My girlfriend's mom is the greastest...she surprised me for my BIRTHDAY!

Randomly, I check my personal email while at work so it doesn't look like I'm always on the internet. lol. But around 10:15am today, I received an e-card from my girlfriend's mom. I was very surprised and very appreciative. This blog post itself is to show her how thankful I am for her thinking of me and my birthday. As soon as I publish this post, I'm going to email her and tell her to visit my blog for her surprise. lol

Here is the e-card. It's great!
http://www.123greetings.com/send/view/10423209206144744506

Mike & Ashley' Wedding Day: Part 2 of the short movie I made for them

Mike & Ashley's Wedding 2 of 2
Uploaded by christophjenkins

Mike & Ashley' Wedding Day: Part 1 of the short movie I made for them

Mike & Ashley's Wedding 1 of 2
Uploaded by christophjenkins

Mike & Ashley' Wedding Day: They dance for the first time as newly weds.

Mike & Ashley' Wedding Day: We cut a rug that night!

Mike & Ashley' Wedding Day: The Groomsmen & Bridal Party had a ball in the limo

The wedding was absolutely beautiful! Congratulations Mike & Ashley!

The wedding was beautiful. In April of this year, I wrote about one of my first cousins who proposed to his girlfriend. The post spoke about how he proposed to her and how he postponed the wedding long enough so that I would be home to be one of his groomsmen. When you get a chance, check it out! "Wedding postponed for a temporary Korean. I'm honored!!!"

I must say that the brand new Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey experienced a day that nothing short of amazing! I've never seen anything like it. WOW! Even the day before the wedding at the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner was great. Being in this wedding has really made my homecoming one to remember and cherish. You know?! I'm going to stop writing and just let you all enjoy the pictures and videos. Oh! I forgot to tell you where they are spending their honeymoon! IN MEXICO!!!

Videos coming very soon! Like tomorrow!

Happy Birthday MOM from me and my students in KOREA!

MOM! I want to wish you and Aunt Angie a very Happy Birthday! My friend let me use her camera today and I got a little video happy with my students. They could not wait to tell you Happy Birthday. Watch the video! I'm sure you will enjoy it. Love you!!!

I Love you MOM!!!

My Aunt sent me an email. My lil' cousin, JR, is BALLIN'!!!

My lil' cousin, JR, is killin' on the basketball court. He's growing up so fast. See, hearing and seeing stuff like this makes you want to come home. Thanks to YouTube though, I can watch highlights of main man, JR, heat up the courts while I am in Korea. Watch this video of JR and his team journey to the championship while learning valuable lessons that will carry him to the next level in life.

By the way, his full name is Ernest Jenkins. His jersey number is #32 and if you like, you can rewind to 2:04 to watch his interview. Watch this!

My father passionately responds to Maya Angelou's poem

Christoph

I prefer words that don't assume that I am ignorant to this worlds ensnaring devices. Especially since I have been transformed by the renewing of my mind, in Christ Jesus. It is in this transformation that I am now an advocate of words that: proclaim truth, heals, promotes the forgiveness of those who trespass against me, looks for the things that unite all and seeks to inform all of the ONE unifying force that's still available to all who care to partake of its life changing properties, It's called LOVE!

I don't need more words that are forever reminding me of how bad it was and still is... Yes I have been taught to dress to impress, but now I am wearing a robe of righteousness, paid in full, by Christ, for he is my righteousness. I love the color of my new robe (my designer outfit); it's bright red, signifying the precious blood of Jesus. Moreover, I have his name written all over it. Oh I know you may not see it with your natural eye, but nevertheless, it's there, with every thread, and on every button,

I think it's time to sing a new song! A song with a message divine, leaving ill feelings behind, for God is the author of love's melody (taken from a line in a song that I wrote called Love's Melody).

I think it's time for a new kind of poetry, a poetry full of hope, a poetry that has the fact straight that even when I'm walking through the valley of the shadow of death, he is and was with me, and what the Devil knew but tried to keep me from knowing and seeing was that God was preparing a table for me in the presence of my enemy. Somebody once said in a song, "He Was There All the Time."

I'm waiting for someone to send me poetry that lifts me higher, that tells of the good news. That informs me of the fact that I am not bound by what happened in the past and doesn't assume that I still "don't get it." I'm praying for someone to write poetry that says that you have to love those who wrongfully use you.

Notwithstanding, Christoph thanks for sharing Maya Angelou's poetry with me...


Love you,

Dad

My Father reponded and this is what he said (powerful and appreciated)...

It's amazing! The number "4o" is often used in the Bible; representing the period for cleansing/purification into change. Ex
The children of Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness, because of their disobedience. They were either destroyed by God or died of natural causes. God caused rain to fall on the earth, for the first time, for 40 days and 40 nights, to destroy and to cleanse the earth of its sinful inhabitants. Moses' life was segmented in 3 period of 40 years. Jesus fasted and spent 40 days of obedience in the wilderness. Martin Luther King died 40 years ago, this year; That was in 1968, on my birthday, April, 4; Add to this, your article that talks about Bobby Kennedy's prophetic utterance concerning 2008/Barak Obama.

I think, that with all of this being said, we need to lift Barak Obama up in prayer. The thought that we are living, "for such a time as this," It's Amazing!

Dad


PS

This notion of "40" has somehow sparked a desire in me to pray for Barak and you.

I can sense that you are wanting some answers from God concerning his reason and plan for your life. So often self and the devil cause us to get frustrated in this process, but don't. God is really standing at your hearts door and knocking; he just wants you to let him in. When you've opened the door, and I'm sure you have already. Don't make the mistake, like so many others, by telling God where to sit and/or what rooms he can go in. Let him have full reign. In fact, You might want to invite him to make himself comfortable, further add that he should treat your house like his own. Lastly, he loves fellowship, so, ask him if he would break bread with you. When God is in the building frustration has to flee; why, because he brings peace. Christoph enjoy every moment of your Korean wilderness experience with God. He wants to romance you and to establish you in him. When you get back to the states/home we're going to know that you've been on your honey-moon with God by the smile on your face, by the words that pour out in abundance from your heart, through the portal of your mouth, across your lips. It's going to be a day of rejoicing! We're going to have to call you, "Mr. Christoph," why? because you will for sure be standing as God's MAN.

At work thinking of my Grandfather!

I'm at work right now sitting at my desk during my break between my morning preschool classes and my afternoon middle school classes and I'm thinking of my Grandfather. I was scared to come this far away from home knowing that he was ill. That is the most difficult thing about long term travel. If anything were to occur while I was away, it'd be hard to just up and go home. I thank God for allowing my grandfather to stay with us. He is one of my greatest role models to date. That will never change. I can't wait to get home and visit him. I also thank God for keeping my grandmother strong during these times. Alright, gotta go. The bell is about to ring in 3...2...1...ring...ring...ring. I'm late late. lol

New Samaritan Baptist Church has been a true blessing!

I've been here in Seoul, South Korea for 9 months and 9 days so far and every step of the way my church has been a true blessing. Church members have sent me countless emails to encourage me while I am away. I've received packages and also CD's and DVD's of church events and sermons that help make me feel right at home. When I was at home, I always looked forward to attending church on Sundays. I also went during the week for Sunday school and other activities. Not too long ago, I reached out to my bishop in regards to my desire to study and understand the bible on another level. He came through

I am Elder Michele Ridgley from NSBC church, I spoke with Bishop Kelsey in reference to your desire to engage in a more in-depth study on How to Study the Bible. First, of all let me say congratulations on the opportunity that you've been given to teach in Seoul Korea, such an distinguished honor and will have such great rewards. I can see that you have a great work set before you, the pouring out of your soul to those whom you encounter through these sites. Based on what you have expressed I would like to outline a plan of How to study the Bible. This plan will provide you with the tools and techniques you need to effectively study Gods words, gain an overview of how God's word is applicable to our everyday life, and how the Holy Spirit will empower you and give you understanding of the truth found in God's word.

Isn't God good?! Thank you Bishop Kelsey and Elder Ridgley for your continued love and support.

New Samaritan Baptist Church

1100 Florida Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.397.1870
Fax: 202.397.6890

Listen to my church choir!!!

I thank God for my village

I just felt like writing (or typing) about how God has blessed me. I am 25 years old right now and I live in Seoul, South Korea teaching beautiful children how to speak English as a second language. A month before I came to Korea, I never thought that I would have an experience such as this. Firstly, I would like to thank my family for supporting me in everything that I do and have done thus far. God has blessed me with the most amazing family I could have ever asked for. I am speaking about my immediate and extended family. Mere words cannot express joy I have in my heart because of them. My family has been the very reason I am who I am and where I am today. They have assisted me in birthing and cultivating the many out-of-the-ordinary and extraordinary ideas that I have. When presented with opportunity to travel to Korea, I wasn't sure how they would react to me spontaneously telling them that I would be going to live on the other side of the world, in less than 30 days, for an entire year. So I hesitated. But when I finally "broke the news" to them, I was presented with reactions that most nearly resembled pride, joy, esteem, reassurance, and validation. I couldn't have been more appreciative to see them react the way they did. It just goes to show you how much family is worth.

My family is worth more than all of the riches in the world! Now you can take that to the bank!!!

My father continues to motivate me.

My father emailed me the other day. I needed his words of encouragement.

I just knew you had emailed me right back; I could sense it. I am really! really! excited about your decision to write your first book. As far as publishers go, check out www.lulu.com You already have some fans in Baltimore, because I've sent some of your emails to some of my friends and associates. They are all so impressed with you. I'll share with you later on how you can promote the book before it's even written.

You are so fortunate, because had somebody pushed me like I'm pushing you, I'd have my doctorate now. Nevertheless, it's a blessing to have someone to encourage, especially my own son.

By the way, I met a young white male at a seminar who is 25 years old and working on his doctorate. What I liked about him was that he still had his head screwed on. I thought about you.

Before I forget, I asked aunt Amy to get me a picture of your cousin Ashley; I now have it. Ashley just graduated from college, with her BA in psychology, with honors. She is a National Honors Student and has traveled the world, because of her high grades. I'm sending you her picture, email address and list of countries she's traveled. Also, I'm going to send you your cousin Tiara's email and picture. The three of you have got to communicate, because you're all writers and smart.

Lastly, Chris it would be smart to begin looking for someone to edit your manuscript. Someone who is a writer. Lastly again, I got an A- (91.15 ) in my labor intensive statistics class. What's so ironic about this grade and class is that I didn't know what in the world I was doing, from start to finish. Oh well. Talk to you soon.

Love,

Dad

Today is the first day of the rest of my life!

In response to my previous post, my father, Bruce Jenkins II, sent me an email that has reminded me of one my "Seoul" purposes of coming to Korea, writing a book. I have made up my mind to start today.

Thanks Dad!

I was hoping that you were on page 103 of "Seoul of a Black Man". Everybody already has Think and Grow Rich...

The world is waiting to hear what the black man has to say, since heretofore he been silenced. It would be great (formidable!) if we were announcing to the folks on the east coast that upon your return to the U.S. that the manuscript/Ist. draft to Seoul of a Black Man is complete and ready to go to press. I have several churches that would sponsor your announcement party. You could ready them for what's to come.

Christoph, you can do it. Scholars document everything; it becomes the data for their books. You have already emailed us most of your book anyway. Here's some things you need to do to give your book more weight:

1. Visit the U.s. embassy-take some pictures with some important people
2. Take a picture standing in front of the south Korean soldiers
3. Take pictures standing in front of some of south Korea's important government buildings.
4. Visit other schools in Korea
5. Take pictures of you and the administrators at your school/ask them about their school philosophy
6. Start designing the front cover of Seoul of a Black Man
7. Send your book proposal to publishers-they will want to know what your intentions are.
8. Interview your children and teachers
9. Note: when you get back to the states, if you are even working on your masters and you have your
Korean book you can command your salary in the Education Field. All the best schools will want you.
10. You need to have some Korean professionals writing referral letters.


By the way, I'll be having my half the way to my masters degree party in another month. Having my degree, M Ed. after my name on my children's book will give my book credibility. Christoph, what I'm doing with you in this letter is called social capital. This is something that is almost non existing in the black family and community; so Look it up. You'll take what I'm saying more seriously once you study the meaning of this term. Let's chat again, once you've checked out the meaning of the term. I see you as a source of social capital for your own family and the black community at-large

Finally, it is obvious that you are a world player... Documentation is critical

Love ya!

Dad

Wedding Postponed for a temporary Korean. I'm honored!!!

How special would you feel if you were in another country, lets say Korea, for a whole year and back in the states, your first cousin who you grew up with, proposed to his fiance', and chose to postpone their wedding in order for you to attend and be in it? Now, I know that was a long sentence but that is how great it feels to me and I am extremely honored and excited to be apart of such a loving family. Don't get me wrong, I slightly feel a little spoiled and selfish for not saying, "No, I couldn't allow you to do that for me?" But my grandparents have 6 grandchildren, 3 by her daughter(my beautiful mother, and 3 by her son(my Uncle who also is the pastor of my church in Washington, D.C.). All six of us were raised as brothers. So the fact that I am on the other side of the world wouldn't mean a thing. Worse come to worse, I would cut my trip here in Korea short before I miss one of my cousin's or brother's weddings.

All in all, Michael V. Kesley, Jr., the oldest of my 3 cousins, has proposed to his fiance', Ashley D. Jackson, a beautiful young lady, a few months ago. Michael, I must say, planned a brilliant and clever way of "popping the question." It was masterful. It was close to his birthday. So he had his brother, Kevin(my dude), and his friends convince his girlfriend Ashley to throw him a "surprise birthday party. So the plan went through as planned. Without question, she was excited about the suggestion. Sounds like a great idea right? Right!!! So Ashley began "secretly" inviting Michael's friends and family to this elaborate get-together. Ashley didn't realize though, she was actually throwing her own engagement party. I love it!!! Ashley is running around trying to make sure everything is in order and carefully ensuring that her future husband doesn't find out out about this "birthday party." Meanwhile, Mike is contacting all of Ashley's friends and family and making them aware of the very "top secret" plan of operation.

Mike's brothers, Kevin and Eric

From left to right: Bruce, my older brother; Jessica, my lil' cousin; Eric, my cousin; James, my older brother

From Left to right: Kevin, my cousin; Bruce; lil Jessica; lil JR, my cousin; Eric; Kelsey, my cousin; James

Needless to say, the evening was magical! Kevin did a great job as MC and Ashley was undoubtedly surprised. Sorry Ashley. I know you wanted Mike to be surprised but...um...he wasn't. ;) Love you, cousin-in-law!

Kevin, Mike's brother, was the MC for this beautiful occasion..

It began at 7:00pm in the US and it was about 5:00am here in Korea. Days before the event, my mom told me that she would call me before he asked the big question. So she called me at 5:24am in the morning. I thought I was dreamin' seeing as though I had to be at work 9am. She put me on speaker phone and I was able to listen in from the other side of the world. I think that that was the first time I'd experienced any form of homesickness since I've been here. I really wished I was there. The wedding is scheduled to be on the day I get back home from Korea. I should be able to speak to my boss about leaving Korea a couple of days earlier so I can get fitted for my tux because I am one of the groomsmen. Worse case scenario, I'll take advantage of Korea's resources and get a tux customized here to match perfectly with my brother's, James and Bruce, the other groomsmen.

Love you Mike and Ashley. Congratulations!!!