life. Let's try this again my Savior...that's what Grace is all about.
Ephesians 6:15-19:
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Time for some battling, but remember, we already have the victory...in Jesus!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Hapkido
So in April, after coming back for a third (and possibly final stint) in teaching, I needed something new in my life.
Last year, I was content with just doing my job, connecting with friends when I had time, and leading a normal life. But with the advent of gaining weight while in Korea and America (hey, bears gotta hibernate, right?), and leading a doldrum-filled existence of yelling English at unsuspecting high school girls, I thought that a physical outlet of unleashing the Soni dragon would be good for my google-loo cheeks (my grandma's Indian terminology for "chubby") and my waistline.
I get my co-teacher, Joanna Son, to contact the local hapkido gym to apply for a spot in training for this martial art. I enter this Hapkido Jang ("jang" means "place" in Korean) with virtually no experience in martial arts, the grand master helps me into my uniform, a black garb with a white belt.
Fast forward a month later, and I passed my first hapkido exam. Its just one step on a long road to martial excellence.
However, what is hapkido? When you usually think of Korea, you think of the land of Tae Kwon Do, the land of fast kicking, furious roundhouse kicking youngsters like my cousin who would be formidable foes on the streets of Seoul. Nah, hapkido is an unique martial art.
A Korean dude a long time ago went to study martial arts in Japan, during the colonial era when the Japanese controlled Korea (1910-1945). He studied various martial arts like jujistu, brought it back to Korea, and produced an eclectic artform what is now hapkido.
Hapkido incorporates lots of locks, grips, and defensive schemes that utilizes an opponent's energy against them. Someone grabs your collar, force them into a hold where they have to submit. Someone bear hugs you, hit em hard below the belt and kick em! Somebody grabs your wrist, get out and put them in a tough position.
Of course, there is the kicking element, but unlike tae kwon do, which uses a series of fast and speedy kicks to surprise the opponent, hapkido places emphasis on power. Hapkido is about combining energy and unleashing it, while using your opponent's against theirs.
I have studied the art for a month and some change, and its really invigorating my physical and mental life. After a rough day's work, I enjoy going to the place and getting all the nerves and energy out of my system by getting a new workout in.
I lost weight, toned up a little, and my goal is to become more mentally and physically sound. Now I got my South African friend Jonathan to join me for his first session tonight, I have a sparring partner to practice my moves with on a more consistent basis. Its not about fighting, its about health and defense.
Thank you Lord for the opportunity to learn martial arts. Its cool to move and move freely and learn something new, something that will impact me for the rest of my life here on earth.
Last year, I was content with just doing my job, connecting with friends when I had time, and leading a normal life. But with the advent of gaining weight while in Korea and America (hey, bears gotta hibernate, right?), and leading a doldrum-filled existence of yelling English at unsuspecting high school girls, I thought that a physical outlet of unleashing the Soni dragon would be good for my google-loo cheeks (my grandma's Indian terminology for "chubby") and my waistline.
I get my co-teacher, Joanna Son, to contact the local hapkido gym to apply for a spot in training for this martial art. I enter this Hapkido Jang ("jang" means "place" in Korean) with virtually no experience in martial arts, the grand master helps me into my uniform, a black garb with a white belt.
Fast forward a month later, and I passed my first hapkido exam. Its just one step on a long road to martial excellence.
However, what is hapkido? When you usually think of Korea, you think of the land of Tae Kwon Do, the land of fast kicking, furious roundhouse kicking youngsters like my cousin who would be formidable foes on the streets of Seoul. Nah, hapkido is an unique martial art.
A Korean dude a long time ago went to study martial arts in Japan, during the colonial era when the Japanese controlled Korea (1910-1945). He studied various martial arts like jujistu, brought it back to Korea, and produced an eclectic artform what is now hapkido.
Hapkido incorporates lots of locks, grips, and defensive schemes that utilizes an opponent's energy against them. Someone grabs your collar, force them into a hold where they have to submit. Someone bear hugs you, hit em hard below the belt and kick em! Somebody grabs your wrist, get out and put them in a tough position.
Of course, there is the kicking element, but unlike tae kwon do, which uses a series of fast and speedy kicks to surprise the opponent, hapkido places emphasis on power. Hapkido is about combining energy and unleashing it, while using your opponent's against theirs.
I have studied the art for a month and some change, and its really invigorating my physical and mental life. After a rough day's work, I enjoy going to the place and getting all the nerves and energy out of my system by getting a new workout in.
I lost weight, toned up a little, and my goal is to become more mentally and physically sound. Now I got my South African friend Jonathan to join me for his first session tonight, I have a sparring partner to practice my moves with on a more consistent basis. Its not about fighting, its about health and defense.
Thank you Lord for the opportunity to learn martial arts. Its cool to move and move freely and learn something new, something that will impact me for the rest of my life here on earth.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Random Thoughts
1. "Scream It!" - I picked up the martial art of Hapkido recently. A Korean martial art, its an eclectic style that combines kicks and short range attacks with a lot of defensive locks and throws to disable your opponent. Its only my third week, but the workout is intense but very invigorating. One of my favorite parts of the art is the guttural scream that you are supposed to do before a kick, a roll, a stance, or a punch.
"Yah!" "Aigh!" I scream and attempt a kick...and barely pass muster. But, the release is good and gets alot of energy out of your system and towards your opponent and barrier. I was watching one of my favorite basketball players in the NBA, Carlos Boozer, and I love it how he just roars when he gets a basket while getting fouled. He yells in success while slapping a teammates hand...invigorating.
Screaming, not in anger, I believe is great for letting out energy. You don't have to be the Karate Kid, but yelling like Carlos Boozer when you get the job done or trying to kick has its uses.
2. Teaching - its cool. The kids are getting more stressed as mid-terms near, but I try to give these test taking robots some relief with my class, because learning should be fun and more experience driven. This year's freshmen class is a bit different from last year's class; they're a bit more laid-back and more active (an oxymoronic statement), so classes, thanks to our Lord, have been more smoother this year.
3. The Weather - its been up and down. Two weeks ago it was warm and the cherry blossoms were out in full bloom. This week has has been frigid and windy. Well, that beats when the humidity turns up to 90% and I'm sweating enough salt to supply Mickey D's for the week.
4. Trip to China - I'm headed to China for the first time in my life, and I'm kinda excited to take it to the Middle Kingdom and experience the culture there. We'll see what Shanghai has to offer. Three day road trip starting next Saturday.
5. 9th Wonder - the name of this hip-hop producer who takes old samples and just absolutely kills it with some wonderful snares and melodies. Just how hip-hop should be. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2OtuN-JkbQ&feature=related.
6. Rice and kimchi - Korean food is a miracle food. Good for my mind and body, keeps me invigorated throughout the day.
7. In the midst of troubles, I can be a light.
Economic pains, seasonal rains in the midst of life,
A little girl's father lost her job,
While people running amuck, savings lost,
They just got robbed,
While ouncing to make a living,
I sit here pondering what I could be giving,
My money, my time, my talents, my skills,
I sit selfishly trying to pay my own bills,
It kills me to see a fake world gone wrong,
A little girl sits her in chair, her face so long,
Hope living in me, shine forth Holy Spirit,
If you ain't living the life, no one will hear it,
They put on a smile, yet looks so sad,
Cuz no one will ever listen to them about their dad,
Who drinks, and curses in the middle of the night,
While their little brother needs help from pain n' strife,
A helpless omma sees no hope,
A child broke, no one to cope,
"Step into the game my young one,"
I hear God call to me, I the adopted one,
"I put you here for a reason, get it done,"
I talk to this girl for one night, moment number one,
Next thing you know, through God's Spirit I hear,
"Well done, have no fear..."
One.
Marky
"Yah!" "Aigh!" I scream and attempt a kick...and barely pass muster. But, the release is good and gets alot of energy out of your system and towards your opponent and barrier. I was watching one of my favorite basketball players in the NBA, Carlos Boozer, and I love it how he just roars when he gets a basket while getting fouled. He yells in success while slapping a teammates hand...invigorating.
Screaming, not in anger, I believe is great for letting out energy. You don't have to be the Karate Kid, but yelling like Carlos Boozer when you get the job done or trying to kick has its uses.
2. Teaching - its cool. The kids are getting more stressed as mid-terms near, but I try to give these test taking robots some relief with my class, because learning should be fun and more experience driven. This year's freshmen class is a bit different from last year's class; they're a bit more laid-back and more active (an oxymoronic statement), so classes, thanks to our Lord, have been more smoother this year.
3. The Weather - its been up and down. Two weeks ago it was warm and the cherry blossoms were out in full bloom. This week has has been frigid and windy. Well, that beats when the humidity turns up to 90% and I'm sweating enough salt to supply Mickey D's for the week.
4. Trip to China - I'm headed to China for the first time in my life, and I'm kinda excited to take it to the Middle Kingdom and experience the culture there. We'll see what Shanghai has to offer. Three day road trip starting next Saturday.
5. 9th Wonder - the name of this hip-hop producer who takes old samples and just absolutely kills it with some wonderful snares and melodies. Just how hip-hop should be. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2OtuN-JkbQ&feature=related.
6. Rice and kimchi - Korean food is a miracle food. Good for my mind and body, keeps me invigorated throughout the day.
7. In the midst of troubles, I can be a light.
Economic pains, seasonal rains in the midst of life,
A little girl's father lost her job,
While people running amuck, savings lost,
They just got robbed,
While ouncing to make a living,
I sit here pondering what I could be giving,
My money, my time, my talents, my skills,
I sit selfishly trying to pay my own bills,
It kills me to see a fake world gone wrong,
A little girl sits her in chair, her face so long,
Hope living in me, shine forth Holy Spirit,
If you ain't living the life, no one will hear it,
They put on a smile, yet looks so sad,
Cuz no one will ever listen to them about their dad,
Who drinks, and curses in the middle of the night,
While their little brother needs help from pain n' strife,
A helpless omma sees no hope,
A child broke, no one to cope,
"Step into the game my young one,"
I hear God call to me, I the adopted one,
"I put you here for a reason, get it done,"
I talk to this girl for one night, moment number one,
Next thing you know, through God's Spirit I hear,
"Well done, have no fear..."
One.
Marky
Saturday, April 11, 2009
He Has Risen Indeed!
Just a quick shout out to my brothers and sisters in the Lord out there, whoever will be reading this blog.
I woke up in South Korea to a sunny spring day. After spending some time with my Lord through prayer and Bible study, and after listening to an Easter Sermon by Stonebriar Community Church Pastor Chuck Swindoll, I woke up with more vigor and energy than I usually do on a Sunday morning.
This is because this is the day calendar day we celebrate the rising of our Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ. Not just physically, but spiritually we are alive because of His death and resurrection.
Swindoll in his sermon points out in story form about the gut-wrenching torture our Savior went through so that we may have true life. He describes (paraphrase):
"From a little carpenter boy, he became a prophet and became the Messiah, the Savior of the world."
From a little Jewish kid, He stepped into His role to take upon our sins, our sorrows, and our burdens, things that we are ashamed of and that would eventually bring us to death...for eternity. Instead, He gives us...eternal...life.
If you don't know Jesus today, I encourage you to find Him, because He is waiting for you. Get your life right; know God and His grace, because He loves you.
As the beautiful spring rolls around with the gorgeous cherry blossoms springing about near my school, I'm reminded of His grace which gives me energy and life, especially through the dark times of my life. Jesus paid it all, and He knows what we are going through, that's what I call true friend, that's what I call a true Lord.
When you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, invades your life and does a little bit of housekeeping in your heart and soul. He helps you clean up your life and live a Holy Life, one that honors God, who rules the Universe. The Holy Spirit protects you and gives you direction in your life, because He speaks the words of God to you...what an amazing Spirit!
I like that term, "invasion." The Holy Spirit and you as a believer have a battle each and every day to fight against the sin in this world and the spiritual attacks we face on a daily basis.
But...and as my friend Jon Neufeld says, "but is a great contraction when it comes to Grace," BUT, WE HAVE VICTORY IN JESUS!
He has risen indeed!
I woke up in South Korea to a sunny spring day. After spending some time with my Lord through prayer and Bible study, and after listening to an Easter Sermon by Stonebriar Community Church Pastor Chuck Swindoll, I woke up with more vigor and energy than I usually do on a Sunday morning.
This is because this is the day calendar day we celebrate the rising of our Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ. Not just physically, but spiritually we are alive because of His death and resurrection.
Swindoll in his sermon points out in story form about the gut-wrenching torture our Savior went through so that we may have true life. He describes (paraphrase):
"From a little carpenter boy, he became a prophet and became the Messiah, the Savior of the world."
From a little Jewish kid, He stepped into His role to take upon our sins, our sorrows, and our burdens, things that we are ashamed of and that would eventually bring us to death...for eternity. Instead, He gives us...eternal...life.
If you don't know Jesus today, I encourage you to find Him, because He is waiting for you. Get your life right; know God and His grace, because He loves you.
As the beautiful spring rolls around with the gorgeous cherry blossoms springing about near my school, I'm reminded of His grace which gives me energy and life, especially through the dark times of my life. Jesus paid it all, and He knows what we are going through, that's what I call true friend, that's what I call a true Lord.
When you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, invades your life and does a little bit of housekeeping in your heart and soul. He helps you clean up your life and live a Holy Life, one that honors God, who rules the Universe. The Holy Spirit protects you and gives you direction in your life, because He speaks the words of God to you...what an amazing Spirit!
I like that term, "invasion." The Holy Spirit and you as a believer have a battle each and every day to fight against the sin in this world and the spiritual attacks we face on a daily basis.
But...and as my friend Jon Neufeld says, "but is a great contraction when it comes to Grace," BUT, WE HAVE VICTORY IN JESUS!
He has risen indeed!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
"Just Been...Loving Mr. Soni"
I decided to write something more lighter with all the economic issues, mass killings, hopelessness, worldly views, and despair in this world today. Here's something sweet in the midst of the sin that's in the world.
I'm teaching one of my favorite and more effective conversation lessons at my high school lately, called "High School English." I call it that because the PowerPoint addresses more trendier language usage such as "what's up" rather than "hi," and "how's it going" rather than "how are you."
Well, one of the questions in the lesson is "what've been up to lately?" Its a common conversation starter to see what the other person has been doing this past week. For a Korean learner, its important to give them a structured answer or formula to keep their answers to the point but at least allow them to maneuver for more answers.
The answer is, according to my PowerPoint, "Just been + Verb + ing." Insert any verb of choice to tell your listener "what've been up to lately."
I choose different kids in the classroom to present their answers to me, or practice the dialog with a partner in a different part of the classroom. They can earn $oni Dollars for their participation.
While teaching class 1-8, I ran out of volunteers as the main active girls already raised their hands and got the ball rolling. I needed more participation, so I decided to choose a girl of my own to keep them on their toes. "Jeong...Ji...Na. Who's Jeong Jina?"
Jina bashfully raises her hand and stands up. The girls are giggling at her.
Mr. Soni: "What's up, Jina?"
Jina: "Nothing much, what's up Mr. Soni."
Mr. Soni: "Nothing much, how's it going?"
Jina: "I'm cool."
Mr. Soni: "What've been up to lately?"
(Pause)
Jina: "...just been...LOVING...Mr. Soni!"
There is a huge roar of laughter and "ahhhhhs!" I'm quite embarrassed myself but being at a girl's high school, its natural to have a crush on the male teachers. Its part of Korean girls high school culture. So with her participation, I have to give her a $oni dollar for her efforts, but this time around, the girls see it as a "love gift," and as I hand the money to her the classmates around her "ahhh" in admiration.
One classmate, Kye-rin smirks at me, "I am going to cry now."
"Just been loving Mr. Soni."
I'm teaching one of my favorite and more effective conversation lessons at my high school lately, called "High School English." I call it that because the PowerPoint addresses more trendier language usage such as "what's up" rather than "hi," and "how's it going" rather than "how are you."
Well, one of the questions in the lesson is "what've been up to lately?" Its a common conversation starter to see what the other person has been doing this past week. For a Korean learner, its important to give them a structured answer or formula to keep their answers to the point but at least allow them to maneuver for more answers.
The answer is, according to my PowerPoint, "Just been + Verb + ing." Insert any verb of choice to tell your listener "what've been up to lately."
I choose different kids in the classroom to present their answers to me, or practice the dialog with a partner in a different part of the classroom. They can earn $oni Dollars for their participation.
While teaching class 1-8, I ran out of volunteers as the main active girls already raised their hands and got the ball rolling. I needed more participation, so I decided to choose a girl of my own to keep them on their toes. "Jeong...Ji...Na. Who's Jeong Jina?"
Jina bashfully raises her hand and stands up. The girls are giggling at her.
Mr. Soni: "What's up, Jina?"
Jina: "Nothing much, what's up Mr. Soni."
Mr. Soni: "Nothing much, how's it going?"
Jina: "I'm cool."
Mr. Soni: "What've been up to lately?"
(Pause)
Jina: "...just been...LOVING...Mr. Soni!"
There is a huge roar of laughter and "ahhhhhs!" I'm quite embarrassed myself but being at a girl's high school, its natural to have a crush on the male teachers. Its part of Korean girls high school culture. So with her participation, I have to give her a $oni dollar for her efforts, but this time around, the girls see it as a "love gift," and as I hand the money to her the classmates around her "ahhh" in admiration.
One classmate, Kye-rin smirks at me, "I am going to cry now."
"Just been loving Mr. Soni."
Saturday, March 7, 2009
School Begins
For the third year, I began teaching English in the Republic of Korea.
This time around, there's not as much hype going around this one, which is a good thing.
I wasn't introduced in the "starting line-ups" of teachers at the opening ceremony this past Monday (the 3rd of March) because now I am not a rookie, but a veteran.
So to my new freshmen class, I'm a virtually unknown quantity, and I am guessing many didn't know that they had a native English teacher. (Many high schools in Incheon still do not have a native teacher for their English classes) I walked into their classrooms with surprised looks on their faces as they were saying in Korean, "who's this guy," or "he doesn't look Korean to me."
I actually enjoyed last week. I was introduced to any fanfare so I was out of the spotlight. In my first two years in Korea I was at two different schools, so there was a lot of raucous about me being the new foreign teacher. It was fun. Yet this time, instead of being a celeb, I could focus more on being a better teacher and stay out of the limelight.
Speaking of "walking into their classrooms," that was one of the first few changes I've made this past week. In past years, I usually taught in my class in the English Zone, a special designated classroom built in many schools to encourage an English Only environment. It's a special room with many colors and gimmicks, and is very advantageous for giving good lectures on the huge projector screen and has seating designed for group activities.
Even though the English Zone serves its purpose well, it sometimes can be tougher to work in. The reason is mental. Most students study hard in their regular classrooms and are mentally geared to work hard in that environment. So there were moments last year when students would come to the English Zone, see the funny colors and collages of pictures of world leaders on the wall, and become relaxed.
For the first few weeks, I will teach in their regular classroom as a way to bring legitimacy and a sense of order to the class. So far its working. After introducing the classroom rules and enforcing them while allowing them to get used to my teaching style, then I will bring them to the English Zone for further instruction. If the plan will work, who knows, but hey, I got to get the ball rolling right this year.
Teaching the new freshment will be nicer for one major reason: the class sizes. I have 36 students per class, average. That's down from 44 average last year. This means it will be easier to control on some levels as well as getting to know the students' faces more. Last year it was tough at times to maintain control while helping students understand the material at hand.
As for life in general in Korea, the transition back has been tougher than last year. I spent an awesome four-week vacation in the States, so coming back here and getting adjusted has taken a toll on my body, because I have to get adjusted to my work schedule as well as Korean time. This is not like for most people who go on vacation to a nearby ocean or another state and come back to work. For me, its fighting off jet lag in the States while adjusting to the peace and quiet, then coming right back into bright neon signs, buses going out of control, mayhem in the streets of Seoul, and the fast-track life.
But God is faithful and He has been ever so helpful in getting my mind and body adjusted.
Bonus: Funny quotes from this week's "Q & A Time With Mr. Soni" during the first week of classes:
Q: "Mr. Soni, do you like Korea?" (in which Mr. Soni has been living here for two years)
A: "Yes." (awkward silence, then laughter)
Q: "Mr. Soni, which one [of us students] is the most attractive?"
A: ......(looks over at Ms. Lee, Mr. Soni's co-teacher)
Student: "NOOOO! Not her!"
This time around, there's not as much hype going around this one, which is a good thing.
I wasn't introduced in the "starting line-ups" of teachers at the opening ceremony this past Monday (the 3rd of March) because now I am not a rookie, but a veteran.
So to my new freshmen class, I'm a virtually unknown quantity, and I am guessing many didn't know that they had a native English teacher. (Many high schools in Incheon still do not have a native teacher for their English classes) I walked into their classrooms with surprised looks on their faces as they were saying in Korean, "who's this guy," or "he doesn't look Korean to me."
I actually enjoyed last week. I was introduced to any fanfare so I was out of the spotlight. In my first two years in Korea I was at two different schools, so there was a lot of raucous about me being the new foreign teacher. It was fun. Yet this time, instead of being a celeb, I could focus more on being a better teacher and stay out of the limelight.
Speaking of "walking into their classrooms," that was one of the first few changes I've made this past week. In past years, I usually taught in my class in the English Zone, a special designated classroom built in many schools to encourage an English Only environment. It's a special room with many colors and gimmicks, and is very advantageous for giving good lectures on the huge projector screen and has seating designed for group activities.
Even though the English Zone serves its purpose well, it sometimes can be tougher to work in. The reason is mental. Most students study hard in their regular classrooms and are mentally geared to work hard in that environment. So there were moments last year when students would come to the English Zone, see the funny colors and collages of pictures of world leaders on the wall, and become relaxed.
For the first few weeks, I will teach in their regular classroom as a way to bring legitimacy and a sense of order to the class. So far its working. After introducing the classroom rules and enforcing them while allowing them to get used to my teaching style, then I will bring them to the English Zone for further instruction. If the plan will work, who knows, but hey, I got to get the ball rolling right this year.
Teaching the new freshment will be nicer for one major reason: the class sizes. I have 36 students per class, average. That's down from 44 average last year. This means it will be easier to control on some levels as well as getting to know the students' faces more. Last year it was tough at times to maintain control while helping students understand the material at hand.
As for life in general in Korea, the transition back has been tougher than last year. I spent an awesome four-week vacation in the States, so coming back here and getting adjusted has taken a toll on my body, because I have to get adjusted to my work schedule as well as Korean time. This is not like for most people who go on vacation to a nearby ocean or another state and come back to work. For me, its fighting off jet lag in the States while adjusting to the peace and quiet, then coming right back into bright neon signs, buses going out of control, mayhem in the streets of Seoul, and the fast-track life.
But God is faithful and He has been ever so helpful in getting my mind and body adjusted.
Bonus: Funny quotes from this week's "Q & A Time With Mr. Soni" during the first week of classes:
Q: "Mr. Soni, do you like Korea?" (in which Mr. Soni has been living here for two years)
A: "Yes." (awkward silence, then laughter)
Q: "Mr. Soni, which one [of us students] is the most attractive?"
A: ......(looks over at Ms. Lee, Mr. Soni's co-teacher)
Student: "NOOOO! Not her!"
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Return Of...
Yea, yea, so it would seem like Mr. Soni likes Korea. Just a little.
He likes travelling, learning the Korean language, connecting with people of his mama's tribe and learning about a new culture. In many ways, after living here since 2007, Mr. Soni has developed Korean tendencies himself. Just don't tell his parents that...
After an extensive and refreshing vacation back in the Washington DC/Metro area, Mr. Soni has returned to his school for another signed contract. He's going to dog-fight it in classroom trench warfare for another year. You would think after 2 years of teaching in mostly a non-productive classroom set-up that he would close shop and return home to the United States. That is not the case. The little man of 24 years has other plans.
"At first, I thought that I would do this for maybe 2 years at the most. You know, get some language acquisition, travel East Asia, earn some quick cash, then go home and re-start real life," said Mr. Soni on Saturday morning at a PC Bang in Incheon. "But God has allowed me to stay because I felt we just scratched the surface of what He can do through me this year."
Being a tough decision that it was, he knew that he would have to delay a permanent return to the United States. Yet confidence was the theme as he detailed what's the plan this year.
"Its really interesting. I really prayed about it and decided in freedom that this is where God wants me to be. There's alot of work to be done. I enjoy this opportunity to share the Truth with these students and to be a constant in their lives," remarked Soni.
Continuing the English teaching trade, he knows by now that through the limitations of the job there are certain holes of penetration where God can use the little boy teacher to give his students more brain food this year.
Mr. Soni outlined his plan for this year's curriculum, stating that most of last year's plans will be included in the Free English classes, with slight changes to reflect difficulty and more transparency. He also has planned reforms to the rulebook and to the mission statement of his course.
Rulebook changes include an emphasis of a easy punishment enforcement system so the students can understand when they are crossing the classroom rules' lines. In 2007, when Mr. Soni started his tenure at Yeonsu High School, even though grabbing the attention of the boys was very difficult at times, his soccer-based yellow/red card system was effective to letting them know that they pushed the teacher's buttons. In 2008, switching to a girls' school, Mr. Soni underestimated the way girls tended to push the rules, resulting in confusion of authority due to a lack of a foundational discipline/reward system.
According to the Soni Administration, the goal for this school year is to take the lessons from the first two years to combine for a final, "rounding-out" completed teaching project where he combines elements of fun classes, interactive activities, challenging intellectual moments, and more transparency in discipline and respect for the native teacher, all culminating from his brief 2 years of teaching.
"Its not overall too ambitious, because you can't really push the tape on ESL teaching in this country. Its just wisdom pulled from the teeth from two years of struggle and joy. Its a more practical approach to maintain a balance, from making sure that my new students understand that I'm serious from the get-go, but I let up on the pedal to ease things up as we get more into learning more conversational English," remarked Mr. Soni.
As for the mission statement, Mr. Soni credits his former boss and section chieft from last year, Mrs. Son (pronounced "sohn," not "sun"). Mrs. Son remarked how students at Hakik Girls High School became more interested in the English language last year. Even though the students overall proficiency did not improve last year, she left Mr. Soni with a personal report that she sees the potential for Free English to be a motivator for future English studies.
"After a huge debriefing with Mrs. Son last week, she came up with the wonderful conclusion that Free English, since it is not graded, should be more about getting students more interested in the English language. After much more thought about that, I 100% agree with her. Because most of the time the issue in Korean high schools is that there is no motivation to study a language that at times seems robotic and automatic at best," analyzed Soni. "Our mission statement for the class this year is to motivate and encourage students to study the English language. "
Adding to this, Mr. Soni sees that his role is more free and less demanding than before. "I felt as if I had to produce some kind of English miracle where students at the end of the school year would be holding debates or at last carry decent conversations. No doubt some of my students improved, but nonetheless language acquisition takes years, and having this kind of mission statement makes things much easier to conduct class."
The semester for the new school year starts Monday, with a new class of freshmen girls rolling into the school with bunches of new teachers and staff on hand, ready to teach the intense courses necessary for college preparation.
Holdovers like Mr. Soni will be an awesome benefit for the school, especially since almighty God will use him some more. If this be our teacher's final year in this country, than he knows that there's alot riding on this year.
"I talk big about my ambitions going into the school year, but let's keep one thing clear. If I don't do this for God's Glory, than this whole talk and act of becoming a better teacher just goes out the window. He's the one who gave me this job. He's the one who should be getting the Glory, hence others should be pointed to Him. I'm his ambassador and I got this awfully big responsiblity of being a teacher and a role-model in their lives. Than again, all we needed was grace, so to my kids I will do my best to give it to them, especially when they start struggling with the rigors of high school life. As God breathed life into me through His Son, Jesus, I want to be a fresh breath for these young individuals called Korean students. "
With so many ambitious plans for teaching and for other God-called purposes in his future life here in Korea and around the world, Mark Soni has one thing to say how to wrap up this 09 School Year Plan: "Matthew 6:33...seek ye first the kingdom of God..."
09 is Year of the Divine, yea ya'll.
(Article written by Anono Mus)
He likes travelling, learning the Korean language, connecting with people of his mama's tribe and learning about a new culture. In many ways, after living here since 2007, Mr. Soni has developed Korean tendencies himself. Just don't tell his parents that...
After an extensive and refreshing vacation back in the Washington DC/Metro area, Mr. Soni has returned to his school for another signed contract. He's going to dog-fight it in classroom trench warfare for another year. You would think after 2 years of teaching in mostly a non-productive classroom set-up that he would close shop and return home to the United States. That is not the case. The little man of 24 years has other plans.
"At first, I thought that I would do this for maybe 2 years at the most. You know, get some language acquisition, travel East Asia, earn some quick cash, then go home and re-start real life," said Mr. Soni on Saturday morning at a PC Bang in Incheon. "But God has allowed me to stay because I felt we just scratched the surface of what He can do through me this year."
Being a tough decision that it was, he knew that he would have to delay a permanent return to the United States. Yet confidence was the theme as he detailed what's the plan this year.
"Its really interesting. I really prayed about it and decided in freedom that this is where God wants me to be. There's alot of work to be done. I enjoy this opportunity to share the Truth with these students and to be a constant in their lives," remarked Soni.
Continuing the English teaching trade, he knows by now that through the limitations of the job there are certain holes of penetration where God can use the little boy teacher to give his students more brain food this year.
Mr. Soni outlined his plan for this year's curriculum, stating that most of last year's plans will be included in the Free English classes, with slight changes to reflect difficulty and more transparency. He also has planned reforms to the rulebook and to the mission statement of his course.
Rulebook changes include an emphasis of a easy punishment enforcement system so the students can understand when they are crossing the classroom rules' lines. In 2007, when Mr. Soni started his tenure at Yeonsu High School, even though grabbing the attention of the boys was very difficult at times, his soccer-based yellow/red card system was effective to letting them know that they pushed the teacher's buttons. In 2008, switching to a girls' school, Mr. Soni underestimated the way girls tended to push the rules, resulting in confusion of authority due to a lack of a foundational discipline/reward system.
According to the Soni Administration, the goal for this school year is to take the lessons from the first two years to combine for a final, "rounding-out" completed teaching project where he combines elements of fun classes, interactive activities, challenging intellectual moments, and more transparency in discipline and respect for the native teacher, all culminating from his brief 2 years of teaching.
"Its not overall too ambitious, because you can't really push the tape on ESL teaching in this country. Its just wisdom pulled from the teeth from two years of struggle and joy. Its a more practical approach to maintain a balance, from making sure that my new students understand that I'm serious from the get-go, but I let up on the pedal to ease things up as we get more into learning more conversational English," remarked Mr. Soni.
As for the mission statement, Mr. Soni credits his former boss and section chieft from last year, Mrs. Son (pronounced "sohn," not "sun"). Mrs. Son remarked how students at Hakik Girls High School became more interested in the English language last year. Even though the students overall proficiency did not improve last year, she left Mr. Soni with a personal report that she sees the potential for Free English to be a motivator for future English studies.
"After a huge debriefing with Mrs. Son last week, she came up with the wonderful conclusion that Free English, since it is not graded, should be more about getting students more interested in the English language. After much more thought about that, I 100% agree with her. Because most of the time the issue in Korean high schools is that there is no motivation to study a language that at times seems robotic and automatic at best," analyzed Soni. "Our mission statement for the class this year is to motivate and encourage students to study the English language. "
Adding to this, Mr. Soni sees that his role is more free and less demanding than before. "I felt as if I had to produce some kind of English miracle where students at the end of the school year would be holding debates or at last carry decent conversations. No doubt some of my students improved, but nonetheless language acquisition takes years, and having this kind of mission statement makes things much easier to conduct class."
The semester for the new school year starts Monday, with a new class of freshmen girls rolling into the school with bunches of new teachers and staff on hand, ready to teach the intense courses necessary for college preparation.
Holdovers like Mr. Soni will be an awesome benefit for the school, especially since almighty God will use him some more. If this be our teacher's final year in this country, than he knows that there's alot riding on this year.
"I talk big about my ambitions going into the school year, but let's keep one thing clear. If I don't do this for God's Glory, than this whole talk and act of becoming a better teacher just goes out the window. He's the one who gave me this job. He's the one who should be getting the Glory, hence others should be pointed to Him. I'm his ambassador and I got this awfully big responsiblity of being a teacher and a role-model in their lives. Than again, all we needed was grace, so to my kids I will do my best to give it to them, especially when they start struggling with the rigors of high school life. As God breathed life into me through His Son, Jesus, I want to be a fresh breath for these young individuals called Korean students. "
With so many ambitious plans for teaching and for other God-called purposes in his future life here in Korea and around the world, Mark Soni has one thing to say how to wrap up this 09 School Year Plan: "Matthew 6:33...seek ye first the kingdom of God..."
09 is Year of the Divine, yea ya'll.
(Article written by Anono Mus)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
America: Land of the Free
Washington DC at Night
I'm leaving for Korea tomorrow for year 3 in my Korean teaching tenure. My school has graciously allowed me to sign another contract with them. I enjoyed my time teaching there and its been awesome to be in this situation.
My school was also really cool to allow me to go home for vacation, and I spent a good amount of time here in the USA. I got to catch up with my family, old friends, and made some new friends. It was really awesome.
I got to eat my Taco Bell, Mexican food, hamburgers, my mom's food (the best), and all the good foods that America has, including some good ol' fashion BBQ from the South. My face is evidence that I tasted all those good foods.
I saw many neat things in America as I landed, from the Inauguration of a new president to some of the coolest sights the city of Washington DC has to offer. Its really awesome to be living in this area of the world.
My Washington Wizards suck, but that's the pain of rebuilding. They'll be back next year. The Wizards are 11-42. Ouch.
The economy in the US is not doing so hot, with jobs being lost everyday. Its getting really bad here. It hasn't been this bad since the 1930's. People are looking for work and families are being uprooted because of lost jobs. Its really bad.
Even though we face this economic crisis monster, life still seems the same here on many superficial levels. We're still a nation of entertainment, fine dining, HD television, videogames, and pleasures. We work hard and we want our fun.
Its been really nice to home, to see the cool aspects of our country, and at the same time be at dismay with some things that are poking holes in our society's fabric.
Everyone is talking about the economy, which is going to affect alot of our lives. Yet at the same time we are society that struggles with holding families together, crime, and meaninglessness. It is sad. Even though we are rife with economic issues and it has forced many to save and re-evaluate our lives, there are many who are struggling with their marriages, families, and maintaining whole relationships.
The Supreme Court
As I go back tomorrow to the Republic of Korea to continue the work the Lord has given me, I hope that my friends and family in America stick to the Truth in God's Word and be ready for a battle on their hands.
My pastor was talking about in the passage of Acts where Paul and Silas (Acts 16) were arrested for doing the Lord's work and getting a spirit out of a woman who kept yelling at them. In the midst of their trials and beatings...which were pretty severe, in verse 25 it talks about how they "were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." In the midst of their pain and persecution they were still being a light to the other prisoners around them.
We as believers are going through tough times ahead because the world's problems will affect us in some way. The world is going to moan, whine, and complain and try to solve these problems the way they know they can...through own their strength and human reasoning.
We as believers however, don't have to be affected by the world's problems because we trust in a God who is bigger than 10 million economies. He alone is our provider in these situations. We need to be the song for those to hear in a dark, dark world who don't see any solution in sight.
I go back to Korea with great passion for its people and especially for my students at Hakik Girls High School. These dark times are going to force me and my brothers and sisters in Christ to fight a more difficult battle ahead as we desire to be Children of God (see John 2:28). Yet there is a great hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I grow older, stronger, wiser, but ready to learn some more. And ready to fight. We need to be Children of God, because no one else will provide hope. Only Jesus Christ can do that for this world.
It was a great time in America, yet its time for the return...of the Boy Teacher.
Monday, January 26, 2009
People and Animals
Meanwhile, back in America, I sat down to watch the CBS Evening News tonight. It was nice to catch up and watch the news with CBS' Katie Couric, who took the job after long-time anchors Dan Rather and Bob Schieffer hanged up their suits.
Tonight's stories ran through the usual headlines about politics and world affairs, while detailing the massive lay-offs that many companies are forced to make due to the economic crisis that is sweeping the world. The news usually brings the more negative side of life, which in turn makes many Americans ignore the news or turn it off altogether.
Usually, to brighten the mood, alot of newscasts will end the show with a humanitarian story. The whole point is to bring a smile to the viewers' face after they usually watch a half-hour of events that deal with stories that are not optimistic. Economic depression, war, murder, scandals, the list of the effects of sin goes on.
Humanitarian stories usually have two distinct goals when presented to the TV viewer: 1. to show that humans have potential good, 2. to brighten the mood.
So tonight's story was about...cats.
Cats are my favorite animals. I think they are some of the cutest creatures on this earth: with their round heads and whiskers and the way they pounce, purr, and sleep their way through the day. Their small little noses, and of course, their distinct "meow" always brings a smile to my face. When I see a kitty cat in the room, my disposition changes. I love cats. The irony of this blog is that I am allergic to cats.
So I'm watching this humanitarian story about cats, about a man named Jonathan Rosenberg, a successful Internet businessman who has made millions of dollars throughout his career.
Then he gives it all up...for cats.
Check out the story at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/26/eveningnews/main4754449.shtml?tag=topStories;secondStory.
He creates this shelter for cats called Tabby's Place, in honor of his 15-year old cat who passed away from cancer. He loves cats so much that he created his own shelter to house and treat cats of diseases and put them up for adoption. So, you would think this is just another animal shelter for cats...big deal. "Awwww...look at the cute little kittie, let's adopt him."
Yet what is unique in this story is the kind of cats that Mr. Rosenberg and his wife takes in: cats with really funky dispositions and illnesses. One cat, Tashi, cannot even use his hind legs. One cat is allergic...to humans. One cat flips her disposition...friendly one moment, then tries to swipe at you in the next. Another cat does not want to come down. One poor cat is missing an eye and an ear. Its really sad to watch these poor cats.
He takes in all cats, but he has a fondness for cats that are really messed up, the cats that nobody wants.
Now, to most casual humans, people would think this guy and his wife are just being nice. Some people who don't really care for animals would probably be like, "why did he spent so much money on dumb cats when he could have donated that money to organizations that help humans? Who cares about these messed-up felines?"
What one person must realize however, is that humans have a special responsibility to take care of animals while we are custodians of the dominion called Earth. It says so in the Bible:
"God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'" (Genesis 1:28)
To rule gives us the right to subject the animals God has created to be under our supervision. Yet sometimes people will take the word, "to rule," as saying, "we can do whatever in the world we want to animals and no one can stop us." We eat certain animals while we have subjected some to be our pets, while to help us in labor, or some to help us keep warm. Its the power God has allowed us as human beings. We can subject the animals to our will, but we have to remind ourselves one thing from the passages of Scripture:
(Colossians 1:15-17): "He is the image of the of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Who is He? Jesus of course. All things on heaven and earth, whether be angels in heaven, to skunks, and for this blog, kitty cats, everything was made by him and for him. Everything that has been established here on the dominion of earth was made for God's Glory, and He has entrusted us with the power to subject animals. Jesus is the ultimate reason why things were made, for His glory and all things are held by him together. We should become like Jesus is: to our fellow man with love, and to take care of his creation, and ultimately, to love the Lord our God.
So, looking at the Genesis and now the Colossians' scripture, to rule does not mean we can do whatever we want to animals as we see fit. We have to understand by looking at the Scripture that we are stewards of his creation. We must not only love another in Christ (John 13:35), but also acknolwedge his awesome creation.
Sometimes, we overlook animals. Of course, Christ came to save mankind from sin. Yet, one of the joys of being a born-again believer is to see the beauty of his creation. In this case, this humanitarian story taught me some really neat lessons about caring for God's creatures and the lessons that it brings. I don't know if Mr. Rosenberg believes in God and His Son, but I think he's on the right track of realizing how delicate life is. He takes in the cats that no one hardly cares for: the socially awkward and physically ill cats.
Some of the cats don't respond to Mr. Rosenberg's love. Some hiss at him. Some he has to spend alot of time and money to fix up some cats who have serious medical issues. Some cats are lonely. Yet some cats make it and finally have a place to live in when a loving family comes by and adopts one.
"Wouldn't it have been more rewarding for you to take cats that are easier to adopt out?" Schlesinger (the reporter) asked.
"No," Rosenberg said. "It wouldn't be because my heart really goes out to the cats like these, that I shouldn't say no one else wants, but for the most part no one else wants."
When we take care of animals, it should be a reminder of the awesomeness of God and his power to create these animals, for His glory. Also, taking care of His creation should remind us that we have a loving God who always takes care of us with tender care and love, because we are created in His image.
So the next time you cuddle with your cat, your dog, your pet gerbil, or whatever goofy pet you have your in house and how that pet responds to your love and care. Remember how much more of our God cares the pride of His creation...us. In turn, let us not forget those other people in our lives who are down and out and in the world's eyes is not desired.
Just like these messed-up cats, humans who have serious issues in their lives can be the most surprising people who might turn from their life of sin and go to a powerful God who can change them, transform them, and love them. From down and out cats to adopted ones in loving families, when we turn from our life of wicked sin, we became wanted creatures in God's Kingdom. Adopted by the King of Kings.
It all starts with Him. His creatures are just a reminder of that.
Tonight's stories ran through the usual headlines about politics and world affairs, while detailing the massive lay-offs that many companies are forced to make due to the economic crisis that is sweeping the world. The news usually brings the more negative side of life, which in turn makes many Americans ignore the news or turn it off altogether.
Usually, to brighten the mood, alot of newscasts will end the show with a humanitarian story. The whole point is to bring a smile to the viewers' face after they usually watch a half-hour of events that deal with stories that are not optimistic. Economic depression, war, murder, scandals, the list of the effects of sin goes on.
Humanitarian stories usually have two distinct goals when presented to the TV viewer: 1. to show that humans have potential good, 2. to brighten the mood.
So tonight's story was about...cats.
Cats are my favorite animals. I think they are some of the cutest creatures on this earth: with their round heads and whiskers and the way they pounce, purr, and sleep their way through the day. Their small little noses, and of course, their distinct "meow" always brings a smile to my face. When I see a kitty cat in the room, my disposition changes. I love cats. The irony of this blog is that I am allergic to cats.
So I'm watching this humanitarian story about cats, about a man named Jonathan Rosenberg, a successful Internet businessman who has made millions of dollars throughout his career.
Then he gives it all up...for cats.
Check out the story at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/26/eveningnews/main4754449.shtml?tag=topStories;secondStory.
He creates this shelter for cats called Tabby's Place, in honor of his 15-year old cat who passed away from cancer. He loves cats so much that he created his own shelter to house and treat cats of diseases and put them up for adoption. So, you would think this is just another animal shelter for cats...big deal. "Awwww...look at the cute little kittie, let's adopt him."
Yet what is unique in this story is the kind of cats that Mr. Rosenberg and his wife takes in: cats with really funky dispositions and illnesses. One cat, Tashi, cannot even use his hind legs. One cat is allergic...to humans. One cat flips her disposition...friendly one moment, then tries to swipe at you in the next. Another cat does not want to come down. One poor cat is missing an eye and an ear. Its really sad to watch these poor cats.
He takes in all cats, but he has a fondness for cats that are really messed up, the cats that nobody wants.
Now, to most casual humans, people would think this guy and his wife are just being nice. Some people who don't really care for animals would probably be like, "why did he spent so much money on dumb cats when he could have donated that money to organizations that help humans? Who cares about these messed-up felines?"
What one person must realize however, is that humans have a special responsibility to take care of animals while we are custodians of the dominion called Earth. It says so in the Bible:
"God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'" (Genesis 1:28)
To rule gives us the right to subject the animals God has created to be under our supervision. Yet sometimes people will take the word, "to rule," as saying, "we can do whatever in the world we want to animals and no one can stop us." We eat certain animals while we have subjected some to be our pets, while to help us in labor, or some to help us keep warm. Its the power God has allowed us as human beings. We can subject the animals to our will, but we have to remind ourselves one thing from the passages of Scripture:
(Colossians 1:15-17): "He is the image of the of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Who is He? Jesus of course. All things on heaven and earth, whether be angels in heaven, to skunks, and for this blog, kitty cats, everything was made by him and for him. Everything that has been established here on the dominion of earth was made for God's Glory, and He has entrusted us with the power to subject animals. Jesus is the ultimate reason why things were made, for His glory and all things are held by him together. We should become like Jesus is: to our fellow man with love, and to take care of his creation, and ultimately, to love the Lord our God.
So, looking at the Genesis and now the Colossians' scripture, to rule does not mean we can do whatever we want to animals as we see fit. We have to understand by looking at the Scripture that we are stewards of his creation. We must not only love another in Christ (John 13:35), but also acknolwedge his awesome creation.
Sometimes, we overlook animals. Of course, Christ came to save mankind from sin. Yet, one of the joys of being a born-again believer is to see the beauty of his creation. In this case, this humanitarian story taught me some really neat lessons about caring for God's creatures and the lessons that it brings. I don't know if Mr. Rosenberg believes in God and His Son, but I think he's on the right track of realizing how delicate life is. He takes in the cats that no one hardly cares for: the socially awkward and physically ill cats.
Some of the cats don't respond to Mr. Rosenberg's love. Some hiss at him. Some he has to spend alot of time and money to fix up some cats who have serious medical issues. Some cats are lonely. Yet some cats make it and finally have a place to live in when a loving family comes by and adopts one.
"Wouldn't it have been more rewarding for you to take cats that are easier to adopt out?" Schlesinger (the reporter) asked.
"No," Rosenberg said. "It wouldn't be because my heart really goes out to the cats like these, that I shouldn't say no one else wants, but for the most part no one else wants."
When we take care of animals, it should be a reminder of the awesomeness of God and his power to create these animals, for His glory. Also, taking care of His creation should remind us that we have a loving God who always takes care of us with tender care and love, because we are created in His image.
So the next time you cuddle with your cat, your dog, your pet gerbil, or whatever goofy pet you have your in house and how that pet responds to your love and care. Remember how much more of our God cares the pride of His creation...us. In turn, let us not forget those other people in our lives who are down and out and in the world's eyes is not desired.
Just like these messed-up cats, humans who have serious issues in their lives can be the most surprising people who might turn from their life of sin and go to a powerful God who can change them, transform them, and love them. From down and out cats to adopted ones in loving families, when we turn from our life of wicked sin, we became wanted creatures in God's Kingdom. Adopted by the King of Kings.
It all starts with Him. His creatures are just a reminder of that.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Return to America
Hey ya'll. I officially finished the year at my school and I will be returning to America for a few weeks. I can't wait.
I return the 20th of January, the same day Barack Obama will become the 44th president of the United States of America, right in the nation's capital, which is not too far from my home.
Our country is getting rocked by the economic crisis, a loss confidence in the health care system, a war in Afghanistan (while Iraq is improving), no money in the government coffers, and a total loss of direction for our people.
I hope this will be a time not of depression, even though economically it seems to be heading that way. But where our people can get out of this depression in the spirit, to seek the Lord. Only the Lord can bring security in times of need.
Mr. Obama, I respect him alot, even though on some major issues I disagree with him. He is bi-racial like me and a very intelligent man, and I will continue to pray for him that he makes the right choice. God allowed him to be in power, so I hope Mr. O in part will revere God and seek His wisdom in choices, just like King Solomon did.
He's got alot on his hands, and he's going to be under alot of pressure to deliver.
Yet I think, after his inauguration is over and his administration kicks off, the onus will be more on us, the Americans. Our families are breaking down, savings are down, we spend more on entertainment than time with our families. We spend time eating more than we exercise and playing outside.
Pleasure is the name of the game, rather than the search for Truth. Kids lack direction from their fathers and mothers, and instead get it from their peers. Authority is breaking down on every level, and we need to get back to the basics of respect and observing who is higher than us.
So, its going to be a great and intersting time in our history. I don't expect anything new, because like it says in the book of Ecclesiastes, "there is nothing new under the sun." Obama is not going to change people's lives. He can change the political environment and help spur the economy with his policies. However, what people need is change...not from the top, but within.
Jesus is the way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). That's it. That's what America needs. Hope for Change...within.
I can't wait to go home!
I return the 20th of January, the same day Barack Obama will become the 44th president of the United States of America, right in the nation's capital, which is not too far from my home.
Our country is getting rocked by the economic crisis, a loss confidence in the health care system, a war in Afghanistan (while Iraq is improving), no money in the government coffers, and a total loss of direction for our people.
I hope this will be a time not of depression, even though economically it seems to be heading that way. But where our people can get out of this depression in the spirit, to seek the Lord. Only the Lord can bring security in times of need.
Mr. Obama, I respect him alot, even though on some major issues I disagree with him. He is bi-racial like me and a very intelligent man, and I will continue to pray for him that he makes the right choice. God allowed him to be in power, so I hope Mr. O in part will revere God and seek His wisdom in choices, just like King Solomon did.
He's got alot on his hands, and he's going to be under alot of pressure to deliver.
Yet I think, after his inauguration is over and his administration kicks off, the onus will be more on us, the Americans. Our families are breaking down, savings are down, we spend more on entertainment than time with our families. We spend time eating more than we exercise and playing outside.
Pleasure is the name of the game, rather than the search for Truth. Kids lack direction from their fathers and mothers, and instead get it from their peers. Authority is breaking down on every level, and we need to get back to the basics of respect and observing who is higher than us.
So, its going to be a great and intersting time in our history. I don't expect anything new, because like it says in the book of Ecclesiastes, "there is nothing new under the sun." Obama is not going to change people's lives. He can change the political environment and help spur the economy with his policies. However, what people need is change...not from the top, but within.
Jesus is the way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). That's it. That's what America needs. Hope for Change...within.
I can't wait to go home!
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2010: The Year of the Soni Tiger
