CLOUDS
Our friends from Singapore arrived nearly a week ago, bringing a “Singapore Sling,” a signature cocktail with sweet, citrusy, and herbal flavors. Their presence has been sweet and grounding, reminding us that “the journey to heaven is heaven itself,” a powerful quote by St. Catherine of Siena. The citrusy and tangy notes awaken our senses and motivate us to stay faithful on our journey. The herbal qualities symbolize healing and therapy in our connection, enhanced by rice fields, vineyards, and cattle ranches. As we are in the process of settling in Yangpyeong, they accompanied us to Costco Korea and IKEA. They even joined us at a used car dealership, which was a fascinating experience because the process was so streamlined and efficient.
Tall October skies in Korea are unparalleled — so blue they momentarily take your breath away and evoke a collective “Ahh.” White cumulus clouds shift in size and shape, inviting us to keep our eyes open and not miss the spectacle. Occasionally, we see an impressive formation of wild geese escaping the cold for warmer weather. While my mind rushes at 100 mph trying to settle down, my eyes bask in the silent, slow, and wild transition from fall to winter. I gladly let my mind follow the feast of my eyes, as I have learned there is wisdom in the body.
As we recently discovered a Cloud Mountain Café near our Airbnb, we took our friends to the hillside café overlooking the open mountain ranges, both near and far. The foliage has not arrived yet, but the scenery was still breathtaking. More than the mountains and slow-changing colors, the blue sky engulfed everything below, reminding the earth below who the king is.
We were strolling along the picturesque walking path by the Bukhan River. The conversation was vulnerable, deep, and sacred, reminding us that the journey to heaven is heaven itself. The journey to heaven is not heaven because our experiences are heavenly, but because it teaches us what heaven is and will be, amid hardships, suffering, and joy. It is precisely because Jesus is our way. The journey itself is divine in our human form.
Right in the middle of our conversation, the silver lining in the cloud appeared, underlined with a bold shadow, almost urging us to notice. With impeccable timing, we instantly felt God’s presence and promise covering not only our conversations but also the journey we are on. Two words capture our journey in Korea so far: dramatic and generous. We have not lacked drama, with God’s goodness and faithfulness prevailing, resulting in generous, over-the-top gifts of our home and car.
Our friends’ presence also reminds us that our service focus is much larger and broader than Korea, extending across all of Asia. Their presence bears witness to God’s faithfulness and our journey to heaven.
Speaking of clouds, I want to close this week’s blog by sharing a poem from my friend, Linda Goh. She is a fellow poet in the CenterQuest Asia Poet Society. She was inspired to write the poem while visiting the Cloud Mountain Café.
Clouds
Spread across the clear blue sky
perched on the mountain top
so soft, so voluminous
so inviting
My neck craned
My eyes transfixed
Eyes and mind taking snapshots voraciously
I want to keep you forever with me.
What are you
but mere water droplets
yet so celestial
when crowded together
forming a community
reflecting the sunlight that hits you.
I’m beginning to think that
you remind me of
God’s tenderness
His playfulness
His wild imaginations
His endless possibilities
The endless meadow up in the sky
invites me to let my imaginations fly
to reflect the sunlight that hits me
They cajole, and tease anyone who cares to be free
to crane their necks
and
be whisked into
a wonderland of playfulness
into a whole new world!
