What in the World are we doing in Korea?

I think I wrote a blog post (or something) once about "where in the world are the Housers?" The answer to which would be, "South Korea." But it seems often people aren't quite sure WHAT in the world we are doing in Korea.  It is a rather unique situation. I did a (very brief) blog search and didn't see anywhere that I specifically addressed this question so I'll answer it now, in case you are wondering.

Three years ago we felt the Lord very specifically call us to a Church in South Korea.  Steve had been looking for a job change and was wanting to go into full time ministry.  He felt very specific about the type of Church he wanted to work and serve with and as he searched for "the right one" he came across a job posting for Songtan Central Baptist Church.  He read over it, felt excited about it, liked everything the Church believed, liked the looks of the Church and the job position....Until he reached the end of the job posting and saw:  "Songtan, South KOREA."

Asia was most definitely not in our plans or thoughts.  In fact, only about 8  months prior I had told him we weren't moving out of the 50 mile radius we were currently living....I wanted to stay in Minnesota, close to family and friends.  I grew up moving around and I wanted to stay put for a while.  Plus, I really liked my job and didn't want to give it up. 

He came home and mostly joking asked if I would move to Korea with him.

I stunned him with "sure, check it out."

What he didn't know, was a friend of mine had challenged me a few months prior that maybe I wasn't opening my hand to what the Lord might have for us....that I shouldn't be so closed to the idea of moving....that maybe there was a job somewhere for Steve that wasn't Minnesota.  I had decided that was pretty sound advice and been challenged.  However, when I responded "sure"  I really didn't think anything would come of it.....I was mostly joking back.

Fast forward a few months and we were packing our things and moving our lives to Asia.

So what do we do here?

We have a very unique situation. We work for a large Korean Church. They have a ministry outreach to English speakers in the area (mostly American military, school teachers, contractors and Koreans seeking to worship in English).  They hired a head pastor to lead the congregation (of about 150-200 members) and then they hired Steve.  He was hired as the youth director but has taken on quite a few roles in addition to that (sometimes I tease him that youth ministry is more like 40% of his job).  Our ministry aim is primarily Americans and English speakers.  We work in the community and in our Church doing a wide variety of things.

We have grown to love Songtan Central Baptist Church and the ministry and community here in Korea.  There is no doubt in our minds that the Lord's plan in bringing us out here was perfect.  He knew what He was doing, as hard as it felt (and sometimes still feels).  As we have found true, most worthwhile things in life are not easy....and most easy things in life aren't very worthwhile.

How long are we planning to be here?

Funny you ask.

We were initially planning to be moving back to the States in about 2 months!

But the Lord has a way of changing hearts and plans....

We have no idea how long we are here.  For the foreseeable future is the best way to answer that question. Stay tuned....

Summer Beach Camp

One of the really big events we did this summer with the students was "Summer Beach Camp."  It was the first time Steve has put on a camp by himself and we had a total blast.  We went several hours West to a beautiful camping resort complete with cabins and full kitchens that was literally across from the beach. The cabins were in the woods and you walk out to the ocean, doesn't get much better than that!

We ended up taking 27 people total (Caleb and Evelyn Grace too!).  Sun Cha and I were the "Camp Cooks" and "Camp Mommys" (my first time cooking for a group that big!).  We all had a great time and some really good conversations were had and relationships built. The Gospel was taught over and over and it is our prayer that lives were impacted from this time away.  We've seen a big uptick in youth group participation and excitement since the camp as well, which has been great to see.

An added thing that we really enjoyed about this camp was we had 3 returning students who had previously graduated from our  program who came along as volunteers.  It was *so neat* to see what the Lord has continued to do in their lives since they left for college and the growth and maturity that has occurred.  It was an added sweet time for Steve, as he was able to disciple them on how to disciple the younger students. He really enjoys this type of mentorship a lot and it was neat for him.  They were also able to give their testimonies, which was one of the most impactful times at camp for many of the younger students.  We love you Matt, Mina and Andrew!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camp Cooks

 

sleepy walks on the beach

 

bunk bed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Easter!

We hope you had a blessed Easter, wherever you celebrated this year.  We enjoyed a week preparing for this special holiday and reading the story over to Caleb in various translations and Bibles and then we woke up at 5am on Easter Sunday to begin the celebrating and worship of our Risen Savior with dear friends and our SCBC Family! He is Risen!

Jihae and Tyler leading worship

 

Caleb and Sadie, of course

Good MORNING, Spaldings!!

Oh Kiera!

Don't you smile!!

 

Breakfast Buddies, following sunrise service : BACON (and eggs and french toast)!!

 

Baby Friends!

 

Family pic Easter 2013

Pit Stop!

 

Attempted youth room photoshoot between services

 

 

We got up waaayyy too early for this!

 

 

"She's so pretty, mom"

 

 

Smiles!

My big boy!

 

 

 

 

Okay, so we may have had 2 hours to kill between the sunrise service and the regular service...sorry for the picture overload (at least I didn't share ALL of them!).

 

Youth Group!

 

 

TIMMY!!!

 

After Church we all went home and took a good nap....

 

Then off to a special Easter Baptism!