Our volleyball ministry continued in full swing throughout the spring semester. With frequent open gyms and league games, we saw our team several times a week. While the league ended with a tournament at the end of April, our own players continued to come out to the gym weekly until summer break began. The time was excellent as we were able to get to know several underclassmen and see the upcoming leaders develop their skills of teaching and encouragement. We pray for the seeds planted in many of these teenagers' lives. It's sobering to remember that "being nice" is not what God wants from us--these youth are very nice! He wants our submission, our devotion--our faith. We pray that each will see God and focus their eyes permanently on Him.
March 20: Mark hurt himself during a basketball game and was diagnosed with a hairline fracture of the ankle. He was off his feet for the entire spring break. Thankfully, we hadn't planned to travel anywhere out of Seoul during our holiday, but the week of expected rest was rather full for everyone. We thank God that Mark is now better and back on both feet.
April 29: Moving Day! With less than two weeks' notice, we packed up all our belongings to move to another apartment nearby. Our new home is in the same complex but with a different layout. The best part is our breathtaking view of the Han River. Malia and the kids spent the month of May making our new apartment our unique home.May 11: Mika and her two friends danced hula at our school's International Bazaar. We are so proud of her and so thankful that she has amazing friends here in Seoul!
May 17: Malia was a guest speaker for the BridgeHolders International bi-annual seminar. It was a privilege for her to share her teaching experience with these tutors--all of them MKs--who serve numerous families in Seoul.
As summer approached, we had a couple celebrations. Seoul International Playgroup held their end-of-the-year party, rejoicing in another year of fun weekly playdates. Thank you for praying for our playgroup as we provide activities for children, parents, and caretakers here. Our team of volunteers has become more and more focused on a Bible basis for each week's plan as well as intentional prayer and spiritual conversations. We pray that those who come may hear God speaking to them--even above the noise of children playing!And our joyful baby Konane Mae turned one on June 10.
We thank God for our health, the love in our family, the deep teaching we receive from our house church, and the end of another long winter. We praise God for the opportunities He gives us at Mark's school, in the international playgroup, with AWANA, and with our volleyball team. We are blessed and grateful!
