As we mentioned in Week 1, Korea is reportedly 50% "Christian." The other 50% is largely Buddhist. Sunday May 19 was Buddha's birthday, the most important festival of the year. These lanterns hang all around town. The ribbon below apparently represents some kind of prayer. This is all completely new to us and we have much to learn.
Buddhism is largely atheistic (there is no deity - Buddha was a man who achieved perfection). It teaches reincarnation and personal salvation through personal effort towards nirvana. Buddhism seems to have a broad philosophical impact on Korean society that is felt even among Christians.
On Sunday we drove to church. Transportation is a challenge in Korea. Driving is crowded and hectic, like any large Asian town. The u-turn lane built into this 8-lane street turns rush-hour traffic into a complex traffic jam.
Everything is small and crowded here. There is an underground parking garage under the church building. However, the entrance is so narrow you have to drive onto a turntable which rotates your vehicle to enter the parking garage. The van fits with only inches to spare.
My satisfaction at negotiating the corner successfully was short-lived. The ceiling inside is so low, I scraped the roof of the van going in. If the Threlfalls start talking of a vehicle replacement fund, you will know why. An inexperienced American has been driving their van for 6 weeks in Korea. Korean vehicles are generally much smaller than American counterparts, as this delivery truck illustrates. Notice the dent - this is fairly normal as well (I didn't do it, I promise).
Sunday I taught Sunday School and then preached the worship service. On Sunday mornings we are studying Malachi from the Mt. Calvary Sunday School curriculum, spreading the ministry of Mt. Calvary to the other side of the world. After church was a "fellowship meal." Kimbap is a traditional Korean food: rice and vegetables rolled in seaweed. We also had pizza, spaghetti, and other American foods.
You can't come to Korea without at least trying chopsticks.
Enthusiastic Jenny appointed herself babysitter for our kids at church. Here Stephen is showing off his new Korean alphabet skills for her.
On weekdays this week I went to Seoul Christian School to teach science classes and do the famous tablecloth demonstration ("inertia - it's not just a good idea, it's the law").
The church and school occupy the top 4th floor of the building. The roof is a fenced, covered playground.
On Wednesday our family rode the subway to church. During off hours it is quite comfortable. At rush hour, it is very crowded. Everyone is generally polite and often people give up their seats for our kids.
On Wednesday nights we are surveying the pilgrim psalms, recycling more Mt. Calvary material. Singing is enjoyable in this bilingual church. Koreans sing with enthusiasm, more so than most small American churches. The hymnbook has words in both Korean and English, and people sing whichever language is most comfortable for them. It works very well.
Thursday night is a three-hour session at the Seminary. Teaching through a translator is challenging. Listening to me talk for three hours through a translator is probably challenging as well. On this Thursday we surveyed the doctrine of creation through the Bible, and then considered a Biblical approach to environmentalism.
Bill is busy full time with all this teaching, but Jocelyn and the kids go to Central Park almost every day. This large roller-skating rink is a main attraction. American kids are very rare - our kids quickly attract a crowd. "English kids - cool!" We hope to give out tracts here this Saturday.
We are having many opportunities to meet Korean kids and occasionally their parents. Jocelyn was able to visit this Korean public school with the kids. It was some type of field day. These two girls were very friendly to our kids.
Most Korean food is very good. Here Jocelyn and the kids cook a Korean favorite - pizza. She has also made fried rice.
Our biggest frustration is not being able to read signs. The parking on this level is restricted to...
And if you drive on this street be sure not to...
