Page 116 - Firehouse Pond

EXPERIENCING NEW CULTURES

One can’t help but travel during a twenty-two-year military career.

I was not always traveling the world as a soldier. I was often a tourist. When
I was on official military duty I was not sightseeing.

Where possible, I attempted to immerse myself in the local culture. I can’t, in

all honesty, say I flourished, but I tried.

For example, while stationed in Pyongtaek, South Korea (Southeast Asia), I

became friends with several Local Nationals (Korean civilians) that worked
for the U.S. military.

Many of them owned small farms where they raised apples or rice. I lived
and ate with these fine people for short periods of time. I helped plant, toil
and bring in the crops. I was privileged to learn how to wear a Chige to carry

anything and everything.

While exploring Seoul, the capital city of South, Korea, I happened to visit
the National Museum of Korea. It was there that I came to fully understand

what my stepfather had been teaching me:

“Always use your God-given critical thinking skills.”