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A Friar's Journey from South Korea to India

Time is drawing to a close. When I initially prepared to journey from South Korea to India, it was but a vague idea, shrouded in uncertainty. During those early moments, fear gripped me. However, as time passed, the unfamiliarity transformed into familiarity. I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to all the brothers in the Indian province who have shown me unwavering care and support.

Expressing the depth of my experiences in India comes with its limitations, yet I endeavor to share a glimpse of my journey. I vividly recall my arrival in India, a time when my faith was lacking, and courage was in short supply. I embarked on this journey with a heart earnestly seeking these very qualities.

My initial experience in India was nothing short of intense. During an interview at the immigration office, I uttered the words, "I will stay at the church." Little did I know that this single phrase would set off a chain of events, leading to over an hour of warnings and admonitions. At that moment, I held firmly to the belief that God had guided me here, and with His guidance, I would stay. And so, my journey in India began.
Everywhere, people seek joy and happiness, and I too arrived in India with the hope of encountering countless moments of joy and happiness. Perhaps due to this expectation, everything seemed new and promising. Yet, among the experiences I encountered was a fall.

Shortly after my arrival, I stumbled and injured my leg, necessitating the use of a plaster cast. I lay on the ground, gazing up at the sky, the fall unintentional but blame settling within me. However, the warmth and care extended by my brothers, whom I met in the aftermath, gradually shifted my perspective. This fall, which initially appeared as a setback, became a stepping stone. Each of my brothers' caring hands chipped away at the walls surrounding my heart. This is how I came to live not as a guest from Korea but as a brother among my brothers.

It is often said that one's inner self finds opportunities for growth amidst difficulties. I believe God intended for my inner self to flourish through these very challenges.

India is undeniably diverse, vibrant, and elegant. It boasts a multitude of languages, tribes, and cultures, each contributing to its richness. This diversity is equally evident among the Indian brothers, each serving God with their unique gifts. In India, there exists an abundance of precious and beautiful things. Life here offers not a singular path, but tens of thousands of ways to live. This diversity bestows the gift of variety and plenty, but at times, it can also lead to division and the prioritization of personal standards. The same holds true for serving God. If God, the creator of all, is not at the center of it all, then everything loses its meaning. However, with God at the center, every aspect of life becomes a gift, one that we wholeheartedly embrace.

One day, as I gazed upon the monstrance, a profound thought struck me. The monstrance radiated beauty and splendor, but no matter how precious it appeared, it held no meaning without the presence of the body of Christ within it. Could it be that our lives, too, find purpose when we remember God in every moment, especially in His humblest and most vulnerable form in the world today?

Throughout my journey, I encountered slums in every corner. The people of Palamaner and the Darabi community in Mumbai left a lasting impression. They did not harbor discontent with their circumstances; instead, they embraced them and found contentment. Their lives exuded a simpler joy than my own. This joy, born of simplicity, was unmasked and genuine. It became evident that I possessed more material and spiritual wealth than they did. Above all, they offered me the chance to confront my own desires for possessions and the joy and freedom they seek. The poor do not bemoan their poverty; instead, they accept it and discover small, genuine joys within it.
My journey was replete with countless experiences, each more enriching than the last. I often wondered if another opportunity like this would ever come my way. Since these experiences hold immeasurable value, I hope to preserve them, reflecting upon them slowly and allowing them to form a solid foundation for my life.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the brothers in the Indian province, with a special appreciation for the brothers of the Indian provincialate. Through the assistance and care of my brothers, I successfully completed this experience and returned to Korea. I pray that God's love and mercy may bless all my brothers, and I wish you enduring happiness and joy.

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