Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Home, sweet home... almost...

With my living situation here in Korea, I am grateful for what I have (top floor in picture on left). My apartment's location is ideal, being directly in the middle of the city and within walking distance to each of my schools. But with all its benefits, I am starting to get rather frustrated with it, almost to the point that I would rather not be in it at times. For the past couple weeks I've been working at getting rid of a nasty odor that has been coming from the bathroom drain. The drain seems to flow directly to the city sewer, so I get all that come with it. This includes a putrid smell that comes up, that is all so familiar around the streets of Korea.


I have direct Korean sewer access. This country may be years ahead of its time in technology, such as computers and internet; but when it comes to basics of living, such as sewage and plumbing, its system falls short. As a matter of fact, the Korean government has just given out an abundance of bottled water to its communities. Our school here has cases and cases of water surrounding its walls, where students and staff members are encouraged to take any amount needed home with them. I still have several bottles of water that probably won't be used up for a long time. Regardless, the government here knows that their septic system has failed in more ways than one, and their water remains undrinkable.


Many English teachers that have had problems with their apartment have needed to move. I was hesitant about addressing this problem at first because of the possibility of having to move to resolve it. My location in proximity to my school is almost perfect, and I enjoy not having to bus or taxi in every day; so for this reason, I am willing to "bite the bullet." Today I bought another bottle of bleach to pour down the drain to temporarily kill the smell. It may work for small septic systems but not for an entire city's. My head teacher said she has the same problem in her home and labeled it as a "construction problem."


On a positive note, my internet is extremely fast. In this I will rejoice and dwell upon. Giving glory for all His gifts and challenges along the way.


I think you ought to know, dear brothers, about the hard time that we went through in Asia. We were really crushed and overwhelmed, and feared we would never live through it. We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. And he did help us, and he saved us from a terrible death; yes, and we expect him to do it again and again. (2 Cor 1:8-10 Living Bible)

2 comments:

  1. Hey Jimbob you want me to send u some rubber drain covers? Email me w/your shipping addy! (this is Chadwick Von Foustus by the way!). :-) Great update! I can't wait to hear more!

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  2. I sure do like the pictures. Now I know where you are sitting when we skype. I like the music on your playlist, it starts playing when you open your blog. Your music selections have always inspired me, and they continue to, even tho you are far away. I love you!

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