Mary's photos brought me back.

Coming back home was filled with getting back into the groove of things. Taking care of the business that consumes life day in and day out.     How could it be that we left our little worlds for 12 days and got totally immersed in Korea and it's rich history within the Methodist tradition and come back to the tasks waiting?  

Speaking and writing to team members it is evident that we all hit the ground running and yet I'm sure a part of most days we find ourselves thinking about our experiences through the Scranton Women's Leadership Center in Seoul.   So tonight, here's a bit of where I am...

Rev. Heasun Kim

Young mom and son in his special
birthday outfit.  

   

 

Two women...one who crafted a marvelous journey and left no stone unturned and the other who is working to get her life on track for the her future but more importantly, the future of her son. 

Rev. Kim is the director of Scranton Women's Leadership Center (SWLC).  Our journey gave us an overview of our common, connected history through the women of our denomination.   I've always been in awe of the early Methodist women who pull and pushed and insisted that the church be in the world to respond to the need.  But through this journey, I felt as though I had met one of these women...Mary Scranton.  Strong, faithful and faith-filled woman who changed the face of Korea through education. 

 

Then to move from the history to reality of women who struggle just like women in the US.   Women who are being lifted up this month through our observance of eradicating domestic violence are in our prayers.   Last month we met a woman.  We did not learn her name yet she's been in my prayers this month.   We met her at the Nest of Love Shelter for women.   When we first arrived, I think the little guy was not happy for he was making quite a fuss from afar.   Maybe it was because he was getting on his lovely birthday outfit before worship.   But after a bit of a nap he awoke to enjoy our presence by "playing" with us during worship. One of his favorites was Mary.  She enjoyed so much the interplay, after the service she was given permission to take a photo of mom and son.   I'm so happy to have one photo taken at the Nest of Love Shelter.   She is one woman for whom we are in prayer as she seeks safety, time to heal, and rebuild a life for both her and her son.  Mom, know that I'm thinking of you tonight.  Peace to you and your son.