On our third Sunday in Nicosia, we visited the international church again. Prof and I took turns watching Linus and listening to the sermon. While Prof hung out with Linus, an Asian man walked up to Prof and asked if the international service was over. Prof replied that they had not, and then the man proceeded to talk to his wife in Korean. Prof quickly asked, if they were Korean, and then the instant bond of the Korean language brought our two families together.
After service, our families had lunch together. The missionary gave us a ride to Lidra Street, where the youngest children (Piano Man and their daughter) asked for a Happy Meal. We learned that the missionary studied at the same area where we lived, knew some of the same circle of Korean people (aka Dutch Bingo), and currently attend a church in Limmasol (about an hour away from Nicosia).
The L family was so kind and hospitable. It was truly a joy to have lunch with people who were strangers, and yet felt so familiar. Mrs. L was all too pleased and happy to meet another Korean family, since they have been on the island for over 10 years, that she almost forgot to eat lunch.
We thought we were the only Korean people currently inhabiting the island. And I believe that was what the other family thought too when they first moved here. But they know about five other Korean women and currently reside in Cyprus. What a small world.
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I love reading your blog! For some strange reason, I had imagined Cyprus as a tiny island you could walk end to end with a bunch of jagged hills and sheep roaming about! Your stories and this pic shows that it’s really just a microcosm of Europe in a small area. The fact about the L family living there for 10 (!) years is a real surprise. You’re obviously a great blessing to that family.
“then the instant bond of the Korean language brought our two families together” This made me laugh trying to picture Prof “instantly bonding” through the Korean language….. no Korean food for 10 months?!?!