I got some news today that sort of threw me off and got me feeling kind of sad. You know, the kind of sad that gets you feeling like you really need something bad to eat. My bad treat of choice would normally be Roscoe’s or maybe a Cinnabon, but that’s if I was in the U.S. Since I’m not I had to improvise. I was pretty emotionally drained and starving and I hadn’t eaten dinner. I went down to the cafeteria hoping that it would be something awesome…but it wasn’t. It was actually pretty bad. Well, I wasn’t trying to make myself feel worse so I skipped the cafeteria and decided that pizza might do the job. When I went to order I realized I had left my wallet in the dorm so I told the clerk I’d be back (using hand gestures, of course). After getting my wallet I took an impromptu long walk around the campus. I already had my headphones so it just felt appropriate at the time. After my stroll I walk back to the pizza shop ready to order and the owner, a small, busy little woman, looked at me and began to say stuff to the clerk. Completely lost at what’s going on I’m waiting for them to tell me that their closed or out of pizza, or something, but instead he presents to me a little pizza box with 2 slices inside and tells me one word…“Service.”

Interesting Fact: Many shops and restaurants in Korea have a thing called “service” where you get something for free for either dining or shopping at their establishment. You could get something from free soda, fruit, gum and even extra cosmetics.

I was surprised because technically I hadn’t bought anything. Standing at the counter confused the owner walks up to me with a smile and says, “Service. No pay.” I couldn’t believe it, it was so sweet. I give her a humble “감사합니다” (thank you) as she mentions a few other things in Korean that I couldn’t quite catch and smiles at me as she goes back to her work.

As I left I said thank you once more and she returned once again with a sweet smile. I’m not sure why she gave me service, maybe it was my sad face that prompted her kindness, maybe they were closing and had a few slices left. But I know the Lord must have seen how sad I was and wanted to cheer me up with a little something. Thanks for treating me to dinner, Lord, and please bless that precious woman you used to do it.

Feeling a little better now,

E

P.S. Korea gets another 10 points.