I am so thankful for this precious opportunity to welcome and greet all of you who are participating in this Teach Korean Conference, and to express my deep appreciation on behalf of all the Korean Students at Yale University Divinity School. Thanks for coming from Connecticut and from many far distant places to experience and to learn about Korean culture. Korean culture is somewhat different from your own cultural traditions, so you are showing the spirit of cross-cultural trippers. I believe that all of you are in the process of becoming amazing cross-cultural ambassadors. Truly, I want to be a cross-cultural missionary, like you. As for my own experiences at Yale, I have many things for which I give thanks to God: for leading me to study at YDS (Yale Divinity School), one of the best schools anywhere, and for the enjoyable school life here, for the excellent faculty, and for the wonderful courses.

More than that, I also am deeply grateful for living and learning in the company of a respected man such as Dean Harold W Attridge. Dr. Attridge is a real cross-cultural leader; he epitomizes Yale's openness to diversity not only in scholarship but also in cultures. Dean Attridge encourages the diverse voices of the whole student body as well as the wider YDS community. At Yale there are faithful and spiritual leaders who embody a love of God and other persons. On this campus, I have learned a true meaning of servant leadership. I am hopeful that all of you are faithful and sincere leaders as well.

We know that the 21st century is an era of cultural mission, for this world is increasingly becoming one village. Nonetheless, there are diverse cultures even in the one village, and we learn that there is diversity in unity, there are many in one.

We hope to live in a peaceful village on this earth. Yet we recognize that the disconnection of the many cultures is accompanied by many misunderstandings, and we are aware that the accumulated misunderstandings give birth to problems and conflicts. Even minor misunderstandings can provide seeds of distrust and disaster.

Today I am discovering yet another reason that God led me to study at Yale. Already many years ago I had heard of the East Rock Institute in New Haven, but never did I dream I might myself take part in a special conference of the Teach Korean Corps. Today I am meeting many teachers, instructors, faculty members, sponsors, leaders and volunteers, as the delegation concerning Korean Culture. All of you have the potential to do a very important job on behalf of Korean culture and history.

Actually, when I was preparing for my study in this country, I prayed for understanding of my role or mission in my own context. As a Korean, a Christian, and an artist, I have been exploring what I might do for my school, Yale, for the country where I am residing, the US, and for God. I am still trying to find the proper path for my mission.
I do hope to be a good cross-cultural teacher in Korea as well as here. I hope to become a bridge between the East and the West like you.
Again, welcome and thanks to all of you for coming and sharing in understanding about Korea. Have a great time. May God bless and keep you now and always.

Nominee M. Kim
Representative of YDKA