I traveled to Kyrgyzstan for a few reasons. The primary purpose was to participate in the Joseph Project hosted by Dutch Nature and AgGrandize Global to help local pastors sustain their livelihoods through the value chain. It took place in Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Also, I met up with several old friends and met new friends.
The first gathering was with Dr. Eun Pyo Hong, a member of the SfK Korea board of directors. He was visiting Bishkek, the capital city, to help with an agricultural project sponsored by the Korean Government's ODA project. He came out to pick me up even at an early time of 4:30 AM.
Also, I met up with Jeffrey Yoon and his wife. They run an after-school for the Kyrgyz children. It was a joyous reunion.
I was thrilled to meet up with Sang Taek Oh who runs a Korean cafe restaurant, a dental clinic, and a trading business. He helped me get a COVID-19 PCR test report that was required to be able to get on an airplane two years ago. I just wanted to express my gratitude for the help he provided for me as a stranger, but it was God's will for us to meet up again. We met twice to spend time and fellowship in dreaming projects on which we can work together. I am excited about the potential opportunities lying ahead.
The dental clinic is run by Dr. Sun Young Kim as a partner with Mr. Oh. She also is licensed to practice acupuncture at a separate clinic owned and run by her mother. Her sister is also a dentist who practices at her mother's clinic. I was delighted to meet her although I did not get to meet her mother and sister.
Mr. Oh introduced me to Mr. Sang Woo Kim who is running a studio where he teaches Kyrgyz young people about jewelry-making skills. He plans to start a business with his students. He has almost 40 years of experience in this industry. What a joy to meet him!
I was very pleased to be invited to dinner by Micah and his Kyrgyz wife. He runs Dutch Nature operations in Kyrgyzstan as the CEO. He is such a diligent hardworking businessman. He and two of his colleagues participated in our BMT in 2021. The Kyrgyz food, called Dimdaman, was delicious.
I was hoping to meet up with Jung Il Lee who is working in the Issykkul area, but we could not meet. - Jeffrey
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