Chase the Lion

Since breaking the news of our new adventure, I can't tell you how many people have asked us why we're going to Seoul. It's been challenging to articulate exactly what's going on in our hearts and lives that has brought us to this point.

Mark Batterson in his book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, probably sums up best where we are. I realize this paragraph sounds like a bunch of cliches, but the core is to risk, trust, and have faith in the pursuit of God that will be wild and rewarding on so many levels.

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshipping what’s right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion"

The Adventure Continues...and with a whole lotta Seoul

THE BACK STORY...

So, Kirstan and I have had this wild hair idea that we would one day love to live overseas. My younger brother, Tom, and his family lived in London for three years and they had an incredible experience. Their children were greatly impacted and continue to reminisce about their journey to this day. We also have a close friend teaching in Doha, Qatar and she has been a wonderful encouragement for us to "take the plunge" and investigate an opportunity to teach in a foreign country.

We threw caution to the wind and registered for the University of Northern Iowa International Teaching Fair and figured, "what could we lose?"

So, we came to Waterloo with a dream and walked away with a dream come true.

THE SCHOOL...

Kirstan accepted a 2-year contract with The Asia Pacific International School in Seoul, South Korea to be their Elementary and Middle School Counselor. She's on cloud nine and super excited about the opportunity. I am so proud of her and can't wait until she starts her career as a counselor. Davis and Webb will be receiving a stellar education and I will also have the opportunity to lend my skills in communications and marketing to the school to help enhance their promotional efforts. APIS is also a Christian school, so I anticipate I will have a chance to lead worship or partner with their Chaplain in some capacity.

THE NEXT FEW MONTHS...

Kirstan and the kids will finish up the year at their respective schools. I will transition out of my role as Creative Arts Director at Christ Community Church at the end of June. APIS needs us in Seoul by August 1, so we anticipate the month of July will be spent wrapping up moving details and visiting family and friends. Should be an exciting next couple of months!

THE GOD STORY...

I would be remiss if I didn't conclude this blog post with giving praise to God for providing such a wonderful opportunity. Everything we asked for we have received...and then some. It's truly mind-blowing and so confirming for our faith. 

The popular passage from Jeremiah 29 comes to mind - but it's not only verse 11 that speaks to us, verses 12-13 do as well:

11"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

I hope to do a better job of maintaining this blog over the course of our adventure in South Korea and beyond...and hope you stay tuned. The best is yet to come!

Family

We just spent a vacation week in Ocean City, NJ and have come away with a renewed and profound sense of the importance of family.  The fruits of our collective labors are summed up in the photo above that includes all of the Beatty cousins.  We thank God for the joy of our children and how refreshed we are to have been together again with the rest the Beatty side of our family.

Click here for some highlights from the week.

The Beatty Beauties

This past weekend, Kirstan, Davis and I were SO excited to be a part of Susan and Keith Carlson's wedding. Kirstan was a bridesmaid, Davis a flower girl, and I had a chance to sing and play with a 5 piece string ensemble (wow!). We had so much fun! The Beatty ladies had some new hair dos...I think you'll agree that I am blessed to be in the presence of such beauty every day.

My first "walk"

It has been a month since my hernia surgery and I have really been anxious to get moving again.  It's funny, I haven't been a runner (of any sort) but have had this strange desiring brewing the past few weeks to get out and give it a shot.  I purchased a pair of Nikes and a gadget that hooks up to my iPod and now I can track my progress (and listen to some great music).  I am choosing to post the workout details on the blog for all the world to see...and probably some level of accountability.  I need these kinds of things to keep me motivated...so feel free to ask me how I'm doing!

Davis Beatty:Photographer

We got Davis a Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera for her birthday and she has absolutely fallen in love (like her daddy) with taking pictures.  We highly recommend this "toy" for a child her age...she is having a blast with it and I'm sure she will have it by her side all summer long.  Here's her first picture!

Happy Birthday Davis!

Davis turns four years old on Tuesday, July 15. Where have the years gone?!?!  

We celebrated today with a few of her best friends and momma Kirstan threw together one heck of a party.  Not only did the kiddos make their own pizzas, they also decorated some picture frames that will serve as a "thank you" from Davis.  We took some individual pics of Davis with her friends and will get them printed out for the frame.  Great idea, Kirstan!  Rather than a cake, Davis wanted the party-goers to decorate their own cupcakes...that was a hit as well.

If you'd like to take a look at some great pics of the party, click on this link.  We uploaded a few shots to our Mac Web Gallery.  Enjoy. 

We love you, Davis!  Happy Birthday!