Gathering of Pearls by Sook Nyul Choi Read Free Book Online

is everything they hoped for in a child. She's outgoing, popular, and beautiful. I know that when they look at me, they wonder where they went wrong, and why I didn't turn out more like Susan." Marci looked down at her feet while she talked. "Every once in a while, I try to fit in and be what my parents want me to be. I keep trying to develop an interest in photography, but I can't. It's just not who I am. My father actually wants me to take over his chemical company someday! I can't think of anything I would like less. It's a waste of time for me to pretend to like things just to please them; I refuse to do that anymore. I know what I want for my life. I want to be a classics professor."
    Although Marci spoke matter-of-factly, I was amazed at how strong and clear-minded she was. I could never say such things. I even felt bad when I thought those thoughts. In Korea, you must do what is expected of you and live up to your responsibilities. It is so important not to let your elders down. I was shocked to hear Marci say these things, but strangely invigorated.
    I didn't know what to say to her, so I just stared silently at the letter in my hand. It was the first piece of mail from my sister. My heart started to pound. I was afraid to open it. I knew I had disobeyed her by not writing, and I feared her letter would be an angry one.
    Looking at the envelope, Marci said, "Hmm, a letter from home."
    "It's from my sister. I still haven't written her," I replied sheepishly.
    "Well, you probably want to read it. I think I'll head back to the dorm, anyway. I'll see you later, okay?"
    Nodding my head with an anxious smile, I said, "Thanks, Marci. Thanks for waiting for me. See you later!"
    I sat down in a corner of the post office and carefully opened Theresa's letter.
My dear little sister Sookan,
    Tonight, in the peace of my room, I have decided to write you because you are my loving sister and you have been in my thoughts constantly since your last visit to the convent. I have much other work to do, but you are important to me.
    It was another crazy day. My work at the hospital and the school is difficult, and often, very sad. It has been over a year since the war ended, and still, so many people are in need of so many basics. I cannot wait for you to return and join me in my work. We can do much good together. It is a noble life to help others. As a nun, you can do so much more for the needy, without the obligations and impediments that married life places on you. Why be a slave to a man? Why fill your days washing his socks and making his dinner? You can be helping people who truly need you.
    As I have said many times before, you must not forget those less fortunate. I have not heard from you yet, and wonder about your life in America. Remember, you should be keeping a journal each day; it is important for your spiritual growth to find some quiet time at the end of each day for reflection and prayer. Simply send your journal entries to me once a week. I will keep them for you and give them to you when you return. This way, I can know what your life is like, and we two sisters can share everything. We can share all our thoughts and feelings, as well as a mutual objective. I still have no idea as to what your first day was like. How can we be close and be of one heart and mind if I do not receive a letter from you? It is already the end of October, and not a single piece of correspondence from you. I hope and pray you do not lose sight of our goal. I pray that you will not allow yourself to be swept away by American culture and all the things you see in such a rich country.
    Judging from your hurried postcards to Mother, it sounds like you are having a wonderful time with your new friends. How difficult could it be to find a few moments to send me a letter? Please write and share your life with me so that we will not grow apart during these four long years.
    You are always in my prayers.
    Your loving sister, Theresa
    I folded the thin