January 29. 2015

Ilana couldn't sleep, the coughing was at its worst and her fever wasn't going down.  Taking her water bottle, Ilana drank its contents.  She checked her phone, some of the Church people including Sarah had sent her messages letting her know she was missed and asking if she was okay.  Disappointed that she had missed two different gatherings, she decided to call them later in the morning as it was now past midnight.  Unable to stop coughing, Ilana reached for more water.  Her head was fuzzy but she wouldn't be able to stop coughing for a while.  Her fever kept her warm; she unsteadily stood and made her way to her parent’s room without her robe.  It felt as if she walked on air, her head filled with clouds.  By the time she arrived in the room she shivered, severely winded from the short walk down the hall.  Using a chair for support, she paused in front of the portrait.  "Jihoo-yah?  Anieyo...Jihoo Uissanim, gwenchayo?  Lord, let him be happy."

A coughing fit wracked Ilana's body.  She had left the inhaler Suzy brought her in her room.  She staggered to her Mother's writing desk and lay her head down as if on her Mother's lap.  "Mama, la veré pronto (Mama, will I see you soon)?"  She was feeling like she did the year before; actually much worse.  Suzy had tried to make her go to the hospital but refused, not willing to see or forgive Juan Carlos.  Also, she didn't trust him at all.  Even though Nana had told her he had not come over since the day she had slapped him.

She must have dozed in that position for a little while.  The sensation of someone her hair brought her back to awareness.  Her hands shook as she stole another sheet of stationery from her Mother.

Harabeoji,

Perhaps God is finally ready to take me home to my parent’s...

Joy was waiting for Nana outside her door with impatience.  "Meeeeoow!   Meeeeow!" The cat circled Nana's feet and took off back to the stairs.

 - "Gata, que te pasa (What's wrong, cat)?"

The cat meowed impatiently before continuing slowly until she was sure Nana was behind her.  Joy ran straight to Ilana's parent’s room; looking back she meowed a 'hurry up'.

Once in the room, Nana found her charge head down on the desk again.  "Niña!  Que haces levantada (What are you doing up)?  "Despierta, cariño (wake up, dear)." Nana rubbed Ilana's back and could feel the heat coming from her skin under the t-shirt.  "Niña?  Niña!”  She lifted Ilana's face and saw a tinge of blood on her lips.  How hard had she coughed last night?  "Pero Niña, estás ardiendo!"  Nana tried a wet washcloth, but Ilana didn't respond, she was scarcely even breathing.  Nana called 911 then Suzy and Brendon.

It was Suzy's day off and groaned when she heard her phone ring.  She recognized Nana's voice on the other end but her just woken brain couldn't understand a word she was saying.  "Halmoni!  I don't understand, I'll be right there!"  Nana sounded extremely worried.  She didn't have time to deal with her husband.  Suzy got herself dressed in shorts and a tank top and then took JungMin's eye mask off and then with a bottle of water half-drowned him.  He sat up coughing and sputtering.

 - "Halmoni is in a panic!"  Suzy said as soon she saw him focus on her.  "I'm going to the main house!"  She ran out downstairs slipping on a pair of sandals at the door.

JungMin sat staring at the door his wife had just exited and tried to understand why he was soaking wet and what Suzy was yelling as she left.  Slowly, he remembered something about the main house.  He grabbed his phone and called Brendon.  "Dude, what's going on?"

 - "Ilana's unconscious and burning up, Nana called the paramedics.  I hear the sirens now."

 - "Aish!  This girl!  Suzy's been wanting her to go to the hospital for the last two days.  Jihoo Uissa said he'd take care of Juan Carlos Uissa if he tried anything."

 -"True, but Dr. Jihoo is not here to make good on the threat."

 - "Yes, but Juan Carlos Uissa doesn't know that!  Tell Suzy I'm getting dressed and I'll meet you at the hospital in her car.  You take care of Halmoni."

 - "Yes, Mr. Park."  They had bought Suzy a car because he didn't want her coming home in the dark.  The bus stop was several blocks from the house and it was two buses to the hospital or walk.  Even if it was a peaceful town, it wasn't Seoul and it was best not to take chances.

Across town, another phone rang thirty minutes later.  Juan Carlos was already up and checking emails; Gloria was downstairs making breakfast.  Her Shift didn't begin until nine.  Although she only worked twenty-five hours a week, she was the first to be called as a backup.  Juan Carlos saw the call was from the hospital.  "Yes?  This is Dr. Contreras?"

 - "Juan Carlos, this is...your cousin has just been brought to the ER, the situation is critical."

 - "!"  The usually perfectly composed Doctor said.  "I'm on my way!"  Juan Carlos quickly threw on clothes, brushed his teeth, and didn't bother with his hair.  He practically flew downstairs and to the kitchen.  "Gloria!  Me voy, Ilana esta critica (Gloria, I’m leaving, Ilana is in critical condition)!"

 - "Dios mío (My God)!  Que le paso (What happened to her)?!"

 - "No lo sé, te veré en el hospital (I don't know, I'll see you at the hospital)."  Juan Carlos grabbed his keys and ran out.

It was close to 7AM, Gloria rushed her boys, so they could all eat breakfast and she could drop them off at school early.

 - "Mom, why so early?"  Her teen asked as she took the comb to her youngest's hair.

 - "Tu Tía Ilana tuvo que ir al hospital (Your aunt Ilana had to go to the hospital)."

 - "Mama, Papá la curará. (Dad's going to heal her)?"  Her youngest was most attached to Ilana.  They both were but the little one more so.

 - "Quiera Dios, hijo, quiera Dios (Lord Willing, son.  Lord willing).  Ay que orar por ella y tu padre (We need to pray for both her and your Father)."  She had taught her kids a sincere faith, even if their Father didn't go to Church or really believe in anything but the science of medicine.

When the youngest left to get his backpack, the oldest turned to his mother.  "Mama, deberás estará bien (Is she really going to be fine)?"  He knew his Mother was worried, which meant his aunt was sicker than she was saying.

 - "No se, mi vida (I don't know, my dear), tu padre dijo que estaba critica (your Father said she was in critical condition).  Ay que tener fe (you need to have faith), ha sobrevivido demasiado para que se nos vaya tan fácilmente (she has survived too much for her to leave us so easily)."

By the time Juan Carlos arrived, the ER team was doing all they could to stabilize his cousin by attempting to bring down the fever which caused her to be in a semi-comatose state.

JungMin and Juan Carlos arrived at the same time.  JungMin called Antonio to let him know he'd be late.  The generally cheerful JungMin scowled at Juan Carlos when he saw him enter.  "Mr. Park," Juan Carlos called.  "Can you please tell me what happened?"

 - "No."

 - "I'm begging you."

JungMin sighed.  "No, I can't tell you, because I don't know.  She's been sick and Nana called my wife early this morning and the paramedics were called.  My wife said Ilana's fever was out of control."

 - "Thank you, I'll let you back there if you want."

JungMin saw that the usually arrogant Doctor was shaken.  Even his appearance that was usually perfect was disheveled.  He nodded his head and followed the Doctor.

Suzy spotted them and marched right up to Juan Carlos and punched him in the chest.  "Yeobo, not now," JungMin grabbed hold of her, but not before she kicked Juan Carlos in the shins.  Suzy was actually holding back.

 - "Ah!"  Juan Carlos jumped back.  The staff was in awe at the display before them.  "Mrs. Park please!"

 - "Dr. Contreras, should we call security?"

 - "No, that's fine.  Everyone is upset, sometimes an outlet is needed."

 - "You!"  Suzy shouted.  "You're the reason she wouldn't come to the hospital.  It's your fault," Suzy cried.

Juan Carlos could say nothing against the accusations.  He still remembered Ilana's words.

"These people have done everything you should have, but were too full of arrogance to lower yourself to have one kind word to me."

JungMin held his wife, torn between going to work and leaving her.  He knew Ilana would want him to go to work and not worry.

Juan Carlos went into the room with Nana and Brendon, they had yet to stabilize Ilana.  "Yeobo, do you want me to stay?"

 - "Anieyo, I'll be alright."  Suzy wiped her tears.  "Juan Carlos Uissa got me worked up.  Ilana needs you, she's really excited about expanding the company, even yesterday she spent a little time on the laptop doing research.  She'll pull through, she has too.  She's different, she's at peace now.  The war inside of her has stopped.  Minnie-ah, she has to be fine!  She has to expand the company; she has to find Jihoo Uissa!"

 - "Did you guys try calling him?"

Suzy shook her head.  "The number wasn't in her contacts and the number Nana has is no longer valid."

 - "What about Hyeong?"

 - "KyuJongie Oppa?"

 - "Deh!"

 - "Yeobo, he might have it but it's so late.  He'll get in trouble if we call."

 - "Anieyo, it's an emergency."  JungMin took out his cell phone and began to dial.

Juan Carlos came from Ilana's bedside.  Nana took his hand and squeezed it before he left.  He had called their best pulmonologist, even without an x-ray he could tell there was pneumonia in both lungs.  He knew she also had scar tissue from having had pneumonia so frequently.  Her blood count was not back yet but if her red blood cells were high, she was very much in danger.  They were about to put her on a respirator, she had already been on an IV for almost an hour now and couldn't bring her temperature down.  It fluctuated between 105.9 (41.06c) to 105.4 (40.78c), but wouldn't go any lower.  Cold packs were also used to no avail.  "Mrs. Park," Juan Carlos addressed Suzy, "a pulmonologist is on the way.  I'm sure it's pneumonia, her respiration is very low.  They will put her on a respirator shortly.  My wife will be here soon as well."  He tried to smile.  "My cousin is stubborn, she's testing me and will then get up and run away."  He turned to leave and stopped.  "Mrs. Park, did Dr. Yoon remain in New York?  How did he let her lose so much weight?"

Suzy didn't know what to say.  Nana thought he might have gone back home.  She had shown her the letter Ilana was writing to Harabeoji.  It didn't look like she had finished her thoughts before she became unconscious.  "He had to return to Seoul and as you said, Unnie is stubborn and well if he's not here to force her to eat..."

 - "Ah, well, she'll be fine and then she'll go back to Seoul with him."  Juan Carlos turned before a tear dropped from his eye.

Suzy stared at his retreating back in awe.  The arrogant insufferable man looked meek and defeated.

JungMin came from another hallway behind Suzy and didn't see Juan Carlos leave.  "Gwenchana?"  He drew her gently into his arms.

 - "Deh, Yeobo, I think Juan Carlos Uissa is really worried.  Maybe I was too hard on him."

 - "Jagi, the truth hurts sometimes."

 - "Deh.  Oh!  What about KyuJongie Oppa?"

JungMin shook his head.  "He recently had a software malfunction on his phone and he lost all his contacts, pabo didn’t have his newer contacts backed up.  Since he had the clinic phone number stored on his phone, he tossed the card.  Na had to explain to him why Ilana was here; he had no idea.  Hyeong wanted to know if he should contact Maknae and YoungSaeng Hyeong."

 - "Yeobo, anieyo!  She's going to be fine.  She has too!  Juan Carlos Uissa said she was stubborn and just testing him."

 - "Jagiya, it won't hurt for them to know."

 - "Wait, juseyo?"

 - "Arraso."

 - "It's late enough, I'm going to call JaeRim Moksa and SoEun Noona."

 - "I'm going to go to work then.  Keep me posted throughout the day.  It wouldn't be good for anyone at the company to know how sick she is."

JungMin went into the room to inform Nana and Brendon he was leaving.  "Halmoni, I'm going to work," he gave her a hug and Brendon a nod of the head.  "Yah, Ilana-yah.  Chincha?  You've only been back to work for a week and you decide to take another vacation?  Aish!  Leave Sunbae and I to do all your research why don't you?"  Ilana twitched slightly at JungMin's voice but nothing that anyone could see.

Juan Carlos was in the hospital chapel, sobbing.  "Dios mío, es cierto que sola la quería cuidar (My God, it's true I just wanted to take care of her) pero mi orgullo y enojo por su tontería (but my pride and anger over her foolishness) no me dejaba ver que la estaba hiriendo (didn't let me see I was hurting her).  Perdoname (Forgive me)!  Perdoname (Forgive me)!  Le entregare mi vida con que la salves (I'll give you my life, just save her)!  Por favor (Please)!"  If anyone walked into the chapel, they would never believe that their head of the hospital board of directors cried with all his heart for forgiveness.  The man who once thought his cousin foolish and an embarrassment now become the foolish one; humbled and not caring what others might think.  As long as his cousin was safe, he'd beg and plead God again and again.

The day went on and there was no change in Ilana, neither for the good nor for the bad.  All the efforts to bring down her fever hadn't worked, in fact, it had crept up another two-tenths.  It would take another day for the antibiotics to circulate through her system.  Suzy had gone out only briefly to mail Ilana's letter.  They had a right to know she was so ill.  Even by the time the letter reached them, she would still be in the hospital.  Nana and Brendon didn't stop praying and a group of ladies from Ilana's Church were outside praying.  Pastor JaeRim and his wife were in the room, Juan Carlos had her moved to a VIP room to accommodate all her visitors.  JaeRim played the guitar and sang.  "Yah, Ilana-yah.  When you pull through you need to join the worship team.  Your Nana says you were classically trained.  When did you plan on disclosing this information?  I won't let you off the hook, you know.  Every talent must be put to use." The movement was so small a blink here, a twitch there, none of those assembled were really paying attention to the patient.

Ilana could hear music in a dream.  She was so tired and couldn't open her eyes but she desired to draw closer to the music.  But where was it coming from?  hurt and felt like she couldn't move even if she wanted to.  Then the music began to fade again and she pictured Jihoo playing the violin.  "Sarang, bogoshipo.  Gwenchana, as long as you're happy, I am too."  Tired, she walked along not knowing what she searched for.  There were two people up ahead, maybe that's who she looked for.

As she drew closer she saw it was her Mother and another lady.  "Mama!"   Ilana's eyes were only for her Mother who stood to receive her.  All her fatigue vanished as she hugged her Mom tight, not finding anything wrong or disturbing with the apparition.

 - "Siéntate con nosotras, querida (sit with us, dear)."

Ilana looked to her Mother's friend and immediately dropped to her knees.  "Eommeoni!"  It was Jihoo's Mother.  "Anjayo, child, have some tea and rice cake."  Jihoo's Mother spoke in Korean and Ilana's Mother in Spanish and yet they all understood each other.  When Ilana didn't move from her spot, Jihoo's mother lifted her face. "Iriro, anja (this way/come, sit), Ilana-yah will have to go back soon."

 - "Anieyo!  Mama!"  Ilana turned to her Mother, "me quiero quedar con Ud. Y Jihoo Umma (I want to stay with you and Jihoo's Mother)."

 - "No es tu tiempo, querida (It's not your time dear), apenas naciste de nuevo (you've just been born again).  Tienes todo un mundo nuevo que conocer (you have a whole new world to explore)."

 - "Ilana-yah only has this lifetime, don't give up on it so soon," Jihoo's Mother told her.

 - "Eomonni, na want to stay with Umma.  No one needs me back home."

Jihoo’s Mother shook her head.  "Adeul is waiting for you to come back, he'll be heartbroken if you stay."

 - "Anieyo Eomonni, Harabeoji can find him a woman without...my past."

 - "Ilana-yah has been born again, deh?  Your old past is gone."

 - "Hajiman..."

 - "Es verdad, hijita (It’s the truth, little daughter)!"

 - "Ilana-yah, believe it or that prayer was for nothing if you still live in your past."

 - "Alguesubnida Eomonni.  Je don't know where to start?  Je-Je can't just pick up and leave?  Je erased all his contacts?"  Ilana felt the panicking in her chest again even if that was impossible in a dream.

 - "Hijita, no te preocupes (Little daughter, don’t worry), nuestro Señor te dirá cuando ya es tiempo (Our Lord will tell you when it’s time)"

 - "Que si no le entiendo (What if I don’t understand)?  I'm still new at listening for his voice?"  She asked her two Mothers.

 - "As Ilana still hears adeul, you will also know when it's time."

Ilana thought about it and it was true, she did still hear Jihoo's voice talking to her all the time and the Lord's voice was very similar.  They had the same speech pattern.  She was soon pulled out of her thoughts by music.

 - "Escuchas la música, querida (Do you hear the music, dear)?"  Ilana nodded, the melody was beautiful and although she'd never heard it before, it was as if she could sing along.  "Cantamos (Should we sing)?"

Ilana heard her Mother and Jihoo's Mother begin and came in just after them.  She'd missed this; singing with her Mother and was positive Jihoo also missed his Mother.  Alarms suddenly began their loud peal; she stopped singing, no longer able hear their three-part harmony.  "Stop!  I can't hear!  Stop!  Please?  I haven't heard my Mother's voice in sixteen years, please!"

 - "Querida, necesitas irte (My dear, you need to go)."

Ilana shook her head and tried to take her Mother's hand but it was just out of reach.  "Mama!  Eomonni!  Just a little longer, please?  Por favor?  Jabal!"

 - "Anieyo!  Your chingu are waiting for you and so is adeul.  Don't disappoint them."

Ilana didn't want to disappoint anyone that’s why she thought it best to stay.  In the time it took her to mull over what Jihoo’s Mother had said, the two women had begun to fade into the distance.

Now evening, Suzy looked at the monitor.  "Unnie-ah!"  All of Ilana's numbers were falling steadily.  Pastor JaeRim and SoEun and the rest of the worship band had just left.  They had prayed over her and it seemed as if Ilana was responding to the prayer and to the music.  Pastor JaeRim had been singing and then Brendon ran home for his guitar.  More of the team had been called and Ilana's fever had even gone down a few points.  She didn't know if it was coincidence but as soon as they left she became agitated and the numbers on the monitor began to change.  "Unnie-ah hang on, jaebal!  Brendon-ssi!  Go after Pastor JaeRim and see if they are still in the building."

 - "I'm on it!"  He took Ilana's phone to try and call them.  He debated whether to tell Nana Ilana was slipping.  Nana had wanted to stay in the chapel for a little while since the room was crowded.

The alarm had begun to sound.  Suzy made a decision as the nurse and doctors came rushing in.  There was only one other person that Ilana would listen too other than Jihoo.  Dialing, she prayed that he answered.  As soon as she heard 'yeobosayo?’ Suzy began without explanation.  "Oppa, sing!"

 - "Mwo?  Suzy-ah?"

 - "There's no time, Oppa!  Just sing something?"

 - "Suzy-ah?  Gwenchana?  What's all that noise?"  YoungSaeng had no clue what was going on and he was going to get in trouble for being on the phone while working.

 - "Aish Oppa!  This is a matter of life or death!  Don't ask questions, just sing!"

 - "M-Mwo?  What do I sing?  Aish!"  He sang the first thing that popped into his head (Music), "All the weight of life that is like an endless rat race.  At the endless homework and the unsolvable problems.  Just like an answer, like a time of rest, just like destiny, you come to me, making me walk through the thickly settling fog..." 

At this point, a tear could be seen on Ilana's cheek and her hand moved.  The numbers began to slowly climb again.  "Tell him to keep going!"  It was SoEun, who had just ran back in the room.

 - "Don't stop, Oppa!"

 - "Just like a ray of light, like a map, like a lighthouse, I see you.  Making me walk through the thickly settling fog..."

Ilana was definitely reacting, "she wants to breathe on her own!"  The doctor began removing the breathing tube.

 - "You found me when I was getting so tired and collapsing.  You raise me up and make me take a step forward..."

 - "Oppa, kansamnida…kansamnida!"  YoungSaeng had finished singing.  Suzy had tears in her eyes as she saw her friend begin to come back to them.  She had completely forgotten about YoungSaeng and dropped her phone to hug SoEun standing next to her.

 - "Suzy-ah?  Yeobosayo?  Suzy-ah?"  YoungSaeng looked from his phone to see a small crowd clapping and cheering.  His co-workers began teasing him about being in the wrong profession.  Shyly, he bowed and thanked the onlookers for stopping by.  He sent a text, to Suzy, as the call had been disconnected.  "Agassi owes me an explanation."

Someone else had appreciated YoungSaeng’s voice and recorded it for later.  He didn’t have time to approach the young man today but perhaps another day.

 - "The next twenty-four hours will be critical but I believe the danger has passed.  I don't know how she's breathing on her own and she's begun to perspire, the fever is breaking."  The doctor said a few minutes later.  "I'll be ordering more labs and x-ray of her lungs.  If this has cleared in less than one day, we're looking at a miracle."

 - "There is no one like our God, Doctor," SoEun said.

 - "Gracias, Dios mío (Thank you, my God)!"  Nana and Brendon had come back to the room.  After catching up to Pastor Jonathan and Sarah, Brendon went back to the chapel for Nana.

 - "Well, your prayers certainly worked."  The Doctor said in awe, himself.  He thought they were going to lose her for certain.  "It wasn't her time yet."

 - "Anieyo!"  SoEun and Suzy said at once, both now laughing.

There was an air of euphoria in the room.  Whatever reason, God decided it wasn't time yet.  Her work here on Earth wasn't done yet.

Jihoo sat at his desk at the Foundation, suddenly feeling increasingly warm as if running a fever.  He felt his forehead and although it warm, he wasn't feverish.  Standing up, he made his way to the thermostat controlling the temperature in his office and turned it down.  Perhaps it was malfunctioning, he'd have it checked later.  He settled back into his work as best he could.  His mind continued to wander and it wandered right to Ilana's side.  "Sarang, gwenchana?  Wae do I feel anxious?"  He'd been feeling nervous since the weekend at the refugee camp.  "Yesu, you promised that if I just waited for a little while, you'd bring her back to me.  I’m going about your business and I'm happy.  It's fulfilling to know what's expected of me in life.  Now, I can set out to accomplish it.  With Yesu’s help, of course.  Yesu, let her be well, help me not to doubt.  Bring her back soon."

Jihoo tried to concentrate on his work but it was impossible.  He checked the Church schedule to see if there were any activities this evening.  Finding none, he decided to call Gu junPyo for a late lunch.  He would stop and pick up a gift for InHei.

 - "What's up?"  Gu JunPyo asked sometime later when he met Jihoo at a fish stick stand.  It was his own idea.

 - "Anieyo?  Do I need a reason to spend time with nae chingu?"

 - "Tch.  Deh, the last eight years."

 - "Na bogoshipeoseo (Did you miss me)?”

 - "Anieyo, mariyah (just saying)."

Jihoo hid a smile, "mianhae, na will be a better chingu from now on."

Gu JunPyo had to wonder what his friend was up to.  "How did the refugee camp go?"

 - "Choah, naega glad to have a direction.  Ara what I'm supposed to do with my life, now.  Naega still F4 but the title comes with responsibilities Na have been avoiding.  Na will be setting up a person to be in charge of the new music program for the community and also for the mobile clinic.  Na want to focus on the foundation.  Kim KyuJong Uissa will take over the clinics when he's done with his military service.”

 - "You don't plan to practice anymore?"

 - "Deh, mollah in what capacity.  Na would like to go out with the mobile unit more than stay in the clinics or a hospital.  Na believe that is the direction I'm being sent towards?"

 - "Mwo?  Who is sending you?  Harabeoji?"

 - "Anieyo.  Yesu."  Jihoo smiled at JunPyo's confused face.  "Gu JunPyo, try really believing in Him.  Letting Him order your days.  Deh, it's not easy.  Sometimes you want to do the complete opposite but when you have no other option, He gives you the strength to stay still."

 - "Yah," JunPyo wondered when his friend had learned all of the things he said and also when he began saying more than just a few words at a time.  "Where did you learn all this stuff?"

Jihoo shrugged, "mollah.  In the military mostly, with difficult patients, when Harabeoji had his surgery, in Barcelona, and finally here in Seoul.  Naega not always listening, so I don't always hear him.   Hajiman in Barcelona, when Na didn't know what to do and had no one to turn to, Na turned to Him.  He has been guiding me ever since."

Gu JunPyo still in awe over his friend’s words stared for a bit before speaking.  "Chincha?  She's coming back?  You're not going to go find her?"

 - "Deh."

Gu JunPyo wasn't often rendered speechless but this was one of those occasions.  His phone vibrated in his pocket and he brought it out to see what it was about.  "Aish!  Jihoo-yah, Na have a Meeting.  I have to leave, arraso?"

 - "Gomawo for having lunch with me."

 - "Deh, najunge bayo (I'll see you later)."  Gu JunPyo was about to walk away and stopped.  "Yah, Jihoo-yah, what Ilana went through, Na don't wish it on anyone's anae or dtal.  Na hope it's true that she'll be back and she can finally be happy and free from the nightmare.  You two deserve to be happy."  He turned to leave still puzzling over his friend's words.  He'd be thinking about it for weeks and weeks.                                                                                                                                                                                       

Jihoo smiled and sat thinking on the bench JunPyo had vacated just moments ago.  Jaejoong had been a good friend, a troublemaker, but always there if Jihoo needed him.  But the F4 were his brothers, no matter what.  They had always stood by each other regardless if it was for the good or for the bad, they were each other’s family when they had no one else.  All the money in the world could never fill that void but they did.  Perhaps that was why it had been so natural for him to accept Yesu into his life.  He needed someone to fill the void that he created by abandoning his family.  "Arraso Yesu, na won't abandon my family again.  And when anae comes home, Na will never let her go again."  He got up from the bench and went back to the foundation.  His heart lighter, no longer anxious.  He believed the words he told JunPyo, Yesu gave him the strength and courage to stay still and wait for his plan to unfold.

Los Angeles, CA

Suzy stayed the night with Ilana.  Her fever had steadily decreased until it was completely normal, as well as her respiration and heart rate.  Although Ilana didn't wake at all during the night, it was only because she was sound asleep.  Her body was exhausted from fighting the life-threatening fever for almost an entire day.  She slept peacefully with no instances such as nightmares or trying to get up out of bed.  Juan Carlos had also spent the night in the hospital, coming to check on his cousin several times.  Suzy thought he looked lost and unsure what to do with himself.

 - "Forgive me for yelling at you," she told him sometime around three A.M.  She felt sorry for him.

 - "I understand.  I deserve everything you told me."

 - "Still, it was the wrong time and place.  For that, I apologize."  Juan Carlos had remained quiet, just watching his cousin sleep.  "She's been sleeping well.  Fighting a fever that high is hard work.  I was...worried she wouldn't want to fight it."

 - "Why?  She always fought it before."

 - "That's before she knew if her anemia was left untreated, she could lose her life."

 - "She should be happy?  She's engaged."

 - "She loves Jihoo Uissa more than her life.  If she thought her insecurities could hurt him in any way, she'd rather suffer alone than to remain by his side."

 - "I don't understand, what insecurities?  They are still engaged, correct?"  Now he was even more grieved.  If he'd only tried to really help her instead of allowing his pride to rule his steps.

Suzy realized she might have said too much.  "She's been in correspondence with his Grandfather, so perhaps soon they will see each other again."  Suzy thought of the portrait of them in her parent’s room.  If there wasn't a future for them, then she would think somehow that portrait never would have arrived.  It wouldn't be fair but life wasn't fair.  Suzy didn't know she was smiling to herself.

 - "Mrs. Park?"

 - "Ugh, I haven’t slept and I'm thinking of fairy tales."  Suzy paused and smiled again.  "But then again, Nana says whatever God has joined no man can separate.  She says He set Jihoo Uissa and Ilana apart for each other and no one can change that."

Juan Carlos hoped that was true.  He only ever wanted what was best for her but somehow it became all about how it affected him.

"Without them, you would have had my funeral probably two years ago."

He remembered her words.  "Perdoname prima (Forgive me cousin), perdoname (forgive me).  Te compensaré por la angustia que te hice sufrir (I'll pay you back for the harm I made you suffer), te lo prometo (I promise)!  Si me perdonas (If you forgive me), solo así puedo recibir la perdona de Dios (only then can I receive God's forgiveness)."  He was crying, he felt he couldn't accept God's mercy until he had had Ilana's.  It was his own self-punishment.

 - "Dr. Contreras, please go home and get sleep.  Gloria Unnie is probably worried.  She's out of danger, she just needs rest."

Juan Carlos nodded, he wanted to be there when she woke up but perhaps he should go home to Gloria and the boys.  He could speak to Ilana later when she was awake.  "Please let Gloria know when she's awake."

 - "I will."

Once Juan Carlos was gone, Suzy got up from the sofa bed to check on Ilana.  Everything was normal, she returned to the bed and tried to get some sleep.

Come about seven A.M., a nurse walked into Ilana's room to draw labs.  She was surprised to hear humming coming from the bed.  Suzy had fallen asleep as was the patient but she was humming in her sleep.  "Suzy,” the nurse tapped her on the shoulder.

Suzy startled awake, "m-mwo?"

The nurse giggled and then shushed her, pointing to the bed.

 - "Omo, Unnie!"  Suzy whispered.  None of her friends had actually heard her sing except for YoungSaeng and Jihoo.

 - "I don't want to wake her up," the nurse said.  "Let me know when she's awake."  Suzy nodded.

A few minutes later, it was Ilana's own humming that woke her up.  Opening her eyes she was in an unfamiliar room.  Suzy was sitting up smiling, just listening to her hum, when she noticed movement.  "Unnie-ah!  You're awake!"  Suzy immediately drew near the bed.

 - "Suzy-ah, where are we?"

 - "Yah Unnie!  Are you trying to scare me?  Last year it was Jihoo Uissa who found you unconscious on the rooftop, this time Joy took Nana to where you were collapsed in your parent’s room."

 - "Chincha?"  Ilana realized she actually felt fine.  Her chest felt sore as if someone had pounded on it, but that was about it.  "What day is it?"

 - "Friday," Suzy said as she was busily texting everyone.

Ilana felt her face, it was no longer feverish.  "I don't have a fever?"  Ilana was shocked.  She had felt worse than she had ever felt in her entire life that night, had it really only been a day?

 - "It's only been a day or is it Friday a week later?"

 - "Omo Unnie?  Only a day?  Let me tell you what happened."

Suzy had told Ilana everything that had transpired in the last twenty-four hours.  Ilana was amazed, grateful, and shocked that the Lord would use her for such a marvelous feat.  It was after lunchtime when Ilana was discharged.  Her labs had come back completely clean, with no trace of pneumonia and no anemia.  Her red blood cells were as they should be.  Ilana was a walking miracle.

Once home, Ilana was kept busy answering phone calls from the people at Church she thanked them profusely for praying for her and visiting her.  It was the afternoon and Ilana had been in her parent’s room, resting, reading from the Bible app and talking to God.  She was about to write another letter when Nana called her down.  She had visitors.

 - "Tía!"  Little Memo (Guillermo) came rushing towards her and hugged her tightly.  The oldest, Juan Jr., was just behind him holding a card and a bouquet of flowers.

 - "Hi!"  She laughed.

 - "I don't like when you get sick, Tía," Guillermo said.

 - "I don't either but maybe it's worth it to get flowers and hugs from you two."

 - "Tía, you get hugs from us all the time," Juan Jr. said.  "But you moved and we couldn't come visit."

 - "I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to go without saying goodbye.  It just happened."

 - "Niños, vamos a encontrar un florero para las flores (Boys, let's go see if we can find a vase to put the flowers in)."  Gloria ushered the boys happily towards the kitchen.  The kitchen usually meant a snack from Nana.

 - "Ilana," Juan Carlos had been so quiet and Ilana's attention diverted by the boys, she hadn't even realized he had come.

 - "Juan Carlos!"

 - "Perdona a Juan Carlos (Forgive Juan Carlos).  Si alguien afirma: «Yo amo a Dios», pero odia a su hermano, es un mentiroso (Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar).’

Ilana remembered the dream with her Mother and Jihoo's Mother.

 - "Ilana, por favor perdóname (please forgive me)."  Ilana couldn't hide the surprise on her face.  "Sé que he actuado como un egoísta y mi orgullo no me dejaba ver que en vez de ayudarte (I know I've acted selfishly and my pride didn't let me see that instead of helping you), te causaba más daño (I was hurting you more).  Ruego que me perdones (I beg you to forgive me).  Con la ayuda de Dios (With God's help), rectificaré las angustias que te hice pasar (I will rectify all the anxiety I caused you)."

Ilana took a good look at him, he seemed to have aged a little since she saw him a month ago.  The proud arrogant Juan Carlos was gone and a defeated-looking man was in his place.  She could see the torment of his guilt in his face.  Knowing all about self-condemnation, she didn't wish it on anyone.  She smiled at him, "si Dios me perdonó quien soy yo para retener el perdón (If God forgave me, who am I to withhold forgiveness)."  Ilana saw the great weight be lifted from his shoulders.

 - "Gracias," he spoke softly almost a whisper.  Tears were threatening to fall.

Ilana couldn't help but laugh at the craziness of the situation, she was forgiving her arrogant jerk of a cousin and he was crying before her.  A memory popped into her head and she went to stand behind him.  "Anda Juan Carlos, vamos a ver si Nana nos da antojitos (Come on Juan Carlos, let's go see if Nana will give us some snacks)?"  She used her best childlike voice and pushed him into the kitchen, where they arrived laughing to everyone's surprise.

 February 1, 2015

"Be anxious of nothing but in all things through prayer and supplication.  Perhaps God will bless you with that trip to Seoul soon." SoEun had told her.

One of the announcements at Church that morning kept Ilana's mind occupied not letting her listen to most of the message.  Their church in Seoul was asking for a team to go out and do some activities for kids at a refugee camp.  An impromptu trip at the end of the month.

She had been praying but not to return to Seoul.  Her prayer was for the happiness of those there.  This announcement had nothing to do with her, right?

"Adeul is waiting for you," she heard the voice of Jihoo's mother.

Was that a dream?  Suzy said she had flatlined for a minute.  Did she really speak to Her Mama and Jihoo's Umma?  "Still, that's no reason to go on a mission’s trip, a dream isn't a calling, is it?"

 - "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."  Pastor Young's voice encroached her thoughts.

 - "But what are my gifts?"  Ilana asked in her head.

Pastor Young answered her thoughts, "...first are apostles, second are prophets,"

She was certainly not one of these first two.

 - "Third are teachers, then those who do miracles..."

Ilana wasn't a teacher, she could barely teach herself, and she couldn't do miracles

 - "Those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others."

She liked to help and she loved working with kids.  In a short time, just like the hospital kids, the Church kids rallied around her.  She always had a kind word for them and gave them her undivided attention but was that a strong enough reason to go?  She shook her head not knowing what to do.  This was a selfish desire, not a calling from God.

February 2, 2015

Ilana sat at the piano, plugging at the keys, not really playing anything just making noise to accompany her thoughts.  She was trying to talk herself out of volunteering to go, not believing in her sincerity of heart.  If she was there would her thoughts and deeds be consumed by him?  What would be her purpose in going?  To do the work of the Lord or to find him?

 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

 - "Yesu is telling me to go, aren't you?  And when I found him, what then?  Maybe he doesn't hate me but that doesn't mean he wants to see me?"  She slumped forward onto the piano keys.

 - "Unnie-ah!"  Suzy had been looking all over the house for her.

 - "Aish!"  Ilana sat upright immediately as if Suzy would scold her for her posture on the piano.  "Suzy-ah, do you have to scare me like that?"

 - "Unnie, I've been looking all over for you."  She handed Ilana her cellphone.  "You left your phone in your room and Min has been trying to get ahold of you.  Call the conference line ASAP."  Suzy was a bit irritated, she had a test to study for and although she didn't mind going to the main house to give her a message, she did mind having to have searched all her hiding spots.  She heard the clank of the piano and realized she was in the music room.

 - "Mianhae, I'll call him right now."  She walked out of the music room and went upstairs to the office.

Suzy was now vested in wanting to know why Min had called with such urgency.  "Park JungMin, why are you having your anae chase me all through the house?"  She playfully scolded him when he answered the call.

 - "Yah!  Ilana-ssi hired me to find new markets for the company.  Naega doing what you asked me to but if Na can't get a hold of you, how can Sunbae and I do our job."  JungMin was frustrated.  They were on the verge of something big and Ilana wasn't around when he needed her.  This was her project, her vision and although his Sunbae and he had been given full creative license, there were some decisions that they could not make and this was one of them.

 - "Jwosongmnida JungMin, I was careless and didn't have my phone with me, nor did I tell Nana where I was.  Please convey my apologies to Antonio as well.  I appreciate both your efforts and professionalism.  Please forgive my unprofessionalism."

 - "Anieyo,” JungMin dismissed her apologies.  "Just stay on the line, Chi TaeYoung wants to discuss a few things with us."

 - "Chincha?  Daeback!  I'm not going anywhere."  Ilana placed the phone on speaker and gave Suzy a thumbs up in excitement.  Chi TaeYoung was the architect they had been recommended.  He was currently freelancing and doing well, but would not be opposed to hiring on with a company.  He had another child on the way and it would mean fewer hours and a stable income.

Thirty minutes later, Ilana sat in silence.  Everything was happening so fast.  The architect had reviewed the reports Ilana had compiled in regards to construction companies in the republic.  He was serious about signing with ILC group but they needed to meet in person.  Chi TaeYoung wanted to hear the company's goals and objectives.  He did his own research and found the company to be praised for their ethics and financial security.  They also only hire the best and work with the best materials, occasionally that meant non-traditional ways of doing things.  TaeYoung would be sending over a list of reputable real estate companies as well as commercial business attorneys.

This was all uncharted territory for Ilana.  Of course, she would have to cross-reference the lists with her own for their own security.  Was this what she was raised to do?  Her studies prepared her well for this type of situation but a classroom setting was different than reality.

 - "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Ilana heard the sweet voice of comfort she'd come to depend on these last few weeks.  Like Jihoo's voice but different; like the love she had for Jihoo but different.  Yesu saved her from hell, both the one on earth and the one under it and for that, He had become first in her life.  Now it seems he was calling her to face her earthly love.  "Deh Yesu, I’ll go to Seoul, for you, for him, and for my parents."

Suzy had been trying to get Ilana's attention for a few minutes since she terminated the call.  Ilana had remained frozen.  Suzy reached over the desk and shook her.  "Unnie!  Snap out of it!"

Ilana turned her gaze to Suzy.  "Suzy-ah," she swallowed.  "I'm going to Seoul."

The letter had not been finished, "wae?"  Harabeoji asked himself.  There was a postscript on the other side of the sheet, written in hangul.

Harabeoji, it's Suzy, we had to rush Unnie to the hospital this morning.  She's unconscious, pneumonia has set into both lungs and is dealing with a fever just under 106.  Na thought you should know.

 - "Mwo?"  Harabeoji dropped the letter he was reading.  There was no way Ilana could've survived with her anemia.  A fever that high was fatal in the healthiest of people.

JanDi came into the office and saw his hands shaking as he held a letter.  "Harabeoji!  Gwenchana? Appayo?"

Harabeoji snapped out of his trance.  "Ah deh, but something urgent has come up and I need to leave for a time."

 - "Harabeoji, let me call Jihoo," JanDi was worried.

 - "Ah, the boy is working, Na have something to attend to.  I'll be back soon."  Harabeoji ran out the door, to the park down the street.  He needed to know what was happening with Ilana.

KyuJong was just settling into his break with a good book when his cell phone rang.  He sighed, wondering if he should pick up.  "Yeobosyo?"  Although he didn't recognize the number, it could be an emergency.

 - "KyuJong Uissa, eotteohke jinaeseyo (how are you)?"

 - "Jaljinaeyo Harabeoji.  Na needed to talk to you last week and here you are calling me this week."

 - "Allow me to speak freely, boy.  How is Ilana?  Na received a frightening report on her health."

 - "Chincha?  Harabeoji, no one has updated you?"

 - "Anieyo, the letter was posted last week."

 - "Harabeoji, na can't explain it other than a miracle.  We thought there was no way she would pull through..."

 - "Kansamnida," Harabeoji said once KyuJong had finished giving him the details of Ilana's miraculous recovery.  "You’ve put this old man's heart at ease.  Should anything have happened to the girl, mollah what my Grandson would have done?"

 - "Deh Harabeoji, we were all worried.  Our two other chingu didn't know what was happening.  We prayed we didn't have to tell them anything and praise God He decided it wasn't her time."

 - "Mollan anjji, nae grandson and that girl have a future to live for.  Kansamnida KyuJong Uissa.  I need to decide whether to tell nae Grandson about this or not.   He waits for her return.  He says she will come, hajiman mollah what he basis his trust on.  He talks about...anieyo," Harabeoji changed his mind on what he was going to say.  "Could this old man ask that you keep him posted on anything that happens with that girl?"

 - "Harabeoji, if Na learn of something that Jihoo uissa and you should know, Na will give you a call."

 - "Kansamnida Uissa."  He terminated the call and sat on the bench relieved.  He had been frightened for Jihoo.  Harabeoji was seeing a side of him he'd never seen before.  A maturity yes, but also a peace that had never been there before.  If it was due to his faith in the Christian God, then he wouldn't want his faith to be tried so cruelly.

After sitting there pondering this miracle with a smile on his face, he decided to walk back to the clinic before JanDi called Jihoo in her worry over him.  He would wait and see if he received another letter from her.  Perhaps then he would break his silence to one or the other or both.

 February 9, 2015

Harabeoji was alone in the clinic with several waiting patients when the mail arrived.  After being freed from his current patient, he excused himself momentarily from the five other patients waiting.  In the stack of mail was the coveted letter he had been waiting for.  The desire to close the clinic just to read it was strong but his patients were waiting.  Instead, he folded the letter well and placed it in the bottom of his briefcase.

Jihoo had called to let him know that he would come by and pick him up at the close of the clinic.  He claimed fatigue and decided to head straight to his room.

 - "Harabeoji, gwenchanayo?"

 - "Deh, deh, child.  You won't be too lonely without my company this evening, deh?"

Jihoo smirked, "mollan anjji!"

 - "There, you see, go visit one of your friends."

 - "Harabeoji, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to get rid of me to invite yeoja chingu over."

Harabeoji laughed himself into a cough.  Jihoo helped him out by bringing him a glass of water.  "Hokshina, adeul, hokshina."

Jihoo wondered if Harabeoji's medications were affecting his brain somehow.  He grinned at the old man's joking.  "Arraseo, Na will go for a walk and Harabeoji may call his lady love but she may not come over while I'm not here to chaperone."

 - "Michin ai (crazy kid)."

Jihoo chuckled and walked outside.  The air was cold but not too cold.  One (Thirties Fahrenheit) was tolerable.  "Yesu, is she warm enough in Los Angeles?"  He had inadvertently checked the Los Angeles area weather earlier.  The mid-seventies was nice weather for her, she would wear a cardigan over a tank top or a long sleeve shirt.  "Yesu, everything is falling into place, but Na don't have someone to head the mobile clinic yet.  KyuJong Uissa still has a little more than a year left in the military.  Eottoke?"  No answer came.  Jihoo sat on the edge of the stream and opened his Bible on his phone.  The verse of the day was:  Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.

Jihoo laughed, "Deh Yesu, ara you have the perfect solution and will reveal it to me when it's time."  Jihoo remained quiet listening to the ripples in the water.  They had sat in this very spot.  He could picture the first time she had come to Seoul as if it were yesterday.

Inside the house, Harabeoji waited a few minutes to ensure his privacy.  As usual, the letter was dated exactly a week prior.  After her usual inquiry over his well being, there it was, the statement he was waiting for.  "Jaljneyo (I am well)."

Harabeoji read the letter and wept.  Relief flooded his heart, the child was well.  How?  He didn't know.  There was no way she could have survived such an illness or even if she did, she'd still be too weak to be released from the hospital.  The God of his Grandson really was in control.  "Deh child, he waits for you still.  Jihoo Umma, kansamnida for sending her back."   She was coming to Seoul just as Jihoo said she would.  He was giddy with joy.  He wanted to run and tell Jihoo but something stopped him.  The boy was at peace and working hard for the sake of his birthright and his parents’ dreams.  Would telling him disrupt all his hard work?  And what of her?  No, even knowing Jihoo waited for her, she might be too ashamed to come.  He'd have to wait and perhaps the Christian God would illuminate him as he had done for the children.

Harabeoji left his room to get a glass of water from the kitchen as Jihoo was coming in from his walk.  "Did na give Harabeoji enough time to talk with your yeoja chingu?"  Jihoo teased his Grandfather.

Harabeoji grunted and shook his head at Jihoo.  "How was your day, child."

 - "Choah, Harabeoji.  The conservatory fourth years went out to their first school today.  The program was a success from what I was told.  Na also met with nae students at Shinwa medical college and we'll be going back in a few weeks to the refugee camps."

 - "Ah, chincha?"  Harabeoji said in polite inquiry.

 - "Deh, Pastor Victor said there would be visitors from the states that week and if we could visit as well.  Na thought of providing them with seeds to plant and gardening tools.  They can supplement their diet with fresh greens.  Kimchi they have plenty of, thanks to donations but fruits and vegetables are very much in need.  The government has allowed us full use of the land, so providing a few fruit trees and a vegetable garden will benefit their health, while they wait for homes."

 - "Ah deh.  How many camps are there?"

 - "Harabeoji, are you losing your memory?  The one in Daegu has been there for a very long time and the one in Geumho-dong was established during your presidency.  Those are the two nae group will be working with.  There are two more, but Na have other groups going to them."

 - "Ah deh!  Na haven't kept up with that information I just needed a reminder," Harabeoji was doing his best not to get overly excited.  How many missions groups from the states came to work at refugee camps in Seoul?  Even if groups arrived every day, what were the odds they were both working at the same camp?  It seemed that invisible hands were working to bring the two back together again, was it their God?

-"Yesu will tell me when she's well....He bound us together."

Jihoo had told him that on their fishing trip.   Instead of God telling his Grandson when she was well, he would just present her in front of him.  He would have to get in contact with KyuJong Uissa again and make sure their paths met at the camp.  "Ah, hokshina I will join you."

 - "Chinchayo?  Chuahyo, the students will love you."  Jihoo smiled genuinely, he would love to work side by side with his Grandfather on this project.  Perhaps he truly understood the importance of this work for Jihoo.  "Kansamnida, Harabeoji."

 - "Atch, don't get overly excited, Na have my own patients to look after but Na will support you as you find your way."  He pounded Jihoo's back affectionately.

March 1, 2015

Ilana had been in Seoul with Pastor JaeRim, SoEun, and about six others from the worship team.  This trip had been her debut as one of them.  The last few weeks flew by in a flurry of activity.  She presented the business plan to the board with a unanimous vote.  She couldn't thank Antonio enough for his support.  It was a bit awkward meeting him after breaking off their engagement over two years prior but in that time he had married a woman he truly loved and were expecting their first child.  She praised God for guiding her through a potentially awkward situation.  Soon she would be facing another 'ex', it hurt her to think that way since she still had nothing but love for him.  If she could see him happy and well, then she wouldn't have to hurt anymore.  She would keep her unrequited love as she had planned to do all along.  In three weeks they had gathered enough funds for the trip through fundraisers and support from the other parishioners.  They sent the Pastor in Seoul money to buy supplies for crafts and Bibles for the kids.  It was amazing to see all the talents pulled together.  Someone brought puppets, someone magic tricks, someone face painting, Ilana was in charge of games and songs for the kids.

JungMin had helped her train her voice again when they weren't working and sometimes while they were working.  She admired his tenacity, often joking that he was the evil taskmaster.  He and Joy were her worst critics.  If she accidentally went sharp or flat, Joy would flatten her ears and give her a 'chincha Umma?' look.  JungMin would scold her and give her twenty more reps to do, usually bent forward as that would force her to breathe correctly.

Suzy and JungMin arrived the night before and came with her to the camp. Antonio would arrive later that evening.  After their business was concluded later that week, Suzy and Min would be going to Jeju to spend a few days as an early anniversary present before going back to Los Angeles.

Jihoo, Harabeoji, Roe HyunSu, and the students arrived in Geumho-dong early that morning, having stopped for breakfast along the way.  They had had a successful day in Daegu and were eager to get to work.  After carefully praying for direction, Jihoo decided to sell the 4th clinic's building and buy a mobile medical trailer.  Roe HyunSu was his main doctor at that location and would now be in charge of the mobile clinic.  In the future, he would be making the trips to the camps with the students if he was not available.  He had sensed that this absence would be soon and excitement coursed through his veins.  "Sarang, na will get to see you again soon?"

There was an air of festivity running through the camp.  Pastor Victor had joined the mission’s team for the weekend as they came from his home Church.  He met Jihoo and the medical team as they observed the balloons and streamers running from shelter to shelter, an obstacle course for kids and a makeshift stage had been erected as well.  "Jihoo Uissa!  I'm sorry, things might be slow for your team today.  I’d forgotten, when people are happy they forget to be ill."

 - "Gwenchanayo moksannim, we can join the party too," one of the students said.

Jihoo glared at him, "you may participate once the tents are set up."  There was less to set up now with the trailer but there were still things to be done.

 - "Deh sangsaniem," the students ran off to get things ready.

Jihoo introduced Harabeoji, who was busy looking around for any sign of Ilana, and Roe HyunSo.

 - "Mannasuh bangapseumnida," Pastor Victor bowed.  "Church Services are about to start.  My friend Pastor Jonathon, I mean JaeRim is giving the message.  Jonathon is his American name.  He's also the worship Pastor back home.  He brought some new talent with him and the camp and I have been truly blessed.  The kids have loved every minute of them being here.  Many people have turned their lives over to Yesu.  When someone offers you words of hope when you have none, you want to get to know the authority by which they speak.  One of the young women from the team has an incredible testimony.  I hope you have the privilege to hear it sometime today."

 - "Deh, I hope I do.”  Jihoo was very interested in how people came to know Yesu.  He had never thought of it outside of the military.  As a citizen of the Republic, you accept your fate that you need to serve your country but when you come in contact with that hopelessness, it's often contagious.  Pastor Victor was right, when you have nowhere else to turn, you turn to the first one that will give you that hope.  That was the exact position he was in after enlisting and deliberately exiling himself from his Grandfather and his friends.  "I'll make sure we are all set up and then I'll come to the services."

 - "Deh, nado," Harabeoji said.  "What about HyunSu-ssi?"

 - "Greomyo, I would be at my own Church at this moment."  HyunSu turned into the tent.

Jihoo looked at his Grandfather perplexed.  "Wae child, am I not allowed to know more about your Christian God?"

 - "Deh."

Harabeoji turned into the tent and Jihoo still wondered what that was all about.  He didn't know each of Ilana's letters had given him a deep desire to know who Yesu was.

The worship team had been having a quick practice before the services began in a different part of the camp.  The children were all participating in worship that morning and were all excited.  Ilana was debuting a song of her and JungMin's composition.  The song was the one she had heard in her vision with her Mother and Jihoo's Mother.  She hummed it, JungMin wrote the arrangement and helped her put words to it as she could only remember Ah's but somehow remembered the general meaning of the song.  She wanted it to be in Korean and he and Suzy had done a great job of putting her fragmented thoughts into something beautiful and worthy of their savior.

The worship team had to pass the medical trailer in order to get the stage.  Ilana turned her head looking around at the crowd of people as she walked, trying not to be nervous.  She thought she saw a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye but by the time the thought registered in her head and she turned to verify what she thought she'd seen, the person was gone.  Her steps froze long enough to shake her head, "couldn't be," she mumbled.  "Lord, I don't even know what to pray.  Just that he'll accept my apology, that's all I can ask for."  She'd been kept busy all week and had no time to worry or even think of what she would do once she was face to face with him.

The band assembled on the stage, Ilana would not be on the keyboard that morning, only on lead vocals.  Asking the Lord to project her voice and make it a beautiful sound unto him, she greeted everyone and opened in prayer.  "Annyeong hasseyo, chingu!  Eotteohke jinaeseyo (how are you)?"

Jihoo was just about done setting things up inside the tents and about to dismiss the students when he heard a voice he had been longing to hear for the last nine weeks.  He dropped the clipboard and ran to the opening of the tent.  Harabeoji seeing this, dismissed the students and HyunSu.  His Grandson would be needing someone to lean on, once the shock wore off.

Annyeong chingu!  Eottohke jinaseyo?  Jwosongminida for the cliffhanger, ideally the chapter should have ended prior to March 1st, but if I didn't produce a reunion soon, I think you guys would hunt me down.  I hope it's okay, I feel it's rushed, please give me your thoughts?  Thank you to my taskmaster LiSSie who bugs me for an update right around the 6th or 7th day and doesn't stop until it's up.  And my 24/7 unsung editor Richmed, gomawo!  Arraso, I want to hear your comments, don't forget!

11/21/17 - Have you guys seen our handsome boy?  He's reverted back to Jihoo.