The last twenty four hours have been fun !!!

Last evening, May 11, was the Alumnae Banquet for the Yonsei College of Nursing. About 200 alums attended a wonderful dinner celebration at the 63 Building, the tallest building in Korea. John and I were special guests ( photo 1). The Alumnae Association President presented Dean Lee with a gift (photo 2). After dinner, the 25 year class performed in their hangboks - traditional Korean dresses (photo 3). A candle lighting ceremony and singing ended the evening- they sang a beautiful Korean song of blessing "We Were All Born to be Loved." (photo 4).

After the banquest, we went to the top of the building and saw the magnificent Seoul skyline at night. (Photos 5-8). Even though photos 5,6 & 7 are from post cards, they give a perfect view of this glorious city. John took the night shot in photos 8.

Today, we were invited over to the Seoul Foreign School, an International school near Yonsei where many of our friends teach. There were booths and entertainment from different countries ( photos 9 & 10) as well as a silent and live auctions as fund raisers. There were several international merchants selling beautiful wares - rugs, paintings, ceramics, furniture. This was a PTA event with the entire school participating. They had an international fair with food from every country where students reside. YUM. We had great fun tasting all the delicious treats ( photos 11, 12 & 13). John still likes Korean food, Korean people and Seoul best. He couldn't resist a picture with the Korean flag. ( photo 14).

The sunset tonight was spectacular (photo 15.)

Our good friends Gene and Cindy Erickson came to visit in early May

What a fun tine we have had with life long good friends. Cindy and Gene really "lived life" in Korea with us and were treated as "special guests" during their visit. We had dinner at Ralph and Daria's apartment on Monday (photo 1) and dinner at the Yonsei University President's home on Tuesday evening. It was a barbeque in honor of the Yonsei International Scholars. Dean Lee joined in the festivities (photo 2). Gene and Cindy took in some of the palace sights (photo 3) and thoroughly enjoyed our day with Molly Holt at Holt International Adoption Services (photo 4). Since Cindy has two adopted nieces from this Korean agency, it was a special day for her. They joined in the student Bible Study group that John teaches on Fridays (photo 5) and then enjoyed cooking their own dinner at our favorite restaurant called Shabu Shabu (Swish Swish - photo 6).

A highlight was dinner at the home of our good friends Dr Euisook Kim and Suk Won Hong. Other close friends Dr Susie Kim and Dr Lee WonHee were there as well ( photos 7-10).

We took the KTX bullet train to Pusan to see Sveta and new baby Eugene ( photo 11). Sveta's mom is with her from Vladivostok (photo12). We spent the rest of the day enjoying the warm weather and the beach in Pusan (photo 13).

The day Cindy and Gene left, they enjoyed one last meal with our pastor, Prince Charles and his wife, Princess Monica ( photo 14).

Thanks for coming and sharing our lives. It was a glorious week.

Keimyung University in Deagu

A recent trip to Daegu provided a fun time with students at Keimyung University (photos 1 & 2) and a relaxing Saturday with friends in Gyeongju, a historic city in the mountains known for its many tombs. It was the capital of the Shilla Empire for more than 1000 years and is the location of hundreds of ancient royal tombs - see the mounds behinds us. (photo 3). We really enjoyed our day of sightseeing. The weather was perfect.

Our visit to YUST , Yanji , China

In mid April we spent a week up in Yanji, China, a city in northern China near the Russian and North Korean border. John and I were invited to teach at Yanbian University of Science and Technology (YUST) College of Nursing. The university has four colleges: Nursing, Architecture, Languages and Business. Faculty come mainly from Korea, but we met some from the US, France and Australia as well. Buildings are all connected by elevated passageways called "The Great Wall" ( photo 1). The campus overlooks the city below ( photo 2). I was named an adjunct faculty and presented with a YUST pin by the Vice President ( photo 3). The faculty were warm and welcoming ( photo 4). We were amazed at the intelligent and dedicated students. We taught the seniors who were attentive and very fluent in English. (photo 5)

Before we left, we had the opportunity to travel up to the point where the borders of China, Russia and North Korea intersect. (photo 6). John and I stepped into North Korea by standing midway on the bridge which crosses the Tumen River ( photos 7 & 8). A highlight was meeting the Gomez family. They invited us to dinner at their apartment the last evening we were there. Guillaume ( the father) is from France and teaches French and computer science . Tess (his wife) is from Jamaica: they met in Beijing. Their three daughters (Rebecca, Rachel, and Stephanie) are delightful.

The Beauty of the Easter Season

Our church has a beautiful tradition each Easter. Everyone brings cut flowers and during the service, there is a special time where all of us "decorate" the cross. The result is spectacular. The brown wooden cross is transformed into a thing of beauty, reminding us of the resurrection and new life in Jesus. (photos 1 & 2). In late April, Seoul is transformed into a picture of total beauty as the red, pink, purple and white Azaleas are everywhere ( photos 3-6). The hugh bushes provide a fitting backdrop for a happy couple ( photo 7).

May is Budda's birthday. The temples reflect God's handiwork ( photo 8) and the streets are lined with colorful lanterns ( photo 9).