Korea Day 3

So, we have survived a 12 hour flight, customs, driving, riding buses, walking until our feet ache, humidity through the roof and eating at all the establishments on Camp Red Cloud. But, I did not expect to feel so frustrated, confused, clueless, isolated, cooped up and jet lagged. Now, times that by 5 and you have a hotel room that you would gladly avoid!!! My ID buzzed instead of dinged when coming through the gate (which meant you needed your passport and orders). So, I had that fixed by going to get it registered. Went to the medical all changed, needed to get a different set of orders for that. They were no help with dental. I cannot shop in the commissary without a stamp or rations card, but no one seems to know where it is or tell you before you need milk. My kids are climbing the walls, so we play outside at the playground in 90 + degree weather and humidity as high. We walk every where because we don't have a car (which is good exercise for all of us). We took a free bus to register them for school only to find out that we have to fax it to another camp in Seoul. YEAH!! The morale to this story: SOME WOMAN NEEDS TO CREATE A WELCOME PACKET THAT INCLUDES ALL THIS INFO AND MORE!!! The Army does not need to be in charge of this part!!!

Now that I realize this is all out of my control, we can move on. I have totally given it all to God. He has to show me what to do next, put the right people in the right place at the right time, and help us all survive each other (especially me!!)!! I am determined to make the best of this. I want to jump right into the community, but is the community ready for someone to jump right in. I have realized through our walking every where that soldiers here are not too friendly to or use to families. Most of them look the other way when you are walking towards them. If you are standing with 4 kids looking lost, they just walk on by. The most helpful ones have either just got here or are leaving within the next week or so. This is just all new to everyone and no one knows how to make it work! I want to make sure in the next how ever long we are here that no family that comes under Mike's responsibility feels like this. This, I believe, is where culture shock comes in. It can all be overwhelming and just a smile goes a long ways. :)

We have signed for our apartment, but now we have to figure out how to get everything there. With no car and 11 plus 70 lbs bags, this poses a problem. We are going to get a car this Friday (we pray). But, we probably should move on out of the lodging before then. If we don't, well at least I can do free laundry!!! I can't wait to take pictures and video of the apartment to share with everyone. It is going to be a great place!! Completely embedded in the Korean culture. I MUST learn Hangul now!!!

God is in control!! He has a purpose for everything and uses it all!! Just use me, God, where ever and how ever!!