Adam and I took a trip back to our mission, Korea, a few weeks ago. These pictures are horribly out of order and unfortunately our camera died when we got to Seoul, but here's our itinerary: We first went to Jeonju, one of Adam's area's. We had a great first day, we went around to the old city's cultural sites and then went to a traditional opera concert, but it was honestly really hard to relax. We felt like we were in a time warp- that we had finished our missions, college and had a baby and were now back to serve a mission again! It was weird, every apartment building we saw, we just tensed up, expecting to have to knock 500+ doors. We also kept looking for the missionaries everywhere we went, and since it was Friday, we wanted to crash their district meetings!!! We had to get a grip! So that night we decided that we had to get out of our mission boundaries. We went kapjagee, to Kwangju to see Kim Du Ree and go to church, which was the turning point of our trip. Words cannot express how wonderful it was to see the Korean saints from our mission thriving and doing well. We were so touched by the spirit. We ran (literally) to hop on a boat to Chejudo, an island off of Korea's Southern border. We spent a few days there, hiking and laying on the beach and then took an airplane to Seoul. We stayed at the temple and had a GREAT Korean meal. The best of the trip. And then we came home. Unfortunately I got pretty sick half way through our trip, but luckily I was able to enjoy the rest of the trip and we honestly had such a great time, and recommend going to anyone who is a returned missionary from Korea, it is totally worth it!
The Buddist Temple at Ma EE San (see below).
While I was at her house, I spoke to my mission trainer, Sis. Jo, who is 5 months pregnant with her first child! I spoke to them both about how when I first came to Korea I was in a house with Kim Du Ree, Ha hee sun and my trainer, all of whom were Korean. It was complete culture shock! The very next morning, 6:30, wake up time, they told me it was my turn to make breakfast. In my head, I was like "You have got to be kidding me!" But I just pulled out some mashed potato packets my mom had wisely stuffed in my luggage, and we ate mashed potatoes for breakfast with chopsticks!!
Even when I talked to them this trip, they said to me "You were so weird, you just slept all the time" and my response was "Next time you travel all the way to America, and live with 3 Americans, and have to start doing chores and missionary work the next day, you let me know, then we'll talk". ;)
Shoes outside of a Buddist Temple. Such a symbol of Asia.
We went to church in Kwangju, Nongsung ward, where Adam served. It was fast Sunday so Adam got up and bore his testimony. It was so wonderful, we are both total cry babies so ofcourse we were bawling our eyes out. Adam served in this ward eight years ago, and he baptised this man. Who then married this woman (sorry I don't remember their names) and they had a son shortly there after. They live in Seoul, but just happened to be attending the Nongsung ward while we were there. It was a joyous reunion and they told Adam that their son is about to turn eight and be baptised. This is the sweet joy the gospel brings.
A little restaurant outside of Jeonju university. We got Adam's favorite meal Ja jang myung and Tang Su Yuk. (Which we had 3 times that trip!! I am so mad, he totally dominated our eating experience!) We both LOVE that yellow moo! Take a bite and them wash it down with cool water!!! There is nothing more refreshing! Gatorade needs to visit Korea.
In front of the Seoul Temple. We stayed here our last night in Korea. We were able to do a session before we went home. It was truly spiritual is all I can say. To be in the Lord's house, doing the Lord's work for a people that you have given up so much to serve is inarticulable. We both cried again.
As we walked up to the temple, we saw this Sister, You Me Hee with some of her kids. She lived in both of our greenie area's in Cheongju. She recognized both of us immediately, and even said, "Do you remember when you came to my house and made us purple cows?" Honestly, we didn't expect a soul to remember us from our mission, it was six years ago, and there are missionaries in and out of areas about every 10 weeks or so. But we were astounded at the people who just walked up to us, and said "Hey Sis McArthur, Elder Heder, how's it going?" Like no time had even passed. We were so touched. This sister's husband is now the bishop of their ward. It's just amazing to see people who not only remember you but you've touched and they've touched you in some way and for you both to go your own ways and progress and then meet up again later is so profound.
Ma-ee-san. A mountain with a buddist temple at the top, we hiked on Budda's birthday. Some monk built up huge stone piles without mortar that have survived wind and rain for 150+ years.
Golden Budda's lined the inside of the temple.
Kimchi Pots.
Ajushi.
Seeing the cultural sights around Jeonju.
South gate to Jeonju's ancient city. Yes, Adam was very sad we didn't get a picture of him in front of the Geksa.