Back to the U.S. after 7 Months (March 2024)

We had a wonderful feeling when we returned to the U.S. after the 7-month long overseas trip. We visited in total 14 countries: Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Turkey, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Wow! We were grateful that we were kept safe and healthy without a major hiccup during the trip. 

But, our travel was not over yet until we traveled a bit more before we returned home.

The first stop was in Philadelphia, PA. Our friend Ji drove up to EWR to pick us up and had dinner with his family. They took care of our TS Camper while we were traveling. Their daughter Joanne was so cute.  

As we were driving to Atlanta, we had to stay over night on the way. We thoroughly enjoyed foods in the U.S. Yes, they were pricey but tasty.

I had to travel to Atlanta, GA because I had to pick up business checks for SfK Life and meet up with our Kingdom Fellows in Atlanta: Samuel Kim, Andy Sok, and Koomin Chung. They are previous fellow Kingdom workers. 

Samuel Kim was graciously allowing us to stay at his home and we gratefully enjoyed our stay. 

Shortly after we returned home, we had to make a trip to Aurora Colorado because Amanda's family relocated to Colorado from Texas. Our children grew up in Colorado so it was wonderful that Amanda returned to her hometown. We drove our Nissan Murano to give it to Amanda for use.

On the way, we saw sunsets and also a dusty wind that blocked the sun. Driving is getting difficult as we age, but it is still fun to make a road trip. 

As we entered into Denver, the Rocky Mountains greeted us in the distance. I love this open scenery, particularly the snow-capped mountain peaks. We were delighted to see this view again so thankfully.

We met up with Elder Won Hyung Ham and his wife. They were senior Christians while we were worshipping at KCPC in Denver. They are very respectful and honorable people. Myung Sook also joined us for a joyful reunion.

While I was traveling, I still participated in MB Connect training sessions. I think that the group is jellying well and I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen their teamwork and bonding.

I had a reunion with Kelvin Huh who was my colleague while I was working for Premier Bank. He is now a senior vice president of a Korean American bank headquartered in Los Angeles. It was joyous.

Chuck and Eunice Lee graciously allowed us to stay at their beautiful house right by a lake. The view was fantastic. I am so grateful for their generosity and friendship. 

We also met up with Myung Sook Kim and Eunice Lee to catch up. Myung Sook served in Cambodia for a few years before she had to return home because of her health condition. She is preparing to relocate to Korea at least for now.

Ray, Amanda, Eli, and Gabe Smith are a happy family. Ray closed down his Tae Kwon Do studio and they rented out their home. Now they are living in a smaller town home, but Ray can spend more time with the kids. I wish God's blessing and guidance in their endeavour to overcome their challenges and come out strong in the end. 

While we were traveling, Joyce shared some of her family photos, particularly those of Myles. What a joy to see grandchildren grow up. 

Being home is a warm feeling and I think it is because of the home food. Kristin cooked home meals that were so good and delicious. Thank you honey!

Thank God for His guidance. Good to be home. - Jeffrey

Madeira, Portugal (II) - Machito, Santaana, and Pico de Areeiro (March 2024)

We took a day trip to visit the eastern and northeastern parts of the island. The tour passed through the mountains and I did not want to drive on the winding roads in the mountain area.

The first place we visited was Machito in the southeastern corner of the island. It was a small town but well-groomed with attractions, such as a cathedral, beaches, and cafes. 

The next stop we made was at Portela. It was one of the highest points in the area with a panoramic view of the lower beach area. It was breath-taking and the following photos don't and can't portray the scenery and the impressions. 

We made another stop at a beach that reminded me of a Hawaiian beach.

This day tour's had a couple of highlights and the Town of Santana was one of them. A-shaped houses are symbols of this beautiful town and they were quite pretty as if we were in a fairytale. 

 

We made a stop at Roberto Frio, a town in the mountains where people go hiking. It was rainy and the road was slippery. Many chose to stay in town, but I decided to explore the area. Unfortunately, it was foggy with limited visibility, but I enjoyed the hike. 

The other highlight of the tour was Pico de Areeiro, one of the highest points in Madeira. We were above the clouds and we had a panoramic 360-degree view of the island. Standing above the white clouds was definitely otherworldly.

During this tour, I had to take part in a conference call with Dutch Nature, a missional business in Kyrgyzstan. Although I was not able to participate in active discussion, the contents discussed were encouraging. 

Kristin and I bought a bus pass and explored several buses in all directions. Once we were left out in one of the high points and had to walk down quite a bit because the next bus was not coming for a long time. In one the bus trips, we met a Canadian couple who were enthusiastically happy living here. They said that they have not had to learn Portuguese to get medical treatment let alone get by in their daily lives because almost all of the people they had met were speaking Engligh. That was a great news!

Definitely, Madeira is one of the places where we want to live for a month or two.  - Jeffrey