WONDER AND LIGHT
Two worlds collided into one. Our friends from the US, for over forty years, rained down in Yangpyeong, not two or four, but ten of them. Now, most are gray-haired and perhaps a little more fragile in our physical abilities, and tender-hearted, they still shone the same familiar smile I am used to seeing over the decades. The unmatched fall foliage was the main draw. After they had planned separately to visit Korea, they quickly discovered that they were all converging in Korea around the same time. Taking the Spirit’s cue, I invited them to come and visit us for two days in Yangpyeong.
On the 1st day of November, we met for lunch at our favorite local farm-to-table restaurant, a table laden with main dishes and an endless array of healthy and delectable side dishes (banchan). The owner, whom I’ve come to know well, gave us the best seats. We were boisterous and free, as if we owned the place. Joy in knowing and being known is a gift from heaven, I realize once again. It was a feast for our senses and bodies. It was a feast for my soul to see all ten of them together. Later, the owner told me, “Your friendship looks special,” and I simply grinned.
An hour later, they all entered our new house after hearing how God miraculously provided it for us. To them, it confirmed our testimony as they oohed and aahed. To me, it marked a milestone and a celebration of God’s goodness and faithfulness. As we celebrate the start of a new chapter, perhaps, in some mysterious way, they needed to bless us in person. And blessings they did. Armed with anointing oil from Jerusalem that our friends from the Philippines gave us, they walked from corner to corner of every room in our house, anointed, and blessed each space. Later, they offered naming our place “A place to behold” (바라보는집)—to behold God and one another. I was reminded that beholding one another as though we are beholding God is at the heart of hospitality.
After walking the nearby water garden trail, the one stop I knew we had to make was Kwak Jiwon Bakery. I alerted Chef Lee that I would be coming with my friends from the US. Made “famous” by my blog entries, they took pictures of the bright emerald blue building that looks like a quaint European three-story house, trimmed with white French windows. While I knew Chef Lee would be at the bakery, I did not know Professor Kwak would be present. They warmly welcomed us in as expected and served us three different kinds of breads, with lotus leaf teas. As conversations flowed and some tears were shed, I could almost pinch myself since I did not imagine these two groups of friends would intersect.
A café by the Bukhan River was our gathering place the next morning. The air was crisp and deliciously cold and crystal clear. Within days, the deeper hues of fall settled in, reminding us what we had been missing and reconnecting with our roots. Nature, through the effortless gifts of sights, sounds, and smells, has a way of touching our souls. It heals, mends, and gives until we finally surrender to its embrace.
One wise friend suggested that we do group Lectio Divina at the café. I proposed Matthew 6:22-34 in The Message version. While women met and shared in a warm, cozy indoors, comfortably looking out at the majestic mountains and the serene Bukhan River, men huddled tightly together like poor beggars outdoors, trying desperately to warm ourselves. But we did not mind being outside since we wanted to feel the cold, refreshing air. Verse 22 was highlighted to me right away, “Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light.” Wonder and belief in our eyes lead to light in our bodies. Wonder and belief leading to light made sense, as childlike wonder opens up all circuits of possibilities and beliefs, which prepares the ground for light to flood in. As nature is wonder, it is no wonder :) that light fills us in nature.
There was one other wonder. The wonder of two worlds colliding in Yangpyeong filled me with light. What were two separate worlds are now one integrated world. I could not help but chuckle, knowing our friends from the US have been to some of our intimate spots and met some of our dear friends in Yangpyeong. That is a wonder to behold.