The past month and a half have been extremely stressful for the Been household. Almost daily Jody and I are reeling from some new bit of frustrating infromation. And yet, there have been wonderful moments of victory intermingled, where we can see that God's hand still remains on us and is carefully guiding us amidst all the pressures.
The biggest grief as of late came almost two weeks ago. My wonderful grandmother, Henrietta Clementson, went home to be with her Lord on July 24. She lived a wonderful 86 years and was able to see four grandchildren get married and three great-grandchildren enter the world. I am so thankful for the rich heritage I have had in her life. She was a powerful woman who was unashamed of Jesus Christ, and for that alone I honor her. I will miss her dearly.
About two weeks ago, also, Jody and I decided that we would return home to the States a little earlier than planned. My constant struggle with laryngitis compounds the stresses of life in Korea, and amidst all the challenges of the past few months, we felt it best to leave sooner rather than later. We will be flying out of Korea on September 2, heading first for Richmond. The plan is to spend a month to six weeks with family and friends in Virginia, and then to fly to Texas to spend time with Jody's family and friends - in Pampa and also hopefully in Austin. After that, our plan is to head to Denver for Jody to start seminary.
The Lord has been incredibly gracious to Jo and me in that both our bosses responded well to our decision to leave. My boss, Mrs. Kim has been a rock of support throughout it all. But the real surprise was the peaceful response from Jody's bosses. They have not always dealt Jody a fair hand, so we were uncertain how they would receive our decision.
Another blessing has come in the form of friends, John and Soyon. Soyon is a wonderful Korean friend who has grown up in international circles as the daughter of Korean missionaries in Nigeria. She attended college in the US and thereafter came to Korea. I actually phone interviewed her to take my position at ERC two years ago (summer 2006) while I was here in Korea and she was still back in California finishing up her degree! But when I felt God calling me to stay at ERC, I had to email her and tell her that the position was not open after all. Then, randomly, I met her for the first time last November at Life Church, our international church that meets in Suwon!
What makes Soyon's reappearance in my life so funny is that a job opportunity opened up at ERC this summer, and I offered it to Soyon. She accepted the position and is actually transitioning into teaching MY advanced Step 3 program as I prepare to leave! Now I see God's hand in our paths crossing once again. I am so thankful for a God who knits His peoples' lives together.
It gets even better. John and Soyon will be getting married August 30, and as Soyon is taking over my job, I thought it even better if she and John could move into our apartment after they return from their honeymoon. Jody and I will have already left for home, and there will be a fully furnished apartment with all basic needs taken care of for them when they return! It works out the best for everyone: Jo and me, John and Soyon, and Mrs. Kim, who will not need to prepare another apartment for a new foreign teacher. God is GOOD!
As the countdown begins until Jody and I fly out, there is a ridiculous amount of work left to be done. As of today, we must box and ship things via boat to Texas, since we cannot fit everything into our suitcases. I must finish the curriculum for On the Banks of Plum Creek. I will be hosting a bridal shower for Soyon on the 16th. I will also be coordinating her wedding on the 30th. And since my voice has partially returned, I have begun teaching the Step 3 class again, so that Soyon can observe me and take it over. Hopefully soon. I'm exhausted! And while all this is going on for me, Jody is in the busy month of intensives at his school, working split shifts. He's pretty pooped, too.
We love and miss everyone at home. Please pray for strength and energy so that we can finish our time in Korea well.
Also, if you will be in Richmond or nearby in September and part of October, let us know! We'd love to see you!
