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
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