Family Trip: Muju

Since arriving here in Korea there had been one thing that has been continually impressed on my heart to accomplish. After a year and a half stay here in Korea, I anticipated accomplishment of this venture. But during that time, in the middle of the night, I awake with food sickness that left me on the bathroom floor vomiting with my head spinning. (Make sure you check the exasperation dat on that kimpap from the convenience store.) My friend Baam and his family soothed me and brought me to the hospital. As morning came I was saddened that after the long anticipated trip, I would not make it to the hometown of Baams dad; Muju. 

Country Side Mountain Side
Muju

After a year later here I am getting this very same opportunity. Being able to visit this man's hometown who has been a dad to me since arrival, has been a value of mine. Maybe this value was stirred from Uganda. Being the importance of the children visiting the homeland of their father. Or from the simple importance of what it means to know your own family members. Or even so, maybe out of pure curiosity, as I enjoy discovery and asking questions. Anyway here is what happened... 

In 5 minuets would we hit the destination that as highly anticipated. A small plot of land, in a village on the other side of the mountain of Muju town. "Dad, did you still have friends around the area?" "Dad, is your school still here?" "Dad, what did you plant?" During his youth he was a farmer. He oftentimes describes the lifestyle and culture being similar to the villages of Uganda since at that time houses, infrastructure, and roads were underdeveloped. He even told me that if he wanted to learn English, one of the nearest locations would be an hour and a half drive away. (In our dialogue we primarily speak in Korea.) 

So excited to get this shot with mom and dad! :)

We drove through the winding roads that drifted in and out of the village with humble houses on the left and a sparking stream on the right.  We arrived at the place my Korean dad spent his youth. We pulled into a small parking lot with my Korean sister and mom with eyes as wide as the lot itself. It wasn't much of a description. It was near a stream with a small house and rock road. 

We didn't get out of the car. For a moments glance we looked. Then as soon as we arrived, we left. We were now on our way back to the resort, where we would get some rest. Questions on questions resided in the car as we headed back to the resort. "How did you get across the stream without a bridge, since you had to go to school?" (The village had a boat.) "Did you have fires with your friends?" "What food did you plant? "Did you always want to move to the big city of Seoul?" 

To my surprise my questions faded away as my mom asked more and more. My dad's responses were of elaborate answers and a heart of remembrance. Their conversation started to drift farther and farther into a more difficult words. Mostly unknown to the questions and answers with the conversation, I sat relaxed delighting in the interest my parents were having with each other. My Korean dad is a humble quite individual but with questions and conversation he happily answered with thoughtful care. His humility and gentleness being a quality that I have oftentimes admired about him.

Peak of Deogyusan

Now we are on the road back home. Muju apples and luggage in the trunk and a resting family in front; mom at the left sound asleep, sister in the front dozing off, dad at the wheel peaceful and calm, I in the back writing and reflecting. And now I wonder... Do I know my family as much as I should? The family I grew up with. The one who nursed me, the one who paid the bills. Do I know the life stories of those of my dad and mom, grandma and grandpa, brother and sister, and or family all together. Now there are anticipations of will be returning to the United States. Simple but profound but as I anticipate the travels to the United States I look forward  to the simple beauty of serving, dwelling, and knowing family. 

Also to the reader, do you know your family? The history, the past, and the in-between? I encourage you to embark also on a journey with a heart posture as such, to simply know them. Showers of blessings on the endeavors. 

Grace and peace, 

Jarid