Farewell 2020 - Dallas, Texas (December 2020)

It has been a while since we stayed in the U.S. around Christmas time. In 2020, we did. In Dallas, Texas.

We all began the year 2020 with ambitious plans, such as Vision 2020. I was no exception.

But, God has a different idea. I am certain that God did not start or spread the COVID-19, but it came to us because He allowed it to happen. 

To Him and His sovereign power, I humbly submit, but with resilient persistence. At the same time, I also chose to use the creativity that God gave His people to make the breakthrough under the circumstances. I called it an innovative breakthrough.  

The COVID-19 has caused tremendous disruption to the world, people, nations, businesses, and the economy. Millions of people have lost their lives or have fallen sick because of the virus. Vaccines started to be distributed, but it is far far from over. The virus started mutating and changing its forms. But, I trust it will be brought to end under God's power, will, and plan in His perfect time. 

Travel

Despite the COVID-19 and consequent travel restrictions in 2020, I have managed to travel to 10 countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Georgia, Spain, Malta, Korea, and the U.S. I am grateful that I started early this year before it became too severe. 

But, I had to cancel trips to Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Cambodia, and potentially a few other countries. Also, several conferences and seminars have been canceled or postponed, including BAM Congress, FBA Conference, IBA, KBM Global, KAGMA, Training in Cambodia etc.

For now, the number of countries that I have visited paused at 95 for now.

Pause in Chiang Mai

After we returned to Chiang Mai on March 18, Thailand closed its border for several months. I ended up staying at one place for seven months for the first time in 16 years or so. This time of staying home had been a blessing for me to rest, recover, and refocus.   

Online BMT (Business Management Training)

Under the travel restrictions, we thought online training would be a good temporary solution to our offline intensive training programs. So we mobilized a total of 17 fellow workers and launched an online BMT for two language tracks (English and Korean) for 16 weeks. A total of 25 people participated from 12 nations. It was almost a miracle to establish and run such an online program only in three months. It was by God's grace that it was made possible. Along with willing and passionate lecturers, God provided help through a partnership with Freedom Film Productions ministry in Chiang Mai to produce and edit the video lectures. Praise the Lord! After 16 weeks, a total of 24 people completed the program and received their Certificates of Completion.

As a result, three members have been admitted to the SfK MB Community and two Kingdom Fellows have signed up to serve with SfK Ministries. Praise the Lord!

Departure from Thailand

Continuing challenges about the entry of foreigners to Thailand forced us to make a decision to leave Thailand. We were thinking of relocating to a different place probably in 2021, but we accelerate the plan in conjunction with our preplanned trip to the U.S. for the family reunion around Thanksgiving Day.

As usual, Kristin carried the lion's share in cleaning up our stuff before the move, but I was glad that I was able to sell or give away a few big-ticket items, such as the car, the motorbike, and the books. Also, I was excited about reducing my possessions into one large bag, one carry-on bag, and two backpacks. Hooray!!!

New Gadgets

After I settled down temporarily in Dallas, Texas, Amanda's new house, I have been able to equip myself with a new computer, Lenovo, and a new iPhone 11. Usually, in the past, I just bought whatever was recommended to me, but this time I paid attention to the recommendations and gave some thoughts before I made the purchase. I am pretty happy with the purchases. Even the iPhone case looks pretty good, like a book.

Also, we newly bought a 2012 Nissan Murano SUV at a total cost of $9,000 with the mileage at 85,000 miles. I searched a lot also on this car purchase before we made the final decision. So far, we both are happy about the decision and the purchase. 

My First Grandchild

Probably, the greatest gift of joy given to us this year would be our first grandchild, Eli Jihoon Smith. He is so cute and we love to hold him, stare at him, and pray for him. We will have to wait a little longer before we can actually talk to him and play with him, but I am content with what we have. He is cute, handsome with sparkling eyes, and healthy.

Kristin has been working hard to cook food for the entire family. While she is cooking, there are two dogs, Nola and Zoey, staring at her with hopes to receive something to eat.

Also, there used to be a tiny bird that was visiting us at the window, kissing her own images reflected on the window.

Christmas in the U.S.

We were normally overseas around Christmas time for the past 12 years. This year was the first time in a long time to spend time in the U.S. It was not "White Christmas" like the ones we dream of or used to know, according to Bing Crosby. But, it was joyous to spend time with Amanda, Ray, Brandi, Ray's younger sister, and Eli. We made dumplings together. 

Simplified Life in Dallas

While staying in Dallas, I continue my conference call routines with people around the world. But, we have the joy of walking on a hiking trail at White Rock Park. In Thailand, we did not have the amenity of a hiking trail at all in our neighborhood, so we were grateful just for the availability of the hiking trail. The joy multiplied several times as we walk along the lake and watch the birds on the lake. The peaceful scenery and tranquil surroundings were enough for us to be deeply grateful.

One day, a fisherman caught a sizeable fish and he was delighted.

Farewell, 2020!

Every year, I feel that the past year was full of events, but this year was indeed especially different, due mainly to the COVID-19. It looked long, painful, and frustrating. Nonetheless, this year 2020 is coming to an end. For everything that happened, I give thanks and praise to God Almighty who reigns over all.

Now, another brand new year 2021 is knocking at the door of our life. I know that the COVID-19 threat will continue into the new year at least for a while longer, but I do not know what is in store in the new year. Only God knows. Since God is good all the time and He is faithful, I trust that His goodness will be declared and proclaimed in perfect ways and in His perfect time. 

With that trust, I will march on with the new year's life: Peacefully, faithfully, joyfully, and gratefully. May the Lord lead me to continue walking with faith in Him in the new year! - Jeffrey

Trip to Atlanta, GA (December 2020)

While we stay in Dallas, TX, Kristin and I took a short trip to Atlanta, GA in December. The purpose of our trip was not to miss the interview appointment scheduled with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS for the biometrics to be done before they reissue our Naturalization Certificates. It took us six months or so to receive this appointment and we did not know how long we would have to wait for the next appointment.

This trip did not set us back in money because we used the Delta mileage for the air transportation, Chase points for the rental car, and Marriott points for the lodging. They came in handy.

I went there on Dec 15 and returned to Dallas on Dec 19, while Kristin left Dallas on Dec 16 and returned the following day right after the appointment.

Although short, I had a few important gatherings with Kingdom Fellows and friends.

I had dinner with Elder Samuel Kim, Koomin Chung and Andy Sok, SfK's precious Kingdom Fellows. They are my "go-to" fellows when I need help. How wonderful God is to give us an opportunity to serve together.

Elder Samuel Kim and his wife met up again with me and Kristin over dinner when Kristin arrived. We worshipped and fellowshipping together at KCPC in Denver. How joyous it was to get together with them.

Also, the Lord prepared another surprise blessing. I was supposed to get together with Koo over dinner, and Inseon Song joined us unexpectedly because her arrival in Atlanta was delayed from where she lives now, Charleston, S. Carolina. It was a reunion after 12 years. But, what was God's providence was that she was eager to serve God more intimately and she happens to be in marketing foods in the U.S. 

After a short explanation for SfK's vision, mission and core values, she readily accepted my invitation to serve through SfK and has become a Kingdom Fellow. Wow! She willingly accepted the responsibility to promote the agricultural products through offline distribution channels. I sent her some information and I am waiting to hear back from her to discuss the next steps. I do not know what the Lord has in store, but I am so grateful for this opportunity to work and serve with her. Praise the Lord! - Jeffrey

Trip from Incheon to Dallas, Texas (November 2020)

 At the Incheon Airport, robots were rolling around to answer any questions we may have. Not many people were actually using, other than the curious like myself. The Robots will become an integral part of human society sooner or later, like fiction movies. 

I used Delta miles to take a Prestige Class on a Korean Air flight from ICN to Dallas Fort Worth Airport to avoid the pain the butt. The flat bed was good but not so useful. Yet, the foods were pretty good.

Upon arrival in Dallas, it was breezy to pass through the border control. The luggage was waiting for me at the carousel.  The first thing I did was a rapid test for the COVID-19. The result came out negative, thankfully.

At the house of Amanda and Ray, a new life was waiting for me. Eli Jihoon Smith. My first grandchild and grandson! Can you tell that I was gleeful! 

Due to hassle, we advised Joyce not to come for the Thanksgiving gathering. It was a right decision, but Joyce and Amanda both felt sad that Joyce was left out of our family gathering. I am sure Amanda wanted to show Joyce her new house as well as the new baby. Our Thanksgiving Dinner was ample, but a bit simple. We had a video call with Joyce to share the blessings we all have received this year despite the COVID-19..

More photos of Eli. Isn't he so cute? He is. Trust me. 

Ray opened a new studio for TaeKwonDo, but he could not open it due to the COVID-19-related lockdown. Now it is open and he has been getting new students and old. A bunch of little kids were learning and practicing TaeKwonDo.

While staying at the Smith;s home, Kristin's primary job is to prepare and provide meals for Amanda and the family. Amanda has been eating well and thus recovering well. Eli seems to be growing fast as well. Eli was born on November 8 and yet to pass the first month on December 8, but I am grateful for his healthy birth and the healthy recovery of both Amanda and Eli.

We walked on a hiking trail around a lake once. It was pretty, but it is not in walking distance from home. So we had to get a ride. Well. We have decided to wait until we get our own car. While we were walking, I saw a bunch of birds but I could not tell what they are.

This stay is supposed to be temporary, but we have decided to buy a car so that we may use it not only in Dallas but also in case we have to travel to else where in the U.S. My search for a used car has begun. Stay tuned. - Jeffrey