A New Appreciation

Last Sunday I went to an English speaking church in Seoul at the recommendation of a Korean friend. It was simply amazing. It was also really embarrassing because as soon as I walked into the service I started crying. For the past four months I have been attending a Korean church and listening to a translated and often garbled version of the sermon. The people are very kind but it was hard to find spiritual nourishment. I had not realized how isolating it was until I was able to sing in English, listen to the announcements, and talk to people after the service. I was so overwhelmed that I just kind of broke down.
I loved attending the Latin Mass in Oxford and have always thought having the whole service in Latin would be beautiful but I can now appreciate the importance of experiencing church in one's own language. I have never wanted to keep myself in an isolated American bubble but I definitely will go back to that church.