30/11/2021
Quite certainly one of the most surreal moments of my life, standing atop this 4th century mountain fortress, witnessing the sun emerge from the hazy horizon, a steamy fog billowing from below.
As the wind whipped our exposed faces and froze our fingers, we caught a rare sight of one of the most untouched territories of the Korean Peninsula-- the 38th parallel.
There we stood, overlooking layers of mountains, stretches of forests and a long, winding river--- just minutes from the “world's most dangerous border," the DMZ, where North and South Korea split.
My friend's husband is the commander there, first in charge of the American troops who defend South Korea.
For the past 17 months her family has lived apart-- she and the kids in Seoul, while he's on post at Camp Bonifas.
During the week, she takes care of the kids while he stands guard at the JSA.
On the weekends, they reunite.
It's been months of separation, uncertainty and sacrifice and yet as I photographed them, all I could feel was the wisdom, strength and gratitude they’ve gained through this experience.
When they're all together, it's as though nothing else matters. They hug, they laugh, they play. They embrace one another tenderly and when their challenges seem insurmountable, they close their eyes, remembering who they are and what they stand for.
They're a military family with unparalleled patriotism. They love their country and fly the American flag with utmost pride.
And by taking the time to cultivate meaningful relationships with their Korean counterparts, they've grown to love South Korea, too.
They recognize the importance of this mission and wholeheartedly support their soldier’s calling to serve.
Until this day, I’d never once seen the sunrise in this seemingly peaceful place.
With a vastly different world beyond the border coupled with a war that never really ended, families like hers will continue to come here to serve— in hopes of protecting our allies and preserving their freedom.
Meanwhile, we can step back, admiring the beauty of their bond—fortified by the steadfast love they share for each other— and this land we all currently call home.
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