First Birthday in Korea

November 1982 · Korea

Bill receiving birthday gift from Joseph Cho, YFC student president, November 1982

YFC staff and students organized a surprise birthday party for Bill — his first birthday in Korea, five months after arriving.

Joseph Cho, the student president of YFC, presents the gift. Elder John Song applauds in the center. The wrapped package, the flowers, the room full of new friends — this was the moment Bill understood that Korea was not just a destination. It was becoming home.

John Song speaking beside Bill at his first birthday in Korea, November 1982 — Elder John Song speaking to the YFC students about Bill — the cake, the balloons, and the man who had written the letter that brought him to Korea.