"Korea Dreambus" Pilgrimage and Documentary Film

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