April 14, 2012 Robin and Aileen, Korea

True story:

It is local (Mayor and council) election time here in South Korea.  Just a wee bit different!

Local parties have names but they are also given numbers.  This is done to help the old understand who they want to vote for. So there are numbers 1 to 9. Some of these cards have Braille to help the sight-impaired.
Electioneering is done by flooding the area with ladies who are dressed in jacket, caps, gloves, shoes all adorned with the party number.  They bow low to everyone who walks or drives past.  They then proceed to give out cards with the member's photo and some brief details. There are also trucks. These are covered with posters and have loud speaker systems. The trucks blast (correct word) us with music preceding the short speeches.  Music is a campaign slogan to well-known tunes. These tunes include " Jesu Joy of Man's Desire", "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer"' and "Mary had a little Lamb" !!!!

While this doubtful music is assailing your ears, the ladies all line up and do dances to the music. Usually on a major road. If only the Australian Labor party knew about this method of campaigning they might have a "song of a chance" next election.
Korean Culture/history 
We are so impressed by the Korean people.  We have found them friendly, happy and polite.  It is a great joy to be here.  In many ways they are like Australians.  Like us they have a healthy distrust of politicians. Since the Korean war (cease fire 27/7/53) they have had 11 presidents. The history of these early Presidents is somewhat bleak. One was overthrown by a military coup, one assassinated  by his head of security, two imprisoned for corruption.  The prison terms they received were long - 17 and 22 years - but they were later pardoned.   Another was accused of bribery and committed suicide.  They are a people who rely on and trust their "group" be it home town, university or high school.

Us

We had a school outing, but it rained all day!

We continue to be involved in Sunday School and our EXPO English class.  There is the normal Korean church and an English language service so Sundays are busy.  We try to see as much as we can and usually go out for long walks during our couple of hours of free time in the afternoon, and try to go out somewhere sightseeing on Saturdays.  Some of our students are separated from their families (wife and children) and travel home Friday night (4-5 hours) and back on Sunday night.  Others struggle with where they are headed and where God would lead them.  Living in community with them and sharing meals means that we start to feel that they are like our children. 

Spring has arrived and last Saturday we were out walking (and climbing) for 3 hours in the wild flowers.  Wonderful.


Greetings to you all.  Our prayers are with you.

Peace and Grace
Robin and Aileen

Our walk to Youngchi Mountain to the wild flowers.  Absolutely stunning.

Hundreds of people hike up to see this display that lasts about 2 weeks.