Sunday

We are very fortunate that the Mormon Church has a great ward in Ansan, Korea. The people could not have been more loving and accepting of us. Many people made a great effort to speak with me in English. I was surprised how well they spoke, even the children could speak some. Going to church here is serious business. We left at 8:30 a.m and didn't return until 2:30 p.m. Wow! That is six hours! And most people think Mormons are crazy for doing 3 hours! They had a lunch altogether after church and then most of the people stayed for choir, which as you can see below, they recruited Dave for.

I would have loved to sing as well, but I can't read Korean yet. They did find a way to include me, though. One of the songs they were practicing was the theme song from "Beauty and the Beast." It was beautiful to hear in Korean. The Koreans wanted to hear it in English, so they somehow convinced David and I to sing a duet for them. I was so glad Dave was so willing sing for them. It turned out to be a very fun experience for both of us.

Most of the time during choir, I just played with the children. They absolutely adore Lucy and won't leave her alone for a second. The cute girl on my right in the picture below even wanted to help me change Lucy's diaper. She grabbed a wipey and started helping me wipe. I didn't know how to tell her not to in Korean, so I just let her help me.

Here is a picture of the Lucy fan club.
Here is their chapel. I thought it was beautiful, so I took a picture. I wanted to get one of the outside of the building as well, but I was out of batteries.

A few people at church asked me how long we were staying. When I told them a year, they asked "why not longer?" "Can you stay longer if you want" I said yes, and so they said "Well, we will have to work hard to make you like it here." How can you not love these people! They are so kind. I was also offered to tutor some of the children in the ward. It would be a great job because I would work at the same time as David, be able to bring Lucy along and get to eat dinner with the families. I hope it will work out, because I am sure I would love to spend time in Korean homes, truly getting to know the families and culture. One family gave us a ride home. The Mother asked me if I had very many friends here. I said that I didn't yet and then asked if she wanted to be my friend. She was thrilled and said she would visit, then I could teach her English and she could teach me Korean. They sang me a little song in Korean and English they had learned. It was cute and had funny words:

"Three little bears in a house"
"Daddy bear, Mommy bear and baby bear"
"Daddy bear is Fat Fat Fat"
"Mommy bear is thin thin thin"
"Baby bear is cute cute cute"
"La la la la Very Good"

I loved singing it with them. Being here so far truly feels like we are living in a dream. I love the children. I love the people. The people are what make an experience and I can tell this is only the beginning of wonderful friendships!