The Been Briefing

North Korea Scare:

I would like to alleviate everyone's concern about my current safety here in South Korea since the alleged nuclear testings in North Korea.

I just registered with the US Embassy, so they are aware that I am living in Korea, and should there be any problems, they should have no problem getting ahold of me. They have my address, phone number, and passport information. I am also receiving email updates from them, so I know what's going on in the political arena from this part of the world.

I have also spoken with my boss about what to do in the case of a potential threat. She said that if the situation does become potentially dangerous, that she will make sure I am sent home safe and sound. I do not doubt her in the least.

The situation from the South Koreans' perspective is one of care and concern. They recognize the threat that Kim Jong-il poses, but I don't sense major anxiety or panic on their parts. While the news seems to be addressing the issue more (I have seen Korean news anchors talking about the nuclear tests and showing President Bush's speeches), there seems to be a sense of control and order.

Amidst it all, I am confident in the Lord's sovereign hand and care over the big picture and over my life. I'm doing just fine! I am reminded of Isaiah 40 (verses 16, 22-25)...

Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales; look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing...
It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent
to dwell in.
He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless.
Scarcely shall they be planted, scarcely shall they be sown, scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, when He will also blow on them, and they will wither, and the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.
“ To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy
One.