Joyce's Family in Korea, Jeju and Seoul, Korea (May 2024)

Joyce, along with her husband Kyle and their son Myles, came to visit Korea while I was in Korea. She wanted to meet her grandma and aunts while I was there. It was a great joy to spend some time together. 

They spent the first week in Jeju. They found Jeju bigger than they expected. 

After the first week in Jeju, they moved to Insa-dong to experience the Korean ancient housing. It was unique but they were unfamiliar with the floor setting without chairs. I watched Myles while he was sleeping so that Joyce and Kyle could dine out without the baby. While I was there, I took a photo with Myles who has the same palm line as mine. The straight palm line is quite rare. I am pretty confident he has my DNA. 

We had a family gathering in Insa-dong, with my mom, my two sisters, Hwanseok, Joyce's cousin, and Minsook's husband. It was a great joy to gather together as an extended family.

After lunch, we spent time at a bakery where Korean liquors were also displayed. 

We also paid a visit to Kristin's aunt, Joyce's other grandma, who is now staying at one of Korea's Silver Towns. Joyce stayed at her house for a month when she was doing an internship in Seoul in her freshman year. 

Here are more photos of Joyce's family.

Korea is far away from the U.S. It takes 12-14 hours by airplane. So our relationship has been infrequent. Thus, it was joyous to have her family visiting Korea while I was there. I hope that Amanda's family would visit Korea sooner rather than later. - Jeffrey

SfK Korea In-person Board Meeting, Woori Village, Korea (May 2024)

I travel regularly to Korea in May. The primary purpose of this trip is to attend the SfK Korea's In-person Board Meeting. 

In 2024, this In-person Board Meeting was held at Gapyong Woori Village established by Bundang Woori Church. I wanted to visit this place and we all were glad we chose this venue.

The story behind this unique Christian retreat center was amazing. Someone donated the land, another donated a significant amount to finance the construction, an architect volunteered to make the drawing, E-Land donated manpower to bring it to operate, etc. Moreover, the scenery was beautiful, and it was like the Alps. 

The Bundang Woori Church had a special interest in people with disabilities. Thus, they have displayed paintings of them prominently.

The resort had a special welcome center where they served tea with a tranquil environment for a time of prayer or reflection. 

Some of us could not resist the temptation to hike to a higher point. It was well worth it.

The meeting lasted until midnight, but everyone was delighted to be together and to spend time together.

The next morning, we walked around the restaurant and the bakery.

Before we arrived at the resort, we had a fellowship on the way. Sharing a meal together is always a great way to fellowship.

We enjoyed our time together with a grateful heart to the Lord who has pulled us together. - Jeffrey

Kingdom Fellows in California (May 2024)

 

On the way to Korea, I made a stop in Southern California as usual. The primary purpose of the stop was to attend the SfK Life in-person board meeting. Three of our six-member board members live in Southern California, thus making this place the natural venue. We discussed in depth some important issues. Bonnie could not join us for the meeting due to her travel schedule, but she was able to join us for the dinner. Samuel was excused for his 70th birthday celebration with his daughters.

However, I also met up with Kingdom Fellows and friends to catch up on various issues. Gary and Cindy Moon served in Thailand. Having officially retired, they still go there to wrap up some unfinished ministry. We lived closely to each other when we called Chiang Mai Thailand our home. Also, we traveled to Hwang Shan in China together and joined together a China group tour.

In and Julie Kim are long-time church friends dating back to the OMC. They attended SfK Boot Camp Training in Irvine. 

One of Kristin's three brothers is living in Southern California. Kwang Ku is the second one who came to Korea to join us for our wedding ceremony back in 1983.

Grace and Dan Kim have three children. Two of them joined us for dinner. Grace is serving SfK as Editor of English Newsletter. I am so grateful for her faithful service. It was a great joy to see their growing children. I have known Grace since her high school year at the KCPC in Denver.

 

Alyse Kwon and Jamie were part of SfK's Shop4Impact project team. Although the project was called off, our friendship remains strong. 

Jinsu Kim is Kristin's cousin. He is a bank executive and we arranged for them to meet and to get married. Jinsu is serving as Chief Lending Officer at SfK Network. 

I also met up with Dong Hoon Choi who took part in SfK BMT and is now one of the lecturers at MB Academy. He is now focusing on a new project using e-commerce model. I wish him the best.

My short schedule was packed with meetings with these people. Every time I see them, I am deeply grateful to God who has led us to be connected and to remain connected. - Jeffrey

Kingdom Fellows, Atlanta, GA (May 2024)

 

Synergy for the Kingdom (SfK) is a network of people and enterprises. So they are all over. Among all the places, Atlanta Georgia is the birthplace of SfK because SfK Life is a Georgia non-profit and its global headquarter is also in Georgia.

There are three Kingdom Fellows who are faithfully serving with SfK. One as a member of the board, another as Director of Finance, and the other as Director of Underwriting. They are Samuel Kim, Andy Sok, and Koomin Chung, respectively. My gratitude for their services is special. Samuel hosted a dinner for us to meet after we played a round of golf for the first time together. It was a joyous gathering.

On the way to Atlanta, I made a stop at a rest spot and the lake view through pine trees was beautiful.

Lord, thank you for the friendship and services of these Kingdom Fellows! - Jeffrey

Mother's Day, Greenville, SC (May 2024)

After we returned from our epic 7-month trip in March, we made another trip to Panama in April. That was a little push on our part, but it was scheduled and we had to do it. After returning from Panama, I had to prepare for my two-month trip to Korea. But, what matters matters. We celebrated Mother's Day at California Cheese Cake. The food was delicious and the ambiance was cordial. Mothers are so precious all the time.

We did not know anyone in South Carolina when we first moved here in February 2021. But, we have made some friends. One couple, Haeok and Danny Orr, is dear to us based on our bonding through the Christian faith. They invited us to a Korean meal before I headed out for a two-month journey. It was very nice of them. We both now worship and fellowship at Morningside Baptist Church. I am grateful.

 Friends are always priceless, particularly brothers and sisters in Christ. - Jeffrey