December 31, 2009

2009 Newsletter

2009 Heil Newsletter

December 18, 2009

Dec 2010 Update

December 15, 2009
The month of Christmas brought with it the winter trademark we've missed for seven years: SNOW. Even though Mika didn't seem so impressed with it, we both were thrilled to witness its first fall, despite how little it stuck to the ground. However, the second half of our month will be in a tropical climate as we join our family in Hawaii to celebrate the coming of our Savior. We're excited to relax, reconnect, and enjoy others' reactions to all of Mika's new tricks.

Early in the month, we experienced a frightening emergency when Mika's fever caused febrile seizures--we rushed her to the ER. Prayer and support rose up around us in Seoul and around the world; we felt God's comfort just when we needed it most. After this terrifying episode, we now look at our daughter with a renewed sense of appreciation: She is such a gift. We love her so much and must cherish every moment we have with her. Thank you to everyone who joined us in prayer on that day. She is now completely back to her normal self without any permanent damage--praise the Lord.

This year, 2009, will soon close, and we look back upon it with amazement. God has done so much in our lives in the past 12 months: we have been challenged, tried, and stretched. Most importantly though, we have learned. We pray now that what we've gained will not only expand our vision but also enhance our witness...both here in Seoul and also around the world as we connect with others (like you) daily.

Praises and Prayer Requests:
-We're thrilled that Mika is completely recovered from her sickness.
-We're excited about vacationing with family in Hawaii over our winter break.
-Please pray for safe flights to and from Hawaii, especially for Malia as she travels alone with Mika.

November 27, 2009

Adjusting to Culture and Cold


November 2009 
The cold has set in here in Seoul, and even Mark’s Wisconsin-bred blood requires a coat for warmth! With temperatures hovering around freezing, we find ourselves indoors almost constantly, enjoying the floor heat in our villa and our family time together in the evenings. Our coaching is on hold as we now prepare for our second-born to come in just three months—February 20! 
As the holidays approach, we’ve enjoyed some excellent fellowship with our friends. Malia’s dad dropped in again early in the month on his way to Taiwan for humanitarian work, and we enjoyed visiting with him for three fun-filled days. Our Bible study group continues to meet and challenge each other in the Word, and on one Tuesday, we went out to eat Vietnamese pho. On the 14th, Mark joined with other teachers from YISS to play in the Turkey Bowl (a soccer match). For Thanksgiving weekend, our family joined three others for an excursion outside of Seoul and into the mountains. We rented a cabin for one night and enjoyed the fresh air, barbecued meat, and smores made over a campfire. Upon our return to the city, we joined up with our church family for a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal of steak, noodles, and salmon—it was delicious!  
Mark made a weekend trip to Nagoya, Japan in mid-November to run workshops on technology for a fellow NICS school there. We’re thrilled and humbled that his expertise is recognized and utilized by our mission organization, and the trip afforded him the opportunity to indulge in tasty Japanese food too—a bonus! 
We have much to be thankful for this year—our health, our coming baby, Mika’s development, our fun marriage, our placement in Korea, the prayer support from you, and God’s continuing guidance. As we still look for part-time jobs and/or financial support, we know that the Lord will be with us in this search too, for He has never let us down. 
Praises and Prayer Requests:
~Malia’s pregnancy is going well! Third trimester now begins…
~Mika is walking so confidently and energetically.
~We look forward to spending Christmas with family in Hawaii. Please pray for safe travels in December.