Han Wool "Monica" Hong

My three daughters knew Monica, as they were similar ages. She was at my home a lot as a young girl. A silly, sweet little girl always laughing. So saddened by this news :(

Monica lived around the corner from me and I would tutor her and her brother at my house.

I just adored Monica. I was lucky enough to work with Ben in Korea, and became is his friend outside of work. Monica was so vibrant and clever and made me laugh and feel special. She noticed things no one else did and I loved her perspective on life. My condolences to her family. What a gift she was to this world.

When we found out these two were going to get married, we did a funny / cute photo shoot. They had played some music for us, singing too. Always a lot of humor & joy from these two through the years. We are blessed by family and thankful these two knew Jesus! They will be missed by so many!

I'm a member of Incarnation. My oldest son who is now 14 years old is how I first met Monica. John David has Down syndrome and at the time we were experiencing a lot of behavior issues with him. And to be honest, he wasn't easy to be around. He certainly didn't draw positive attention from those who didn't already love and know him. Well that wasn't the case for Monica. One Sunday, before I even knew who she was, she came up to me and told me how much she loved working with John David at children's church and showed me the things she was teaching him. She took it upon herself to sit with this very difficult young boy and love him when no one asked her to love him. She showed him so much patience and kindness. After that she became his person at church and she would report to me every sunday they were together the things he was learning and what she was teaching him. Within no time I also got to now Ben because he also showed John David so much love and kindness. Both of them shared with me their hearts for kids with special needs and specifically Down syndrome. In all my years of being a mother to my son with special needs I don't think I have ever met someone who went out of their way to love him the way she did when she wasn't asked to be responsible for him. My heart is broken. Our family's heart is broken. I haven't told my son yet but I know I will soon have to tell him that his friend is rejoicing and dancing in heaven and also interceding for him here on earth. Monica was the most beautiful person with the best heart.