I am currently writing to you from the good ol' USA. We are back a few days ahead of schedule due to the concern over MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), but I'll get to that in a little bit.
On Monday, we traveled to DIMA - Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts, and had time to settle into our rooms and attend an orientation meeting with some members of the international studies program. We also met some of their K-Pop dancers, and worked out our plan and schedule for our collaboration with them in creating a collective piece for our joint performance on Thursday.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, we were able to rehearse with the K-Pop dancers - they learned parts of our choreography, and we learned some of theirs to incorporate in our collaboration. They were INCREDIBLE dancers - their movement was fierce, and they were all very talented. Working with them was a joy; they were focused and passionate about their dancing, but also were willing to have fun as we worked, which built a wonderful environment for creativity. We created two pieces with them - one a hip-hop/contemporary fusion piece, and one contemporary piece. The friendships built in just six hours of rehearsal was yet another example of the common ground found with other college students who are also pursuing dance, and a testimony to the Lord's working in our hearts and theirs to form relationships.
We also had the opportunity to work with DIMA film students during our time there. We split into smaller groups to work with different students on dance films. Being able to collaborate with these students was a great experience - they were so receptive of the work that we brought, and were so excited about working with dancers. They were considerate of our tiredness and continually asked if we were okay to take another go at it, with different camera angles and focuses. One group brought us ice cream after filming outside all afternoon, which gave us an opportunity to get to know them as we took a break between shoots.
On Wednesday night, we received word from the international department that DIMA was being closed down and students evacuated due to the outbreak of MERS in the country. We met together that evening to talk about options and pray together over what our plan should be. Doors were opened for us to leave Korea the next day, so we packed up and drove to the airport on Thursday morning. Leaving was hard - there were plans for the last few days of our trip that we had been eagerly anticipating. We had the opportunity to meet up with the K-Pop students on Wednesday evening to say goodbyes, and had the chance to pray with them before we left.
Even though we did leave early, our time in Korea was full. We know that every encounter that we had was one prepared beforehand by God, that He was not surprised by the fact that we left on Thursday, and provided the means for us to be able to leave. We trust that seeds were planted and watered, that God's Word will not come back empty, and that His plans for us were fulfilled.
Please keep praying - for our team, as we adjust back to being in the States. We are praising God for health and safety in our travels. Please pray for the protection, health, and safety of those in South Korea. Five people have died from MERS thus far - pray for the virus to be controlled and not to spread further. Pray for healing both physically and spiritually - that people would turn to God during times of uncertainty and sickness.
We so appreciate you all in your support throughout our journey, and we continue to thank God for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers, just as you have prayed for us.
Love,
Kelly
