The Sumrall Family

It is hard to describe what life has been like these past 6 months in Korea. Another missionary friend said, “There is no pain in living in Korea.” She was right! In this beautiful land, filled with gracious people, we have felt safe, at home, and loved like family. It has been impossible to “out-serve”, “out-give” or “out-smile” the Koreans! In more ways than one, our lives have been full.

Our current responsibilities center on the three groups we are working with, Christian Home Education Association (CHEA ) of Korea, Church of Joy and Spring Water Church. Each of these groups has from 15 – 18 families involved in a weekly co-op. Lasting on average 5 hours, these co-ops are divided into 3 parts, unit studies, English learning with Christ Centered Curriculum (CCC), and parent training.

Working as a family, we plan, prepare for and lead the unit study times. Following singing, Randy opens with prayer, encourages children as they share lapbooks and reports from the previous week and directs our focus to the character trait for the unit. Julie and Elizabeth share the teaching responsibilities and Stephen often participates with a report or skit. These times are a highlight, involving the Koreans as much as possible with hands-on demonstrations and learning projects. To our surprise and delight, fathers come whenever possible to participate. Whether it is planting a palm to patiently watch it grow, constructing pulley systems to demonstrate the use of simple machines, or teaching on God’s design in leaves, these fathers put their heart into it!

Children of each co-op are divided into three CCC levels. Randy and Stephen enjoy team teaching one class while Elizabeth and Julie each lead a class of their own. It is encouraging to use a program with a Biblical focus that directs children to learn English from their parents rather than from a secular program outside of the home.

Usually, fathers and mothers separate for the parenting time, with Randy teaching the men and Julie the ladies. Topics are chosen according to the need and have covered basics of the Christian life, parenting and child training, biblical roles of fathers and mothers and practical home education issues. The Koreans are eager to learn God’s ways and these times have been a joy.

In addition, weekend family field trips are not uncommon. We’ve been blessed to participate in a nature camp, music camp, and a regional homeschool conference. Our family has learned more and more about this great nation as we’ve been escorted to various museums and historical sites.

The time we have spent here thus far has been a tremendous growing and learning time for us.

We often stop and ask ourselves, “What are we doing in Korea?” We ask, not because we wish we were home in America, (though we are naturally homesick at times), but because we are still amazed that God has allowed our family to be here and witness first hand how He is changing hearts and lives for His glory.