a busy week

This has been one of the fullest weeks we have experienced since we came to Seoul: for YISS it was the last week of school before Christmas break, which meant semester exams for high school students and lots of grading and 2nd quarter report cards to complete, Christmas concerts, and other special events for the teachers. One of the most unique experiences that comes with working in an international school is the answers we have received when asking "what are you doing for Christmas/over the break?" I have heard such a variety of answers, including "going to Bangladesh, my father's country;" "going to Hawaii... again;""going home to France;" "going on a mission trip to El Salvador;" and many others... when I was expecting "going to Grandma's house" or "going skiing" or something. :) The students - and faculty - at YISS lead such international lives - it is really incredible to listen to an 8 year old get on the phone to their parents and speak so fluently in another language (to find out that English is their 3rd or 4th language!), to hear stories of different international experiences from a 13 year old, and to ask any of the students "where is HOME?"... for most - it is not Seoul. It is incredible to think how the Lord has brought Jarrod and I from Virginia.. and students from around the world to this place at this time for His purposes.

We appreciate all those who have been praying for us this past semester - and rejoice as we have seen growth and fruit in our students. We ask that you continue to lift us up before the Lord, that our God may count us worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose and every act prompted by faith that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in us, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Another special event this week was our 24 week appointment with our doctor (more to come on that) the evening before our 2nd anniversary! After school, Jarrod and I went to the doctor and then out for a special dinner to celebrate and give thanks for a wonderful report of a healthy baby and 2 years of marriage!

To end a very full week, Jarrod and I are leaving for Saipan, an island in the South Pacific, on Friday afternoon for a much needed break and a last vacation "just the two of us"!
We have been looking forward to this trip - not only because we have heard fantastic reports from others who have traveled there for honeymoons and vacations, but also because it has significance to Jarrod's side of the family. Jarrod's grandfather, James Puffenbarger - or more commonly known to his family as "Pop-Pop", was stationed in Saipan during his service in the Army Air Force in World War II. Jarrod and his family have grown up with Pop-pop's stories and memorabilia from this significant time in his life... one of my fondest memories with Pop-pop is sitting and listening to his stories as he took me through his WWII scrap book. So now, about 65 years later - one his descents will step foot on the same soil and be able to share with him stories of modern day Saipan.Please pray for safety as we travel and for much needed rest from a busy semester. We expect to have internet access while in Saipan, so look for more updates soon!