Whilst at the grandmothers house I was told we were going to meet another aunt. Her mothers sister. So we were bundled into the car and set off. When we arrived at another high rise block I was interested to see if they were all the same in the way they were built to be luxurious. It was beautiful. After an hour of being here I was told we were staying the night. Half relieved that I could have a real shower and not have to use a bedpan, I also worried as I had left my bag with all my clothes, camera, phone, and quite a large amount of cash. I agreed I would be fine without my things if I could borrow some pj's and call one of Chan-mi's cousin's to put my bag out of the way. The house had over 25 people coming and going all day and I was sure it would be fine but still conscious of the fact it wasn't with me.
Worries aside we ordered takeaway pizza and when it arrived we all congregated on the floor to say grace. The family were massive Christians. Dinner was lovely, Dominoes delivers in Korea too!! And before I could get up off the floor a bible was handed to me???? The family of 4 had 7 bibles. One had English translation. Om-ma read a passage and then told me through Chan-mi I was to read aloud in English. A hymn was sung and I thought this was over. But then Chan-mi explained everybody would say a prayer in the circle and we would say it aloud to the group, again me in English.
Earlier that day I had tried to explain that I had been christened but do not attend church. Well after this revelation, Om-ma had made it her mission to turn me to god. Promising she would pray for my mother! I thanked her greatly for her kindness.
Om-ma brought this up again when on Sunday morning I was taken to church to listen to a Koren sermon. Chan-mi was instructed to point to the English words throughout the Hymn's- although there was no way I would sing alone in English in a church full of people!!
Outside she bought me a toothpaste and toothbrush set as a present for me now going to church every Sunday.
Everbody I met over the weekend was amazingly kind and helpful, and me having as much Korean as they had English still managed to feel 100% welcome into their homes. This is true to nearly all Korean people we meet at uni and even walking around on the street. They always try to give helpfull pointers, even if they just talk at you in Korean with a massive smile! Lovely!
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