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.

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!