Korea – 13 Days – Gifts
Did you know that my most favorite number in the world is the number 13?
It all started back when I had first joined a competitive soccer program in Jersey and after making the team, I wanted #10. But this other kid, Alex Johnson, who had happened to be on the team a bit longer, had “rights” to it.
I can remember with clarity the disappointment I felt.
I rummaged through the box, which was now nearly empty and pulled out one of the last remaining jerseys. My eye caught the number 3 and my heart skipped a beat. A few more inches would turn it into the #13.
Now I can’t remember what I thought, but I do know now, considering what I’ve learned about myself over these years, that I’m a contrarian. I can imagine that I decided that since this was obviously a “bad” and “unlucky” number I would take it.
It hasn’t let me down since.
It was a gift, a small one, in an unsuspecting way I suppose. It may be hard to imagine a soccer jersey being a “gift” but sometimes it’s the things that are presumably unnoticable and innocuous that birth great meaning in our lives. I look for it where ever I go.
And especially on the fringe of the biggest month of the year, which is not about shopping but about Christ, I can’t help but stop thinking about gifts. Not to mention that I’m headed back to the motherland…
Perhaps it’s because, traditionally in Korea you must “come bearing gifts”. And when I go back in less than 2 weeks, I’ve “got” to come with some.
And what “gift” could possibly be given to a mother who’s missed gifts from me for the past 3 decades? It would have to be monstrous, right?
Or maybe it’ll just be me: “Hey mom, I’m back. I love you.”
13 is kinda scary number
I have been showing these posts to my wife and she thought you should make a photo album. Just document your life to let her know she made a good choice for you.
Hey! I found your site from Carlos' blog and just wanted to let you know that I will definitely be praying for you on your journey. I feel weirdly connected to you (not in a stalker way, or anything! yikes!) but because a) I'm in South Korea right now (the southeast part of Seoul) and b) I went to college near Austin and actually went to Austin Stone on many many occasions.
If you happen to be in Seoul and find yourself hungry before 3pm (which is when I have to get to work) or after 10pm give me a shout and my fiance and I would be more than happy to feed you and your brother (we know lots of good sources of Korean protein… or where to find western versions if you're tired of the Korean!
Also, I totally agree with Christopher on the photo album of you and your brother. It could probably be priceless for her.
Too funny. That was my number all the way through college soccer in NJ. I always loved having that number and to this day it is my best number. They even retired my jersey at college. Where did you play in NJ?
I had a couple of ideas, but that is by far the best! A photo album is an awesome idea.
How long did you play soccer? My wife agrees with the photo album/book.
yes. have played here in Tennessee for 14 years. never played in college because of no scholarships and not many programs close.
definitely agree that it is the best sport on the planet.
here is a project i did in college with one of my soccer buds. i’m in the red. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxF4xlDkTIQ
whoa, that's tight!
I grew up and graduated from Hillsborough HS (up rt. 206) in 93. Very small world. Ever eat at Thomas Sweets? The best ice cream in whole world.
but it's oh so lucky for me!
most excellent! i'll tell my brother about it… and i might make one for my family too… you rock!
what are the others…?
SWEET! what are you doing in SK right now? and I can't believe you were at Austin and went to the stone… wow…! that's nuts. we love the stone, we'll be back…!
Can you give me your address… if we can plan a meetup, that would be awesome…
princeton area…! wow, what a small world.
13 is the uber!
for many many many years. the best sport on the planet.
do you play?
Thomas Sweets…. that sounds so familiar…
Michele and I thought two cool gifts might be: (1) a memento or symbol of important things that happened in your life (e.g. picking your #13 jersey, your wedding day, Roenne's birth, etc). It might make her feel a little like she was there. (2) Also, an idea is flowers. All women love flowers. (Is that true for women in Korea also??)
Those are our thoughts. We hope they help.
sweeet. you guys rock!
Hey! I would give you my address, but the thing about Korea is that, well, they don't actually use them. The buildings are numbered as they are constructed, so building 15 might be next to building 43. It's super useful. So, we pretty much do everything by subway stops and landmarks! Anyway, my email is alisonteacher29 at yahoo dot com. Seriously, feel free to hit me up for anything you might need while you are here.
We do work 3-10 M-F (teaching English at a private academy) but are really flexible other than that. I actually told my discussion class students about you today and they thought it was really amazing that you are coming to visit and meet your mother, but did say not to be worried, "if she seems scary, because all Korean mothers are scary". I told them I thought your situation is a bit different than theirs
Okay, sorry, I'm totally rambling now!
puahahaha. that is one for the record books…! all mothers are scary (or can be)…
teehee! thanks! i'll see if we can schedule some time to meet…!