Raleigh, North Carolina (January 2026)

I made an overnight trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, to spend time with Mr. Hoon Chul Kim. I met him in Dulles, VA, when I visited with Pastor Dongho Kim, and spent two nights at his home. He is a successful businessman installing construction materials, including roofs, metals, glasses etc. 

We had dinner at a steakhouse together with his vice president, and I explained about SfK Network and SHINE Alliance. I think they understood only part of what I explained.

He invited me to stay at his home, but his heater was out of order, and I ended up staying at a hotel.

The following day, we had breakfast together, discussing his business issues, such as the delegation of authority and a succession plan.

He and I agreed to stay in touch. I am not sure what the Lord has in store for our relationship, but I am hopeful for what he will do. It is always exciting to look forward to what the Lord will do without firm knowledge. - Jeffrey

Dinosaur Adventure - Denver, Colorado (January 2026)

Before we left Denver, I wanted to do something special for the kids. Ray suggested I take them to Dinosaur Adventure. It was a dinosaur-themed entertainment program that was taking place while we were in Denver. Both Eli and Gabe liked dinosaurs so much that I thought it would be a good treat for them.

While we were waiting for the time for our reservation, I hinted at Eli that the surprise gift will involve four things:

1) Going somewhere, 2) seeking something, 3) doing something, and 4) receiving something. They thoroughly enjoyed our outing to Dinosaur Adventure. 

They also panned dirt to come up with some fossils to take home with them.  

On the way home, we stopped by Wendy's to eat chicken nuggets for lunch. It was a half-day outing, but full of activities. 

I am not sure what else we could do with our grandchildren, but it is a blessing to be able to spend time with them, while we can. Thank you, Lord! - Jeffrey

Denver, Colorado (January 2026)

Kristin went to Amanda's home in Denver, Colorado, on December 23, and I went there on December 31. Until we both returned home on January 20, we stayed there to meet our fifth grandchild, Judah, and spend time with his big brothers, Eli and Gabriel, on top of Amanda and Ray. Now the Smith family consists of five members. 

While we were there, we had a few snow days. Colorado is truly beautiful when covered with white snow. 

When I first held Judah, I prayed for God's grace upon him earnestly. May he become like the Lion of Judah in the bible for the Kingdom of God!

I offered to take Eli and Gabe to their pre-school and pick them up in the afternoon. It was not an easy job, but I was glad to spend time with them through this journey. Both of them were quite handful, but it was a great joy to spend time with them, nonetheless. 

I met up with Kelvin Huh, one of my former colleagues, still living and working in Colorado. 

Also, I bumped into Mr. Joong Kap Kwon, Chairman of H-Mart in Colorado. When I was working for Premier Bank, we made a loan to him to buy the supermarket building. It was a joyful reunion, although quite short. 

 

Another meet-up I thoroughly enjoyed was with Young Cho, now 92 years old, who served as a member of the Premier Bank board of directors. We met at Sonoda's, a Japanese restaurant where I ate Seafood Udon, my favorite food, which I enjoyed while I was working downtown Denver. 

There was a hiking trail near Amanda's house, and we both walked almost every day. The snow-capped Rocky Mountain was always a remarkable view. 

Before we left Denver, we had a get-together with Chuck and Eunice. We are long-time friends. Eunice had a minor stroke, but she seemed almost fully recovered. She has lost some weight. Chuck also had a heart issue, but he looked quite active with a medical mission ministry through GMMA. They have been faithful supporters of SfK Ministries, for which I am deeply grateful.

After a long pause, I had a reunion over lunch with Pastor Brad, senior pastor of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church. He was one of the professors when I studied at the Denver Seminary.

I had an opportunity to come by to see the house we used to live in. 10746 Dorado Avenue, Englewood, Colorado. Our children all went to school from this house. We had a precious memory. 

Amanda and Kristin get along pretty well, and they look good together.

Gabriel seems quite proud of his baby brother. 

On the day we left, I took a photo with Eli and Gabe, who were wearing the Dinosaur T-shirts we bought at Dinosaur Adventure, which comes next. 

 It is truly joyous to see our grandchildren grow up little by little. What a blessing it is! - Jeffrey

Dulles, Virginia (December 2025)

 

While I was at home to take care of some matters, I made a two-night trip to Dulles, Virginia, primarily to meet up with Rev. Dongho Kim, who was visiting to preach at a few local churches. I played golf with Pastor Kim twice. I was invited to stay at the mansion house of Mr. Hoon Kim, who was a successful businessman in the construction materials.

I had a good meeting with Hoon Kim and his daughter, who was a pianist. Her piano performance was beautiful. I am not sure what the Lord has in store, but we agreed to stay in touch.

I believe in God's providence far beyond our limited imagination. I look forward to witnessing how He works out through this newfound relationship. - Jeffrey