Aigo, Aigo, what a great week! Fifteen Korean Americans from Young Nak Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, California came for a week to help Habitat/Tuscaloosa rebuild. They are members of an 8,000 member Korean "mega-church" in L.A. Part of the youth ministry (I like their relaxed definition of youth- they ranged in age from 18 to 39). They were led by Tae Kim and Sylvia, and were such a joy to work with and be with all week. They stayed at the Y's Acres camp just outside Tuscaloosa in a wooded setting in Cottondale. Some of the group, including one young man named Gil had come to help the Bay St. Louis, Ms. affiliate last year, and had such a good experience that after the week was up, he stayed and volunteered another 8 months. It's what Habitat's founder, Millard Fuller, used to call "contracting Habititus", that is, getting hooked on volunteering. Doesn't seem to be anyknown cure for the condition. I was overjoyed when I heard that we would be hosting some Korean speaking guests. I had the opportunity years ago, in 1980-81 to work and live in Seoul, South Korea. Met my wife at the time and brought her back to the US. I managed to pick up some Korean language, reading, writing and speaking- not much but some, and since that time, have looked forward to opportunities to practice what little I know- you know the expression, use it or lose it,   The group had reflections everynight wihich included songs and prayer and there was such a beautiful atmosphere at the camp. Even my cat, Habicat, could feel the vibe and the whole week was never at home in the Lion's Den (the small cabin at the camp where the cat and I live).   
      We managed to finsh up two homes during the week and also to start framing another . Tae had said that they hoped that they would be framing during the week. Since the footings had just been poured and the block foundation not yet laid, I told him that there was a slim chance. Turned out that on Thursday and Friday, they got their wish.   Our subcontractor, Dexter, sparkled again and completed the block foundation in two days, allowing the floor framing to proceed on Thursday. One of the things that impressed me the most about this group was how well they worked together as a team. Once the floor was framed, we started the plywood decking and literally, all hands were on deck, and boom- the starting row of plywood from front to back of the house was glued and nailed in about an hour.
     We also stopped by for a short tour of the office and ReStore and the group had a chance to meet our new Executive Director, Ellen Potts.
     I had the opportunity to share some Korean food a couple of times and on Friday morning, I made a "Daddy deluxe breakfast" for the group. I made the cinnamon roll pancakes using Craig Snow's daughters recipe. Mmm!
      Just before I left for work on Saturday morning, the group presented me with two nice gifts. One was a framed picture with a wide border where all the members wrote something (in Korean). Ive got my homework cut out for me. Also, one young lady of the group, SeoYoung Choi (hope I got it right) is a potter and she made two beautiful cups and said it is for me and my wife to enjoy coffee with. So nice!
      That's all for this week. Sarang Hamnida Young Nak dul! Coke dora oh sey yo!