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Korea Dreambus

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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
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Adventure begins!

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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
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Almost go-time!

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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
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Current mood: Relaxed and focused

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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
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God is so good!

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In the last couple of days, I have been able to connect with a Korean seminarian who will help me visit the pilgrimage sites in Seoul, and the sister of a Korean-American friend of mine here who will meet me in Seoul. It's coming together! It's starting to feel real. After booking my hotel in Ulsan, I realized the reality I'm about to encounter. What a gift from God!  This morning in Adoration, I spent some time refining and writing out my personal prayer intentions. I'll be going to Adoration as much as I can between now and then for everything I have going on - the pilgrimage trip, my short film Souled , and my new teaching job. I continue to pray to the Blessed Mother for protection, assistance and inspiration. She sure never lets me down!
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Watch the trailer on Patreon (it's free!)

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It's less than a month before I depart for Korea. I've booked all my hotels and have been in contact with friends old and new to help me get to where I need to be.  I've also updated the budget with an exciting opportunity to apply for grant funding from the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts! I thought it would be good to link to the trailer again, since it's been awhile. Check it out on Patreon (it's free to watch!) I'm starting to gear up for teaching the school year as well as working on the sound track to my short film, Souled , so there is ever so much to do. Most importantly, I've been refining my pilgrimage intentions to bring with me. Please be sure to let me know if you have an intention for prayer you would like me to bring.
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Location Location Location! The itinerary is (mostly) set

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I've finally locked in the piece of my itinerary that was giving me the most trouble:  finding a place to stay in the Seosan/Dangjin area where the shrines in Haemi and Solmoe are located.  This morning I booked two nights at a traditional Korean house (hanok) in Seosan called Gyeamgotaek . I booked on Expedia and got a discount ( 아싸!) . I'll just have to work out how to get around that area; I suspect it will be a combination of taxi (very cheap in Korea) and bus (also very cheap). I'm happy to present an overview of my itinerary with a map to help you visualize where these places are. Note that I haven't marked every single place I'll be going; these are the general areas where I'll be traveling and staying. Please note that so far I've been able to book everything on Expedia. I may have to use other apps once I get to Korea, but for now, I'm extremely grateful this is working! 9/17 - 9/18:  Flying into Incheon  9/18 - 9/23:   Seoul and environs (Myeo
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