My Seoulful Journey: "Its time for All of us who claim in God we trust to take stand."

Wow! It has been awhile since my last post many things have happened since then. I honestly do not know where to begin. That is the hardest part about writing for me. I have so many thoughts that I want to share and express but sometimes at a lost for words. By no means am I a journalist. I respect there craft because it is difficult to create and convey a message through words. Anyways, I am just going to get off my chest what has been burdening me lately. In the past 5months so much has happened throughout the world Earthquakes in Haiti & Chile, Health Care bill being passed, passing of friends, people losing jobs and homes, and conflict arising between North and South Korea. I guess you could say that my travels through the world have made me very sensitive to what's going on around me. I still say to this day that moving to Korea was the EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE. However being back at home has brought me back to reality and the real issues we as people face everyday. When I first started the blog I made it really clear that I was a firm believer in the Christian faith. I honestly believe that we are not put on earth to eat,drink,sleep, and work. I believe we are called to share the Love of God to all, help those in need, lend a helping hand, be active in our church, and above all display the character of Christ.

In the past month two young brotha's passed away. I had a very tough time deciding if I was going to go to the service or not. My heart just melted for the family and couldn't imagine the pain they were going through. A mother lost a son and a sibling lost a brother. After much debate I decided to go and show my support and pay my respects. SEAN RASCOE was only 20 and passed away a day before his 21st birthday. When I was a senior in high school he was a freshmen. He was very talented, smart, and charismatic. A joy to be around. The short time he had here on earth he impacted the lives of those around him.

The second passing was a member of my church community here in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) NATHAN ANDERSON. Although I did not know him very well. The times I did come into contact with him he was always smiling and display a cheerful spirit. It doesn't take long to notice a persons character! Listening to friends and family speak about him is chilling. An asset he was to the Adventist Community touching lives of others through music ministry.

These two passings among others hit hard because they were so young. It made me realized that nothing in this world is promised. It gave me a BURNING desire to rededicate my life to Christ. I am far from perfect but the Bible says "Come to me all ye that are heavy burden and I will give you rest" It's comforting to know that through my faults God is there. All we have to do is ask. I personally don't want to get caught up in life that I forget the purpose that I'm here. To hold up the light! And share the word of GOD with others. Please enjoy this video that I posted. Take time to listen to the lyrics and really apply those lyrics to our lives! HOLD UP THE LIGHT

This Post is in loving memory of

Candace Drakes (Cousin)
Loraine Kelton (Aunt)
Arthur Lyons (Grandfather)
Dawn Davis (Aunt)
Steve Kelton (Uncle)
James White (Family Friend AND MENTOR)
Arthur Kelton (Uncle)
Gerad Griffin (COACH,ELDER, AND MENTOR)
William Frazier (ELDER,AND MENTOR)
Kenneth Peters (ELDER, AND MENTOR)
Sean Rascoe (Friend)
Nathan Anderson (Friend)

Wow! Time surely does fly doesn't it? 6 months ago I was working and residing in one of the worlds most populated countries. Now I'm back in the states doing something I love! I promise everyday I wake up and thank God for all the blessings he has given me! I am always super reflective before a huge trip! I want to encourage people whenever you get the chance to travel GO!! Its an eye opening experience that I believe everyone should go through! Anyways hope all is well with everyone reading! I will post from PR
God Bless
Jrock

High school teammates carry on

High school teammates carry on

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Thanksgiving Thoughts (Maryland)

This year has been a great year for me! In a sense looking back on it. I think it might be one of the best years of my life! I graduated college with my best friends! After graduation me and one of my best friends got a chance to travel to Germany and Switzerland. There I had the opportunity and pleasure meeting a friend of mine EVA. Little did I know that years later she would be studying in America and of all places close to my home in Maryland. Yesterday, we had the chance to catch up over coffee at starbuck's it was funny to see her in my home country but was blessing to me and testament that you never know in life the people you meet when your paths will cross. I've also had the blessings to travel to Ethiopia, Tanzania, Greece, Turkey, and recently South Korea!

I am thankful for this year the ups and downs, trials and tribulations! I met such quality people when I was away from home. It changed me in a way that I never imagined! As I cried tears of joy (yes I cried whatever) on my last day of teaching @ Taebong Elementary. I think it was all the emotions I had from the year and what was about to change. Leaving all my good friends behind not knowing when will ever meet again (this crazy world you here one day and gone the next) the relationship I had with my co teachers, students, the people in my town the treated me so well! The MOST INFLUENTIAL people in my life Passing away, missing my close friends Graduations, missing weddings, birthday party, gatherings and etc! They were tears of joy, sadness and every other emotion I could think of! The feeling was surreal! That jered lyons. Normal jered lyons that loves the company of people,laughter,sports, and good food! From Maryland could touch and be touched with lives from all over the globe!!!! Truly a blessing as I'm riding down to my cousins house for this feast!

Its more than the food! Its about remembering, praising, and being thankful. With that said if you have the opportunity to travel! Do it! You will regret it for the rest of your life! Get outside of your comfort zone and share with others you beliefs, traditions, and culture! With that said I'm thankful I'm thankful! I don't know what the future has in store. However I know that all along the way I'll always stop and give thanks!

LG- lifes good
Yours truly
Jrock

Live from Shady Grove (maryland,dc,virginia metro stop)

What's going on everyone! I am on my Blackberry sitting on the train on my way to dc! II am looking around the train and I see people from all over! Wow the diversity that AAmerica brings! I love it! Its been 24 days since I have have been back! I have been busy with basketball as the season is approaching. I have also gotten a chance to hang with some of my closest friends in which I'm grateful! However oh how I miss Korea :) until the next Time hope all is well with every and anyone reading. As always LG lifes good

Taking that CHANCE!

Wow! I took the chance. I prayed about it. I wrestled with it. It seemed like the right thing to do. It's just a year. Time waits for no man! I had to take advantage! I had to take that chance! It's not just about me taking a chance! It was something special! I met people from all over the world. I built relationships and broke barriers. It's not about me I promise I don't want to come off like that. However I promise you teaching ENGLISH IN KOREA! HAS BEEN THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! I took that chance and I am pleased with the outcome! I couldnt have scripted a better ending. Live life to the fullest. Be blessed yours truly

Jered "jaewon" Lyons

LIVE UPDATE!

Wow! I just got finished teaching one of my favorite classes. Everything was totally in sync! I was on the same page with my Co- Teacher Hye Suek in which I am always in. The lesson was fun and exciting for the students. Our lesson topic was DO YOU WANT SOME MORE? The energy that I brought to that particular class was phenomenal. The kid's payed attention! The game we played at the end of class was like a game show similar to Jeopardy. A year truly isn't enough to fully grasp teaching. I am almost done my contract and I feel as if I am just getting adjusted to knowing how the classroom should be ran and what works well etc...All good things must come to an end. I do realize this as I am moving on to the next phase in my Journey...I will never forget the experience I had here! I had to get my thoughts out somewhere so what better place than my personal space. Until Next time! I hope all is well with everyone reading! If you have any questions about teaching in South Korea feel free to email me lyons.jered@gmail.com...KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

What I love in a city that I Love

Relive the magic! Enjoy the basketball festival that was held @ City Hall in Seoul, South Korea!

Basketball, has definitely played a major role in my life when I sit and think about it. Without basketball I might not have had the opportunity to teach out here in Korea. Because of basketball I choose to go to Eastern Mennonite University. Where I was required to travel in order to graduate. In the time I spent traveling I discovered a new passion and love for people and culture. These events led me to take a year off and do something drastically different! In the first 6months here in Korea I had a GREAT TIME! I had to share the wonderfull opportunities with others. What good is something if you can't share it with someone else. I told many friends about teaching in Korea. Some laughed. Some listened. and two actually came! Two friends from high school. I have roughly about a month left. When it hits 30days. I will post pictures and videos as I begin the countdown of the SEOULFUL JOURNEY... Until then blessings to all! Annyong Chingus!

Streetball Festival in Seoul!

Wow. Ok its been almost a month now since my last post. So much has happened during that time! Needless to say time is flying by. I sometimes look at my job as a game. Since there are 12 months in a year. The first quarter was the first 3 months. When I first got here it was the first quarter. I was pretty much laid back letting everything come to me sitting back observing how the flow of the year would go. The second quarter is the half a year 6 months. At this point I was starting to really see how the year would go started to get adjusted and accustomed to life here. The same as the second quarter in a game by this point you want to give a great effort to close the half good. Well I am currently starting the 4th quarter. I am making sure I close things right here in SEOUL. Spending time with great people that I have met and will continue to keep in touch with when my time here is done!

The pictures below are of my DAD & My homie Kento from Australia. The Seoul World trade center. Anaya the princess of POCHEON. A shot of a typical building with stores stacked on top of each other. AND of course me repping my city lol POCHEONsi! The city's new logo we unveiled a month ago!

ENJOY PEEPS! HOPE ALL IS WELL!









In the past month

My parents came to visit!
Soju boyz went 3-0
Great offer back home lined up and ready to go!

In the upcoming month

Planning for my vacation
Soju boyz bball games
Another open class
Hana's piano recital
Anna's concert

I remember going on my first trip out of the country like it was yesterday! I remember the look on my parents faces as it sunk in that I was going to a place that they never could have fathom going! Africa! Back to where civilzation started! A rich history from trials and tribulations. I took pictures! I recorded videos of when I was on the safari in Tanzania! A lion literally came with in inches from the car! I have it on tape in the middle of nowhere truly it felt like I was on the travel channel! I came home with many stories and excitement. However ONE CAN NOT TRULY UNDERSTAND WITHOUT BEING THERE THEMSELVES! Since then I have been blessed to travel to GERMANY,SWITZERLAND,TURKEY,GREECE,TANZANIA,ETHIOPIA, AND NOW KOREA! I came home with countless photos, videos, and stories but still it was not the same because my parents have never been to those places!! Well in a few hours that is about to change!! I WILL FINALLY MEET AND GREET MY PARENTS IN A LAND that is foreign to them! They will now be able to share an experience with me! IM EXCITED I LOVE MY PARENTS...All I can hope is that they have a RICH experience!! LG.....lifes good!

My thoughts on teaching. I believe teaching is so powerful. I never thought in a million years I would be an English Teacher. I always try to come to school with a positive spirit! With over 1000 kids many of them don't get a chance to interact with me. So when some see me I want to give them some sort of interaction that they can remember. That's just the type of person I am. Recently, we had Teacher Appreciation day. Usually, teachers are swarmed by gifts and candy from their students thanking them for the candy they gave or a fun game they played during the year. I didn't get many gifts or candy. However I did happen to receive warm felt letters that let me know that I am doing a good job. Many students came up to me and gave hugs (I know awkward from western standpoint but in Korea it is typical) None gave candy. And two gave letters. I wasn't really expecting much but it definitely felt good to be acknowledged. It reminded me of a story in the Bible I grew up reading. Jesus had healed ten lepers and out of that ten! Only 1 came back to say thank you. So I def appreciated the letter! Just wanted to share that! Hope everyone that is reading is well and in good spirits! LG...LIFES GOOD

It's been awhile since my last post! First, I want to start by saying that all is still going well! I am enjoying my school and co- workers. I don't have much longer on my contract

It's crazy how life works out sometimes! My cousin had a layover in Seoul so I had the chance to spend the day with her! Doing some touristy things around Seoul as well as catching up with her and life! It def was the highlight of my week and month! So thank you Bethany!

My parents are coming to visit me in less than 3weeks so I am preparing for their arrival! I already know what spots I want to take them and sites I want them to see. There is nothing like family! We have never traveled outside of the country together so I am interested in how it will turn out! I hope they are excited! ASIA IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT AMERICANS are used to.

Teaching in Public School's in Korea you get all NATIONAL HOLIDAY'S OFF! So Saturday Was Buddha's Birthday so we had off on Monday and Tuesday Was Children's day. So I haD OFF SCHOOL from Friday to Wednesday! In that time me and the crew went to many places! We went to TEMPLES, PALACES, ART GALLERY'S, Korean Theme Park!, Basketball Tournament, Restaurant's, Dinner with TEACHESLKOREA! and capped off by Mexican food on Tuesday Night! It was a great mini vacation!

Just wanted to let everyone know what I was up to! I hope all that ARE READING are well!! As always LG! LIFE'S GOOD!

In the past couple of months. I have recieved many emails from friends and people inquiring about Teaching English in Korea. This past weekend I finally got a digital camera so I am really going to get back on my game with posting pictures and video's and giving feedback on my time here! This weekend is a full weekend because of the National Holiday's. Today is Buddaha's Birthday so we have off on Monday for that and Tuesday is Children's Day a chance for Parents to spoil their kids with a fun filled day! LOOK FOR PHOTOS AND VIDEO'S....I hope all is well with everyone!

WOW what a treat! A lunch that was 1. Edible 2. Delicious. 3. Worthy for Seconds. It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a school lunch. Usually, during the course of a 5 day work week the lunch is edible 2 times out of 5. The other 3 are what I call "RICE DAYS". This is a term I adopted meaning nothing on my tray is edible but RICE! Now to some this might be complaining, rude, or being closed minded. However I would like to call it "I'm just being Honest". I do believe I have the spirit of going and seeing new places but when it comes to trying new foods my taste buds wont allow it. If the meal stinks most likely it tastes how it smells! Like garbage haha! So this means out with the Kimchi lol...Anyways I do give credit when credit is due! So with that being said here is a picture of the LUNCH that I had today that was DELICIOUS. It was Little Chicken Breasts Breaded in a Mandarin Sauce. Rice (of course...Just as sure as the sky is blue there will always be Rice served) Cucumber Salad with a spicy sauce and Seaweed chips coated with a sugar coating...This is my lunch Update! Hope all is well with everyone reading!

Wow! 6 months already? Jhinja?(Really) Man time fly's. I knew that once I got settled in I would have the time of my life. However from the day I landed to the time I am writing this Post I knew that it wouldn't change. Sure, I have most definitely had my ups and downs but it's always been the good out weighing the bad. I am in a great situation at my school. I have Co- Teachers that not only treat me with Respect but they have extended their friendship beyond the classroom. In someways making me apart of their families. The greatest part of it all despite meeting all the great people I have had the chance to build relationships with the reason that I am here is what will make it hard leaving. THE KID'S. This week my Co Teacher has begun to ask me if I plan on returning next year and that the offer is on the table if I do decide to stay! In the past week I have been wrestling with the idea of what to do next year! However I do have some time to decide but on the same token I do want to make sure I make the right decision