Week 15/16 Update

Officially less than 2 weeks and i'm homebound!!!! literally cannot contain my excitement. i miss my mom and everyone back home so much.

I'm just counting down the days till last day of class, which is this friday..and then last day of finals which is next wednesday! can't believe a whole semester has already gone by.
Didn't i JUST get here? Didn't i just blogged about "week 1 update" ?! #stopthistrain

anyways other than school, i started work! I'm still in training mode but they put me in the fitting room this past sunday and it was such a good feeling being back at it. I know i told myself i wouldn't do retail again, but it just feels good working again. I'm such a do-er that getting things done, being productive...gives me some sort of weird high. LOL i was smiling the whole time just so so happy and blessed to be working in such a good environment too~ Management and all the associates are super sweet and nice from what i've seen #thankGod
happy team, ...happy life..? hahah

Still looking for housing for the summer but just trusting God to somehow provide...so keep me in your prayers pretty please! financially and in the relationships i hope to maintain/develop~ i hope that this summer will be one to remember- first summer in chicaggooooo woop!

bowling league has been fun! i've been sucking so much though :( i feel so bad for my team LOL literally bringing them down so much. i should at least be getting 110s but i've been in the 80-90 range HAHA fail. Cynthia, if you're reading this..you'd be very disappointed. I need to get my skills back as if i'm playing with you/our group! i think because of the pressure i'm doing worse..womp. hopefully i'll do amazing the last monday i'll be participating in it! missing the last week but i'm pretty sure my team will do better without me hahah

other than that.....my life has just been filled with eating, sleeping, studying, and some more eating.
My walk with God is always challenging to keep up, but i'm still fighting! so i hope you guys are too, and staying encouraged. As i've repeatedly emphasized..you'll have times where you don't necessarily "feel" God- but trust me, He is by your side. He is holding your hand and has your back! All about appreciating the little things, noticing whats to come, and always being thankful :) that is what keeps me going~ need to constantly discipline myself! but it's been working, so i hope your walks have been consistent-ish too~

anywhoooo, i have a test tomorrow and i'm here babbling on about nothing. those who have finals, good luck! final stretch- you got this! and those who are slumming and dying at work, you got this too! look forward to the weekends and memories you make along the way :D

love all of you guys and feel free to send any prayer requests along! i'd be more than happy and grateful to pray for you. xx


Do Everything In Love, Always~
SK

Week 13/14 Update

These updates are getting harder to do...they seem so boring! LOL but for those who have been checking up on me through fb/blog, heres a quick update!

I GOT A JOB!!!! As a sales associate at Anthropologie :)

I seriously am so so so thankful and blessed. Words really cannot describe how i felt when i received the phone call. Even when i applied for the position, i doubted myself because i don't fit the anthropologie style but i just applied because i was desperate. I knew i wouldn't get it and just forgot about it. But 2 weeks later, i got an email saying to complete an online survey (which i was nervous about too) but then i received another email saying to come in for an interview the day after! It was so unexpected and i was so so nervous...i still am idk why. LOL

I seriously was praying all week and asking God to just be with me throughout the interview..i researched so much about the company too :x I seriously just felt like i wasn't good enough or fashionable enough for anthro- even though it's just a retail job, i just didn't feel qualified! But throughout the interview, He seriously helped me to carry out the conversation, be myself, and just be genuine in showing my character and work ethics. The manager and I clicked so so well i was so happy :) She told me at the end she'll let me know by end of day tomorrow her decision..she called me 45 minutes later apologizing that she just couldn't wait and wanted to offer me it right away! SERIOUSLY, how can i not praise God?!

But that's how i know it's all God. And it's so funny because every time i decide i want to take control of something or think that I was the one that made it happen, He tends to take it away or say no. Isn't our God funny? But whenever i put my trust in Him and simply ask Him to take over..He says YES CHILD! Here is what i want to give you- here is all the desires of your true heart :) hahaha. ahhh but it was definitely a humbling experience getting rejected to jobs that i really wanted and/or getting jobs that i knew weren't something i was looking for/would want. 

Again, i know it's just a retail position, nothing fancy..but i'm just so blessed that i got a job. And it wasn't anything i did that gave me it..it was all God! Even my previous experience at Uniqlo, God gave me that job- helped me learn so much..and that helped me get this job! WOOP see what God does? :) tehe. i'm just so happy.

SO THANK YOU! For all who prayed for me about getting a job, thank you thank you thank you! All those prayers worked :) seriously...thank you. <3

anyways...that was a long job blurbbb but thats really the newest thing! 

I'm just working hard towards the end of the school year, still trying to figure out what i'm going to do this summer, but at least i know i have a job waiting for me! :) I'm 100% confident in God and in the fact that He'll provide whatever housing/financials i need. 

I also joined a bowling league..LOL. It's a thing where the suburb korean american churches come together..and bowl for 5 weeks! Great time for fellowship between the churches and also just spending time getting to know other people in the chicagoland area! And seeing calvary people outside church is great too :D 

But other than that..i don't think anything else is new. talk to me, chat me up, i'd love to talk to you more in detail! 

Thanks for all who always check up and for allowing me to encourage you guys through my words and my life. So much love for everyone back home and everyone i've been meeting. It's been a great journey and i'm excited for what is to come. :) Please feel free to ask for any prayer requests or just a time to rant/chat. I'm always open and free to converse with you guys.

OH and less than a month till i come home for 2-3 weeks :D #ijustcantwaittostuffmyfacewithalltheyummyfoodbackathome #ohimissyouguystoo ^^

Do Everything In Love, Always~

SK

Week 12 Update

"You are strong when I am weak somehow

I am weak enough to see

I need you to cover me

If i ever needed grace, it's now"

This song has literally been on mind so much...i woke up singing in my head "You are strong when I am weak somehow" saturday morning at 5:28 am -- LOL

But it literally has been such an amazing song to just sing and remind myself how much i'm in need of His grace, daily. Whether my life seems fantastic or seems to be tumbling down... He's strong when i am weak and He always always covers me. Always provides for us.

Anyyyways hope y'all enjoy that song while you read my update..

Week 12~ officially 3 months in the midwest! i'm actually really enjoying illinois..i realized i compare it so much to home because i've lived in jersey most of my life (so i apologize for my annoyance!) But..illinois does has it's perks :) Amazing people, hidden gems, food jersey doesn't have, drive-thrus, and beautiful view of stars every night~ can't wait till it's warmer.

I still cannot believe i'm here- i wake up everyday in awe..just questioning what on earth i did to deserve His grace to be here, to be growing daily, to be receiving of His grace daily. MAN it's seriously a blessing.

School has been good~ i've been trying to get back to school mode so i'm getting a whee bit better! I had advising this week to see what to take next semester..and i was kind of freaking out because i'm never going to graduate -_- literally have soOooo many credits to take since a lot of my transfer credits will only be counted as elective. My goal is to graduate May 2016..But December 2016 won't be too bad~ as long as i get there..right? heh...

And i decided to change my emphasis! I came here for Youth Ministry, which is my emphasis~ but i'm going to do Pastoral Studies instead. So..Christian Ministries with an emphasis on Pastoral Studies. If you're interested in getting to know why, please ask- I'd be happy to share in depth rather than using just a few words here on my blog.

We had our first book club meeting this past saturday! it's been awesome so far. The book, "Life Together" Dietrich Bonhoeffer is about community within Christians. It's been a huge blessing reading it thus far, so i hope to share it as soon as i'm done :)

Some of us went rock climbing after book club- first time for mee! it was a really cool experience- seeing how easy it looks..yet so so difficult to achieve! My goal was to get to the top of at least, and although it was a 5.6 level of difficult (aka, super easy) - i did it! My goal for next time is getting through this 5.7 one...ah it was so difficult! :( Below are some pics from the day though ! 

 me and rebecka after sweating :D

 gettttting ready~

 our first official pic ! thanks james~

 so intense. guarantee you the ground was probably right below my foot. HAHA

 trying too hard to stay on :x

rebecka being the natural she is!! got up super high~

I also can't believe it's almost easter! Lent is almost over and it's probably the first time i'm not tracking down the days dying to finally do what i gave up (watch korean dramas) LOL - it's been tempting me like 2-3 times a week, but i'm solidddd

But i am counting down the days till easter break! Even though spring break was just a few weeks ago, i feel like i didn't really get rest rest~ and with christianschoolperks, we have 4 days off for easter break :))) ~ i'm just excited to chill and enjoy the hopefully beautiful spring weather that will take over that weekend. --which also leads me to say i've officially adapted spring. Although it's still 30-40 degrees most days, i've set my mind to SPRING MODE - aka i've ditched the jackets and refuse to look like i'm still rotting in winter. hehe.

Anddddd ma best biddie booked a ticket to see me when i finish my last final so i'm super super excited :) i can't wait to show her around and explore chicago together! 

Well, hope everyone has a victorious, blessed week ! much love to you guys all the time. 

And to leave you guys with some encouragement, i hope all of you know how much God loves you. Its easier said than to believed- but truly, that is my only prayer for you guys. Because then, i won't have to worry about you guys! lol! cause when you grasp even just a bit of how much God loves you and how much He cares for you, you'll be forever changed. -- so keep on keeping on, and fight the good fight! love you all, have a superrrrrbbb monday! xo

Do Everything In Love, Always~

SK

Week 11 Update

Last day of March.
Where does time go?! I swear it was just new years.......and i swear i just got to illinois- lost & confused. (well i still am hehe)

but as i've said in previous posts, life is G O O D :)
I'm just so thankful everyday. Living in His grace everyday.
Everyday isn't spectacular or eventful...yet somehow God speaks to me. I either find it, or He finds me in the tiniest ways ~ it's sort of romantic and cute. ....

haha but seriously, everything has been great. school work is good except for my stupid world civ class..which i hate....and really considering dropping..but i'll push through! (prayformeplease)
church has been great. getting involved in their book club! we're reading "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Apparently an amazing short read! will probably write a summary/review on it later on~

the only huge thing on my mind currently is my summer plans. I'm super duper excited to be going home May 19th (EEP) but i'm desperately searching to get hired here in Chicago for an internship or summer temp job. (prayformeplease) ! I've been getting glimpses of what God has in store for me...here specifically in illinois, and i'm more than excited to follow and unwrap it all. So currently looking for jobs in chicago since it'll be ideal! but if not, i'm also applying for suburb jobs so continue with it after summer.
Also, looking for sublet/apt for rent over the summer...so hopefully i'll find an awesome deal~

Main reason i don't want to stay home (jersey) this summer is because..as much as i miss home and my friends and ugh my beautiful ma, i know it won't do me any good. I will just be unproductive, lazy, and super comfortable. I want to be able to take full advantage of my first summer here~ explore the land, develop awesome relationships, and fall in love with this new state. my hopes are high! (crossingmafingers)

anyyyyways, other than that....

I do have a prayer requests for my dedicated stalkers <3 Thanks so much for even reading these useless posts, but following up/sometimes even admitting stalking me. It truly makes my day :') ~ but i'm currently/have always been struggling financially. I know God always ends up providing some way some how, so i just hope y'all would pray with me that He'll give my mom and I peace that He'll again- provide.

Also, as many of you know, i hate asking people for anything...even prayer requests! So thank you in advance. Especially when i asked for missions, i didn't expect anything, but got more than i ever imagined.

With that said...I would love any support i can get. I still have exactly $400 left to raise for my missions fund. Trinity has been overly gracious in giving me more time to raise it~ I thought i could keep babysitting, spend less money, and try my best to save up enough..but unfortunately it didn't happen.

My missions support letter is in my blog, but my updated post mission newsletter can be found through this link for download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OMn8_IE3clSDRqWTIyTnhXUzA/edit?usp=sharing

After reading, you'll see how much God has truly...just wrecked me...and opened my eyes. It's truly been an amazing opportunity and humbling experience to have gone and seen what God has been doing there. And also to see what God wants me to understand and comprehend about His love for His children. I truly hate asking for anything from anyone, but if any of you feel convicted to do so, i would happily, graciously, lovingly..receive any more donations if possible. Please do not feel obligated to! This is seriously me just putting it out there because i'm out of options. I'm sure God will provide in other ways if not :) But anyways, link is: https://www.formstack.com/forms/tiu_forms-missions_giving_los_angeles_2014

In advance, thank you for all who already contributed- and to those who might contribute. It's been a huge blessing (you can tell from my blogs) being here in Trinity and just serving those around me/taking any opportunity to serve. Please please don't hesitate to talk to me/share with me/ask for prayer requests. I am always so down to share my love for Christ with anyone! :)

Love you all, have a wonderful week everyone!! ^^




Do Everything In Love, Always~
SK

Week 9/10 Update

AH! HI GUYS~ Sorry it's been so long since i've blogged! After missions, i was extremely busy with so much school work/exams and life! #sorrynotsorry #yourgirlsgotalifenow
bahah! jk :)
But serious respect to those who have checked my blog nonetheless. I saw the page views go up even without an update..which means my stalkers have been faithful! LOL.

Missions was amazing~ Please read my newsletter posted on my FB for an update! That is the best way i could put it. And if anyone wants to talk to me about it more, please do~ I'd love to share in full detail and just encourage each other through my experience and what you can share with me.

Other than that, life has been g o o d~
School has been catching up so i've been busy with essays exams and all that fun stuff. I'm starting to not pay attention in my classes though...so i should probably stop that... Hehe I'm such a great procrastinator tho! Literally.. Way too good at it.

I've been babysitting more! & the parents and kids are starting to trust me more so I'm happy :) they're super super cute and ask me if I have a boyfriend everytime I watch them.. But it's all good~ they insist I tell them as soon as I get one. Don't worry kids.. The whole world will know LOL!
But seriously.. Is it just me or is everyone dating, engaged, or getting married!? Stop making us single people envy your happiness & love!!

Seriously man.. But I do see a difference in how I feel about all this. Last year and before this summer id just be jealous because I'd want a boyfriend/significant other for my own selfish desires and wants. Now.. It's just waiting on Gods timing! I mean don't get me wrong.. My door is super open LOL~ but my jealousy in other relationships is because I envy their love. I just wanna love onto people and sometimes people don't take it well cause it gets overwhelming/I'm too nice.. So I'd love someone.. Just that one.. To love! Haha idk bye..

Anyways~ seriously guys I've never been so happy. I'm just so content with everything in my life and just loving every day and moment. And I have God to thank for that.
Sorry I can't update more than just random thoughts! On the plus side, for all my loves back at home.. Just 2 more months! & I'm home bound for 3 weeks~ ^^ heheeee

But I hope you all have a great rest of the week! I'm busy but would love to skype with whoever can! Aka ma girls and whoever just wants to chat me up. Love you guys & thanking God for all of you for letting me be able to share my awesome journey with Him with you guys :)



Do Everything In Love, Always~
SK

Week 8 Update

Hi guys! Hope everyones weekend was as great as mine~ And Happy Ash Wednesday! (Well..thursday now heh)

Lent:
I usually don't give up anything/stopped because i've failed at it every year i've done it. Also, im pretty sure i always did it for stupid reasons! So this year, i decided to finally give up something i never would give up: KDRAMAS. (dammit) haha! Ahhh i've been getting so so consumed in it that since i got to illinois..aka 8 weeks, i'm pretty sure i've been through at least 5 whole drama series. And thats minimum 5 dramas. I just can't remember on top of my head! Also, to be realistic, i'm going to try to maintain a 4/week devotional/QT. And read one of the many books i've bought/received as gifts in order to expand my faith/knowledge for God! heh. I'm excited and i hope that i can keep it up and grow even closer to the Lord.

CSM Winter Retreat:
As you know, i went to my new churches' singles ministry winter retreat. I honestly went in expecting nothing but getting to know people, but i definitely got way more out of it.

We went to Lake Geneva, WISCONSIN (Fun fact: their water is soft and they're known for their cheese) from Friday evening to Sunday morning.
Friday: evening worship/sermon and games
Saturday: morning worship/sermon, small group, afternoon seminar, games, evening worship/sermon.
Then we left the camp around 7:15am so we can get to our 9:30 service.

I don't even know where to start so if you'd like to know more in depth, please organize a skype date wid me :) Overall i was able to get to know more people as well as get to know the word more. Ever since i came to Trinity, i've been learning so much about the word and God that i didn't before..and it's seriously been an amazing learning experience! Not that i never learned anything back at home, but i'm seeing it all in different perspectives and God has really been revealing a lot to me.

Also, i've seen a pattern/message God has been showing me-- that He is faithful. The past few years i had a lot of trust issues with Him..and for some reason, in my classes, at church, and everywhere, i'm constantly reminded of how faithful He is. Especially in the beginning when we think back to His promise to Adam. Then again to Noah, Abraham and then to us all. It's just amazing what God does in order to be one with us and have a relationship with us. It's seriously all a big romance and i'm getting more and more into it each day.

MISSION TRIP!
FOR ALL WHO HAVE SUPPORTED financially, with encouragements, and with prayers...thank you so so much. Literally means the absolute world to me. It is truly a blessing to have come this far..and also be given the opportunity to go on a missions trip to do even more of God's work.
I'm officially leaving in 3 hours for the airport! Then we will be leaving from O'Hare at 8:30AM !!!!! I will be in the Pico-Union part of Los Angeles from the 6th - 15th. I will have access to phone/internet and all that jazz so don't worry, i'll keep y'all updated!

The donation also doesn't end until April 2nd i believe (thankyouTrinity!) So i am still far off from my goal, but i believe in God's unending grace! So if any of you guys are feeling generous and loving, here is the link: https://www.formstack.com/forms/tiu_forms-missions_giving_los_angeles_2014 -- Please don't feel obligated ! Just if you financially can support me, that would be ah-mazing. Prayers are worth just as much so please continue to keep me in your prayers! I will be in a dangerous area..gunshoots powpowpow!

Again..Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my life with you guys and for all the support i've received since day one. You guys are my rock (after the big G O D) hehe. Love all of you guys!

Have an amazing rest of the week and great spring break for those who are on it! I hope you guys will keep in touch with me, but i'm sorry in advance if i don't respond as quick! I have a super packed 10 days ahead for me :)



Do Everything In Love, Always~
SK

Week 7 Update

I don't know how much longer i can continue with weekly updates. But i promise i will try my super best since i have my dedicated followers of this blog..lol! :)

So i think i finally got use to the weather here...to the point where i stopped checking weather every morning (whichiusetodosinceiwasscaredofthosesingledigitdegrees) hehe. Even when i drive and see that my dashboard says 15 degrees or lower, i don't die of a heart attack anymore. Its quite normal now. (helpme) LOL but nonetheless, i think i'm getting adjusted to this cold lifestyle.

I'm already planning my drive back to new jersey though! My last final is May 15th, so i should be leaving literally right after or the next day early morning :) Super stoked since i'll be home for at least 3 weeks, depending on what job i get for the summer. I have so many things i want to do when i go back home..so many people to hang with too! eeeeeepp i'm getting excited just thinking about it. I'll also be driving back with wonton so that should be a fun kim-fam road trip :D LOL

Missions:
I am leaving SO soon!! I didn't know but i'm actually leaving Thursday March 6th..LOL at 8:30 am. I'm still financially not there yet..but Trinity is being super lenient with getting my money in..so i'm totally confident God will provide :) Just a quick update for those who are wondering how my financials are going with the trip, i raised $200 so far due to amazing people who have donated! (A hundred thank you's to those who contributed. I wouldn't even be at 200 if it weren't for you guys!!!) And by this Tuesday i need at least $600 so hopefully God will provide! And if you awesome..people would still like to donate, my support letter is below and the link to donate is:
https://www.formstack.com/forms/tiu_forms-missions_giving_los_angeles_2014

Again, (pre)thank you and love for all the people who have been praying me, giving me encouragements, and of course..helping me get there financially. You all have been truly a blessing, i can't even begin to express my gratitude.

AAANNYWAYS, i'm going on a retreat with my new church this weekend so i'm super excited! Like i said, it'll give me a chance to just bond with other members of the church finally, since fellowship after Sundays are a bit difficult. We're going to Lake Geneva..whatever that is..but apparently it's a cool retreat spot! Kinda like the poconos for us i guess. I'll be sure to give an update on that after i come back Sunday :)

Other than that..i'm doing awesome! Well, i think. LOL I'm just doing school work, watching ma kdramas, getting fat, and loving God. Appreciating every day that comes, which literally i do everyday. Everyday has been different, filled with new blessings and new appreciation of whatever comes! It's been an amazing journey thus farrr and i'm so happy that i've been keeping this blog to share with y'all.

It also makes me so happy to see everyone back at home just doing life, loving life, and keeping me updated! :) As much as i wish i was there with you guys, it's great to see from afar..and just getting a joyful high off of how happy i am for all of you. Always praying for each of you guys and i always know God has great plans ahead for each and every single one of you guys!
<3

Have an amazing weekend~ enjoy the snow if you guys get some..cause hopefully it'll be the last of it.. (crossingmafingers) hehe xo



Do Everything In Love, Always~
SK

Week 5/6 Update

Today actually marks the 6th official week here in the windy state. Left my jersey home at 5:30 AM January 9th....seems like months ago. On that note, i miss my mom like crazy. I've been sick since Sunday night..and being sick with no one to take care of you really stinks :(
Its true what they say..you don't know what you have, till its gone.
I use to freely call my mom whenever i was sick to bring home medicine, gatorade, and make me some 죽 and i'll be better in no time~ it's truly a tough world out here being alone. my brother is no help either -_- LOL. My conclusion? I told my mom i just need to hurry up and get married so i have someone to take care of me out here hehe. (jk...butnotreally)

School:
Anyways, like i said, school has really been picking up. Had my first exams this week and a lot of assignments due... but i got an A on my first Philosophy test!!!! I'm not one to brag..but i literally hate philosophy and thought i was going to fail. So, all glory to God. Definitely didn't do it on my own ! I'll be getting my other exam back tomorrow...dundundun..i'm scared for my results for this one. If i even got a B, then legit God has done sometime and made me an awesome guesser! It was Old Testament but man it was tough! Does anyone know what major event happened in Numbers 11? 14? How about in Exodus 4? 헐...i just need to study more next time :/
Other than that..school is aiiighttt~ just need to start working harder since the workload is picking up.

Missions:
Here is a quick update on what my missions is going to be:
When: March 7th - 15th
Where: LA~ Pico-Union Neighborhood (huge crime rate..PRAY FOR ME) hehe. We will be staying with the local church in that area. And we're sponsored by EFCA BUMP (Bridging Urban Mission Partnerships)~ 
What: We will be doing after school tutoring, food distributions, working on projects with the local church, and a bunch of other things with the family and children of the neighborhood. The focus is to really expose ourselves to the realities of a urban neighborhood and what it is like to work in that environment as well. 
Why: I've said why a few times in my blog updates, but i think my main reason is to learn to love people more. Being in Illinois is already a huge change for me to learn to love different types of people (apart of us eastcoast biddies) and going into an urban setting would help me even more. Again, like i said, God has been revealing to me since last summer how to love more. I think this will be another great experience for me to learn so much about urban missions as well as learning to love God's children and giving back. 

With that said, i hate asking for anything, especially for myself..but i do need your help! I will be able to send out proper support letters if any of you'd like. Feel free to text/call me or FB message me or just shoot me an email. :) I need your prayers, encouragements, and of course financial help. The trip itself only costs $1100 but i need all the help i can get! I am a broke college student, that just wants to learn and experience as much as i can in the next 3 years. I haven't been looking for a real job because i want to concentrate on my studies/my relationship with God..so yeah! I hope that you guys can help me. My school makes it super easy to donate through a website: https://www.formstack.com/forms/tiu_forms-missions_giving_los_angeles_2014
I won't know when you guys have donated until a bit after so if you guys do help, i promise i'll give my thanks~ i seriously would appreciate anything! even encouraging texts will help :)

PRE-THANKS~ Thank you guys for reading this and for praying for me, financially helping me, and loving me ! But seriously even if you guys don't donate its fine..BUT PRAY FOR ME! I'm super worried since its my first mission trip in like 5 years and it's with a group i'm not super comfortable with. Basically strangers. So please pray for meeee :D

Other than all that...Babysitting has been good! I babysat for 2 lil kiddies on valentines day and last night and they're the best. I really enjoy it because it gives me experience with working with children and helps me to step outside my comfort zone. It's also a change from a crazy fulltime job~ get to relax, enjoy, and do things at my own pace.

I will also be going to my new churches retreat next weekend~ I'm excited because it will give me an opportunity to get to know the singles ministry better. Hopefully it'll be a good time to bond and create deeper relationships!

And...i guess daz it for now. Hope you guys back home are well! Hit me up with hellos, prayer requests, and updates please :) I'd love to catch up with all of you guys reading this.
love ya lots xo


Do Everything In Love, Always~
SK

Week 4 Update

It's been officially over a month since i've left my beloved home. Oh jersey/201/bergen/eastcoast~ i miss you everyday.

However, i've been doing well! or so i hope~ like i've said before, i've been getting busier with the school load, getting myself slowly involved in floor activities and trying to be more open.

School:
Theres not much to say besides the fact that i'm learning so much. Sometimes i think that maybe i don't have what it takes to be a youth pastor because of all that it takes..but i'm way too passionate to have doubt now! Also, each day, even though i realize that it's a lot tougher than i had imagined, my love and passion for it grows. I can't wait to just give love to future junior/senior high students.

I actually just realized too that i really have a heart for the korean-american churches~ with all the corruption in it since probably a few generations before me, i want to be in God's plan to not necessarily fix it..but definitely to go through the healing process. I've been there so maybe it's just more relatable but i definitely want to focus on us korean-american teens.

Missions
We haven't met yet after the first time due to everyones conflicting schedules..but i'm not too worried! Although it is Trinity's first time in LA, i believe that God will help us to just do our part~ even if it doesn't seem so organized or structured. For some reason, i'm not freaking out..i just have a feeling that this mission trip is more than just doing physical things but just showing these people love.

Church
I finally connected with someone for once! hey girl if you're reading this..LOL. But it was her first sunday too at Calvary so we bonded right away by the awkwardness and courage it takes to try out a new church. Especially her~ She came by herself to mad props to her.
It was such a breath of fresh air. Finally having something in common and same lingo (although she grew up here). We just had so much in common it was so refreshing. Now i have someone to go to the retreat with and hopefully we both can help each other get more involved in this new church and grow in our relationship with Christ.


Other than that, everything is good! I'm trying my best to not get so lazy with the free hours i have in a day...i spend way too many hours watching kdramas! I get all my work done way in advance so that makes me think i can do whatever. But i know i should be studying/reading more to get myself ahead~ so trying my best to be more active!

With that said..i might join a gym...LOL i know. But with all this free time, i feel like i can do soooo much! Spending my days in my bed and the library aren't fun anymore..so i hope i can update you guys soon with news that i joined a gym.

This past week i tried Chick-fil-A for the first time after nagging my brother to finally get dinner with me :) i love bothering him..except he already has friends and won't hang out with me..wompwomp.

instagram pics of the week:

 Obviously it isn't healthy, but it seemed better than a chicken sandwich from mcdonalds so i was pleased :)

For an early valentines day, our community night consisted of eating lasagne, salad, brownies, and cupcakes~ all the while stuffing it in our faces watching valentines day then something borrowed. 

On that note, for those celebrating Valentines day, hope you guys enjoy. My #singlegirlswag haterade is over (never really existed) and i wish all my best friends relationships the best. WOAH yep. i said it. 

(butseriouslytheguybettertreatyoulikeaqueenonthisdayandeverydayorelsehelldieinmyhands) hehe.

Thanks for always keeping up on this blog and i'll try to post more!

miss you and love you guys back home for reading this.

& to my newsong fam, my big, my sisters, and everyone else back home- hope you're doing well! i know i don't talk with all of you daily but i appreciate all the love and support i've been getting since my journey of coming here. Like i say, keep in touch, please :)

love you all xo

Do Everything In Love, Always~

SK

Week 3 Update

hi friends! miss you all tons and tons. I realized i might have FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out?) Michelle asked me if i had this..and i guess i do! Seeing pics of my friends hanging out makes me so sad i'm not there. But what can i do~ I'm here, and y'all are there. But i'm glad everyones doing so well back at home. Makes me wish i was there to celebrate this awesome life with them.

School:

I've been getting more adjusted this past week~ I'm slowly getting the jist of what my teachers expect of us and when all my assignments are due/when my tests are. As i've said before i'm learning a lot so i'm super excited to just continue learning.

Like i said last week, i was off mon & tues so it was a great 3 day week! And this week we have friday off so i'm excited for that~ blessed man! haven't had a full week of school yet... #PTL 

I've been getting to know some of the people a little more..but like i said, a lot of freshies in my class and i'm the biggest loner (by choice) LOL so yeah, it'll take time ! But i do love a few people i've met. Really solid God loving people. Hopefully God will lead me towards awesome people.

Missions:

I'm excited to give you guys more information on my missions trip to LA this spring break! I'll be gone from March 7th-15th. I learned that we'll be in the Pico-Union of LA~ It is populated with a lot of Latinos and minorities. We'll be in the El Salvadorian community basically. I forgot the names of the program and church we're staying at but i'll give some basic deets.

We'll be staying at a church which is IN the community (so cool)~ so these people that made the church (100 years this year) learned to live with the people they wanted to reach out to and just do life with them. It's awesome to hear because usually we hear of missionaries going once or twice to a community and helping out~ but these people are literally living with them. They have bought several houses in the community that house members of the church as well as discipling college students (Nehemiah House!!) 

During the 10 days we're there, we'll be teaching some of the younger kids in the area, just spending time with them, outreaching in a park nearby, and other activities the team leaders are currently figuring out. They emphasized that its mainly to just be with these people of the community. 

I'm super excited to be going on this trip..like stated last time, it's awesome to be doing it in such a huge city, so well-known..but to be in an area where it's really not so great and people need the help and support. I'm just excited to see what God might have in store for me..and be exposed to different communities that just need God's love and our genuine hearts.

I will be sending out support letters as soon as i can and i hope you guys will support my trip! 

Church:

So i've been going to Calvary the past 3 weeks ! So far i really like the people..i think i'm just such an introvert that it's so hard for me to get to know new people! Esp if they have no mutual friends with me! And back at bergen, everyone knows everyone so it's kind of the best way to start up a convo. However..its not the case here! But nonetheless, a few people have reached out to my brother and I, and we're getting to know them slowly.

We went to one of the members houses tonight to watch the superbowl & just hang out! it was fun seeing how they interacted with each other outside of church~ super cool and laid back..definitely the type of people i've been wanting in my life (like newsong..but not really heh) They're a funny group :)

And heres a pic i sent to my cousin (hi ann) while my brother and i were together today hehe

i really love being able to hang out with him weekly. It went from twice a year to every week! How great is God? Who knew that he would join the navy..be stationed here in IL...choose to be here for 4+ years..and i'd just pop on in and decide to do life here :O hehe

Also, there was a summer camp fair this week so i got a chance to meet with a few christian camps that came by. They need staff members and a lot of them pay $200 weekly + room and board so i'm definitely applying to a few so pray for me lovelies! That'll give me great experience with high school kids and just work experience. They're all over the states though (Kentucky, Colorado, Wisconsin) so it's going to be another learning experience for me..let's see what God has in store !

I'll continue keep you guys updated..thanks for reading (for you dedicated stalkers + the beautiful eunice ahn..thank you for your endless love<3) :) hehe have the best week guys! 

Do Everything In Love, Always~

SK

Week 2 Update

It's already been 2 weeks since i've been here. Feels like e t e r n i t y

Good news: i had off today and tomorrow as well!
Bad news: it's because it's been -94583209543 degrees ! Thankfully they realize that we just shouldn't be allowed to walk to classes in this weather :)

Everything seems to be going along smoothly~ I'm really trying to make the most out of being here. Although i am here just for school, i have 3 years here..and when else am i going to be this far from home and experience new things!


Living:
I've been getting to know the girls on my floor/suite more so it's been really cool. They're all so sweet and i really am blessed to be surrounded by such nice people! But because it is a christian school, it's just different not hearing as much curse words and smelling cigarettes/alcohol everywhere! lol. They usually come to my suite to watch movies/eat/chill. And with my roommate situation, i'm just glad that she's super nice and we're getting a long. Better than a crazy psycho right? hahah

School
I didn't know i could learn so much in my classes. I knew that i'd learn a lot but i never knew what i'd learn! I'm learning so much about the foundations and basics of Christianity as well as other subjects relating to christianity.

I also have been blessed to join the Short Missions team to L.A. this spring break! :) I never felt a push to do missions, especially oversees, but i was really excited to learn about Trinity's urban missions in states. I love the idea of being in a big city that seems "glamorous" like LA but yet, you know there are certain communities and areas there that aren't so glam. We'll be teaming up with a community/church there and i will be learning more in detail about the trip this week! So i'll be updating you guys with more info soon :)

Church
Calvary has been great so far~ It was the second time we went yesterday and my brother & I really enjoyed it. It's so hard for us to go out and meet people since we're both pretty introverted..but theres always certain people that are extroverted..and come up to us! :) I got a jist of what their sundays are like (reminded me of newsong!) - they have service at 9:30 am then fellowship with bagels and coffee! Then they seem to go out for lunch afterwards..then come back to church to watch some of the guys play basketball or whatever..then they have sunday.night.bowling. YEP. i got my bowling fix here !!! :) We didn't go this time because we were both pretty tired but super excited to go! lovelove bowling hehe :)
Also, like i mentioned before, they have a single ministry~ and they have a single ministry retreat coming up end of February! So i'm definitely attending and that will give me a chance to get to know them at a smaller setting~ the church itself is huge so it's hard to get to know people.

I also got a job!! Well, not a set set job, but taking baby sitting jobs :) I met a family recently with a 5 year old boy and 7 year old girl ! So so cute. I start my first day with them Feb 19th so i'm excited. Also meeting some other families to possibly babysit this week. I think it's a good chance for me to get money but also not be so consumed by the job.

Other than that..everything is great! I'm just learning so much about God everyday because of the environment and really learning how to trust Him more and more. He never fails to show His infinite grace, mercy, and love. Its truly amazing.

Also, thank you for those who i skyped, facetime, chatted, phoned with this week! I absolutely loved getting word from you guys and just feeling loved. Being away really shows you who cares about you. When you're home, people contact you often to hang out. So..when you're not home to chill with/convenient, people don't contact you. It stinks but i guess thats life right! Well, again, to those who still keep in contact..i love you guys more than you know. <3

Hope everyone stays warm and with da Lord ! :) hehe and thanks for following my updates.


Do Everything In Love, Always~
SK

Week 1 Update

I'm usually horrible at keeping up with blogs so i won't be updating this too frequently~ But for those who want to know what's been going on, but haven't had time to catch up with me, i'll have some of thoughts/what i've learned here.

I've been here since January 9th, spending a great weekend with Jen in the loop in Chicago, IL. It was amazing having her to be with me here in Illinois the first few days~ we definitely enjoyed ourselves with sightseeings, shopping, eating, eating, and oh, eating. :)

Lake Michigan frozen in the back

On the 103rd floor of Willis Tower 

At the Bean in Millenium Park

Living:
It's been a week since i've moved into my dorm, Madsen Hall at Trinity International University in Deerfield Il..No i have not seen any deers yet. Madsen is apartment style/suit style dorms so it's nice having a full kitchen and a bathroom to share with only 3 other girls. My roommate is super nice but not my type..i'm trying to "do everything in love" but she definitely isn't someone i'd hang out with back at home/befriend just because of her personality.

School:
Other than that, classes are great. I'm learning so much already and i've only had classes once or twice.
It's definitely different having professors put God into everything, even in my World Civ class. It's truly a blessing. Also, 32 Chapel sessions are required for full-time students so it's definitely something new. We go in for 50 minutes each mon, wed, & fri and theres worship & a sermon. Pretty traditional but great to be fed almost everyday :)

Community:
People are very sweet here, just praying for discernment with who God wants me to grow with. I noticed that being at a Christian school is great but it doesn't do well with finding my type of people. Back at home, when i meet a christian, that is instantly a connection we have/we can bond through. Being here, everyone is a Christian. Everyone loves Jesus.
Not complaining though! It's amazing knowing that we all can bond through that~ Totally different atmosphere from back home.  But i did learn that people here either came for sports scholarship, parents made them, they've been going to a Christian institution for their whole live (ms/hs), or they really wanted to grow in their relationship with Christ along with the same type of people (aka me & a lot of transfers)

Church:
My brother & I visited 2 churches so far: Hebron & Calvary. They are both Korean-American churches that have an English Ministry. I'm so blessed that i at least have my own family~ my brother here.
We just decided tonight to attend Calvary for now weekly, and hope that we grow/learn a lot from the community.
Calvary's English Ministry consists of young adults, singles, couples, families ranging from ages 22-40's. Its definitely different from New Song because of size and the age, but it was very welcoming and home-feeling. (Miss my newsong fam ! ) I love that they have different ministries and have a lot of fellowship/bible studies. Their worship also had songs that i definitely love worshipping to (Hillsong FTW) :)
They also have a youth group that has more or less of 80 students ! They said they're always looking for helpers so i'm excited to get myself plugged in as well. It will definitely be a huge learning experience for me especially since i want to someday become a Youth Pastor.

So that was a long update of my life so far !
Hope you guys back at home are all doing well~ i miss everyone like cuhrazy...Distance makes the heart grow fonder... :) Please keep in touch. I don't have friends here yet..that i like LOL so i'm always up for skype dates, phone calls, etc. Love y'all.


Do Everything In Love, Always~
SK