Like a thief in the night!

 Jehovah love us so much! He gives us a test and then proceeds to give us the answers. In addition, we are given guidance on how to make our lives better even in this system of things. We are told how to raise and love our children, wives, and husbands. We are taught how to treat our friends. Money matters are covered as well. Running after it is dangerous, and the security it provides is an illusion. I keep thinking of our wealthy brother who needs to move due to his health. I know he would rather give up that wealth if he could be his old self again. I am healthy but I am middle class (a nice way of saying poor but able to survive lol). So I  am learning to enjoy this fact. I recover from illness quickly, if I exercise my body builds muscle mass and strength quickly. I even heal faster than those around me here in South Korea. This is a blessing for me and my family. Even though my wife has issues with migraines and fibromyalgia she also recovers even faster! If her stress is lowered it is amazing how fast she recovers. 

So Jehovah tells us the end of the story in the Bible. He tells us his day will come. We are given some details and instructions. Then, we are given the results and answers to this test. Today, students are given tests that are designed to make a student make a mistake if they are unable to understand the concept. These tests are designed to aid those who are a bit weaker to fail. This is not love,, but a form of hate the anti-love. 

So we know Jehovah's day will come as a thief in the night when we least expect it. It might be today, tonight, or tomorrow. I want that day to find me doing what is right in Jehovah's eyes. Why? I am driven by love! A love shown to me in the bible. A God who wants to save us, only we need to choose that option. WE HAVE TO CHOOSE. We have free will! Again this is love! 

This year comes to a close, and we are still here as a family working hard. The boys and Yogita are pioneering, and I am auxiliary pioneering this month. We have plans to continue this if we stay in South Korea, or if we go to India.

/tata

Education South Korea....something isn't right

 In South Korea and across the globe many think that education will allow them to get a better life.

Here in South Korea students spend a lot of time studying. A LOT OF TIME IS SPENT BY THESE YOUNG PEOPLE. More than 10 hours a day at nearly all age groups. 

Where I am at we make worksheets with the objective that the student should spend up to an hour to complete the worksheet. So instead of completing a simple homework assignment and then going outside to play or do something else, they must focus on homework that will be meaningless in the future. 

You see the education that most academies teach will not prepare students for a work-at-home type of future that is coming. There will be fewer jobs due to automation and likely more jobs related to data entry, or some kind of work that does require people to sit in an office. 

Actually, according to the bible what I said above likely will NOT happen. Suddenly, like a thief in the night, Jesus will herald his kingdom into power. Making everything we are learning obsolete. 

Of course, the learning that happens in some places is useful. Especially for the short term. Even so, it is very limited. Students know this! They act up left and right outright disobeying their parents. 

People look at South Korea and do not understand there is a very worrying situation developing. When martial law was declared last week it really stressed people out and woke some others up that things are not right. The system that seemed so stable for over 40 years actually isn't stable at all. It really scared many people, so much so that thousands took to the streets in protest. You see in South Korea it looks too peaceful and serene. People drink to forget their woes, hiding behind government support, and credit. Meanwhile, debt is soaring, and jobs are becoming scarce (the so-called good jobs). Students are under crazy strain that is hard to see when they walk on the streets smiling and talking with their friends, glued to their smartphones. 

Many people from around the world do not know about the daily suicides, people drinking themselves under the table, and a nation that knows but lies to itself that all is ok.

So all of this education in South Korea should point to a population that is happy optimistic and ready to meet an exciting future. Instead, it is a bunch of kids who do not get enough sleep, or time to just play. Kids who sit in classrooms longer than most full-time workers around the world especially if you add the time spent studying for exams, and doing all of the homework that comes from all of those classes. It is not surprising that more and more are disobeying parents, and becoming fierce...oh Jehovah tells us about this in the bible! An apt descriptor for the days we are living in!

/tata

Martial Law declared briefly last week!

 What is this world coming to? When I say that I mean the political systems and governments that dominate it at this period in time. Soon all these events will be lines in a history book. It will be forgotten. Why return to vomit and examine it again?

Last, week the president of South Korea declared martial law. Many were shocked by his actions. For many it didn't make sense. Martial law would have disrupted many aspects of normal life. It would have annoyed many people since there isn't a shooting war going on, or some other serious natural disaster. 

We had a potluck party with our congregational group and one friend said "perhaps Jehovah put it in his heart to do this". Maybe that is what happened. 

I will go not into this other than to say people want him out of office so that someone else will enter it and fail yet again. We need God's kingdom which is promised to solve all of mankind's problems. It is so evident that man has failed. 

So we are getting close to 50% through this month lets see what other things transpire. 

One very good thing is that we have added Monday to our preaching work. So that is Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. For me it is Monday, Thursday, and Sunday. I am trying to get some street witnessing in with Yogita but it is a bit too cold at the moment. I will make this a matter of prayer. We both need this. I know I really do.

Ok time to go for now.

/tata

Another year in South Korea

 I will likely be able to stay one more year here in South Korea. This means our main mission will stay the same but there will be some changes. For example, we plan to send the boys ahead of us as we wrap up this final year. That means sending the boys, while we shut down our apartment slowly over the weeks and months. I will gradually move us over to portable systems towards the end of the year OR pack everything and rebuild when we are in India in 2026. This might be the best option. Purchasing portable systems in India makes sense as I can get warranty service, and repair services easily.

This year will be a winding down. Unless Korea makes big changes next year it is no long viable to stay here. It is like having a hand tied behind your back all of the time. Paying for certain items via installments is very useful. It can be very dangerous as well. However, purchasing a second-hand car (a very good one) on an installment plan should not be a hassle to set up. Purchasing newer phones on installment plans should be just as easy. It would be nice if we could rotate newer older phones than just one. The really old one then becomes prone to more issues. 

I do know that this is also very dangerous. If one does not live a simple life these payments can add up to a real mountain of pure anxiety. 

A man over the weekend who lives near where I work jumped to his death last weekend. There are no news stories about it. It is spoken about in hushed tones. This world is full of people thinking about ending their lives. I will make sure to live a simple life, an enjoyable one while we wait patiently for the coming kingdom and a real life. The real life is coming. 

If my special additional requests are not met, perhaps there will not be an additional year here. 

India will not be a cake walk, however. But that is for another post. Perhaps in the coming months, 

/tata

A time for more service!

 In the past, I really did not enjoy going out and preaching to people. Now there were times that I did have good experiences. However, I wanted to do my own thing. I wanted to dream my own dream. The result? I started living a double life. I wanted to impress people with myself. Indeed some did tell me how cool I was. 

In my heart, I felt empty. I would go home and feel a darkness. An even greater emptiness. My wife seemed to love me but there was something wrong she would get red hot with anger, as would I. There was no peace or a stalemate of sorts. Of course, I was the superpower. I was physically stronger, I earned more money, and I had more friends who would pump up my ego. 

In reality, it was hell. Now, there is so much love. We still struggle as we must. But we struggle together. 

I am loved and respected more and more. I show love, more and more. I am not perfect though. Far far from it. However, as I learn things I try to put them into practice. Now I am kissed by my wife and my sons! I can not imagine kissing my father. I wanted to, but it felt like crossing an impassable area. He seemed so far away. I am learning from his mistakes. So many have shown me a better way. First Jehovah through his word the bible, and the God-fearing people I surround myself with,

Now we are expanding our ministry as much as we can. I call it baby steps with a purpose. I find the more we do these things the happier I am. I more I follow what I read and study happier I am. I no longer feel empty. This is a time for more service! Either here in South Korea, or in India. Or wherever we end up.

I am understanding more and more the dangers of materialism. 

Ok, time to go. I have to complete lining up my ducks for tomorrow. 

/tata

2024 is winding down to an end.

 What a year this has been! It has not been easy but we got through this year and will be here at the end of it. We had many challenges. Our boys had some issues and Goerge had an important choice to make. The end result? We are still together serving Jehovah. Recently, both Yogita and I had parts at the special assembly. Actually, our congregation was tasked with covering the watchtower summary.

So as of this post we have all been on the stage at one of the special assemblies or regional conventions. This is so nice. I have been on this path of serving Jehovah for 4 years. I will not stop serving Jehovah.

If I am afraid, I will pray to Jehovah for help! I have done it while in the preaching work and WOW I was able to preach!

So, it has been a good year. Yogita and the boys are now regular pioneers for this service year. I will serve as an auxiliary pioneer here and there leading into yeah. 

There are some issues though. Yogita's friend has made some very dangerous friends. It seems they are bullying her and controlling her. This is dangerous to her health. She actually fainted in front of her students. I noticed later that the first person she reached out to was Yogita. Ah, I will pray for her as it would be improper for me to suggest anything. I actually can only recommend scriptures, she has to want to read and learn. She worships money we know this because she spoke about how important it is to make more money. I hope she has a change of heart. 

I will be upgrading our PCs very soon. All systems will be getting refurbishments, but Yogita's will get only my GPU. I will upgrade her RAM and use her old chips to bring the other systems up to 16 GB of RAM. Yogita's rig will have 32 GB of RAM. 

This will be done on a shoestring budget, as more funds will be allocated to bus and taxi fares for the mid-week meeting. 

Time for a tech update...

 In the past, I turned to a PC seller who gave me good deals, which I then paid off in installments. I am thinking about returning to that setup, but I need to clear up some issues I have had with one poor product he wanted to sell me. It is good because I can get completed built systems at a good second-hand rate. It can be a poor option due to the risk of getting a dead system. I actually think he knew that the laptop had major issues. 

I have another option that is better in so many ways. It is Carrot Market. This is an internet-based second-hand shop accessible through its own app. This is the best option as many people know the true value of what they have, OR they give the right prices for second-hand goods. 

For example, a "PC hardware expert" will price a system at a higher price because they know what said system can do. For example, the i7 7700k with 16gb ddr4 ram and a gtx 1060 3gb vram GPU will sell for 450000 won. But on carrot people just mainly see an older PC that is collecting dust that while it is good, it isn't great will sell it for 250000 won, and they will be willing to go lower to say 230k. 

Also, these sellers are right in the area you live in. No ordering old of PC room hardware from China like I did before.

Also, I do not have to deal with the "experts". The reality is that there are loads of cheap PCs and components on the market. 

For our family, I am thinking of killing 3 birds with one stone. One rig that can take care of my vram needs, Yogita's stability, and a more powerful GPU for George along with a better CPU. Jeyo will get a better GPU and a better more spacious case with new case fans 

This is phase one, phase two will be tablets. As cheap as I can get of course!

/tata

updates!

 Finally, the heat wave is over and we are nearing the one-year mark since the boys dedicated their lives to Jehovah. We have had some attacks against us but we were able to weather them with Jehovah's help. I can more signs of this system ending. 

One thing that sticks in my mind is women's dressing habits. In the USA you can see over time how modesty went right out of the window. It is the same here now. Women wear things that would have caused an uproar 20 years ago. You can see body shapes as if you are in the United States! It really is shocking! Also the age range of women who do this ranges from teens to women in their 60s. Years ago it would have been the 20s to early 30s. 

For men things have not gotten better, rather they are far worse. Pornography is EVERYWHERE despite it being illegal. People often share their own private collections among friends. The age range starts as soon as a young person gets a smartphone. This is not just limited to boys and men, girls and women of all ages are digesting this disgusting material as well. 

I am not innocent in this. I too was addicted to pornography for years. The result? The stain of that horrible sin hurt my wife and my children. So seeing these things I can truly see we are getting close.

Smartphones are everywhere today! Another sign things are going from bad to worse is sexting, cyberbullying, phishing, and other frauds that use smartphones. 

It is like this awesome device sitting in your pocket is a live grenade that can take your life and hurt others near you at any moment. 

So, for this update, I can see that this world is getting uglier and uglier. Teenagers on our date night looked like they were casing our car!

Also, underage drinking, and over drinking in general is getting worse.

Ugh, I pray for patience to wait on Jehovah!

/tata

Smartphones another thing we need to be careful about...

 In this system of things, there is never any peace that results from the things in it. One of them is the smartphone. When I was kid having your best friend's phone number was a big deal! Calling them on the phone was fun. If they went on a trip getting a postcard was so memorable. Often times we would keep them for years. It was like having a collage of our lives. Now? So much has changed!

I remember things changing when everyone had a PC or a laptop and email was king. I remember the ecards replacing physical cards. Just send an email and someone could print it up if they wanted to. I never did. 

Today, people do not even use email like before. Now, we use instant messaging, video chat, and finally phone calls. Mainly we use instant messaging. So when walking on the street you might see people hunched over their phones, or talking into the air because they are using Bluetooth-capable earbuds. 

Smartphones have come a long way. In the past, they were PDA phones. These devices were large and bulky with very slow but expensive data plans. Few people had them. I remember thinking pda phones are needed as I have my cell phone, a PDA, and my laptop (PC at home). 

Today, smartphones are as powerful as desktop computers in terms of performance. They do this on smaller screens and with tiny hardware but they can do the same things PC's can do. 

So being able to talk to whoever one wants to, go to any webpage, play games, and use social media there are many dangers. Some of them are so subtle. While others are quite blatant. 

Some people use social media to show a lifestyle that seems perfect. beautiful bodies, loads of money, nice cars and homes. Others, show sexually suggestive material that if you keep viewing it sin is waiting right around the corner. Then there are the politically charged messages. If you do not take care you might end up siding against Jehovah's chosen King by becoming embroiled in conflicts here on Earth. 

So I need to take action. Set up a monitoring program where all family members can see each other's usage and make changes. These changes will reduce our time on certain apps if we can see dangerous trends. 

We need to be clear, Satan knows he has little time left. Now, he uses even more tactics some of which might seem innocent fun. I think it will bring us closer together, and aid us in keeping in the race of life!

/tata

Chusok another holiday season

Last week I got into an accident in a parking lot. For the first time, I was handled in a very fair way. In the past medical and car repairs were done properly but not the rental. 

I drove cars that were in the top end and always got a mid-range car. I know they did it because I am not Korean but at the time I was just happy to be able to go around. This time they wanted to do the same. I said no, and asked for a car at the same level as the Chairman W. I got the Genisis G80.

I hated the look of the car from the start. I do not like the new knob shifter although getting experience with it has been helpful. I loved the extra power it had. I think I had the turbocharged 2.5 liter inline 4 motor that puts out 300hp. Yeah, that is 50hp more than my 3.6l inline 6. But, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I might. First, the basic drive mode really feels sluggish. So I needed to put it in sports mode to access the engine's power. It performed very well. But it was too distracting with dings and stupid alerts. If I needed those alerts it would mean that I have a serious mental deficiency and should not be driving. I enjoyed the 360-degree parking camera...very useful! If I could install that on my Chairman I would. 

Other than that it was ok to drive but seriously not worth 20 million on the secondhand market.  If I were in the market for another car I would opt for the Chairman W 5liter v8. It has the added bells and whistles I like at a cheaper price due to Koreans looking down on what they consider to be low-brand power cars. I love this because you get really nice cars very cheaply. Also, many Koreans think like I do. Don't show off get something that you can afford to care of. Actually, this reminds me of my friends in our congregation just get what you like and can afford then move on. 

So this Chusok I was a bit worried because I thought maybe the car might get junked, or repairs would take too long. I got our car back and wow it looks great! New bumper, and headlight, and they cleaned the other headlight. 

I am so happy to have our car. That  G80 had too many cameras that actually function while the car is in motion. It isn't needed. I know most drivers DO NOT USE most of the safety options. If you were to use them you would get into more accidents. 

Ok, time to finish the work part of this Friday!

/tata

Reels Shorts and tiktok another dangerous snare from Satan

 All over the world in homes EVERYWHERE people are resting and looking down at some device. I saw my oldest son looking down, I was doing the same, my wife rolled on to her side was doing the same. This is the picture of my bedroom I share with my wife: We are "watching" some program, yet we are both propped up in a way to support our device which is in our hands ensnaring us. 

How did this start? Well at first it was just a minor thing Yogita enjoyed. It was truly not an addiction at that time. I would say hey lets do so and so, she would drop her device and we would join in that activity. 

It started with me! I was the one that got hooked. My wife told me that she didn't like it. She gave good reasons as to why. I did not listen. I kept watching responding gruffly to her not paying attention, or ignoring her altogether. The end result? She started doing it too! Then our sons followed suit. Jeyo trolls youtube videos and comments, while George does something similar like me and his mother. 

Now, I am at a point where I must do something. I must lead my family, not by making dogmatic statements like "Just because I do it doesn't mean you can do it" or " Do as I am telling you or else!" implying that some fun activity or hobby time will be taken away.  

No, I am going to stop using my device. I will not look at reels when we are watching a movie or documentary. Then I will start some other activities that my wife and I can enjoy and then expand that to our sons. When we watch movies we often talk, especially documentaries, we see why we need Jehovah's tent spread all over the world, over all of mankind. 

This expansion will eventually include us all perhaps Scrabble (where up to four people can play), or some other family game. It could include cooking together everyone is involved in preparing the meal. 

On some holidays I know George will love this, we can play some online game together. What that is we will need to figure out. 

Reels and these short bursts of dopamine are something that Satan uses to undermine the family bond. 

I will pray more on this matter and take action. I will not let something else pull the wool over my eyes.

/tata

A very nice Thursday

 So here I am at work. I never thought I would be in the situation I am now. 

You see last year we were having regular weekly bible studies as we had been inactive for a long time. 

So field service was to drop the boys off (if our bible study was on Thursday) have the study drive Yogita to work, and then I would go to work.

Fast forward one year later things have changed A LOT. Yogita wanted to expand her ministry. So she prayed to Jehovah about it earnestly. At the time a change was needed at her workplace. That change gave her the opportunity to cut back on work hours (earnings dropped then stabilized) and expand her preaching work. Well, what about me? I too prayed and thought what about my Thursday? I was very nervous because the place where I work teachers have to do far more than in "normal" academies. I was just sort of getting the hang of it. As my Boss's husband smugly told me one day last year "You are making fewer mistakes'. This was true. But I still just wasn't confident enough to go into service yet. About three months ago I decided to auxiliary pioneer for 15 hours a month. Going on Thursdays, and Sundays to preach about the coming kingdom meant that it could work out well. Also, my library of apps has grown a lot. 

So it started to get easier to prep for classes. See which grammar area they are in pull up a worksheet related to it, and make modifications if needed. I practiced doing it on Wednesday evenings. I would pretend I would go out in field service the next day. So I would prepare all of my worksheets so that all I would have to do was check, edit, and print. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. 

So yesterday I was able to get my work prepped very quickly, and then make it to field service. 

This change has given me so much satisfaction as I know I am doing what Jesus told us to do!

Now it is Friday and I am finishing this post. I never want to go back to the way things were before, NEVER. Now, I have more peace happiness, and contentment. I still make many mistakes, but I know I should pray read my bible daily, and work on my shortcomings. Staying away from the old crowd I would hang out with also help. I know that if I go back to the old way it will be even worse than it was before.

/tata

Still the heat wave is with us.

 This summer has been yet again an unprecedented one. We have had this heat wave for over a month. Twenty-one people have died (which was reported) due to this heat. In our congregation still many are sickened by the heat. 

I am happy to say that I am still doing ok, and Yogita and the boys are weathering this heat wave well enough. Yogita needs more rest, and I have curtailed our walks as it is just too hot even at night. 

Last week was a vacation and we enjoyed it but we stayed home. I really enjoyed that time. I have been chatting with my twin brother and it has been really encouraging to me. Also, we chatted with our sister-in-law Wendy it was really nice to hear her voice! 

Jeyo now has a job and is putting his skills to work. This is a blessing from Jehovah, and it will be amazing to see what he will do with his talents in the new world. It is funny how we say "new" world or kingdom. Actually, it will become the norm as it will last forever, and years of this system of things will be dwarfed, and then forgotten when the new kingdom is established on Earth. 

Tomorrow is a holiday, so we will enjoy it very much! 

This was written on August 14th, and posted today.

/tata

More summer heat

 The temperatures are still in the mid 30's dropping to 30 degrees Celsius at night by 9pm. These are a part of the signs of our day. This heat makes life hard to deal with. Commodity costs are going up, and now we have to contend with high electricity bills. It is something that I am glad we are able to handle, thanks to Jehovah. Others, have to deal with this in other ways. We are fortunate enough to have two working AC's.

It was so hot that I canceled field service (outdoors) and we did letter writing at home. Last week we also did letter writing for field service due to the heat. This heat wave is making more people sick than it did last year. It looks like a hole where people used to sit on Sunday. Fortunately, they joined on Zoom, so we were still together in worship to Jehovah. 

I am going to use the wet towel method where we place a wet towel on our shoulders. It really helps with the heat. In the new world, I am sure it will not be like this. I will have to refer to this blog to explain how hot and humid it would get. 

I could not get the Fold 6 due to me missing the date to order the phone. I will see if I can try this weekend at another shop. I wish the weather was not so hot, then I could to the Mangyeong River and get some river plants for our fish, and one snail. Maybe we can stop by and get it quickly, I will drive the car over there. 

Ok, time to start this work part of the day. (actually, it already started)

Heat waves all across the globe

 Actually, there are reports of all kinds of weather-related natural disasters. Reports of wars, and people going without food due to those wars. Yes, we are living in the time of the end. I think it is important for us not to get too worried about each day, week, or month. We need to handle them as one day, one week, or one month. If you living in a country with bi-weekly paydays then a bi-weekly work-it-out plan is needed. 

When I think longer term I look at taking my pension money and using it in this daily grinding situation that we are all living in. I have learned that to live with a view to "show one's means of life" is wrong and leads to more stress as it is a waste of time. 

As this system is passing away, a new one is coming. In that one, our perception of time will change. I can only imagine when I am 20000 years old. Only then can we understand when we are told in a little while Jehovah will do this or that. We can understand that it will be within perhaps a few hundred or several hundred years.

So as of of right now, we are going through a very bad heat wave. Temperatures are regularly above 35C. This is not normal. Usually, they are in the high twenties with a few days in the low 30s. Also, the humidity is very high! So we use our air conditioners and fans. People in the congregation are getting ill left and right. We too are feeling sick, I am having loose motions. Actually, it is odd for me as usually I can endure different temperature extremes. This is hurting even me. Yogita and George are easily sickened due to heat and extreme weather changes,

So another week in this system here we go!

/tata

Vacation time!

 I wish we could go camping but likely we will remain local. This is still very nice. I plan to drink whiskey with my wife on the trail for one or two nights. The boys will enjoy gaming with their friends and their hobbies. Oh does that mean our preaching work stops? No way! On Tuesday I will see if I can tag along with Yogita and Sister Marafae, Thursday we will go out as a family on Saturday, and maybe Sunday! 

We will make both meetings together as a family. I will try to order KFC through our phone for pick up next Sunday. So this week will not mean that we stop preaching. Also, I am looking forward to two family worship days next week. 

I will spend time with our boys at home and in the ministry. I will spend more time with my wife on our walks (weather permitting) and also add 2 more date nights to next week! Of course I want to get plenty of rest and hydrate as best we can. 

/tata Posting this the first day back! LOL

America's first female president?

 Well, President Biden made the mistake of showing his age, and declining health in front of millions of people. Now, he has stepped out of the presidential race. We will likely have Harris a 59-year-old woman of mixed heritage (these things seem to matter more than the actual person sometimes) take his place. 

Many people are again hopeful. Trump is running again even though he was convicted of a crime. Wow, I can only imagine if that was me. They would lock me up just for suggesting that I run for president. Many think that Trump will make America great again. The Bible states that the end of the system of things will happen with the final world power still functioning. So, no it will not be GREAT again. It will see the second coming of Jesus and be destroyed. How? Well, we do not know. What do know is that it will end. 

Harris will do the same as all of those who came before, she will fail to solve the issues that America has. Likely, she will aid some groups while alienating others. Or even go back on promises she made while campaigning for president. 

It does not belong to man to guide his step rings true every single day! When I guided my own step, I ignored my wife and irritated my children. Every time we would have very serious issues (which was due to my own mistakes but I would blame my wife) I would come up with what I thought were great solutions. Yogita would follow them only to see herself getting blamed yet again. Not anymore!

Now, we do fight and talk about issues but fighting means we are both praying alone or together. Then we move on and try to do better. This effort must never stop! 

Now, back to America, we will see more examples of bible prophecy coming true just as we have under the other leaders of America.

/tata

South Korea it doesn't make sense part 2

 For many living in South Korea has become a goal to stability in their home country. Yet, here in South Korea, many Koreans even two students of mine are making preparations to leave for Canada! 

Like I said before there are many jobs here if people would just be humble and help out their families. I am talking about the young people. People in their teens too even thirties are just staying at home "prepping" for that dream job. People spend a great deal of time studying and memorizing useless facts. 

They forget some simple things. Here in South Korea learning English, and then one other language will be of great help WHERE EVER you end up working. South Korea is becoming more and more diverse as foreigners in greater numbers make this country their home.

Many are fooled by the deceptive lie that money is the most important thing. That it can bring real happiness is utter nonsense. These young people do not understand that most of the "stuff" people own is largely owned by creditors, linked to big banks. That guy in a Porsche no it is not his, it belongs to the bank as he becomes a slave to the bank to pay back high interest rates.

This world is truly a blind mad place under satan. Korea like so many nations on Earth have no real solutions. Korea is so deep in debt that many families will collapse if one income is cut. They will collapse right away! America is in the same boat. 

So what we have is a large number of foreigners (most are working people, not minors). Students make very good coin in South Korea and often "Study" to keep doing so until they find a very nice way to stay for a longer term. Koreans on the other hand are not looking at the many low-skilled jobs as a means to an end. They are too ashamed to work at so-called lowly jobs. 

So here is where I make the point South Korea doesn't make sense! Koreans lament having no good jobs often racking up very debts. Visitors living here could get into trouble when Koreans see them living a "good life". A life that they could have if they were not so proud. 

The United States has a similar issue as well. I wait patiently for the sanctification of Jehovah's holy name. Only then will we see the true solution to this world's problems.

/tata

South Korea it just doesn't make sense

 There are many jobs in South Korea. Jobs are everywhere. In fact, many places have to shut down because they can not find enough people to work in their business. People want the "dream jobs". A job with a very very high salary with many many perks added to it. Also, this job is very easy to do, and you will be envied by others when you do it. 

The fact is that this does not exist. Every job is hard! No job in this system of things can bring the kind of satisfaction that Jehovah's coming kingdom ruled over by Jesus Christ will bring. 

One student said that wanted to be a building owner. OK. So I explained that as a building owner, you need to collect rent and maintain the building (which can be an everyday thing) while having to search for new renters when one business fails. Businesses fail a lot in South Korea. 

The issue of collecting rent can be a very hard thing to do when a business is failing and can not properly pay. Long legal battles can take place. All the while you are losing money, not rent coming in, and spending money on upkeep, and legal fees.

Buildings also have to pass a number of building codes for safety. You make one mistake boom you get a fine! Buildings have electrical systems, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. All of these need to be maintained in a cost-effective way.

My job is very hard, yet now it has gotten easier, my many prayers have been answered! Yet I still must keep busy. My previous job was easy in some ways but very difficult in others. Dealing with rude people who destroy entire classes and are willing to just blame others, is very difficult to work for. Then there is the fact that I was bored out of my mind! Here while I am working very hard, and getting shouted at for making mistakes is so much better. The shouting has a ring of worry and concern, no blaming. I would even say that there is a hint of love in it. A love for education is what I can assume. They will do well in the new world after learning about Jehovah's will. 

To my sons, I try to tell them that all jobs are hard and it is important to do them to the best of your ability. We stand before Jehovah. Not like others to run from the word or reject it. Likely many of them will accept it once they see the Prince of Peace coming. 

Ok, two more classes to go!

/tata

A thief in the night!

 We live in a world full of data. Right now I am thinking about getting the fold 6. Yet my phone already seems to know this. Ads popping up here and there showing deals on this new smartphone. So we have loads of data in our hands. The internet has really changed by leaps and bounds. What was super fast yesterday is a joke today!

Our internet speed is at 1 Gbit/sec. This is the rated speed. Actually, we get more like 500mbit/sec. My phone can get over one gigabit a second. 

There is a book the bible it has information as well. However, unlike the knowledge in this world where we should either pay or study after memorizing this book gives the answers for free. This is contingent upon that person having a humble heart. 

The Bible has all of the answers. I imagine in the new world all of the world educators today wondering when the test will be? LOL 

Jesus told us freely about his second coming. He gave us concrete clues to look for all of the signs mentioned happening at the SAME TIME. Also happening is such a way that it is totally different from other times in human history. 

Here in South Korea, it was conservative 20 years ago. Women would wear very modest clothing to the beaches. NOW? Girls and women wear things that would get them slapped by a stranger 20 years ago.

Teens would look away if you saw them kissing, drinking beer, or smoking. Now? They just look back at you, or invite you to join them! 

Years ago my students had dreams concerning their future. Kids today? They often state "I have no dream".

With all of this information, one can fool oneself into thinking they can predict when the day of Jehovah will arrive. No, we should not do this! A thief in the night is a surprising situation! There is no preparation to meet the thief. However, there is a preparation for example keep following the words of Jesus. Also regularly study the Bible, attend meetings, go out, and preach. Keep on scanning ourselves examining our actions daily.  How would Jehovah view this? This constant checking and daily consulting with the scriptures will help us to do the right thing on the day of Jehovah. We will not run panicking into the streets. We will wait in our inner rooms for a little while. Then hold our heads up awaiting instructions and then we will obey!

/tata

An update!

 More refining is coming our way. In the convention, we learned more about the times we are living in. One thing stuck in my mind. That is what Jesus said. He said "And then the goodness will be preached in all of the inhabited Earth and then the end will come". 

You see in the days of the first century Christians had no idea about the Americas. A huge area of land with people who did not have a chance to hear what they had to preach. I can imagine at that time from their perspective they were in all the inhabited earth. Now compared to our day, we are truly ALL OVER THE WORLD. We are coming close to 9 million publishers. This is amazing! I imagine the first-century Christians being in the tens of thousands. No the several million we are today. We are the size of a small country. If you include those studying the bible you can add nearly another million people!

This prophecy has been fulfilled! So now we are being trained to refine our preaching, to show love, and to be ready. We saw the first episode of a many-part series about Jesus's life. I know this will be used in the new world to teach those who bend the knee on the last day and for a huge number of people who will be resurrected. 

As I keep telling my boys THERE IS NO TIME FOR PEOPLE LIKE US to go back to living in sin knowing what we are doing is unfavorable to Jehovah! In fact, people like me need to really take this into our hearts and remember how Jehovah opened his arms to us. Using loving brothers and sisters who NEVER say "Well well now you are back". They just show love! They know we really need it. Living the life I was living puts me in a weakened state. If they did not show the Jesus-like love that they did and still do, I would stumble again! When we all get the same payment which is a chance at everlasting life starting with the 1000-year reign of God's son they will not look at me and others like me and say: Why them?.

So now that we are on a very good way to the narrow road, we will never leave it! This blog will be a living record that I will use to show my future children just how bad this system was. 

Ok, time to finish this work part of the day and transition into my favorite section of the week. That is Friday Saturday, and Sunday. Monday is my favorite day of the week. The day I wake up before Jehovah and try to live my life in a way that is better than last week. Tuesday and Wednesday are special because we have out family worship on either both or one of these days. Thursdays are now exciting and very fulfilling as I go out in field service with my family. So my weeks just flow by, months do to! 

/tata

A once in a life time activity

 I learned something new. Well, for me it is new. This preaching work that we are part of will never take place again. It will not have to be done again. You see when Jesus's kingdom is in place and there is true peace and security here on Earth, educational work will be ongoing. How this will be we don't know.

The entire Earth will be learning about the bible, Jehovah, Jesus, and this court case. In addition, we will learn things that will benefit us and eventually lead to a perfect state in God's eyes. So no longer will door-to-door preaching work be needed. Also, this work will end. So it will be very nice to talk to those in the new world who have been resurrected to life on Earth about our experience preaching door to door. 

What we study, learn, and preach is very unpopular now. But in the future, it will be the most important thing. Jehovah's name will be sanctified all over the Earth, and the very universe! 

So now I am completing this post about three weeks later, and my feelings are the same. Actually, I am considering quitting this English teaching work in South Korea, and devoting myself to the ministry full-time. I will ponder this and go over options with Yogita like where and how we will do this. India looks promising and is an easier setup for us. South Korea is very comfortable though and there is a need here as well.

OK time to get to the work part of today. I will use my time as best I can to make sure I am fully ready for tomorrow's field service. 

/tata

The danger of money

 Money is a protection as stated by King Solomon under inspiration from Jehovah. He had so much wealth. Yet even he could see that it had deceptive protective power. One man who went to the Philippines married a lady there and had children. He had money! He built properties and headed towards a future where he would have likely become very wealthy. 

Unfortunately, his health which had been poor his entire life caught up with him. He came down with cancer again! This time he had a war chest of money to rely on. In the end, though he ended up broke. He was very tearful in the video on YouTube. He is at the very end of his life in this system. Jesus said it so rightly money can be stolen and it can rust, it really has a very limited value. It can not buy Jehovah's favor.  I do think that man is a good man. I do not know for sure of course. 

So as we earn money to support ourselves, I realize that when the great tribulation arrives, our ability to make money will be impacted by whether we take the mark of the beast or not. I feel more aware of the traps that Satan uses. Credit is such a trap. People can live like a wealthy person even though in reality it is impossible.

These times are very strange. In the past people would save up for a family car. Then pay for it in cash. I remember my adult students telling me about over 20 years ago. Now, everything is like the USA instant gratification. 

In fact, many people are ensnared by this seemingly free money. Many people view money as a protection in their own imagination. King Solomon said this in Proverbs. 

Ok, time for a new post. This one took almost a week to finish!

/tata

Summer is coming!

 Another summer in Iksan. I have to say I really like this small city. After classes on Saturday, we cross the entire city to get home. Takes about 15 minutes which I am conditioned into thinking it is a long way.

It does take a bit of time depending on where you are going and traffic conditions. The maximum is about 30 minutes to get to my student's house. My current boss felt bad over a year and a half ago when she showed us where we would be moving to. It is on the outskirts of Iksan proper. I love the location! Yogita and the boys love it too. We are so close to examples of Jehovah's creation. The animals, insects, and fish of the Mangyeong River area are so nice to see. In addition, at night we can see the stars! Of course, we can not see the Milky Way but it is still quite beautiful. I can not wait until the new system when we can see the real night sky.

This summer is different than last summer. Last summer was the beginning of a new way and the first of regular attendance at meetings, going out in the preaching work and associating with each other. This year will be a continuation of a certain pattern. Week to week this pattern is maintained and boy does it help time to fly. 

I really look forward to meetings and assemblies. I look forward to the peaceful environment, the learning that takes place, and the encouragement we get. The drive to the hotel, greeting people, and sitting near our congregation members feels like an extended family, which it is. 

I enjoy spending more and more time with our boys and my wife. A far cry from when I would rush through family matters so I could meet my "friend" who was doing the same thing. 

So this summer I look forward to more time with family and friends. Always working to do better than the week or day before. I stand before Jehovah as we all do. I want to do what is right in his eyes not humans!

/tata

Greedy companies!

 A few weeks ago I made up my mind to buy the Fold 5. Why? I mean there is the fold 6 coming right around the corner. I have seen these mega companies put out new items that end up needing to be recalled, or people complaining about major issues. With the fold 1, it was the floppy hinge. So I passed on it. Then the fold was ok. I decided it was best to keep waiting. The hinge got stronger but the specs were still ok.

Then the fold 3 came out. It got very good reviews from the start. Better specs, high-speed chipset. So I waited. More reviews came out it was a stable very nice device. When the fold 4 was announced I looked at the spec sheet and it was a very minor upgrade over the fold 3. So I purchased the slightly cheaper Fold 3 and I am still using it. I will pass it on to Yogita. 

However, here is the issue. Many people did what I did. Mainly to save money and get a very stable device. Samsung decided to block stores from selling the Fold 5. The reason? Basically a lie. They had no more units in storage. That is utter nonsense. You can still buy fold 1, 2, 3, and 4 phones brand new. They want this launch to go better with higher numbers buying this new device. They will release a higher-end fold 6, which I am interested in. I planned to buy the Fold 5 and then upgrade to the Fold 6 ultra turning the Fold 5 in.

They are doing this purely for greed. Even if there is a problem they will still release the phone. LIke they did with the note 7. I am sure people in the company warned them about the battery. Then with the note 8 they gave it very small battery. 

I hope the food 6 is a stable device. I also hope they give it a very good night camera. 

/tata

Spending time...

 I was tempted a few weeks ago. The situation was strange. I decided to park a bit down the street in Sin-dong so that Yogita and I could get some walking in. As I am walking I see a group of people. Something about them looked familiar. I have not seen them in over a year. Ah! They were some of those people whom I used to spend a lot of time with! Drinking patting each other on the back, drinking way too much. So much so that it always caused issues among us. The next was always spent with: what did I do? Did I offend you? Who did I hurt this time? ALL THE WHILE I was ignoring my wife and irritating my children. Ok, things improved somewhat as we had our regular family bible studies. In fact, they improved a lot. But not enough not nearly enough! 

So when we returned to Jehovah's organization and gained true friends. Those who live their lives by God's standards who disown themselves, this is when spending time gained a new positive meaning. You see I would "spend" time with Yogita and then race to the bar to "spend" time with others. The Bible states that we should honor our wives. I was honoring everyone else except my wife. 

Now ALL of my time is consumed with my family and friends. ALL OF IT. I feel complete. My sons are spending time in another city with Ben and his wife Kelly. They will do this more often as we work out the kinks. 

This proper spending of time really makes time fly. Time in this system flying by doing the right thing is a gift from Jehovah. I must remember these days. The days coming will be longer than the days we are living in now. I want to document these days as much as possible so as to remember them as a lesson for tomorrow. 

For too many times, I have taken Jehovah's wonderful gifts given to us in this system of things for granted. Jehovah is truly a loving God. Truly he is love. We have a test before us and ALL OF THE ANSWERS are given to us. We just need to humble ourselves and listen. If we seek Jehovah he will draw close to us! 

As a teacher, there are so many times I want to give the answer to the students as I can see them stressing so much. I can see that our current system is broken. We should always freely give the answers as Jehovah does!

I look forward to Thursday, and Sunday for family time. I looked forward to Friday and Saturday for time spent with my wife. I look forward to Monday-Wednesday for family time. I think this is a very good way to "spend time".

/tata

Two years with the fold 3. To upgrade or not?

This has been my first foldable, and I am glad that I waited 3 years before deciding on the fold 3. Now I will not be trading this phone in. I will be keeping it and likely passing it on to Yogita. She seems mildly excited about the phone. She loves the Note 10+ but she also loved the Note 8. 

I think the fact that she is not so picky and adapts to new technology then thoroughly enjoys it is very encouraging. We live in an instant gratification world. A powerful way that satan uses to mislead so many.

Many people today think that death is a natural part of life! They are familiar with many of Jesus's teachings. However, they have eyes and ears but discern nothing with them. That is sad. If everyone only knew our salvation is very near! 

I know a large number of people will come out of the great tribulation. A very large number will. 

Ok so to upgrade or not? I am leaning towards upgrading. The Note 8 needs a big rest and then refurbishing, so giving the Note 10+ to George is a good way to go. He has shown a lot of maturity.  The note 8 with supervision will be given to Jeyo. It is funny but every family I see no, not every family but perhaps 90% of the families around me do the same thing. Either two phones get upgraded every three years, or one gets upgraded every year. In no time every family member has a nice phone. Older model but still overkill. In some families who live above their means or show off their means of life every family member gets an upgrade every two to three years. 

I think it is not a good way. It is another distraction in a world FULL of them. People mistake the dopamine rush of getting something new for real happiness. Then when the rush is over that item does not bring happiness. Just another tool, that ages and succumbs to the environment we live in. Like Jesus said Earthly riches rot, rust, and can get stolen. Yogita lost the original note 10+ I handed down to her. 

So Goerge when you read this know that yes you will be getting an upgrade soon. But for the love caution do not put it in a "cool looking" case. The Note 10+ is VERY FRAGILE. I have broken it twice, and your mother has broken it once. Every time it was not in the ugly case. If it is broken (screen) it will remain that way for a looooooonnnng time. Anyway, I love you! 

Ok, time to get this work part of the day started. Heading into a three-day weekend.

/tata

Be content this is way to be happy

 I have a lot of stuff. My stuff is quite old. I only replace various things when I need to. I think this helps me to be content. Being content means that when I worry about the stresses of this system of things, I worry about practical matters. Food supplies, bills, fuel, field service support money, not things I want to buy for fun.

When I choose which smartphone to get I usually wait. I skip one generation and keep watching reviews. I tend to save money and I have a sense of contentment. I do not need the newest and best thing. Then the older phone I get the screen repaired, and new batteries put in then another family member can use it for another two years. 

Running after the wind really tires a person out. I love the foldable Samsung phones. I loved them when they came out in 2019. So I waited because it was something new. I am glad I did. I waited until the release of the 4th generation to get the third. The man in the shop told me to just stop by and get the new phone when it came out. No way! I had already researched the older model. Why get the newest one then find out it has problems? 

Now the 6th generation fold is coming. I am waiting to see if it is a nice device. I am aiming for the fold 5 though. I might even just stay using this phone that I have. 

I have a friend who would always have a new phone every 3 months. He never seemed satisfied. I think many in the world today feel the same way even if they do not want to admit it. 

The result is a lot of unhappy people. My computer....it is from 2014 but still is going strong. I am going to be content. When I do upgrade it will be many generations from my older hardware but still many generations from the newest! I can put my money into the most important thing. That is supporting my family in the preaching work. Old is gold!

/tata

Elections next week!

So next week will be a day shorter due to the elections. I am looking forward to preaching, and having a good time with my family afterward. Perhaps we will eat together. I want to go on a long walk with Yogita. I will take some pictures Yogita will take dozens. I am hoping to get a full 5 days of walking in next week. 

Interesting I did not finish this post but already I am passed the 10th.  We had a wonderful time in service. We visited homes in the Namwon area and I saw the most beautiful sight in South Korea. I know vaguely where it is. If I go back to that closed rice factory I will be able to see that road again. The road clings to the side of what I think is Jiri Mountain. There are bends in the road and from them, you can see a huge area of Namwon and nearby areas. The scene is so awesome. The greens of the fields, the trees, the houses in the distance. I want to return there with the family. Goerge can use the DSLR, and his smartphone. While the rest of us will use our smartphones and take pictures and videos of this beautiful area. 

Wednesday was very nice indeed. However, Yogita and Jeyo became sick likely flu and allergies combined. Worldwide there is a COVID-like sickness that billions are suffering from. I too suffer just quietly. I would say about 10 to 15% suffer to the point of needing to take rest from daily activities, and needing meds.

Ok, time to get this work part of the day started.

/Tata

..another post will come today though...

Another rainy week.

 I am now approaching what I call my favorite period of the week. That is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

These days I spend a concentrated amount of time with my family, and sometimes my friends as well. Friday and Saturday nights are very important as Yogita and I spend time together. This is a time where we learn more about each other communicate, and make plans. Sunday is super special, as I can spend more time with our boys together with Yogita. We serve in the field service together, go to our meetings, and usually eat one or sometimes two meals together. This I feel is like a tiny taste of the new world. 

I no longer "live for the weekend". Instead, I enjoy each day. On Mondays and usually Tuesdays we have our family worship. This is a combined nearly 3 hours I spend with our boys. Part of me wants to go back to 3 days of family worship. But that would be too much. If my job had different requirements it would be possible. We could have 3 short family worship sessions. For right now the boys are still having their own bible studies and parts on the mid-week program. 

Wednesday, I love walks or taking an evening nap after dinner with Yogita and also talking with the boys. I usually try to make sure my work is set up and done so that at home I am not stressing about something. 

Thursdays I really enjoy it as well. We drive home together from the mid-week meeting, and sometimes Yogita and I walk or watch a movie together while the boys play games with their friends. On Fridays my work schedule is easy to prep for so I can focus a bit more on personal matters like daily bible reading. 

Then in the evening, I meet Yogita and we spend time together. Strange how people we would spend time with before would try to guilt trip me for spending time with my wife or sons. Now I can see major improvements at home. I can truly say I am enjoying my life more as a Husband, Father, and family head than I have in my entire life. Next week Wednesday we will spend even more time as a family in Jehovah's service. I am looking forward to that.

/tata

Spring is coming

 Jesus said that we should hope that the last day does not come during winter. So I am glad that we are heading towards spring! The weather is still doing a strange yo-yo with warm comfortable weather during the day then becoming very cool at night. The best time in South Korea is when the weather is warm. This period lasts for a very short time. Like three or maybe four weeks, then it becomes warm to hot. Then burning hot and very humid. Koreans love to say that there are four distinct seasons. Actually, there is a very cold season, a very hot and humid season, with a transitionary cool to warmish seas between the seasons. 

I look forward to more walks, and going back to university for cart witnessing. I also look forward to spending more time with my family at the pension. A two friends of ours (they are married) love camping. I will try to go camping with them. I want to spend more time with our boys. I have plans on going to a restaurant every Sunday afternoon or evening. I think Yogita is excited because this Sunday we will go to her favorite restaurant and we will all order food from there. I might make it a regular thing like once a month or so. 

I am in a strange month at my workplace as it is testing season and all middle schoolers are taking this mid term test. I

My schedule has become very light as a result. Actually, there are now more middle school classes and a new batch of phonics classes. So my schedule for the few months will be light indeed. This will help this year to pass even faster. 

Spring time a brief release from freezing winter an introduction to hot humid summer.

/tata

I am mean...I need to stop

 When I was a kid I would look at my father and mother. I would see a man who looked "tough". When actually he likely felt confused and alone. My mother had a softness to her but an every present hardness. She seemed very strict but had a kind side. 

I now know that they both were ill-prepared to take care of such a large family emotionally.  What they needed was Jehovah's word and guidance. This would have aided them in coming together as one flesh and being strong like a three-ply rope, instead of the weak 2 ply rope they were. 

This was the example I was given. But, I was given more! I studied Jehovah's word in the kingdom hall and at home. The problem was I wasn't listening. I wasn't praying. I was not developing a relationship with our heavenly father. 

When I had my own little ones I ended up making the same mistake. But, I started making mistakes before they were born. With my wife, I too did the same just going through the motions and doing things my way. 

I remember so many conversations I would start with "This is what you should do in so and so situation when dealing with me". Failed every time, and Yogita confused would say "But I did as you told me to".

Huh? Yeah, she did, why didn't things work out? Because I was not following the words of wisdom found in the bible. If I followed the words in proverbs I would right started our family worship. If I prayed daily about my problems, and fears, and asked for help about my weaknesses from Jehovah putting my full trust in him I would have run back to him. BUT I DID NOT. I choose to come up with other stupid ideas.

When it came to our sons a mean dogmatic approach took over. I would not smile at them. There are different kinds of smiles. Some stay at the eyes, and other smiles can light up one's face. Sometimes just tone can show that one is smiling even though the muscles of the face do not show it. This approach first started with my wife. A gentle flower being hurt by a man not loving her as he should. Instead, he was selfish looking after his own needs, and if they conflicted with his wife's needs he would get angry and blame her.

No more. I am going to work on my tone. I will not use my background as an excuse. I will not say "Well my dad blah blah". Or "My mom did so and so". I stand before Jehovah. He shows us so many examples of love. When we studied Isaiah for our family worship you can hear Jehovah's tone. It is kind imploring, loving, warning sternly, and this is what I need to follow. There are so many others in the bible Jesus's sermons come to my mind. He sounded kind loving, and approachable. 

So I am sorry to do this to you my Yogita. I was and am foolish, and with Jehovah's aid, I will do my best to not be MEAN, but to be kind, gentle, and loving.

your man with a hole. (you and your nicknames LOL)

/tata

The most important day of the year!

 This weekend on Sunday, March 24th we will commemorate the memorial of Jesus's ransom sacrifice. 

This truly is the most important day of the entire year! This is the day over 2000 years ago that Jesus completed his mission to save all of humanity. After he was raised up he stated "I have conquered the world". This means that he suffered as a human a perfect human and his blood saved us. It ended the mosaic law and opened the blessing of salvation to all nations and tribes. This Sunday we will have a special worship session as a family. Then I plan to go on a walk with Yogita and make plans for the evening. Then after our memorial service return home and rest. Truly, rest mentally and spiritually realizing how loved we are. 

When Adam sinned right away we were taken care of. In Gen. 3:15 we read about this. Now, we are living in the latter part of the last days. Even now we can see the things Jesus spoke of taking place all around us!

The fact that we have a way out of the wages that sin pays is so wonderful! Throughout the Bible, we can see examples of humans being given many chances to change their bad ways. To repent and turn away from doing what is wrong. In our day this chance is here as well. 

A great crowd which no man can number will be saved! I look forward to that time!

Ok, almost time to start the work part of this day. 

/tata

World war 3 ....an escalation is in the wind

 Many people do not understand that World War 2 ended then with the cold war world war 3 began.

There were major conflicts throughout this period from 1950 to this day. Namely the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the War on Terror, the two Gulf Wars, and the Afgan War. Even the war on drugs now has a Chinese backing to it ruining families in the USA. The seat of power for the King of the South.

Right now militaries all around the world are building up their forces. South Korea as well as North Korea along with Japan and the USA are doing the same. Record amounts of money are being spent on this. So now we are in a phase before the hostilities go global for a third and I truly believe a final time. 

Armies are being readied here on Earth but in the heavens, angelic hosts are also being readied. I think the best thing I can do to prepare is to have extra supplies of food and water. I will not be hiding weapons for our King who is coming said "Those who live by the sword die by the sword". Also, the bible states that vengeance belongs to God alone. It belongs to Jehovah. I am not a pacifist, what I am is a Christian following the orders of my king, who is also the head of the congregation here on Earth. IF I pick up arms I am taking a side against Jesus the prince of peace. 

I want it to said that I and my family did what was right in Jehovah's eyes. So I will follow the faithful and discreet slave. Also, China is building up its navy at a record pace. Truly Jesus's words are coming true!

I need to order those MREs and some more canned goods this week. 

/tata

Time does fly...but to where?

 We are all on a road. Some of us deny this fact and live only for the weekend. During this time either a person will drink or eat to excess or dive into hobbies so deep that they forget about what they feel is the "real world". The real world being one in which people work and grind all day just to die at the end. 

But this is false! The bible tells us that this world is lying in the power of the wicked one. It tells us of a future were this one will be done away with. Well, what comes next? The real life does! We are all on a road to that real life. Those who have died will be woken up to either life or judgement. I imagine some wicked person who thought "HA, I got away with doing evil things!". Only to awake in front of a judge. At that moment realizing what they threw away, a real life! 

I know this thought fills the minds of Jehovah's witnesses and many others who read the bible and have learned the secrets with in. The many lamb like ones who are yet to be found. I want to walk this road to give thanks to Jehovah for savings us before we were even born! Gen 3:15. 

/tata

Another year and for George 3 months

 So we are set for another year on the long-term visas. Funny how I do not consider that long-term at all.

George recently returned home from Japan. This time he went alone. Perhaps next time we can prepare even better and in advance. 

This system continues to show signs of coming apart. In South Korea, trainee doctors have decided that they will quit because the government is going to increase the number of medical schools by 2000.

They the trainees and doctors want more money and prestige. What? But this makes sense. The bible states that in these days men will be lovers of themselves. And lovers of money. There are many other signs found in the bible that clearly mark the days we have been living in since 1914 as "critical times hard to deal with".

There are many people who know this and others who ignore it. So I look at this as a way of understanding that South Korea will work well for us for one more year. My goal is the same putting Jehovah's kingdom first. This was not my main goal just a year ago. A year ago my goal was to settle in India. Now, if I am in India I will be doing the same thing that I am doing now. Using every means to make sure we are in Jehovah's work. Remembering that this system will indeed pass away. Also, the memory of it will as well. Also, the former things will pass away. 

/tata

Visa time again

 Usually, they are short and sweet. Last year was not. We found out that George will have to leave the country every 90 days on a tourist visa. However, some of our brothers and sisters are doing the same thing. So George can travel with them. This is has been such a blessing. George had issues last trip due his attire and well the color of our skin causes issues as well. My passport was destroyed due it and my name.

So we will prepare for that better this time. He might not like having to shave every three months. Family worship is continuing last week we had one family worship session due to the boys and Yogita auxiliary pioneering! I will join them in March and April as the requirement is 15 hours which is the sweet spot for me with my work schedule. 

The more I can see it is important to be more and more involved in the preaching work. It was literally the last command he gave to his apostles. He even stated that he was give authority by Jehovah over the Earth and Heaven. If we do not obey...who are we really obeying? If we obey ourselves this is a dead road. Humanity can never seem to get it right. Even with advances in technology the situation here on Earth continues to get worse and worse. Of course this was foretold

Now, I am coming back to this post the visa work is done. It was so easy the officers just processed and checked our documents. My manager was worried because the visa was up the next day. This due to the visa period having only one day left. I think it is better because it bought us more time to prepare everything. 

Now we are working on George's flight. He will have to leave next week. Perhaps we can get it extended this time? I will look into it tonight. It would be nice to get an additional 90 days. 

Ok time to go.

/tata

When attacked turn the other cheek

 We have a friend who we work with. With this friend, we have been able to support our family in these critical times that are hard to deal with. It has been a major aid to us. However, as things happen in this world tribulation came on that family. Some students bullied our friend's child. This was very cruel bullying. The students threatened to even rape our friend's daughter. This is just one of the many threats against her. They said terrible things about her family, and very likely attacked her verbally. They used social media to attack her as well. Our friend who runs a business was too busy and was focusing on her business. It was growing so our friend felt the need to make sure it would continue to grow. In fact, our friend's child did not keep these attacks a secret. I and Yogita were told about it and we did our best to be listening ears.

When our friend came to know about this. Our friend became vengeful. The bullies' parents were made to apologize. Also, those students were kicked out of our friend's school. In addition, a case was filed against them at the Ministry of Education which will put a mark against them for the rest of their lives. This was optional. Our friend could have accepted the apologies and resumed teaching those students and settling the school bullying issue. I would have home-schooled my child. 

The parents joined forces and fought back, hard. They first went after the business (there were issues related to it). You see our friend gave a lot of details about the business because of drinking coffee and spending many hours with these mothers. They likely asked veiled probing questions. 

They succeeded the business lost the license and our friend had to shut down. Then they went after the taxes. Due to them knowing many personal details they understood that the issue with the license meant that taxes were not handled properly. So then two fines are imposed on our friend. 

The moral of this story is vengeance belongs to Jehovah. When we attack each other it never ends We all get hurt over and over again. The only we will work with our friend is unless our friend sues for and pursues peace. If war continues we will stay out of it. The bible advises us to stay away from a quarrel, and if we see one get away from it. So I ill follow these wise words!

/tata

Vengeance belongs to Jehovah!

 When I was an early teen I was feared by my classmates who would bully me and my friends. Why? I overcame my fear and hit them back. Actually, I was scared the entire time. I thought I had to handle this. My twin brother would put his feeling of safety into my hands as well. I remember one boy lifting me up with one hand pinning me against the wall. I had stood up for my twin brother and was ready to get beaten to a pulp by this kid. At least my twin brother would be ok.

I was relying on my own wits and weak human muscles to save me. For now, as a man and scores stronger than I was I realize being able to punch someone is not real strength. Rather giving in and using violence or begging them for mercy is true weakness. It is from Jehovah that our strength comes. In fact, other humans can hurt us, even kill us but Jehovah has power over death. Death will soon be done away with.

The end result of all of that fighting and relying on myself was stress, more fear, and I nearly became a felon! 

You see those boys were afraid of me. But one day I refused to be manipulated by them. I refused to fight this kid. They saw that as a weakness and attacked me on the way home. They hit me with a rock cutting me and causing bleeding from right below my eye. I saw the blood and ran home determined to deal with them at a later date.

Well, that date came. Several days later with my parents, I returned to the school. My parents who did not know what was happening were shocked and took immediate moves to aid me. They were going to have me transferred to another school. 

I decided I would take my revenge on those boys. I would bring a knife from home and stab him in the chest with it. So I brought a knife with me hidden in my jacket to the school. Sure enough, I was allowed to collect some items of mine from the classroom. This was my chance! I walked into the classroom. I was in a rage. I walked towards the boy. Then I stopped. The classroom was quiet. I was looking at him through my bloodshot eyes. I was ready to kill him. But, something came over me! It must have been an angel or Jehovah's holy spirit. I reasoned that if I killed him it would be a mistake that would really damage my life in the future. Rage left me. I was empty but I knew I had to leave that classroom. 

You see I would not have been able to go to University and travel to several countries settling in two of them and marrying a beautiful girl from north-central India. Without her, I would not have had the two boys that I have today. Due to her constant prayers to Jehovah, I was woken from my walking-dead-like sleep. Now our boys along with Yogita will be auxiliary pioneering next month. Our boys love me, and my wife loves me and has developed a deep affection for me. 

There is a part two to this post. Vengeance belongs to Jehovah not us humans here on earth. I should have gone to Jehovah in prayer. I should have talked to my parents or an elder. I should not have taken matters into my own foolish hands! I could have been killed at that moment, or later in jail. 

Our friend needed to follow this advice as well!

/tata

Updates

 This year has been a stressful one right at the start. Our friend has enemies that tried to get her to shut down. I think nothing is safe in this world. Nothing is really secure. 

When I pray for Jehovah's help each day I keep this in mind. When I deal with the students. At any time things could go bad, really bad. 

In, this part of the world is very quiet or so it seems. War with China is closer than ever before. North Korea is testing more weapons and speaking very aggressively towards South Korea.

I am happy to report that our go bags are partially ready. I need to add more perishable foods. This will be done this week. I am hoping to get canned spam that I can use to further build up our go bags. The last thing I will get will be a MRE box for each family member.

Then I will just cycle items in and out of the go bags over the months to years. 

I was able to talk to my twin brother. Some things are going well but others are not. Those details do not belong here as they are another story for others to write. 

I am so happy to hear from my Twin brother. We talk more regularly these days.

South Korea and North Korea once again not on good terms. This time North Korea fired multiple shells off of the west coast. They have stated that they will be developing nuclear weapons. China is looking at Taiwan. Taiwan just elected a new president who is pro-Taiwan. So war is brewing yet again, and people are seemingly unaware of these issues. 

In the coming months, I will turn our house into a mini food cache. With grains, water, and other perishables stocked up. Some items are easy to stock up on. I will focus on those. Cheap rice, canned goods, and beans and lentils can be stored as well. 

I am happy to report that our family worship has been continuing up until now. This week we will watch the annual update part 2.

Ok, time to go for now. One more class then we will be looking into update number 2.

/tata

South Korea is a ticking time bomb

 This country is in trouble. There is more housing than there are people to actually buy a unit and then move in. People are choosing to live selfish lives. Jobs are here but no one wants them as they are too low paying. Families are in huge debt. A man killed his family and then committed suicide in Iksan last week.

The reason? Debt! He took money to start a business. The business? A coffee shop. This was a very very bad idea! There are coffee shops EVERYWHERE. This means after people try your shop they often go back to the well-established branded coffee shops. So his plan was as bad as opening a fried chicken shop they are EVERYWHERE. So he lost all of his while going deep into debt. 

We think that he might have been putting on a showy display of his means of life. He likely did this knowing that he was sinking into debt. Instead of trying to live modestly and not caring that other people in the community would know of his failure, he hid it.

I am pretty sure he had a "normal car" and house. What I mean is it would have been something similar to what his friends had or slightly better. He took his family on an international trip then killed them and ended his own life when he got back.

All over South Korea, people are living on credit cards. They are making the same mistakes that Americans have made and are still making. eventually, you end up with nothing. During our family bible study, I keep reminding my family and myself that this world is truly dead. all that glitters is actually dull!

People smiling are actually people screaming at the top of their lungs! This country seems so stable but actually like the rest of the world it is actually a tinder box with flint striking it every day!

It was so funny when my wife told her students that Chinese and Russian fighters along with bombers violated South Korean protected airspace and South Korea and Japan scrambled fighters in response, her students were surprised. In the next moment, it was as if she had said nothing. They said nothing bad will happen. I am sure many in Europe were saying the same thing right before Russia invaded Ukraine. 

/tata

Updates

 As it is January 2024 I will be looking to repair my fold 3 and upgrade to the fold 5. I love these phones. They are versatile. It is like having 2 phones in one. The inner screen is very large but not too massive like a tablet. storage is weak because there isn't an SD slot. My Fold 3 had 512 GB. When I upgrade I will get a terabyte. I want to have all of my pictures and videos on one device. With the fold 5 finally the camera is a bit better. Yogita will take the fold 3 (after I get the battery replaced, and screen replaced). The Note 10 will go to George. While the note 8 will be used by Jeyo at the kingdom hall, conventions, when traveling, and monitored usage at home. I am not making the mistake I made with George. Ugh, this world is horrible fortunately my sons serve Jehovah and do their best to obey their parents.

But this will not happen until May or June. So for now maybe I can get the screens repaired and then put this phone in an armored case to protect it. 

Computers I will put 9th or 10th-generation GPUs in the computers the boys use. I might go with AMD of a similar generation. I really want small form factor cards, For Yogita and I we need GPUS with more VRAM. 8 gigabytes minimum. I am on the lookout. When I find a good deal I will put the 1060 6 GB cards in the computers the boys use. I will take my time with these things so that my attention is not totally focused on these things. I will be looking for a shaving kit for George but I need to wait on this as well. Young people change their minds OFTEN. What is cool today is then not something they are interested in later. I know this from my own actions in the past. 

So for tech, I am still going to use old tech. RTX cards are too much fluff. I do like the higher VRAM they have. The games that we play (Yogita and I) need a lot of Vram but not very powerful GPUs.

Our go bags are in the process of getting kitted out. If war or some natural disaster occurred we would be ok for about 3 to 4 days. I am looking to double this with the go bag itself. Then add two days of supplies with an additional satchel that can be easily carried across the chest with more water and food.

So totally if we rationed it, it could last two weeks. In the coming months, I will expand this to have a cache of food and water to extend this to two more weeks but stored in the car and in the house. If we move to India I will rebuild the food and water caches. Food needed canned beans, fruit, spam, with some MREs to round things off. Lastly, I will make sure to have more instant noodles. They are so light and last a long time. I can have a cache in the car and in the house without taking up too much space.

Ok, time to get back to prepping for tomorrow. 

/tata