Spring in Daegu

Magnolias just outside our apartment.

Spring seems to begin slowly here in Daegu. A sunny day here and there breaking the bleakness of winter skies. Bright blossoms of white standing out amidst the drab colors of nature still asleep. Little by little life returns with its color and soft scents. The grass trying so hard to turn green, a few tiny blades at a time. Each new discovery is a treasure. Like nature's debutant ball, the beauties make their appearance one by one. The pace picking up with the passage of days.

Then the cherry blossoms appear and spring bursts forth in shades of pink and red. Spring is a promise of life renewed. It is the hope of lighter days and the warmth that lifts our spirits. In spring our hearts are drawn with gratitude to the Creator of the beauty we see. His light lifts us. His warmth fills us. Through Him we have the promise of life renewed. Through him the gray skies of winter are replaced with hope. Through him all that was drab and dull breaks for white and clean. Spring is the season we celebrate the ultimate gift. The atonement of our Savior.
Here some of the scenes of spring from our mission in South Korea:  

The E-World tower.

These pictures were taken in Duryu park. We went there with the young missionaries during the Cherry Blossom festival. In the distance you can see Tower 83. Why 83? **
I really have no idea. Nor do I know why this style of tower is common here. It is located in an amusement park called E-world. I would guess that the name comes from the E-mart corporation.

The actual festival takes place in E-world. But at 30,000 won per person, we decided to enjoy the cherry blossoms without the festival.

The park itself is huge. It has nice walking trails, visitor's center,  recreational areas, a "Groovy Coffee house", cafe, gift shop, and thousands of Koreans! I mean that literally. On this beautiful spring day the park was packed with people. This is the only spring we will have here. We are trying to experience everything we can.

**Update- I found out that Tower 83 is called that because it's 83 stories tall. Seems a little too obvious and not so very Korean, but I thought I should add this. Also, I learned using the English "e" at the beginning of anything is intended to indicate easy living or modern accommodations. Our friend Dennis Shin told us that.