This 2013 year I started writing quarterly updates instead of waiting until this [busy] time of year to write a year-long update. It started out well, with the Quarter 1 update coming out on time, then Quarter 2's update was written a month late... Quarter 3 ended when I was in the hospital to give birth to Alaina, and I didn't think about writing the update until November... and by that time I just figured I should combine 3 and 4 into one. So here's what we've been up to this second half of this year:
We spent the month of July in Virginia, watching our kids play, learn, and grow alongside their cousins while making s'mores, eating cotton candy, swimming, and running around playgrounds. Marc jumped off diving board for the first time (hooray!) into the waiting arms of Mommy or Daddy... and so our little copy cat, Emmalyn, climbed out of the pool and went right off the board as well. She won't be left behind! We helped my mother move to Virginia from Maine, which makes it much easier for our kids to now visit all of their grandparents- all living in the same state! We are so thankful for the time we spend each summer reconnecting with family and friends in the States. It was with full hearts and a fun memories that we headed back to Korea for our 5th year.
This fall has been busy! In August we settled into our new apartment, made new friends (and neighbors!) and got reacquainted with old ones. In September we got ready for the baby to come, getting a crib set up just in time as we then welcomed Alaina into our family on October 7th. My Mom arrived to Seoul the day before she was born and stayed with us the entire month of October. November came and went quickly beginning the holiday season and colder weather. December was full of Christmasy fun with intermittent sickness, and our 6 year anniversary!
More specifically,
Jarrod completed another semester of seminary, two classes on global theology and the first half of a 300 hour internship with the Third Culture Kids at YISS. This was a tricky semester, both of his research papers being due during some of our most busy/difficult weeks (Alaina's birth in October and hospitalization in December) and still his diligence and hard work paid off and he managed to pull out top scores in his classes. He has been busy at YISS, in addition to his job responsibilities, Jarrod completed over 150 hours of extra-curricular activities, pouring into the lives of the YISS students while: coaching middle school cross-country, coaching high school JV basketball, sponsoring a club, leading a GWAM (Gardians With a Mission) trip - in the initial preparation meetings for their actual trip this coming Spring Break, and taking Korean 1 classes. Despite all that he does for work and seminary, he comes home and jumps in to help around the house, play with the kids, hold Alaina, or do whatever is necessary to keep this ship sailing smoothly. :) We are so thankful for Daddy and all that he does!
Stephanie (I)... gave birth to another child... which has taken up most of this Fall. And, in addition to keeping Marc and Emmalyn alive, relatively healthy, and learning about God and the world around them, I try to support Jarrod however possible... even just with taking cookies to his basketball team or having them over to our house for a party.
I joined BSF international to begin studying the book of Matthew, which has provided a rich learning environment, sweet community, and the only 2 hours during the weekday that I am away from the kids. I am thankful for this ministry, and especially the childcare - that they actually teach Marc and Emmalyn about the Lord while we are there. I also tried out an online Bible study facilitated by Good Morning Girls. It was really neat to be able to daily connect with friends around the globe on a spiritual level, and be encouraged every time I opened up Facebook! I took a more supportive role in our international playgroup, remaining on the leadership team but more involved in the planning and preparing than the actual running of this event. It has been a good semester, focusing on how God gives us good gifts. We have so much to be thankful for!
Marc went to the dentist for the first time, upgraded from a tricycle to a small bicycle with training wheels, learned the difference between numbers and letters, memorized Genesis 1:1, learned to use a point-and-shoot camera, entered the "why" stage, and took a huge step toward independence (thanks for the help, Mom!) in learning to get dressed and use the restroom all by himself. What a big boy! Marc loves being active - and blames his body for why he is so wiggly. He will settle down for a good book or movie though. Mickey Mouse is still his favorite.. everything! TV show, movie, app, clothes, play toys, bibs, cups, utensils... generally anything with Mickey is "what I've always wanted", as he likes to say. Marc does love to play with his friends, and Emmalyn is his best playmate. He has a special place in his heart for the "new baby", too - and it is so sweet to see him excited as he tenderly interacts with Alaina.
Emmalyn is our almost 2 year old, going on 6! This girl won't be left behind and can do - almost - anything that Marc can do! She is speaking a lot (although not always clearly) and shows understanding of complex ideas. She was potty trained in September, and in October consistently started having dry nights as well. Her favorites include: baby dolls, digging in the sand, swinging on swings, playing on the iPad, copying Marc, helping bake (and taste) in the kitchen, reading stories, and singing songs (especially with motions). Emmalyn has loved "Baby Laina" from first sight, and wants to help with her however she can - holding, rocking, kissing, patting, hugging, and talking to her as much as.. we allow. :) While she has adjusted amazingly well to becoming a middle child, Emmalyn thoroughly enjoys our undivided attention - and will sometimes linger on the potty or before bed to sneak in a few extra private giggles with us. Jarrod often says, "she's such a doll" with her contagious smile and laughter and her precocious comments and actions.
Alaina has outgrown newborn and most 0-3month clothes, mastered nursing right away, sleeps best when snuggled by Mommy, enjoys being in her carseat, puts up with all of Marc's and Emmalyn's antics, survived her first illness and hospitalization, has found her hands and is starting to enjoy her toys more, and is generally adored by all!
We are so thankful to be blessed by these children every day. They bring so much joy to our lives and enrich our days in so many ways.
We are so thankful to be blessed by these children every day. They bring so much joy to our lives and enrich our days in so many ways.
There you have it: our family update. In addition to all of those things mentioned, we do them while being expatriates in a foreign land - a family of 5 on a mission to live and love, play and pray, give and care while we are here in Seoul. It has been a good place to live, a generous culture to learn from, and a rich community to be a part of; however, we are not planning on returning to YISS next year. We eagerly anticipate what (and where) the Lord might have for our family. While our future is unsure, the mission still stands:
"Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, make known among the nations what He has done!"
~ 1 Chronicles 16:8
"Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, make known among the nations what He has done!"
~ 1 Chronicles 16:8
