Well, first of all, let me say that we are all very excited to be here in South Korea and starting out on this adventure.  It's an extreme privilege to have the opportunity to entertain our troops. 
 
The first day started very early.  In fact, I think it started before the last one ended; if that makes sense to anyone.  We went to the airport in Oklahoma City on Monday morning (June 27) at 3:00 am.  After going through a few complications checking all of our luggage, we were on our way to Atlanta, GA at 5:30 am.  Two really cool things happened there.  We met up with a very old friend  who would accompany us on our journey.  Does anyone remember Rob Howard?  Robbie is still the same old guy with a heart as big as Texas and as good as gold.  He incurred a tremendous expense ($520.00) to send his piano over and even suggested that he should pay for some portion of the fee.  The USO will reimburse us for all those costs , but I thought that the situation showed, as I've always known, that Robbie is a really good guy.
 
Something else also happened in Atlanta.  I met a little girl named Erica Hill, a one year old who was traveling with her mom.  They were on their way to see Erica's dad who is stationed in South Korea.  Erica's mom, Kari, told me that she would be moving to South Korea for a while so that Erica could be around her dad.  She was also aware that I would be performing there and, low and behold, they will be coming to one of my shows. 
 
We went out to the street market last night and saw a little of what South Korea has to offer.  The people were very friendly, and the area that we visited seemed to have a "carnival like" atmosphere.  In the Market, there are food vendors everywhere you look.  They set up right in the street, and in large kettles, prepare all manner of seafood; most I could not recognize. 
 
The weather here is about the same temperature as it is back home.  However, they are currently in their rainy season so it is very humid.  It has been raining a lot and there is talk of flash flooding on the news. 
 
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have been so devoted to seeing me succeed all these years.  Please hope and pray that we will succeed in our efforts to entertain our troops; that we might put smiles on their faces and show our appreciation for the sacrifices that both they and their families continuously make.
 
My best to you all,