Sunday, March 11, 2012

Northern Asia Talks

A recent meeting in New York is a positive step toward reunification of the Koreas: http://koreareport2.blogspot.com/2012/03/ny-conference-on-peace-cooperation-in.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KoreaReport+%28Korea+Report%29
Hopefully it will be a step-by-step process that won't stall out this time.  All concerned parties need to remember to approach one another with respect and consideration.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

North Korean Defectors

The relationship between the two Koreas has been strained since the end of World War II.  It has not improved.  Defectors trying to escape to the South put their lives in danger.  Read the article and sign the petition at: http://www.change.org/petitions/save-north-korean-refugees-savemyfriend#

This is a little personal with me because of a woman who was very dear to me growing up.  Her life was forever changed because of the division of her country.  Here is an excerpt from my book:

Shortly after our arrival in Korea in 1955, my father heard of a Christian woman who had been imprisoned as a Communist sympathizer.  Her husband, as far as anyone knew, was in North Korea.  She had collaborated with the North Koreans during the war in order to save her family.  After the war that same family turned he in to the authorities.  Abandoned by her family and barely able to walk because of the torture she had endured during her imprisonment, Kimsi was released from prison into my father's custody.  Although Kimsi was employed as a domestic helper, a common practice so that missionary women could participate in the work of the mission, she became a part of our family and remained with us until we left Korea.  She was my mother's right arm and a second mother to us children.

Read more: http://www.kirkhouse.com/Books/An_Intricate_Tapestry
This picture is of Kimsi and my mother at a local orphanage.