I lived as a wanderer in North Korea. Living like this was sometimes fun but other times it was sad. My dad and mom died when I was 8 or 9 years old. My sister and I had to live as "flower swallows". The North Korean term sounds like kotjebi in English. It's a colorful word but only means street orphans. We were named after birds because of the way we flit from place to place looking for food and shelter.

Without a house to stay during the winter season, we had to find lodging in the apartment alleyways, train stations, bus stations or on the streets. In order to survive we had to steal from other people's houses things like shoes, clothing, and whatever else we thought necessary to sustain life.

At the market, I used to pick pockets or tried to steal from food stands. It was fun at times but it wasn't too fun when I was beaten by those from whom I stole.

An 18- year old boy that I used to hang out with was beaten with a rifle by one of the security guards. What happened was that this older boy stole three kilograms of pork. He was caught. After the beating, he had to crawl for about a month. My sister and I now went to the market and stole food for this temporarily crippled boy .

Living like this was bitterly sad because of the hunger, but also because of the pain that comes from having no parents. When we heard people describe us as flower swallows we so longed for our parents. And when people described us as dogs and pigs, well, can anyone imagine this degradation?

I did not know the whole truth about China. In North Korea, I heard rumors that the Chinese sell North Korean people as slaves and they also might even cut off one's hands and feet. Because of these rumors I didn't dare go to China.

At least for awhile. Desperation changes people's minds about a lot of things. After a while, I found myself in the place I said I would never go. In China, I found so much food! From then on, I went across to China almost every day, just as if I were visiting the next door neighbor. Whenever I was hungry, I asked my friends to go over with me.

During early winter, the river freezes slightly and to cross safely, we all grab hands as we walk over the thin ice. Walking on the Chinese territory with bare feet was so awful that I actually lost my toes due to frostbite.

Last November, five of us boys planned to spend the winter in China. After my birthday, we went to an old couple's house in Jang Baek. They were like grandparents to me. I heard about church before but I never heard about God. From there, I came to know God and learned that He looks after even people like kotjebi.

I like much better hearing that the God of all cares about me, than that I am some animal or bird.

We have received love beyond our imagination. It is hard to believe that we are actually now living in China away from North Korea. The fact that we can live and hide here is unbelievable.

Above all I am happy and honored that I came to know the Lord. And I am equally grateful that other NK exiles have accepted the Lord Jesus too!

I am very happy that God helped me to know about the kingdom of heaven by bringing me to the church of Jesus Christ, out of North Korea where people serve Kim Jung Il and Kim Il Sung. When I grow up I want to be a servant of God and be his lamb. I will live like Isaac in the Bible.

I am now hoping for a lot of things I could not hope for in my own country:

1. I want to attend school.

2. I want to go into business, and use that as my cover for traveling back and forth from China to North Korea. While I am there I want to help build a huge church for Jesus.

3. I want to know the Bible well.

4. I want to be able to speak Chinese and English.

5. I want to have a permit to stay in China so I can move around freely.

Maybe there are people who can help me. Surely you can pray.

Father God, I thank you. By the help of many people, You have brought me from place to place safely. You have allowed many NK exiles to live a happy life. Thank You for your grace, Lord. Please lead me so that I can go to NK in the future and spread Your Word well. And also bless many grown ups who have helped me. I hope they will enjoy good health and that You will bless their steps. Thank you Lord and I pray in the name of Jesus who saved us from our sin. Amen.