It's so much better to be tired than weary.

I am tired. Yesterday several of us went out to the arboretum. There are trails all around it and we wandered through the hills, saw a few grave sites and found rice paddies at the end. It was nice. Then today I thought my computer had a virus and skipped out on Korean class to freak out about it. I'm not sure what's going on, but my instant messenger keeps sending links to people . . . if you're one of them - DON'T OPEN IT!

This afternoon was so lovely, Luke and I simultaneously had the idea of walking down the river, we ended up walking about 5 miles along the river trail and then taking a taxi back. There are fountains coming out of the river in the middle (which Luke speculates are powered by pipes bringing water from further up, so as to create pressure without consuming electricity). Anyway, at one point some of the spray washed over us and I couldn't help thinking, "Skin is an amazing thing, it's amazing that I can feel thousands of little droplets individually come in contact with me." Not profound, but that's what I thought. It was a lazy day for inconsequential meditations. Oh! We also met this really cute group of middle aged men who were riding around together on their mopeds. I thought, "Wild Hogs." Hehe (Though Luke didn't look as impressed.) They were really nice.

It's so funny to have people gawk at you wherever you go. One group of young women we passed actually turned to stare at us and started laughing. In the end, the area of town we wound up at was definitely not used to seeing foreigners wander through it. We got lots of looks, and all I had to do to get a cab was look expectantly off the sidewalk. Apparently there's another way to do it, but this has worked for me so far. Sometimes when I'm out somewhere if I'm not walking very fast they just kind of scoot up beside me and slow down, when I keep going they just drive off. I am SO distinguishable. *sigh* But there are perks.

Smitten

I went out with some of the other teachers tonight to this really cute Italian place that's a block from where we live. (c: They also have toasted bagels. I have yet to do any sampling, but am keenly looking forward to it. I didn't eat because I wasn't hungry yet, but we went and walked downtown and got ice cream, and I bought myself flowers. I've been thinking about it for awhile, but finally decided it was worth it.

We walked back through the park and I stopped next to my favorite magnolia tree. The blossoms are deep purple, and just . . . beautiful. I came home and was writing a friend when it just hit me how grateful I am for everything Jesus has done for me. Romans 1:20 comes to mind, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." I think back over my life, the people that I've met, the experiences I've had, the things I've seen and read, known and understood. I am thankful not to have been converted into a belief, but to have been captured by Love. I pray it captures you as well.

God keep you. (Isaiah 26:3-4)