Sometimes, it's the small things that just make me realize how much my life totally rocks.
Take today for example. Amanda showed up at my place with a chai latte (mmm, thanks!) and we hopped on the 900 bus to head to Suwon for church (사명의교회). Now, it takes about an hour to get to the church I go to in Suwon. And once you get there, everything is in Korean. Why, might you ask, do I continue to go there when I don't understand Korean?
The people are incredible.
Let me say it again. The people I've met there are I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E.
Let's start with an example from last week, shall we? Last week marked the third time that I went to that church. Four weeks ago, my friend 슬기 brought me with her to her church ... and it left such an impression on me that I figured out the bus route and made the trek on my own the next week. Last week, Amanda and I went together. Yes, she has a farther distance to cover than I do, as she is currently staying in 강남. So not only does she have to do the hour long bus ride with me, but she was ALSO riding the subway from 강남 to 평촌. Craziness!
Anyways. Last week, Amanda and I sat down and were preparing ourselves for Korean ... which, by the way, singing the songs in Korean has improved my reading abilities a little (at least, as far as speed goes, haha). The music starts (the worship team is AMAZING, by the way) and the words are projected onto a screen on the front of the church. In addition to the Korean lyrics, some amazingly kind person added the English lyrics, too! Now, let me clarify something for you - I'm the only foreigner who goes there. Well, Amanda and I are the only foreigners. They did that ... just for us. Call me overly sensitive ... but I was so touched, I nearly cried.
This week, Amanda had to leave right after service ... and I ended up going with everyone to the pastor's house for a picnic. I was really nervous, being on my own. I mean, the people are really nice, but ... I can be shy. And so can they. So I worried about having someone to talk to and all of that ... but I really shouldn't have worried because by the end of the night, I had talked to pretty much EVERYONE there. Everyone was SO kind, and funny, and thoughtful, and made sure that I felt comfortable ... and I am so thankful for that. At the end of the night, I was sitting with a group of maybe ... six or seven other people ... just chatting. And it really wasn't difficult or awkward or anything - especially thanks to the fact that the boy who plays drums lived in the States for like the first eleven years of his life. Wisconsin of all places ... but still, haha. So he was kind of translating (when it was needed ... which wasn't often) ... And the pastor's daughter spent four (or six, I can't remember) years in England ... and then another year in Iowa. Iowa?! Seriously.
Anyways. Afterwards, it was really late ... and instead of taking me to the bus station, Sung-Eun (who I think kind of resembles MC Mong) drove me ALL the way home! Between his apartment and mine, it's maybe ... 30 minutes ...that's kind of far! But he drove me the entire way back.
I love going there. Everyone is so thoughtful. I really can't remember anyone's name ... but I will learn. And I will keep going there ... even though now I can't understand what is going on ... because ... eventually ... I'm going to figure it all out.
Anyways. That's my story now of how my life is amazing. Stay tuned - I promise eventually I will talk about the other AMAZING aspects of my life ... such as work ... the gym ... my (two) favorite cafe(s) ... the people (because they are TRULY amazing) ... and all of that good stuff.
