GSIS 2018 Yearbook: No Limits Volume 12 yearbook-reduced | Page 88

Winter As the last autumn leaf fell from the tree, the long-awaited winter season began. While Korean win- ters often seem to last too long, it is a special time of year when we embrace one another in a spirit of winter wonder. Winter bombarded us as we looked out the win- dows of our classrooms at the swarm of snowflakes cascading from above. The elementary students eagerly built snowmen in the field and gleefully slid down snow slides in the amphitheater. The iciness of the harsh win- ter clung to our coats and scarves, but we were com- forted by the warmth of our community. We celebrated unity as we gathered together to share comfort food and talent at the annual Acoustic Christmas. Music students from every level gifted us with sounds of harmony at the lively Christmas Con- certs. We gathered in the packed seats of the audi- torium to enjoy the heartwarming performance, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Our cold, icy mornings were greeted with warm goodies during the Five Days of Christmas from our loving Frontline team and the 88 Winter carols of elementary students. When we came back from break with higher spirits, we embraced 2018 and a fresh, new start. Already at the middle of our school year, we saw how quickly time had already flown by. Winter was a time of New Year’s resolutions, new goals, and habits to achieve. We re- flected on our first semester in order to finish the rest of the school year strong. Our community dove into the new year with ex- citement as we hosted new events such as TedxYeong- heungForest. Inquirers from all ages took home new skills and experiences that sprouted growth in their own lives. We joined in prayer for our student missionaries heading off on VASE trips at the powerful Night of Wor- ship, and lifted each other up as we shared personal prayer requests during Week of Prayer. Winter shaped and molded the 2017-18 school year as we witnessed the importance of community. Through the memorable events that brought us togeth- er during this special time of the year, we felt at home.