Hello again from Korea! Today has been a long day filled with people and meetings, but it has been encouraging. This morning, we set off for the MTC, the missionary training center associated with OMS's church here, to see their new group of missionaries. These individuals have each gone through about 7 months of training, interviews, and examinations. to come to the point that they are at today--commissioning. After intensive preparation, these families have received their country assignments and will be released to raise support and subsequently, enter the field. Today was quite exciting, especially for my Grandfather, as I could see he was touched by the service that these young families have offered to their Father.
The picture to the left shows all of the families who are heading to the mission field, along with their instructors and beneficiaries. It was a significant morning for the Korean church. After the ceremony, we ate a traditional Korean meal, and it was ok. Not awesome, but it was edible, and a little on the bitter/spicy side. I'm glad that they enjoyed it. From that point, we set off to Seoul Theological University (STU), which was started by OMS missionaries about 100 years ago. I was thoroughly impressed by the place, as the campus looked as though a small Christian college was transplanted from the U.S. and filled with Koreans. We first met with the Dean of Student Affairs to discuss the University's centennial celebration.
From there, we went to meet with the President and the Dean of Academic Affairs in the main offices. It is in this meeting that I realized how small the world really is. The president of the University did some time researching at Duke University and attended church in Greensboro! How cool is that? Also, another professor in the meeting had lived in Greensboro for a few years and one of his nephews started a Korean church in the 'boro. I love coincidence. After finishing the meeting, we took some time to walk around and see the campus. The picture to the left is the outside of the music building which houses not only classrooms and practice rooms, but two chapels. One of these chapels is small, but one is larger than Westover, seating over 3,000 people.
It is incredible to consider the masses of people that are in Asia. Seoul is a city of 14 million people, which is many times the population of dear-ole Greensboro. Though the size and quantity of everything here in Seoul is impressive, one thing I miss about America is our easier driving and shorter transit time. Traffic here is intense, disorganized, and incredibly dangerous. I was told today that Koreans only stop at a red light if there is traffic coming the other way. Hmmm.... And, the greatest parts about Korean roads are the scooters going between the cars. When you think it is safe to merge... VROOM, a kindly old Asian speeds past with a wooden crate strapped to the back of his Gold Winds. In fact, I snapped a picture of J.P. and his scooter on the road today (to the left). Anyways, until next time....
More pictures at picasaweb.google.com/nate.tilley/Asiatrip
nate.
