no.304 140228 Thank you for a delicious dinner with my family

Pastel coloured Easter table setting at Pottery Barn!

Eating sam gyup sal for dinner was delicious! I've been craving sam gyup sal for some time and I was able to stop by a Korean supermarket to pick up some gogi (meat) on my way home. It was a simple yet yummy meal indeed! I love having my sam gyup sal with grilled kimchi on the side! And.. for dessert, I finished a pack of green tea pocky snacks:) Anything with green tea is my obsession. I can't wait to travel to Japan to discover a whole new world of green tea goodies. Yum!

no.303 140227 Thank you for the men of faith team

"Byul-sa-tang" = star candies

Recently, I think I'm prone to think about Mexico even more than ever. Ever since Rolando's visit, and the whole missions month to the opening of applications for the short term missions in the summer… I can't stop thinking about Mexico. In addition, the Men of Faith team is currently there for five days to accomplish an ambitious mission - to complete three houses in five days in Cerro del Cuatro. I'm pretty sure they went straight to work as soon as they got there! I remember my trip - when we got to the Korean church, we had lunch, and we put out work clothes on and began working. Yup, that's how we do it!

You know what I was doing today? I've been brainstorming ideas for loot bags for the children after VBS. Last year, our team stuffed the bags with candies and stickers which the children loved… of course, what kind of child would deny a bag full of sweets. If I go back this summer, I want to suggest to my team to try something different with the gift for children. I was thinking more like… toothbrush and toothpaste set, or if that's not affordable, something like a simple stationery set. In a country where pop is cheaper than water, we can't neglect the health issues that arise due to such factors. I'm not sure how many children have access to brushing their teeth, but I think it would be a good way to implement a healthy habit in their daily life. It's kind of ironic, since we sort of gave them "cavities" last year, and this time we're providing a way to prevent "cavities" this time… oops.

Another thing I did was I to go through all my old jewelries and picked out the ones I no longer wear. Actually, all of them are earrings because I don't have many necklaces nor rings to begin with. I regretted dumping out all the out-of-stye earrings I don't wear to a few years ago. I was thinking about donating these with the girls in Mexico. I met some teenage girls when I went last year. It was harder to communicate with them than the little ninas because of the big language barrier. Plus, you can't really play with the teenagers as you play with the little kids. Maybe this can allow me to get to know them better (and some basic Spanish that I'm attempting to learn will help too). Also, there were so many times that I just wanted to give something to them. But I had nothing. Not that I had to, but I couldn't resist the feeling of giving whatever I had to them. All I had were leftover candies and stickers from the loot bags our team had made. I remember in one village called Bella Vista, where our team ministered, I met a girl and I wanted to give her something of mine as a reminder. I looked through my purse, I couldn't find anything. I wonder, if it's okay for me to give anything of my possessions to people I meet during mission trips… Because I think it's better to not give at all if you don't have enough for every single person in the room, unless it's something they can share. I would definitely feel bad if I didn't have enough of whatever it may be, for everyone there.

Anyways, please pray with me for the Men of Faith team. I pray for their safety, and that God will give them strength to finish the construction of all three houses in Cerro del Cuatro. I pray that God will use the team and the houses that they build to make Himself known to the neighbourhood, and Guadalajara.

no.302 140226 Thank you for the new challenge

Sitting at this bakery reminded me of La Chata in Mexico

As of today, I am starting something new. Well.. I guess I can't really call it "new", because I made an attempt to do this last year… and I miserably failed. I am learning Spanish my amigos. Thankfully, there is a greater motivation this year. To be honest, I don't think there was that much motivation last year. When I was preparing for my mission trip to Mexico, I only managed to master greetings… and that was about it. It's embarrassing. I especially hated learning the verbs and the conjugation. Spanish is very similar to French, meaning it requires a lot of memorizing verbs! And also, knowing French is messing up my pronunciation. What I noticed so far is this: in French, you never pronounce "s" in the end in the plural form, but in Spanish, it seems that you have to pronounce "s" just as we do in English. Another thing is pronouncing "e" in the end. In Spanish, you pronounce "e" in the end as if you were to pronounce "é" in French. I will need some time to get used to this. I'm just afraid that it will complicate my French pronunciation… I hope not! I found a great website that is super helpful. I think it will be a great tool for me as I start this journey of learning a new language!

I'm not setting my goal too high. I just want to reach a basic level to communicate with the children in Mexico. In fact, that's what I said I would do when I left the country last summer. I said the next time I come back, I gotta know the language. I want to keep this promise.

Having said that, I think I am going back to Mexico this summer. I really want to. My heart is already there. However, I'm still praying about it.

As I think about learning Spanish to communicate with people in Mexico, it is bringing back a lot of memories from last year. I sometimes see myself smiling nonstop when I reminisce Mexico. I will share one song that takes me back to Mexico 2013. My team and I listened to this song over and over again when we were practicing the skit called the "Wounded Healer." It is a really sad skit, as Jesus dies in the end, after taking away our hunger, coldness, sadness, sickness and even death. I still remember the girl who cried after watching this skit at the church in Guadalajara. I am reminiscing Mexico as I listen to "Oceans" by Hillsong.

no.301 140225 Thank you for holding up the snow

Ummm… I don't know how to drive in the snow. I didn't have that many opportunities to drive in the snow so I try not to take my car when the weather is bad. I'm not the most careful driver, and I know I need a lot of practice. Even if I practice, you can't ever expect what to happen on the road - you may be extremely careful, but there are really bad drivers out there. I had access to the car this morning so I wanted to drive to work. It hasn't been snowing for the past week, but I still wanted to double check if we are getting any snow today. And… of course, it says it was calling for snow. When I got to work, I parked my car and prayed that it won't snow until I get home… and God answered my prayer! I didn't see a hint of snow until I got home.

If you look outside right now, you'll see that the snow is falling. Isn't God amazing?

no.300 140224 Thank you for the 300th post

Love the Pottery Barn Kids store.

Oh la la! I'm a lucky girl.

I have 300 things to be thankful for, and that's not the end of it. Can you believe that it's been 300 days since I started blogging? Thanks to God for helping me be so consistent over this many days!

For this very special post, I want to share one song from my playlist again. This music is a perfect choice on a day like today, because it is my alarm song for blogging. Every single night when the clock struck 10PM, Michael Buble's "Quando, quando, quando" was played. It was the 300th time I heard the song being played on my phone.

There are 65 more days of blogging left. I still haven't decided if I want to continue or not… but I am leaning towards keeping the blog:)

no.299 140223 Thank you for helping me realize that anything is possible with God

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, 

if any comfort from his love, 

if any common sharing in the Spirit, 

if any tenderness and compassion, 

then make my joy complete by being like-minded, 

having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 

Rather, in humbly value others above yourselves, 

not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interest of others.

Philippians 2:1-4

You know what I realized last night? It's weird that I came to realize this in the shower late at night. Remember that I had said I was thinking about going on a short mission trip this summer (read my 286th blog)? How there are three places I want to go but I can't because it just doesn't make sense - time wise, money wise and physical + spiritual strength wise? Recently, God has shown me a way to make this possible, and I didn't notice His plan until last night. I'm sorry Lord for realizing it so late!

Even if it is possible that God could send me to all three places, realistically, I think two is the max I can handle. Anyways, if the time works out (I still don't know the schedule for the mission trip for Africa), there is a big possibility that I could do two  - one from church and one from the non profit organization. Whether I just go to one or do both, I just think it's amazing to see how God is showing me that in God anything is possible. What I think is impossible is possible with God. In my head, I know that God can do anything, but often times I fail to trust Him. I'm thankful that God, as always, helped me to realize that anything and everything is possible with Him.

On a side note, something cool happened yesterday. The message at my friends' wedding yesterday was based on one of my favourite books, Philippians. I happen to pick the same verse to write on my friends' card as the verses that my pastor chose for his message. Very interesting… It could be just a random thing, but I like to take things like this seriously… haha. For sure, I know it's not a coincidence. I guess it means that I should pray for the newly weds according to these verses in Philippians.

no.298 140222 Thank you for a big celebration with my friends

Got to the reception early to help out the bride and the groom

Married! No… not me, but my friends are married! To be exact, they will be by the afternoon today. I think it will be a special wedding because I am close to both the bride and the groom, and all the groomsmen and most of the bridesmaids. I remember the last wedding I went to, where I am friends with the groom and the groomsmen. It was definitely a different experience from other weddings that I've gone to, because I knew of the relationship between the groom and the groomsmen. To see the groom's best friends standing next the groom, I could see their friendship over the years. It was really touching and I remember tearing up (I always cry at weddings…). I hope that my future husband will also have his group of close guy friends, all supporting him and me on our wedding day. I wonder how I will feel tomorrow. I'll let you know what happened tomorrow.

Congratulations to my friends, who are now married!

no.297 140221 Thank you for the first teacher's meeting of the year

Indian food fiesta!

It was the first teacher's meeting of the year tonight. It took place at the library at our pastor's condo. In the middle of the meeting, I thought of something from the book "Radical" that I've been reading lately.  I just thought we were all so blessed to have the library, where we could all meet so comfortably and warm. Afterwards, we headed over to a restaurant to have a really delicious meal. We had so much food - not just any… it was Indian, which is only available in India and in a multicultural city like Toronto. To share conversation and laughter over a delicious meal… it is definitely a privilege.

And there are our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world, who secretly gather in underground places with dim light to talk about Jesus. Who eats chips and pop for lunch because they can't afford a nutritious meal (this is what I've seen in Cerro del Cuatro, Mexico).  It's so easy to forget how much resource we have. Sadly, myself included, we take it for granted very often times. I'm not saying that it's wrong to enjoy a meal with friends and have fellowship with one another, because it is indeed important. What you and I need to do is to remember that there are people in poverty and hunger in this world of plenty, and we shouldn't neglect this fact.

Having February as missions month at my church and reading "Radical" at the same time, I am very much reminded of the world poverty once again. I'm thankful that God is giving me this reminder to help the needy. I'm also thankful that I am able to provide a small amount of offering to Mexico for the  poor children in Santa Maria. I know it will be used well to feed the children!

no.296 140220 Thank you for team Korea

Korea's gold medalist, Yuna Kim!

The lovely Yuna Kim takes the silver home. I really don't understand what just happened today with women's figure skating. I still think that the judges did a poor job giving such an unfair results. Really, she should've taken the gold home. She was beautiful, and she skated so elegantly. I can't stop watching her performances from four years ago. After four years, she's still got it! However, she's definitely matured… I can sense that in her skating. It doesn't matter what you got from this biased Sochi Olympic game. You are still the queen, and you were awesome today, Yuna. Korea is proud of you!

no.295 140219 Thank you for a nice warm winter day

Me and my obsession for green tea flavoured Japanese snacks.

Nice weather for once! Winter is almost coming to an end I hope. It felt like spring and I absolutely enjoyed being outside. I didn't even need my jacket during the day when the sun was high up. For the first time in a couple of months, I opened my window to get some fresh air. Ahh.. it was so nice indeed. 

I've been waiting to watch Yuna Kim perform today! She skated so elegantly as usual, and she came first place in the short program. I was expecting higher than what she got. The Russian skater who came second was pretty good, but I'd say she definitely had the home advantage.

I'm looking forward to the free skating program which will take place tomorrow. I'm gonna have to watch it on my phone again, as I will be at work. Still, I'll be cheering for you! I hope she wins the gold medal again! 

no.294 140218 Thank you for the heart to give

Mexican pesos

After my lunch, I made a quick visit to the currency exchange centre to do some business. This was something I wanted to do ever since my visit to Santa Maria (SM) church in Mexico that very saturday. SM church that my short team mission team visited was one of the Rolando's churches in Mexico. I've previously shared about the saturday breakfast program there that the church provides for the kids in the neighbourhood. If you want to find out what my team did, you can read my older post here.

Santa Maria is a really poor neighbourhood, and not many people can afford much food there. After watching the children eat that saturday, especially seeing with my eyes how hungry they are, and how much nutrients they need (they were drinking pop for breakfast), God opened my eyes and my heart for these rowdy children of Santa Maria. I wanted to give more to these children. It was great that my team was able to provide the meal for that day, but I didn't want it to be a one time only thing. God has given me a heart to feed them. Not just once, but multiple times. Not just bread but more importantly, the word of God.

I'm praying about Santa Maria, and God's vision for me. I feel like God is expanding my heart for Mexico, especially towards Santa Maria. Perhaps there is something that He wants me to do there. Perhaps, He wants to use my talents and energy that He's given me there. I still don't know whether I'll be needed, nor what kind of work I'll be doing. Praying is all I can do at the moment, and wait for the Lord.

Although I didn't physically make a piggy bank to save money for the children in Santa Maria, I've been making a conscious decision to spend less. I've been making lunch to work and I've been gone out less since I came back from Mexico. I've definitely done less shopping compared to before Mexico, and I'm actually pretty proud with myself. So the amount that I could've used on eating out with my friends after church over the past months, I'm giving it as my offering to Guadalajara. I'm planning to send it with the men of faith team, who is leaving at the end of February for their short term house construction mission trip. It's not that much, but I hope that it will be used to feed the hungry children in Santa Maria.

no.293 140217 Thank you for lunch with a Mexico team member

Korean walnut cakes…. yum!

I had a lunch date with one of my Mexico team members. Seeing pastor Rolando last week definitely brought back a lot of memories from my mission trip the past summer. It helped me reconnect with my team members over the week, just catching up and also talking about future plans on going back to Guadalajara on a short term. It was nice seeing him today, as he isn't able to come to church often because of his school. I'm thankful for the meal we shared, and also thankful for the heart for God that God has given him over the past half year since Mexico.

I don't think it was a coincidence for pastor Rolando to message me again today. Perhaps it's a sign that I must return to Mexico this summer?! Whatever the reason may be, he has made my day once again:) It's such a delight talking to him! I really think I should learn Spanish. We've been talking in two languages - he would text me in English (I think he sometimes uses the translator, but most of the time he doesn't) and I always use the translator, because I have no knowledge of Spanish other than simple words. If God is sending me back to Mexico this summer, I gotta learn Spanish! I made a promise to myself that the next time I go to Mexico, I would learn the language so I can communicate with the children at least!

Buenas noches!

no.292 140216 Thank you for the new programs on my laptop

A red gerbera daisy

Thanks to my friend, I got all the programs I needed on my new laptop today! Although I was using my macbook for blogging, that was pretty much all I used my new laptop for. I couldn't do much other than web surfing. Now that I have all the programs I wanted, I can do so much more! I'm happy that I don't have to have two laptops next to each other. What I used to do was do the research on my new laptop, and create the documents on my old laptop… that was pretty annoying. It's time to say goodbye to my old laptop… forever!

no.291 140215 Thank you for a relaxing Saturday evening

Saturday evening spent well. I'm having a very relaxing Saturday after work, watching Jamie Cullum on youtube. He's a British jazz musician, one of my favourites. I love his voice, his accent and his music. He is just awesome:) Back in 2005, when I started to listen to him, it seemed like he wasn't that well known. The very first of his album that I listened to was "Catching Tales" in 2005.  I remember downloading his songs onto mp3 player and deciding on which songs I liked the most, since it was only 1GB so I had to constantly update my mp3 player. Not sure since when, but he's becoming more and more popular. I was surprised to hear Jamie Cullum's BBC radio show broadcasted on jazz fm starting a couple of years ago.

I just found out that he will be in town this summer. I'm currently looking for tickets but the starting price is so high… I don't think I can afford it, especially since I'm trying to get at least a pair. I guess I'll have to enjoy his music on youtube for now, and wait for my next chance to catch him in Toronto.

no.290 140214 Thank you for the unexpected voice message that made my day

Happy V-day message from pastor Rolando! 

It was such a slow and boring day for me… until I get an unexpected message from pastor Rolando in Mexico. I was having my lunch when I checked my cell phone, and got his message wishing me a happy v-day with a rose emoticon! It made me smile:) I wished him and his wife a happy v-day as well.  Soon after this message, I got another one. It was a voice memo. It surely brightened up my day, after listening to pastor Rolando's voice. I think his voice has that warm and fun energy that makes one smile  happily. I think that was the best part of my day - I couldn't stop smiling during lunch, thanks to Rolando! Gracias pastor:)

Even though I don't really celebrate this commercial forced say "I love you" day, I'll share one sweet love song from my playlist with you. It's called "Let me" by Sergio Mendes. Just like most of the songs that I recommended previously, I first discovered the song in my first year of university. He's a Brazilian bossa nova musician. If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I'm a big fan of bossa nova! I actually like most of the songs on this album. There are two other songs I would like to share from the album, but I shall save them for next time!

no.289 140213 Thank you for helping me get back to exercising

Heart shaped red velvet cheesecake brownies with white chocolate curls!

Returned to workout mode again. Well, I'm gonna give it a try again at least. I went to see the doctor for my knee. He suggested on taking the MRI, if it still bothers me after waiting for another month or two. I thought doing any physical activity would make my knee feel worse, so this whole time, I refrained myself from exercising. I won't do any intense work out (I never did haha). Hopefully it will some how strengthen my knee and help it heal naturally.

no.288 140212 Thank you for the opportunity to practice my French

Polar bear measuring cups!

Cold, cold, cold! When will this winter be over? I checked the weather forecast and it looks like we're getting more snow in Toronto.

I've been looking for opportunities to practice my French, and it looks like the time has finally arrived. One of my coworkers can speak some French, and I started to practice speaking with her as of Monday. It was much harder than I thought. However, I haven't completely lost it yet…! But I realized that I forgot a lot of my vocabulary. I hope that this will be a good way to improve my French!

no.287 140211 Thank you for Korea's first medal in Sochi

So proud of you, Lee Sang Hwa!

I'm in a really happy mood today for some reason. Perhaps because I got some sunshine during the day, perhaps because it wasn't so cold, perhaps it's because Korea got our first medal in Sochi Olympics, perhaps for other reasons. Who knows?

Have you been following the Olympics? I've been, well, kind of. I've been trying to watch team Korea. It's a strange thing. When it comes to competitive sports like Olympics or the World Cup (especially during the World Cup - I become a crazy soccer fan), my passion for Korea suddenly comes out.

The women's 500m speed skating was on this morning, and Lee Sang Hwa, who is the gold medalist four years ago in Vancouver, was aiming for another gold. The result? She got it! It's Korea's first medal in Sochi 2014, and it is the best one. The medal ceremony isn't until tomorrow, so I only saw her go on the podium to receive a bouquet of flowers. What was my reaction? I was extremely happy, but tears started to drop down my two cheeks. I told my mom that I cried when Korea won a gold medal, and I explained that the reason why I cried was because of my patriotic love for my country. Then this is what my mom said to me "It's not that you're patriotic. It's because you're emotional." Indeed, I am emotional. However, I'm telling you, I cried out of my love for my motherland as well. Although I live in Canada, I will always put Korea first. That's just how it will be. Always.

I'm especially looking forward to Yuna Kim's figure skating performances, as well as men and women's short track games. Go team Korea! Go team Canada!

no.286 140210 Thank you for the dinner with pastor Rolando

Bubble tea with pastor Rolando!

Hola! Como estas?

I've been anticipating this whole day for dinner with Rolando. We went to a mediterranean restaurant for dinner, and after, took him to a bubble tea place. I chose a drink for him at the bubble tea place - yes, it was my favourite - grape black tea with tapioca. I'm glad he liked it:)

I finally got to ask him about Mexico and the family that I met there. I got an update that the family from Cerro del Cuatro wasn't really coming out to church. I was sad to hear the news, but I don't want to give up hope on them. I want to keep praying for them, especially even more now because the men of faith team from church will go back toe Cerro del Cuatro to build a few more houses at the end of the month. It will be a good reminder to the family of the time our team shared God's love through building their house. Another question I had for pastor was about Santa Maria and the breakfast program for the kids. Pastor Rolando told me that he's trying to upgrade the system. Perhaps… they're building a kitchen? or a facility where they provide meals more often? 

When I think of Mexico, one of the ideas I have is building a facility with a big kitchen and big dining room. I want to cook for them, especially for the poor children, and provide a nutritious meal for them as often as possible. Further, I'm visioning an education system for the children - it could be English, or extra curricular activities such as music, art or physed. I'd love to prepare all the teaching materials and also teach them, once I overcome the language barrier (one day, I hope). I can see one of the houses in Santa Maria renovated (or perhaps, our team can build a new one) and use it as this facility. That's cerntainly something to think about and pray about. 

Now that I've reunited with Mexico, and we talked about Mexico, it makes me want to go back even more. To be honest, I would go back this summer. I've been seriously considering it. While I was praying today, I kinda wished that I could do all three countries for short term this summer… but I feel like that would be too much. It's probably impossible - time-wise, money-wise, and strength-wise. So I pray continuously for God to direct me to the one country I should go this year.

Pastor Rolando will be returning to Guadalajara tomorrow in the afternoon. I'm so thankful to have spend some time with him during his visit to Toronto. I pray for his safety as he travels back home, and I also pray for his health - as he goes through the big change in the temperature from minus fifteen degrees to positive 28 degrees. I also pray for his ministry, especially for Cerro del Cuatro and the men of faith team from church. I pray that God will use pastor Rolando and the men of faith to build the houses in this poor neighbourhood to make God known to the people of Mexico. I trust that God is already working ahead of us in Cerro del Cuatro. I pray that God will fulfill His vision in Mexico through pastor Rolando and his family.

no.285 140209 Thank you for the message through Pastor Rolando

Welcome to Toronto, pastor Rolando!

So I've been counting down the days to see pastor Rolando ever since I heard the news that he'll be sharing a message at our church for the missions month. Today was finally the day, and I was able to say hi and welcome him just a little bit before the service started. One of my team member and I were so curious if he's received the Christmas card, so we had to ask him if it arrived in Mexico yet. I was sad to hear his response. According to pastor Peter, he sent an invitation to Rolando to come to Toronto, and it took him a month to get there. It's been more than a month since I sent my Christmas card… and where in the world did this card disappear to?! Hopefully it's arrived in Mexico by now. Pastor Rolando says that it will come eventually… I'm so glad he's staying so positive about this, because I am super disappointed. I really hope he will get it by the time he goes back home!

As it is missions month at our church, we've been focusing on the topic "The least of these" from book of Matthew chapter 25 verse 40, which goes like this (you should read from verse 31-46 to understand the full text):

The King will reply, 

'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine,
you did for me'

What Jesus means by "the least of these" he refers to the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the one in prison. If we help anyone struggling with these, we must not neglect them but rather, help them. On a side note, I want to share that if we're born again as Christians, then our way of living must change. How was I living a different life from before when I wasn't a Christian? Ever since my first mission trip, I could only recall a couple of times when I provided an act of service to the needy around me. The first thing would be donating food items to the poor with my coworkers around Christmas time. The second would be making a donation through Compassion with a group of my church friends, also around Christmas time. I think I sometimes think making a big gesture such as going on a mission trip, or donating a big amount to Christian organizations are the only ways we can help the needy. Therefore, I wonder, the things I could do everyday to help the poor are really limited.

We shouldn't be too discouraged when we're unable to go on a mission trip, or because we don't have enough to sign whatever amount on our cheques to send it to the poor. We should think about what we can do on a regular basis to help the needy around us. I would say the simplest, but also the hardest way to help is to pray for them, if you can't give help physically. I say it's simple because you don't have to go anywhere to do this. You can pray wherever you like. I say it's hard, well, at least for me, because I have so many other things to pray for, I never get to pray for the people in poverty. Another thing I've been trying to do is the way I spend my money. I'm a little proud to say that I've been doing a pretty good job on how I spend my money, since my experience in Mexico. I already shared how God completely changed my perspective on shopping, remember? I'm sure there are many things we can do on a daily basis to help the poor.

Back to mission trips. I was talking to one of the team members from Mexico, and I got a big encouragement from him today. We were just catching up and the last time I spoke to him, he was still in undergrad (this was just a few months ago). When he said that he is pursuing to be a long term missionary, my jaw just dropped in amazement. Although I've known him for a while now, I didn't know his dream was to become a full time missionary. It encouraged me because how often do you hear people wanting to be a full time missionary? And I guess I wasn't expecting him say that, so I was even more wowed when he had shared that. I saw his love and passion for God when we were in Mexico last summer.

I am thinking about going on a summer mission trip again. I've been also considering doing a long term, and talking to my team member today put me a greater heart for a long term. For a short term mission, I am praying about three countries - two through the church, and one through a non-profit organization. I would love to go back to Mexico. After seeing pastor Rolando today, I want to go back even more than ever. Because I have seen what it's like in Mexico, Rolando's message was so realistic and I could see what's happening, and how much help is still needed there.

So my point is this. That we should help the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the cold, the one struggling, through not only grand activities such as mission trips, that require a lot of planning and praying. But we should also help the needy through simple, daily activities. Just remember, that overseas mission isn't the only place for the Great Commission. Where we are at this very moment that God placed each of us is also our mission field.

I'm so excited to see pastor Rolando again for dinner tomorrow evening! I can't wait to ask him how the family in Cerro del Cuatro is doing… also his ministry in Santa Maria church, and what other visions God's been revealing to him and his family.

no.284 140208 Thank you for a new toy gift

I guess I like interesting ice cream flavours…:)

I'm never lucky with draws, or winning any free prize. But today was different.

I went to a friend's bridal shower this afternoon, and I won a prize from playing a game. It was a guessing game, and my guess was really random or it was really precise. The game required some estimation and, I suppose I'm very talented in that. Apparently, it was the exact same length as the bride-to-be's, and I was shocked when they called out the winner's name.

The prize happened to be something unusual - I won a galaxy tab! I was debating whether I should use it or donate it to someone, since I recently got a new laptop as you know, and I don't think I'll make the most use out of the tablet. Still so curious, I opened it and see what it was about. Since I opened it, I'm probably gonna give it to my mom. I'm sure she'll enjoy using it.

no.283 140207 Thank you for the grape greek yogurt

Guess it's a new flavour.

Grapes are my favourite fruit. Hence, I love the grape flavour. I love the scent (there's this grape scented lotion that I love putting on, but sadly, it's discontinued!!). If you're a wine aficionado, then you're probably familiar with various types of grapes. I love grapes but I'm not a wine drinker. So I don't have that much knowledge about grapes, but I can tell you that my favourite are the Korean grapes as known as the campbell grapes. 

Growing up in Korea, I only knew of a few kinds of grapes. "Po-do" is the word for grapes, and when we say "podo" it refers to one specific type - the campbell grapes. There's also something called "guh-bong" with much larger fruit than the regular "podo" and also "chung-po-do" which literally means blue/green grapes… and these are a rare find. I think I only saw it once when I went to my grandma's cousin's house. I vividly remember them growing it in their house, although I don't think I ever tried them or anything. When I came to Canada, I was surprised to see that there were seedless grapes. But I was also surprised and disappointed since I was unable to find my "podo" anywhere… until a few years ago, when Californian campbell grapes began to be imported. I think sine last year or so, Ontario began to grow them as well, and at the same time, I could see "podo" imported from Korea at Korean supermarkets. 

Anyways, that's a lot of information about grapes.. haha. So, there's a really good grape flavoured yogurt in Korea with actual whole sized grapes in the yogurt. That's probably one of the first things I buy whenever I visit Korea. It's a shame that Canada doesn't produce any grape yogurts… that's what I thought until today. When I went grocery shopping today, I couldn't believe my eyes. I saw grape flavoured yogurt. Not just any yogurt, but greek yogurt! I got super excited and grabbed a pack. I was so excited to try it, hoping that it will have the same flavour as the one I always get in Korea. Sadly, there were no grapes inside the container, but still, it had a pretty good grape flavour. I would say I was satisfied… but they could've made it more tasty for sure. However, I'm still happy that we finally have grape flavoured yogurt in Canada! 

no.282 140206 Thank you for a chance to see the old friends

I went for a little visit to the studio where I used to work. It was nice to see old familiar faces again. It was a long subway and street car ride, but it sure was worth seeing them again. I stopped by a bakery in the neighbourhood that I used to go to. Their almond croissant and orange white chocolate cookies were my favourites. I was hoping to pick up a few to share with the people at the studio. Sadly, the croissants were gone by the time I got there, and they no longer make the cookies I like:( I ended up getting the lemon poppy seed cookies (my second favourite!), and they were delicious!

I came across a new song today. It's a random find, but a good random. There's a new song from the Korean drama that I've been watching, and while I was trying to look for that song, I found this song called "그랬으면 좋겠어" by 신승훈. The song I'm looking for hasn't been released yet. When I find it on youtube, I'll make sure I share it with you. 

no.281 140205 Thank you for the snowstorm

Snow piled up...

Toronto's had another snowstorm.

The snowstorm gave me a chance to see how spoiled I've been lately. My dad usually came to pick me up from work, so I got so used to it. Now I don't even ask for him to come pick me up. Sometimes I just tell him the time I finish, or I don't at all and I just expect for him to be there when I'm done.

Well, today was an exception. Due to the snowstorm, my dad wasn't able to pick me up at work. Plus, it was probably a better idea to take the public transit - a quicker and safer way to get home. My initial reaction when my dad said he couldn't make it, I was angry. Then I was disappointed, thinking, how can he, my dad, not come and get me in this cold weather. Only then, I realized how selfish I was thinking about my own convenience. My dad doesn't need to pick me up, but he still does voluntarily, out of love. Last time, I asked him if it's annoying to drive me to work, and pick me up after. His answer was this: that he enjoys his time with me. Whenever my sister asked me to pick her up from a friend's place, I would often get annoyed. I'd rather have her take the bus or get a ride from her friend. But it was different for my dad. He wants to do so. And it's become so obvious for my dad to drive me to places, that I don't even appreciate it. Well, now I do. That's why I made him the cake last night, and I'm happy that he enjoyed it. I'm also thankful to realize that I've been taking what my dad did for me for granted. I'm thankful for the snowstorm to help me realize this!

no.280 140204 Thank you for the marble bundt cake

Marble bundt cake

If you've been following my blog for some time, you'll probably know what I do to de-stress myself. I bake! Today's recipe was the one I found on one of the baking blogs I follow. It's called the marble bundt cake. I wasn't able to find a large bundt cake pan at home so instead, I chose a rectangular cake pan and small bundt pans.

Sometimes, I like to bake for someone. Tonight, I baked for my dad because he's a marble cake lover. First of all, he's a coffee-holic, and whenever he drinks his coffee, he likes to snack on something sweet - usually some sort of cake, or sometimes cookies. His favourites are marble cake and cheesecake. I just wanted to try this recipe for my dad because of his love for me!

I'm just waiting for it to come out from the oven… mmhmm! I can already smell the sweet cake. I hope it will turn out well, and that my dad will enjoy my cake with his coffee.

no.279 140203 Thank you for a warm winter's day

-6 degrees (with windchill, -12) in Canada is considered warm. Indeed, it was really warm today.. I was actually sweating with my hoodie on. In Korea, today is considered the first day of Spring (입춘 - "yip-choon"). I just looked  up "first day of spring 2014" on google, and it says March 20th. That's another month and additional three weeks. I can't wait for spring to come… but in the mean time, I shall try my best to enjoy winter… somehow.

no.278 140202 Thank you for the missions month

At the beach, Manzanillo

February is our church's missions month.

Next week, pastor Rolando whom I met while I was in Mexico for my short term will be visiting Toronto, and I am super excited to reunite with him! My team and I are planning to take him out for dinner one night. I can't wait to hear all the stories about his ministry, and most of all, the family that we built the house for in Cerro del Quatro.

Speaking of missions month, I was recently thinking about summer missions for me this year. I'm curious on where God will send me this time. Our church is sending a group of men to Guadalajara at the end of February for a short term mission work. I would love to be a part of it, but it is reserved for men only, since it's a labour intensive - building a house after a house… for the entire week. I still remember the pain in my arm on the night after my first day of construction. Out of everyone on our team, I probably used the least strength (because I was the only girl on the team). Yet, my arm was hurting sooooo much that I woke up from the sleep and I had to apply some pain relief pads on my wrist. It was hurting because of "heavy" lifting (I'm sure it wasn't that heavy for the guys), and also from cutting thick metals.

Regardless of all the pain and sickness that I went through, I think it's amazing that God is giving me a heart to want to go back to Mexico. Whenever I think about my last mission trip, I am so amazed and thankful! If you're wondering why I felt this way, please search "Mexico Mission" on my blog. You'll know what I mean:)

Where will God send me? I started to pray about it. Although I don't know what will happen just yet, I know one thing for sure. I will go where He goes.

no.277 140201 Thank you for my parents who picked me up from work

My friend bought me a souvenir calendar from Italy!

Happy February!

It's been snowing beautifully all day long. It piled up a bit, and the road conditions are bad. It's indeed messy outside. I ended late at work and I'm so thankful that my parents came to pick me up after my shift. Or else… it would've took me forever to get home. Thanks to my parents, I got home safe and sound, warm and fast! And now, I have some time to write my blog and do other stuff before going to bed. Yay:)