Mailbox of peace

Section 1. Memor ies of Korea Mai lbox of Peace 032 033 Korea Foundation & US Peace Corps KF COVID-19 Survival Box Gratitude Letter Col lection out that they had just finished their curling practice for their school team . The two freshman high school girls graciously guided me around their school grounds as I described to them how it use to look 40 years ago . They were so helpful that I shared the picture book of what they used to look like and pictures of my home and family in New York . Korean English Teacher Workshop(1977) My English Class with my co-teacher, Mr. Kim Before we parted , I asked them if they were taking English and said yes . As we parted , I presented them that book and one of them said in English that she would use it for her English class report and was very grateful . Upon meeting my guide , Ms . Lee , the next morning , she had been busy calling the high school and set up an appointment to meet the current High School Principal and the Vice - Principal that morning . It was through this impromptu meeting , that the Principal had all of the school ’ s year books . He pulled out the year that I was there which had pictures of all teachers whom I worked with including the one English teacher , Mr . Park , which listed his address of his boarding house that I also lived in . Those days I had my mail come to the school and really didn ’ t know the actual address of my boarding house . After my school visit , we found the address given with the boarding house still standing to my pleasant surprise . A gentleman came out from a business now attached to the gate entrance to the boarding house and confirmed that this was indeed the very same boarding house which was my home in Korea for my first year . He indicated that the lady owner and grandmother had long passed , but their son still owned the place as an absentee landlord . He also had a room there and let us into the inner courtyard where I stood in front of the door of my old room as I flashbacked to the sights , sounds and smell of the delicious meals prepared by the grandmother …… this was definitely the highlight of my trip …. I truly felt I was home again ! Gerry Kryzic , President of Friends of Korea had told me before coming that this was going to be an emotional experience , but I thought that after 40 years with no one left that I knew wouldn ’ t have such an effect on me . Wow …. Was I ever mistaken ! This trip had been more than I ever expected ! Though the dirt roads turned to asphalt , the coffee houses (다방) changed into Star Bucks , the bathhouses ( mog - yogtang )(목욕탕) have dwindled , the mountainside with the beautiful flowing river near my village still remains with the Presbyterian church stee- ple still rising in the center of town . Above all else that remains the same for me was the warmth , kindness and generosity of the people of this “ Land of the Morning Calm ” that welcomed me back Home ! I thank the Korea Foundation , The Friends of Korea and all of those who made my 2018 Re - Visit trip possible for me to come full circle in my life to re- kindle that peace and serenity that I will continue to cherish within my heart wherever I go . Robert Ichihana