A New Life in South Korea, Shadowed by Past Pain
Refugee women stretching at the end of an Elim Community class.
For Mary, daily life in South Korea is filled with moments of quiet gratitude. Simple pleasures—like lingering over afternoon tea at a local café or joining us at an Elim House weekend retreat—are vibrant reminders of the freedom she once thought impossible. Having survived severe hardship in North Korea and trafficking in China, she views every day in her new home as a gift. Yet, alongside the joy of freedom lies the persistent burden of severe dental pain and the deep insecurities that come with it.
The Hidden Burden of Dental Trauma
Like many North Korean refugees, years of malnutrition and inadequate healthcare left Mary with severe dental health issues. The need for routine procedures, including implants, brings significant physical distress and financial strain. Government grants through the Hana Foundation provided previous aid, but ongoing care remains costly.
During a recent dental visit, the procedure triggered intense anxiety. The sensory shock of medical equipment caused Mary to freeze and panic in the chair—a physical reaction rooted in trauma and a deep-seated fear of dental work. Beyond the physical discomfort, her visible dental struggles made her vulnerable to teasing, leading to friction in her shared living space.
Growing in Faith and Wisdom
When interpersonal conflict erupted at Elim House over sensitive comments about her appearance, instead of isolating herself or lashing out, we saw that Mary was able to slowly and regularly go to Scripture for grounding. Reflecting on Proverbs, she sought a path of patience and restraint:
Seeking Wisdom: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6) Mary recognized where anger had taken over and chose to offer a sincere apology to rebuild harmony.
Finding Future Hope: “Know also that wisdom is like honey for your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you.” (Proverbs 24:14) Her faith reminded her that her current struggles do not define her identity in Christ.
Surrendering Plans: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) Releasing self-reliance allowed her to trust God's timing for her full recovery.
Restoring Hope and Moving Forward
Physical and emotional healing takes time, but Mary is stepping forward with resilience. Mary is no longer a longer term resident at Elim House. But in season when she needs medical treatment or even just wanting to be surrounded by love and care, she asks about coming for a short stay. She is preparing for a new career as a caregiver, investing in building healthy relationships, and surrounding herself with a supportive community. Through compassionate physical care, emotional support, and Christ-centered guidance, our prayer is that her faith would continue to flourish despite the physical pain that may persist in her life.
