CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF KOREA

Friday the Voices of the Soul were invited to sing at the Constitutional Court of Korea for President Lee Kang Kook.

The Constitutional Court of Korea is an independent and specialised court in South Korea, whose primarily role is the reviewing constitutionality under the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. It also has administrative law functions such as ruling on competence disputes between governmental entities, giving final decisions on impeachments, and making judgments on the dissolution of political parties.

Nine Justices serve on the court, all of whom are appointed by the President. Three of the positions are appointed directly by the President. Of the remaining six positions, three are appointed from candidates nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and three are appointed from candidates elected by the National Assembly. In addition, the head of the court is chosen by the President, with the consent of the National Assembly.

Justices serve renewable terms of six years, and are required to retire their posts at the age of 65, excepting the head of the Constitutional Court, who may serve until the age of 70. Justices of the Constitutional Court are prohibited from joining political parties and engaging in political activities by Article 112(2) of the Constitution. In addition, Justices of the Constitutional Court are prohibited by law from running businesses, holding other public offices, and being otherwise employed.
 
 
 

A decision of the Constitutional Court cannot be appealed and binds all state agencies and local governments. Thus, the Constitutional Court is the final adjudication (last resort) organ as to the matters under its jurisdiction. The Constitutional Court is one of the highest constitutional organs and is on a par with the National Assembly, the Executive, and the Supreme Court. The explicit authority for the role of the Constitutional Court is provided in Chapter Six of the Constitution.

 

I was making sure Han Sol was warmed up for the BIG performance!

Volunteers:  Merton family, Martin, Mee Hyang, Molly and Director Kim

Molly says a few words before the performance...

The Voices of the Soul did an amazing job today!! I was so proud of them...I felt like a proud parent watching her children perform. 

A STANDING OVATION - AND "ENCORE!"

The President of the Constitutional Court takes charge of the affairs of the Constitutional Court, and directs and supervises public officials under his or her authority. Further, the President is the Chairman of the Council of Justices and the presiding Justice of the Full Bench of the Constitutional Court.  Currently, Justice Mr. Kang-Kook Lee has been serving the court as the 4th President of the Constitutional Court since January 22, 2007.

SNOW WHITE MUSICAL

Thursday we went into Seoul with about 35 residents to see a musical.  It was called, "A Dwarf who loved Snow White."  It was really neat to see a Broadway style show in Korea.  Not to mention we were in the first and second rows!

First everyone gets their name tag and then it's get on the bus!

Of course some of the little ones zonked out on the bus ride into Seoul...

Checking in at will call...to get our tickets...

And then it was into the theater we go! My group was these 3 ladies from Barbara Home

Han Sol in the front row, ready for the play to begin...

And then after the play, we all went for "kim-bap" - kind of Korean "fast food" here - they're basically sushi rolls, and then you get a small cup of soup as well.  Here's Mee-Hyang's group waiting for their food.

Another group of residents waiting for food...I asked them, "pay-go-pie-yo?" are you hungry? and I was told a definite, "Nay!" (yes)...

Of course my ladies were the most well behaved out of the groups! ha!

Okay, so this is 최 지 영 Choi, Jee Hyung.  He is 28-years-old.  He told me on the bus home he thinks I am beautiful.  When Ms. Choi (no relation) asked if he had a girlfirend? he said no.  When she asked what he would like in a girlfriend, he said someone pretty and kind like me.  She asked him if he would marry me? and he quietly said, "nay" - not a very believeable "yes" - more of a "that's what I should say yes." 

Jee Hyung is a quiet person who often likes to be alone.  When you first see him around Ilsan Town you think he's a volunteer.  I thought he was, and the employee's told me he often gets mistaken for not being a resident.  But the first time we had him for an activity hour, you quickly realize his autistic disability.

ILSAN MEMORIES

Here are some of my latest memories here at Ilsan Town!

We will begin with that crazy Norwegian - Martin...enuf said...

This little guy lives in the Glory Home - when we went to pick-up our residents today, he wanted me to pick him up.  Then he wouldn't let go of me. I took him to a couch in the house, and sat down with him and rubbed his back while he sat in my lap.  But when it was time for me to go, he began to cry...the house mother had to come over and pry him off me so I could leave.  I went back to the house later and took him out for awhile. He was so happy, he sang in his chair and giggled and pointed where he wanted me to go.

BBBrrrrr it's COLD outside!! Molly read in the Korea Times this morning that it hasn't been this cold so late in April - early May in 102 YEARS! It was so cold, Molly made a fire in the fireplace! It was 34 degrees this morning.

Mee Hyang enjoying her lunch in the cafeteria! We were grateful for HOT soup!

Pipe cleaner bows for EVERYONE!! Mrs. Merton found pipe cleaners in Molly's office, so she brought them back to Molly's house...we found a good use for them!

"ALL CHILDREN ARE BEAUTIFUL WHEN THEY ARE LOVED..."

April 28th, 2010 marked the 46th anniversary of Harry Holt's death.  In the book, "Bring My Son's From Afar" (by Bertha Holt), it was written about how Harry was bringing two babies from the orphanage in Seoul to Ilsan. And when he arrived with one of the babies he said, "Lord it's just a little farther, let me put her in her bed."  Mrs. Powell, a nurse, saw his ashen face and went for a glass of water.  He lay the baby in the crib, tugging at the blanket to make her more comfortable. "Thank-you Lord for allowing me to finish my job." He turned toward his bed - ones step more to go.  Suddenly he heard the sweet voice of his Savior say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."  Mrs. Powell returned with the water and found Harry's body halfway on the bed.  He was absent from that tired body and present with the Lord. 

Today I had the priviledge of paying my respects to a wonderful man alongside one of his daughters - Molly Holt.  At 72-years-old she still refers to him as "Daddy" which is such an endearing gesture of love. 

The day began in the chapel with a nice service lead by Pastor Lee, a long time friend of Harry & Bertha Holt's.

One of the residents with downs syndrome said a lovely prayer...obviously in Korean, but when she was finished; everyone in the chapel clapped.

Then it was Molly's turn to pay tribute to her father, whom she loved VERY much.

(the picture behind Molly is of the entire Holt family and their 8 Korean adopted children.  Molly is the one in the top row with the glasses.)

After the service, we all walked up the 59 stairs to the gravesite of Harry & Bertha Holt.  It was a very cold and rainy day.

Molly stood for moment at the base of her father's grave, and as she turned around and faced us; she had tears in her eyes.  Then we each bowed in respect at Harry's gravesite and headed back down the hill.

It was a somber day, but I'm glad I was able to pay my respects to a man I literally owe my life to.

Written on Harry Holt's grave:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."

-- 2 Timothy 4:7