Morning calm.

Yesterday morning I made it out of bed early enough to do some exploring. My body has been aching for exercise, so I actually got out of the house for a jog. I thought about running down to the lake or even the sea, but then I remembered that we have fantastic mountains right behind us!

Now keep in mind that you don't see many people running here. Ever. I imagine that it's probably like running through the cities of Europe--it just isn't done. I remember when I would go running in Spain that the people there would stare at me as if I were crazy. Luckily, we live in Sokcho, which is known for its outdoor activities. And around here, people don't get such an early start. So even though it was already well past nine, it was relatively quiet on the street.

A nice thing about the land here is that there are no barbed-wire fences or vicious dogs guarding farms or gardens, keeping people out. You may roam wherever. And it's okay. So I started my jog on the main road, then ventured into a pine tree farm that zig-zagged uphill. I found some hikers (you can tell who the hikers are because they carry walking sticks) and followed them to...

...dunh! dunh! dunh! A path that leads straight up to Mt. Cheongsan. How freaking cool is that?! Having a mountain path not 5 minutes behind our house! I didn't have time to check it out adequately, but I know that I will soon. Everywhere I've lived I've always found quiet natural spaces to go to when I need to get away. Beautiful places. Sanctuaries. I was ecstatic to find this spot in the warm loveliness of the morning.

It's a shame that we sleep in so often, for Korea really is gorgeous in the morning. Quiet. Peaceful. That's probably why it's called "The Land of Morning Calm." At the end of my run I even found--other runners! I found one of the Sokcho high schools, which had a baseball team having practice at that time.

Paul and I have been going through the liturgy of the hours for our daily devotions. The gospel canticle each day has been Luke 1:68-79, which is simply awesome. I'd love to memorize it. I simply must share it with you (I've italicized my favorite lines) here:

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oathe he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us--
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.