Friday, May 23, 2008

American BBQ in Korea


I had great plans to update the blog with all kinds of pictures the night before I left Korea. BUT, after running around outside barefoot, I ended up taking a late trip to the ER for stitches instead. I always said the last think I wanted to do in Korea was go to their emergency rooms, but God decided to surprise me the very last night! Korean emergency rooms are a lot more open, less private, less strict, less sanitary, etc. than their American counterparts so it was an interesting experience to say the least.

So anyway, I am now posting the pictures we have from the last two weeks I was in Korea. They were very full weeks especially because of Mom returning to the U.S. for a few days and then Dad having surgery. (Dad's knee is doing well - they were not able to reach the problem arthroscopically so they ended up having to do invasive surgery. We were disappointed and a little nervous about recovery, but God has taken care of his leg. Thank you for your prayers; God definitely answered them!)

The last Sunday I was there, all three American families decided to have a BBQ outside. We bought hot dogs and marshmallows at Costco, and Dad set up his little grill and built a fire in his garden area. We sat around the fire, made s'mores, and sang songs for a long time. Thankfully, Korea is still cold enough to be able to enjoy a fire at night. (Back here in Orlando is a totally different story!

Stephen attempts to roast a football

All the kids in the American families (plus a few Korean friends)

The chefs :)

My sisters have loved having Soyoung, who is a home schooler, living in the same apartment building together. They play with each other almost every day.

I will continue to post more pictures (in small increments) over the next several days. I will also try to have Gabe post some current pictures of the family as they wrap up co-ops.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Korean Folk Village

Before the family goes home, Mom wanted to see a famous traditional Korean village near our home. So, all of the family (except myself - I had a history class to teach) spent Wednesday afternoon, my mom's birthday, at the village.
Break dancing - traditional Korean style
How do people learn these things?
These birds are some of the only wildlife you'll ever see in Korea (at least, where we live). Although, there are some pretty exciting creatures in the nearest grocery store...
Angie and Julie enjoyed trotting on the horses
This cannot possibly be comfortable...
Every village has to have its kimchi!
Someone forgot to run their English by a native speaker. The English is actually a direct translation from the Korean which helps explain one of the reasons Korean is so hard for us - it doesn't make sense!
The ribbons are tied to their hats. I wonder how they did this without becoming dizzy?
Try this trick with a sibling...all you need is a see-saw and a partner who can jump on the other end for you!

Back at home for cake

Mom

According to tradition, I need to publish a post dedicated specifically to my mom since she had her birthday on Wednesday. However, I am a little intimidated by the task since I really have no idea where to start. What can I say that would ever say enough?
If it were not enough to have 9 children, my mom has also home schooled every one of us. If that were not enough, my mom has been willing to uproot her home in Florida and relocate to the other side of the world to add serving in a ministry to her already overwhelming home responsibilities. My mom has dedicated her life to raising godly children and being a "keeper at home" (Titus 2:5).
We love you, Mom, and we are so grateful for you. For all the work for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake that you have done and will continue to do, I know you "will receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (I Peter 5:4) That is the best thanks I can give you!
"Her children rise up and call her blessed." Proverbs 31:28

Still holding hands after 28 years of marriage!

"A virtuous woman is a CROWN to her husband." -Proverbs 12:4