In the summer of 1971, Jeju Island was anything but a tropical paradise. Frederic H. Dustin, an American who had recently married, was trying to complete his house so that he could bring his bride, Marie-Louise, to live with him on the island. The worst drought in 37 years gripped the island and many fervently wished for a storm to come and bring relief. Dustin was one of those praying, despite not being very religious (although he married a missionary’s daughter), for rain as he feared for his crop of watermelons and cantaloupes. He should have heeded the old saying, “be careful of what you wish for, lest it come true.” His wish did come true, and a powerful typhoon struck the island in early August.
For many people, Christmas is the holiday for giving. A time to gather together with friends and family, put aside petty differences and concentrate on making things better. Gifts are exchanged, toasts are made and all enjoy a bountiful feast - even during years marked with turbulence, unrest and disease.
They say that time is the most precious thing in life - far more valuable than money or luxury goods. People often freely (and sometimes, grudgingly) give and receive it between fr.
Often business is nothing more than the purchase of another person’s time. But sometimes, it takes a physical form. One of the earliest business transactions involving Americans an.
In 1927, Miss Jeannette Oldfather, an American missionary from Iowa, wrote, “Christmas in Korea is a happy affair [although] there are few gifts for the children.” She was especial.