Day 5 and 6 of 293

Now we're to Sunday!

This is the day where we get to meet the principal of our school, Pastor Kim.

We get up in the morning, get ready for church, and yes you guessed it..... WALK to the subway.  Today we are going to Nowon.  The subway experience on Sunday is waaaayyyy better than the subway experience on Saturday.  We were able to sit most of the time.  Again, thank goodness for Caleb and Kathrine, because this time we had to switch rails halfway there.  Would not have known that.  Once we arrive in Nowon, we --can you guess????  WALK to the church, which is about 7 to 10 blocks away,  When we get there, we sit down for some coffee (for me, water), and wait to meet with Pastor Kim.  Sidenote, I could never really get a good view of the church for pictures.  We arrived from the side, so it didn't make a good picture.  Anyway, after about 20 minutes, we were ushered up to meet with Pastor Kim in between Service 2 and 3 of 5.  He motioned toward Daniel, and said a Korean version of "McDonald" (which is Daniel's last name).  Daniel nodded and said "yes" and smiled.  He then motioned toward me, and said a Korean version of "Christine" to which nodded  a no, and pointed toward Christine.  For some reason he did not attempt my name.  They served us some barley tea, didn't taste horrible, but to me it tasted like frito tea (not the most appetizing).  Then we sat in an awkward silence for what seemed like an hour, but was probably only 5 minutes.  Finally, Daniel thought of something to say, and their was a little conversation.  Then it was time for the next service.  We were ushered into the auditorium.  I wish I could have taken pictures, but I felt like that could be considered rude.

The auditorium had a very classic feel.  Their pews, had little tables attached to the back of the one in front of you.  We Baptists, should really think about doing that.  It is the perfect spot to put your Bible and notebook and take notes from the preaching.  We were ushered to a front row seat.  In front of me was a 12 piece orchestra, and on the other side of them was a  50+ member choir.  We were facing forward, and the orchestra and choir were facing to the right, from the left side of the auditorium.  The music was beautiful.  I am pretty sure I had heard all of the songs, but it was hard to place the tunes, when they are singing different words (Korean words).  I hummed along to all of the congregational singing.  On the platform steps, when we first arrived, they had about 7 singers that were, I guess, worship leaders.  We didn't hear much of them.  Behind them up about 8 steps, were Pastor Kim, and what I assume were two other pastors or deacons or elders of some sort.  Not sure what they call them in Presbyterian churches.  I know pastor is one.  One pastor went through a series of prayers, where the people at different and appropriate times, repeated their "Amens" (which I could understand).  The other pastor?? led them through, what I think was Scripture reading.  He would read a verse, then the congregation would read a verse, I think.  We just stood there.
The choir had two specials, their was a good soloist toward the end of the service.  Pastor Kim preached good (actually, I don't know that I haven't a clue what he said.  It sounded to me like he was using his credit card while on an adventure that they were going to advertise for.  It was probably more like Jesus died on the cross for our sins of which we are guilty, and if you repent and put your trust in Him, you can be saved from the everlasting punishment which is Hell.)  After it was over, the three levels of people attempt to leave the church at once done two staircases.  Can you say traffic jam???

After church we went to the really nice Korean restaurant mentioned before (pictures are on facebook).  I ate about 3 of the 15 dishes served, I tried a few more.  Not liking spicy food, is really making my time of eating out much easier.  It is better to say I don't like spicy food, than to say, I don't like Korean food, which for the most part, both are true.  I have been able to find a few things that are tasty.  Like at this restaurant their were these vegetable wraps that were quite good.  I like plain pork, whether it is hot or cold.  I have like the rice, every time so far!  And there you have it!!! That's my list.

After lunch we went to a department store.  Basically like a mall, but instead of different stores, they have different areas. They had an Auntie Anne's, the pretzel was delicious!  They also had an area that had  foreign food, which means, lots of American food!  Good to know!  I didn't get anything there, but some of the others did.  I have describe the layout of the Lotte Mart a little more though.  Basement floor, which connects to the subway, food shops and grocery shopping. Next floor, make up and beauty products.  Another floor, ladies clothing. Another floor, men's clothing.  Another floor, hiking and golf clothes (that just makes me laugh).  Another floor, housewares and appliances.  Another floor, more women's clothing.  Those were the only floors I saw, I am sure there are more.

We then hopped back on the subway and came home.  Appearantly there was a man that had thrown up on himself and was taking up a row of seats, but I didn't actually see it, just heard about it later.

We went to a local grocery store, bought a few groceries, and then headed home.  We planned to meet at Caleb and Kathrines for spaghetti.  The spaghetti was great!  Watched a movie after, and went back to my apartment and crawled into bed.

Monday was not as eventful.  I did stuff around the apartment, called home, Love you Mom and Dad and family!  Then went to eat Korean food again.  Guess what I had..... Plain pork and rice!  It was good!  We then went to Caleb and Kathrines and played Phase 10.  Rauni, you know I loved that!

Stay tuned for the dreaded HEALTH CHECKUP!!!!