sunday

I half wondered if I would get dragged to church when Sunday rolled around. My aunt and uncle are Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses are the most in vogue as far as religion goes over here. Imo is the only family member that made me feel obligated to go to church. I don't mind. The only reluctance is the fact that I am not a Jehovah's Witness and knowing that those who are... like to get all up in your business. Though, I think Imo was less worried about converting me than she was about using me for show and tell. When we walked to our pew, everyone wanted to meet the "Miguk girl". Imo seemed to be very proud of her Miguk niece. There was a gigantic crowd around me, everyone was waiting in line. I'm pretty sure I met every member of the church. "Nice-eu to meet you?!" "Ahh, Miguk?!" "Beautiful eye!" "..." I also received a lot of hardcore stares.
It just so happened that all of the foreign ministry members sat in and around my pew. They spoke near-perfect english. The girl who sat next to me gave me an english copy of "Watchtower". Her name is Mor An. Thankfully she had and english name, Gloria, because her name is pronounced exactly like moron. The whole church smelled of unwashed clothes... the scent that you typically search for when deciding if you wanna throw your shirt in the wash-kind of smell. I think that a lot of Koreans will wear the same outfit to church every Sunday, they'll hang their church clothes up in the closet for weeks without being washed.
While the service took place (in Hangul) I read the entire Watchtower pamphlet. The most interesting parts I read were "Jehovah's Witnesses are the only true Christians", "how to prevent your children from avoiding temptations such as joining the school soccer team", and that "Satan created non-religious philosophies, evolution, and faulty religions that do not worship Jehovah". After the service, Gloria invited me to the many bible studies that they partake in. They gather pretty close to everyday, any chance they get. I said "thanks but no thanks". The fact that I'm moving to Gwangju saved me from having to make any commitments. No offense to Jehovah's Witnesses (just about all of them are incredibly nice people) but It's not my cup of tea... Also, according to the Jehovah's Witness club rules... I live a pretty evil existence just by loving sports, science, the humanities, and celebrating holidays.
My uncle, the church minister, asked me if I enjoyed the service. I just replied "I don't understand Hangul, Imobu." They left me alone after that. I appreciate the thought. I would like the people I love to share my passions too, so I guess I understand.

After church, the sun finally came out! I haven't seen sunshine since I've been in Korea. I asked if we could go for a walk before grabbing dinner.



(my aunt and uncle grabbing some yeoksusu (steamed corn) to snack on for our walk)