My most vivid memory during your Templestay at Hawaunsa was participating in the prayer services. I really enjoyed being up early and having a chance to practice at the start of the day. It helped me to relax for the rest of the day. I didn't understand the words in the service because I can't speak Korean but I enjoyed hearing the sounds of the songs with the nun's voices and the beginning bells.
I felt very comfortable with my room, the program, and all the people I met along the way. I felt that I had enough activities to really learn and grow with this experience. But I also had enough time for myself to do what I pleased or to just relax.
The only thing I would change would be adding the text in the confirmation email for the bus driver. If I simply have the text in Korean, I can copy/paste it on a word document to make a note myself for the bus driver.
I really want to thank Demetra so much for welcoming us so warmly to the Templestay at Hwaunsa. I had an extremely positive experience which met and exceeded all my expectations. It was wonderful learning so much from Demetra and the Abbess. I felt privileged and humbled by getting a more authentic experience of how many monastics live their lives.
I really loved how kind this temple is with the animals on its premises. I enjoyed walking the dogs up the mountain and petting the cute adopted kitten. I felt surrounded by nature with the landscape and animals. It was extremely peaceful and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this templestay.
