So, I've been super motivated to work on music recently. This new music that I've just been turned on to by Owl City(apparantly, I'm not the only one as their song is first on the itunes store) is inspiring me like none other. I highly recommend it. I composed a couple of new sets of lyrics on the plane ride to the states and back. Here's one that is unabashedly romantic. Started putting music to it today. Enjoy!

Tonight, my dear, it's you and me
Our hands entwined, our hearts alive
The world has a glow only we can see
Lit with the news that you are mine

chorus-
Love, unselfish love
Over all my lesser wants
Love, I'll wait for love
My soul and mind will join my heart

As a bird finds shelter in its mother's wings
Let my arms be a refuge, a surrounding grace
As the evening cools, and the daylights wanes
Give into the warmth of my embrace

Do not fear when your eyes give way
To the pull of the night, I will not leave
As your head finds the rhythm of my chest
May your dreams never fly this abiding scene

Well, just wanted to do a quick post before hitting the sack. It's been a little while since I've last posted, and I'm taking off for Colorado tomorrow for Ryan's wedding. Haven't really thought too much about what it's going to be like to go back to the states. I imagine it will be kinda surreal. But amazing, too. I'm so happy to spend some time with Ryan before he ties the knot. I get in on Wednesday night, get to join the other groomsmen for a bachelor party up at a beautiful cabin in Breckenridge, and then wedding on Saturday. And my other roommate from college, Tripp, is flying in from Chicago and I'm very excited to spend some time with him too. I fly back on Sunday morning and arrive in Korea at 5 PM Monday and teach again on Tuesday. Not sure how I'll be feeling by then with 2 12 hour flights within 5 days.

This past weekend I took a trip with 3 friends down to Busan on the south tip of the Korean peninsula. The purpose of the trip was to go to the Busan International Film Festival. We took the high speed (180 MPH) train there and back. It was about a 2 and a half hour trip. Super smooth and comfortable. I could have stayed on there much longer. Hopefully, the flight tomorrow will be similar. It was a good weekend. Spent some time on the beach-walking, taking pictures, playing frisbee, etc. Ate some great food, most of it western. Went to a couple of Italian restaurants. For some reason, I just haven't been feeling the Korean food lately. So, I'm excited to head back to the land of hamburgers, quality beer, and chips. I am definitely bringing back some American food to Korea.

Tonight I had a great Bible study with my friends Anlee, Amanda, and Chris. I am so thankful for them and this opportunity to seek God together and be honest about what's going on in our lives. I felt very encouraged tonight. Which was a welcome change for the brokenness and discontent I feel quite often (I can expound on that later). But today was a good day.

Well, going to bed. Below is a video of Amanda, Anlee, Gideon, and I on the train to Busan. A

Brandon and I at the scrumpious meet buffet.
My student Tae Woo, or Taylor. Quite an interesting kid. Tests my patience I enjoy him.

Soy, Brandon, and I on Gwanak Mountain today.

Hello, hello. Well, I got lots of stuff I want to post. Most of it is videos and pictures. I also just finished the song I've been working on. I thought I could post it on here, but I don't think I can (unless I'm missing where to do it at). But I'm really excited about this song. I've had it mostly done for about 3 weeks but have just been waiting and listening to it a ton until I was completely satisfied with it. So, I guess the next best option is to post it to my myspace and give you the link. Here it is -www.myspace.com/derekfekkesmusic. The song is called "Discontent Breeds Growth." Let me know what you think. I think I'm going to try to do some more songs along this vein, in part because I don't have much choice here in Korea with a computer, keyboard, and mic to work with. But I like this kinda stuff a lot. I've been playing on the piano at school after classes some. It's way out of tune, but it's still great to play on a real piano for a change.

Well, I am just beginning a four day weekend. It's Korean Thanksgiving, called Chuseok (pronounced "chew-suck"). Everybody goes to their relatives place and makes different foods, some in honor of their deceased relatives. Tomorrow, Saturday, most everything is closed I am told. So, I stocked up on supplies to make some curry for lunch. Can't wait. Today is Friday, and I met up with Brandon and Soy (his girlfriend) around 2 and we went on a hike in Gwancheon, which is about a 45 minute subway ride from me, up towards Seoul. It was awesome!! Gorgeous 360 view of all of Seoul. Simply incredible! I'll put the video below. There was a Buddhist temple towards the top. You could here people chanting most of the way up. It was pretty cool. At the top, there was a little food vendor set up making ramen and other stuff. It was kinda weird. But I did buy two ice cream pops from a guy who hauled up a backpack freezer full of them to sell. They hit the spot. Overall, it was a great hike and I'd like to go do it again, maybe even try to run part of it.

Well, here are some pics and videos. Hope it gives you a image of my life here.

This is one of my classes from last week. Notice how the boys are all about the camera and the girls are extremely embarrassed.



Here is Seoul from the top of Gwanak Mountain.