Time flies so fast.. It already has been a year since I moved to Gene & Phyllis' home. I first met them on Jan.1 2013. I still remembered how nervous I was on the way to their house. At that time, I had no idea about the American host family and even I did not have any interactions with Americans outside of the school. As soon as I got into their house,all my worries and nervousness were gone because Gene and Phyllis really welcomed me. Even it was first time for them to see me, Phyllis said to me "We are your American parents so if you need any help, just let us know." It was really new experience for me to get loved by people out of family and close friends. I was so touched with their loving.
It was on the first week of my Internship that I got lost on the way to home. Actually, Gene asked me to give a ride until I got familiar with the bus route but I said to him that I could go home alone because I did not want to give him another work. After getting off the bus, I got a call from Gene and he said "the supper is ready! where are you?" and I said "I am almost there. see you in few minutes!". However, I was lost. Later, I found I got off the wrong bus stop.. After a while, Gene called me again and I tried to explained to him but I even did not know where I was standing and also my English was not good enough to explain to him clearly through phone. It took almost half an hour for him to find me and take me home. When I got home, the foods on the table looked already cold and my tears were coming out because of sorry for them. But as soon as Phyllis saw me, she gave me big hug and kept saying "It's okay." That night, we had really good conversation. I shared with them all my childhood story and how I become a Christian. After the day, we got more closer each other. :)
Although I had stayed in Columbus for 4 years, I had never watched any OSU basketball games and football games. After I stayed with Gene&Phyllis, I had a chance to watch the football game. I learned all the rules of basketball and football from Gene & Phyllis. Almost every game, we wear the OSU t-shirts together and track all the games. It was really fun and new culture to me. When I was in Korea and visited to other states, many people asked me about Buckeye team. I had no idea about Buckeye team so I could not say anything to them. But now I can understand why many people are crazy about football and also I can say that I am the little buckeye!!
Since I was a little kid, I have had a dream that is going to church with Dad. I was really jealous of the friends who came to church with their Dads because my dad is still not Christian yet. But God gave me American Dad and it was blessing time for me to go to church with him. Gene all the time introduce me to his friends and church people. Every week, we were practicing choir together and had lunch with his friends. I also made a lot of American Christian friends through him. I really like our church and people there.
I got my American driver license on last May. I actually failed on the first driving test. After that, Gene gave me the intensive driving tutoring and I passed the test in only two weeks. Even after I passed the test, I was still not confident with driving. Gene has allowed me to drive his car on the way to the church & the staff meeting and he kept helping me confident with driving. I am not sure I can drive well without him.. :'( One of my precious memories with Gene&Phyllis is that Gene took us to surprising place after Sunday evening service. Gene told me that he will drive to home and I gave the car key to him. I did not know why he wanted to drive because I used to drive haha. Later, I realized that he took us to 'Graters' for ice cream. Phyllis and I were so surprised!! Three of us had each big ice cream cone and we laughed a lot. That can be a little thing but for me, it is unforgettable lovely memory.
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| with Gene&Phyl and Jung |
The first picture was taken on Gene's birthday party. I made Korean foods for him. He and Phyllis really liked them. On that day, He introduced his Korean friends to me. She is the former his Bible study group student about 10 years ago. Now, she is my good friend too.
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| on Thanksgiving day |
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| on Phyllis' Birthday |
I had a lot of good memories with Phyllis and Gene for a last year. We did a lot of things together. We celebrated birthday parties and holidays.
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| Decorating Christmas tree |
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| Celebrating new year 2014 |
Every moment I spent with them is precious and blessing to me. I never imagined before that It's really hard for me to leave United States. I have only few days left to go back home but I am not still prepared for saying good bye to my friends and especially, Phyl&Gene. I can not stop my tears. I learned from them what is the meaning of love and what is the life walking with the Lord. Whenever I had a question about Bible and any relationship conflicts, I ran to Phyl& Gene. They gave me wise advice and prayed for me. I also can not forget the moment that Gene& Phyl were preparing for supper in the kitchen, every time I got home after work. I really thank God and thank I.F.I. to give me opportunity to have my American parents,Gene& Phyllis.
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| with Yoshi, Jia, and Yoonmi |
These days, God is comforting me by reminding of Yoshi and Jia. Yoshi is Gene&Phyllis' first students and has known each other for 20 years. Jia is their Bible study group student 10 years ago. But they are still vising to Gene& Phyllis regularly. I believe that it is not the last time to see them and I will also keep visiting to them. :) They are beyond host family to me. They are my American parents, Christian mentor and family.
I love them so much!!
