A letter from Haejung Park in Korea
February 2011
Dear friends and family,
Jenny, one of the Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) in Korea, reminded me that the half-point of the YAVs’ term will be reached soon. I noticed that our last letter was sent in September announcing the arrival of the first class of YAVs in Korea. Simon posted many stories on his blog since then, which you can read here.
This first group of YAVs has adjusted well to the different environment and the culture and they are learning the Korean language. They have also carried out many tasks assigned to them, and the workload will increase during the second half of their term.
The contingent at the Hiroshima Peace Park.
We just finished a 10-day study trip to Japan. In addition to the YAVs, three Hannam students and a chaplain joined Simon and me for the trip. We visited three Christian colleges and participated in short forums. Each one was very unique and interesting. American, Korean and Japanese young folks shared their thoughts on an assigned topic: environmental issues, discrimination and peace. Once the formal sessions were done, they found many more items of common interest among them. It was a pleasure to watch them making friends, overcoming the language barrier and culture differences.
Since the YAVs arrived in Korea my role has been one of on-site mom. It is not easy being a mom to three grown up daughters, but it has been fun and meaningful. I often wondered what it would be like to have a daughter, because I have two sons. Now I know! By the way, in May our older son John will become a father. Simon and I will be grandparents for the first time.
In a few weeks Simon and I will go to Louisville to interview and invite the second YAV class. I pray and trust God will be with us during the interviews and call the young servants who can give and receive most from the experience.
With this short letter I want to let you know that we are doing fine.
Thanks for your continuing prayers for us. I also am praying that God be with you wherever you may be.
In His Love,
Haejung
