SEOUL - "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He, who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
"You had done your best in the race, you had run the full distance, and you had kept the faith."
Steven Stirling, 45, who was adopted by American parents via Bertha Holt, made the remarks Aug. 9 morning during the funeral service for "Grandma" Bertha Holt, at the Holt Welfare Town in Koyang, about 20 kilometers northwest of downtown Seoul.
Steven, a successful chief executive officer, said that her love of orphans will be remembered by all the people of the world.
First Lady Lee Hee-ho and some 800 people attended the ceremony.
In a message read by Alden P. Stallings, the public affairs counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Korea, Hillary Clinton praised Bertha, saying "Her extraordinary work has helped so many orphans and enriched the lives of their families."
The U.S. First Lady said she felt deep sorrow over Holts death, hoping the world could make Holt s life-long dream that love and a stable family would overcome national, racial and ethnic differences a reality.
"She lived her whole life with love coming from the Lord. Through that love, she saved so many souls," said the Rev. Kang Won-yong, president of the Christian Academy.
Kim Yong-hee, 50, the oldest in the welfare town, who lived with her for over 40 years, said, "Grandma passed away, but she will continue to live in our hearts."
After the funeral, Bertha was buried on the hill of the town, and next to her husband, Harry, who died of a heart attack in 1964.
Known as "Grandma" to thousands of Korean orphans, Bertha died of a heart attack at her home in Eugene, Oregon on July 31, and her body was brought here for burial, as specified in her will.
Harry and Bertha Holt pioneered international adoption in 1955, when they adopted eight Korean children. Since then, they have arranged the adoption of over 200,000 children around the world.
The Holts established Holt International Childrens Services, which currently assists children in 12 countries.
Their eldest daughter, Molly Holt, 65, has been serving the handicapped for the past 40 years, in the welfare town, which her parents built in 1961.