A letter from Simon Park in Korea
September 2010
It’s new every morning
YAVs arriving at the Inchon International Airport in Korea.
Several events at the end of the summer stretched us in many ways. As we were preparing for the arrival of three young brand-new missionaries, we heard the news that Simon’s brother-in-law passed away in Champaign, Ill. We lived in the same town for many years and although we have not seen each other very often after we entered the mission service, Kee had been an important part of our lives. Simon got on the plane to be with Eunhee, the widow, and three daughters and many friends. It was a long trip but was an occasion to experience again what it means to be with loved ones and to share the memories of a brother who lived a short life of 64 years. But he lived it fully by giving his love to all around him. He was an ordinary pharmacist, but the hundreds who came to his memorial service shared how he shared God’s love with all in need through his limitless hospitality, and what a big hole he left in their lives.
Is that what he did, leave a hole? I knew that our lives would have to be reconfigured without daily interactions with Kee. Eunhee and her daughters would need to adjust and redirect the time and energy spent to care for Kee to creating a new life while keeping Kee in healthy remembrance. To a lesser degree, all of us who loved Kee would have to do the same. Then it dawned on me that following Jesus also requires these transitions.
When we enter into a new mission assignment, we are filled with the surge of energy for a new beginning along with the fear and trepidations of the unknown world. These are confusing times; being calm, collected and brave while being irritable, short-tempered and irrational at the same time. Remarkably, when we leave the field after several years we go through the same experience for “going home.” Yes, there is a big culture shock when we re-enter the American culture and lifestyle. But soon we adjust and get enough energy and courage for another “new life.” I can understand why the disciples of Jesus acted cowardly when Jesus was arrested, and the same people could so calmly give their lives to sharing the Good News.
During a field trip to Jeonju to learn of rich Presbyterian mission heritage. At Keumsan Church built in 1908 in L shape where the wings seated male and female separated to respect Korean custom.
The reason I had to hurry back was to greet the three Young Adult Volunteers arriving the last day of August to begin their new lives after campus life. What a change and challenge it is for these young lives to enter into a period of service in a strange culture thousands of miles away from home and familiar surroundings. They all arrived safely 10 days ago and took the initial steps of their lives here in Korea. Instead of me telling you about them, I would invite you to read the blog postings by Jenny, Becky and Katie. Of course I could not let them twist my good intentions as being controlling (just kidding), so I started a parallel blog for their parents and you. Hope you find time and interest to follow our journey. The real grind will start in two weeks when everyone will have work assignments along with their four-hours-per-day language study.
May this day bring you a renewed life with God.
Simon
The 2010 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 138
