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.