a bit 'o neglect

I.. well, uhm... hello readership.

Back to the blog, I guess!  There's been so much going on, in my head, in life, etc.. but isn't busy busy, just things going on. Right now I'm in Seoul, Korea, staying with some friends here.

You longer-term readers know that I did a roadtrip back in July with a close friend of mine (Collin), he's the one in Seoul who's hosting me during this vacation. And it is a vacation! My schedule has been pretty much open, but my goal to see people has also been met.

I've been using the non-social time to get rested up, as well as get some studying done. There's a lot of learning that I want to do, and some of it is getting done.  I probably post a new link/video on facebook every day from things I'm processing.

Here's a few things that I've been reading:

St. Augustine's "Confessions" (a podcast from librevox, I'm a little more than halfway through this)
While I wish that I had read this before, I think this time in my life is particularly well suited to receive it. Even a couple years ago, I know it would have had little effect, but not so at this time.

A lot of Alastair Robert's posts:
Tarrying with the Tragic
A series of thoughts on Edwin Friedman's book about Leadership.
  Plus many others.

Also been reading through Proverbs, and that's been more than insightful. I want to encourage it's reading everywhere. Go! Read! Ok.

Collin's church here is Onnuri (English Ministry), and I have been really blessed to be attending there this past month.  It isn't perfect, and doesn't "match" my desire for my own church, but! But, I love this church's zeal for justice and the gospel. I'm excited for the ministries they are developing, especially in the area of human trafficking. I've glimpsed a real resonance here of God's heart for the oppressed and it is moving. Seeing the Body in action like this.. is beautiful. I wonder if your church is actioning as well? May it be so. Network, unify in love, make Christ known. I'd love to see more churches/denominations talking with each other to share ministries.

I'm completely divided about returning to China for the Spring semester. I miss my students and am eager to hear about their lives and help them grow. I'm looking forward to the men's group that I'm a part of, which has been a great blessing to me the last couple months I was there. That is about the extent of my anticipation for returning there.

Leaving Seoul is already sad, and, as is the case with leavings, it feels like death? Pain? Maybe loss is the closest word. I don't like to be melodramatic, but trying not to be can sometimes deny genuine emotions. I love my friends here and the community they have, lso the fellowship and deepening of faith I see. There have been many evenings of significant conversations (which are critical for me to even feel alive) and creating (which also makes me feel alive).  I've spent time with four different friendship circles, with close friends in each. One roommate from high school, Josh Choi, even became a father since I've been here! The baby (Yul Choi) is precious and I feel so blessed to be here and have a chance to see/share this time. Though still two weeks from now, leaving back to China feels... yeah, like dying a bit.

On that note, I'm extremely thankful.  The time so far has been rich, though not without some idleness. Call it rest if you like, but I know it isn't entirely so. One way that I've managed to keep busy is through baking for the guys who're hosting me. I'm really enjoying that, and they seem to like it as well. "Earning my welcome."