Everland

Our co-op gave our family a Christmas gift of tickets to Everland, Korea's largest theme park. We went on Saturday and enjoyed the experience of a Korean theme park although there were a few rides that made me feel like an egg omelet inside (of course, my brothers liked those the best).

We are enjoying our brief time together as a whole family, but Christmas day, Susanna came down with the flu, and it has been going around the family since then. So far, 5 of us have gotten it, but we are praying the rest of us will stay strong. We'd appreciate prayer for continued health...




Trying to stay warm on one of the coldest days of the year

Prepared for our "4-D" show

All 12 of us!

There were lots of rides that were perfect for Angie and Julie - and me, too! :)

Mom and her trusty map - she never went anywhere without consulting it

Christmas in Korea

Though we always miss holidays in the U.S., Christmas this year was extra special for several reasons. First, Christa and Darrell joined us on Tuesday, and it has been great to have all twelve of us together. Second, we had a fun time opening the special presents we received from the girls (and families) at New Life; each gift was perfect for each person. And third, we received some completely unexpected holiday foods from a friend of my grandparents whose son is stationed at the American air force base here which meant real cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, turkey, cheesecake, etc.
We are continally grateful for the support we receive from all our friends back home. When you are feeling lonely and a bit isolated in a foreign land, it means a lot to have people who care about you. Not to mention the fact that my little sisters LOVED opening their presents! :) Our family has a tradition of praying for each giver before we open the gift so we prayed for all of you on Christmas morning. We love you all!
The entrance to our apartment complex













Our unique Christmas tree, compliments of my brothers (it lost quite a few needles when Gabe accidently knocked it over!)
Our traditional Christmas donuts - Dad has made them every year for as long as I can remember.


Breakfast time!


Sitting on the "trash pile" before we set out on our afternoon hike

Seoul at Night

Last Saturday night (yeah, I'm behind!) after an electric violin concert with the rest of the family, Judah, Jared, Gabe, Susanna, and I did some walking around Seoul to see the Christmas lights. Although Christmas is a small holiday here (everything stays open), Seoul definitely goes all out with the lights!

7-11 - not attached to a gas station here :)

Due to the fact that I am NOT going to pay 5,500 won for a small frappucino, I'm afraid I will never buy anything at Starbucks in Korea. Instead, I'll just enjoy the picture.

Hyundai BigMac Pine Lead

Waiting for our turn during telephone charades - this is my favorite picture. Julianna took it and lopped off a few heads, but at least Judah's enormous tongue made it into the shot...

Friday night, we had all the high schoolers over for my birthday, and as you can see from the pictures, we had quite the time! If I come home in January, I will really miss these people. Koreans are initially shy, but once they warm up to you, they are characters. Thankfully, that means we all fit right in...
Group picture in front of the Christmas tree

We had the best time playing telephone charades - so much laughing! Here, Judah and I dispute what they could possibly be acting out...

Yep, it was funny! I wanted to video tape, but, of course, could not find the camera.
Judah wowing the audience with his amazing acting skills *cough, cough*
Any guesses? Try "pro-wrestler"

Gabe enjoys the RARE event of an empty bus
Eating lunch at the top of Shinsegae - a very nice department store where we went to a movie

Spoons with a twist - all the spoons are behind you.

Ha ha ;)