I felt the call into ministry when I was eighteen. I reluctantly obeyed, knowing that it meant going against a tradition that did not support women in ministry. First as an immigrant, then as a woman in ministry, I experienced many instances of discrimination, which contributed to developing a complicated and disconnected sense of identity. Now, in my late forties, I long to nurture a healthier sense of identity and deepen my connection to my family's spiritual roots. I want to fully, authentically claim my Korean American identity, to grow strong like a tree with deep roots, so I can bear fruits that will benefit others.

Thus, the purpose of this project is to immerse, discover, connect, and ground myself in my family faith stories, which originate from the Mureung Methodist Church, established by my paternal great-grandfather in 1914.

I want to discover what compelled my great-grandparents to depart from their root of Confucianism and shamanism and to embrace Christianity. What impact did the political/cultural/historical context of living under the Japanese colonization have on their decision to be transplanted into Christianity? What sacrifices did they make in order to be rooted in Christ? What fruits have they produced? The discoveries will deepen my faith and strengthen my conviction to challenge the system when it is not rooted in Christ. I hope to write and publish a family memoir based on this experience.

I agree with Ed Sabol, who said, "Tell me a fact, and I'll learn. Tell me a truth, and I'll believe. But tell me a story, and it will live in my heart forever." Storytelling helps us go beyond arguing divisive issues. Storytelling inspires us to see what unifies us, rather than what separates us. My personal experience will support my professional goal, which is to utilize more storytelling and to develop a faith storytelling project with my congregation, so they can cultivate and claim their own faith heritage.