Missionaries

Dad recently spent over $100 for a used book on amazon. The book's been out of print since 1978 which explains the cost. Entitled "With Stethoscope in Asia: Korea," it is an autobiography of Dr. Sherwood Hall. He was born in 19th Century Korea (Chosun Dynasty) as a son of a missionary couple from Canada who spent their whole lives in Korea. Dr. Hall himself came back to Korea with his wife served 16 years as a medical missionary.

I haven't cracked the book open yet but I have a few initial observations:

1) Why isn't it called "With Stethoscope in Korea"? Is this part of a series?

2) I hope Dr. Hall discusses his identity crisis growing up in Korea in the 19th century. If it seems that he's portraying himself as well-adjusted being the only blanco boy around in 19th century korea, I might start skimming. I've met a few missionaries in China to be able to ferret out the truth. (Reminder to self: S.F., M's kids)

3) My sister passed the book onto me. Dad sent it to her first. I think he wants to discuss the book with us the next time we're all together. During the course of reading it, my sister found out my birthday, Oct. 1, was the date Japan occupied Korea. My parents conveniently never mentioned this fact to me growing up. I already knew from teaching in China that October 1 was the day Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

My sister's b-day is August 15, the day Japan left Korea. I feel like I'm in a twisted version of M. Night Shymalan's "Unbreakable." Except, in this version, my sister is trying to convince me that I'm Mr. Glass' character.