December 31, 2010
November 22, 2010
Volleyball Season Summary 2010
Our school's regular season for fall sports ended during the last week of October. By this time, we two coaches had already had countless talks about our team over dinners and during bus and taxi rides from practices. It was a bonding experience to coach together, and we hope we also showed a positive family image to our players--many of whom have absent parents (because of heavy work schedules).
Mika and Coby were able to travel with us to all of our games. They were very popular with the girls on our team and provided great entertainment! One of our players calls Coby "Kanji" (a close sound to his middle name "Kenji")--"Kanji" means "cool stuff" in Korean.
We entered the end-of-the-season tournament hoping to place in the top three but fell short of that goal. It was a disappointing weekend because we all knew our team could play better than it did. However, there was a highlight. Mark's birthday was on the first day of the tournament, and the girls and Malia planned a surprise for him--complete with cake, balloons, and a spray can of fake snow.
A week later, Mark took 9 of our players to a larger tournament in Japan. Against the odds, our team rose to the challenge, came together with a commitment to excellence, and won almost all of the 14 games they played. They came in third place--the highest our school had ever placed at this tournament. When they returned to Seoul, the whole school was buzzing with the news, and the team was beaming with pride.
We are both extremely proud of the girls, but Mark deserves most praise for their accomplishments this season. His dedication to their improvement was evident from the start. He emphasized commitment, prioritizing (with God, family, and school above volleyball), and a "go-go-go" spirit. He was head coach--and a good one. Malia came alongside him as the assistant and was continually impressed by his insight and excitement with the sport.
As we taught them skills and strategies, we also modeled passion, leadership, and teamwork. This was our ministry, and we pray we handled it with grace and goodness. We are so thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord in this way from August through November and look forward to working further with these ladies in the off season and into next year.
Mika and Coby were able to travel with us to all of our games. They were very popular with the girls on our team and provided great entertainment! One of our players calls Coby "Kanji" (a close sound to his middle name "Kenji")--"Kanji" means "cool stuff" in Korean.
We entered the end-of-the-season tournament hoping to place in the top three but fell short of that goal. It was a disappointing weekend because we all knew our team could play better than it did. However, there was a highlight. Mark's birthday was on the first day of the tournament, and the girls and Malia planned a surprise for him--complete with cake, balloons, and a spray can of fake snow.
A week later, Mark took 9 of our players to a larger tournament in Japan. Against the odds, our team rose to the challenge, came together with a commitment to excellence, and won almost all of the 14 games they played. They came in third place--the highest our school had ever placed at this tournament. When they returned to Seoul, the whole school was buzzing with the news, and the team was beaming with pride.
We are both extremely proud of the girls, but Mark deserves most praise for their accomplishments this season. His dedication to their improvement was evident from the start. He emphasized commitment, prioritizing (with God, family, and school above volleyball), and a "go-go-go" spirit. He was head coach--and a good one. Malia came alongside him as the assistant and was continually impressed by his insight and excitement with the sport.
As we taught them skills and strategies, we also modeled passion, leadership, and teamwork. This was our ministry, and we pray we handled it with grace and goodness. We are so thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord in this way from August through November and look forward to working further with these ladies in the off season and into next year.
October 10, 2010
Coaching Volleyball and Visiting Bangkok
August and September 2010 Update
Soon after we arrived in Seoul, we both began coaching varsity girls volleyball at Mark's school. Our team has 12 girls from all four grades of high school--they are an excellent group! We had them over to our new apartment for a pre-season pizza party and got to know them a bit better. The season, which started in mid-August, continues until the beginning of November. We pray that our time with these ladies will positively impact them toward better decision-making and godly desires.
Mika and Coby have enjoyed playing with student babysitters while we coach every day. They have great attitudes (both our kids and the sitters), and we are blessed by the arrangement.
Besides coaching, Mark has been busy with first quarter teaching and technology integration at the school. Modern Mango websites also require much attention.
For our Chusok holiday in mid-September, we flew to Bangkok to reconnect with our friends and church there. It was an excellent time! We love the people there and enjoy any time we get to spend with them.
Praises and Prayer Requests
~We are so thankful for our new-to-us apartment! It's better suited for us all, especially the kids.
~Coaching volleyball is a great ministry for us both!
~We were so blessed to visit Thailand and reconnect with people there.
~The changing season is a wonderful relief from the heat, but it is causing many colds amongst our friends. Please pray that Malia's cold heals soon and that the rest of the family may be spared from the sickness.
Soon after we arrived in Seoul, we both began coaching varsity girls volleyball at Mark's school. Our team has 12 girls from all four grades of high school--they are an excellent group! We had them over to our new apartment for a pre-season pizza party and got to know them a bit better. The season, which started in mid-August, continues until the beginning of November. We pray that our time with these ladies will positively impact them toward better decision-making and godly desires.
Mika and Coby have enjoyed playing with student babysitters while we coach every day. They have great attitudes (both our kids and the sitters), and we are blessed by the arrangement.
Besides coaching, Mark has been busy with first quarter teaching and technology integration at the school. Modern Mango websites also require much attention.
For our Chusok holiday in mid-September, we flew to Bangkok to reconnect with our friends and church there. It was an excellent time! We love the people there and enjoy any time we get to spend with them.
Praises and Prayer Requests
~We are so thankful for our new-to-us apartment! It's better suited for us all, especially the kids.
~Coaching volleyball is a great ministry for us both!
~We were so blessed to visit Thailand and reconnect with people there.
~The changing season is a wonderful relief from the heat, but it is causing many colds amongst our friends. Please pray that Malia's cold heals soon and that the rest of the family may be spared from the sickness.
August 12, 2010
Hawaiian Summer & Return to Korea
July 2010 Update
After PFO, we took a ridiculous route back to Hawaii! We flew from Memphis to Detroit to Seoul to Honolulu. As you can imagine, we were quite exhausted when we finally reached the Aloha State--but beautiful weather, eager family members, and a few weeks of rest awaited us.
While staying on Oahu, Mark was able to video a wedding with Malia's brothers and concentrate more on his classes. We were also thrilled to spend many days in the sand and ocean water. (Mika loves playing at the beach!)
At the end of the month, we packed up and flew west back to Seoul. (This was Mika's last flight as a lap child.) Our new apartment awaited us there, and we are excited and grateful for how it better accommodates our young family! Hot weather also welcomed us back!
Mark's school year begins soon, and we are excited about this upcoming semester in Korea.
Praises & Prayer Requests:
~We are so thankful for our time in Hawaii!
~Our apartment in Seoul is so much better for us!
~We begin coaching varsity volleyball together in August. Please pray that we use our influence as coaches to motivate our team toward better decisions and ultimately toward a growing relationship with Christ.
~Please pray for Mark as he takes on twice as many students as last year in his computer classes.
After PFO, we took a ridiculous route back to Hawaii! We flew from Memphis to Detroit to Seoul to Honolulu. As you can imagine, we were quite exhausted when we finally reached the Aloha State--but beautiful weather, eager family members, and a few weeks of rest awaited us.
While staying on Oahu, Mark was able to video a wedding with Malia's brothers and concentrate more on his classes. We were also thrilled to spend many days in the sand and ocean water. (Mika loves playing at the beach!)
At the end of the month, we packed up and flew west back to Seoul. (This was Mika's last flight as a lap child.) Our new apartment awaited us there, and we are excited and grateful for how it better accommodates our young family! Hot weather also welcomed us back!
Mark's school year begins soon, and we are excited about this upcoming semester in Korea.
Praises & Prayer Requests:
~We are so thankful for our time in Hawaii!
~Our apartment in Seoul is so much better for us!
~We begin coaching varsity volleyball together in August. Please pray that we use our influence as coaches to motivate our team toward better decisions and ultimately toward a growing relationship with Christ.
~Please pray for Mark as he takes on twice as many students as last year in his computer classes.
June 30, 2010
Visiting Family & Attending PFO
June 2010 Update
June marked the start of our two-month vacation, and we were ready for it! We started out in Hawaii with Malia's family and enjoyed barbecues and days at the beach and zoo. On the 8th, we flew to Oregon to visit Mark's family. Together, we drove to the coast, hiked to waterfalls, and shopped at outlet malls. After a week, we drove up to Seattle to visit Malia's aunt and her family. There, we enjoyed visiting a science center, seeing an Imax movie in 3D, and celebrating Father's Day by eating pho.
On June 21, we flew to Memphis to attend the Pre-Field Orientation for NICS. For two weeks, we were blessed to hear challenging and insightful seminars on culture shock/stress, TCKs, and educational strategies. While we learned, our kids were taken care of by volunteers at the church--and they had so much fun! Even though this conference was physically draining (stretching from 8 until 5 every day), we appreciate all the knowledge gleaned and the friendships made. Our hearts are renewed in our passions for overseas mission work, and we are excited to return to Seoul and do what God has for us there.
Praises and prayer requests:
~We are so thankful to be able to visit family this summer.
~Mark is teaching an online class for YISS and must find time to complete his planning and grading each day.
~Mark is also taking an online graduate class, which certainly demands time and work.
~At the end of this month, Mika and Coby are both fighting illnesses. Please pray that they heal quickly and return to their usual joyful selves.
June marked the start of our two-month vacation, and we were ready for it! We started out in Hawaii with Malia's family and enjoyed barbecues and days at the beach and zoo. On the 8th, we flew to Oregon to visit Mark's family. Together, we drove to the coast, hiked to waterfalls, and shopped at outlet malls. After a week, we drove up to Seattle to visit Malia's aunt and her family. There, we enjoyed visiting a science center, seeing an Imax movie in 3D, and celebrating Father's Day by eating pho.
On June 21, we flew to Memphis to attend the Pre-Field Orientation for NICS. For two weeks, we were blessed to hear challenging and insightful seminars on culture shock/stress, TCKs, and educational strategies. While we learned, our kids were taken care of by volunteers at the church--and they had so much fun! Even though this conference was physically draining (stretching from 8 until 5 every day), we appreciate all the knowledge gleaned and the friendships made. Our hearts are renewed in our passions for overseas mission work, and we are excited to return to Seoul and do what God has for us there.
Praises and prayer requests:
~We are so thankful to be able to visit family this summer.
~Mark is teaching an online class for YISS and must find time to complete his planning and grading each day.
~Mark is also taking an online graduate class, which certainly demands time and work.
~At the end of this month, Mika and Coby are both fighting illnesses. Please pray that they heal quickly and return to their usual joyful selves.
May 30, 2010
Preparing for Summer
May Update 2010
This last month of the school year of was full of preparation for summer. As Mark finished up his classes, Malia spent days organizing the house. Mika, thinking she could help, looked through boxes as well--but she did more unpacking than packing. By May 30, we had all our belongings in boxes (to be moved to our new apartment in our absence) and were ready for a long break.
Early in the month, though, we faced the frightening return of Mika's seizures. We realize now that she may suffer from these fever-induced convulsions for a few more years and hope that we can keep her temperatures down so as to prevent them. Even though we know the episodes do not cause brain damage, they are still terrifying for both her and us.
After our first year in Korea, we are thankful for what growth we can now identify in our lives. Through the challenges, our Lord has been faithful, and we have grown closer as a family. We look forward to our summer of traveling!
Praises and prayer requests:
~We will be visiting family in Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington during June!
~Our organization (NICS) hosts a missions conference in Tennessee, and we'll be attending it at the end of June. Please pray for open hearts to receive and serve.
April 30, 2010
Returning to Thailand
April 2010 Update
For spring break, we packed our family of four into two airplane seats and flew to Bangkok, Thailand. Although Mark had been back to visit in 2009, this trip would be the first time for our whole family to return to this beloved country and reconnect with our friends there. In addition, we were bringing our two children to meet everyone as well. As we landed in Bangkok, Malia felt tears in her eyes. We love Thailand.
Our visit was filled with fun moments, good friends, and excellent food. For the first few days, we stayed with our students' (Joei and Joanne's) family in their house then moved to an apartment they have in Parkland, which is the same apartment complex where we lived in 2007 and 2008. Quickly, we reconnected with friends from International Community School, Newsong Bangkok (our church), and Parkland (our neighbors). Mika and Coby had so much fun enjoying the heat, the grass, and the constant attention. While there, Coby also gifted us with his first coo!
When we returned to Seoul, Mika unfortunately fought two serious sicknesses: croup and the stomach flu. Our friends tell us that she is at the age to build up immunities, but it is still difficult to see her so miserable! We pray that she will quickly toughen up to the sicknesses floating around in Seoul, which happens to be quite a polluted city.
At school, Mark continued guiding his students through impressive projects with computers, film, and design. At one art event, his students were able to display their self-designed T-shirts. A number of his students also entered a film festival with their class projects, claiming awards for their excellent work. One particular student won the top award for Korea and went on to win another international award as well!
At home, Malia is finding the rhythm to raising two kids. We are so grateful for how Malika loves her brother Coby. She wants to play with him when he's happy and comfort him when he's sad. It's amazing to watch her naturally slide into the role of older sister.
Praises and Prayer Requests:
~We pray that Mika will soon recover from her sicknesses and stay well.
~Coby is doing better at night and will hopefully be sleeping through soon.
~Mark and Malia are beginning to prepare for their summer traveling.
For spring break, we packed our family of four into two airplane seats and flew to Bangkok, Thailand. Although Mark had been back to visit in 2009, this trip would be the first time for our whole family to return to this beloved country and reconnect with our friends there. In addition, we were bringing our two children to meet everyone as well. As we landed in Bangkok, Malia felt tears in her eyes. We love Thailand.
Our visit was filled with fun moments, good friends, and excellent food. For the first few days, we stayed with our students' (Joei and Joanne's) family in their house then moved to an apartment they have in Parkland, which is the same apartment complex where we lived in 2007 and 2008. Quickly, we reconnected with friends from International Community School, Newsong Bangkok (our church), and Parkland (our neighbors). Mika and Coby had so much fun enjoying the heat, the grass, and the constant attention. While there, Coby also gifted us with his first coo!
When we returned to Seoul, Mika unfortunately fought two serious sicknesses: croup and the stomach flu. Our friends tell us that she is at the age to build up immunities, but it is still difficult to see her so miserable! We pray that she will quickly toughen up to the sicknesses floating around in Seoul, which happens to be quite a polluted city.
At school, Mark continued guiding his students through impressive projects with computers, film, and design. At one art event, his students were able to display their self-designed T-shirts. A number of his students also entered a film festival with their class projects, claiming awards for their excellent work. One particular student won the top award for Korea and went on to win another international award as well!
At home, Malia is finding the rhythm to raising two kids. We are so grateful for how Malika loves her brother Coby. She wants to play with him when he's happy and comfort him when he's sad. It's amazing to watch her naturally slide into the role of older sister.
Praises and Prayer Requests:
~We pray that Mika will soon recover from her sicknesses and stay well.
~Coby is doing better at night and will hopefully be sleeping through soon.
~Mark and Malia are beginning to prepare for their summer traveling.
March 30, 2010
Family from Hawaii Visits
March 2010 Update
Our March was filled with visits from our Hawaii ohana. On the 5th, Mark picked up Malia's mom, Adela Rhoades, from the Incheon airport, and she stayed two weeks with us. Her help with the kids and our home was priceless! We were able to rest as well as go out on a date. While she was here, Mark's school even had a snow day, so he, Mom, and Mika went sightseeing at a famous temple--to see it covered in fresh snow. We also brought her to our home church, out to shop for souvenirs, and to walk down by the Han River.
Malia's brother Chris arrived just as her mom was leaving. He spent hours playing with our energetic Malika, and she loved it all! Chris also visited Mark's school and served as a guest speaker, teaching about film and editing. He and Malia also went out to Myeongdong (the famous shopping district) and Seoul Tower, which overlooks the city. His help during Mark's absence was so valuable!
For eleven days at the end of the month, Mark was in Singapore at a conference. He was awarded as a distinguished educator by Apple, and the awardees came together for a week-long collaboration of ideas. This was an incredible honor and privilege!
We are so grateful for the help given us this month and the honor given to Mark as a computer teacher!
Our March was filled with visits from our Hawaii ohana. On the 5th, Mark picked up Malia's mom, Adela Rhoades, from the Incheon airport, and she stayed two weeks with us. Her help with the kids and our home was priceless! We were able to rest as well as go out on a date. While she was here, Mark's school even had a snow day, so he, Mom, and Mika went sightseeing at a famous temple--to see it covered in fresh snow. We also brought her to our home church, out to shop for souvenirs, and to walk down by the Han River.
Malia's brother Chris arrived just as her mom was leaving. He spent hours playing with our energetic Malika, and she loved it all! Chris also visited Mark's school and served as a guest speaker, teaching about film and editing. He and Malia also went out to Myeongdong (the famous shopping district) and Seoul Tower, which overlooks the city. His help during Mark's absence was so valuable!
For eleven days at the end of the month, Mark was in Singapore at a conference. He was awarded as a distinguished educator by Apple, and the awardees came together for a week-long collaboration of ideas. This was an incredible honor and privilege!
We are so grateful for the help given us this month and the honor given to Mark as a computer teacher!
February 27, 2010
Coby Maxwell Kenji Heil is Here!
February 2010 Update
February--a life-changing month! We entered it as a family of 3 and exited as 4. Coby Maxwell Kenji Heil was born on Thursday, the 11th, at 6:57pm at SoonchunHyang University Hospital in Hannamdong, Seoul, Korea. He was 2.8 kilograms and 52 cm long. We thank the Lord for his safe delivery and the incredible joy he brings us and everyone who meets him.
Just one week prior to his birth, we found out through a routine ultrasound that he was a breech baby. Initially, we began to fear for his safety and Malia's; however, this complication quickly transformed into a platform for prayer. We prayed constantly for Coby, for Malia, and for the doctor and nurses who were still planning for a normal delivery. People began lifting us up as well and encouraging us, for which we will always be grateful. Then, on February 9, Malia returned to the doctor for another checkup, and the doctor surprisingly discovered that Coby had turned over! He was so shocked that we knew this was an act of our merciful and caring Father. Malia was almost 39 weeks pregnant, and it had been highly unlikely that our baby boy would have room to turn. We thank God that Malia was able to give birth naturally and without complications or health risks. Now, three weeks later, both mom and baby are doing so well!
Since the birth of our son, we've spent much time bonding as a family. Coby was born during a four-day weekend celebrating the lunar new year, so we were able to spend extra time together at home. In addition, Mark's school graciously gives paternity leave to its employees, which has been especially helpful as we adjust to having a newborn in the house. Malika just loves her little brother and often hugs and kisses him. It's heartwarming to watch.
As we enter March, we look forward to having guests visit from Hawaii: Malia's mom and brother Chris! We're so thankful that they are willing to come to Korea and help with our two young children. Family is such a blessing! We just keep praising God for how He has blessed us with our kids, with our extended families back in America, and with our family here in Seoul who has surrounded us with love and support throughout this month.
Praises & Prayer Requests:
~We're so thankful that Coby and Malia are healthy!
~Praise God that Adela and Chris Rhoades are able to visit with us and help with the kids in March.
~Please pray for Mark as he attends a technology conference in Singapore during the third weekend of March.
~Please pray for Malia as she begins her new job with curriculum research and development.
January 27, 2010
Refreshing Reconnections
We began our 2010 in Lahaina, Maui, where we were vacationing with the Rhoades family. While there, we were blessed to relax through surfing, seeing the sunset from Haleakala, visiting relatives, reading, and just reflecting on the Lord's goodness to us in 2009.
Upon returning to Oahu, we had a few days to see family and friends (and favorite restaurants) before flying to Korea for the second half of the school year. Mark preceded Malia in the traveling by a few days, and we prayed much for her flight with Mika and being eight months pregnant. The Lord answered our prayers for an extra seat on both flights, and Mika was able to sit in her carseat for much of the twelve hours of air time. (We also walked up and down the aisles numerous times.)
Snow welcomed us back to Seoul! We also enjoyed returning to our community of friends both at the school and at our church. Mark jumped back into teaching and discipling his students at YISS, and Malia began her new job: working from home on curriculum development. She is excited about conducting and managing research with her business partners around the world. We're so grateful for the work we have and the opportunities available to influence others through these connections.Because this month brought with it the symptoms of late pregnancy for Malia, we have spent extra hours at home together. We value this family time as we eagerly await the arrival of our son in mid-February. Malika just grows and grows...and she's developed some new "tricks": 1) When the neighbor dog barks, she barks back, 2) she bows and prays after us, and 3) she leads us around by the hand when she wants us to accompany her somewhere. She is such entertainment, and we're very blessed with her cheerfulness.
Praises & Prayer Requests
~We're so grateful for our restful stay in Hawaii and the safe return to Korea.
~Praise God that Malia is able to work from home on something she enjoys!
~Mark was honored to counsel 5 students during his school's Spiritual Emphasis Week. Please pray that they continue to follow the Lord and remain accountable to Mark.
~Please pray with us for a safe delivery of our son in February.
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