YISS GOES Team Serves at Aikwangwon in Geoje

YISS GOES is back! Team Geoje, a group of YISS high school students and teachers, started spring break with a trip to Aikwangwon. Aikwangwon, translated as the Garden of Light and Love, was founded in 1952 by Mrs. Imsoon Kim after the Korean War. It began as an orphanage and gradually became a home for the physically and mentally disabled. Aikwangwon wraps all their residents in love, and our team of students and teachers was so grateful to get wrapped up in it too. 

The team spent time with residents who had moderate to severe disabilities. One of the first things we did was make a collage of different colorful fabrics. As we worked alongside the residents to glue the pieces on, it became a beautiful picture of how we are all different, but together, we make something special. 

A brief orientation at the beginning of our time taught the team how to best support the residents on walks, with wheelchairs, with meals, and in craft-making. After that, we were all in! The team showed up in a big way, and even though it could be overwhelming and challenging at times, they gave their all and were a blessing to the residents and staff at Aikwangwon. 

Along with the service aspects of the trip, we also had a day to explore Geoje. We saw the iconic windmill and the Geoje coast. We even rode in a cable car up Mt. Mireuk, walked through the Forest School Healing Experience, and more.

It was a wonderful time together with the residents and staff at Aikwangwon. The team grew in empathy for people with disabilities and is excited about more opportunities to serve with YISS GOES in the future.