I am now back in the great town of Fulton, IL. Arriving in Fulton last Saturday night at about 11 pm, I began to reflect a little more deeply on my time in Korea. Up till that point I was still traveling and just reveling in what I had just done.
Many people have asked me if I was greatly encouraged by the Korean people and Christians more specifically and every time I am asked I want to say, “Yes”. I am asked if I was impressed by the faith and prayer of the Korean people and of course I want to affirm their assumption. This was a weird trip. This was the first time I went overseas or traveled for the purpose of ministry where I felt like the people did not immensely minister to me. I have been traveling with Dwight for 5 summers now, I spent 1 month in India and spent 10 days in Greece and in each of those trips and missions I have felt that I was the one ministered to in those situations. Many of you who have been on missions trips no exactly what I am talking about. In fact a common statement after returning from a short missions trip is, “I went there expecting to minister to them and they ministered to me.” You know it's true. I was just reading the Taylor University Spring Break TWO (Taylor World Outreach) booklet and most of the people who commented wrote something to that affect.
I have been home now for 7 days and I struggle with what actually happened on my trip to Korea. I loved every second of it, but to what avail? While in Korea and in travel I really questioned for what purpose was I in Korea and for what purpose was I taking these people's time?
Those questions I believe are beginning to be answered in my first few days back in America. I knew I was doing some sort of ministry, but my ministry has been fleshed out daily as I continue to communicate with people from Korea via email. These emails are filled with questions about America, the Church, girls and life. The curiosity has awakened within me a new curiosity for life too. I am forced to dig deep within my well of knowledge to answer what I can. I must pray more, read more and ask more questions. I can only hope and pray that as I continue to write and dig, I strengthen and encourage my brothers and sisters in Korea.
A new part of my journey is beginning.