#4

4. Igniting the kindling – Open public lecture in America

Through this and that, advertisements in newspapers and radio broadcasting, from word of mouth, the open public lectures had become known, and among the Korean community it became a huge happening.  All these things were well prepared promptly and swiftly by the businessman.  As an influential person in Philadelphia, he fully demonstrated his influential power.  I realized that, as the most influential and successful businessman in Philadelphia, and in addition, as a person who has made many various contributions to the Korean residents, he had made a definite place in the community.  To have met a person like him was truly fortunate.  Over and over again and forever, I would like to give him my gratitude.  Finally, the first open public lecture took place in America.  It took place in the largest Korean restaurant in Philadelphia, which was rented out entirely, and approximately two hundred people came and completely filled up the space.  People also watched through the television from outside.  A newspaper reporter conducted the event.  Dahnhak video was also shown, and I showed demonstrations as well.  While Ilchi Lee was giving lecture(Kang-Chun), he taught about energy(Ki), and also gave them training.  Many people had a deep interest and returned with anticipation for a training facility to be established.  Of course, all the contact information was received.

#3

3. Transporting of the kindling – Pioneer journey departs to Philadelphia in America

On May 29th 1991, accompanying Ilchi Lee (Dae Sun Sa), from Kim-po airport in Seoul, South Korea(in the past, In-chon airport did not exist) we took Korean Air and departed to America.  After 15 hours of long flight, we had arrived on the opposite side of earth, at Philadelphia airport.  We found our luggage and when we came out after completing the process for entry into the country, Bum Woon Lee, the businessman who had invited us, together with a few other people came out to meet us.  They filmed our entrance scene with a videotape and welcomed us.  Still, the fact that we knew someone there was truly a source of relief and comfort.  Straightaway, we went to his home and had dinner that was prepared by his wife.  When the news that a venerable guest from South Korea had come, many Koreans gathered around with warm greetings, and Ilchi Lee gave a lecture(Kang-Chun).  People returned and it became quiet, and to rest the tired body, we slept.
Beginning the next day, we went to the businessman’s office together and discussed the following schedule.  First, we placed advertisements for the public opening lecture in the newspapers and radio broadcasting, made preparations for the event, and in the evening many people gathered in the businessman’s home and received Kang-Chun and training from Ilchi Lee.  Little by little, many people gathered and even people from long distances of two to three hours came to visit.

#2

2. Preparation to bring the kindling – Preparation to depart

After Ilchi Lee (Dae Sun Sa) received the invitation and the air tickets, he said to prepare to go to America.  For me, as for traveling abroad it was the first time in my life. My English was poor, and I worried, deep within me, how I would be able to assist Ilchi Lee there.  Nevertheless, there was anyone who knew English adequately, and preparation was made thinking that there wasn’t any other way but just to face it.  As for preparation, there were only a few pieces of clothing, Dahnhak books, a video of Dahnhak training, etc.; it was just lots of Dahnkak related items.  For funds, when told people I was going to America, a member who was training gave me a one-hundred dollar bill to use for traveling expenses, which was all there was.  Without knowing how much a one-hundred dollar bill was worth, and not realizing that dollars are used in America, preparing for traveling expenses wasn’t even thought of.  Though, even if I wanted to prepare expenses, there weren’t any funds to bring.
A suitcase with an invitation, air tickets, and few pieces of clothing were, indeed, all there was.  Thinking about it now, a pioneering journey without much plan, had begun.  At last, in order to go, I was told a visa must be obtained, but I didn’t know what a visa was or from where to receive it. Everything was unaccustomed and unfamiliar.  I had to go to the embassy and also have an interview.  Papers were prepared and I waited on a long line for half of the day.  Since it was at a time, where traveling to foreign countries was not as freely permitted, it was somewhat strict.  Fortunately, a Korean resident who was living in America, introduced a travel agency that he knew well, and without any mishap we passed.  Actually, to be abruptly going to America without any preparation felt a little fearful and exciting.  And, I could not believe the fact that I would be going to America.  It was because, for my whole life, I thought that there wouldn’t be any reason for me to go to America.  In any case, all preparation was completed and the only thing left was to depart on that day.