March 10, 2008

Dear Friends and Family,

This month Simon and I have to write our letters separately.

While we were in New York at Christmas assisting the Stony Point Center with their business plan for 2008, we were asked to make a special trip to Louisville. Simon was asked to serve as the interim coordinator for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) starting immediately, that is, January 2, 2008. That was the day ten years ago that we started our first appointment as mission co-workers. We discussed and prayed about our living arrangement. After a month of discernment, we came back to Daejeon together, but Simon went back to Louisville after a week.

During the last 10 years we told our friends that being together 24/7 was the most difficult part and also our favorite part of missionary life. Care to guess who said it was difficult? I was called to be with my husband and support him during the 33 years of our marriage. I have not had any responsibility other than being a loving mother and supportive wife. Now I have a clear sense of my own call here at Hannam University.

East Asia mission personnel retreat was held here on the Hannam campus from February 19 to 25. Forty PC(USA) missionaries from China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Japan, and Korea, and five staff members from the World Mission office in Louisville attended. During the time when we shared about our ministries, I told everyone that “graceful presence” is my ministry. My role is to be here at the chaplain’s office and be available when someone needs me. Doesn’t it sound like being a mom? Many students call me “aunt” or “mom.” Once a student introduced me to his friends as a person with whom he can meet and talk easily. That’s when I was sure that this was my call. I have always been serving in that role, but I expected something greater than just being a mom. Now I am proud of myself as a mom to 13,000 students and staff. I thank God for giving me a task that I so love.

This week was a very busy one for me. The new school year just started. About 3,000 new students entered a new stage of their life with hope and also with a lot of anxiety. I was one of those. I also started my studies in the master’s program in Christian counseling at this university.

As a team, Simon and I have always said that mission has two parts: “being” and “doing.”  Over the last 10 years, my part has always been “being” and Simon’s has been “doing.”  As a solo, I have to do more “doing,” and I need more professional skills. That is why I started the program. I have to do well in my studies as a role model for my own children and for other missionary-kids. I have confidence in Christ, but honestly I am scared.

During the first class I learned that Jesus was the best counselor. It is interesting to hear good stories about Jesus and our fellow missionaries as good counselors. After all, missionary life is to imitate Jesus.

I do not know how long Simon and I will live separately. Thanks to Skype, a free Internet phone service, we talk with each other every day. We share stories of our daily lives and encourage each other. The time difference is about 13 hours, so we tell each other to “have a good day” and “have a good night.”

I am doing fine so far. Thanks be to God that he uses me and trains me in his unique and loving ways. I will let you know how it goes. Meanwhile, pray for me and Simon.

In Christ, 

Haejung

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, 101