Land of the Morning Calm

As I look back on my experiences so far, I realize that being a witness is not all about preaching or converting. It's about using my talents in helping further God's kingdom.
By: Dawn Alefaio

Living in South Korea the past 8 months has been an exciting, adventurous and rewarding experience. Sure, I’ve had my share of challenges and hardships but if you were to ask me if there have been any regrets, my answer is ‘No.'
Being in a foreign country in an environment and culture totally different to my own has taught me many things and opened my mind to life and the world around me. Initially I had set out to see the world but I ended up seeing God more clearly.

Here I am in the “Land of the Morning Calm” serving as a missionary and conversational English Teacher in Daejeon, a city two hours south of Seoul. As I anticipate returning home in the near future, I feel a great sense of sadness knowing that I will be leaving behind a country and people I have grown to love.

South Korea is a beautiful country in its own right despite its social and economic problems. I arrived during the last stages of winter. The first thing that caught my eye upon arrival was the beautiful snow. Being raised in the Pacific Islands particularly in Samoa, seeing snow was a big deal. I must admit I’ve lived in Australia for a few years but I’ve never seen this much snow in my life. It was absolutely beautiful.

Although there have been the occasional glances and curious stares, I’ve found the Korean people to be very friendly and polite, constantly bowing as a sign of respect with the random English phrase here and there. At times, the language barrier makes communication difficult but after a few lessons of basic Korean from my students I’ve learned to pick up key words and interpret actions and gestures. The most important lesson for me being here is to always take a translator with me whether it is to the post office, bank or shopping downtown.

As a teacher, I teach students from elementary school level to adults of all ages and walks of life. In my adult classes you will find university students, housewives, professionals such as doctors, architects, military soldiers as well as retirees. In addition to my English classes I teach one religion class every term. My oldest student Mr Kim, a 62 year old retired author and mountain fanatic, has faithfully attended my Religion class over the last four terms.

The greatest joy of being a teacher is watching the progress of my students. Seeing their eager-to-learn faces and witnessing the improvement in their speech as they attempt to express themselves in fluently in English. Even better are the times when students approach me just to say thank you for the great job I’ve done. It makes me realize how worthwhile it is to be here and how my efforts are not being put to waste.

The most rewarding thing about my job is the lifetime friendships I have made. I am not only a teacher to my students but also their friend. Building relationships and trust involves spending time together whether it is climbing mountains, visiting tourist sights and attractions or the most common alternative of eating a meal together. In the case of the regular Korean it would be drinking a bottle of “soju” (the local Korean beverage) together. Since the latter is not an option for me, I have had the pleasure of dining in fine Korean restaurants and outlets.

I have grown fond of Korean food especially bibimbap, a combination of vegetables on rice and gimbap, rice wrapped in seaweed. After a series of hand cramps and sore fingers, I am proud to report that the chopsticks no longer sit useless and unused next to my plate. The fruits in Korea are divine. Each season brings a delightful, mouth-watering and delicious selection of fruits such as strawberries, persimmons, peaches, pineapple and watermelon.

As a Missionary, I am currently a member of the Daejeon SDA Institute church. Since the majority of our students are non-believers we provide weekend Bible activities for those diligent ones who wish to study English after school hours. These activities are also offered to cancel absences for those who exceed the class limit. We run a Translation club, where students read Bible texts in Korean and translate them in English and vice-versa. Another regular activity is the Signs Club and from its name you can tell that we provide articles from the Signs magazines followed by discussions and conversation on the day’s topic. These activities help us foreign teachers get to know our students better and allow us to share God’s word with them.

To be honest, I’ve never really considered myself a “witness for God.” I often asked myself how I can be called a missionary when I have no preaching skills, never converted a non-believer, yet here I am working as one. As I look back on my experiences so far, I realize that being a witness is not all about preaching or converting. It’s about using my talents in helping further God’s kingdom. My love for singing and praise and worship, my smiles, my friendship and the way I live my life reflects my love for God and his work. Since I cannot preach, I will sing more, smile and laugh more and be a friend more to those who need my friendship.

My time here has not gone without trials and tribulations. The initial homesickness and depression, the culture shock and the fear of not meeting the expectations of my students were minor contributing factors. My lowest moments were three months into my one year contract, when I received news of the deaths of not one but of three people (in three different countries and situations) that I loved so dearly. The hardest thing about it all was having to mourn alone and being so far away from my family and loved ones.

Whenever I think of life, the words of Ronan Keating’s song “Life is a Rollercoaster” naturally pop into my head. Life is definitely a Rollercoaster; we have our “highs” and our “lows,” our “ups” and our “downs.” I have been through these stages yet I have come out only remembering the thrills and excitement of the ride.

The Bible text that has carried me throughout my time here is 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your cares upon him because he cares for you.” I have so many fears about the future and where my life is headed but I have learned to “Let go and Let God.” Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you…”

God has been good to me and I’ve seen his leading hand and felt his ever present and providential help in my life. How have I felt God’s presence? Through the people around me, the smiles and laughs shared with new friends I have found in this foreign land, the gratitude and appreciation of my students, and the love and support of my local church.

I became a missionary because I wanted to see the world but instead I got to see God clearer than ever.

Dawn is a volunteer from Australia.