BIG NEWS IN KOREA!

I'm sure you've already heard... Kim Jong Il, the North Korean dictator has died! I say this with great excitement. Maybe people do not understand my excitement. I heard the new this morning and I got goosebumps. I've been secretly (and not so secretly) hoping that this man would either turn from his horrible ways or die, for a long time. My heart is so burdened for the North Korean people and their oppression.

My main purpose of being in Korea is to try to help North Koreans in some aspect. With this new bit of information my excitement grows because it means that there is possible change on the horizon! This change could be good or bad- but either way I think there has to be change! I'm hoping and praying that it will be for the better. There is always the slight chance that it could mean war for the Koreas. No one knows the thoughts, plans or ruling style of the next leader, the son Kim Jong Un.

No matter what the future may bring I am still excited. I feel like I am in the right place for such a time as this. I pray that there will not be war, or casualties. I pray that North Korea will open their borders and begin to implement freedom. I pray that the North Korean citizens will be given a better life. Food. Clothing. Freedom.

My heart is beating and bleeding for the Nation of North Korea! Please join with me in praying for its government and its people. Also pray for South Korea as they are on high alert at this moment, with total uncertainty of what will be happening in the North.

These are exciting times!

Its nearly Christmas!

Hello! I can hardly believe that it is only one week until Christmas! Instead of sugar plums dancing in my head... its many thoughts.

So I shall write a mess of random...

I almost got stuck in an elevator tonight. It suddenly jerked a little too abruptly to a stop... and then the doors wouldn't open. That's odd. But in typical Heidi fashion, I didn't freak out... I simply pressed every button possible and waited for a moment. Then just as I was pressing the call button (thinking... what the heck am I going to say?!) the doors miraculously opened. Thank you Jesus! It made me think though... I have no idea what I would do with myself if I was stuck in an elevator! (or anywhere for that matter)... I simply can't entertain myself for that amount of time... whatever that may be. Maybe if I had a notebook and pen... or my iPod. I'd probably write a song... or a blog... but unfortunately there is no reception in my elevator... another reason it would suck to get stuck!

I recently received some Christmas packages... yay! I was afraid that I had given the wrong address out for my new place because I hadn't received any mail... but thankfully my mom's package got here without trouble!

On a completely different note...
A lot of people get really stressed out during the holidays. Recently a lot of people around me have been total Debby Downers! It has caused me to put things into perspective in my own life though. For example- I'm really cold these days. Winter is not my favorite season... but I have a house with windows and walls... and a heating system... and electricity. It may cost me more than I like to stay warm- but I in fact can BE WARM! My thoughts and prayers go out to North Koreans and the harsh winters that they have to endure with rags for clothes. My heart breaks.

I'm just finishing my second semester at Seowon University. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job! Seriously. I am so SOOOoooo grateful that I have this position and I praise the Lord for placing me here. Even though I am occasionally lonely, I am happy.

I won't write a book yet... I think I shall end here and hope to continue more thoughts later. Worship the King in this season for all that He is and all that He gives!

LOVE YOU!!!

What is my Field?

I came to South Korea wanting to prep myself to help people from North Korea. I want to learn the language and help those who are lost and broken...

I've had my mind sent on North Korea... but realize more and more that where I am now is also a mission field. I just haven't really considered it so.

Please pray for me. Pray that God would show me EXACTLY what He has for me and which opportunities to take and which ones to say "no" to.

Pray for Korea! (both South and North)

Needles in my Butt

I thought that would be a fun intro...

So many things have happened in the last month that I cannot keep up! I'm hoping to create a couple of more videos. As you know, I moved apartments- which is a pretty big job! I now have an AMAZING apartment that can comfortably accommodate 15 people for hanging out...

At the same time that I was moving my sister came for a surprise visit! We had a lot of fun and on her blog she considered the trip a 10 out of 10! I'm so glad! :-)

On Sunday CareyAnn and I moved some furniture from a friend's apartment. She was moving to another town and couldn't take it with her. SO... for $30 it only took about 30 minutes to rent a truck and move the furniture. However, I think this is where I injured my back (life with your legs Heidi!) and on Tuesday I began to have a stiff back. The muscles in my lower back were SOLID and hurt like crazy! I can still move just fine but with a lot of effort. Wow... so this is what it feels like to get old? I definitely don't want to get old!

So, at first I was going to just take it easy and try to wait it out. Sleep, rest, ibuprofen... but after the drugs wore off today in the middle of class I was MISERABLE. So- after 3 recommendations of "chinese medicine" I decided to consent. My dear friend Heather (who is my Angel and life saver in so many ways) took me for acupuncture. It was my first experience and I was a little nervous, but she stayed with me. A couple of the needles hurt and some of them I couldn't feel at all.

It was after they were all out that Heather said, I don't think you can guess how long the needle in your butt was. Apparently about 12 cm of needle went into my bum... good thing I didn't know! THat one definitely stung a little. ^^

I was at the doctor for an hour and it only cost $6 (with my insurance). I really wish the American health care system was like that! With healthcare so cheap in Korea... I guess I probably shouldn't wait around next time I'm sick or hurting...