no.370 140505 Thank you for my keun-ee-mo

Happy children's day!

I can hardly remember the last time I celebrated children's day. I think the last memory I have of receiving a present on this day was probably when I was in grade 7 or 8. Knowing that there is no such thing as "children's day" in Canada, my aunt sent my sister and I a box full of pretty things, all the way from Korea. I still remember how happy I was when I opened the package! Back then, I was obsessed with Hello Kitty. I got a whole collection of Hello Kitty - umbrella, folder, pencil holder, stationaries, and probably some other goodies, but I can't recall everything (it's just way too long ago). She sent two of everything in different styles - she knew my sister and I would fight over the presents. My aunt also included a card, and she said something like, how she would celebrate the children's day with my sister and I, until her son goes to middle school. Hmmm, my cousin is in first year university. I'm not sure if she kept her promise but I'm thankful for my aunt. I think she's probably the third most thoughtful person in my life. The first being my mom, the second being my grandma, and then my aunt.  She's also written the most about of letters/card to me from Korea. The last couple of times I visited Korea, my eemo and I used to go out for coffee and cake, go shopping, and watch movies together. Ahh fun times. If I go back to Korea in the near future, I would love to spend more time with my eemos - just simple things like going for coffee or dduk-bok-ee would be so much fun, just like always!

no.5 130505 Thank you for the children

May 5th.
It marks 'Children's Day' in Korea. As a little girl, I always looked forward to this day because my parents would treat me the same way as they usually do on my birthday, such as giving me a nice present and going out to a restaurant of my choice. Not just my parents, but my aunts and uncles would remember me and got me toys and books that I liked. My mom was the first to get married in her family, and she was the only one who's married and had a child for six years, until my sister was born. Because I was the only baby in the family, my aunts and uncles paid a great amount of attention and provided love for me. When I moved to Toronto, I learned that May 5th is just like any other day, and that there is no such thing as 'Children's Day' in Canada. Since I was still a child then, I was very upset at this fact. I just mean one less present per year for me. When I showed my disappointment to my mom, she told me that every day is children's day in Canada.

 

Starting three weeks ago, I help out at Sunday school at my church. I work with children from ages 4-6, and they are just so adorable. I love children and enjoy spending time with them, so I knew that I would like it, but I didn't think I would like it this much. As I provide my time, energy and wisdom to the kids, I receive so much from them as well. Whenever I look at the kids praise God, it reminds me that they are such a blessing in each family that God provided. It also reminds me how much God cares about the children, and how precious they are to Him. And of course, they are so lovable. I thank God for all the children in the world, especially the children that I taught in the past, and also the children that I see in Sunday school.