Important people in our lives ...

Earlier, we posted pictures of Tracey, Roy and our other dorm neighbors. We also told you about Dr. Seon (Sun) Young (PhD from University of Illinois) and her assistance in getting us a car. These important people have generously helped us adjust to our new life in Korea. We are so appreciative of their friendship.
Now, we want to tell you about some other important people ---

Grace (photo 1) came over and introduced herself to John the first Friday we were in Seoul. We were at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Yonsei College of Nursing (another blog at a later date.) We immediately knew Grace was sent by God to welcome us, as she became an instant friend and helper. Grace is a master's prepared nurse practitioner who graduated from UCLA and spent many years in the US. She recently has returned to Korea with her husband (a pastor) and children. Last year she was on the faculty (I actually moved into her old office) but this year, she has taken an important position at Severance Hospital to help administration and staff prepare for the JCAHO accreditation visit coming up this December. Severance will be the first Korean hospital to receive this designation. Through her contacts, we found a reputable used car dealer and were able to buy our car. We call Grace for phone translation whenever we get "stuck." She is fluent in English and is always there for us.
Dr. Young Ju Kim (photo 2) picked me up at the dorm and drove me down to the office many days before we got the car. She also willingly signed for us ( along with Sun Young) when we purchased the car. Young Ju received her PhD from University of Maryland. She will be married in January to a very special young man.

Caleb Kim (photo 3) is the Administrative Assistant at the Fulbright office. Caleb, with his great sense of humor and dynamic personality, sends us Fulbright announcements, Embassy updates and important state department information. Caleb graduated from Azusa Pacific University where he played football and committed his life to Christ. He is fluent in several languages, has a heart for missions, and hopes to someday work in diplomatic service. Caleb was a Fulbright recipient and taught English for a year at a school near Busan. He loves Korea and decided to stay on at Fulbright to give back to this great organization. He also loves Barb's home cooked meals !

Jo (photo 4) is one of the guards at the dormitory front office. He was on duty the night we arrived. He lived in Seattle, Washington for a short time, so he knows English and talks with us daily. Jo has a heart for service. He consistently helps when the bottled water arrives, or when our arms are full with sacks of groceries. Last night I baked him some chocolate chip cookies, as he was the only guard here on duty over Chusok (Thanksgiving).

Eun Sun Kim and Kil Hwan Kim (photo 5) are our student helpers. They are students in Tracey's freshman Business English class. Part of their course assignment is to meet with a native English speaker weekly and "assist" with whatever is needed. So far they have helped us get new tires on the car, get the emission test completed on the car, find the university swimming pool and buy some needed products at the grocery store. We will have more for them to do as the weeks go by, but right now, we are just enjoying getting to know them.

Important people - all gifts from the Lord.