( 05.1.06)
Daniel Kim

Hello everyone!

As I said on my xanga (posted new pictures. www.xanga.com/chihwunk), the rainy season has begun here. I used to hate the rain SO much when I was little (mainly because I couldn't play outside) but the last couple of years I've begun to apprecipate and enjoy rain more and more-- especially when I am just sitting at home with a cup of coffee and a nice book while it's pouring outside. The rain seems to slow down all the busy schedule and let me just rest, relax, and reflect. It's nice.

Speaking of resting, relaxing, and reflecting-- yesterday was a Vietnamese holiday (Independence/Reunification Day). So, everything was closed yesterday and still closed today, which means no teaching and no Vietnamese class for me. The missionary whom I work with here went to Korea, and I am housesitting his place. I found a book with a familiar title on his bookshelf and started reading it a few days ago. Bill Hybel's Courageous Leadership. I say that the title was familiar because one of my best friends from college (who borderline idolizes Bill Hybel, the pastor from Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago) used to talk about him and the book all the time. The book begins with its most important and fundamental message: that the local church is the hope of the world and that there are no other institutions, organizations or bodies of people that can transform lives like local churches can. This statement has been ringing in my head for the last few days, and it's been inspiring me to think about my own future and how I can contribute to this absolutley vital job of the local church to change lives.

This book really comes at a perfect time for me because this past month, I heard back from all of my law schools and was accepted to none (man, it's a little embarrassing to actually type this out). My pride was crushed slightly but with His Grace I was able to get out of the disappointed state very fast (even surpised myself how fast it was). As I am in the process of trying to figure out what to do now, I feel like I am back to square one, back to the drawing board. But this time, I will be planning and "drawing" with the local church as the core element of that picture.

My life in Vietnam has been very productive. There have been four major areas of work:

Teaching English
Teaching English at the English language center and also at Vietnamese churches has been extremely fun (definitely challenging at times). It's been very fulfilling to see students improve their English.

Preparing for the Summer Team Coming from Southland/AMI
There will be Southland and some AMI people coming to Vietnam during the summer time. When the planning for the summer program first began, there were SO many uncertainties and things up in the air. But now the summer program is starting to take shape and things are coming together. I can't wait to see the people from home.

Research for Southland's Future Business in Vietnam
I am learning so much about international business and investment while doing this. Meeting with different business and government agency people and learning how to start a business in Vietnam has been an invaluable learning experience.

Local Churches
A few weeks ago, there was a three-day seminar on worship organized by a house church. I had the privilege of participating and also speaking there. I felt incredibly blessed for such a privilege. Also, starting last month, once a month, I attend and speak at a young adult meeting for one of the churches where I teach. A young girl (who had been attending one of my English classes as a non-believer) came to that young adult meeting and ended up joining our Family that night! Thank you, Dad!

I know that my time in Vietnam has been filled with so many blessings because of your prayers. I really, really sense the power of your prayers. Thank you!

Thinking for you,
Daniel