Dear Radree,

I write to inform you of my current situation, which is altogether rather pleasant. I must confess that I find it comfortable in Korea, though my chosen profession (more like, the profession that I have fallen into for lack of other means) is a bit of a drudgery.  I cannot allow complaints to creep upon me, for you would find that many have it far worse that I.

My updates may be hit and miss, but my actual writing have stabilized. It is an amazing thing to have a goal for oneself, to not float aimlessly from hour to hour, seeking out entertainment to numb inadequacies that a quiet mind reminds us of. I have taken to keeping my mind busy filling those holes. When I am not lecturing, working on my novel, or taking a walk, I am drawing. It is a pastime that I believe will complement my personality well. It is wonderful to lose oneself in a sketch, but I cannot let it detract from my actual work. Writing comes first. And great writing demands much from its creator. If I am to be successful as an author, I must, as Renan said, seek “to sacrifice all personal desires, to realize great things, to obtain nobleness of mind, to surpass the vulgarity in which the existence of nearly all individuals is spent.”

I wonder how you are progressing in your own studies. Have you found that spark that lights the path in front of you? I’m sure that you will. When you have a chance, I would love to hear how life in your land is treating you, or more preferably, how you are treating life! With a firm handshake from

Your Brother,

J.P.H.