In any case, I wanted to give an update on things here in my neck of the woods. Currently, the biggest challenge that lies before me is pictured below.
Now, if that sight doesn't scare the living daylights out of you... well, then you're probably Korean. You see, it's not as simple as just flipping on the heat when one is cold. In Korea, they use what is called a floor heater. That's not a space heater I'm talking about. There is actually a system of pipes that runs underneath the floor in most houses and apartments (as far as I know) carrying hot water. This hot water heats the floor (almost always a wooden floor) thereby heating the room above. It makes for some very happy feet in the morning... when it is working properly. I have yet to get it to work in my apartment, in spite of having had the office manager of my building come and check it out with me along with a co-worker from my school. Thankfully it is not very cold outside yet and the only time I might need some extra heat is in the morning. But, all the same, I think this is a battle worth fighting now rather than later.
I am not worried about it though--okay maybe just a tad--BUT, that is my humanity talking. I know God is going to take care of me. He has provided everything I have needed every step of the way these past 22 years and much, much more.
"Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content." (1 Tim 6:6-8)
My best friend recently shared this verse with me and it rings absolutely true in my current situation.
That friend (David, whom many of my readers know already!) happens to be Korean and also happens to really enjoy translation! SO, I am going to take the liberty now to share with you all another of the blessing God has given me...
So, there you have it! (I hope David doesn't mind my showing off of his beautiful work...)
I hope to make another update this coming weekend. Until then, blessings everyone--count them, because they are all around you!
Jacob, you rock the whole white guy in Korea thing. Praying for you and that the language barrier will become easier for you to hurdle. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll take that as a compliment :) Thank you for the prayers! I hope all is going well for you at Union too, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteHaha jake, that first picture was terrifying, you were right. But how does heat coming from water underneath the place even make sense? haha. Anyways, I've got fourth floor Smith praying for you every Wednesday night bro. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteHaha, well, first of all, thanks for the prayers bro, I need them! And tell your friends I said hello and that I truly appreciate their support! Second... I mean, I was pretty surprised myself when I found out about how the pipes carry hot water underneath the floor itself to heat the room, but it works! And getting out of bed in the morning that much less of an endeavor during the winter as a result. It also sort of changes the distribution of your utility bill which, in the USA, would have central heating in the electricity bracket. Here, the floor heater is included in both the water bill and what it costs to heat the water. That's all pretty obvious, but maybe you understand it better now... the point is, people in Korea stay warm that way. Like so many things in a foreign culture... it's not wrong, just different. Good to hear from you bro. Sorry I gave you more info than you wanted to know. hahaha
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