It's a bit warmer there. He asked the servant to bring them tea.
“How long have you been in Busan? We've been wondering when you'd stop by. You're headed to our sister church in Osaka?"
There was hardly any chance to reply to all his questions. The elder pastor spoke rapidly without pausing to hear Isak's reply. Pastor Shin had attended the seminary in Pyongyang near the time of its founding, and he was delighted to see a recent graduate. Friends who had been at the seminary with him had been Isak's professors.
“Do you have a place to stay? We could fix a room for you here. Where are your things?" Shin felt gleeful. It had been a long time since they'd had a new pastor stop by. Many of the Western missionaries had left the country due to the colonial government's crackdown, and fewer young men were joining the ministry. Lately, Shin had been feeling lonesome. "I hope you will stay awhile."
Isak smiled.
"I apologize for not calling on you sooner. I'd intended to come by, but I was very ill, and I've been recuperation at a boardinghouse in Yeongdo. The widow of Kim Honnie and her daughter have been taking care of me. The boardinghouse is closer to the beach than the ferry. Do you know them?"
Pastor Shin cocked his head.
"No, I don't know many people on Yeongdo Island. Ishall come see you there soon. You look well. A bit then, but everyone is not eating enouhg lately, it seems. Have you eaten? We have food to share."
"I've eaten alreay, sir. Thank you."
When the tea was brought in, the men held hands and prayed, giving thanks for Isan's safe arrival.
"You're preparing to go to Osaka soon?"
"Yes."
"Good, good."
The elder pastor spoke at length about the troubles the churches had been facing. More people were afraid to attend services here and in Japan because the government didn't approve. The Canadianmissionaries had already left.
Although Isak knew of these sad developments, he felt ready to face the trials. His professors had discussed the government's opposition with him. Isak grew quiet.
"Are you all right?" Shin asked.