For some time I realized that this blog has been a bit of whatever I feel like it should be - from personal thoughts to ministry updates to (mostly) stories and pictures of the kids. As I have been trying to figure out what the purpose of this blog is -- I realized there are two reasons I continue to post on it. First, I want to keep our friends and family updated on life while we are far away - especially as our children grow and change. Secondly, I post because I like to go back and look at the things we have done - and it is a great place for that.
I had decided though, instead of a general Christmas/New Years letter - to do quarterly updates that will allow for a little more specificity in the going-ons of life. First a note about living in Korea. The Korean peninsula has made quite a bit of noise in the news recently. Every year that we have lived here there has been a bit of uncertainty from the North, but it seems like the past few weeks it has been even more so. Nothing has really changed for us though; we know and see how God is moving powerfully in South Korea - and are excited to be a part of it. We trust Him with our lives, our family, and our decision to live in this place - just as we entrust those we love and care about to Him while we are far away.
Now the family update, without further delay:
Jarrod completed two more seminary classes - earning top scores and thoroughly enjoying it.. well, enjoying learning but maybe not writing research papers. ;) He has already started two more classes and is working hard at them. At YISS, Jarrod has moved into a long-term sub position which is now transitioning into being the regular classroom teacher for Ancient World History. As you can imagine, this adds a lot of work to his plate - but he is still making special time for his family. This quarter he was able to lead another Life Study Group, this time it was on the life of Peter. Jarrod was able to interact with a small group of high school students on a weekly basis to teach and challenge them in their walk of faith. The highlight of this quarter, though, was Spiritual Emphasis Week, where a special speaker and an illusionist were brought in to YISS to really challenge the students. On the last day, the speaker gave a to-the-point invitation to make Jesus their Lord/get right with God - and students responded! It was powerful! There were many students throughout the gym who were convicted. Jarrod got to be part of the follow-up and talked with several freshman boys who wanted to be serious about being a Christian. He also had a conversation with some juniors about what it means to live for Christ in everything. The Spirit was moving - Praise the Lord! Now in Ancient World History, Jarrod is getting ready to teach about the Reformation. He is hoping that God will use the material (and him as he teaches) as more opportunity for the Spirit of God to move in the lives of these students.
Stephanie continues to be busy at home with two active children.
Emmalyn turned 1 and officially became a toddler. She is using sign language more to communicate (especially eat, all done, sleep, and please) and follows commands well - so we know that she understands what we say to her. She LOVES going outside, climbing on whatever she can reach, waving at anyone who passes her by, following Marc around to play with whatever he has, and eating food (sometimes I think she can out-eat all of us!).
Marc also had his 3rd birthday and is enjoying playing games like matching, "Goodnight Moon game" or Go Fish! He has been struggling with different illnesses off and on since Christmastime, but Marc has such a good attitude (most of the time :) - he doesn't let it get him down! Marc has really started to enjoy reading and watching the Berenstain Bears - which teaches great lessons that we often refer to at those ever important "teachable moments". He is a very caring big brother and "Mommy's helper", but understandably doesn't appreciate when Emmalyn takes his toys or knocks over his blocks. He loves playing with friends and is learning to ride his new tricycle.
At our weekly playgroup, Stephanie and the other leaders have been really encouraged lately from some "fruit" that we have seen in the ministry. Two ladies recently started going to church (at the church where we hold the playgroup..) with their kids - having never been to church before. We had the opportunity to pray with one of the ladies before playgroup - which she said was her first prayer. It is exciting to see God move in the lives of women and families that we invest in each week both relationally and through planned activities!
God is moving in our family as well, literally! Our big news for this quarter is that we are expecting our third child this coming October! It is a delightful surprise, one that we (especially Stephanie!) are still trying to wrap our minds around - but each visit to the doctor makes it more real. It seems like we are just getting used to having TWO - so the thought of THREE kids is hard to imagine. There are so many things to be thankful for. We are so thankful that so far this pregnancy has been healthy, that we will have the same doctor deliver our child as for the previous two, that we could hear the baby's heart beat and see the baby wiggle around, that Marc and Emmalyn get to be older siblings, that there is a 9 month gestation period... ;) Really, our hearts are full that God would give us the privilege of raising another child.
Your prayers for us are appreciated! Please write and let us know how we can be praying for you.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created." James 1:17-18
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