Before we get back to work, however, I would like to reflect on our fun-filled summer in the states.
In Oklahoma, we enjoyed relaxing at my parents' house and visiting with my two younger sisters and some friends from college as well. I enjoyed going to a baby shower for my dear friend, Tara, and I was able to visit with my friend Mandy as well. We also got to see the "new" location for my dad's church in Bixby, OK, and we visited a church in Caney, Kansas, where my father is also serving as pastor. God is doing amazing things in both of these congregations, and it was wonderful to see old friends and visit with new friends in the faith as well.
I also took Jonathan to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, my alma mater. I was able to visit with some of my former professors and tell them all about what we did during our time in Guatemala and what we do here in Korea as well. I was also interviewed for the school alumni magazine, so I got to tell all about the Network of International Christian Schools!
Then it was off to Virginia, where we spent our first week with Jonathan's extended family at the beach for the fourth of July. What a relaxing time! After the trip, we traveled back to Jonathan's hometown, and we split time between Richmond and Fredericksburg, where Jon's sister lives. It was nice to have time to get to know our nieces, one of whom we just met! It was truly a blessing to be able to relax and spend time with Jon's family.
Also during our time in VA, Brittany came to visit!! Because she is traveling with her husband's hot air balloon business this summer, we did not cross paths in Oklahoma. However, she was visiting her husband's family in Roanoke and decided to come over to Richmond for a few days! It was SO MUCH FUN to get to hang out as sisters again for a while, and Jon's family was very kind and welcoming to her.
Another great thing about visiting Virginia is that we are close to several of our friends from Guatemala, and it was nice to be able to catch up with them as well.
All too soon it was time to say goodbye to the US and hello to the "Land of the Morning Calm." We were sad to leave our families, but we are SO EXCITED to be back in Korea to start the work that God has for us to do in the lives of our students this year at PICS.
"Throw yourselves into the work of the Master,
confident that nothing you do
for him is a waste of time or effort."
1 Corinthians 5:58b (The Message)
