Saturday on Seon-ya-do Island

I've been so tired lately with all the extra work since Carrie's on vacation that I decided I didn't want to go anywhere this last weekend. But plans change, and I decided to go with friends to a small island off western Korea called Seon-ya- do. Only for the day though. No long weekender. We left Kunsan at 8:30 am on the ferry for the one hour and 30 minute ride over. Unfortunately, the weather didn't look so great--very overcast. It was a nice ride though. We arrived fairly early for the island (I guess) because there were no other visitors around. Everybody was fighting for our attention hoping we would rent their cart to tour us around. The island is actually a group of islands; three of which are inhabited. Total poputation of the three is around 900. The island was very beautiful but would have been so much nicer with sunshine and warm weather. The beach was very nice, but noone was on it. We ate an early lunch of fresh seafood and decided to rent motorscooters. At first I said no way, but eventually gave in. It was great fun! The only problem was the rain which came down in buckets as soon as we got on the road. OH well--next time. The ocean was rough with the stormy weather on the trip back, but we took naps on the floor in the passenger room (there is no furniture). It was great! The floor is heated!

WHAT AM I DOING HERE?

Sometimes I wonder why I'm here. I thought I was here to serve the Lord in some way, but I don't feel like I'm doing that very well. In many ways I feel like I'm growing spiritually through the Church I'm attending, but I can't embrace all their ultra conservative practices. For this I feel a bit of a failure. Also, my job confuses me. It's a Christian School, but most kids there are from well to do families; and in my mind, not needy in any way. So, what am I contributing? The kids can drive me crazy at times, but at other times melt my heart. I love to teach them things--when they want to learn. Alot of them don't want to learn though. They can't sit still or concentrate on anything. They're mean to each other and me sometimes. I get frustrated with them. I don't like to have to discipline them either. I've never liked that part. And I hate to sing!!! But when I know they're getting something out of it all, it's the most wonderful feeling.

I want to know I'm doing something right, but I may never feel that I am. I'll just keep thinking about it. Maybe someday the light bulb will go off.

THE DMZ

My visit to the DMZ was very interesting. I learned alot about the Korean War and the history surrounding it and preceding it. The countryside is beautiful there--mountains, green fields, rice fields underwater. The DMZ is a two mile strip of land between North and South Korea that belongs to noone--except the migratory birds that gather there. In the 70's three tunnels were discovered being dug from North to the South by the North Koreans. These tunnels ran for miles and were suppose to be used for a reinvasion. It is believed there are many more. There are three which can be toured part way. We went down in the second tunnel. This whole area is patroled by the Korean army from various outposts along the fence line. There is also an observation area where you can look over into North Korea. We visited several monuments honoring the South Korean soldiers that lost their life. The largest stood on top of a hill where the largest and deadliest battle was fought.

We returned on Sunday evening after spending the night in a Korean home in a small village near the DMZ. The next morning North Korea performed a massive underground nuclear test

and subsequently 6 missles were launched that week.

Man's Best Friend on the Market

I just love calls from home! My magic jack affords me the opportunity to call and be called from the US. Of course, the time difference is significant. Being able to stay in touch with family and friends is so valuable. Lately, I've really missed my critters; Oreo, Cindy, and Horace. They were my little family, and I loved them so much. Unfortunately, I can't call them. They do not know that I miss them. You don't see alot of pets here because so many people live in apartments. Out on the farms the dogs are mainly watch dogs that are tied up at their dog house. Most of the dogs I see have Siberian Husky in them--many are white.

It was in the DMZ that I saw the most upsetting thing though. There was a dog farm in the small village we stayed in. I understand most of those dogs are of the labriador retriever type and are grown in a small area and never allowed out of confinment. They are sold for meat. Evidentally, the meat is very therputic in some way. It is prescribed by docotors for certain ailments. It was very difficult hearing them bark continuously begging for help. It was nauseating. Yes, it made me sick!