Heart & Seoul

As the conference came to an end Friday night, so did my celebrity status. At least, until Sunday evening when I spoke at a church attended by several of the students who came to the conference. Photos, handshakes, and autographs - I feel that the excellent pastors and leaders at the conference are much more deserving of fame than I. It just so happens that being from America makes you pretty popular among teenagers here! Still, I certainly enjoyed being a part of the conference, seeing youth encouraged by others and passionately seeking the Lord.

The pastor responsible for funding the conference made it a top-notch experience. Along with special guest musicians, a conference planner, and emcee, students received scholarships to attend and great prizes throughout, including scholarships for future education. I was very impressed with his desire to give the students the very best in building them up in Christ.

During the rest of my time in Korea I stayed in Hotel Charis.

Charis is the Greek word for grace. How fitting. During this trip I am constantly in awe of what God allows me to be a part of, all by His grace.

On Saturday I met up with a couple of my Korean friends who attend UW - La Crosse with me and went on a guided tour of a palace. Hearing some of the history of Korea provided a greater understanding of the people and culture.

We also saw the Blue House (equivalent to our White House). My conversation with the friendly female security/police officer went like this:

Me: So, are there guards all around the house?

Police: Police officers?

Me: Yes, police. Do they surround the house?

Police: Yes.

Me: So I couldn't sneak in?

Police (surprised): You?

Me: I mean, a person couldn't sneak in?

Police: You can make a reservation.

Me: Oh. For today?

Police: One month before.

Me: But I leave Thursday...

Needless to say I didn't make inside the Blue House. Next time, I suppose.

My pastor at the Korean church in La Crosse retired to come back to Korea last month. His son Bobby will be going to school in Boston but is in Korea for a few weeks. He took good care of me during my time in Korea. An old friend of his came and we stayed in the hotel together. Since he is interested/passionate about missions utilizing his teaching experience, it's certainly possible we may end up partnering together some time in the future.

Sunday morning we went to a small church that is affiliated with his church in the states. The people were very welcoming and loving, as I commonly experience among Korean believers.

Sunday evening the pastor's son spoke at church while me and his friend shared our testimonies. Our translator did a wonderful job even with a short time to prepare. Unfortunately, I didn't get a video taken, although the service may have been recorded. So stay tuned...I might get it posted!

My translator and I

Monday Bobby, his friend, and I went to a market for acquiring some good deals on snazzy attire. That evening we went to an excellent restaurant where an old friend of Bobby's is manager. She has a heart to be a missionary to Japan. Many think that America leads the mission field but Korea sends a greater proportion of its population out on missions. It was quite encouraging seeing so many people of a different nation passionate about bringing the hope found in Christ Jesus to others.

At the restaurant. What blessing meeting these two mission-minded individuals!

On Tuesday I met with some of my friends from UW-L to go hiking at Gyeryongsan National Park. It was the first time I traveled alone. I only needed to take a bus to a subway station where I would meet my other friend. It shouldn't have been difficult, except no announcements were made in English, the driver didn't speak English, and there weren't many people on the bus. Fortunately, an older man told me what stop to get off at and after a short walk I arrived at the station. God provides!

Wednesday, my last day in Korea, I spent time with friends I met at the Vision Conference, mostly at this building:

The building was designed to look like praying hands. Pretty neat, huh? Inside we watched a short 3D Imax movie, went to Seaworld, and the SkyArt Gallery, which is the world's highest art gallery at 63 stories high.

Seoul is a big city..

At my friend's university

My new friends in Korea

I spent the night at the airport in a bathhouse. Basically it's a place to sleep and shower. Or sit in a sauna. Neat idea and nice facilities. Although I didn't get much sleep, it'd be okay since I'll be on a plane for several hours the next day on my way to start the next adventure: Thailand!

I appreciate your continual prayers. Ask that God would bless those who were so generous with their time and resources while I was in Seoul, and praise Him for all traveling going smoothly and for maintaining good health.

Here's a video that played in one of the subways, warning against running down escalators. As you can see, people could get real hurt...

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act." -Proverbs 37:4-5