Sr. Karlynn Werth spent six months with the SNDs in South Korea. She held classes in English for the young sisters who already have some mastery in English. These sisters learned English during their years of formation but need further study. As an international congregation ministering in 18 countries it is very important for the SNDs to know English for international meetings and projects.
Sr. Karlynn Reflected on her experience…
My time in Korea was unlike any other! I experienced the beauty of the mountains and flowers, and the interesting history of a country and its people. The purpose of my trip was to teach the sisters English. I was intrigued by how the Korean people maintained their faith in and commitment to the Korean principles of their heritage.
On the island of Ganghwa, the sisters purchased land and constructed an ecological building made of straw and mud. At this convent, several sisters plant and cultivate the land distributing to their neighbors much of what they grow. One of the places I was anxious to visit was the DMZ where one can look over the Imjin River and view the Bridge of Freedom. The Korean and US flags are flown and the names of each state where US volunteers came from who fought in the Korean War are remembered and in the center of these flags stands President Wilson. One can only feel a sense of pride.
I visited several places where the Korean Martyrs are buried and remembered. In these museums are the instruments of torture that were used for men, women, and children. We went to a Haemi Martyr’s Shrine where over 1,000 persons were martyred because of being Christian. How they recall the memory of the deceased is truly gratifying. The dead are covered by dirt in the shape of a mound. If the person is powerful the mound is higher than that of an ordinary person. Some have a 6” high wall built around the burial place and now most individuals are placed in a mausoleum. Korean families visit their loved ones frequently, and there is respect for the departed.
I will remember many wonderful images of Korea and its people. But I will also remember that walking on Korean soil lets you know that you are walking on Holy Ground where so many gave their lives for God and their country.
In the photo, the SNDs applaud Sr. Karlynn Werth after receiving a blessing for safe travel. Shown here are Sr. Colette Theobald, Sr. Regina Robbins, Sr. Gina Marie Blunck, and Sr. Joanne Wittenburg, congratulating Sr. Karlynn.