Books 2012: The Man Who Quit Money

The Man Who Quit Money by Mark Sundeen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will continue to think about this book for a few more weeks, months, years, etc.

The concept is fascinating. The spirituality behind it is fascinating. The lifestyle is fascinating.

And all additionally insightful.

Perhaps there is no better time to read such a tale of human life than when one is at their own crossroads, a point of making decisions which will either reflect perfectly or imperfectly on the truths one claims to hold.

A few passages:

"The people who had the least were the most willing to share. He outlined a dictum that he would believe the rest of his life: the more people have, the less they give. Similarly, generous cultures produce less waste because excess is shared, whereas stingy nations fill their landfills with leftovers." (pg. 44)

"All this work, work, work and obligation we think is so righteous is really evil, destructive," Suelo concludes. "The more I read the Sermon on the Mount, the more I see it is instructions for releasing ourselves from the Money System - the System of Debt and Obligation." (pg. 198)

"Maybe the process of trying to change the world is as valuable as actually attaining that change. Because what's gained is a renewed sense of community, of knowing your neighbor. And ultimately, building community may solve problems like excessive consumption that results from America's extreme version of individuality." (pg. 240).

"When I was a kid I thought I'd be a missionary to the heathens, but now I think maybe it's okay to be a missionary, but to the Christians, because they're the ones who need it, because they don't believe their own religion." (pg. 253)


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A few other things:

First of all, I can't wait to dumpster dive again. And I want to grow food and I'm dreaming about our sustainable little plot of Wyoming that, god-willing, will some day be. And this book couldn't have come at a better or worse time. Because I don't know how to live out everything I believe and money is something that holds a lot of emotions for me, I have a lot of convictions in the realm of finances and this is a book that helps me understand them at a different depth...

But it also makes me reconsider how we're going to go about re-entering 'the American life'.

And I'm all for unconventional and reconsidering, etc. I'm just not sure where this is going - so many ideas floating around this brain box of mine.

(Typed while snacking on Strawberry Mentos although I know I should be drinking water)

Between Plans and Faith

Landing in South Korea, we carried upon our backs clothes more appropriate to travel than teaching and an odd assortment of toiletries and travel souvenirs.  Upon our hearts and minds we carried 

our plans. our desires. our dreams.

Korea was meant to be a destination that would leave us with countless tales of international travel and exploration. a sizable sum of cash to put into a Wyoming home. Korean language skills. new and numerous friendships with the locals and a few expats. 

And while it can easily be argued that these dreams and plans have been fulfilled, it seems as though there's more to be gained or as if we're leaving before fully completing all we set out to accomplish in living on the opposite end of the earth.

Yet, so clearly and so confidently, I hear the call of 

my heart. my Lord. my community. 

That now is the time to return.

Although, as of this very moment we return to nothing except 

our community. our family. our friends.

No job. No income. Insufficient savings. No house or land to call our own.

So, here we are. Having already sacrificed our plans and having decided to move forward in faith. Not regretting. Yet completely 

unsure. uncertain. unprepared. unwavering.

And the words which are on repeat, at the tip of my tongue, in this place between plans and faith:

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

...

"Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

Our desires are firm and steady. This I know.

Our Lord is firm and steady. Faithful. Loving.

Our future is unclear, yet we will rest on these promises.

(Typed while replaying recent conversations and drinking a Mocha of sorts from a green paper cup)

Books 2012: Against All Odds: My Story

Against All Odds: My Story by Chuck Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes I'm just thrilled to read a book that I feel my grandma would appreciate. Chuck Norris has a story I'm quite confident my grandma as well as the majority of my family can appreciate: from hardship to success with a faithful mother who instills in her own son the belief that he can do anything and the belief that there is a God who loves him and has plans for him.

Aside from feeling like I was making my family proud - I really enjoyed learning about Chuck Norris as he desires to be portrayed vs. the numerous Chuck Norris jokes which were, for a time, quite commonplace. Having practiced the martial arts myself - I was a lot more interested in that aspect of his life than I had initially anticipated.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and think I'd quite enjoy getting to know Chuck Norris and his family in real life...perhaps I'll pretend to be a long lost cousin ;)

"Every technique I had learned was sharpened by constant, loudly shouted remarks. The Korean teaching method tends to focus on what a student is doing wrong rather than on what he or she is doing well." (location 727)

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A few other notes:

Chuck Norris and I have a few things in common, such as the martial arts, having experienced life in South Korea, and being introduced at some point during our childhoods to an outstanding step-father/father role-model, among other things ^^

(Typed while enjoying the 'high' of a recently sipped Caffe TiAmo Capucino)

How I will Remember

My recent post isn't that typical of how I choose to present myself in this place.

It is a reminder to me, that journaling privately may be a worthwhile pursuit.

It is additionally a reminder that speaking honestly, being honest with yourself about emotions and feelings whether beautiful or ugly is a sweet, nourishing treat for the soul.

I'm not sure how the memories of my Korean teaching experience are going to be carried forth. I know, that within time, I will know that it was difficult and challenging, but what I will relive with the most frequency is...

how I've had students work so hard to use a second language which they have a minimal understand of, to know me and introduce their lives and their nation to me.

how some of my students have out traveled me.

how some of my students can relate to being a foreigner, in a strange land.

how through the difficulty of the past year, I have met my Korean soul sister and I daily recognized that that friendship is, without a doubt, worth every unpleasant memory and moment.

how my students have faithfully given me notes, sent me emails, offered me food and shouted warm hellos as I walk throughout the hallways and anywhere within a 1km radius of the school.

how my co-workers have consistently provided snacks, often at times when I was quite legitimately in need of food and how often times those snacks were delicious and fully enjoyable.

how I've had ridiculous amounts of time to blog and facebook and pinterest and read while at work.

how I've gained incredible skills in using PowerPoint and a few other technologies to create learning materials that are engaging.

how I've gained incredible skills in using non-technology based learning games because I think Korean students may spend too much time staring at 'screens'.

how within this position, I was able to complete a Master's degree without the addition of too much stress.

how we were able to afford an online Master's degree because of this work and still go home with savings.

how the co-worker who caused me the most difficulties gave me a hug which conveyed her regret and will undoubtedly assist me in my own process of forgiveness.

how these two years have provided me more than I can fathom, both good and bad, but ultimately formative and life-changing.

(typed while drinking water and eating cookies brought to me by a co-worker ^^)

The Truth of This Moment

I just need to get some things out in the open.

The truth of this moment is that I will never again teach 6th grade students at Samcheon Elementary School. In two days, I'll add Samcheon 4th and 5th graders to that list as well as two of my current co-workers. Aside from the 17 students who plan to attend summer camp, my work here is essentially finished.

And the truth of this is, I am relieved.

The truth is, I haven't enjoyed working here. Here as in Samcheon. Here as in South Korea.

I've loved Korea. I've loved many of my students. I've made a handful of exceptional co-worker friends. I've gained invaluable experience as an educator. I've learned to teach phonics effectively and engagingly. I've been offered a lot of snacks. I've drank a lot of instant coffee.

But at the end of the day, I don't love this job.

That is the truth.

Because in my position, as a foreigner, teaching English in a Korean Elementary school, regardless of previous experience and education, is not a highly valued position, in some ways, I am not a highly valued person according to cultural norms (age, gender, nationality, experience).

And...

I guess I've lead a pampered life of people praising me and affirming my talents, even in teaching and classroom management.

Not so here.

And maybe that's okay. Maybe, surely, I needed a season that played out the way this one did.

But the truth of this moment, is that I will not miss working in Korea's public elementary schools.

I just hope I have the heart and gumption to tackle teaching back home...or that the good Lord leads elsewhere...

(Typed having finished a red paper cup of nothing other than instant coffee ^^)

June 2012: A Month of Gratitude

Just realized that this post is my 200th post.

Glad I'm marking the occassion by giving thanks.

French fires + Coke + Good Book. Wicked, the Musical. Little Black Dresses. Little Blue Dresses. Classical Cello Concerts. Pat-bingsu! Alla and Hyunhee stopping by the OEC while Mike hangs out with his students. Korean countryside. Mid-week holidays with Hyunhee and Hakcheol. Meeting Korea's wisest "old geezer" on the bus. Taco-K dinner with a co-teacher and her fiance. BBQ's on the river with fantastic company, great meats and equally great brews. Skyping Holly and Kolt. Being ahead on lesson planning. Visiting with Garrett and Alla. Inspiration to create Banana Beer Bread. Encouraging words via SaraJane on gChat. Thought-provoking insight from Erin. Encouraging words about finding value from Mindy. Daejeon's best burger with Mike, Harris, Aaron and guest appearance by Paul and Lucy. Encouraging chat session with Annalise. Encouragement from my mother. Muju. Blueberry Pie. Mulling over the words of Donald Miller. Hard Apple Cider. Enjoyable school lunches. Feeling the voice and presence of the Lord. gChat's with Mark and SaraJane. Seaweed Paper. Bon-Bon Italian with Joe, John G, Paul and my man. Hearing the words, "we're going to Laramie," confidently spoken. Tears of Joy. Sharing exciting news.

Books 2012: Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty by Elle Lothlorien
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I don't know if I really liked the story so much, and as with other reviewers - it wasn't all that comical, there were really some heavy issues presented within the context of this book. But, at the end of the day, I didn't want to put it down and I was curious to see how all these imperfect people with imperfect actions were going to come around to reconcile with one another all that had taken place. Impressively, by the end, everyone has reconciled each others actions and continue to live in peace amongst each other regardless of the scandals which had recently been revealed in court and on video...

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Books 2012: Into the Shadows

Into the Shadows by Karly Kirkpatrick


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


"Everyone's story has a different ending and unfortunately we aren't the writers, just the readers." (pg. 21/location 273)

A set of people are set apart as 'gifted' yet these gifts are quickly discovered and re-defined as a threat to national security. Following is a disregard for personal freedom and rights and a showcase of discrimination, segregation and a government bent on creating fear in hopes of gaining power.

Another reviewer mentioned the slow start of the book, and I would have to agree, the beginning was slow and often felt a bit disjointed or as an attempt to build the necessary background without going into detail, but I may have liked some more details or just a different presentation of the necessary background. Regardless, I found myself eager to finish the story and deeply moved by the experience of the main character Paivi and the other's who were deemed 'Enemies of the State' and their advocates.
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A few other notes:

I've yet to decide if I will continue forth with this series. I imagine Kindle price or Library availability will be the primary determining factors.

(Finished reading and typed the review while snacking on chocolate filled Korean snacks and a small paper cup of instant coffee mix)