A published writer, prolific blogger, feminist activist, and a faith scholar, Mihee is one of the 8Asians veteran writers. Get to know Mihee in 8Questions:
Describe who you are.
I’m a 2nd generation Korean American. I was born in the year of the Horse. I am and always will be a Colorado girl through and through. I am Presbyterian, and an ordained minister. I am a wife to a lovely Czech/Scottish man. I am a mother of three, twin boy and girl, and another boy (picture above chewing on the baby carrier strap). I am a writer. I do college ministry.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Blogging and reading particularly about social justice, theology and faith, and parenting/motherhood. Every once in a while I get the urge to knit or sew something. I play the piano. I am the handy/mechanical person in the marriage. Someday I’ll get back to running, trail-running. I serve on a couple of boards for different organizations (Presbyterian Church USA, The Young Clergy Women Project). Playdates (never thought I’d say that in a million years, God help us).
What Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) issues are you most passionate about?
Immigration. APIA Identity development. Christianity in APIA context.
What sort of articles do you write for 8Asians and why?
A lot of North and South Korea, or Korean American, for relatively obvious reasons. Sometimes, sports. I have a few articles on religion, and would love to write more that aren’t so Christian-oriented.
What other APIA writing or activities are you actively involved in?
I have recently published a book called Making Paper Cranes: Toward an Asian American Feminist Theology. There are a couple of groups that are sources of inspiration: PANAAWTM (Pacific Asian North American Women in Theology and Ministry) and AAWOL (Asian American Women on Leadership).
What is the greatest challenge that the APIA community faces?
Resisting complacency and not pushing the envelope when it seems APIA culture is becoming more mainstream, trendy, or popular.
Who’s your APIA hero?
Helen Zia. Her book, Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People changed my life when I was in seminary and inspired my thesis, and later the book.
What is your favorite Asian comfort food?
That’s tough. It depends on the season. If it’s cold, wintery and snowy, a nice big bowl of pho. But I grew up on kimcheejjigae and would die without it. I pretty much like anything that is soup.
