Two Rat Monday

Rock sculpture of otters.

Twice a week I am on my own for my morning walk as Fred plays basketball with the young missionaries. I take advantage of this time to just let my mind wander and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river walk. It really is a wonderful walk. The river is controlled by a series of inflatable barriers. When they are deflated, the water flows quickly forming several small water falls along the way. When the barriers are inflated the water is much deeper and very calm. The parks along the edge are adorned with pretty trees, bushes and flowers. The river is home to fish, ducks and cranes. Signs all around the river warn of otter crossings, though we have never
seen a single otter in the four months we have been here. BUT... I have seen rats. Yes I am sure they are rats and not otters. Every couple of weeks one will dart quickly across the trail in front of me. Big fat nasty rats. I also have seen them lying dead near the trail. I am not sure which is nastier. Today I saw two rats. One running across my path just a few steps ahead of me and the other floating belly up in the river. YUK. My first thought (after I was through cringing and shuttering) was... This is a two-rat Monday, it must be a special day. So my wandering mind took off in a strange direction. Follow if you dare.

Monday was a special day. When I left my apartment that morning the gate guard spoke to me and I understood (kind of). I was able to answer him in Korean and he knew what I was saying (I think). As soon as I arrived at the park I saw my favorite Korean Harmony  (grandmother).I see her everyday that I walk by the river and she is always very friendly. Since we had been out of town, I had missed three days in a row. So when she saw me, she not only waved, but she clapped her hands and laughed. My Korean chingu (friend) was happy to see me. In fact it seemed like everyone was a little friendlier.

The scenery was breath-taking on this beautiful fall day. The sun was soft on the mountains causing them to look almost velvet. The breeze was cool and fresh on my face. Here and there an autumn leaf would drift across the pathway. I just felt happy. I also thought about the fact that I was actually walking in Korea, just like walking on our own river walk at home- feeling completely safe and comfortable in a place that wasn't even on my radar six months ago. My life just seems amazing.

So the phrase "two-rat Monday" is stuck in my mind. It means any day that is special or that you make special. Do you think it will catch on? Will people hear my grandchildren wishing them a two rat Monday? Hmmm.... probably not. But for now dear family and friends, I wish you a week filled with two rat Mondays.