Day 29

It's one thing to hear from me --I write here everyday, but it's another to hear from my wife. I asked her these questions this morning.


From what you saw and heard, what was the best part of Buddhism for you?

"I think I liked its approach. It seems very real. I always have had "Heaven" and "Hell" in the back of my mind, making me feel pressure or even guilty. This way I can make my own decisions based in reality rather than decisions formed around whether or not I'll be going to "Hell". It's practical."

What improvements, if any, did you witness in your husband?


"George never caused too much trouble, but I was always concerned about his health. He never cared about it before. He would say, 'Oh, I'm fine' or 'Don't worry about it. I'm young.' Of course I worried about it. I'm his wife. Because of his dieting and fasting, he has become much more aware of what he's eating and how he's living. He's really interested in how his behavior will cause me and our future family to suffer. I guess he's much more aware of himself and his life now."

What was the most annoying aspect of the religion for you?

"At first it was the lack of meat. When we would be eating kimbop, he would complain that there was a small piece of ham or crab in there and would push it out with his chopstick. Now, I'm used to it. Also, in the beginning he would talk about things Buddha said and tell me all these things and ways to live, but I never saw him living like Buddha. As time went by, I start seeing his behavior catching up to his words. Oh, and he's still sarcastic."

You went to temple with George all month, were you comfortable in that setting?

"It was different, but not uncomfortable. I was raised Catholic and then changed to Protestantism, so change is not that big for me. I was more interested to see the types of people there and that the Buddhist choir sounded very Christian to me."


George says he will stay away from meat. How do you feel about that?


"I'm very happy about this, but like I said, it was irritating at first. We would go to dinner and he would just eat rice and soup. Most Korean restaurants serve at least enough food for two, but I couldn't eat that much. Now, however, I'm excited about it. With his BP issues and the other benefits from not eating meat, I think he'll be much healthier."

Would you ever consider becoming a Buddhist?


"I don't know. Probably not. I still have Christian beliefs that I can't distance myself from." 

Keeping in mind that the children will be raised in the United States, would you consider raising your children Buddhist?


Hmmm...Well, this is a difficult question. George and I are very aware that our biracial children might have some issues fitting in during different phases of their life. Attending church would help our children and family adjust better, I think. Our kids might evenly appreciate their Korean and American ethnicities or they might reject one, but that's for them to decide. 

Next month is Catholicism, do you think it will be easier or harder for you to adjust to?


It won't be too hard for me. I'm familiar with Catholicism. I know that George is a little worried about the rules once inside the church, but he'll used to it. From what I can tell, Catholicism has less restrictions than Buddhism, so it'll probably easier for George as well. He has to read the entire Bible, though. That's a lot.

And that's it from the wife, kiddos. Any questions for me?