CW5 Paul Holton, aka, Chief Wiggles was one of the most recognized bloggers starting in 03-04 in Iraq when he interrogated Saddam’s Generals who surrendered.  He asked people to send him Toys and he started Operation Give.    Blog site is: www.chiefwiggles.com .

“From Iraq in 2003-2004, to Iraq in 2010-2011, now to South Korea in 2011, I have been blogging during these several deployments and military assignments; now hoping to make a difference in South Korea and hopefully someday in North Korea. In each and every place and on every assignment, I search for the perfect storm, the perfect opportunity to fulfill the goal of Operation Give, winning the hearts and minds of people in need around the world. Filled with hope and faith, looking for doors to open, paths to be cleared and opportunities to drop from heaven as they always have,”

 

I blog on…..      Follow the Jounrney…….

 

Chief Wiggles

Military blogger Paul Holton (aka Chief Wiggles within in the online community) who became the first interrogator to publish a book based on his experience and his original blog from Iraq – is back in Iraq, and he’s blogging once again.

If you recall, The Military Writer’s Society of America recognized Paul Holton with their “Humanitarian Award for 2005” for his blog turned book: “Saving Babylon: The Heart of an Army Interrogator in Iraq.”

In addition to blogging, Chief Wiggles also runs Operative Give.

www.chiefwiggles.com    Non-­profit organization:  www.operationgive.org

Quote from JP Milblogging.com

The mission of Operation Give  is to bring hope and solutions to the deprived and disconnected people of the world, in many cases where the U.S. military operates. We will provide assistance to the U.S. Military men and women in winning the hearts and minds of the people in these regions where the military is serving, in order to ease their suffering, and prepare them for a brighter future.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Missing my Children:

Due to a number of extenuating circumstances a few weeks have passed since I have been able to write in my blog. I apologize to any out there who might have become accustomed to hearing from me through this medium and vow to do better in the future. Fortunately this evening I have been able to dedicate enough time to perhaps bring you up to speed on what has been going on in our lives here in South Korea, the land of the morning calm, as it is often referred to.

With all that has been going on over in Korea in my new assignment in G9 Civil Affairs and for that matter in my life over the past couple of years, I have hardly had time to catch my breath. With hardly a break in-between my last deployment to Iraq and my new military assignment here, it seems that I have been on a perpetual ride, traveling through one culture and place in time to another. I was home for only a little over a month before I had to jump on another plane flying me the other way around the world, to a place so different in every way from Iraq.

Without boring some of you who already know the situation of my travels here, I have to say that coming here at this time in my life, under these circumstances, has been nothing short of a miracle and now in hindsight I can see that it was definitely meant to be. Unfortunately for my family, this personal journey of mine has come with its sacrifices and challenges, forcing me to be away from all of them for long periods of time. At some point I hope they will understand how necessary of a separation it has been for me personally.

I do miss them deeply and think about them every day of my life, no matter how busy or preoccupied I might be. For the sake of my own sanity, I am forced at times to get caught up in my work, so as not to be constantly worrying about their wellbeing. The flame of my love for each of them burns brightly, never flickering or dimming and I can only hope they each know that. In that I have the least amount of contact with my daughter Dana and her daughter Katella, I can honestly say I yearn for them the most, wishing they would take the time to send me an email or call me more often.

Fortunately, two of my sons, Matthew and Michael with his family, have been able recently to spend some time visiting us here in South Korea and my third son, Daniel, will be flying over sometime next week, if all goes well. It has made a huge difference to all of us to be able to spend some quality time together, in their mother’s homeland. They all appear to have gained many new insights into the culture their Mother grew up in and perhaps a better understanding of why she is the way she is.

 

The Boys are in Town:

A Day on the DMZ

The bus pulled away from the Dragon Hotel inside the confides of the US army base we refer to as Yong San, or Dragon Hill. It was early, the air still quite cool from the lack of sunlight the night before, the weather of Korea still not sure if it has decided to be spring or not. With a certain amount of excitement and perhaps trepidation of the unknown (for those that had not been there before), we headed north to the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone, less than an hour away. With Grandmother, my wife, watching the baby back at the house, the four of us, my two sons and Michael’s wife Kaitlin, were looking forward to a full day of touring the DMZ, the line separating North and South Korea. In a state of continual armistice, for the past 60 years the line of demarcation has separated these two countries, one a totalitarian, single-party Stalinist dictatorship and the other a thriving democratic/capitalistic state, now one of the top ten economies in the world.

With a plate full of KimBap and a few other Korean goodies to tide us over, we ventured on to catch a glimpse of what life is like on the other side of the line and to better understand what it might be like to have an enemy so close to Seoul, one of the largest cities in the world.

Within a few minutes we had left the urban sprawl of Seoul, traveling into more rural surroundings, out in the countryside of rice fields, small villages, and densely forested mountains. Our tour guide came on the intercom to inform us we had passed through the southern boundary of the DMZ, into no-mans land, populated mostly by migrating birds who have transformed this area into their own private refuge or sanctuary.

Looking across the DMZ, northward, one could easily notice the striking contrast between the treeless mountains of the north and the thickly forested mountains of the south. After many years of drought, floods, and a shortage of heating fuel for those many freezing cold North Korean winter nights, the North Koreans have been forced to cut down any available trees to heat their wood and warm their homes.

Moving northward through the DMZ, towards Pan Mun Jpm, our tour guide welcomed us to Camp Bonifas.

“Camp Bonifas[2] is a United Nations Command military post located 400 meters south of the southern boundary of the Korean Demilitarized Zone. It is 2400 meters south of the military demarcation line and lies within the Joint Security Area (JSA), also known as Panmunjom. The Military Demarcation Line (or 38th Parallel) forms the border between South Korea (the Republic of Korea) and North Korea (the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea).

Camp Bonifas is home to the United Nations Command Security Battalion- Joint Security Area, whose primary mission is to monitor and enforce the Armistice Agreement of 1953 between North and South Korea. Republic of Korea and United States Forces Korea soldiers (known as “security escorts”) conduct the United Nations Command DMZ Orientation Program tours of the JSA and surrounding areas. The camp has a gift shop which sells DMZ- and JSA-related souvenirs.

The camp, formerly known as Camp Kitty Hawk, was renamed on August 18, 1986, in honor of U.S. Army Captain Arthur G. Bonifas (posthumously promoted to major), who along with 1LT Mark T. Barrett, were killed by North Korean soldiers in the “Axe Murder Incident”.
There is a par 3 one-hole “golf course” at the camp, which includes an Astroturf green and is surrounded on three sides by minefields.[3] Sports Illustrated called it “the most dangerous hole in golf” and there are reports that at least one shot exploded a land mine.[3]
Kevin Sullivan of The Washington Post reported in 1998 that Camp Bonifas was a “small collection of buildings surrounded by triple coils of razor wire just 440 yards south of the DMZ” that, were it not for the minefields and soldiers, would “look like a big Boy Scout camp.”

Our bus pulled up to a large granite building, our guide referred to as the Freedom house, through which we walked in order to see the small blue-roofed buildings of PanMunJom, where the Military Armistice Commission still periodically hold talks with North Korea.

One travel guide on the Internet put it this way,

“Once you have been given your guest badge you are driven the short distance to Panmunjom itself. Until the 1950′s this was a small farming hamlet, nowadays the village has been replaced by some grand buildings surrounding three blue huts. In all honesty, there is nothing of real interest to see here, what you’re paying for is the chance to see the Cold War at full freeze. From the marching North Korean guards looking at you through binoculars to the South Korean elite troops with mirrored sunglasses (for extra intimidation) and dozens of chains swinging from their trousers(to fool the North Koreans that there are more soldiers around than there really are) this is a one-off experience. Of particular note is the P’anmun-gak building on the North Korean side of the JSA. Built in 1969 on the highest point of elevation in Panmunjom, this is a full one meter wider than its equivalent Freedom House(built by the South Koreans in 1965). An ornate looking three-story building with huge windows, P’anmungak is nothing but an elaborate facade with a depth of only six meters.

You’ll be taken from Freedom House into the hut where the Military Armistice Commission still periodically hold talks. If you saw the episode of ‘Full Circle’ in which Michael Palin came here then you’ll already be familiar with the interior of the hut(a table is situated in the middle of the room with flags at both ends and microphone cables-denoting the border between North and South-running across the centre). If you remember the contents of the program you’ll also be more than vaguely aware of the speech the escort makes after you crowd around the table: “Those of you on my left are now in the Communist North Korea, while those of you on my right are relatively safe in the Democratic South”. Under the watchful eye of two South Korean soldiers you are then free to cross the border by walking around the right hand side of the table. Throughout, the soldiers remain still in an extremely menacing looking Taekwondo stance.

One funny story that sums up the atmosphere at the Armistice meetings relates to the respective flags of the two nations: One day, a flag was brought in by one side that was larger than the flag of the other. At the next meeting, this smaller flag was replaced by a flag larger than the at of the other side. On alternate meeting days, the respective sides brought in continually larger flags until they were finally too big to get into the building. Only then were the flags limited to their present size.

Before you leave the JSA you’ll also get a chance to see the North Korean community called “Propaganda Village” by the US. It’s a long distance away but you should be able to make out a number of high-rise buildings (hollow structures complete with painted windows we were told) as well as the world’s largest flag. Hung from a 160 meter tall flagpole, and proportionately large-the flag is so heavy that it tears in half whenever it rains. Apparently, the only sign of life in the village is the man who comes to take it down at the first sign of rainfall!

Of course, as with all things in this place, what one side does the other tries to do better. In this vein, you’ll be driven past Taesong-dong (termed “Freedom Village”) on your way back to Camp Boniface. Home to 200 inhabitants, the villagers are exempt from all taxes and national military service and farm an average of 17 acres of land (as opposed to 3 in the rest of the country). To live here your family had to have resided in Panmunjom prior to the outbreak of the Korean War.

One Very Unusual Thing Happened:

As we stood on the back steps of the Freedom House, looking past the several small huts of PanMun Jom, across the actual line of demarcation, towards the tall three-story building façade of P’anmungak, for the first time ever from my several trips, a crowd of North Koreans, mostly in military attire, had gathered on the steps on their side, appearing to be having their own tour of the DMZ. Then suddenly, two North Korean guards turned and marched towards the other side in traditional North Korean fashion, arms swinging side to side and legs thrust out in front of them step by step. It was definitely a first for me.

Entering the main blue-roofed building, we were actually able to see the negotiating table, which is split in half as the line of demarcation actually travels straight through the table, allowing you to stand in South Korea then move to the other side of the table to step foot in North Korea. All the time North Korean guards were peering in at us through the glass windows on the North Korean side. It was quite a treat for all of us there that day.

A Day at the Orphanage:

In hopes of delivering a large box of Tupperware toys donated by Tupperware Sales Agents back home, when my son Michael and his wife Kaitlin were in town, I had saved up these toys for such a special occasion. Taking advantage of their presence in South Korea, we picked a time one afternoon, to travel over to the orphanage to make the special delivery.

Through the steep winding backstreets from our house to South Mountain, we made our way over to the South Mountain orphanage. Up a hill and past a large somewhat famous girls high school, we finally entered the gates of the orphanage. At first glance it was a small but clean compound of several buildings, a few buildings obviously living quarters for the 60 some children ages 0 through 20. Aware of our approximate arrival, a small greeting party had gathered in front of the main office.

After being ushered into what appeared to be the main office, we met with the Managing Director and his staff, who at once proceeded to give us a tour of the facility, along with introducing us, at each step of the way, to the children living on the grounds. Arriving at cleaning time, we were able to witness first hand the well-behaved, well-mannered and disciplined nature of the children.

Our first stop was to the nursery where some 7 or 8 infants, ages 6 months to 16 months, had been placed to receive the mostly infant toys we had brought. Somewhat in awe of our unusual appearance and anxious to play with the toys, all of the infants remained relatively quite and well behaved. My own granddaughter, Maleah, was quick to jump into the middle of the others to help out in distributing the toys, not fully ware herself what was going on.

 

 

They were all so adorable, but yet for one reason or another had been abandoned by their biological mother and father. With no hope for adoption, the children are destined to be raised by the orphanage staff, who do their best I am sure to offer each child as much love and attention as is humanly possible. Each child is allowed to stay at the facility until they are able to graduate from college or decide to leave after high school.

It was a very special day for all of us, especially for my son and daughter-in-law, who were responsible for sending the toys to us in the first place. The children were all so wonderful, it was hard to leave when the time came. We were grateful to have been able to share a little bit of happiness with those very special children.

Love to All

Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

 

 

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The General was in town:

The landscape of leafless trees and brown winter foliage flashed past my window as we sped along the tracks at around 180 mph. Enjoying the more spaciously situated larger chairs of KTX’s first class, I sat comfortably enjoying the companionship of General Tarbet, the Adjutant General for the state of Utah. He has been my long time friend, who personally requested that I tag (no pun intended, only military people will get this one) along with him during his whirlwind two-day trip to Seoul, South Korea. I have known him since he was a 1st Lt and he has actually been my commander in one capacity or another to send me off on my three deployments to the Middle East. But I won’t hold that against him, given the overall outcomes of those life-changing mobilizations.

In the Korean’s version of the bullet train, the three of us sat along one row, with plenty of style, legroom, comfort and the occasional snack cart, we traveled the one hour and fifty minutes from Seoul to Daegu. All of this made for easy conversation, the sporadic cat nap and of course there was plenty of time for the customary barrage of sarcastic jabs and bantering. I personally truly enjoy General Tarbet’s great sense of humor and his no frills leadership style.

Looking out the train window I thought for a moment I was back in 1971, making my way by train from Seoul to Daegu (spelled Taegu back then), as a missionary with my transfer in hand, in route to meet up with Greg Newby, my new companion. The train was must slower then and the living conditions drastically different, but the country side, the mountains were still basically the same. The steep mountains and terraced hillsides, with numerous small villages nestled up into every ravine and narrow valley, reminded me of the many memorable moments I have spent over the years out with the country/farm people of Korea.

With its old style Hanok homes, terraced rice fields, and unique calmness and solitude, the countryside of South Korea has always had a certain allure and magnetism to me. Also, with out a doubt the country folk are definitely different in many ways from city folk, still exemplifying a special humbleness that attracted me back in the 70’s and still does.

“Hanok is a term to describe Korean traditional houses. Korean architecture lends consideration to the positioning of the house in relation to its surroundings, with thought given to the land and seasons.
The interior structure of the house is also planned accordingly. This principle is also called Baesanimsu (배산임수), literally meaning that the ideal house is built with a mountain in the back and a river in the front, with the ondol heated rock system for heating during cold winters and a wide daecheong (대청) front porch for keeping the house cool during hot summers.

Houses differ according to region. In the cold northern regions of Korea, houses are built in a closed square form to retain heat better. In the central regions, houses are ‘L’ shaped. Houses in the southernmost regions of Korea are built in an open ‘I’ form. Houses can also be classified according to class and social status.”

Before I knew it the train was pulling into East Daegu, our stop, forcing us to gather up our few belongings in preparation to jump off the train, of course after it stops. No sooner had we exited the train then we spotted our welcoming committee, who whisked us away in their waiting van, off to where the troops were already setting up for the training exercise. With a large contingent of soldiers from Utah in country, the General was here to just say hi and shake as many hands as possible.

Once at K2, a joint Korean/American military base in the center of Daegu, our escorts drove us over to the location of our Utah soldiers, the focus of the General’s visit. Having been the Adjutant General for the state of Utah for the past 12 years, General Tarbet has a great reputation and rapport with the soldiers and has a personal relationship with many of them, which became very evident once he got amongst the troops to interact with each and every one of them. After a short introductory briefing regarding the mission and operational goals and objectives, and a great meal offered up in the US DIFAC (dining facility), we were off to the train and on our way back to Seoul.

Having spent several years away on deployments with the military, my wife has been able to also develop a good friendly relationship with General Tarbet, who has always had an opened door policy with her. During difficult times during my absence she has sought his advice on numerous occasions and of course to jokingly get after him for sending me away to war three times.

Arriving back into Seoul much earlier than expected and with some extra time on his hands and a desire to hook up later with my wife and I for a night out on the town, he requested I return in a couple of hours. This allowed him to crash in his room for a bit, as he attempted to get caught up on his sleep. As requested my wife and I, as his personal escort service, with him in tow, took him and the Command Sergeant Major to a local restaurant affording them the opportunity to enjoy a typical Korean dinner, before his departure early the next morning. It turned out to be one of the better meals we have had, introducing the General to a number of new flavors, which he took to quite easily. I was very impressed.

Paladins the day before:

Having arrived late Wednesday night and on a tight schedule leaving early Saturday morning, the General didn’t have any time to waste. With another group of troops up north of Seoul on the live fire range, early Thursday morning we took off to witness the actual shooting of live rounds from the M109 Paladins the 155 m self propelled gun (Google).

With the hatch swung open, a hand from inside the Paladin motioned for me to enter inside to join the other crewmembers already positioned to perform their duties. I gracefully crawled through the open hatch of the large mobile howitzer, as only a 60-year-old soldier can, to find the 4-crew members preparing for the live fire demonstration. Each with their respective duties and responsibilities, they handed me the short length of rope and hook system used to fire off each round. With ear plugs tightly jammed into my ear canals and with great anticipation, when called upon to do so, I hooked the loop and yanked the rope as one round after another fired off, launching a projectile some 2 or 3 miles away to smash into its target. This was my first time ever to be in a Paladin, so up close and personal, and oh what a thrill. The sounds, the boom, the smell of gunpowder, wow, big toys for men.

Bringing you all Current:

Our Trip to Kyushu, the rest of the story:

A few weeks ago, with the coldness of winter still frozen to us like frost on a metal pipe, we decided to take a short weekend excursion to Japan for a couple of days. Having weathered most of what we thought to be a historically cold winter of humid South Korea, we longed for a short vacation to Japan, where we had been some 30 years before. Advertised as a hot spring tour in the southern volcanic Island of Kyushu Japan, we had thoughts of sitting in the warmth of a natural hot springs, sipping cold drinks amidst the coolness of a Japanese winter. It didn’t quite turn out that way but it ended up being a most memorable break away.

Having decided to leave just a few days before, we didn’t have a lot of options to choose from; even so we were excited for the experience. We booked it through a travel agency, not wanting to have to worry about hotels, transportation and such, deciding to go with one of the more reliable travel agencies in the Seoul area.

With 36 other people on the same tour, a tour-guide with us the entire trip and not too much at stake, we took off from Incheon International Airport. With the sheer number of people traveling on the various tour groups that day and the orderly fashion in which it was all managed, we were totally impressed with how the Koreans have this mode of travel down to a science. With tickets in hand, our middle-aged somewhat taller than average Korean female tour guide greeted us at the Hanna Travel check-in counter.

In a short hour, no sooner had we taken off, had a quick sandwich lunch and a drink, then word came over the intercom system to prepare for our landing in Kumamoto, Japan, where our tour was to begin. Through Japanese customs and on to the bus, we took off on our two-night 3-day Hot Spring tour of Kyushu Japan.

Somewhat removed from the crowded hustle bustle of the more populated areas of Japan, Kyushu would be regarded as more of a rural setting where mostly senior citizens reside. With the trend for the younger generations to move to Tokyo, Kumamoto appears to be more of a retirement community, made up of original residents or transplanted seniors in search of a slower life style.

As only the Japanese seem to be able to do, the streets, the sidewalks and the side roads were all clean and orderly, just as I remembered them to be. There is a certain calmness and tranquility even in the busiest cities, where order and peaceful coexistence is stressed above all else. Not much has changed, as the Japanese chose to leave things as they were, ignoring any urge to redevelop the areas with large apartment complexes and high rise office buildings. Quite on the contrary, the Japanese have a reverence for leaving their surroundings in place, opting to have smaller homes and mini-sized cars. You only have to go out to eat to any Japanese restaurant to realize the value they place on smaller is better.

With the ocean as the backdrop and volcano shaped mountains filling the landscape, one can see clouds of steam rising up through the thick green foliage as steam and vapors are released through out the area. Visions of settling down into the warmth of a natural hot spring filled my head, until I realized that the naturally heated water is merely piped into a public bathhouse inside the hotels that we stayed in. Not being too fond of public bathing, regardless of the quality of the water, I opted out of the hot spring bathing the first night, but succumb to the pressure to at least check it out the second night.

Along with ancient temples, hot pots, active volcanoes, old cities, shopping areas, and beautiful scenic landscapes, we spent time just relaxing and being together. Once the sunset each evening the time was pretty much ours to spend as we saw fit and of course that meant eating. Surprisingly enough, the Japanese food was quite good.

In the course riding around in a large tour bus with 36 other Koreans, we grew close to a couple other like-minded people, whom we exchanged stories and daily dialogue with. One particular couple took an unexpected liking to both of us and has made an effort to stay connected to us many times since that initial meeting on the tour. I will tell you more about this friendship in my next blog.

Rather then bore you with any more details regarding our trip to Japan; I will finish my travel blog of this trip with pictures of the beauties of Japan.

Thanks, keep smiling

Chief Wiggles

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Discipleship:

After much trepidation the news finally came the other day that our shipment to Honduras was actually going to happen. Weeks had turned into months as we have waited patiently for the word that our Denton Grant was going to actually materialize; providing us the financial support needed to ship the 3 forty-foot containers to Honduras. With the help of Alex, a good friend in the Utah National Guard, who originates from that country, and with the constant logistical assistance from FedEx to move the pallets to Hill Air Force Base, all the pieces have miraculously fallen into place.

Given all the small miracles that have occurred making this all possible, now must be the right time for the 80 plus pallets, piled high with school supplies, hygiene kits, shoes, toys, and the like, to arrive at their destination. With the help of a Non-Profit Organization on the ground in Honduras, and of course Alex who will be traveling with the shipment, I am sure we will soon hear of many great stories of how these items all went to good use.

With the Lord’s hand directing the forward motion, numerous balls of hope continue to roll forward, opening doors and knocking down obstacles in many directions, fulfilling so many of our dreams. The success of Operation Give continues to amaze all of us involved, as it appears at times to have a divinely assisted path of its own. We do our part, but we know who the master puppeteer is and we let it flow, as it will, not knowing most of the time where it might head or lead us to.

Lately, as I have been seeking for further direction and knowledge regarding our next steps, the message that appears to be constantly whispering to me like a gentle wind chime, is to wait patiently – for all will unfold as it should. Having gone through many personal challenges lately, I have felt this to be the designated time for me to be remolded, to feel the torch of the refiners fire as certain defects are removed, forcing me to take the time also for self reflection, self-improvement and self-evaluation. With many of life’s lessons finally being understood and internalized, even at this stage of the my life, I feel the molding affects of the Savior’s hands, as he attempts to remove additional imperfections and character flaws in my being.

I am reminded of a talk given by Elder Neal A. Maxwell

On becoming a Disciple of Christ.

Here is an excerpt from that talk:

“Given all you and I yet lack in our spiritual symmetry and character formation, no wonder God must use so intensively the little time available to develop each of us in this brief second estate. One’s life, therefore, is brevity compared to eternity—like being dropped off by a parent for a day at school. But what a day!
For the serious disciple, the resulting urgency means there can be few extended reveries and recesses and certainly no sabbaticals—all this in order to hasten God’s relentless remodeling of each of us. Reveries and special moments may come, but they are not extended. Soon the drum-roll of events, even difficulties, resumes. There is so much to get done in the brief time we have in this mortal classroom.

Comparing what we are with what we have the power to become should give us great spiritual hope. Think of it this way: There are some very serene, blue lakes on this planet situated in cavities which once were red, belching volcanoes. Likewise, there are beautiful, green, tropical mountains formed from ancient, hot extrusions. The parallel transformation of humans is much more remarkable than all of that—much more beautiful and much more everlasting!

So it is, amid the vastness of His creations, God’s personal shaping influence is felt in the details of our lives—not only in the details of the galaxies and molecules but, much more importantly, in the details of our own lives. Somehow God is providing these individual tutorials for us while at the same time He is overseeing cosmic funerals and births, for as one earth passes away so another is born. It is marvelous that He would attend to us so personally in the midst of those cosmic duties.

Are we willing, however, to be significantly remodeled even by His loving hands?”

That is really the question we all must answer. More specifically how bad to we really want to become like him and how bad do we really want to give up our will to do his will. In automatically answering yes, to the affirmative to these questions, I too have paid lip service without really fully understanding what is required if I truly desire to become a disciple of Christ.

Filled with hope that I have accomplished some good and touched the lives of perhaps a few in a positive way along this my journey; my tutorial continues day by day. With sorrow for those I have negatively impacted and for the times that I have fallen short of my own personal potential, I relish in the opportunity each morning to begin a new, looking forward to those moments when I can see the affects of the Master Potter’s Hand; as flaws are removed, bumps smoothed over, and holes filled in.

Again from his talk:

“Be assured that God is in the details and in the subtleties of the defining and preparatory moments of discipleship. He will reassure you. He will remind you. Sometimes, if you’re like me, He will brace or reprove you in a highly personal process not understood or appreciated by those outside the context.

In the revelations, the Lord speaks of how the voice of His spirit will be felt in our minds. He also says that if we read His words—meaning the scriptures—we will hear His voice. Many disciples have had private moments of pondering and reading the scriptures when the words came through in a clear, clarion way. We know Who it is who’s speaking to us! We’ve all had the experience of going over a scripture many times without having it register. Then, all of a sudden, we’re ready to receive it! We hear the voice of the Lord through His words.

So it is in the process of discipleship. There are more meaningful moments than we use profitably, just as in terms of service there are more opportunities around us than we now use. God is ever ready; if only we were always ready.”

With whirlwinds of difficulties swirling around us from all directions, the time is now to allow the Savior to make what adjustments might be needed in each to prepare each of us physically, emotionally, and spiritually for what might lie ahead. These are the times that will test our faith.

Off to Japan for the weekend:

With the long 4-day Presidents-Day weekend ahead, we decided to take off for a little excursion to the southern most island of Kyushu, Japan. In a quick hour flight from the Incheon International Airport in Korea, we touched down in the capital city of Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, (roughly around a million people). Persuading my wife to put her fears away regarding the radiation contamination of that portion of Japan, we embarked on what was to become a very memorable weekend.

As part of a Hana Tour Group, with our own personal guide to take care of our every need, we piled into a tour bus with about 34 other people for what we are calling the Hot Tub Tour. For the next three days and two nights, we drove around the volcanic island of Kyushu, taking advantage of two of the many natural hot spring hotels spotting the landscape. In between eating, sightseeing, and volcano watching, we took the opportunity to bathe in geothermally heated groundwater from the Earth’s crust.

Of course we weren’t bathing alone, but we were both accustomed to this form of public bathing called an Onsen in Japanese, which is very common in Korea also. Of course the sexes are separated, men with men and women with women, even so I am not a big fan and don’t really understand the enjoyment of bathing with a bunch of other men. Being the main attraction of this tour, I did indulge myself one time to take advantage of the large hot pools of naturally heated water, as I sat around completely emerged in the hot water with about 30 other guys,

“Sentō (銭湯?) is a type of Japanese communal bath house where customers pay for entrance. Traditionally these bath houses have been quite utilitarian, with one large room separating the sexes by a tall barrier, and on both sides, usually a minimum of lined up faucets and a single large bath for the already washed bathers to sit in among others. Since the second half of the 20th century, these communal bath houses have been decreasing in numbers as more and more Japanese residences now have baths. Some Japanese find social importance in going to public baths, out of the theory that physical proximity/intimacy brings emotional intimacy, which is termed skinship in Japanese. Others go to a sentō because they live in a small housing facility without a private bath or to enjoy bathing in a spacious room and to relax in saunas or jet baths that often accompany new or renovated sentōs.

Another type of Japanese public bath is onsen, which uses hot water from a natural hot spring. They are not exclusive: A sentō can be called an onsen if it derives its bath water from naturally heated hot springs. A legal definition exists that can classify a public bathing facility as sentō.”

KYUSHU is the southernmost and third largest of the four main islands of Japan. Covering an area of 44,256 square kilometers and home to 14.5 million people, it is known for its picturesque coastlines, pristine forests, smoking volcanoes, landscaped hot springs, hot sand baths, geysers, geothermal plants, weird theme parks, Christian historical sights, subtropical scenery and high-tech factories that produce push-button toilets and a tenth of the world’s integrated circuits.

Even so the Northeastern part of Kyushu, being one of the less populated areas of the island, is considered to be somewhat rustic or countryside by most Japanese, providing us a look at more of a rural side to Japan I hadn’t seen before. Being quite mountainous and spotted with mounds of whitish earth, from which rise dense clouds of steam, the island appears to be constantly on fire.

In many ways the landscape of Japan in this area looks a lot like Korea, only much greener this time of year. With tall – green – thick forests, full of pine trees, against the backdrop of the ocean in many areas, it is really beautiful. Large white clouds of steam, rising up through the trees, give you the appearance of low fluffy clouds floating through the area.

Using the steam as a heat source to cook with, in many of the volcanic tourist areas, the local residences sell hard boiled eggs and other such foods.

Free from the worries of the usual hassles of traveling in an unfamiliar area, we sat back and enjoyed all that we were delivered by our trusty tour guide. Enjoying the scenery and the fresh somewhat cold air of Kyushu, we traveled here and there seeing the sites and enjoying the local cuisine of Sushi, udon, miso soup, tongatsu, and a few new things we hadn’t tasted before. With my usual emphasis on eating, we even had a few very delicious and memorable buffets; with an assortment of Japanese, Chinese, American and even some Korean Kimchi to top it off.

Of course we had to sample every type of food we came across, just because. What else do you do when you are traveling other then eating?

In that most of the young people have left the countryside for more opportunities in the larger cities, the small towns and cities we visited were very quiet, serene and peaceful. In traditional Japanese fashion, the locals keep the city streets clean and orderly, and are very polite and considerate of others, especially if they are foreigners. During our free time in the evenings and with nothing else on our schedule, we ventured out into the streets surrounding our hotels, to catch a glimpse of nightlife in Japan, (which wasn’t much to speak of, given most of the shops and businesses close at 5pm, except for the occasional 24 hour Pachinko Parlor, Google that one).

We really enjoyed our time away, but glad to be back in Korea, with all the hustle and bustle of Seoul, a city of 20 million people.

Have a Great Day

Chief Wiggles.

“Doing it the Wiggles way”

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Saturday Morning on South Mountain:

The regular workweek was over, it was early Saturday morning just after daybreak. Bundled with layers of sweatshirts (one with a hoody), a baseball cap, a facemask and insulated hiking pants, I exited our building with renewed anticipation and excitement for this my day of hiking. I wait all week for this day to come; as I look forward to Saturdays when I can get out into the mountains and hills around Seoul. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but I just really enjoy getting outdoors for a little hiking.

Today I was going to attempt to set a new personal record for the round trip from my place to the top of Nam San (or South Mountain) and back. Having made the trip before in less than one and a half hours, today I was determined to see if I could do it in an hour, (even though I knew that I would have to stop and grab some food for my wife and I on the way back, as was our tradition). But, I was going to give it a try, as the thought of Nam San’s 900 plus stairs flashed through my head.

With clear blue skies overhead and the sun shinning brightly down on a still very cold winter’s day, the automatic doors of my high-rise complex opened as I approached and I could immediately feel the chill of the freezing air against my face. Almost out of desperation to keep warm I picked up my pace this morning as I headed down the street. Glancing up I could see Nam San’s tower off in the distance, serving as a guide for my morning jaunt.

Wanting to save time, I jogged down the flat street sidewalks, knowing I would have to slow down as soon as I hit the stairs. Past a variety of shops, stores, and street vendors, I ran down the somewhat uneven cobblestone like sidewalks, pausing only to wait for the streetlights to change in my favor.
The road started its expected incline as I rounded the corner of the Army base, just past Yongsan High School. People in the neighborhood were just beginning to go about their daily activities; as I could see shops opening and goods being placed outside for sale, fresh vegetables and fish on ice already filling the sidewalks.

I came to the first set up of steep stairs, which ascended straight up before me, as if they were stairs to heaven. Fully warmed up at this point, still focusing on my overall time, I moved quickly and somewhat gracefully (or at least it seemed so in my mind) past this obstacle, then on to one set of granite stone stairs after another, all perfectly set in place by expert craftsmen (or so it seemed).

901 stairs later, reaching the top, I checked my watch to see that it had taken 45 minutes to travel from my apartment to the top of Nam San, a respectable time I was happy with. With my hat and gloves off at this point and all of my clothes soaked with sweat, I made one round at the top and started my descent down the same path, stopping at the lookout point to catch a glimpse of the Seoul city skyline visible in all directions.

Down off the steps and back on the stone sidewalk, I stopped at Kim Pob Heaven to pick up a couple of Korean style seaweed and rice rolls, as was our tradition, hoping to eat that with my wife for breakfast. Grasping the black plastic sack of rolls in one hand, I continued jogging, running, and fast walking through the streets of Seoul, as I made my way back to my apartment. Checking my watch it took one hour and fifteen minutes, a new personal record.

Although the hike this morning was more of a form of exercise and a personal challenge, there is still time to enjoy the smells, sounds, and sights of life in Seoul, Korea. The hustle bustle of people and cars all competing for time and space, as they each attempt to scratch out their existence in a city of some 20 million people. The energy of the city can be felt at all times, 24 x 7.

The Changing Land of Korea:

One advantage of living in such a city is that there is food everywhere; on every street and on every corner, down every alleyway and up every building. Food is a major part of life in Korea, everything your heart does or does not desire. Any time of day or night, you can find a full assortment of food, of all shapes and sizes, pretty much everywhere. There is always something to eat, no matter where you are.
I ponder for a moment the enormous amount of change that has occurred here over the past 40 years, but still very grateful for the things that haven’t changed. Searching out at times for the food flavors of times past, we continue to venture out into unknown areas, in hopes of finding the perfect food. Fortunately we have been lucky so far, scoring big time on some great meals.

The past 4 decades have brought unbelievable growth and development to this nation, once referred to as the Hermit Kingdom. With a state of the art subway system and their own backbone to the Internet, there is probably no more modern country on earth.

In their quest for modernization and developed nation status, Koreans have become a marketers dream target market. Their unquenchable desire for the latest products, technology, name brand items, and every thing else money can buy, has turned most of them into the ultimate materialistic consumer. Pushing old traditions aside, they even have taken on the western way of spending more than they make, creating a mini version of our debt crisis.

In their desire for perfection and constant improvement, as they compete for wealth, fame and fortune, they have also become obsessed with plastic surgery. Korea has become the world’s capital for plastic surgery, with whole neighborhoods of the city filled with dermatologists and plastic surgeons, office after office. Eye jobs, nose jobs, face jobs, boob jobs, you name they are all doing it over here, so they can all look more western, creating of men and women that look almost identical in my eyes.

Words to my Kids:

With the world’s economy in a tail spin, our own economy in a free fall with no recovery in sight, and our enemies gathering their forces at our borders and in far off lands, I thought it would be good to provide my children with a short list of essential things they should be doing during these difficult times. Not to alarm them, but just as advice from their father to provide them with some good suggestions. I want them to be prepared for whatever might happen.

There isn’t anything new or startling about the list and overall is quite basic, but as a starting point for my kids and with hope they might pay attention, I sent them all the following list. So I thought I would share it with all of you in hopes that you might find it valuable.

1. Save as much money as you can. Do whatever you can to save as much money as possible.
2. Make sure you have some money at home, enough to survive if you have to for at least a month. Make sure you have some cash.
3. Make sure you have gas in your car. Keep your car at last half full all the time.
4. Make sure you start buying two of things that you need so that you have extra at home. Have food at home you could eat to survive on
5. Pay off as many bills as you can. I know you are all strapped for money but stay out of debt.
6. Make sure you have water stored up at home, somewhere.
7. Don’t go in debt for anything. Pay cash or don’t buy things.
8. Make sure you have some kind of a 72 hour kit, or survival kit, with matches, flashlight, batteries, snacks, blankets, clothes, etc. Keep it handy in case you have to grab and go
9. Get a good book on survival and start reading it.
10. Pray about what you need to survive at your house if things get tough and figure out what you can do with what little you have.

Chief Wiggles
Doing it the wiggles way.

February 5, 2012

Where are North Koreans From:

On a clear bitter cold winter night, with time on our hands and our hungry stomach’s as our guide, we decided to head over to Shin Chon for a bite to eat. Given that my wife and I have both spent time living in that area, we knew there would be endless options and every type of cuisine imaginable, along with the energy of thousands of college students livening up the night.

Wrapped up and layered up we headed out into the coldness of the night like North Pole explorers. Feeling the cold humid night air against our faces, we almost gave in to the urge to return to the warmness of our apartment. Driven by hunger and a certain amount of crazy desire to get out, we ventured on.

Once in the Shin Chon area memories of days gone by flooded our minds, each of us remembering certain fond moments from our past. Her as a child growing up and me as a missionary back in the early 1970’s, each of us remembering places we frequented before in very different circumstances and surroundings, some 40 plus years ago.

Sinchon University District is an area of Seoul, Korea, that is famous for its shopping and nightlife. It is jam-packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, and clothing stores. Sinchon is at the heart of surrounding universities, such as Yonsei, Ewha, and Sogang. As a result, it has become a hot spot for both Koreans and foreigners to converge on.

Given our endless desire to indulge in the local cuisine, we have developed a pattern of eating small amounts at numerous eating establishments throughout the course of one evening out. So as not to fill up with just one item, we would rather spend the evening restaurant hopping, from place to place, in search of the perfect selections.

On that evening we selected a certain noodle house to share a bowl of soup together. In the course of our dining experience we started up a conversation with one of the ladies working on the other side of the counter. We could tell immediately by her accent that she was from North Korea, but even after several attempts to inquirer about her origin, she continued to state that she was from China. She claimed she learned Korean after she moved to South Korea from China.

To us it was obvious that the only way she would have learned to speak with a North Korean dialect was if she had been born there. Currently there are over 20,000 plus North Korean defectors living in South Korean, who have escaped North Korea across the northern border into China and made their way south through China, across the Yellow Sea, to their final destination of South Korea.

For the most part their individual journeys through China extend over a period of a year or more; full of pain and suffering as they each secretly have moved southward, attempting to remain undetected by local Chinese police. Their stories are astonishing and extremely sad, full of amazing acts of bravery and incredible human injustices. Many are forced to serve as slaves for their Chinese masters, who abuse them repeatedly.

I was saddened by her reluctance to admit that she was from North Korea and by her continual insistence that she was from China. I had heard of the persecution and discrimination that defectors receive at the hands of their fellow brothers the South Koreans, but how bad would it have to be for her to lie about her homeland. Perhaps it is much more serious then I expected.

Given our short interaction with the restaurant worker, I can’t tell for sure what her story was or why she would feel inclined to make such a claim. But, either way it is really a shame that someone would have to make up a story about their own birthplace.

I have heard stories about how defectors are looked down upon by South Koreans who continually discriminate against them in various ways. Perhaps the South Koreans feel superior in some way or perhaps they just don’t trust their communist brothers and sisters from the North. I don’t fully understand the nature or the level of the discrimination, but even so I am deeply saddened that it exists at all in any form.

Actually North and South Koreans are all the same race of people; speaking the same language, with the same origin. But, after 60 years of separation, divided by a demilitarized zone and having lived under very different forms of government (free capitalist based society vs a communist totalitarian regime), it is as if they are now totally separate countries.

South Koreans live in a very modern and advanced country; enjoying the status of having one of the top 10 economies in the world. North Koreans live in what is considered to be one of the most closed, tightly controlled totalitarian countries in the world; ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world.
Here is some news regarding North Korea, to give you an idea of conditions there.

According to his report, the outflow of NK refugees along the Tumen River, which had temporarily ceased, has begun again.
Although border security remains strict following the period of mourning that marked the death of Kim Jong-il, a growing number of North Korean refugees are being seen in villages along the Tumen River.
Most of them cross the frozen Tumen River at night, as they head for the Korean ethnic villages along the River, sometimes in groups of 6 or 7. Their most common request from the villagers is for food.
Unfortunately, the villagers have become reluctant to help NK defectors. Most of the villagers try to drive them away, since they fear punishment by the Chinese police for helping defectors. In addition, the villagers are less than friendly since a number of North Koreans have robbed and even murdered villagers despite being welcomed with kindness in the past.
In fact, in one village in Sanhezhen, China, located opposite Feryon in North Korea, a few robberies have already been reported in the first week of the New Year. Also, a burglary was reported on January 5 in Yanji, when an elderly couple in their late 60’s was robbed of money by North Korean burglars. Fortunately, the couple was not harmed.
To deal with the situation, check points have been established at village entrances in Sanhezhen. There, armed border guards and armed police are working jointly. The armed guards and police record the license numbers of all passing vehicles, check IDs, and demand detailed explanations regarding the purpose of visits to the villages.
On the national road along the border, check points have been instituted under the joint control of armed border guards, armed police and civilian police. Security inspections have been conducted since the death of Kim Jong-il.
A new security check point has been set up at the entrance into Tumen City, plus another check point at the city exit leading toward Sanhezhen. Patrols on the road along the Tumen River have also been beefed up. These patrols are comprised of civilians hired by the local governments. On the road running along the Tumen River between Tumen City and Mabei, two-man civilian patrols cruise on bicycles at 300- to 500-meter intervals.
Our local staff member commented that he has never seen security so extremely strict.
It is very likely that a serious food shortage is spreading throughout North Korea, with many citizens growing desperate and unsure whether they will survive the winter.

People in Onsong are saying that the recent conditions in North Korea remind them of the “Arduous March” back in the late 1970s. There was a serious shortage of food then too.
On Jan. 23, which is New Year’s day on the old calendar, the People’s Committee of Onsong County issued an order to distribute one 450-ml bottle of Shochu (distilled 20% proof spirits) per household. Some troops received food rations on Jan. 2.
It has been an unusually cold winter and people are witnessing many more fires resulting from people trying to get warm. Of particular note are the many fires breaking out in school buildings, dormitories and government facilities. These include the Art Institute located in North Hamgyong Province and the vocational mechanical college located in Onsong county.
The people of North Korea are apparently feeling insecure about their future, which naturally leads to conversations about politics. Their conversations center on the food shortage and on Chang Sung-taek, who is the vice-chairman of National Defense Commission, now backing up the new leader Kim Jong-un.
One frequently heard comment is: “The international community has always seen Kim Jong-il as a dictator and they have stopped supplying food to help us.” Another common remark is: “Kim Jong-un is too young to be a successful leader. He has no political experience and is already failing to secure food aid from other countries.”
People usually conclude by agreeing that “Chang Sung-taek is serving as a regent, just as they did for the Chinese Emperors in the old days.” Most people in North Korea do not believe that Kim Jong-un, now the North Korea Supreme Commander, is really heading the regime, but rather that Chang Sung-taek has actually taken over as the de facto ruler.

Time to Think:

In the course of celebrating my wife’s birthday, full of eating and more eating, I had an opportunity for some personal time, while my wife was engaged in other activities. In the lobby of what is called the Dragon Hotel on Yongsan Army base, I sat lost in my own thoughts; relishing in the time to finally ponder and meditate. For some time now, I had been longing for this kind of opportunity to have free flowing thoughts, perhaps even inspired thoughts.

Forgetting my surroundings I sat searching for new ideas, new thoughts, perhaps creative solutions for some of the challenges facing me. Sometimes, at least for me, my best ideas come to me during this type of personal reflection time, almost as if they are inspired creative thoughts from above.

During the day-to-day activities of our busy existence, most of us don’t take the time to ponder, reflect and meditate on the various issues, problems, and challenges we are all forced to deal with. Perhaps this is exactly what might be needed for us to find answers to our daily prayers. Perhaps our bodies need time to disconnect from our daily demands, so that our minds might be able to tap into our more creative side, or perhaps to connect with our maker as he attempts to communicate with us.

If we constantly rush through life, and jam up all our channels with outgoing transmissions, it might be difficult for our Savior to provide transmissions of his own in response.

Also, all of us have the God given ability to create ideas of our own, providing solutions to our greatest challenges. We all possess creative abilities, if we can but learn how to tap into them. Each of us must learn on our own, the best way for each of us to come up with these creative thoughts. It just takes a little bit of effort, an open mind, and a little bit of faith, for the thoughts to begin flowing.

For me it is a combination of meditating, praying and listening. I consider all creative thoughts to be gifts from God. So during the process I am asking for ideas and then taking the necessary time to listen for responses from above, as thoughts are created in my mind and heart. Thoughts do come, especially if I need new ideas for a specific new challenge. They might not come the first time, but they do eventually come.

The two hours of searching and meditating there in the hotel lobby went by in what seemed to be 15 minutes. I was pleased with the results, hoping to be able to spend this kind of time again real soon. I didn’t come up with the next IPad, but I did receive answers.

Recharge your batteries.

Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the wiggles way”

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Pigs Feet to Go:

With no destination in mind and nothing but an urge to get out of our apartment, my wife and I caught bus # 740 outside our place one evening this week and headed towards Mapo (Google). The cold chill of the winter evening was settling in on Seoul, as we ventured down the road in hopes of just checking out the sights and sounds of a mid-week night on the streets of Mapo, (a district in Seoul).
For me just riding the bus around the city is entertaining enough, as you can observe through the large bus windows, the active daily life-style of Koreans as they, even at around 8pm, hurry about their business. All of them seem to have an urgent place to go, engaged in any number of daily activities, to include; eating, drinking, shopping, returning home from work, meeting up with friends, etc.

With a blanket of darkness now covering the city, we existed the bus and immediately felt the cold brisk winter air hit us right in the face, chilling us down to the bone. Well experienced now with the humid-cold Korean winter, we came bundled up prepared for the worst it had to offer.

In route during our 10-minute ride, we decided to get off the bus in Kong duk Dong, to check out an area both of us used to be familiar with many years ago. With dinner on our mind we made our way across a couple of streets to what looked like a fairly quite restaurant area.

The streets were somewhat void of pedestrians and the restaurants only partially full of patrons. But, as soon as we entered the neighborhood, we heard a certain loud commotion going on. It sounded like a large mass of people talking at a high rate and high volume. The sound seemed to just jump out and grab us as we past by a certain alleyway, pulling us into the epicenter of the noise.

As we daringly walked down the alley, to our surprise, we saw a whole subculture of some 30 small shanty like restaurants, all jammed full of people. There must have been several hundred people all eating and drinking inside these little restaurants. All eating the same thing, Jok Bal or pig’s feet (Google).
Jok Bal is kind of like stewed and simmered pigs fee. The hair is removed from pigs’ feet and they are thoroughly washed. Leeks, garlic, ginger, cheongju (rice wine) and water are brought to a boil. The pigs’ feet are added, brought back to a boil and then simmered until tender. Then additional water, sugar and soy sauce are poured into the pot and the contents are slowly stirred. Once the jokbal is fully cooked, bones are removed, and the meat is cut into thick slices. It is then served with fermented shrimp sauce called saeujeot (새우젓).

Hidden away behind the main buildings that lined the streets, these Jokbal Restaurants, all side by side, separated at times by only very narrow – dark alleyways, all seemed to be part of a larger collective or hive. It was quite a sight to behold, even for my wife who grew up here. We weaved in and out of the labyrinth like alleyways and narrow corridors, from one restaurant to another, finally deciding to stop at one small hole in the wall place to have a bowl of Soon Dae soup, Korean Sweet Rice Blood Wurst Sausage Soup, not really in the mood for pigs feet at that time but thought maybe the sausage soup might be more the treat.

We didn’t partake of the golden hoofs but both of us agreed that someday we would have to come back to try out that delicacy, with out the local brew of course. As the night grew colder, we made one more stop into one of the restaurants out on the local main drag,

Friends from the past:

With the arrival of our household goods and my wife and I now somewhat settled into our high-rise apartment, we felt it was time to invite a couple of close acquaintances over. So last Monday evening we had three close friends, whom I knew as a missionary here some 40 years ago, over for a home-style Korean dinner.

For most of the day my wife had been slaving away in the kitchen cooking up a few special dishes; some spicy kimchi tofu soup, Oyster sauce pork chops, dukboke gee, yaki mando, and of course a few side dishes to top it off. Based on the amount of food they all consumed, everything seemed to have turned out to their satisfaction.

Old stories from days gone by and new stories of what has transpired in between then and now were exchanged back and forth, as we joyfully ate and chatted for a couple of hours. It was great to see them again and to reacquaint our selves with each other, laughing and enjoying each other’s company.
After dinner we all moved to our living room area to continue the discussions of all that has transpired over the last 40 years, especially as it related to the husband and wife couple, now serving a mission as temple workers in the South Korean temple. In a spirit of closeness and reverence they shared their spiritual experiences that led them to leave a lucrative business in LA, to find happiness as missionaries serving in the temple.

Hearing of the power of their faith concerning the Lord’s work and tithing moved both my wife and I beyond description. We were touched by their sincere and honest testimonies and humbled to see they were still strong in serving the Lord.

Sunlit Sisters:

With the lunar New Year traffic already picking up for the weekend, and 150 facial care kits loaded in our van, we headed out of Seoul for our next event. We were heading to Pyeong Taek, a port city about an hour and a half south west of Seoul, to meet up with the founder of the Sunlit Sisters Non Profit organization.

We were to rendezvous with a truck carrying a load of 150 bags of rice and the FedEx truck delivering 52 boxes from Operation Give both already in route to our destination. You might recall the small miracle I wrote about in my last blog regarding the miraculous way in which Elaine at Operation Give was able to vicariously ship a load of 150 blankets, 150 knitted hats, and 150 dental hygiene kits for this event.
Arriving in Pyeong Taek, after catching a quick bite to eat, we made our way over to the location of the Sunlit Sisters Center. After winding our way through back roads we arrived at what appeared to be any other residential area of small old style traditional Hanok houses (Google). At the end of a narrow walkway, one of the home’s entrance way was painted bright green and had the name of the organization painted on the wall adjacent the front door.

Entering through the main gate I was greeted by the founder of the organization and several of her volunteers, who offered up the customer bow and a handshake, somewhat of a mixture of Korean and Western cultures. Looking through the opened doors of the house I could see that a large group of elderly women, perhaps 60 or more, were sitting on the floor in customary Asian fashion.

After offering a few quick greetings to the seated women, I went back outside to help in the delivery of the rice and facial care kits, as they were being brought into the house. And to wait for the FedEx truck to show up with the rest of the donated items.

Once the rice had all been brought into the house, I went back in to address the large gathering of elderly women, patiently awaiting the arrival of all of the items. In my somewhat awkward Korean(not quite sure of what to say), I explained to them where these donated items came from and how many had made their way from Operation Give in the United States via FedEx to their front door.

This group of actually 150 elderly women all now well into their 80’s are part of a somewhat forgotten group of women. For one reason or another, for sure all with somewhat different circumstances, these women were all bar girls or prostitutes back after the Korean war in the early 1950’s, servicing the needs of the US soldiers stationed there. Consequently all were later ostracized and persecuted by their own Korean society; left to fend for themselves, most not able to work or have any type of normal life afterwards.

For the most part these women have been abandoned by their own country and of course forgotten by the US soldiers that used them, some 60 years ago. Thus the reason for the establishment of the Sunlite Sister’s Organization, which was set up about 10 years ago to help these women.

With only the small amount of $300 they receive from the Korean government each month, they are forced to live in very substandard conditions. Most of these now aging women don’t even have the money they need for a proper burial, which for many will be soon. This last year alone, 8 more of these women passed away with out hardly the clothes on their backs.

It was a great event, one we hope to repeat again. We were all uplifted by their humility and graciousness and glad we could at least do this small act of kindness.

We are all God’s children, worthy of his love.
Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

January 16, 2012

And the Good News Came:

As my ring-tone sang its now familiar tune, I could see from the display on my cell phone that it was an international call. International calls are somewhat rare, as my family members have all become used to SKYPing with us once or twice a week. “Most likely it is Elaine”, I thought to myself, (Elaine is part of the team of Three Musketeers at Operation Give back home). Answering the phone with my usual “Hello”, (many continue to try to imitate my tone as they poke fun of how I answer the phone), I heard Elaine’s somewhat muffled voice, say “Let me get RoseAnn on the line”. No sooner had she said that then the call was dropped. I was in route by car back from a lunch appointment with the rest of my coworkers back to the office. I was later very relieved that the first call was lost; given my response to the conversation that unfolded, when she called back the second time with RoseAnn on the line, well after I had arrived back to the office when I was finally alone.

Leaning up against the red-bricked walls of our building to shield myself from the bitter cold wind, somewhat crouched in a corner, I was immediately warmed by RoseAnn’s good news that she had miraculously found a digital copy of my book “Saving Babylon”. The digital copy of my book had been lost a couple of years ago, as a result of my own hard-drive crashing and I was without any of the material in an electronic format. We had all been praying for the past several weeks in hopes that someone would still have a copy of it.

RoseAnn humbly and sincerely relayed the amazing news and events leading up to the discovery of the file containing my book. As she spoke I could tell she was getting a little choked up and her words conveyed such a sweet spirit that I knew the Lord had taken part in locating, for me this priceless file. The news was music to my ears. And I too had to hold back my own tears of joy and gratitude for the miracle that had just occurred. I won’t go over all the details, but it suffices to say that it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

With all else that was going on over the Christmas Holidays and her own serious family health issues to deal with, Roseann was stretched to the max, but still eager to satisfy my request to help locate the file. She herself had gotten a little impatient, but a peaceful calmness had come over her as the spirit continually told her to be patient, perhaps reassuring her the file would be found.

Upon hearing the news, we all expressed with joy our gratitude for the Savior’s hand in our work, reaffirming our belief that what we are doing is important to him in some small way. Of course I can understand the importance of the file for me, but not sure yet how the book and all that we are doing at Operation Give fits into the big scheme of things with him.

No sooner had we finished discussing my book then Elaine had her own bit of good news to share with us. Somehow – someway she was able in 24 hours to pull off getting the FedEx shipping paperwork to RoseAnn’s people early Tuesday morning and then able to sufficiently instruct them over the phone on what boxes needed to be pulled off the shelves at the warehouse and how to go about shipping 57 large boxes containing 150 homemade quilts, 150 knitted hats and 150 dental hygiene kits. All of this had to be shipped by Tuesday for another community event we were having on Friday here in South Korea.
With little prior notice and with no time to travel the two hours from Richmond to Salt Lake City, and a doctor appointment of her own, Elaine orchestrated everything flawlessly. Everything was pulled, packed and shipped via FedEx and I was already notified on Thursday that the boxes had arrived in the Incheon port, (which in and of itself is an amazing feat given the 16-hour time difference).

I was totally ecstatic at this point in our conversation, as my heart was full of love and gratitude for these two incredible women, who continue to amaze me and who continue to teach me, through their example, the power of their faith. Their faith definitely can move mountains, and does every day.
Thanks to all who participated in helping to make so much possible.

Christmas at Lotte World:

It was a few days before Christmas on a Saturday afternoon. For a change we were on time, actually a little early for our scheduled bus ride to the largest indoor amusement park on earth, “Lotte World” (Google this). Fashioned after parts of Disneyland, only all indoors, Lotte World, was the perfect place to conduct Operation Santa; for a large group of about 100 Orphanage children and an equal number or more of American soldier’s children, all there to have the time of there life.

As expected the place was packed with children of all ages; running around from ride to ride in an effort to take in as much fun during the allotted time as possible. On the main stage in front of a crowd of several hundred anxious children, we were able to grab a few minutes up front, before they were scattered to the winds, to give a few introductions and explain the plan for the evening. We promised to pass out a few gifts, just to keep their attention.

In an effort to force the Korean orphanage children to interact with our US children and adult chaperones, they were all playing a game of collect the dots; to see who could collect the most colored dots from all of the Americans wearing a certain tag around their neck. To get a dot each child at to at least say hi and ask us for a dot in English, forcing a brief but joyful interaction. For the next couple of hours these super charged up children raced around the theme park, dashing up to anyone bearing the special badge.
With ice skating on center stage down below, surrounded by a roller coaster, a pirate ship swinging to and fro and an over head tram, with plenty of places to grab a snack in between, the kids dashed off with parents and chaperones in tow, as they attempted to capture the full excitement Lotte World had to offer.
A couple of hours later, with the kid’s energy levels winding down, all the children gathered back at the Christmas Tree, where the gifts and boxes of presents were spread out on the ground. With lots of love and kindness, Operation Give had sent over enough toys, school kits, dolls, cowboy hats, and more for all the children present that day. It truly was Operation Santa; as the children got to actually walk around in between the hundreds of items to personally select the ones they wanted.

With no children of our own in the mix, my wife and I strolled around eating junk food and spending more time watching the ice skaters than on the rides and attractions. We were happy just to be part of the event, knowing so many wonderful people back home donated their time and money to make this possible. It was worth it just to see the looks on the children’s faces as they selected their presents.
Children really are the same anywhere in the world.

Our Next Event:

A group of 150 forgotten and neglected grandmothers:

A call came on Thursday, requesting my signature on the custom’s clearance forms, needed to get the 150 blankets and quilts delivered to their final destination an hour or so south of Seoul. I was informed by FedEx that they would not be able to deliver the boxes until Monday, so our last-Friday event was postponed until Wednesday of this week, to insure the boxes of quilts would be there when we arrive, along with the rice, kimchi and makeup kits, donated by our Good Neighbor members. I will explain more later about this group of 150 needy Grandmothers.

I will let you know how this event goes later this coming weekend, when I have time to write again.
Thanks for all of your help, assistance, generosity and love

Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

Sunday, January 8, 2012

A Walk in the Park

From inside the warmth of our heated apartment, the bright warm rays of the midday sun streaming through our picture windows were somewhat deceitful and made us think for a moment that the outside, under clear blue skies, was going to be warm. But, that was definitely not the case, once my wife and I stepped out into the bitter cold of a normal winter day in South Korea. As we walked along the crisp winter air cut through our clothes like a new set of Ginzu knives, instantly chilling us down to the bone.

Our faces reddened by the chill factor of the gentle breeze, we walked along with an intentional quickened pace, to help warm us up and keep our blood flowing. It was our intention to turn walking into a form of exercise in hopes of burning off some unwanted calories. We walked towards the Han River a quick 15 minutes from our high-rise apartment, hoping to link into the Han River bicycle/walking path that runs for miles in either direction along the shores of the river.

After only a few minutes into our midday jaunt, we came across a Korean-Chinese Restaurant, advertising hand-made noodles in their Jajangmyeon (Goodgle this), something we have been searching for since we arrived. (Most places have now switched over to machine made noodles, to save on time and effort). Of course we had to pause to share a quick bowl of noodles, just to see if they would meet up to our expectations.

No sooner had we placed our order, than we saw through the opened kitchen serving window a man pulling, twisting and stretching out the hand-made noodles for our dish. Within minutes he had them at the right thickness and length, and then dropped them into a large metal pot of boiling water, for a quick maybe two-minute bath, then they were ready to serve. It was everything we hoped for, nice and chewy, full of flavor and surprisingly not oily.

Now with our bellies warmed and somewhat full, we continued along our stroll in hopes of enjoying the afternoon rays of the winter sun. As we walked along, we tried to keep our pace up so as to increase our heart rate, now needing to burn off our quick tasty treat of noodles, not originally planned for.

Ice had formed along the shores of the Han River, but for the most part the river was still flowing at it’s normal pace, which was unusual for this time of year. (Normally it would be frozen over by now). To break up the monotony of walking we chatted about a variety of topics; you know the children, life in Korea, our apartment, and of course some of the events we have been involved with since our arrival, (my wife having been here only a month now).

Feeding the Homeless and Underprivileged:

Through the mostly quite streets of Yongsan Army base (Google), located in downtown Seoul, then out the back gate of Camp Coiner, through the typically crowded streets of Korea, our small group of volunteers drove along, aboard a small mini-van, ready for action. We were heading to a park where Operation Warm Comfort was to begin.

As we pulled up a large crowd of Good Neighbor Volunteers and Soldiers had gathered to participate in this the first of such an event, in hopes of helping to bring good cheer to a group of elderly underprivileged and homeless South Koreans living in the area. I was happy to see so the smiles of so many happy volunteers, willing and ready to carry out the tasks at hand.

Within minutes of our arrival several small trucks pulled up loaded to the hilt with bags of rice and cartons of eggs, purchased by our Good Neighbor Members and boxes and boxes of quilts and warm clothing previously sent by Operation Give and delivered by FedEx. A small meals-on-wheels truck was parked along side the park area already well into preparing lunch for those underprivileged who might be hanging out in the area, which by the looks of things was going to be a substantial group of people.

Our military training kicked in, as we quickly formed a human chain; lined up shoulder to shoulder to unload and pass along all the donated items moving the goods to their temporary resting spot inside the park under the hanging banner announcing the purpose of the event. The sight of the boxes and food items created a buzz in the neighborhood, as the word quickly spread of our intentions to hand out the items.

With the 8th Army Band playing Christmas carols in the background, the assemble-line tables were lined up end to end, loaded with the soup, noodles, and vegetables as final preparations were made to dish up a hot bowl of Kalguksu (Google), enough for each and every person in the area. As the hot noodles came out of the boiling pot of water, they made their way down the line, as each ingredient was added to complete the dish. With soldiers acting as waiters, the now seated elderly were served up a hot bowl of noodles with kimchi, as they listened to the sweet sound of Christmas.

As soon as the crowd of about 300 people were fed, they were all instructed to return to their rooms or temporary housing, so they might receive the other items brought for the occasion. With all the US military divided up into small teams of 4 or 5 people, they began carrying the blankets, eggs and rice to the locations selected by the local government.

With my camera in hand, I went out with some of the teams to witness the donations being delivered. I was stunned and awe struck by their bleak living conditions, as I peered into the rooms of those selected to receive the items. From inside small rooms no bigger than a normal sized bathroom, one by one older gentleman would pull open the door to what was their home and with outstretched arms and a humble heart received the items we had brought. Up and down alleyways, up dark narrow stairwells and down lightless hallways, this was repeated over and over until all the items had found a home.

A few days later we noticed an article in the local newspaper, with a picture of my wife and another wealthy Good neighbor member, receiving a bowl of noodles, with the caption of US soldiers serving up a hot meal to the homeless during the holidays. (As if my wife and the other lady were homeless underprivileged senior citizens receiving the donated items). That picture became quite the laughing point in the office the next day. The news just can’t get it right here either. (Actually they were in line getting the food for the homeless who were already seated).

Aside from a couple of altercations with the local drunks, all and all it was a fantastic event, everything going as planned to the delight and excitement of all in attendance. Truly warming all of our hearts during the Christmas season, as we all were looking for ways to give to the community this time of year. All of this was made possible by the generosity of Korean Good Neighbor members, US soldiers, and gracious citizens back home donating items to Operation Give.

Thanks to All

Chief Wiggles

“Doing it the Wiggles way”

Sunday, January 1, 2012

New Years Day: Happy New Year

Through the large picture windows of my 17th floor apartment, the large metropolis of Seoul can be seen in all of its splendor, as the city seems to unfold below my view point. Pulling back the blinds all the way to each corner, I have a complete almost unobstructed panoramic view of the cityscape below, from the southerly-located high-rise apartments across the railroad tracks, past building 63 across the Han River, to Sook-myung Women’s University to the North. There appears to be no end to the skyscrapers, high-rise apartments, and traffic filled streets, which cover the landscape as far as I can see.

Forgoing any celebrating on New Years Eve, I retired early last night to catch up on my rest. With the sun breaking through my bedroom window, I woke around 0730 to welcome in 2012. With no apparent difference from the days before, I woke, even so, with a renewed sense of gratitude for all that I have been blessed with. As the eastern sun’s rays glistened off the glass-plated high-rises, a sense of deep appreciation filled my soul as I reflected on all that has transpired over this past year. Thankful for the good times and the more difficult – challenging times, the continual stream of small miracles and divine intervention, and the perpetual lessons learned through life’s school of hard knocks.

From the deserts of Iraq, back home for a month, then off to the mountains of South Korea, all and all this has been a year like no other; along with all of its diversity, challenges, ups and downs, and unexpected surprises. Ending up further along life’s continuum then expected, I am armed with many more new weapons of enlightenment now permanently attached to my personal protective web belt of life, which have prepared me for what still might lie ahead. I am where I feel I should be, doing what I feel I should be doing; the 5 w’s seem to have finally all aligned themselves to bring me to this stage in my life.

Due to many unforeseen events, and with the daily demands of work and the arrival of my wife here in Korea for the holidays, it has been difficult to find the time needed to keep my Blog up to date with what has been going on. So, let me first apologize for my lack of Blog entries covering all the great things that have been happening. Needless to say my wife and I have enjoyed being together here this last month sharing and participating in the various Christmas projects we have had. It has been a busy time of year, full of exciting events and activities, Operation Give has helped make possible.

Operation Christmas Stocking:

Last Year the Christmas that almost wasn’t:

There was no white snow covering all the yards and streets, no beautifully colored Christmas lights adorning the houses, no presents piled up under a tall Christmas tree, no thoughts of Santa coming, no joyful Christmas caroling, and most of all no excited children to help remember the excitement of Christmas.

We were in Iraq serving our country and fighting for the freedom of those people.
But then, magically, like a miracle from heaven, hundreds of boxes of stuffed Christmas Stockings arrived; full of the greatest stuff you could ever imagine, enough to fill a twenty-foot container. Stockings full of the kinds of things soldiers love to get from home and other much needed items that meant the soldier didn’t have to spend his own money buying it when he ran out.

Just like Mom and Dad used to do under beds and in closets, we kept all the stockings under lock and key, in the closed metal shipping container, until Christmas Eve. Like little Santa’s Elves, dressed in Santa hats, we loaded up our vehicle full of stockings, one load after another, and went out delivering a slice of Christmas to everyone we came in contact with; young and old alike, soldier or civilian, foreigners or anyone else working on the base that day.

Well into Christmas Eve and all the next day, Christmas Day, (of course in-between Christmas Lunch and Dinner), to the surprise and joy of every recipient, we delivered a bursting-at-the-seam Christmas Stocking. Because of all the great people back home and because of Operation Give and FedEx, hundreds and thousands of smiling people, all away from home during the holidays, received a Christmas gift of love, one they will never forget.

For a moment it felt like Christmas, especially for us doing the delivering. We had something to give and others had a gift to receive, as love and appreciation for Christmas spread throughout the camp. We did remember the true meaning of Christmas and it all began with a stocking from home.

Last year, because of all of your kindness, on Christmas Eve and all the next day, Christmas Day, to the surprise and joy of every recipient, we delivered thousands of bursting-at-the-seams Christmas Stockings. Because of all you great people back home and because of Operation Give and the power of FedEx, hundreds and thousands of smiling soldiers, all away from home during the holidays, received a Christmas gift of love, one I am sure they will never forget.

Last year while deployed in Iraq, for a moment it felt like Christmas, especially for those of us doing the delivering. We had something to give and others had a gift to receive, as love and appreciation for Christmas spread throughout our camp in Northern Iraq. We did remember the true meaning of Christmas and it all began with a stocking from home.

So I bet you are wondering, “What about this year?”

“What happened to some of the stockings this year, since Chief Wiggles is in Korea?”

Christmas with the Troops in South Korea
(You do know we have 28,000 troops here in Korea, right?)

This year was no different and now for the 7th year Operation Christmas Stocking was a huge success. Due to all of your kind efforts and kind donations the stockings rolled in as before, again delivered by FedEx (just in time), to myself and this year to the USO, who helped make it all possible, delivering thousands of stockings to soldiers all over the peninsula. And just like in years past, I was able to go out to deliver Christmas Stockings in person to soldiers away from home, in a far off land, for Christmas.

Thanks for all of your efforts and generosity, helping to make this a fantastic event for both the givers and the receivers.

Here is a copy of an email letter we received from Jeff Herndon at the USO here in South Korea.

Elaine,

On behalf of all the troops that received one of your Christmas stockings, I pass along a huge THANK YOU for the support from Operation Give. If I could, of course I would also pass along the many smiles, handshakes, hugs and even the occasional kiss that we received when handing it to them.

I estimate we received between 3,500 and 4,000 stockings from Operation Give. These were distributed to our men and women in uniform on 11 installations in Korea: Camp Bonifas, which serves as the base for our troops that assist with guarding the DMZ; Camp Casey, home of the 2nd Infantry Division’s 2 brigades stationed here; Camp Hovey; Camp Coiner; Yongsan Garrison, headquarters for US Forces Korea and 8th Army; Yongsan South Post; K-16 Air Base; Osan Air Base, home of the 7th Air Force and the 51st Fighter Wing; Camp Humphreys, the future home of US Forces Korea; Suwon Air Base, where we have one small Air Defense unit standing guard on a Korean installation; and, finally, Kunsan Air Base, where the 8th Fighter Wing is stationed.

Again, thank you for the tremendous support you provided to both the USO and the troops we support. We hope you had a blessed Christmas, and all our best to you and Operation Give in 2012.
With my best regards,

Jeff Herndon
Director, Programs & Marketing
USO Korea

Operation Christmas Stockings for the Troops in South Korea:

With the usual chill in the air of a South Korean winter night, my wife and I arrived on schedule (which is highly unusual if any of you know us) outside the main soldier barracks on Camp Coiner. As we pulled up and existed our vehicle the 8th Army band, positioned on the front lawn, kicked off the event with a few select Christmas carols. Within a few minutes other volunteers arrived and then the USO bus pulled up with their team of helpers, as we proceeded to go room by room, door by door, to as many soldiers as we could find home, to deliver the stockings and cookies.

With one of our two-star General Officers and the 8th Army band in tow and a gentle knock on the door and a friendly chant of Merry Christmas, one by one the doors opened and to the delight of all recipients, the stockings were passed out to our men and women serving in the military away from home during Christmas. Each and every soldier expressed surprise and gratitude, but all one really had to do was see their smiles and the happiness in their eyes to know we were doing the right thing.
With a bag of home made cookies in one hand and a stocking in the other, our band of merry gift givers, namely the General Officer, his wife and their young daughter, along with myself, my wife and volunteers from the USO and my civil affairs office greeted each and every soldier we came in contact with. “Merry Christmas” we shouted, “Where are you from and where is home”, the General Officer questioned the soldiers, to establish rapport and show his sincere concern for the individuals he met, (which I am sure was the first time a General Officer had ever stepped foot in those barracks).

While Christmas Carols echoed through the buildings, we raced up and down the hallways, from floor to floor, spreading Christmas goodwill and Christ like kindness to all that were lucky enough to be home that Tuesday night before Christmas.
Thanks again to all who donated time and money to help make this another very successful Operation Give Christmas Stocking event.

God bless you and make this year better than any before.

Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

Sunday, October 23, 2011

From High Atop the 17th Floor:

From the opened window in my living room, I can hear horns honking, children laughing, people talking, the revving of motorcycle engines, and tires screeching around corners. I can hear the sounds of people below, going about their daily lives, as they scurry here and there even on a Sunday afternoon. With the setting sun now hidden by a cloud of smog and haze, I sit perched in my chair with a full view of the sprawling city of Seoul below. As if from an eagle’s nest high along side some mountain cliff, my perch is now a new 17th floor apartment in the center of the enormous city of Seoul, South Korea. With nothing obstructing my view, I can see a large section of Seoul’s skyline through the large picture windows of my new apartment. From the 63rd building on the left, the tallest building in Seoul right now, to the Sook Myung Women’s University on the right, with all the high rises and homes in between.

With the setting of the sun in the west, the city transforms into an array of colored lights as it prepares itself for the night ahead. If ever there were a city that never sleeps it would be this city, with many restaurants and stores open 24-7, especially if you were to go over by the Nam Dae Moon Market any time during the night, any day of the year. With taxis still hustling a fair for twice the normal rate, at night this city has a life of its own, all somewhat visible from inside the quite confides of my 3-bedroom apartment.

After putting out the word through several real estate agents that I was looking for a place, I was able to check out a good number of available units in the surrounding area (wanting to stay close to the base). After searching for over a week I was finally able to select an apartment; the one I felt to be the best of the available bunch, with its three bedrooms, two baths, large master bedroom, 4th floor fitness center, and its great view, and fully furnished to boot. I even had the opportunity to actually pick out the new furniture from one of the local outlets; nothing too fancy and definitely on the lower end of the quality scale, but yet sufficient for my needs.

Of course it was hard to give up the dormitory type lifestyle I have been living for the past 3 months, not. Finally with my own place, at least now I won’t have to share the kitchen and bathroom/shower areas with a bunch of other men. After a couple of trips in one of my friend’s car, I was able to move in relatively easily, now able to get set up in my own space. Now without the sound of others around me permeating my walls, I feel totally alone in my home, left to enjoy the quietness of whatever I chose to allow in.

With Cable TV and the Internet all included in the monthly fee and Ethernet outlets in every room, the Internet is definitely more convenient and faster here. This is just one simple demonstration of how wired and connected Korea is to the Internet. Equipped with a water dispenser in the kitchen, I even get two large jugs of filtered water every month at no extra charge. I can’t wait for friends and family alike to all take advantage of this opportunity to come over and stay in my new 46 pyeong accommodations (My wife of course scheduled to be over here with me in the next month of so). A pyeong is a unit of measurement in Korea equal to 121⁄400 square metres ( 3.3058 m2, 3.954 sq yd or 35.586 sq ft).

With a sudden onset of Vertigo over the past few days and a touch of food poisoning from some bad squid, this week has been tougher on me than most. My world has been spinning around and around; whenever I have attempted to move about. Consequently I have chosen to stay put at least for the weekend, like some social recluse, cooped up in my apartment for the last 3 days. Having slept most of that time, my symptoms have started to decline. I feel I am on the mend. Even so I believe another trip to the doctors on Monday might be in order, just to make sure.

My Self Reflection:

One can and most of us do fill our life full of busy activities, as we jam up our schedules with a variety of worthwhile activities, keeping us completely engaged every waking moment. But, perhaps not to the end we were destined for. Maybe it is solely to occupy our time; letting the demands of a busy life dictate our direction and the extent to which we allow our life to be filled with activities not of any long-term significance.

Amidst the daily struggles and demands of my busy life, just today, having gained additional insights into what life is really all about, or what might be classified as one of the eternal principles of our existence here on earth, I felt a need for further commitment to an authentic and deliberate life centered around divine purpose and spiritual meaning.

If I might quote Henry David Thoreau,
“It is not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is ‘What are we busy about?”
“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.”

I realized more completely today that one must be fully committed to deliberately and authentically pursuing a life centered around discovering one’s destiny and doing it, searching to know the Father’s will as it pertains to each of us individually and doing it, and then acknowledging the Father’s hand in all things relevant to the purpose and meaning of our life’s. Only then might we gain enough insight to view a glimpse of that divine purpose and spiritual meaning. Only then through the lens of faith, trust and belief will we gain some vision of the purpose and meaning of the tapestry of our life.

It takes a lot of commitment to be in the world but not of the world, as expressed in the scriptures. It takes a lot of faith to allow the schedule of your life to be filled by the Lord’s hand, as we desire to be a tool in his hands, pursuing his course to the end that we fulfill our destiny.

Through our own lack of faith and commitment, I understood more fully today that we set up our own roadblocks along this course, preventing our progression down a more divinely inspired path. There is a path for each of us, but we allow the distractions and demands of life to veer us off course. Our own imperfections and weaknesses get in our way, as we at times feel like an unworthy travelers. Little do we know that he never required us to be perfect first, only that we desire to travel and that we express a willingness to be that tool, as we seek for the journey he has scheduled for each of us.

One must constantly recommit to travel down this course, authentically and deliberately being the captain of your own ship, allowing the winds of the Saviors breath to steer us towards our destinations. We must be ready to act once the island of opportunity arrives.

As Henry David Thoreau stated:
“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave; find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island opportunities and look toward another land.”

It takes a certain level of deliberate concentration, awareness and consciousness to identify the divinely inspired opportunities we might pass along the way. My only hope is that I may spot them as I pass and pause to provide the right response.

With the scriptures as our travel guide, and the Saviors example to lead the way, we step down the path ahead, seeking for guidance and inspiration. With a commitment to be true to ourselves and with determination we look for opportunities to serve others, desiring only to be a tool in his hands. Hoping our own shortcomings don’t hinder our progress, we step forward, with self-reliance, to do what we might be asked to do. With the two great commandments rooted deeply in our hearts, the love of God and the love of others we push forward towards our destination.

As was outlined by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in his recent conference talk, we are all enlisted in this the Lord’s cause, that of taking care of the Father’s children on earth. We must approach this with the humility of a child, as we seek to provide for others in the Lord’s way, doing his work. For those of us that have been given much, it is required of all of us to share our temporal blessings with the less fortunate, those in need and with the sick and the afflicted.
Operation Give provides me and others a vehicle to do just that. We have been greatly blessed over the past 8 years, due in great part to all of you who have donated your time, money and resources, so that we might provide for others in need. And the journey continues. We have now shipped over 100 forty-foot ocean containers to various places around the world. We continue to ship to Afghanistan in support of our efforts there to win the hearts and minds of those people, as we attempt to provide them with a way to be more self sufficient and self-reliant.

Now that I am here with the military civil affairs in South Korea, I am able to work with military and civilian people and groups alike, in pursuit of this same goal, providing for the less privileged, (the underprivileged people), both in South and North Korea. There are many opportunities to provide material support to the military so they in turn may provide for orphans, the elderly, North Korean defectors, etc., as they take part in the military’s “Good Neighbor Program”.
“Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed.” — Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States.

As was stated by one of our past military commanders here in Korea,
“For more than five decades, the Republic of Korea and the United States have been staunch allies, and within that firm framework, personal friendships between the people of South Korea and America have developed over and over again. The stories abound about friendships kindled by a one-year tour, which in turn evolved into a lifelong friendship of letters, e-mail, phone calls and nurtured through the decades with mutual visits.

Collectively, U.S. service members, civilian employees and their families in the ROK are or have already reaped great benefits from the ROK (Republic of Korea)-U.S. alliance and with the implementation of the U.S. Forces Korea Good Neighbor Program (GNP), this 53-year-old alliance will continue to flourish and grow.

The GNP, implemented across the peninsula in 2002, encompasses a wide array of programs that actively engage the local community, government, media, business, university, school, and military in order to provide public understanding and appreciation of the USFK mission on the peninsula.

“This program is essential to the effectiveness of USFK (United States Forces Korea). All USFK personnel and family members are Ambassadors for the United States and the GNP constitutes our outreach program with the citizens of this country. The goal is to achieve and sustain a positive image of USFK in the ROK and the Good Neighbor Program stands as the cornerstone of successful ROK-U.S. relations. Every USFK member must support GNP activities as we expand our horizons with this program.

It is only through a complete team effort that we will obtain our goal and thus strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance. As we “Go Together” successfully into the future, we will use the Good Neighbor Program as our guidepost.” – USFK Commander

There are many ways to help and to be part of this great effort. Lets stand together, hand in hand, as we travel down this road. Let me know what you see on your path, perhaps our paths will cross somewhere down the line.

Sincerely,
Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Homeless in Korea:

A few nights ago, as I was returning from one of the local restaurants, where I grabbed a bite to eat, as is customary for me now, I stopped at my local convenience store up the street, to pick up a bottle of water. At a dollar per liter, I find it a bargain hard to pass up, (given the cost of water in the commissary is substantially higher). Over the last couple of months I have made friends with the owners; a couple somewhat my age, who man the store pretty much all day. They also are avid hikers and enjoy, when they can break away, getting out into the local mountains. At first the husband was somewhat standoffish but over time has warmed up to me; now exchanging pleasantries with me each time I stop in.

The sun having set an hour or so earlier, in the brisk evening air, as I made my way back to my room, I passed the small traditional thatched-roofed wooden hut, erected along the side of the road. It is a small structure, the type you would normally see out in the rice fields; where a farmer might catch an early afternoon nap, as he watches over his fields. I am not sure of its purpose, as its sits surrounded by office buildings, hotels and restaurants, on all sides. Approximately 5 feet by 5 feet square, it is only big enough for one or two people to lay knees bent in.

At night, around this time, I have seen a homeless couple sleeping in there, with their small thin blanket and pillow. As the days here in South Korea continue to progressively get cooler and cooler, I have become concerned about their well-being. I have wondered what will become of them during the cold months ahead.

Committed to stopping next time I saw them there, as I passed in front I noticed the man sitting up and paused to chat with him. From previous sightings I thought she was Korean, but I knew he wasn’t, appearing to be dark skinned, unsure of his origin. Surprisingly I found out he was an American, previously in the military, now for some reason homeless in South Korea.

We conversed for 5 or 10 minutes, as she lay apparently fast asleep cuddled up in the blanket next to him. Not wanting to pry too much into his personal life, I expressed my concern for them and asked if there wasn’t something I could do to help. He said he was trying to find a room in the area to live in; explaining there are programs and rooms for homeless people, to provide shelter during the winter months ahead. His answers were vague, without much substance, and didn’t provide me much information about his situation.
He spoke of his difficulties in finding work and in finding a permanent place to live.

Not knowing the whole story and unsure of what to do for them, I felt helpless. All I could do is express my desire to do something, but had no lasting long-term solution for their predicament. I walked away frustrated, hoping that I am able to provide more of a solution next time I see them.

Over the last few days, as I have passed the hut almost nightly, the undisturbed rolled-up blanket and pillow are there but no sign of the couple. I am sure our paths will cross again and perhaps I will be able to do more next time. I will keep you posted. I hate to see anyone homeless, but especially a previous American soldier.
I saw both of them again this morning on my way to work, cuddled up in their skimpy blanket. My heart goes out to them, hope to be able to help them in some way.

Cute Blue Eyed – Blond haired Kids in a red wagon made all the difference:

Yesterday, amidst an overcast sky, with every indication it would rain at any moment, I was able, with others from my office, to participate in the 8th annual YoiDo Run. With my knee still bothering me, I chose to offer my assistance in support of the event at our booth and then walked part way around the 5k course with a couple of guys I work with; one who had brought his two small children and a red wagon to pull them in.

With a crowd of about 6,000 people, mostly made up of Korean military types, who were out in force to represent their individual units, the event, in traditional Korean fashion, was well organized with face painting booths, free massages before and after the run, and a very nice lunch box of delectable Korean cuisine for all the participants.

As we pulled the two kids around in the bright red wagon, the one 4-year-old cute little girl tightly grasping the pole of a Korean flag, Koreans constantly wanted to photograph the children. Koreans seem to be naturally enamored by the site of cute blond-haired American children, frequently asking if it was ok to take a picture of them holding one of the children. Like Paparazzi chasing after a movie star, the Korean news media types were feverishly attempting to capture the children at just the right moment, as the children waived on command at each passing camera.

A Perfect Example of Good Neighbors:

Over lunch at the Hartell House, (one of the only nice places to eat on base, offering a fairly descent lunch buffet), I was fortunate to meet up with one of our Korean “Good Neighbor” groups, whom I had met previously. As a type of community outreach, well off and somewhat middle-aged Koreans, have volunteered to take part in the Good Neighbor program, in an effort to show their support for the American soldiers serving in their country.

Surprised and amazed in their display of commitment and desire to show their continual appreciation for what US soldiers have done for their country during and after the Korean War, these Koreans volunteer their time and a substantial amount of resources to this program. In a world of hatred and dislike for many things we do as American soldiers, it is refreshing to be part of such a positive effort.

With a variety of community projects to help Korean orphans and others alike, the Good Neighbors share a vision somewhat apparently difficult for most soldiers to grasp. We don’t for the most part understand their motivation and the extent to which they are willing to serve and donate to the success of this program. They obviously want to help make a difference in their community in a big way, side by side with American soldiers, in an effort to portray us in a very different positive light. They want to fund and support this effort for us, as a small way of repaying us for our continual service to their people.

With this group of good neighbors we are planning, sometime in December, a Christmas party for a large group of orphans. Along with the usual Christmas gifts and food, we hope to be able to supply them with school supplies and other much needed items. Hopefully Operation Give will be able to support the further development of the Good Neighbor Program here in South Korea by providing soldiers and the Good Neighbors with the merchandise they need.

With your help, one step at a time we get closer to our goal.

Thanks,
Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

Operation Christmas Stocking

The Christmas that almost wasn’t:

There was no white snow covering all the yards and streets, no beautifully colored Christmas lights adorning the houses, no presents piled up under a tall Christmas tree, no thoughts of Santa coming, no joyful Christmas caroling, and most of all no excited children to help remember the excitement of Christmas.

We were in Iraq serving our country and fighting for the freedom of those people.

But then, magically, like a miracle from heaven, hundreds of boxes of stuffed Christmas Stockings arrived; full of the greatest stuff you could ever imagine, enough to fill a twenty-foot container. Stockings full of the kinds of things soldiers love to get from home and other much needed items that meant the soldier didn’t have to spend his own money buying it when he ran out.

Just like Mom and Dad used to do under beds and in closets, we kept all the stockings under lock and key, in the closed metal shipping container, until Christmas Eve. Like little Santa’s Elves, dressed in Santa hats, we loaded up our vehicle full of stockings, one load after another, and went out delivering a slice of Christmas to everyone we came in contact with; young and old alike, soldier or civilian, foreigners or anyone else working on the base that day.

Well into Christmas Eve and all the next day, Christmas Day, (of course in-between Christmas Lunch and Dinner), to the surprise and joy of every recipient, we delivered a bursting-at-the-seam Christmas Stocking. Because of all the great people back home and because of Operation Give and FedEx, hundreds and thousands of smiling people, all away from home during the holidays, received a Christmas gift of love, one they will never forget.

For a moment it felt like Christmas, especially for us doing the delivering. We had something to give and others had a gift to receive, as love and appreciation for Christmas spread throughout the camp. We did remember the true meaning of Christmas and it all began with a stocking from home.

Don’t forget about our men and women serving our country, away from home and loved ones during Christmas. Everyone at Operation Give is working hard right now to get all the stockings we can ready to send off to those serving in the military around the world; even to South Korea where I am stationed right now.

We need you to send Operation Give as many stuffed stockings as you can, or send us the items so we can stuff the stockings. They have to be shipped soon, so please don’t delay in responding. You can look on the website to see a list of things that are desired, at operationgive.org.
Please send us whatever you can. We could really use your help. Or even volunteer to come down to the warehouse on our next stocking stuffing activity.

Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Guided to Somewhere:

In the coolness of a beautiful autumn Korean morning, I enjoyed the short walk to the bus stop as I made my way to church in Shin Chon. Now somewhat accustomed to the routine of taking the bus every Sunday morning, I took advantage of the time to think over the past week’s events. Pondering and reflecting on life seems like an appropriate Sabbath day activity for someone in my position, basically alone.

With the memory of many magical events from Iraq still fresh in my mind, I can’t help but feel there is a purpose and special meaning for me being in South Korea at this time. Life’s experiences are somehow an intertwined continuum of events, one leading to the other in some miraculous fashion. Now with 20/20 hindsight looking back at the tapestry sewn of past events, I have believed for sometime that things are falling into place as they were meant to. With past experiences as my guide, I have to believe that something amazing might be behind the next closed door or just around the corner. My next new encounter might be precisely the missing piece to the puzzle.

Without any ability to see into the future I drive on with faith believing in divine intervention, knowing his hand will prepare the way ahead, each interaction – each meeting – each contact adding another critical element to the formula needed to accomplish the overall objective/objectives. I can’t say at any point in time along this path that I have a clear vision of where I am going, because I don’t. I only know there is a purpose for the direction of travel, with many important unexpected milestones along the way, each with its own intrinsic value.

With that being said, if I were asked what I am currently doing to fulfill my purpose or where I am currently at along this path, I would have to say I don’t know. Continuing with that line of thought, it is as if I am playing baseball, moving around the bases, one at a time, with no vision of where home plate is or even how many bases there are to get there. Actually this is of no concern to me, as I only desire to know where the next base is and how I might get there. I have to believe with each new and special encounter that I am moving around the bases ever closer towards what might be home plate.

In the course of trying to live life to its fullest along this path, I find it ever increasingly difficult to balance all the duties and responsibilities, to the end that each of my life’s important-person’s needs are met too. I was reminded of that by one of my son’s this week, as I was told to call more often and email less. Learning as I go, taking mistakes in stride, I commit to do better to take care of all of my responsibilities.

A Voice From the Past:

My cell phone rang a few days ago, the unrecognizable voice on the other end, asked me out of the blue, “when are we going to get together.” Unsure of who it was, I just responded by saying “when would be good for you”. After his next response I figured out the person on the other end was none other than Lee Jong Il, a good friend of mine, whom I had baptized 40 years ago in Taegu. Having come to Korea every time there was a combined military exercise year after year, I was able to stay in touch with him for about 10 years, but lost track of him about 30 years ago, when he moved to Taejun.

As I climbed the escalator in front of Seoul Station, I spotted him waiting at the top of the stairs. Even though we are the same age, and 30 years has passed us both by, in my eyes he hadn’t changed a bit. With a good manly hug, we embraced as we met for the first time in so many years. Seeing him again opened the floodgates to a stream of fond memories of times gone by, as I recalled his baptism and us working together at the church in Taegu.

With no real place to go and just a strong desire to get caught up on all that has transpired in our lives since our last meeting, we decided to get a quick bite to eat. Down the stairs towards the subway station, we came across a small restaurant; he obviously had eaten at many times before. Home-style cooking was the specialty, with a buffet of rice, bean sprouts, small fish, and soup, as the main dishes; all served up in large self-serve bowls. At $4.00 each, not a bad deal for the two us, (sometimes the little hole in the wall places can be down right tasty).

We chatted for an hour or so of all the good times before and about what has happened since. Deciding to get a pastry or something for dessert, we made our way upstairs into the shopping mall area where we located a bakery. Over a couple of donuts and with no concern of the time, we talked for another hour or so as we reacquainted ourselves. His work brings him to Seoul often; so with a promise to meet again soon, we went our separate ways. It was great seeing him again after all these years.

Meeting Stephen Linton:

With much anticipation, earlier in the week, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting up with Dr. Stephen Linton of the Eugene Bell foundation, whom I spoke of in a previous blog. After about an hour of stop and go rush hour traffic and about an hour late, we arrived at his office anxious to at least have a few minutes to chat with him, before he had to run off.

Just so you know, after Googling his name, I got this

“Dr. Stephen Linton (born 1950) is a humanitarian and an expert on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). He has visited North Korea over 50 times since 1979 and twice met the country’s late president, Kim Il-sung, as an advisor and translator to the Rev. Billy Graham.
He is also the founder and chairman of the Eugene Bell Foundation, which provides medical humanitarian assistance to rural North Korea. Focusing on tuberculosis, the foundation currently sponsors over 40 hospitals responsible for 1/3 of the country’s population.
Currently an affiliated scholar at Harvard University’s Korea Institute, Linton was raised in a rural area of Jeollanam-do, South Korea as the son of a prominent family of missionaries to Korea. His father, Hugh Linton, established over 200 churches in rural Korea and his mother, Betty Linton, served 40 years as director of the Soonchun Christian Tuberculosis Rehabilitation Center. His brother, John Linton, is the director of International Healthcare Center of Yonsei University in Seoul.”

Continuing with our meeting.

Having just returned from the states and still recovering from jetlag, he apologized for his somewhat lethargic disposition, claiming it wasn’t for lack of interest in our discussion. He reviewed with us his organization’s current mission and purpose; claiming to only be focused on providing medications for North Korean people suffering from Tuberculosis. After years misuse of medications, North Korean victims have become resistant to the drugs most commonly prescribed for the disease — a condition known as multidrug resistance, or MDR.

With plans to leave again for North Korea within the next week and with the cost of drugs and medication rising, his only focus is to raise enough money to buy what is needed to treat the 600 plus patients they are currently tracking. He is committed to insuring they have the ability to provide medication and to then track the patients through the treatment process to insure the drugs are being taken and used properly. With widespread corruption and government involvement, he is committed to staying on course with his TB program, because at least they are able to control who gets the medication and can track their progress to insure they continue to take the medication as directed.

With sensitivity for his time and his concerns about meeting with military personnel, I gave him a quick overview of what Operation Give is all about and what we have been doing in other parts of the world. Understanding that NK is different in so many ways from anywhere else in the world, I left things somewhat open ended as I expressed a desire to help in someway, not knowing exactly what that might be at this time.

I am not sure what we might be able to do to support his efforts in NK, but I am certain there will be a way and there will be an opportunity for us to do something together in the future. Gracious for the opportunity to meet, even for a few minutes, we both expressed a desire to meet again soon to further develop the relationship when he gets back from NK. With the initial contact made and over, the door is now open for the right opportunity to introduce itself.

This and That:

• My knee still hurting from a recent sprain, I chose to forego hiking Saturday, deciding to take the day off to get some much needed rest. But, I can’t wait to be back on the trail in the mountains of Korea
• My orders being extended until next June, I am now looking for an apartment off base to set up house in. I have met a couple of Real Estate agents who have started showing me a few places that are on the market.
• After work hours the only thing I am finding enjoyment in is eating (so what is new). I have been frequenting a few restaurants within walking distance of my room, where for $6 I can get a big bowl a variety of soups and stews, like Soon Doo Boo Soup or grilled Mackerel with all the side dishes. With numerous choices of Korean soups and stews, along with numerous vegetable side dishes, Korean food offers up a pretty healthy alternative to the food offered on base and much better than the fast food chains are dishing up at the food court.

Talk to you soon,

Sincerely,
Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

Monday, October 3, 2011

The Colors of Fall:

The coolness of a South Korean Autumn has now overtaken the hot – humid days of summer for good; as we slowly but surely transition over to the much colder days of winter. I am sure these cooler somewhat pleasantly chilly days of fall will be short lived, as the morning chill already is requiring me to wear a jacket as I walk to work. Being a lover of cooler temperatures, perhaps due to the several extremely hot summers I have spent in Iraq, I relish the thought of things being like this for as long as possible.

With my two Korean hiking buddies, as companions I have developed a routine of spending my Saturdays in the surrounding mountains, enjoying the challenges these granite slopes offer me. Now well into almost two months of hiking, I can tell my body is getting stronger and in better shape, as I am now able to hike longer and farther between stops to rest. With a renewed confidence, last Saturday I was actually able to reach the first peak of Uee Sang Bong, in the Book Han Mtn range, must faster than I have in the past. Of course I am still no match for my hiking friends, who appear to be able to hike indefinitely with out taking a moments rest.

Due to my persistent pushing, my friends have actually started interacting with others on the trail, total strangers, which is totally out of character for these two. They are beginning to notice things in our surroundings, people, sounds, sights; things that otherwise would have never been part of their consciousness. I enjoy their company, as we chat back and forth from Korean to English. Their care and concern for me, a much less skilled hiker, is much appreciated, as we confront different obstacles along the way, at times being forced to scale large granite boulders using the permanently installed steel ropes to pull ourselves up.

The mountains in Korea this time of year are alive with color; as if a master painter’s brush was coating the leaves with oranges, reds and yellows, much the way it is back home in Utah now. (I just received from my son Michael, some fantastic photos of my new little granddaughter, Maleah, up in the mountains of Utah around Salt Lake City, as the same artist appears to be traveling over their way too). I hope to be able to enjoy the mountain colors a few more weeks, before they all drop to the ground in preparation for snow.

Due to time constraints of a wedding I was scheduled to attend, this last Saturday I chose to hike closer to my dormitory to a near by hill top called Nam San, or now in a more touristy vernacular “Seoul Tower”. It is a steady, steep at times, climb from my place to the top, with a long set of hundreds of stairs once you reach the foot of the hill. On a clear day, once you reach the top, you can see the entire city of Seoul, with its thousands of high rise apartment complexes, as people continue to give up their individual homes for apartments.

On the way back down I picked up the pace, deciding to run or quickstep down the stairs and through the streets of Seoul back to my place. I made the round trip in about an hour and ten minutes, but paid a price, as I seemed to have jammed up my knee. The true age of my body doesn’t seem to have reached my brain, as I still think I can bound down the mountain like a deer or something. Limping around a bit now with a bum-knee, but confident it will be better by Saturday, so I can resume my hiking routine.

A Wedding Korean Style:

Showered and cleaned up, dressed up in my nicest Sunday attire, I was picked up by my co-workers to attend the wedding of the son of one of our “Good Neighbor members. Somewhat forgotten and unfamiliar with certain current Korean customs, in that it had been years since I have attended one of these lavish Korean Weddings in what they call a wedding hall, I saw first hand what money can buy these days. (Many of the actual Korean words for things have long been tossed to the side and replaced with English words, spelled out using the Korean alphabet, in what is called “Konglish”; wedding hall, convention center and computers, taxi, and on and on).

Being somewhat late, we walked into the rooftop Garden Room on the 7th floor of this wedding hall; all the guests already seated and the ceremony well under way. We were expected, being ushered in to our reserved seats as soon as we walked through the door. It was extravagant to say the least; with fine linens, chandeliers, a live 4-piece band, wedding singers, and the wedding dress covered an area about 10 feet in circumference. There were at least 5 full-time photographers, snapping pictures of everything that was transpiring; every movement and every breath was captured.

At the end of the formal ceremony, as the MC was thanking all those in attendance, our presence as the 8th Army Representatives was announced, as we stood to accept their applause. A special husband and wife duet followed, accompanied by an acoustical guitar, then a final song by the wedding band, with its lead saxophonist. The newly weds performed their traditional formal extended bow in front of each set of parents, with the groom kneeling and placing his head between his two hands on the floor and then the wedding was over. Under a showering of confetti, the couple walked down the aisle as all seated rose to their feet to send them off with a big applause.

As soon as it was over, we thanked the owner of the wedding hall, (who was seated at our table), for her graciousness and moved quickly towards the elevator to drop down to the 5th floor where the lunch buffet was prepared. While 4 full time chefs cooked away, as if in some 4-star restaurant, dish after dish of all types of Korean food were lined up, on numerous tables, to the delight of everyone present. I couldn’t stop myself from piling up the food on my plate, as if at a buffet in Las Vegas, as I saw one delectable plate after another of food I just couldn’t pass up. Several plates of food later, pushing myself away from the table, we decided we’d had enough and found our way to the door, down to the main level and to the car as we sped away. It was quite a dining adventure for all.

My First Korean Marathon:

Dressed in my somewhat lackluster running sweats, in the darkness of the morning, I was picked up by my co-workers to take part in the annual World Peace International marathon in Gangnam. Invited by the city’s Mayor, 8th Army participates in this race every year, with many soldiers and US citizens alike taking part in all of the festivities. With a 5k walk/run, a 10K, a half marathon and a full marathon, there is something for just about everyone, as some 10,000 plus individuals took part in this event.

Assigned to man the registration booth for US runners, and tasked to escort the General on and off stage, as he gave the opening address and accompanied the Mayor on the 5K walk, all of my co-workers and I were busily engaged in the activities of this great community activity. With a stage occupied by ongoing performances, booth after booth of support personnel (from full time sport tapers, massage therapists, body painters, first aid providers, etc), a rainbow of balloons at the finish line, and another stage for dignitaries and other VIPs in attendance, this was a major production and demonstration of Korean attention to details.
After the Mayor’s and the General’s opening remarks, in 5 minute intervals, the runners for each race were released in a cloud of confetti and fireworks. Trailing behind the Mayor and General, we completed the 5K walk, my bum knee and all, actually attempting to run the final 50 yards as we rounded the corner towards the finish line, creating a photo-op for all the media.

After making the rounds with the Mayor to shake hands with all the important people, we had the opportunity to partake of a traditional Korean lunch, a bowl of Bibim Bap. We exchanged business cards and had the opportunity to discuss the efforts of Operation Give with the Mayor and the UNICEF representative, who were already thinking of next year’s event and how we might participate with them.

All in all it was a great day; under clear blue skies, amidst towering skyscrapers, welcomed by the open arms of the citizens of Gangnam.
One day at a time, making contacts and connections every step of the way.

Sincerely,

Chief Wiggles

“Doing it the wiggles way”

Sunday, October 2, 2011

An Appointment with the Doctor:

As we drove up I, sitting on the passenger’s side, couldn’t help but notice the enormous new Severance Hospital, with its numerous buildings and sprawling campus. My first reaction was to attempt to identify the original hospital building; I became very familiar with back in 1971, when as a missionary I visited the hospital numerous times with my companion (who insisted he was suffering from some strange sickness). My attempts were in vain and I quickly gave up the effort, as the large massive buildings seemed to have swallowed up the old structure.

I looked for the western pie shop that used to be across the street, (we used to frequent, whenever we wanted a slice of homemade apple or chocolate pie), but it too was gone and everything else I remember with it. Forty years of growth and expansion have definitely brought a lot of change to this area.

We were there to visit one of my coworkers who a few days earlier underwent back surgery. He was recovering nicely, already up and around, securely strapped in with a special back harness. It was good to see him, even with several days of whisker growth and sporting his new hospital gown.

After some chitchat and best wishes, we left his room and found our way over to the International Health Care Center at Severance Hospital. Not to diminish the importance of visiting my friend and coworker, but the real exciting thing about being there that day was meeting Dr. John Linton the director of the Care Center.

As we entered the center’s waiting room, I noticed a couple of Mormon Missionaries, clad in their unmistakable white short-sleeve shirts and ties, sitting next to a middle aged apparently American women, whom they were conversing with. As I walked over to say hi and introduce myself, noticing the older women next to them, I realized that I knew her. Her first response, as she looked up, was to say, “I know you, don’t I”. Come to find out her husband, who I served with as a missionary back in 1971, and her are now serving as the TaeJun Mission President and have been in country for a little over a year.

We chatted for a few minutes, as she questioned me about why purpose for being there in my military uniform and then promptly called her husband. Handing me the phone, I said hi this is Paul Holton, he immediately responded with, “Hey Chief Wiggles”. It was great to hear his voice and with a promise of hooking up soon, we hung up just as my team motioned to me that Dr. Linton had arrived.

With a firm friendly handshake and an energy filled hello, Dr John Linton welcomed us into his office. I was immediately impressed with his command of the Korean language, as he bounced effortlessly and smoothly back and forth between Korean and English. His energy and excitement were invigorating, as he took charge of the conversation, with each probing interrogator like question. His engaging friendly demeanor put me immediately at ease, as he commented on the number of Mormon missionaries he had seen over the years.

As we jumped around from one topic to another, at the risk of being redundant, I was shaken by his informative candidness and bluntness regarding his trips to North Korea. With his latest news about what is really going on up there, he stated that every time he goes North he gets more confused and less sure about what lies ahead in the future with that regime.

Dr. John Linton is a fourth generation descendent of Eugene Bell (1868-1925), the first U.S. missionary who came to southwest Korea in 1895. Linton’s grandfather was William Linton, who founded Hannam University in Daejeon, and became a son-in-law of Bell. The Bell and Linton families since then have worked closely together in Korea in various fields, including education, missionary work and medical services. The families established the Eugene Bell Foundation to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Bell’s missionary work in 1995. Linton and his brother have followed in the family’s footsteps by providing medical services to North Korea to eradicate diseases such as tuberculosis.
As we discussed his more recent trips to NK, China’s involvement in NK became the focus, his voice charged with energy and emotion with each additional story. If anyone knows what is going on, it is him and even he is not sure given the players and variables of the precarious situation in the house of cards up North.

The nurse poked her head in to inform the doctor of his patients waiting in the next room, precisely the missionary I had spoken with earlier. With only a few more minutes together, we quickly spoke of meeting again soon, promising to set up a series of meetings with our leaders, to discuss these specific topics in more detail in a more secure area. He sincerely wants to help us in the military understand the nature of the situation up North, from his perspective.

Walking away, I couldn’t help but be blown away by the doctor’s intellect and wealth of knowledge and experience. It was indeed an honor to share a few moments with him and I hope to be able to meet with the Doctor again in the near future to continue our discussions.

John Linton’s brother, Stephen, head of the Eugene Bell Foundation, will be coming to our office this week for the first time since I arrived in Korea. It will be my first chance to actually speak with him about how we at Operation Give might be able to assist him in his humanitarian aid efforts up North. Hoping for a chance to get involved in his work, I am optimistic and have faith things will work out the way they are meant to.

Here is an article about Dr. John Linton and another one about his brother Stephen.

Giving Until It Hurts

SLIDESHOW
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Stephen Linton, of the Maryland-based Eugene Bell Foundation, interviews a patient at Kosong People’s Hospital in North Korea. (Stephen Glain)

Stephen Linton meets with an administrator at Sonchon People’s Hospital. (Stephen Glain)

Stepehn Linton takes inventory of medicine and other supplies delivered to Jonju People’s Hospital last November. (Stephen Glain)

New equipment donated by the Eugene Bell Foundation in an operating room at Sonchon People’s Hospital. (Stephen Glain)

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By Stephen Glain
Sunday, March 9, 2008
STEPHEN LINTON IS BEING HUSTLED THROUGH THE DARKENING CORRIDORS of Hadan Tuberculosis Hospital in western North Korea. It took him three hours to get here from Pyongyang, the capital, which is linked tenuously to Hadan by 50 miles of deeply rutted and washed-out roads. A diminutive man with a craggy face and patrician silhouette, Linton has just finished unloading a cache of medical supplies, and now the hospital director, who wears a white lab coat and a head covering that could double for a baker’s hat, wants him to observe a surgery. But they’ll have to hurry: It’s already late in the November day and, in a country where electricity is tightly rationed, a surgery’s outcome can hinge on how much sunlight is pouring through operating room windows.
With orderlies and aides struggling to keep up, the two men canter through the hospital’s drafty administrative building, with its faux-Palladian facade and faded, royal-blue window shutters, and across the dry empty fields that envelop the compound. The operating room is a two-story concrete blockhouse; to get to its main entrance, visitors must pick their way through spent oxygen tanks strewn along the pathway.

The patient is a young woman whose lower spine has been corroded by tuberculosis. She is lying on her side on the operating table, and an orderly is coating her lumbar region with disinfectant iodine. The surgeons will try to repair the damaged vertebra by grafting onto it a slice of bone taken from the patient’s pelvis. There is no heat. Barring complications, the operation should take two hours, which would be plenty of time during the summer months, but could be a close call this late in the year.
Linton, 57, stops to peer through a window from the operating room’s antechamber.
“I’ve seen doctors who tried to capture sunlight by reflecting it from a mirror,” he says.
By North Korean standards, the patient is fortunate. She’s been given a local anesthetic, which is rare in a country where surgeons routinely etherize patients, strap them down and try to finish the operation before they come to. The operating table is less than a year old, as are the surgeon’s instruments and the handcarts on which they’re arrayed. Also new are the hospital’s X-ray machines, electrocardiogram, oxygen tanks and wheelchairs. All this is courtesy of Linton’s Eugene Bell Foundation, a Maryland-based nongovernmental organization that has spent the past decade battling a raging tuberculosis epidemic in areas of North Korea where few foreigners have been allowed to travel.
It’s not easy work. Of the 36 NGOs that began operations in North Korea as famine gutted the rural population in the mid-1990s, all but a handful have left in frustration. And Linton is particularly demanding: He insists on delivering his supplies personally, lest they be diverted to another facility or end up on the black market. When government officials balk, Linton refuses to resupply the site. So each of his two resupply visits annually is preceded by lengthy and sometimes rancorous negotiations. “Our donors feel very passionate about where their money goes,” Linton says. “A lot of them are part of the Korean diaspora, and some are even from North Korea, and they know exactly what kind of facilities they want to help.”
It has taken Linton years of resupply missions to build a redeemable store of trust with the North Korean government. On this visit, he has brought with him the first cycle of medicine for tuberculosis victims who have become resistant to the drugs most commonly prescribed for the disease — a condition known as multidrug resistance, or MDR. Success hinges on Linton’s direct access to the patients — including ones at care centers near remote military bases and other sensitive areas. Without that, he’ll take the MDR kits back with him to Seoul.
“What strikes me about Steve is his ability to persevere in a system that does not work well and maintain the integrity to say, ‘No,’” says Charles “Jack” Pritchard, who, as a former special envoy for negotiations with North Korea and a member of the National Security Council, has known Linton for years. “He’s had problems from Day One, but he’s overcome.”
The progeny of several generations of Christian missionaries, Linton spent most of his youth in South Korea. He speaks flawless Korean, marshaling it to shame obstructive bureaucrats in Pyongyang, charm hospital staffs in Kosong and bring assemblies of donors in Seoul to tears. He has insinuated himself into one of the world’s most forbidding and totalitarian regimes with strategic gifts: tuberculosis drugs for the elites (in Pyongyang, the disease carries a social stigma that can ruin a career) and, say, rebuilt carburetors for parts-starved truck drivers.
South Korean sources suggest that tuberculosis has affected as much as 5 percent of North Korea’s population of 23 million. Linton estimates the Eugene Bell Foundation has treated up to 250,000 patients, 70 percent of whom might have otherwise died. The foundation has a staff of seven full-time and three part-time employees, and it raises $2 million to $3 million annually. But for him, personally, the work has come with some costs: estrangement from his family, a divorce.
Health risks are ever-present. At each site, Linton interviews tuberculosis victims for a videotaped log that will be featured in his next presentation to potential donors. He’s frequently warned by his North Korean minders, physicians who accompany him from site to site, to wear a mask, but he refuses.

Next:
Interview by Grace Sun, Shots by Ethan James

1. Can you tell me a little about your family and their history in Korea?
My great-grandfather, Eugene Bell, was a Presbyterian missionary who came to Korea in 1895. My grandfather, William Linton, also served in Korea from 1912 and my father Hugh Linton, served in Korea from 1954. My mother also served in Korea for 40 years as the director of the Soonchun Christian Tuberculosis Rehabilitation Center.
My wife and I met when we were both studying in college, and we have two daughters “ 21 and 19 – and a 9-year-old son. They are beautiful Amerasian kids.
2. What was it like growing up in Korea in the 60s?
I was born in Jeonju and grew up in Suncheon. I do not see myself as someone from a wealthy family coming to help the “poor natives”, but in fact I see myself as a product of Korea. The old people in the village taught me very strong values and how to be a good human being. It was a wonderful childhood growing up in Korea. My biggest break was being allowed to study at Yonsei University, after which I went to New York and then came back here to do family medicine. Koreans have given me the opportunity to go to school here and become a doctor. I am thankful for that, and I have tried to give some of that back.
3. What are the standout things you have achieved here that make you proud?
My father was killed in a tragic car accident in 1984 and after that I designed five models of ambulances, of which there are now 4000 on the street. All the square ambulances you see on the street are 100% my design, and I believe it was a pretty significant breakthrough. The other thing would be the medical work my brother and I did under the Eugene Bell foundation in North Korea. We treated 300,000 patients in 6 years and raised US $35 mil..
4. Do you consider yourself a foreigner or a Korean?
My heart is in Jeonju, so I think of myself as more of a Jeonju person and not really Korean. I wrote a book called “My Hometown is in Jeollado, My Soul is in Korea”. Who am I? As a child, I never looked in the mirror, I just saw myself as a kid in the village. At one point in my life I realized the advantages of Asian culture over Western culture and I made a choice to be Asian. I have great respect for the collectivism of Asian culture. We’re very communal, and that is something I strongly believe in.
5. What should foreigners be careful of when seeking medical care here in Korea?
The number one problem with all patients, local and foreigner alike, is communication. Korean doctors see five to ten times the number of patients that Western doctors see, and it can often get very busy and crowded. Koreans put up with this lack of communication and explanation, but foreigners are much more used to personalized care. They can be very inquisitive, but Korean doctors are too busy to explain. I think there is a big difference in expectations – the concept of medicine to Westerners is that it is a necessary evil, a toxin. But for Asians, it is a mechanism for correcting the imbalances in your body “ like ying and yang. The doctor is the guru, and his decisions are not questioned. While a Westerner will thank me for not giving him any medicine, a Korean will invariably ask for an injection! The advice I would give to foreigners that are seeking help is to write everything down “ Korean doctors read much better than they speak. At the end of the day, the Korean and Western consumer want the same thing: professionalism and quality time.
6. What is your personal stance on the medical system here in Korea?
Korean doctors are heroic “ the amount of patients they see “ they’re superhuman. This system works because they work so hard in order to make ends meet under national insurance. There is a huge need, not for revolution, but for reform. Korea needs private insurance, and public and private should come together seamlessly like in the Netherlands or Germany.
7. You have the title of not only doctor, but mentor and trusted cultural guide. Can you tell me a little about your theories and beliefs?
One of my theories is that central heating has played a big part in fracturing today’s families. Here is why – I grew up in a time when there was no central heating, and this was true in many parts of the US too. Back then, everyone gathered around the kitchen stove and all education happened there. It forced people to interact and have very healthy mental hygiene. In Korea, it was the hot floor that you would congregate around. This was the place where older people would teach values and provide their wisdom to the younger people. Nowadays everyone has their own individual television, their own computer and the kids just stay in their room. That causes a generation of very selfish kids.
8. How is IHC different from other international clinics in Korea?
We are an all-service clinic, and a lot of people who come here need urgent care, but I am also trained as a family practitioner so we also manage and prevent disease.
We have four full-time English speaking doctors, and most importantly we have a 24-hour medical doctor and administrator on-call. The difference between ours and other international clinics is that I am the only Western foreigner licensed to practice medicine in Korea and I am part of the institution. Other doctors are contracted, and are not available after hours so there is very little follow through. I am committed to patients and actively partake in their treatment, whether they are here in the clinic or in the emergency room.
9. How has IHC progressed and improved over the years?
When I returned to Korea in 1991 the International Healthcare Centre was in a very dilapidated state with only 1 or 2 patients coming every other day. Now we have over 80 patients a day, and last year we saw 30,000 foreigners. We are also the only JCI-accredited (Joint Commission International) hospital in Korea, and the biggest in the world, which means we have been prepared for many presidential visits.
10. What do you see for Korea’s medical field in the future?
I believe the future is in medical tourism, and in fact all my efforts right now are focused on promoting Korea as a place for treatment abroad. I have been working very closely with the Ministry For Health, Welfare and Family Affairs to promote the amazing surgeons Korea has to offer. Their manual dexterity is the best in the world, even among their own fellow peers in Asia “ Koreans are the only Asian population that uses metal chopsticks. We have 5 Da Vinci robots, and in fact we are the leaders in Asia. Presently, the cost in Korea is more expensive than Bangkok, but cheaper than Singapore and Hong Kong, and about a third to a fifth of the cost in the US.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

A Reunion to Remember:

It was a beautiful fall morning; a clear blue sky hung overhead and a sudden unusual cool breeze blew in my face, as I walked towards the bus stop up the street from my dormitory like room. It only takes me about 10 minutes on foot to get to where bus #740 stops. All dressed in my suit and tie; I walked a little slower than usual, in hopes of not breaking out in a sweat on my way to church. The humidity has dropped along with the temperature, indicating fall has definitely arrived in the land of the Morning Calm.

As I have become accustomed to on Sundays, I sat starring out the window, lost in my thoughts of the past week’s activities. There were only a couple other people on the bus and few were picked up along the way, creating a serene – peaceful atmosphere, in what is otherwise a crazy city of 20 plus million people. I offered up a silent pray of thanks and gratitude for all the magical and miraculous events that have occurred sense my arrival here in South Korea.

The bus moved quickly along, down streets and through green lights, with few other vehicles to impede its progress towards my destination. We started to pass certain recognizable landmarks in the area as we moved towards Shin Chon; my first area as a missionary some 40 years ago. I remembered the two-story house all 6 of us missionaries lived in, right next to a large yuntan factory, which kept a thick layer of coal soot in the air.

Yuntons are pressed charcoal, which are shaped like a large quart-can with holes drilled through it lengthwise, once used to heat Korean homes. They were sold everywhere back then, but very difficult to find any more; a sure sign that South Korea has really become a developed nation.

A saw the area where the famous Shin Chon market used to be, now replaced by a large 7 story Hyundai Department store – that was my stop. Exiting the bus I moved along in a methodical fashion; making right turns and left turns, down alleyways and up side streets, until I arrived at the church.

As I entered the open glass door I could see a middle aged women standing there with what appeared to be the program for the service that day in her hands. She stopped me politely as I walked in to ask me if I was the individual whose picture was on the front cover. I nodded; answering yes to her question. (I was asked the week before to speak in Sacrament meeting that day and my picture was taken for the program cover). Continuing her line of questioning, she then asked me if I wouldn’t take off my sunglasses so she could see me clearly, then asking if I was Hu il Dong, which in fact was my Korean name back when I was a missionary.

She then proceeded to tell me that she was Bae Kyung Hee, a person I had baptized back in 1972 in Taegu, a city some 4 hours away from here. At that time she was a Junior High School student; baptized along with her older brother and another close friend of mine, Lee Jong il; all baptized the same day back some 40 years ago. She was elated to see me again, after all these years, seeing me now for the first time since I left Taegu to move to Pusan in the spring of 1973.

Excitement over this miraculous reunion filled the air, as she began telling everyone entering the church that I was the missionary who baptized her some 40 years ago.

Over the years her husband, also having been baptized by an American missionary, had remained close with his missionary, still making contact from time to time. And she had often wondered what had become of Hu il Dong, hoping some day to meet me again. She wanted to tell me that she had remained faithful in the church over the years and raised a family of three girls, who have all gone on missions too. Her husband and her were now serving as temple missionaries in the Seoul, Korea Temple.

Being somewhat shocked at first, I didn’t know quite what to say, but soon began to feel the emotions of knowing that someone I converted and baptized back then, was still an active member of our church. Happiness filled my heart, as I heard of her years of service and the continual activity and service of her husband and 3 daughters. It was a very joyful moment for all of us; both moved and touched by this miraculous reunion.

As I stood that day in church to offer up my prepared talk, I mentioned to the congregation, what had just transpired, expressing my gratitude to my Father in Heaven, for showing me one outcome of the seeds I planted as a young 20 year old missionary. She also told me of the continual activity and service of Lee Jong il, who was also baptized that day, adding further joy and satisfaction.

The Lord has some wonderful ways of letting us know that our labors have blessed the lives of others. In the course of life it is rare that we are able to actually see the fruits of our labors; usually having to leave things in the Lord’s hands. Consequently, this event was of significant meaning to me, one I will never forget.

Serving as a nice segway (segue) for the rest of my talk, I spoke for the next 10 or 15 minutes, in Korea mind you, (boy, it has been a long time since I have done that), about my miraculous journey through Iraq and now having arrived in South Korea, with the same conviction that I am here to do the will of the Lord. I firmly believe I am here in South Korea to fulfill some divinely inspired purpose and meaning, all part of the magical journey I have been on for the past 10 years, following 9/11.

After Sacrament meeting, her husband and her, invited me over for lunch at their place, there in a separate building, the missionary living quarters, inside the temple grounds. Over a delicious but simple lunch, we reminisced of times gone by and brought each other up to date on what has happened in our lives over the past 40 years; marriages, children, jobs, missions, etc. Each of them expressed a desire to someday meet my family and introduce theirs. I took an immediate liking to her husband, who really treated me as if I had baptized him too.

All part of what Operation Give is all about.

The birth of Operation Give was also the fruit of my labors and the labors of so many other like-minded people, who also wanted to help those in need. Due to the efforts of so many, who have been a part of the magical – miraculous development of Operation Give, so many incredible things have occurred. And they continue to happen every day.

Now as we prepare to launch our 7th year of doing Operation Christmas Stocking this fall, sending stuffed stockings to the troops in the Middle East and else where in the world, and as we at Operation Give ready two forty-foot containers to leave for Honduras this month, we give thanks to our maker who has made so much possible. Believing that all is possible under the guidance and direction of the Lord, we press on with additional conviction and determination.

Having seen a glimpse of the fruits from the seeds his cultivating hands have produced, we carry on hoping to only be a tool in his hands again, to plant more seeds. With faith believing we leave the results up to him; knowing we have no actual ability to see the future, nor want to take credit for any fruits that have come as a result of his cultivating powers. We travel down this path with eyes wide open looking for the next opportunity to serve him.

Yes, it is time to think about Christmas Stockings:

As we perhaps somewhat prematurely enter this Christmas season, in anticipation of another big year of gathering up and shipping Christmas Stockings to the troops, I can’t help but ponder the sequence of events that transpired last year in Iraq. One miraculous thing leading to another miraculous event, resulting in the arrival right before Christmas of numerous pallets of stockings, making it possible to brighten the lives of thousands of Soldiers, away from home and loved ones during the holidays.

Clad in our Santa Claus hats and with a truck full of stockings, we made our way around the base at Coz Marez, Mosul Iraq, handing out Christmas stockings to anyone and everyone we could spot. Greeted by huge smiles of appreciation, we delivered thousands of stockings Christmas Eve and most of Christmas day, sharing Christmas love and happiness with soldiers, third country nationals, and many others working on the base that day.

There cheerful and grateful faces still vivid in my memory, I can’t help but think that I was the one more greatly blessed that day, as I became the recipient of an out pouring of love from everyone we touched. It was well worth the time and energy it took for several of us to deliver thousands of stockings in a twenty-four hour period.

Please remember early in advance the men and women serving our country in the armed forces, so we at Operation Give can collect another 20,000 or more Christmas Stockings again this year. They will never forget your kind and thoughtful generosity. Keep in mind we have to ship the containers and pallets out in time to get there before Christmas.

SolBridge College, the Thunderbird of Korea: (Google)

After a week of preparation and coordination, the big day for the General’s speech at Woo Song University came this week. All dressed up in our finest ASU uniforms (Google), we boarded the helicopter for our short 45-minute flight to Taejun (Google). Having made the recon flight the week before, I knew what to expect and when we were getting close to our destination. You couldn’t tell the school soccer field had been wet down an hour or so earlier by the local fire department, as dirt and dust blew over all of the receiving party as our bird touched down.

With a quick change by the General’s into his ASU jacket, immediately upon arriving we were whisked away in several vehicles by our escorts. We landed on the Woo Song University soccer field, but the venue for the General’s speech was at the SolBridge International School of Business (a college within the university), further in town.

Ignoring red lights and other vehicles that might delay our convoy, we moved flawlessly through traffic, arriving within minutes at SolBridge (Google). Our party was greeted in royal fashion by the School’s president, chairman and several other school dignitaries, who greeted the General with open arms, grateful for his presence at their school.

Having arrived slightly behind schedule, after a short meet and greet, the General said lets not keep the students waiting any longer and motioned for all of us to head to the auditorium. We could hear the buzz of the jammed packed, standing room only, auditorium, before we entered and were actually surprised to see so many students. With the students all on their feet, we were ushered down the aisle towards the front row of seats, where we were promptly seated.

After a few introductions, with microphone in hand, the General took his place at the front to proceed with what turned out to be an amazing speech and post speech question/answer period. The questions were well thought out, direct, thought provoking and challenging, as only college student’s questions can be. But in all fairness to the General, I thought he did a superb job of providing in a systematic fashion a great answer to each and every question, the students actually applauding at the end of each answer.

Established in 2007 SolBridge is an International Business School, the only one of its kind in Korea, where English is the only language students are taught in. With students from over 36 different countries, mostly from China, Russia and Vietnam, this school has a very unique contrast of people, languages, culture and other diversities. Based on the concept of Thunderbird International School of Business in Phoenix, AZ, this school offers up Bachelor and Master Degree programs to a student body of around 500 people.

After a long applause and award/gift ceremony, we moved into the VIP lunchroom, where we partook of an exquisite 7 course Korean meal, prepared by school staff.

With a newly constructed, state of the art 13 story high-rise to house the school in, somebody obviously has some money. I was very impressed.
It was definitely a memorable experience for all of us; one I hope we can repeat again soon. I would love to go back there, perhaps even to teach sometime.

On a side note, about two weeks ago, I received a very timely email from the head of the Military Writers Society of America, informing me that Jeffrey Miller, another author/member of that association, is living in South Korea. We exchanged email addresses, one thing leading to another, and in some kind of a strange coincidence, I came to find out that Jeffrey is actually teaching at SolBridge College, and I just happened to be going there with the General. Jeffrey is the author of “War Remains, a Korean War novel.

So the long and short of that is we hooked up during my visit to the school, actually had lunch together in the VIP lunchroom and enjoyed getting to know each other; hoping to hook up in the near future up in Seoul.

Have a great day; you never know what will happen or what surprise is just around the corner.

Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

Sunday, September 18, 2011

A Quick Trip on a Bird:

From inside the office at the helipad, the all too familiar sound of the General’s Blackhawk could be heard approaching, as we prepared to board his bird as soon as it arrived. I stood at attention properly saluting him as he exited the bird and walked to his vehicle, staged as close as possible by his driver, with engine running, ready to whisk him away.

With the blades still churning overhead, the pilot gave me the signal to board the bird for our recon mission down south, an hour ride away. I had the good fortune of sitting in what is usually the Generals seat, with three stars on the headrest behind my head and a little more cushion in the seat, we, the three of us, flew out over Seoul, with its endless skyline and some 20 million people bustling about below.

The rhythmic motion of the blades churning created a somewhat hypnotic sensation, blocking the sun’s rays as if someone was flashing a light on and off overhead. From my seat on the right side of the rear of the bird, I had a panoramic view of the entire city of Seoul with its far reaching suburbs, freeways, and all encompassing high-peaked mountains.

Within a few minutes we had flown past the massive metropolis, now over rice covered fields ready to harvest, interspersed between mountains and hills, canyons and valleys. As we moved methodically along our route, I couldn’t help but notice the lush green forests, covering most of the hilly land mass, and the small farm villages, with their proverbial orange and blue colored roofed houses.

We were on a recon mission to check out the landing zone, LZ, of the General’s upcoming speaking engagement at one South Korean University, scheduled this next week. The LZ was to be a soccer field; one the General or the pilots hadn’t been to before. With arrangements already made with the local fire department to wet down the field on the day of the event, the pilots and us we traveling down to actually put eyes on the field, looking for any low hanging wires and any other obstructions or obstacles that would hinder our landing.

Other than a few pleasantries with the pilot, whom I have become quite friendly with after several trips together, we all sat quietly somewhat mesmerized by the beautiful scenery. After a quick hour flight and a few loops around the school, we were on our way back to the base, having accomplished our mission, locating our target and confirming that everything looked good to go.

I never tire from these trips, which continue to excite me and give me a whole new perspective on this amazing country, having seen its quick ascendance over the past 40 years to become one of the world’s top 10 economies.

A Lunch With A Defector:

The large elongated table was set with a long line of real flowers, (which actually started to stink halfway through our lunch appointment), in a special room at the Hartell House, as we took a break in our daily routine to have lunch with Mr. Park. You might recall from my last blog, Mr. Park, is the North Korean defector who launches the balloons with leaflets bound for North Korea.

As I entered the room, I could see that Mr. Park had already arrived with his two police bodyguards, who never leave his side. I was quickly told of an article in today’s newspaper, informing us of the 3 North Korean assassins, who had recently been captured; who had been sent by NK to kill Mr. Park. He has the distinguished pleasure of now being at the top of the NK hit list.

In an effort to save a large hit on my pocketbook I chose the buffet over other menu items. But, in that we were covering their meals, Mr. Park and his bodyguards who find eating Western food quite a treat, quickly ordered up a nice filet of fish and the filet mignon. It is our pleasure to provide him with a nice meal, given all that he has been through, previously while in NK, during his escape and afterwards with numerous attempts on his life over the past 10 years in South Korea.

Full of curiosity, we continued to bombard him with questions about North Korea and its people, the success of the balloon drops, his motivation and desired results. Fortunately, Joe took the lead to bring up Operation Give to see if we could assist Mr. Park in his efforts to help other NK defectors and escapees who are still struggling to adapt to life in South Korea, and for the scores of other people still living in North Korea, who continue to suffer and starve to death.

Based on his facial expressions and verbal responses, I could tell Mr. Park was very encouraged by our discussion. He is going to do another balloon release on October 10th, and I hope to be able to provide him with socks and gloves as part of the balloon’s cargo; in an effort to reach needy North Koreans who are very ill prepared for the upcoming bitter cold winter season. This would be our first effort to provide something for those deprived, suffering people, who for the most part don’t even have socks to wear.

Currently thousands of people every year make their way across the northern border into China to break the bonds of their tragic existence in North Korea. At the risk of being captured by the Chinese, (who only send them back to certain death in North Korea), they do whatever they can to survive as they travel through China towards their final destination of South Korea. Only a small percentage actually makes it each year, but still the number is over 2,000 individuals. The estimation is that about 50% are captured and returned to NK. Many never make it to South Korea and opt to remain with friends and loved ones in China; that population being in the hundreds of thousands.

Even if they make it to South Korea, their troubles are not over, as they continue to struggle to adapt, to make a living and create a new life for them selves. The victims of discrimination by South Koreans, who look down upon them for their lack of education and training, many just scrape by from day to day, as they attempt to live in a society light years ahead of where they came from.

Based on Mr. Park’s suggestions, Operation Give is going to try to provide much needed supplies and humanitarian aid to NK defectors, who are attempting to make a go of it in the South. He is going to attempt to obtain the duty free certificate needed for us to ship things over here, for distribution by his group to those in need. We hope to be able to ship blankets, socks, shoes, clothes, coats, hats, school supplies, medical supplies, and whatever else might be needed.

Surprisingly after speaking with many educated South Koreans, a large number find it hard to believe that the North Koreans are really struggling and starving to death. Perhaps a result of years of propaganda wars on both sides or perhaps they chose not to care or be concerned, in order to remain in their own little protected bubble. Perhaps they chose to ignore the fact that their brothers and sisters, their same race, with the same origin, are starving to death, are being killed and tortured, and suppressed by a ruthless dictator.

Many South Koreans are afraid of “unification”, fearing the economic devastation that might result and the total upheaval of their world as they know it. It would be a huge burden on the South, to provide the necessary levels of supplies, food, medicine and care given the current state of things in the North. It would be a challenge for the world to handle, but one worth doing to save the 25 million lives currently suffering.

I for one will do whatever I can to help. How about you?

A Magical Day on the Mountain:

Finishing up on a few errands, I made my way over to catch subway line #6, for a transfer at BulKwang over to subway line #3, to arrive at KuPaBal station, my destination at the foot of what is called Book Ha Mountain. Having become friends with two avid hikers (you might recall from my Blog that I met them on the trail one Saturday), Saturdays have become my day for a regular scheduled hike, as part of my weekly exercise routine.
Just as planned, as I exited through #1 stairs, there he was my hiking partner. Two or three times a week for the past two years, he has been hiking the various trails of Book Ha Mountain, with their varying degrees of steepness and difficulty. Given the fact that I have been living in the flat lands of Iraq for the past year, and not having done much hiking before that, I am in need of some expert assistance, given the difficulty of the trails of Book Ha Mountain.

In that I was given the assignment to speak in Church, at a Korean Ward, the next day, I had come to the mountain with a desire to know how to express in Korean the word “magical” to describe my time in Iraq. Having served with Americans during his mandatory time in the military and having been an airline employee for several years, he has a pretty good command of the English language. But even so he had a difficult time first of all in understanding the real meaning behind magical and to express that with the same feeling and emotion in Korean.

As we started up through the main entrance way to the mountain, we stopped in traditional fashion at our usual convenience store to pick up a few supplies and, since I hadn’t had time to eat breakfast, to partake of some nourishment. In no hurry to get started and with no schedule and nowhere to go afterwards, I introduced the concept of Magical to him, in English and Korean, providing a number of examples of what might be defined as magical moments, or magical experiences.

It is somewhat of a foreign concept to use that word in that way, with no clear-cut definitive Korean equivalent word or expression. So as not to take too long pondering over an answer, we decided to think about it on the trail.

Without going into too much detail, as the day progressed, one magical thing after another began to happen, that clearly made my point and introduced him to the idea that experiences in life can be magical. One by one as these magical experiences happened, as he realized what was happening, he started using the word Magical himself not in Korean but in English, still not able to provide the same expression in his language without some lengthy explanation.

The first magical moment came as we passed a somewhat mentally handicapped or disabled individual, who had some apparent physical and verbal limitations. Even so, as we passed him, he obviously wanted to talk with me, to practice his English. I paused to engage in a short conversion with him, consequently finding out that he is attending a university and is majoring in English. At first it was a bit difficult to understand him, but as we spoke it became easier and easier.

You could tell by his response that he was elated to have been able to chat with me. We went our separate ways but continued to bump into each other as we traveled along the same path, getting ahead and catching up as one or the other rested. At one point about halfway up the mountain, I saw that he was out of water. Offering to share our water with him, we paused to interact once again, exchanging Korean and English dialogue, and to form somewhat of a bond or friendship with him.

Further up the trail, closer to the top we ran into a couple from Germany in Korea on a business trip, somewhat ill prepared for a hike of this magnitude, with very little water or provisions. Noticing their predicament, I offered to share my water with them and my Korean hiking partner also joined in to provide a bottle of frozen water for them to take.

They were at first surprised and taken back by our generosity, but given their current situation, were eager to accept our kind offering. They both spoke English quite well and had actually been skiing in Utah before. We had a friendly interaction, as we inquired of their origin, their destination, and other such pleasantries. We continued to bump into them as we all continued up the slope.

Once at the top, a couple of hours later, as we sat down to eat of our lunch, when we noticed the Germans, still of course without food or substance, sitting in front of us. My Korean hiking partner taking the lead at this point and the initiative, we both automatically decided to offer up half of what we had brought along so they might have energy for the return trip.

Again through caring conversation, through concern and awareness, and of course through giving we were able to break through the walls that exist between strangers and form unusual friendships along a mountain trail. We were able to help others in need and give of what we had, to provide for one another and we still had sufficient. At each step where something was offered and accepted, a certain spirit touched each of us, as we both felt the magic of the moment.

As we started our return decent down the mountain, we noticed a young boy who appeared to be hiking alone, struggling somewhat along this difficult path. Again my hiking partner made the first move and of course I followed to help guide the young boy down the steep trail, holding his hand at times and pausing to insure that his footing was secure. Slowing our pace to travel with him, stopping at times to share the remainder of our water, until he was able to catch up with his party where we sent him on his way, knowing he was in good hands.

Arriving at the bottom we stopped at our usual restaurant to get a bite to eat, to replenish and nourish ourselves. Sitting across the table from each other, waiting for our food, we couldn’t help but express how magical the day had been. My hiking partner expressed several times how great the day had been and how magical it was; now fully understanding what I was trying to express before our hike had begun.

For perhaps the first time in a long time, he was more aware of his surroundings, able to hear the wind chimes of the people in need around him, which perhaps before had always been ignored. With a certain new awareness and awakening, the hike became more than just an exercise, more than just a time of personal reflection, more than a test of endurance and skill; it became about others. That was the magic.

Find the magic in life.

Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

Sunday, September 11, 2011

9/11:

Looking through the bus window next to my seat I could see the the many upward reaching skyscrapers of the South Korean skyline, like fingers reaching through the clouds, causing me to pause for a moment to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, ten years ago this day. My thoughts immediately went to the visions permanently ingrained in my memory, as I watched the TV screen that day. The horrifying images we have all seen thousands of times, that have forever changed our lives.
The events of that day have definitely altered the course of my life; as I have since then been deployed twice to Iraq and have now accepted this new military assignment here in South Korea. The events of that day set things in my individual life in motion, putting me on a course I otherwise perhaps wouldn’t have traveled. For better or worse, the events of that day were a catalyst for a life changing transformation to occur in my life.

I am proud to have been able to do my small part in responding to the call afterward in defense of our nation and freedom of the suppressed elsewhere. Every day as I put on my uniform, I express silently my gratitude, appreciation and pride in a nation that offers so much to so many, as we in our various capacities serve our nation and serve the people of the world.

I pause for a moment to reflect and pay tribute to so many who died that day and since then, in defense of the lifestyle many take for granted. So many have paid the price and made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us to live in a free land, enjoying all the bounties America has to offer. I appreciate their service and sacrifice, which has helped to preserve an unprecedented lifestyle unsurpassed any where else in history.

It has taken a long series of events and a life time in preparation for me to now be at this point, at this place, on this my path, fulfilling what I consider to be my destiny, as I search to do the will of my Father in Heaven.
I am forever indebted to all who have taken part and supported me in this endeavor, as I travel down this road. I could never have traveled this far, without the continual love and support of so many. We have done this together, united in purpose and love, this is not my path but ours and it will continue to be about those we serve, not about us.

The Balloons Fly:

Rain was starting to fall again, as it had through out the day, large drops hitting the windshield of our vehicle in an ever-increasing speed. It was relatively quiet in the car as we departed, my self somewhat lost in my thoughts of what I had just witnessed. It had rained most of the day, but that hadn’t interfered with the activities at all; everything went off perfectly as planned amidst the sporadic down pour. Definitely for me a day to remember, one of many I have already had here in South Korea.

The North Korean defectors, in their gray colored camouflage uniforms, worn mainly to identify their group, were filing into the buses they rode up in. Seeing the two defectors I had spoken with, I waved good-bye, as they smiled and bowed their heads politely. One of them darted over to hand me a note with their names and home addresses, to make sure I would send them copies of the group pictures we took earlier up on the observation deck.

Hearing a commotion in the parking lot we drove over closer to see what was going on. Two Korean policemen escorting off one small Korean man, passed our vehicle as we approached, peaking our curiosity. I could still hear the sounds of someone yelling, but couldn’t pin point the source, as a small crowd of people and a few remaining cameramen had gathered around to capture what was transpiring.
Seeing our vehicle, our one remaining group member walked out of the crowd of spectators, to join us for our return trip. With the sound of one man blurting out unidentifiable words in Korean in the background, we were informed of the cause of the commotion.

It seems that the man being carried off by the police, was confronting the leader of the group of North Korean defectors in somewhat of an angry disorderly fashion, complaining about “Why did he have to launch the balloons from this location, interrupting their businesses and increasing the threat of some kind of North Korean retaliation”. (Which was absurd and totally uncalled for). With the necessary permits and authorization in hand, Park Sang Hak, leader and initiator of the balloon launch was completely with in his rights to conduct the activity there.

Being somewhat restrained by one of his associates who was holding him back, the leader was actually extremely angry with the large number of policemen present for not being able to contain even one unruly protestor. The police, who appeared to be for the most part standing passively around the area, had failed to prevent and defuse any such disturbances, which of course was the reason for their massive presence in the first place.

Due to the nature of the leader’s activities, North Korea had placed him at the top of their most-wanted list and had vowed to kill him; making idle threats to attack the launch area if the balloons were released. But the balloons flew and the threats and protests were nothing but a bunch of hot air.

Earlier that day, shortly after arriving at work that morning, we had made our way through the crowded streets of Seoul and onto the freeway-heading north for a short 45 minute drive to the DMZ (Google) the border of North and South Korea. I had visited the area several times before but never for this reason. Once I heard of the plan to attend the balloon launch earlier in the week, I had been very excited to witness the event first hand; this just one of many previous such launches.

With only one umbrella for the four of us, once we arrived at the location for the launch we located a small sheltered restaurant on the second floor of the observation building, overlooking the crowd of people gathered below for the event. A number of media people with their camera crews were in attendance and many everyday citizens perhaps supportive or at least curious enough to venture out on such a wet day to witness the launch.

From our vantage point, I could see the drenched uniform clad group of North Korean defectors, in somewhat of an in-ranks military formation, below as they conducted a short ceremony to celebrate the launch. Numerous large tanks of helium loaded in two separate trucks with their long hoses could be seen, as people scurried around to prepare the balloons for their flight to North Korea.
With the helium hoses stretched out and lined up, one by one the large clear plastic elongated balloons, around 36 feet tall, were filled with helium to carry the huge plastic bags of leaflets bound for North Korea, in hopes of falling into the hands of any every day citizen. 10’s of thousands of leaflets had been printed, as Human rights activist, Park Sang Hak and others were eager to use whatever tools they can to chip away at the information blockade the North Korean government has had on its people.

A surge of emotion went through me as I watched the release of the first balloon; floating straight up and out of sight through the rain-clouds overhead. A feeling of hope and at the same time sadness for the plight of the millions of North Korea people; who with a little luck and God’s help, might be on the receiving end of one of the leaflets. Thoughts of their suffering and pain filled lives filled my head, as visions of starving – malnourished children flashed before my eyes.

Four or five more balloons were released, then as if some grand finale, 10 balloons were filled simultaneously and released with their cargo of leaflets. As the crowd cheered below, I photographed the rising of the 10 balloons and with a silent prayer sent them on their journey northward. It was an emotional moment for me as I prayed for the freedom of the NK people.

The balloon-launched leaflets are not necessarily an affective tool in bringing about change in the North, but for me at least, they are more of a reminder of what life must be like in that closed society under the cruel and brutal dictatorial leadership of Kim Jung Il. The leaflets are used to inform the NK People about what is really going on in the world and to perhaps plant the seeds of democracy and freedom within even one person, who might be the catalyst for change in the future.

Something must be done to help the 25 million plus people who are being tortured and suppressed by the tyrannical regime of Kim Il Sung and now his son Kim Jung Il over the past 60 years. Freedom is a gift from God, one we all are eligible for, as his sons and daughters.
While sitting under the shelter of the restaurant awning, two NK defectors came over, to also get out of the rain. We promptly offered up our chairs so they might sit for a moment after standing out in the rain for so long. Striking up a conversation, I asked them about their year-long journey through China in order to get to South Korea. Without wanting to get into too much detail, I nodded and commented that I am sure it must have been terrible and difficult being on the run for that long.

After taking several photos with them, we each went our separate ways.

Unfortunately life in South Korea, although much better, has its own challenges for them, as they attempt to adapt to a very different life, in a world that has moved forward about 50 years. For the most part the world has left North Korea behind in all facets of life; from education, to technology, to all forms of development and in all aspects of our existence on this planet. For North Korean people who are still living back in the 50’s and 60’s, the transition to modern day life has proven to be a very difficult one.

Assimilating into South Korea’s fully developed – fast paced society does not happen over night and for most of these people the process is long and arduous. It is hard for them to find employment, make money, and survive in a world that is running 100 miles an hour ahead of them. Many of them continue to exist at a basic subsistence level, with minimal income and very limited opportunities.

In the near future we will be meeting with Park Sang Hak to discuss among many things, ways that Operation Give might be able to provide much needed supplies and materials for struggling NK defectors in South Korea. And to figure out a way to move humanitarian supplies northward, to the people in need, as long as they don’t get misdirected to the NK government, which has been the case in the past.
Here is an article that was written regarding previous launches, I thought you might be interested in reading.

SEOUL — Balloon by balloon, Park Sang Hak is waging a not-so-quiet war against North Korea.
For the last seven years, the defector-turned-activist has taunted dictator Kim Jong Il by floating balloons filled with leaflets and DVDs critical of the regime across the heavily guarded border in hopes that ordinary North Koreans would read them.
His latest plan to send anti-Kim propaganda across the Demilitarized Zone so infuriated the North that it threatened to fire on the site near the border where the group he heads, Fighters for Free North Korea, plans to launch. That launch was set to take place Saturday, but was delayed until at least next week due to an unspecified death of someone close to the group’s organizers. Park said Thursday evening that he was “preparing for someone’s funeral” and would reschedule the launch early next week.
Park, no stranger to controversy, said the threats won’t stop the airlift.
“It is my duty and mission,” said the 43-year-old, who doesn’t know how many — if any — of the leaflets will be read. And picking up the balloon’s cargo doesn’t come without risk: Being caught with flyers could land North Koreans in one of the country’s cruel and often deadly gulags.
But “It’s North Koreans’ right as human beings to know the facts,” Park said.
The next launch will send about 200,000 thin, plastic leaflets and hundreds of USB flash drives and DVDs into the North. The flyers describe the ongoing revolutions in the Middle East, and North Korea’s alleged sinking of a South Korean warship last March and its shelling of Yeonpyeong Island in November.
The group will also send 1,000 U.S. $1 bills to help North Koreans buy rice on the black market, Park said.
Although the balloons’ range is affected by the winds, Park said balloons from previous launches — each about 36 feet tall and marked with a GPS tracking system — have traveled as far as the capital city of Pyeongyang and Hamhung, North Korea’s second-largest city.
His main goal, he says, is to introduce the concepts of democracy and freedom to people who will, most likely, never experience either one.
Most people there can’t get information through transistor radios or the internet, Park said, “so I decided to use the sky.”
Fighting tyranny
Park spent the first 30-plus years of his life in the reclusive nation.
Thanks to his father’s high position in the government, Park told the Washington Post, he had lived a relatively comfortable, even elite, life in the North Korean capital.
But Park and his family fled, the 2008 article said, when his father — a Japan-based spy for the North Korean government — warned them that the family might be caught up in a purge of intelligence officials.
In 1999, Park and his family defected to China by way of the Aprok River, forced to leave behind his fiancee and two uncles who were later beaten to death in prison. In 2000, they arrived in Seoul.
“Hatred of Kim Jong Il motivates me,” he said in the article.
Four years later, he launched his first balloons across the border, in the face of a North Korean government he believes won’t topple anytime soon.
“Kim Jong Il’s autocracy is not getting weaker, but stronger,” he said. “The unprecedented three generations of tyranny in North Korea has not existed anywhere else in human history.”

Thanksgiving Comes to Korea:

Today is Chuseok, a time for me at least to get caught up on some much needed rest and blogging. But, for most of South Korea’s 50 million people it is a day of traveling and eating with friends and family. I googled Chuseok and this is a pretty good description of what this holiday is all about. I thought you would be interested in knowing about this
추석 (Chuseok) is one of the biggest holidays in the Korean calendar. Sometimes compared to the American holiday of Thanksgiving, 추석 traditionally celebrates ancestors, gathering with relatives, and food. A traditional spread of food celebrates the harvest season, just like the American holiday, although the foods are quite different. One common food is 송편 (song-pyeon), which are half-moon-shaped rice cakes with sweet fillings (e.g. honey, red bean paste, or chestnut paste) steamed over a layer of pine needles. Don’t forget about bean sprouts, eggplant, mushrooms, squash, and sweet potato, red grapes, apples, oranges, pears, soybean paste, tofu, vegetables, flavors are avoided, as they squid, and fish, among many other things. The ceremony, called 차래 (charae) is considered a solemn one – one that the entire family participates in. Strong flavors among supposedly offend the ancestors, so they are avoided. Ask a Korean recently wrote about how to perform the traditional jesa ceremony – highly recommended whether you’re performing one or not.
Although food is part of the Korean tradition, getting together with relatives is a high priority. Children wear 한복 and play games including 줄다리기 (juldarigi), or tug-of-war, and 씨름 (ssireum), a form of Korean wrestling. Adults pay their respects to their ancestors, which often means cutting the grass and tending to the burial area before the holiday, and offering food and drink at their graves.
Held on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the days before and after 추석 are also legal Korean holidays. This year, 추석 falls on a Wednesday, making it a nice mid-week break for a population that works harder than almost everyone else. Of course, schools and foreign English teachers will also get those three days off, making it a holiday everyone can celebrate.

Well I am going to go out now and see if I can get some kind of Chuseok cuisine for dinner, to get a bit of the flavor and taste of this great holiday. I do love the Song- pyeon. Happy Chuseok.

Chief Wiggles

“Doing it the Wiggles way”

Sunday, September 4, 2011

A Day on the Mountain:

With the rainy season finally behind us now and nothing but blue skies above and the weekends off, yesterday I decided to venture up into one of the mountains surrounding Seoul. Due to the fact that South Korea is considered to be 70% mountainous, with a population of over 50 million people living in the approximate area of the state of Utah, most of which like to hike, Korea has spent a lot of time and money, going to great lengths to make sure the hiking trails are meticulously groomed with stepping stones, stairs, railings where needed and decent restaurants and facilities at the start of each trail.

With many mountain-hiking courses in close proximity to the Yong San 8th Army base in Seoul, (where I am currently living), over the years hiking in Korea has become my favorite past time. Most of the courses can be reached with in an hour by subway and bus and are considered day-hikes with peaks accessible within a few hours.

This being my first outing since my arrival and somewhat out of shape, after a spending a year in the flat lands of Iraq, I resolved myself to the fact that I didn’t necessarily have to reach the top and I was determined to not over do it. I consider myself to be somewhat passionate and intense about hiking, with some consideration for my age and current conditioning. Competing only with myself, I moved quickly across the rocks, in and out of the throngs of people on the trail, as I zigged and zagged around the groups of slower moving chattering middle-aged ladies.

All dressed in the latest colorful hiking attire and fully equipped with backpacks, hiking boots, and metal trekking poles (hiking staffs), one is quick to figure out that Koreans are very serious about their hiking too. According to Koreans, one does not venture out on a hiking trip with out being fully outfitted with the proper name-brand gear and equipment. This is definitely not just a casual event.

Hiking is a workout for me, using this activity as a way to get in shape and perhaps lose a few pounds in the process. With no inherent rock climbing skills, I am just looking to move up and down the mountain trail as fast as possible, pushing myself each step of the way.

After finishing up a few menial tasks like laundry and such, getting started a little later than expected, I made the 15-minute walk over to the subway station to catch the train to Buk Han San (MTN) (Google for some pictures). After about 40 minutes on the subway and a short 20minute bus ride, I was at the entrance to the trail. If you have forgotten any gear or if you are afraid you don’t quite look the part, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops selling the latest stuff right there.

In traditional Korean fashion, I stopped at the first shop hand-rolling fresh Kimbap (Google), as I ordered and watched my two rolls being made; seaweed stuffed with rice, carrots, spinach, radish, some kind of spam like meat, etc. “Which I am calling these Korean rice rolls “sushi” because at first glance, they do resemble the Japanese rolls that Westerners associate with sushi. But kimbap is not considered fine or fancy fare in Korea, it’s actually picnic and snack food that you eat with your hands. Traditional fillings include seasoned vegetables, egg, meat and/or imitation crab, but these days anything goes. From Seoul to NYC, fillings range from cheesy to spicy to fresh. Kimbap is like the Korean version of a sandwich- you can change the filling to fit any diet, palate, or occasion.”

The trail was shaded from the heat of the summer sun by the dense forest of pine trees, ferns, bushes and a variety of undergrowth; greened up by an unusually long rainy season.

Following the lead of the Korean hikers, I picked a spot along the way to stop for lunch, without the traditional mat or other such ground cover of course, so I was feeling a little ill equipped and out of place, but I made do, quickly eating the sandwich, chips and kimbap I had. With no schedule and no where to be I pushed hard at times, but also paused along the way to enjoy the scenic beauty of my surroundings.

Having made good time, on my way back I spotted an unoccupied large granite boulder, begging to be laid upon. Off the beaten path, over closer to the river bed, stepping from one boulder to another, I made my way over to my resting place atop the big white granite rock. Completely shaded by the outstretched overhanging branches, I found a comfortable spot to stretch out my own arms and legs, somewhat weary from the couple hours of hiking.

From my prone position I could look up through the webbed pine canopy overhead, to enjoy the beautiful blue sky and somewhat distorted rays of the afternoon sun. I took in a big breath of fresh unpolluted air, now somewhat out of the city’s smog limits. I was full of gratitude and an overflowing of appreciation for all that has transpired over the past year; from Iraq, to the US and now to South Korea. I was at peace.

Further down the trail I veered off to follow the less traveled dirt road over to one of the 19 different Buddhist temples on the mountain. The Buddhist shrine had been built inside a cave created by large granite stones, having fallen into position a long time ago. There were no other visitors insight that day, to the Buddhist temple and I traveled the road alone, allowing for further reflection and pondering.

Reaching the bottom and somewhat hungered from the hike, I found a restaurant that served up one of my favorite Korean dishes, a Korean pancake called Bin dae Duk, (Google) or what is now called Noke du jun. Korean pancakes, called bin dae duk, are unique in that they aren’t made with flour. Traditionally, bin dae duk includes small amounts of pork, but in the interest of healthy eating, this version is 100% plant-based – nothing but hearty beans, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of rice.
The base for traditional bin dae duk is about 2 cups of mung beans.
While ordering up this meal, the two Korean men, in their late forties, sitting at the table next to mine, hearing me speak Korean, started up a conversation inquiring about how I came to speak Korean. Bouncing back and forth between Korean and English, we sat chattering away for about an hour. I shared some of my Korean pancake and they shared some of their fish, as we all shared war stories of times gone by when both of them were in the Korean military, one having served as a KATUSA, Korean Augmentation To the United States Army.

After finishing our meals, they invited me to go with them to a coffee shop down the street, where I enjoyed an ice chocolate (like a hot chocolate only on ice). But more than anything, a miraculous thing happened; as they, through their own inquisitiveness, began to ask questions of a more spiritual nature.

Based on the nature of the questions, I could tell that one of the men was seeking for direction and guidance in his own life, as he inquired of my faith, my beliefs, and my purpose. Which of course led to a short discussion of the path I believe I am on and my inner purpose for being in Korea. I spoke of my personal desires to help the people of North Korea and spoke of the humanitarian efforts of Operation Give.

I could tell that certain words were resonating with him, as he commented on the wonderful things he had learned from me that day. But more than anything, I could feel the spirit with us and through his words I knew he could feel the presence of the Lord’s spirit, confirming the truthfulness of the things being discussed.

We exchanged phone numbers and committed to getting together again soon, for perhaps a joint hike, or another dinner. As we parted to go our separate ways, I knew the Lord had a hand it what had just transpired; touching hearts and opening minds. You just never know when you might be used as a tool in the Lord’s hands to touch the life of another brother or sister.

As I sat on the subway ride back to my base, I contemplated my journey in Korea. Not knowing how long I will be here, but fully certain it will be according to the Lord’s will, long or short. At that moment, in the quite of what can only be found on a crowded subway train in Korea, yes quite, I recommitted myself to doing his will, whatever that might be, knowing he is with me still, down in the weeds, preparing the path before me.

My New Life:

Since my arrival here in Korea, I have been extremely busy trying to get up to speed in what is now my new position as the KLE (Google military terms) Action Officer in the G9 Civil Affairs section in 8th Army. Due to the UFG (Google) exercise last month, I was down south in Taegu trying to get adjusted to the rigorous schedule and demands of the 3-Star General we all work for. And as such was unable to really write about what exactly I am doing in this position.

As just one of his support staff in charge of coordinating and organizing some of his key leader engagements, such as meetings with his Korean counterparts, leaders in other organizations, military and civilian alike, there has been a huge learning curve and a certain amount of stress as I have been trying to get a feel for what he needs and wants.

He is a man on a mission, driven and full of energy; with a daily routine unlike any thing I have ever seen. He never stops and is always on the go, which keeps everyone on his staff jumping. I have been very impressed with him as a leader, one who really does lead by example.

One of the benefits of my position is that I have the privilege of flying with the General, in his Blackhawk, to many of the meetings I have arranged, providing him with his “read ahead” regarding the meeting which we review in route to the appointment. I also attend the meetings, to meet the individuals, take notes, and make assessments afterwards.

From a seat in his Blackhawk, I have seen Korea like never before; it’s rivers and streams, mountains and forests, lakes and reservoirs, its peaks and valleys, and lush green rice fields. With a clear view in almost every direction, at any given moment along our route I have a panoramic shot of South Korea; it’s development, it’s growth, the small farm villages and massive metropolises, with transportation marvels and engineering wonders.

I had read the reports, but never before fully understood the extent of its mountainous terrain; with its proverbial steep granite slopes, often depicted in Asian paintings. Across many of the mountains there are signs of the South Korean’s aggressive re-forestation efforts, as most of the forests have less than 50 years of tree growth. Due to the Japanese occupation of Korea prior to World War II, most of the Korean forests were clear-cut by the Japanese, who then took the logs or lumber to Japan.

With this new perspective I am now even more fully charged to find more and more places to hike.
To be continued…..

Keep the faith, act as if you do and learn how to Dance in the Rain

Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Where Am I?

Hearing the familiar sounds of raindrops on my window, for a moment I forgot where I was, as pleasant flashbacks from Iraq rushed through my head. Honestly for a moment all of my senses told me I was in Iraq. It was all too familiar and reminiscent of times gone by; me propped up on my bed against a large pillow, with my laptop in my lap, as I began typing my thoughts and feelings of the past few days.

My room now, here in Seoul Korea on the Yong San Army base, twice the size of what was my CHU in Iraq, but still somewhat the same, with a small fridge, a microwave, a clothes closet and a set of drawers. The ever-present sound of the air conditioner gently buzzing in the background and the warmth of my laptop keeping my legs warm as cool air swirls around the room. It was if I lost track of my departure from Iraq, my short stint home and my arrival here in Korea.

What added to the moment was an instant message from a close friend in Iraq that popped up on my screen, questioning my whereabouts, forcing me to pause to reflect on my location. After taking a quick assessment of my room, which didn’t help much, I forgot for an instance and had to rely on my memory bank to come up with the answer.

Some things seem to never change. I still have to walk a ways to get to the bathroom, which I share with many other soldiers. And the showers are much the same, with small individual stalls separated by curtains and walls. I am on another military base, not unlike bases anywhere else in the world, with the customary fast food joints, buildings and buses carrying soldiers from point to point.

But, I hesitate to say this, I somewhat miss the ever present churning of the large gas generators feeding electricity to all of our CHUs in Iraq, with their mind numbing sounds. I definitely don’t miss the heat that an August in Iraq would be dishing up or the frequent annoying sand storms, all to common this time of year.

Time seems to have slipped away from me, as I realize it has been over two months since I blogged last. Please forgive me, as the rigors of my transitional life from Iraq, to my home, and now on to South Korea, have kept me fully engaged in dealing with the demands of the moment. . The constant changes of time, weather, language, culture, people, surroundings, smells, sounds, and etc., have been mind boggling and difficult to adjust to at times, but still somewhat familiar other times; as at each juncture I have memories of past experiences that have kept me anchored.

Even so, I have felt like the “jumper”, in the movie with the same name.
Deciding to seclude myself in the confides of my room for the evening, as blogging became the priority for the night, I made a quick peanut butter sandwich and began typing. It felt good, as the rust and cobwebs seemed to break away, allowing for thoughts to flow freely, fingers moving and words and sentences forming on my page. I make no claims of any skill in writing, just a certain degree of enjoyment and pleasure acquired through the action.

Feelings From Iraq Carried Forward:

In my last blog, if I might repeat myself for a moment, I came to a point where I was ready to leave Iraq and begin the next phase of my journey. It had been an incredible year in Iraq; a very magical year full of miracles and amazing experiences. I came to the point where I could honestly say that all my goals had been accomplished there. With all my projects completed and no loose ends to tie up, a feeling of comfort and satisfaction had come over me filling my mind and heart.

As I think back over the past year, it was incredible to see how many miraculous things had occurred; how many times the Lord’s hand made things possible for me and others. He was with us every step of the way, watching our every move and surprisingly it apparently all mattered to him. In times of pain, he was there. In times of sorrow, he was there. In times of difficulties, he was there. I know this for a fact as it was manifested to me time and time again.

Pardon me for jumping around a bit, as this leads me to a more recent experience.

The Present Day Good Samaritan:

While in Taegu, some 4 hours by car south of here, I had been fully engaged for the past two weeks, giving all that I could give to my new assignment during the annual UFG exercise (Google this). The exercise was all but over, as all my belongings were packed up in my ruck ready to make the trek back to Seoul. The task at hand was to get the ever so heavy ruck, now bursting at its seams, up to the TOC (Google under military acronyms), where it would be loaded and transported back to Seoul. Due to my new assignment, and a full day of appointments with the General, I was to fly north for meetings and on to Seoul, without my gear.

With thoughts of the tasks at hand swirling around in my head, I woke early with my mind already somewhat worried about how I was going to carry the ruk, with my bad back, to the TOC, by myself. Not necessarily worried, just concerned about how it was going to be accomplished, with out too much pain and suffering, as it seemed somewhat of a daunting task, given the distance from my quarters to the TOC.

I was in route, walking to my room to retrieve my ruck, deep in thought, when one of the General’s helicopter pilots pulled up along side me on the road, in a borrowed Bango Truck, asking me if I had a need to transport any of my gear anywhere. He wasn’t ware of my concern, or of my need, and had just been offered the truck by another acquaintance to move his gear. How timely it was, what an answer from heaven; for a seemingly insignificant unimportant menial task, of no apparent spiritual importance, but yet for me at that time, very important.

It is as if the Lord was aware of my consternation, there right with me, knowing the concerns of my mind. Again down in the weeds with me. It was a small thing, but just one more sign of his continual companionship, as I travel the various roads of this journey, knowing I am not alone. Full of gratitude I expressed my appreciation to the pilot but more so I offered up thanks silently to my Father in Heaven and Savior for their continual love and support.

Being full of faults, shortcomings and imperfections, I feel unworthy at times, but I know, he understands and accepts me anyway, with unconditional love knowing of my inner desires to do his will. I am reminded of a scripture in Mosiah 2:17, “I tell you these things that you may learn wisdom: that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.” I can’t remember the other scripture that comes to mind, but it states something like, “I have been about the Lord’s business, doing his will.” And that is how I feel.

With a feeling of satisfaction and completion in Iraq; I also felt there was more to come and another road to take along this journey I refer to as my “path in life”. Full of desire to serve, I walk this path, one step at a time, with no clear vision of what may lie ahead, armed only with faith believing it is the path he desires me to take.

North Koreans are in Need:

Since the early 70’s, having traveled to South Korea as missionary for two years, I have had thoughts of serving the people of North Korea in some capacity. Through my debriefings of North Korean defectors over the years, with their stories of pain and suffering, of starvation, of torture and persecution at the hands of their leaders, still ringing clearly in my mind and heart, I have had a strong desire to provide some degree of humanitarian assistance to these people.

While still in the states prior to my deployment to Iraq, during a discussion with Roseann, one of my partners in Operation Give, she stated, somewhat out of the blue, that we needed to help the people of North Korea. Startled by her comment, and confident she wasn’t aware of my inner thoughts and feelings relating to this subject, I questioned her on the origin of her expressed desire, knowing full well where this thought had come from. With no apparent answer, we both looked at each other and with few words acknowledged the source, knowing it had come from above.

During my R & R tour break in Iraq, I met up with my wife in South Korea last March, to travel and enjoy some time together. Amidst our travels and tour group activities, I took the opportunity to visit the Reserve support group at Yong San Army base in Seoul, South Korea, to express my desire to work there for a year or two.

After making a phone call and a subsequent 5-minute phone interview I was offered a position to work in civil affairs for 8th Army, doing the vary thing I had been doing in Iraq for the past year, only in South Korea with mention of humanitarian work in North Korea. The opportunity was dropped in my lap, as if from above, as if he knew of my desires and was preparing the road ahead for me to fulfill those desires, according to his will.

Right now I am on only on orders until the end of September, until the end of the military’s fiscal year here, with hopes of an extension for the next year. Without being able to see beyond today, I drive on with full confidence that things will work out according to his desire, whatever that may be. And if it doesn’t work out, my journey will be back at home in America, but for now I live as if my calling is here in the land of the morning sun, South Korea, my second home.

Over the years, as I have traveled here during joint operations and exercises some 50 – 60 times, I have grown fond of its people, their culture, their food and their language. Married to a Korean wife for the past 35 years, you can imagine that Kimchi has become a standard food item on my table even in the states. With thoughts of one day mastering their language, I am driven to persist in my Korean studies, all the while grateful for the level of ability I do possess.

This my life’s tapestry is yet to be woven into a finished piece of art, as additional pieces continue to be connected or inserted, ever increasing the bigger picture of what it may yet become. I travel down the path visually blinded at times, by the shear size of the tapestry that extends well beyond the range of my inherently human blinders.

I have realized through past experiences that certain preparatory steps are required in the beginning stages of each new path, in order to be ready for what is in store further down the road. Acceptance of this process early on allows me to drive through the difficulties in order to reap the rewards of persistence as the road comes into view and things begin to fall into place.

At first the purposes of each step along a path are not clear; initiating questions regarding such purposes, but one need but wait as the fog clears and clarity brings an increased sense of sight, allowing the individual to see further than before.

To be continued….

Believe in a purpose, act with faith and look for buds to blossom into fruits from your persistence.

Chief Wiggles
“Doing it the Wiggles Way”