Friends and Fun…

Life is always on the move in Taejon, but once in a while we get to slow down a bit and enjoy the company of friends.  A few weekends back we were privliged to join the Evans (Zach, Laura Jo, and Zoe) on a little hike to Gyriak Son.  It was a georgous day, and we really enjoyed getting out of the city with them.  Yesterday a bunch of the young families (Brownlees, Duesters, Evans, Prices, Loweens, and Steuernagels) got together to celebrate Owen Steurnagle’s first birthday!  It was the warmest day of the year (mid 70’s I’d guess), and we had a lot of fun celebrating with everyone. 

Check out some photos from the hike:

Me & Jaci:

Zach & Zoe:

Jaci & Laura Jo:

I took this one myself (if you couldn’t tell):

And here are a few photo’s from Owen’s big bash!

The Steuernagels:

The kids:

The moms and moms-to-be:

Catch-up with you later.  Thanks for stopping by!

Spring Break Adventures

Spring Break has been over for a few days now, but the memories will last for a lifetime. I (Mike) was able to take a team of 5 staff and 15 students from TCIS to Chiang Mai, Thailand for the week. It was an amazing time and I was blessed to be apart of it all. We left Korea on Saturday morning and arrived in Chiang Mai that evening. We bought some supplies upon arrival and then got some much needed rest. Sunday through Tuesday we worked with Reverend Kwon (a Korean Missionary) and the children (26 of them) at the Grace Home Orphanage. We led VBS-type activities, and also took the kids on some fun adventures. Wednesday and Thursday we were in a remote mountain village working with local children with whom we also led VBS-type activities. On Friday we were back in Chiang Mai and took the Grace Home kids “trekking” (trekking included ox cart rides, elephant rides, and bamboo rafting). Saturday we took in some Christian historical sights of Chaing Mai and headed for home.

It was a tiring trip, but it was amazing. Our team was full of wonderful people who really showed me what serving others is all about. The children at the Grace Home are precious, and it was hard to leave them. Reverend Kwon and his wife are inspiring and I really enjoyed getting to know them better. The mountain village experience was truly unforgettable. I am thankful God allowed me to be apart of something so amazing.

Here are a few shots of the trip:

Me & Kop (one of the Grace Home boys):

Two brothers at grace home:

Woman with baby in mountain village:

Older Woman in mountain village:

Elephant ride!:

Enough about me… Jaci was blessed to have her sister, JoAnna, come out and visit her. The weather was a little crumby, but they had a great time anyway. As far as I understand they spent a lot of time watching “chick flicks”, so maybe it was better that I was gone. They did some other fun things too like going to the lake, shopping downtown, and enjoying a couple barbque’s.

Jaci and Jo at the lake:

Jo at TCIS:

One other cool thing JoAnna got to experience was a pre-natal doctors visit. I was jealous I wasn’t able to be there for that. The doctor’s report was good. Jaci and the baby are doing fine (although Jaci is still frequently sick), and the baby is approximately 6 cm. The doctor did an ultrasound and they were able to see the baby.

Thanks for checking out our Spring Break adventures!  We hope all pray all is well with you and yours.