Dajeon, China, Korea

Just a thought about Christianity. Perhaps the power of Christianity, and a close Christian community is in our words. Each one of us have our opinions about other people. Let's be honest whether you state it or not is besides the point. And at times we want to share these opinions. But from the teachings of Christ, most of us try to at least not speak, and pray about the situations between people. (Let's just say, I have been guilty of the opposite many times, but still trying to change) But once a bond is felt, is created - through prayer and patience, some Christians will speak their mind, with love and sincerity. And hopefully the other person, humble and open to the thoughts of their brother or sister in Christ, will listen attentively to those thoughts, and really think about changing their life according to the advice received. And with this, within a community of Christians there is change and more love for one another. (This comment is not intended to take away from God's power to change us, but I believe a process of change is above) But the flip side of this, is that within a community of Christians, more often than not there is mistrust, dishonesty, and people pretending to be people they are not.

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One thing that I have absolutely come to admire about Korea, is it's recycling program. I have been told it is the law separate paper, plastic and biodegradable items in the trash. That is not the admirable part, but everyone here I have met, and the trash they produce - truly try their best to separate the three categories to make it easier for the workers whom I suppose pick up the trash, and recycling. Even if such a law is enacted in the United States, very few would actually follow and obey the law. The simple matter of recycling I think is a reflection on the whole country in general.

Comparing China and Korea, now both developed nations, I truly enjoy my time in Korea more. As of now, I have spent more time in Korea than China, after I moved away from China when I was five years old. But each time, I have went back to China, I see chaos. As people board the bus, the subway, the train, I simply see chaos. Arguably China has more people at those places, but many times in the Seoul subway system, or bus system there I believe is a similar density of people at all needing to board a bus or subway. In China, there is only a hectic rush and push and shove into the bus. But here in Korea, there also is a rush, but without the hectic rush. No one is pushing, no one is yelling, no one is being sandwiched between two people.

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I went to Dajeon yesterday by bus, for a seminar for work. I was pleasantly surprised at the ease at which it is to travel between cities here. It was only 10,000 won from Seoul to Dajeon, and a nice 1.5 hour nap. The bus was clean, the bus was not crowded, and the view of the countryside in Korea was refreshing. Comparing the country between China and Korea, there seems to be not too much of a difference, but to my surprise, along the way, I saw two castle structures in the middle of the country - but to my disapointment both structures only said motel.

In Dajeon, the seminar was at a small church. At the seminar, I was told it was a gathering of 12 small churches. They were gathered to learn about Christian education from my director. Yesterday, I observed two important things. The first being the passion, the director here has for Christian education. During the seminar, I really saw in her face, her passion and her willingness to sacrifice for this mission. Although, to be honest, the mere amount of stuff that needs to be done everyday is not the best for her family. I respect her passion and sacrifices nonetheless. And second observation occurred over the past month here. We hear a lot about the large super mega duper churches in Korea. But while attending a small church, and seeing many more small churches, I believe the heart of Christianity here in Korea are in these churches. To see so many people gathered yesterday, passionate about bringing change in their own churches, and really changing the community around them was so encouraging. These pastors cannot possibly earn much money, or any at that, but it is a life of faith for them.

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