emerging from our 'shells'

this weekend we took the KTX (korea's fastest train) to busan -- a city by the sea that boasts 4 million people (korea's second largest city). out of those 4 million, we spent time with two -- and were thoroughly encouraged by it. we avoided touristy things, opting instead for fellowship. sacha and nathaniel, whom we've met twice before (emily first met her on an airplane ride 6 years ago), hosted us with grace and warmth. dining in turkish, korean and western restaurants... emily having her hair done (cut and dyed)... trenton being engrossed in one of korea's many 'games rooms'... purchasing our very own 'turtle' (his name is Squirmy) ... playing poker and climbing a mountain ... elements which composed a delightful weekend by the ocean. the connection was so great between us all, it felt indeed as if we were 'emerging from our shells' ...