Victory over Songnisan mountain!

On Saturday, August 25th, we traveled 1 1/2 hours to Songnisan National Park (the place with the huge golden buddha that we posted pictures of last year). Instead of meandering leisurely through the town and temple complex, however, this year we tackled the formidable mountain. We walked 2 kilometres from the bus station to the base of the mountain, and then climbed 6 more kilometres (a lot of it steep climbing) to the summit. Towards the end we were all doubting whether we would make it, and our muscles are expressing a lot of unhappiness today. But we did it! Sixteen kilometres round trip (or 10 miles) took us just over 1,000 metres up to the peak (or about 3,500 feet). We all have new respect for people who climb huge mountains like Kilimanjaro! (We also have ultimate respect for a man we encountered on our descent who was carrying a traditional Korean chigae loaded with supplies for one of the mountainside cafes; wow!!)

Celebrating Brian's birthday...

To celebrate Brian's birthday (yep, he turned 38 on Saturday!), we had a gathering of friends at our apartment on Friday night. Here are some of our TCIS friends from New Zealand, New Brunswick, Ireland, South Africa, Minnesota, Idaho and Florida. Lots of cake and Starbucks coffee made sure we celebrated Brian's birthday with plenty of enthusiasm and energy!

Bomunsan hike...

On Sunday, August 19th, Brian and I hiked up a small mountain on the other side of Daejeon. Called Bomunsan, the mountain requires about one hour of hiking to reach the top. Along the way you find some secluded, shady cafes (this is an amazing trademark of Korean hiking - there are always little restaurants and cafes along the mountainside, which is quite convenient!). Although it was a blazingly hot afternoon, the path was shady and the view was excellent.

Pepper time...

Peppers are being harvested in abundance now in Daejeon, and wherever you go you can find peppers drying in baskets and on tarps. The amazing thing is that people will leave their peppers out to dry in communal, public places (like around the parking lots in our apartment complex) and no one ever touches anyone else's peppers. There is an unspoken code that when produce is out drying, it is off limits. The other photo here is of a poster we found last weekend for a "wedding hole"; we thought it was quite humorous!

Take me out to the ball game (or soccer match!)

After a wonderful first week of classes, we have been enjoying some very nice down-time this weekend. After going to the movies on Friday night, Brian and Cora enjoyed a Hanwa Eagles professional ball game here in Daejeon on Saturday evening (complete with hot dogs on a stick, Korean-style, shown here with Marco Dewey from Colorado), while Rebecca and LeeAnne travelled 1 1/2 hours north to Suwon to catch two games in the Fifa U-17 World Cup. The second game featured South Korea playing against Peru, and the stadium was filled with thousands upon thousands of very enthusiastic (and patriotic!) Korean fans. We all enjoyed a chance to unwind a little, and are looking forward to what God has in store for this school year.

Our lovely home...

After 12 wonderful years at 298 Prince Street, our family said good-bye to our home before we travelled back to Korea on Wednesday, August 1st. Thanks to everyone who supported our contents sale; we raised almost $4,600 for The Bethlehem Project ministry in North Korea and can't wait to see our friends the Covingtons to deliver your donations to them. Now we are battling a bit of jet lag and are unpacking here at our apartment in Daejeon. What a blessing it was to spend such precious time with our family and friends this summer!