I've been in Korea for around 1 week.
Weekdays are taken up by classes from 9AM-8:30PM. Although some students complain of the seemingly repetitious routine, I am actually pretty thankful because every class focuses on a different subject (from Korean Pottery to Creating Teaching Materials) and the schedule keeps everyone occupied with work other than going out to drink (curfew is at 11pm).
Well, this weekend we were taken to Seoul as a group and watched the show NANTA. The show was by far the most captivating, exciting, and thrilling interactive show I have ever experienced. There were only 5 cast members and each showed expertise in martial arts, cooking, percussion, comedy, dancing, and just plain awesomeness. I recommend the show to anyone who ever visits Seoul. Just in case, it's in the Gangwon area.
After the amazing show I walked around the town with some friends and eventually ate lunch, went to a Korea vs Japan soccer game at Incheon Stadium (Korea lost pretty badly...but the group Sonyuhshidae performed at half time which was pretty cool), and spent the night at a Chimchil Bang. This sauna was no normal sauna. Unparalled with 5 floors which contained a PC room, Singing room, arcade, restaurants on every floor, sleeping rooms, countless heating and cooling rooms, business rooms, anime spots, massage areas, and of course the amazing male spa areas where you chill with the guys naked. After getting very clean and having some good bonding time with friends, I went to Jubolee church in Gangwon on Sunday. I loved how the pastor was so real and challenged the congregation to examine their lifestyles and to see if they are living a life of love. After church I was reminded of how small the Korean community is when I met Ben Park, Crystal Kang, Justin, Noah, and other friends at the church. 6,000 miles away and I still see people I know :) That's pretty amusing to me.
Took the bus back to Suwon, ate at the food court at Home Plus, took a taxi back to school, and then played some ultimate frisbee.
All in all, a jam-packed weekend of using public transportation (which everyone uses here unlike Los Angeles) and bonding time with some friends.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
China Trip
Going into China I asked to be humbled and for trials. God granted my request.
Pulling up to the orphanage by way of bus, my team and I were met by countless children with huge smiles on their faces and hands waving continuously in a hi-motion. I could not help but smile and feel excited for what was to come. The next 5 days went by in a blur. Biking to the town for ice cream, playing basketball, teaching the Macarena, helping with countless arts and crafts, decorating the cafeteria, singing praise songs, participating in morning exercise, reading my books, and just spending time with all the children.
Then it happened suddenly. Numerous team members began getting sick, the children began getting sick, and we learned that one of the visiting members from China had tested positive for the H1N1 virus. Immediately we were quarantined and sent off to the country to a hotel controlled by the Chinese provincial government. Isolated 1 to a room, we were given ample time to reflect on what had just happened and why were being disciplined. Most of the time I spent my time on my bed listening to sermons on my computer and reading my Bible seeking answers. After one prayer session, I had confirmation. I must be as King David and be a man after God's heart. Instead of worrying about what is next (Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth, Provers 27), I am to be confident in uncertainty because of my trust in God's sovereignty. I prayed for trials, but selfishly I asked for complete physical safety. God revealed to me that I have no power over him and he does not operate according to my demands. Instead, I am to revere and fear my Lord for he is sovereign. My inability to rely on any of my abilities to control the situation resulted in a complete reliance on God. As a result, there was never any panic or anxiety; instead, a unexplainable peace inundated within me. What a rebuke...I was being cared and supplied for by unbelievers (nice room, A/C, bathroom, food, TV, exercise time, and more)...I have no right to complain of my situation. God allowed for empathy to enter my heart as my focus in prayer became the children and their health.
Missions became a much more serious issue. Missions is not about having fun and using God's blessings inefficiently. It is about discipling and training people in order to glorify and further God's kingdom.
Stick to my strong convictions.
There is so so so much I left out, but these couple of paragraphs should suffice for now.
Some of the main themes:
Romans 8:28
Proverbs 3:5
Mathew 5:43-47
As of now, I am in Korea about to begin my training program to teach in an elementary school in the countryside.
Until next time,
Cheers
Pulling up to the orphanage by way of bus, my team and I were met by countless children with huge smiles on their faces and hands waving continuously in a hi-motion. I could not help but smile and feel excited for what was to come. The next 5 days went by in a blur. Biking to the town for ice cream, playing basketball, teaching the Macarena, helping with countless arts and crafts, decorating the cafeteria, singing praise songs, participating in morning exercise, reading my books, and just spending time with all the children.
Then it happened suddenly. Numerous team members began getting sick, the children began getting sick, and we learned that one of the visiting members from China had tested positive for the H1N1 virus. Immediately we were quarantined and sent off to the country to a hotel controlled by the Chinese provincial government. Isolated 1 to a room, we were given ample time to reflect on what had just happened and why were being disciplined. Most of the time I spent my time on my bed listening to sermons on my computer and reading my Bible seeking answers. After one prayer session, I had confirmation. I must be as King David and be a man after God's heart. Instead of worrying about what is next (Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth, Provers 27), I am to be confident in uncertainty because of my trust in God's sovereignty. I prayed for trials, but selfishly I asked for complete physical safety. God revealed to me that I have no power over him and he does not operate according to my demands. Instead, I am to revere and fear my Lord for he is sovereign. My inability to rely on any of my abilities to control the situation resulted in a complete reliance on God. As a result, there was never any panic or anxiety; instead, a unexplainable peace inundated within me. What a rebuke...I was being cared and supplied for by unbelievers (nice room, A/C, bathroom, food, TV, exercise time, and more)...I have no right to complain of my situation. God allowed for empathy to enter my heart as my focus in prayer became the children and their health.
Missions became a much more serious issue. Missions is not about having fun and using God's blessings inefficiently. It is about discipling and training people in order to glorify and further God's kingdom.
Stick to my strong convictions.
There is so so so much I left out, but these couple of paragraphs should suffice for now.
Some of the main themes:
Romans 8:28
Proverbs 3:5
Mathew 5:43-47
As of now, I am in Korea about to begin my training program to teach in an elementary school in the countryside.
Until next time,
Cheers
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
About to go
I am on the eve of a 6 month separation from the comfort zone of Southern California.
Tomorrow I will board a plane to Qingdao, China and spend 2 weeks there attempting to bring joy and encouragement into the lives of those living there. I have a feeling that I along with other team members will be greatly challenged and tested, but come out of China refined and humbled. Depending on the one who has sent me needs to be my sole source of comfort.
The next segment of my journey takes me to South Korea where I will be spending a month training to teach in rural elementary schools. Thankfully, the orientation venue is in Suwon, which is my father's hometown :)
From there, the next 5 months will be spent in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do province.
I go to Korea not for my own enjoyment. With the socioeconomic disparity that exists between urban and rural areas, this is an incredible opportunity for me to take time off from school while an undergraduate in order to digest and saturate myself in the harsh reality of the educational polarity that exists. I am humbled and honored to be given access to young students who are waiting to learn.
Going back to UCLA in 2010 will be a bit surreal and perhaps a difficult transition, but the time is now.
The Lord is Sovereign.
Tomorrow I will board a plane to Qingdao, China and spend 2 weeks there attempting to bring joy and encouragement into the lives of those living there. I have a feeling that I along with other team members will be greatly challenged and tested, but come out of China refined and humbled. Depending on the one who has sent me needs to be my sole source of comfort.
The next segment of my journey takes me to South Korea where I will be spending a month training to teach in rural elementary schools. Thankfully, the orientation venue is in Suwon, which is my father's hometown :)
From there, the next 5 months will be spent in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do province.
I go to Korea not for my own enjoyment. With the socioeconomic disparity that exists between urban and rural areas, this is an incredible opportunity for me to take time off from school while an undergraduate in order to digest and saturate myself in the harsh reality of the educational polarity that exists. I am humbled and honored to be given access to young students who are waiting to learn.
Going back to UCLA in 2010 will be a bit surreal and perhaps a difficult transition, but the time is now.
The Lord is Sovereign.
Friday, June 26, 2009
i am dying
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
"He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue." Proverbs 28:23
Death is certain. We will not escape death. We've been dying since birth, each second passing by reminds us of the looming outcome. As I approach my death I write this joyfully that I must be incessantly grateful and humble before my sovereign God.
My goal is not to pursue and assemble a life of comfort, luxury, and ease. I'll let you know that I was most at ease in poverty, walking through the countryside of Spain with only the clothes I was wearing and a small backpack. Grateful for every meal, resting place, and companion...
I will continue to pursue Big Things because I am a child of a ubiquitous and everlasting God.
I am about to embark on a 2 week missions trip to an orphanage in Qingdao, China.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
Only with God can I even hope that our team will have a lasting impact on these children. My trip is futile and selfish if I am not able to humble myself and allow God to work within and through me.
Let it be true: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21
"He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue." Proverbs 28:23
Death is certain. We will not escape death. We've been dying since birth, each second passing by reminds us of the looming outcome. As I approach my death I write this joyfully that I must be incessantly grateful and humble before my sovereign God.
My goal is not to pursue and assemble a life of comfort, luxury, and ease. I'll let you know that I was most at ease in poverty, walking through the countryside of Spain with only the clothes I was wearing and a small backpack. Grateful for every meal, resting place, and companion...
I will continue to pursue Big Things because I am a child of a ubiquitous and everlasting God.
I am about to embark on a 2 week missions trip to an orphanage in Qingdao, China.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
Only with God can I even hope that our team will have a lasting impact on these children. My trip is futile and selfish if I am not able to humble myself and allow God to work within and through me.
Let it be true: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21
Friday, May 15, 2009
Going back to the basics
For the past few weeks I have felt this strange unnoticeable burden on me. Ineffective, drone-like, apathetic, a need to prove myself...
Maybe it's because of the totally new environments I have been exposed to or the people I have been continuously exposed to...or maybe I am just trying to be something I'm not.
It's time to go back to the basics.
I don't know how to ride a unicycle, drive a manual car, play an instrument adequately, manage a multi-billion dollar hedge fund, and the list goes on.
But, it's not about what I don't know how to do.
When it comes down to trying to get to know me, I am quite simple. I adore reading books, hiking, spending time outdoors, watching the occasional movie here and there, playing basketball with friends, praying to God throughout the day, and spending time by myself. Of course the occasional spontaneous shift of my balance of my likes is enjoyable as well. Not a big fan of big groups, I would rather spend time with a few or even one person. Acting as though an extroverted person is a skill of mine, but regenerating on my own is a necessity. I need to stop pretending I care about the end, when I am more concerned with how the end came to pass. The study of economics can be frustrating at times with there being such an emphasis on the final product, neglecting the motivations behind the decision. Whether a person decides to spend $40 on a concert ticket or food is the same right? Perhaps yes if you are satisfied with the mere outcome.
Christianity is beautiful in that the outcome is already known. There is no need to wonder where you will be when the time comes for physical death. The journey of glorifying and praising the Lord Most High is the ultimate honor. Living for more than yourself entails peace and an incessant energy source.
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding"
Maybe it's because of the totally new environments I have been exposed to or the people I have been continuously exposed to...or maybe I am just trying to be something I'm not.
It's time to go back to the basics.
I don't know how to ride a unicycle, drive a manual car, play an instrument adequately, manage a multi-billion dollar hedge fund, and the list goes on.
But, it's not about what I don't know how to do.
When it comes down to trying to get to know me, I am quite simple. I adore reading books, hiking, spending time outdoors, watching the occasional movie here and there, playing basketball with friends, praying to God throughout the day, and spending time by myself. Of course the occasional spontaneous shift of my balance of my likes is enjoyable as well. Not a big fan of big groups, I would rather spend time with a few or even one person. Acting as though an extroverted person is a skill of mine, but regenerating on my own is a necessity. I need to stop pretending I care about the end, when I am more concerned with how the end came to pass. The study of economics can be frustrating at times with there being such an emphasis on the final product, neglecting the motivations behind the decision. Whether a person decides to spend $40 on a concert ticket or food is the same right? Perhaps yes if you are satisfied with the mere outcome.
Christianity is beautiful in that the outcome is already known. There is no need to wonder where you will be when the time comes for physical death. The journey of glorifying and praising the Lord Most High is the ultimate honor. Living for more than yourself entails peace and an incessant energy source.
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding"
Friday, April 24, 2009
Timing
Luck, Fate, or whatever you want to call it (I say fate).
Timing is crucial. Arrive to class one minute late and you may miss out on the description of the upcoming midterm. Walk into an interview late and you immediately set an undesirable first impression on the interviewer. Leave a panel early and you may miss out on a guest speaker and crucial information. Get to a bus stop 10 seconds late and you may end up waiting another 20 minutes.
Examples upon examples come to mind, and it all comes down to punctuality. In the past couple years, my adherence to punctuality has declined due to my observation of those around me. I admit I am easily and always influenced by my surrounding environment, whether that is by way of imitation or repulsion. So, why am I reflecting on timing? Well, this afternoon I had decided to stay at a meeting despite a deep desire to leave and eat lunch. After sticking around, Chancellor Block came and gave an encouraging talk on his path to his current position. Wow, what if I had decided to leave? Following the meeting, lunch, and my time sitting at the peer advising table in Covel, I went to my room to finish watching a Korean movie that I had not finished during the morning's Korean discussion. Of course I became absorbed in the movie, and I kept putting off my plan to go to a guest lecture on behavioral finance by a visiting Carnegie Mellon professor. With 10 minutes left in the movie and my unrest with not going to the lecture, I paused the movie and ran down to the Anderson School. The lecture was supposed to start at 3, but I had left my room at 3:15. As I arrived at the room, I found out that everyone had left to another room (I assume this because nobody was there). If only I was there 20 minutes earlier...
Missing the lecture is trivial (no offense intended to the lecturer); instead, my recognition of my deteriorating sense of punctuality has become very pungent.
"Be quick, but do not hurry." -John Wooden-
Timing is crucial. Arrive to class one minute late and you may miss out on the description of the upcoming midterm. Walk into an interview late and you immediately set an undesirable first impression on the interviewer. Leave a panel early and you may miss out on a guest speaker and crucial information. Get to a bus stop 10 seconds late and you may end up waiting another 20 minutes.
Examples upon examples come to mind, and it all comes down to punctuality. In the past couple years, my adherence to punctuality has declined due to my observation of those around me. I admit I am easily and always influenced by my surrounding environment, whether that is by way of imitation or repulsion. So, why am I reflecting on timing? Well, this afternoon I had decided to stay at a meeting despite a deep desire to leave and eat lunch. After sticking around, Chancellor Block came and gave an encouraging talk on his path to his current position. Wow, what if I had decided to leave? Following the meeting, lunch, and my time sitting at the peer advising table in Covel, I went to my room to finish watching a Korean movie that I had not finished during the morning's Korean discussion. Of course I became absorbed in the movie, and I kept putting off my plan to go to a guest lecture on behavioral finance by a visiting Carnegie Mellon professor. With 10 minutes left in the movie and my unrest with not going to the lecture, I paused the movie and ran down to the Anderson School. The lecture was supposed to start at 3, but I had left my room at 3:15. As I arrived at the room, I found out that everyone had left to another room (I assume this because nobody was there). If only I was there 20 minutes earlier...
Missing the lecture is trivial (no offense intended to the lecturer); instead, my recognition of my deteriorating sense of punctuality has become very pungent.
"Be quick, but do not hurry." -John Wooden-
Friday, February 20, 2009
Quick Post
Retreating to my personal journal, I have neglected this blog and it has become antiquated.
I am about to enter the weekend preceding week 8 of winter quarter. I feel as though I have resorted to my attitude of quarters prior to the last one with the addition of a more diverse group of experiences. My continued study of chaos theory, conspicuous consumption, market externalities, separation of ownership and control, and more is utterly captivating.
Earlier today I met up with my friend Daniel and we updated each other on what's going on in each others' lives in order to encourage. With continued study at Chicago and Harvard Law School, Daniel's plans thrilled and excited me all the more. As we discussed what I have planned, we became more and more excited. Every year has more and more blessings in store, and I cannot thank God enough for what is and what is to come. If it is God's will, there will be many avenues that facilitate the goals I have placed in front of me. I am a recipient of God's grace. Not of myself, but greater strength in him through me.
Anxious and nervous, I will be interning for a reputable financial firm next quarter that specializes in high wealth management. What I am more excited about is that in the office, there are a multitude of different specialties housed within seconds of each other. Examining and working in this high powered environment, I hope to establish healthy relationships that will continue after the internship.
This post is being utilized as a short update on what is going through my mind at the moment regarding some experiences to come. Due to my aversion to divulging many things I have planned, I will direct attention to what matters most in my life.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
I am realizing more and more how I have been provided for in times of need. This assists my grasp of why I cannot be knowledgeable of all I have learned. A particular sermon here and there, or even a conversation, is placed perfectly in my life so that I may assist a brother/sister/myself at that particular moment.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without approach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting...the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." James 1,3
From the divided-self to the assumption of being above-average, all these phenomenons give glory to God.
I am a mere servant, seeking to "be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1).
The embodiment of imperfection, yet in pursuit of a Holy God.
Discipline. Vision. Decision.
I am about to enter the weekend preceding week 8 of winter quarter. I feel as though I have resorted to my attitude of quarters prior to the last one with the addition of a more diverse group of experiences. My continued study of chaos theory, conspicuous consumption, market externalities, separation of ownership and control, and more is utterly captivating.
Earlier today I met up with my friend Daniel and we updated each other on what's going on in each others' lives in order to encourage. With continued study at Chicago and Harvard Law School, Daniel's plans thrilled and excited me all the more. As we discussed what I have planned, we became more and more excited. Every year has more and more blessings in store, and I cannot thank God enough for what is and what is to come. If it is God's will, there will be many avenues that facilitate the goals I have placed in front of me. I am a recipient of God's grace. Not of myself, but greater strength in him through me.
Anxious and nervous, I will be interning for a reputable financial firm next quarter that specializes in high wealth management. What I am more excited about is that in the office, there are a multitude of different specialties housed within seconds of each other. Examining and working in this high powered environment, I hope to establish healthy relationships that will continue after the internship.
This post is being utilized as a short update on what is going through my mind at the moment regarding some experiences to come. Due to my aversion to divulging many things I have planned, I will direct attention to what matters most in my life.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
I am realizing more and more how I have been provided for in times of need. This assists my grasp of why I cannot be knowledgeable of all I have learned. A particular sermon here and there, or even a conversation, is placed perfectly in my life so that I may assist a brother/sister/myself at that particular moment.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without approach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting...the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." James 1,3
From the divided-self to the assumption of being above-average, all these phenomenons give glory to God.
I am a mere servant, seeking to "be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1).
The embodiment of imperfection, yet in pursuit of a Holy God.
Discipline. Vision. Decision.
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