Fall Playgroup Newsletter

The autumn edition of Naptime Reader hit the tables at playgroup on November 28. This issue included even more writers and broadened our content to include resources for toddlers and preschoolers online. As we enter the holiday season, this newsletter also served as a means to remind our community about the meaning of Christmas and the Christ whom we celebrate.

If you'd like to read this newsletter, please click on the image and open the PDF file on our website. Thank you!

'12 NOV: Giving Thanks

We have much to be thankful for this year as we celebrate Thanksgiving. It's the 7th time we have been abroad during this holiday, and each year, we have come together with friends to fellowship over a traditional American meal. It's actually an event we prepare for months in advance, bringing certain foods back from the States to be made alongside a turkey (bought from the nearby American army base). The food and friends on this day make being away from family a bit easier as we head into the Christmas season.


Turkey Bowl



We are thankful for a good volleyball season. November is our tournament month, and we played hard both in Seoul and Daegu. Saying goodbye to our team was bittersweet. We have formed a bond with these 13 players but are glad to rest from the busyness that comes with coaching a varsity sport. We continue to see most of our team, though, during the open-gym volleyball we host once a week--a way to upkeep our connections and encourage physical discipline in the off season.



Thankfulness Party at Playgroup



We are thankful for our school and the friendships we have with others in our international community. Mark played in the Turkey Bowl, an annual soccer game of staff players versus a team of dads (from the school). He was also able to get together with others to play basketball at least once a week. Malia arranged playdates with other stay-at-home moms, continued to help with the international playgroup, and managed the ladies' book club. It's so encouraging to have a number of friends who are in a similiar season of life (young kids, overseas, etc.).

We are thankful for the upcoming winter and the vacation we anticipate. The cold is upon us, but we are excited about the change in weather and the events in our near future. Christmas programs and concerts are going on at the school, parties are in preparation, and our trip to the States is getting closer and closer.

And we are so thankful for each other. Our children are wild and joyous and kind, and we praise the Lord for our marriage.

God is faithful and near and good. We are blessed.

Praises:
-Health
-Bible studies
-Family

Prayer Requests:
-Mark is leading a new small group, teaching them about spiritual leadership in a sports' setting.
-Awana
-Seoul International Playgroup

'12 OCT: Pursue the Ball

Our October was filled with volleyball. Each afternoon was either a practice or a game, and we charged into this ministry as a family. The kids came along to every event, cheering in the stands or playing near the practice courts, and our team appreciated and looked forward to interacting with Mika, Coby, and Kona Mae.

Our volleyball theme has been "One Mind, One Voice" for three years now, and that is taken from Romans 15:5-6, which says, "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is one of our main goals to teach our players unity and teamwork--both on and off the court. This year, an added emphasis to our coaching was the need to be ready, expectant, and intentional. Mark would often remind the team to "pursue the ball." Likening this to everyday life, and specifically to one's spiritual walk, we all need to be alert. It's easy to become lazy and let life happen, but God wants us to live with purpose. We must all pursue Christ, and in so doing also strive toward sanctification and close relationships.

We thank God for our ministry of coaching. The season ends in mid-November after two big tournaments.

Although volleyball was our main focus this fall, we have experienced some amazing family moments as we've explored more of Seoul and enjoyed our children's developments. Late in this month, we had a fun evening of celebration at Mark's school. It had an island theme, and Malia was asked to dance hula at the event. Mika stole the show, however, when she joined her mom on stage and mimicked her movements with surprising accuracy. She did a terrific job, and this is a memory we will cherish forever!

Praises:
-An injury-free regular season of volleyball
-Closeness as a family--we do not take it for granted!

Prayer requests:
-Continued balance of work and grad school for Mark
-AWANA as we continue volunteering as leaders
-The international playgroup has a few special events planned over the next 2 months to celebrate harvest, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Please pray for wisdom in planning and boldness in teaching the gospel.

'12 SEPT: Retreat & Wedding

We began our September with a birthday party for Mika. She was so excited to have her friends over for kimbap, cupcakes, and playtime. I thought it very appropriate that she received a number of books this year, as she is learning her letters now (along with Coby).

In the middle of the month, we headed to the beach for our school retreat. It was an amazing weekend of rest and fellowship. Mika and Coby danced with their friends in the ocean waves, and we all caught a glimpse of pure beauty in the sunsets. It was truly a retreat--a time to refocus and get to know those with whom we work, minister, and live alongside.

On September 29, Malia's younger brother Jon got married! We felt so privileged to be able to attend. Mark served as a groomsman, and Mika did a fantastic job as a flower girl. Our short visit to Hawaii also allowed the ohana there to meet Kona Mae. We were even able to have a barbecue/potluck at the park at which we publicly dedicated our baby girl to the Lord.

In Seoul, our volleyball season continues through October and the first week of November. The leaves are beginning to change color, and the air carries a crispness, a taste of the cold that is to come. We love fall weather here and continue to thank God for our lives abroad.

Praises:
-Excellent rest on the school retreat and on our Hawaii trip
-A beautiful wedding ceremony for Jon and Hope Rhoades

Prayer Requests:
-The second half of our volleyball season: for continued influence and positive impact
-For health and balance: physically, emotionally, and spiritually

'12 AUG: School starts & Mika's B-day

For our family, school and volleyball season start simultaneously. Mark began teaching fall courses--Computer Applications and Digital Media--and the five of us began frequenting the gym after school for tryouts then practices. We have amazing babysitters who watch our children for us; Mika and Coby get excited when we tell them they get to play with these two high school girls for the afternoon. Kona Mae is an easy, even-tempered baby who adjusts nicely to our on-the-go mode.

Please pray for us as we coach. Our team has eleven players and two managers. We desire to be good examples for them--individually and as a family unit--and to teach them Biblical principles as we challenge them athletically.

The season is also a stretch for us as the evenings go long with late practices and games. Please pray that we will have endurance and discipline through September, October, and the first part of November.

In other news, the Seoul International Playgroup began meeting this month. Average attendance so far has been around 25 kids a week, and we're excited to see a number of new families coming. Malia will be working on the quarterly newsletter in the next month, to be published in October. Please pray for opportunities and courage to share the gospel with friends she meets through this playgroup.

Our big girl, Mika, had her fourth birthday at the end of the month. She has so much joy and energy--we are blessed with a compassionate and kindhearted little girl. If you'd like, you can read Malia's thoughts about Mika's growing older, posted on her other blog.

In September, we look forward to more of our volleyball season, our school's staff retreat, and a short trip to Hawaii to attend Malia's brother's wedding on September 29. We will also begin AWANA in the middle of the month. We're excited about all that's going on and loving doing things together as a family of five!

'12 JULY: Family Fun & Tech Conference

Our July was restful, fun, educational, and hot.

After the first few weeks of recovery (for Malia) and growth (for Konane), we were all ready to leave the house and do things together in Seoul. We took family outings to parks, malls, and a nearby amusement park, all the while enjoying the newness of managing three children instead of two.

From July 10 through 22, Malia's mom came to Seoul to visit and help. What a blessing and source of rest for us all! We had a few excursions, but most of her stay was spent playing with her grandkids and helping Malia sort and clean the apartment.

Meanwhile, Mark hopped on a plane to Ireland (July 14-22) for the global Apple Distinguished Educators conference. Having been chosen from thousands of applicants, Mark was honored to represent our school and host country of Korea, bringing with him his research on the digital footprint to contribute to the learning hub that collaborated ideas for the weeklong conference. On his last day, he was able to sightsee around Ireland's amazing countryside and coast then also tour Holland on his layover.

Soon after his return, we went by bus to the northeast city of Sokcho in Korea for a two-day family vacation at the beach. We all loved our time together at the ocean and in the mountains--what a blessing before having to start back to a rigorous routine for the fall semester of school.

At the very end of July, Malia's dad stopped in for a weekend layover, returning himself from humanitarian work in Southeast Asia. Our three kids exchanged much laughter with their grandpa, and we appreciate him making the trip to see us and meet Konane.

Our summer vacation is now over. Our friends are returning from their trips back to America (and other home countries). Volleyball is underway. School will begin soon. We praise God for our amazing time together in Korea over June and July!

Praises:
-We loved having Malia's parents visit.
-Mark had a successful trip to Ireland for his ADE conference.
-Mark's summer school classes have gone well, and he's been able to host a number of 'open gyms' to encourage fitness during the summer for our school's athletes.
-Konane continues to grow. She's quite chubby!
-We're so thankful we had two days at the beach to relax and enjoy the water and fresh air.

Prayer Requests:
-Our volleyball team is taking shape. We will soon jump into that busy season.
-The international playgroup with which Malia is involved will begin again in mid-August.
-We would appreciate prayer for all-around health for our family. Thank you!

'12 June: Kona's Birth!

Our lives changed early this month when our baby girl was born. Konane Mae Malulani Heil arrived at 8:11pm on June 10, 2012 at Soonchunhyeong University Hospital in Seoul, South Korea. We praise God for her safe delivery, for Malia's progress in recovery, and for the help of friends who babysat Mika and Coby during the hospital stay.

On June 13, family arrived from Hawaii to visit us and help with our transition with Kona. Malia's brother Chris and his wife Melanie stayed in Seoul for a week, venturing out with Mark and the older children to see the city, play at the parks, and eat various ethnic foods. We completely enjoyed their time with us and thank God for their willingness to make the trip to Korea to help.

As June came to a close, we reflected on how quickly the summer is passing for us. While we miss visiting the states as in past summers, we're very grateful for the time we have together in Seoul now to build the unity of our family of five. Also, being here has allowed Mark to be more involved with the summer school course he is teaching and to host numerous volleyball open gyms for athletes we expect to be on our team in the fall.

Thank you for your prayers! We are so thankful for God's blessings and His faithfulness.

Praises:
-Kona Mae!
-A great visit with Malia's brother and sister-in-law
-Much opportunity for our family to enjoy time together in Seoul

Prayer requests:
-Malia's mom will visit from July 10 through 22, and her dad will stop in Seoul for a layover in late July. We hope for easy traveling for both of them and a great time together!
-Mark travels to Ireland for an Apple Distinguished Educator conference from July 14 though 21. Please pray for him as he presents his research as well as gathers insight during this trip.
-Mark continues to manage a busy schedule: teaching summer school, taking graduate courses, and building websites. Please keep praying for him regarding time management and opportunities for rest.

Baby Kona's Birth

Our daughter, Konane Mae Malulani, was born on June 10 in Seoul, Korea! She weighed 8 lbs and measured 22 inches, definitely the largest of our three children at birth. We are so grateful for her healthy delivery and growth so far. At two weeks old, she is already outgrowing her newborn clothes and looking more like a one-month-old baby. Adored by her two older siblings, Kona gets plenty of attention at home. We are loving this time with her and are thankful to the Lord for her pleasant personality and funny facial expressions.

If you would like to know the meaning of her name, please read this post on my MaliaWrites blog. Thank you for all your prayers for me and our baby girl regarding labor and delivery. We look forward to introducing Kona Mae to many of you in the next year when we travel back to the States.

Summer Playgroup Newsletter

The second issue of Naptime Reader was distributed at Seoul International Playgroup during our last meeting on May 23. We will now break for the summer months of June and July and come back together in August as families return to Seoul after traveling to home countries.

I was excited to incorporate other writers into this issue and to include a survey of many of our regular attendees. Please click on the picture if you'd like to read about our playgroup happenings during the spring months of April and May.

'12 MAY: Aunty Visits & School Ends

A huge answer to prayer in this month was the visit of Malia's aunt, Virginia Weros. Handling the house and the children during her third trimester of pregnancy became increasingly difficult for Malia, and her aunt came from Washington State to help. We found her assistance to be an incredible blessing, and her company was also a privilege!

This month also marked the end of our school year. We attended concerts, plays, and ceremonies at Mark's school. The playgroup with which Malia volunteers also takes a break during the summer months of June and July since most of the participating families travel to their home countries. The majority of our friends in Seoul will also travel; however, we are thankful that a few of us remain, and we will keep each other company over the next two months.

Praises:
-We thank God for the influence Mark has had on his students this year, specifically with those who have recently graduated.
-Despite a few health battles (ear infections and common colds), our children have remained mostly healthy through the spring months when yellow dust from China usually causes serious infections.
-We eagerly anticipate the visit of Malia's brother and sister-in-law from June 13-22!

Prayer Requests:
-Our baby girl should arrive any day. Please pray for a safe delivery for both her and Malia!
-Mark will be balancing a teaching load (a computer class of over 30 students) and online coursework toward his dissertation during the summer. Please pray for him to have rest and discipline.

Baby Shower

My friends blessed me with a lovely baby shower this afternoon. We gathered together after church services (as my munchkins were napping back at home) and shared desserts, a devotion, and smiles as I opened presents. Afterwards, a couple of ladies helped me bring the gifts back to our apartment. I'm now resting and reflecting on how blessed I am to have friends in Seoul to surround me with love and prayer.

The devotion that my friend Michelle shared was perfect for me. It was full of literary allusions (yay!) and truths that I needed to hear in my present circumstances and the challenges that await me post-birth. I feel so encouraged to continue serving my family, supporting my husband, and training up my children in the Lord.

My God knew what I needed to hear and understand today. He is so aware of our struggles and hears us when we cry out in desperation or turn to the Holy Spirit to groan for us when words do not come. This pregnancy has taught me much about praying through tense moments, and I need to do that with more consistency. It is only with His grace that I can persevere through this last month and into the sleepless transition following.

I'm so grateful for my shower today. The gifts were certainly adorable, practical, and needed; however, I am more appreciative of the blessing it is to have godly friends surround me and pray for me. Being so far from family is difficult, but God's grace pours on me here in Seoul through these beautiful women. Thank you, Jesus.

'12 APR: Trip, Banquet, & Visitors

Our April was full, and it was good.

During the first weekend, we took a school-sponsored cultural trip to Gyeongju where we saw the ancient city, giant burial mounds, museums, and an enormous steel-making factory. The trip was fun for all four of us as the kids were able to run wild with their friends, and the weather was beautiful. We're so grateful that Mark's school provides such activities as this to help us understand our host culture and enjoy the rich heritage of Koreans.

In mid-April, the two of us were privileged to chaperone our second banquet of the year. We enjoyed dressing up, eating a buffet dinner while overlooking the Han River, and watching the student entertainment on stage. Mark was the official photographer for the event (as he usually is), and he brought a bag full of props for the students to use for fun poses after their serious ones.

Toward the end of the month, we were happy to host Mark's parents, Ken and Dee Heil. His mom arrived a week earlier in order to help Malia during the days. (Malia is in her third trimester of pregnancy.) His dad flew in from the Philippines after having spent time there setting up and running camps in remote areas. With spring having just arrived, we headed outside to parks, zoos, and playgrounds. The kids thoroughly enjoyed having their grandparents around. We're so grateful they were able to visit us and bless us with help and company.

Prayer Requests:
-Malia's final weeks of pregnancy loom before us! Please pray for endurance, patience, and overall health.
-Mark wraps up his school year with many events, projects, and meetings. Please pray for his last month with his students: for connection, impact, and opportunities to advise them (especially the graduating seniors).
-Please also pray for stability for Mika and Coby as we prepare to transition to a family of five.

Playgroup Newsletter #1

As a new form of outreach and connection, Seoul International Playgroup now offers a quarterly newsletter to all its members. We will also publish these online (on our website) and allow anyone to share them by email, etc. I'm serving as editor and main writer. Please pray that others will join me in this endeavor. It seems like an excellent opportunity to learn more about those who attend (through interviews), give important announcements, and share the Christian message of love and hope.

Originally, we thought these would be photocopied in black and white on regular paper. However, the church that sponsors our playgroup--Seoul International Baptist Church--stepped in and set us up with the same publisher who prints their church newsletters. So ours are printed on quality paper in color! What a blessing!

The first issue of Naptime Reader went out today, April 4, at our annual Easter Party. So excited!

'12 MARCH: Back to Bangkok

We filled our month of March with quality family time. On weekends, we took the kids out to see different exhibits and sights in Seoul. They are at such fun ages, absorbing everything around them and teaching us new things as parents constantly.

For spring break, we returned to our other home overseas: Bangkok, Thailand. As always, it was amazing to reconnect with our friends there, visit our former church Newsong, and enjoy time with our own family doing special activities like the zoo and a day at the beach in Pattaya. We value the relationships we are able to continue with friends (both foreigners and Thais) and pray for them as they minister and live in this incredible country. We also pray for our friends who are still seeking spiritual truth--that the Holy Spirit will draw them to Christ and that we will be open and bold in our presentation of His gospel.

In Seoul, Malia continues to volunteer with the international playgroup, and Mark disciples his small group at school. The kids are learning the Easter story, and we look forward to an eventful April, especially with the upcoming visit of Mark's parents.

Praises:
-We're so thankful we were able to travel to Bangkok!
-Malia (now 7 months pregnant) and our baby girl are doing well.
-Mika and Coby are excited about their coming baby sister.
-Mark led a successful seminar at an education conference in Seoul as an Apple consultant.

Prayer Requests:
-Mark's parents, Ken and Dee, will visit at the end of April. Please pray for their safe travel and for an enjoyable time together.
-Please continue to remember Mark as he creates curriculum and balances a heavier workload this semester.
-The international playgroup only has six more meetings for this school year. Please pray for opportunities to form relationships and to bless those that come (and, of course, openness toward the Christian faith).
-Off-season volleyball "open gyms" have begun. Please pray as we (particularly Mark) begin to train and disciple students who will probably be on our volleyball team in the fall.

'12 JAN-FEB: Coby turns 2!

We returned to Seoul in mid-January and eased back into our routines: Mark to his teaching and Malia to our home and the international playgroup. After the one strong snow storm, we enjoyed a special snow day during which we took our children sledding for the first time!

Coby turned two on February 11, and we celebrated with his friends! He is growing quickly, learning constantly, and impressing us with his humor and energy. We thank the Lord for our healthy, kindhearted son.

Likewise, we are grateful and proud of Mika who is now completely potty trained!

And on February 16, the two of us were privileged to attend the school's Valentine's Banquet. It was a lovely time of laughing and talking with students and friends as well as enjoying each other's company as we remembered our first Valentine's Day together: ten years ago!

Praises & Prayer Requests:
-This semester, Mark teaches more (new) classes. Please pray for him as he manages more planning and grading.
-Malia is nearing her third trimester and feeling quite uncomfortable and fatigued. Please pray that she has the energy and patience she needs to care for Mika and Coby daily.
-As Easter approaches, the international playgroup will be teaching stories about Jesus' ministry then finally His death and resurrection. Please pray for these special meetings on Wednesdays--for the children, parents, and caretakers who hear the Gospel.

Affirmed in My Role

Recently, I finished reading three books: Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas, Home By Choice by Brenda Hunter, and Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Trip. I hadn't planned to read them simultaneously, so I found the contents 3x as encouraging since the Biblical viewpoints were supported and reiterated continuously. I'm also amazed at the timing that these books came into my hands--right when I needed affirmation in my role at home. Praise God for reminding me of His purposes and what He wants me to do while in this season of my life.

The main truths I gathered and treasure from this time of reading, studying, and accountability (with other moms) are the following:

• To best help my husband, I must be the excellent wife. Some practical ways to start doing this is 1) asking him what I can do better in our relationship and also in our home and 2) showing him support and love in ways he recognizes and appreciates it rather than in ways I find convenient or effective with myself.
• Being home and dedicated to my young children is a gift to them--but also a gift from God to me. If I spend this season anxious for the next, I miss out on the joys of day-to-day interaction and discovery. Research shows how important it is for young children to bond especially with their mothers, and I need to make sure that while I'm physically present, I'm also emotionally and mentally present as well. 
• Discipline is not about me. The purpose of training a child is to show them their need for God and guide them toward the One who can redeem them. While discipline does help me with management, it should never be my goal. The goal is to disciple my children through sincere and thorough communication and consistent demonstrations of how wayward behavior leads to consequences. 

I recommend these books to other women and would also advise anyone to read it along with a friend to allow for discussions. I thank God for my friends here with whom I've learned and grown much in the past few months of studying these topics.

By His Spirit

Galatians 5

Verse 1 of this chapter says this: "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Too often, I've heard this verse used as a principle against slavery to sin (like immoral living and bad habits). However, in the context of chapters 4 and 5, Paul is talking about the slavery involved in living according to the law or trying to earn favor through good works.

So the focus is on people who try to be good for self-centered reasons, possibly to feel better about themselves or to earn a godly reputation. It's not about people choosing to do evil things. I feel the latter "slavery" would be easier to identify and address, for when someone seems to have things lined up and appears blameless, they may feel themselves above correction or even exhortation. These people may be heavily involved in the church and/or ministry and be viewed as examples in the body of Christ...because they are good and do good things.

But God doesn't call us to a "good" life. We cannot follow a list of rules and expect to qualify as a successful Christian. In fact, in a later epistle, Paul says, "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Cor. 3:6b). To have that outward righteousness without the cleansing and filling of the Spirit is to be Pharisaical, the "whitewashed tombs" of Matthew 23:27.

Galatians 5:4-6 says, "You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love."

As a teenager, I thought that living by the Spirit would be much easier than living by the law. I read verse 18 ("But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law") as gleeful liberation from strict standards and regulations that I had trouble pinpointing to Biblical principles. However, now I understand that the law is the easier choice because it is within our grasp. It's easier to perform expectations that are affirmed by other believers--this can be done on self-reliance. It's much harder to surrender myself to the Spirit, always pressing for a closer relationship and a purity that will only be realized when I see Christ. It's much harder to seek the Lord in the quiet than to rave about how I am being used by Him in the crowds. In other words, if there is no "quiet," there should be no "crowds."

Living by the Spirit also means opening up myself for His correction. His holiness should pierce the pride and lust that no one else sees. His love should build me up where no one else saw brokenness. And the fruit of the Spirit (vs. 22-23) is the result of such purging and guidance by the Spirit--not by added effort on my part to be "good."

One last note on this chapter: He who lives by the Holy Spirit is truly humble. Verse 26 says, "Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another." Those who bear the "yoke of slavery" see themselves in competition with other believers, whether overtly or subconsciously. They desire to be better Christians, to demonstrate how good they are, and to cause others to look up to them and want to be like them. On the contrary, someone who walks by the Spirit understands his dependence on God and role in the church--and chooses not to draw attention to himself.

The way of the law is very tempting, as it feeds our pride. But with it comes that heavy yoke--chaining us to our peers and stealing the glory that should be God's alone.

Seoul International Playgroup

This school year ('11-'12), I began helping with a playgroup here in Seoul. Mika, Coby, and I attend every Wednesday along with at least 30 other children and their moms, dads, or caretakers. What's amazing about this group is that it's so multicultural. Many of the parents are expats from various countries around the world, and most of the caretakers are Filipinas.

There are six of us volunteers who run the playgroup each week as a ministry, and my talented friends organize songs, stories, snacks, and crafts to go along with the abundance of toys we have out for free play. My job is to run the website and do the bookkeeping and correspondence work. I feel so blessed to work with such giving people and to meet others with young children on a frequent basis. Mika and Coby also enjoy their time at playgroup each Wednesday!

Here is the link to the website if you'd like to see more about it: Seoul International Playgroup.

Discipleship Group

This quarter at school I am leading a discipleship group for guys who are on a sport's team and want to improve their leadership among their teammates. It focuses on younger players who want to make strides to becoming a leader and I am really enjoying the discussions and hearing their struggles and fears on the team.

We are going through John Maxwell's workbook, Laws of Teamwork which has been very applicable to athletes. Please keep our group in prayer as we continue to learn and be challenged.