was dosed with the cold… worshipped God instead of feeling sorry for myself, and although I’m still dosed… I’m feeling pretty great.

Yogurt on a cat

Pukey, Cookie’s slutty cousin

Cookie, our dog

Last time I was this cold, Ben built this 

Every few months I think about writing short stories and novels. Always. I love writing but I never seem to get past the 20,000 word proverbial wall. It’s frustrating and disheartening. But nobody said it was easy (Coldplay lyrics… I do love Coldplay). So this year, again, I’m going to spend the year attempting to write stuff and even if I give up now and again (which is a likelihood). Or even when I choose a cinema and coffee catch up over a self inflicted deadline, I’m not going to beat myself up about it. I’ll come back to my trusty stories and keep ‘em coming as thick and fast as physically possible for a lazy and not very ambitious person. I’ll keep you updated on how it’s going. But don’t be surprised if you don’t hear much for a while. I’d love to get past the 50,000 mark though. I’d be over the moon if I could write 50,000 words of information that connects and blends into a decent story. That’d be nice. 

Talk to y’all soon. 

Oh yeah, and happy new year.

AYO!

Trust God

TODAY’S VERSE ”Praise the LORD! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.” Psalms 28:6-8 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT It is hard to relax. I mean really relax. Why is it? We say we have faith and yet we are wound up tighter than a spring ready to snap at the next bit of pressure. Perhaps it is because when it comes to living life on our own, we are way over our head. We try, but life is so complicated. There are so many variables. But the truth is, God never intended us to live life all by ourself. He wants us to depend on Him. He wants us to live with His love and mercy helping us along the way. This is where fellowship with God is born. When we acknowledge that He is God, that He loves us and we begin to communicate with Him and share our inner struggles and needs, He hears us and gives us the help we need. God is pleased. And so are we. David knew this and proclaimed, “I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.” Today, relax, give it all to Him. Trust God, He will have mercy and help you.

TODAY’S PRAYER Father God, I come and bring all my burdens to You. I am so tired of trying to fix everything myself. I need You. I ask You for mercy. Please help me today, I pray. In Jesus’ name. AMEN

Read this today. 

Soon it’ll be tomorrow today. But not for you. Just for the Koreans (and me). I’m hitting the dusty trail home, and by ‘dusty trail’ I obviously mean snow-cloud filled skies. I’m really excited if I’m being honest. I do love it here, but the way of life isn’t my way of life. Not by a long shot. It’s been fantastic and there have been highs and lows. Speaking of which, I found the courage to eat the baby squid (lynsey lloyd); definitely a low for me but photos will follow after my return. Promise.

Although the airports seem to be closing left, right and centre and my suitcase weighs heavier than an obese walrus (family), I will be back soon. Very soon, if all the travel plans go as well as they say they will on my booking confirmation print out. In a day or two I’ll be back. It’s a surreal thought as I’m sitting here in my dorm-like room in the middle of nowhere, Korea. But soon I will be back to where the sun only shines twice a year. Back to where the people say ‘excuse me’ or ‘sorry’ when they bump into one another in the street (except sometimes when they’re stressed at Christmas). Back to where McDs is round the corner instead of a 15 minute bus + a 30 minute train journey away. Back to where I can drink water straight from the tap if I want to. Back to where I can go for a walk and not get weird looks from every passing stranger. Back to a house where I don’t have to wear slippers in the bathroom because of (always) wet floors (from open plan showers NOT urine). Back to a comfortable couch instead of hard wood floors. Back to watching jakeandamir with Ben and Roo until I can’t see through the (laughter) tears. Back to our tiny, (constantly) barking dog Cookie and our maow-less cat Alley. Back to Mike Echo the Gekko, Phoenix, Kazooi and Zeus. Back to the boring turtles that I still don’t know the names of (although I think they were either named after Jet Lee and Jackie Chan OR two of the Dudesons). Back to a place that builds up to Christmas. Back to a Greenwich Mean Timezone. Back to mates’ gigs and enjoyable church evening services. Back to using my phone that has been gathering dust for a good few weeks now. Back to my own bed. Back to Tescos. Back to dinner where the side dishes are one of two options: something potato-y or salad. Back to my ipod speakers (I’ve missed you so). Back to my guitar. Back to friends, family and fellowship. Back to the culture, country and community God blessed me to be born into. I’m coming home soon guys. Hope you didn’t miss me too much. AYO!

p.s. I went to Everland this week and bumped into Michael and Sam!

AND I went to the north-south Korean border today. The border was deserted because apparently they were test firing at something. Everyone over here is so sketchy and vague when it comes to giving details. Anyway, I’ve got a goodbye breakfast first thing tomorrow before I hit the air traffic, pray I don’t barf kimchi on the flights home. Also pray that the flights home actually occur. Thanks a million boyos. See y’all soon!