First Days

Dear friends, 

Our first few days in Korea have been good. "Good" is a word we throw around a lot, but I use it because our time has been truly good thus far. There have been some hiccups here and there, some illnesses, and some "what is this Korean GPS telling me?" moments, but we have been able to do and see a good deal in these first few days, without doing too much - a good way to acclimate to being in Korea. 

On Thursday, our first full day in the country, we had a leisurely breakfast and devotion together - that's something we've been able to have most days, which will not last much longer, but has been wonderful. We then drove to our hostel in Seoul, where we've been staying ever since. That night, we were privileged to visit Korea National University of the Arts, the top art school in the nation. We toured their dance facilities and met with the dean of the dance department. Their alumni are dancing with renowned companies all over the world. We then watched their ballet department's performance of variations from classical ballets. The dancers were incredible - some of them had been in the top ballet competitions around the world. While their dancing was ridiculous, there was also a feeling of pressure and nerves throughout the entire performance - the hard reality of the standards and demands of not only ballet as an art form, but Korean culture, and KNUA specifically within that greater culture. 

On Friday, we went to Gyeongbokgung Palace. We walked around for about an hour and a half, and took in the immense compounds. The palace is right in the middle of Seoul- the city comes right up to the palace gates, and the peace that comes just leaving the modern city is amazing. There were tourists from all over the world, and it was incredible to take in the palace with so many others. Grace and I were stopped by other tourists and many people asked to take pictures with and of us, which was an adventure. 

That evening we explored a nearby market and then ate at a traditional Korean restaurant, which required us to eat sitting on the floor. 

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to worship, take class, and dance with Pneuma Ballet. It was such a sweet time of fellowship, blessing, and encouragement for all of us. The freedom and beauty in their lives, worship, and dancing reminded us once again of why we dance. A beautiful way to begin our dancing here in Korea. 

This Sunday we worshipped together on the rooftop of our hostel, and then prepared for our time performing at Onnuri church's evening service. We were blessed by their hospitality- in feeding us, in Pastor Jae's sharing his heart with us, and for their welcoming spirit. It was so good to share in worship before dancing - to be recentered on the purpose of our dancing. Our prayer is that the fame and glory of God would spread across the nation, as this worship service was broadcast throughout Korea and the greater Asia area. 

Although these days have been lighter, we are only getting busier from here on out. Please pray for us to continue to draw from the fullness of God's strength, for continued health and safety, and we would continue to trust in the Lord as He is faithful to go before us and shows up in greater ways than we could expect. 

In Christ, 

Kelly