"Korea Dreambus" Pilgrimage and Documentary Film

Dear friends and supporters, I am so delighted and humbled to report that I've received a grant from the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts  Individual Projects program in support of post-production for Korea Dreambus . My scheduled public screening, in accordance with my agreement with GVCA, will be on Nov. 1, 2025 at St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry. As part of the process of submitting a budget, I've hired an editor -- the amazing Derrick Edgerton III -- who also worked on sound and color grading for my short film Souled , which will be screening next month.  Since returning from Korea, I've been running to catch up with my other responsibilities, but as my short film is finally getting finished, there is more time for me to focus on this doc. Thus far, I've arranged my media (4,000 clips and photos!), started writing a paper edit, and have purchased an external hard drive to use in putting together an assemble edit with Davinci Resolve, which I...

Incredible though it seems, it's been a month and a half since I returned from Korea. Until now, I've actively avoided writing on this blog or engaging in a serious perusal of the media I captured on the pilgrimage for three reasons:   1. I had quite a sit-rep presented to me when I got home, requiring me to sort out my housing in a hurry. It has all been settled now; I am getting a new housemate as of Jan. 1st. God be praised! 2. The backlog of catch up work and future planning for my teaching job was staring me down, and since this is the first time I've taught these three theology classes, there is heavy prep that requires intense intellectual focus and time. I also had to get my head back in the game for my writing job, which felt easier and more natural since I've been doing that job for over a year.  3. I just wasn't ready.  Let me unpack that third statement a bit. Lotte Department Store, Ulsan, S. Korea When I first got back, the jet lag was more than just a...

I had every intention of blogging more regularly. Instead, I’ve been uploading clips and thoughts on Instagram. It’s a lot easier than trying to type or edit blog posts on a phone! Please head over to my Instagram and check out the content there. My Instagram ID is emc033 I am more than halfway through my trip at this point. The pilgrimage has been incredible, with insights and moments of deep reflection, prayerfulness, and moving experiences. I have met some beautiful human beings along the way— Koreans who God has placed along the path to help me: The seminarian Daniel in Seoul; Cindy, the sister of a Korean friend of mine from back home in Seoul; the husband and wife who ran the guest house I stayed at in Seosan. Not to mention random strangers who have helped me get to places by showing me which direction to go or helping me but a train ticket. My prayer has been that God blesses them through me as well. One of the reflections that has risen to the top here is how truly interconnec...

Sitting at Rochester International Airport waiting for the flight to Detroit, then a 3-hr layover before the 15-hr flight to Incheon. Interstitial and transient spaces have always fascinated me—airports, train stations, bus terminals. A place between places. Neither here nor there (hence duty free). A place to pause, reflect, wait with purpose. Seems an appropriate meditation on route to a pilgrimage. Also, here’s a reminder that being in public spaces can be annoying as well as exhilarating. Like hearing the guy on his laptop sniffing and snorting his post nasal drip. Please God don’t make me sit next to that guy on the plane, right? But maybe I will have to. In which case I will offer it up… and then offer him a tissue. I am also entertained by the camaraderie and subculture of the people who work in the airport—ground crew, service workers, etc. Getting my Dunks coffee I witnessed a lot of fun joking around and affectionate teasing between the people working behind the counter. It’s...

School has started, so I have a lot of work to do between now and my departure for Korea: seating charts, assignments, and lesson plans for my subs. I have to say--it was wonderful to be back in the classroom. I didn't realize how much I missed it. I feel very at home at Chesterton Academy of Rochester. Meantime, however, I'm working to get my stories filed for the paper ahead of the normal deadlines so that my editor can read them, and I can make any necessary revisions before I leave. Today I filed the longer of the two stories I'm working on, so that felt good. Souvenirs from my visit in 2007 including my old Tmoney card I've been compiling my list of nitty gritty to do before the pilgrimage trip. Things like making sure I know where to get my Tmoney card - although I think I'll be getting a Korea Tour Card which provides the transpo function of a Tmoney card plus discounts to various sites. I have to do a little more research there. Also have to get an Esim for ...

Two weeks from today, I'll be on my way to Korea. I just met a co-worker (one of the generous donors  for this pilgrimage film) in the hallway a few minutes ago. He asked me what my current thoughts of hope and anxiety were leading up to the trip. I replied that everything is hopeful, actually, and I don't really carry any anxiety. I guess I hadn't thought about it until he asked.  Erie Canal, Fairport, NY In these two weeks before my departure, the school year is starting, which means my three classes of high school theology will be a prime focus for me, including devising three weeks of lesson plans for my subs while I'm away. I also have early deadlines for my newspaper job since I'll be gone for production week. And I will be submitting my application to the GVCA for a grant to help make the film. It's a lot, to be honest.  But you know what? I'm not anxious. I feel grounded, capable, focused, and above all, hopeful.  This is a new experience for me. Fo...