and so it begins...

Around 3 months ago I decided to start pursuing a job and a move to Changwon, South Korea.  Although I loved my job, students, friends, and coworkers in Florida, I was working ALL the time (teaching, coaching, and nannying) trying to pay off my student loans in a timely fashion and found myself having very little free time.  When I first graduated from Liberty my financial goals were to pay off my loans as quickly as possible and have enough money to travel.  I wasn't seeing either of these goals met and decided to do something about it.  One of my close friends from college, Brittani (also known as "Bird"), was living in Changwon teaching English and, in doing so, was saving up a decent amount of money and getting to travel all over east Asia.  Traveling and saving up money while teaching?  Perfect.  

This morning I woke up in Changwon!  I accepted an adult education position at a language school in Changwon city and I will be teaching adults conversational english.  As far as the specifics of my job, I really don't know much!  I know that I will be teaching 6 classes each day; three in the morning and three in the evening, leaving most of my day free to explore  my new city.  Bird has a similar schedule so I will have a friend to spend my days with.  

I was so excited to hear that there are quite a few christian foreign teachers in the area!  The world seems so much smaller when you're in the family of God.  What a blessing!  I am definitely looking forward to meeting these people over the next couple of days.  

So that's what I'm doing... I really have no idea what this next year is going to hold for me, but I trust that I am in God's hand and I am excited to see what He holds in store for my life!  I plan to keep this blog updated frequently to let you all know what I'm up to, what God is doing in my life, and how you can pray for me specifically.  I thank God so much for my amazing friends and family back in the States.  It is only through your prayers and encouragement that I have made it this far.  

Prayer Requests and Praises:

• Praises: 
• I'm here and safe and not an emotional wreck! :)
• Bird!  It is so wonderful to have such a dear friend here with me showing me the ropes and helping me adjust.
• Requests: 
• I don't have an apartment yet.  Mr. Kim, the director of my school, is working with a real estate agent and they hope to have one by early next week.  I am currently living with Bird and her roommate Shylah.  I am so thankful that it has turned out this way as it is so nice to have people around me while I'm still trying to get comfortable with being so far away.  
• SLEEP!  I travelled for 30 hours yesterday, sleeping for less than 2 of them.  I was so excited to catch up with Bird that we stayed up late chatting.  This morning there was/is a lot of construction going on in the building so I was unable to sleep more than 6 hours.  I feel ok now but I know that this is going to catch up with me!  I start my job tomorrow and will need to be rested.
• That God will use me to be a light and encouragement to all those around me, Koreans and foreigners alike.  Being so far away from my friends, family, and anything familiar really brings me to my knees asking God for strength and comfort.  I am hoping that this year in Korea strengthens and deepens my relationship with my Lord and Savior.  He is so good to me and I know that I am blessed far beyond what I deserve!

Hopefully I will be able to update you all again soon and maybe include some pictures of my new surroundings!  Until then, God bless!