'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.