| Yesterday was my first Saturday off in quite some time! So I used it to cross one more thing off my 'to do and see' before I go home' list. Yesterday's activity was quite a popular Korean pasttime - hiking. We hiked to the top of Bukhansan Mountain which is between Ilsan (my town) and Seoul only about 1/2 hour from where I live. It was definitely a good exeperience! Hard, but good. And definitely an intresting metaphor for my life these last few weeks - extrememly difficult, most of the time alone (I lagged quite a big behind my group who are all quite experienced hikers), feeling not at all equipped for the task before me and discouraged because everyone around me looks and seems the same (apparently, in order to go hiking in here, one has to don the same exact hiking pants, shirt, and shoes from 'The North Face', including the hiking sticks, gloves, and fun little rucksacks) and they seemed to be going along fine but most of time I'm simply struggling to simply put one foot in front of the other just to keep going, although God always put people who would encourage me along the trail in those times I would think about turning back and heading home. But perseverence saw the hike (and these last few weeks) through and I made it to the top and back again. But it was all worth it, even if my lower extremeties today are screaming in anguish! I do wish I were more the athletic, outdoorsy type - but when given the choice, I normally choose staying in with a good book or movie rather than braving the elements. I only wish I had brought my bible. There's something about being out in God's creation that begs one to commune with him. Started the morning with my sandwich in a cup.
 Which way do we go?...
 We're going that way!... Destination: Baegundae Peak.
 Scenic river at the start of the trail...
 This picture doesn't look that steep, but it was like walking up crooked stairs for hours...
 And at times, there weren't even stairs, just cables to help you get up.
 Finally made it to the top - slightly more sweaty and tired than when we started.
 The views from the top were amazing. Although I'm still debating as to whether they are worth the pain I'm feeling today.  Looking down over Seoul.
While the city is beautiful, I definitely prefer this view - looking over the mountains. You can't really tell from the glare of the sun in this photo, but they extended seemingly forever. God definitely knew what he was doing when he created mountains. Definitely worth it!
Our group at the top: Christina, Me, Shona, Avani, Malcolm, and Shane. 
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