JOYFUL TIDINGS 2018
Witnessing the birth of my first niece and seeing her grow in these early weeks has brought new meaning to the fact that our Savior came in the form of an infant, “...who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a lowly servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 4:6-7) It is with this renewed appreciation that I celebrate this Christmas season as I am reminded that we, too, are called to live with this same humility.
If I’m being honest, it’s easy to for me to live just for myself. I find being single sometimes gives you permission to. But the example of Christ, and how he “...came not to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45) compels me to continue to engage the people and community around me. I think it’s fair to say that at a certain age you have the means to settle into a measure of comfort. When I decided earlier in the year to return to ice skating lessons after a more than a decade, it had the unintentional result of exposing how much I hate being uncomfortable and value stability. Needless to say, I could write a book about the lessons I’ve learned!
At the beginning of the year we said farewell to my 96-year old grandfather. Though Parkinson’s disease took away much of his physical body, his presence was always palpable, even though our loss was a gradual one over the years. Fun fact - this is only my second Christmas ever spent in San Francisco, and the annual gathering around my grandfather in Southern California will indeed be missed. That said, this year also marks new beginnings. The tears of sadness losing my grandfather became tears of joy as my niece was born. To say that I’m infatuated with little Karen Noelle is perhaps an understatement. She is such a joy to us all!
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!
Our family a Bodega Bay at the beginning of 2018.
In beautiful Oahu in May on my semester break. While I was there, seeing rainbows reminded me that our God is ever near and faithful.
My brother-in-law, Nate, sister Sherilyn + baby bee peaking out as we attended a summer wedding.!
Me with my grandfather at Christmas. It was a tradition for us to go to LA every year.
In memory oF DR. George y. lee (grandpa)
An excerpt from the tribute to my grandfather:
We have spent this day remembering the life of our grandfather, Dr. George Lee. In remembering we call to mind what has passed in order to inform us of where are at present. We remember that our grandfather for the length of our days has been the fixture of our family. And though his later years would see decline, his presence was yet palpable as he silently presided over our gatherings. He was a man who loved his family, and seemed content so long as we were taken care of. We remember that his care would seemingly be at his own detriment - making late night runs for Apple fritters and staying up late to write Christmas cards only to sign them from Santa Claus, driving us around in LA even as his driving acumen decreased, paying for the root beer floats and gummy bears that we charged to the family tab at Stanford Sierra Camp. In fact, the outstanding memory that all of us remember about my grandfather was that he loved to serve others. Perhaps, then, that was why his golfing skill was never more than subpar.
Late in life my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. When it was apparent that he couldn’t serve his family any longer, he acknowledged his own need for help - that of a Savior Jesus Christ. It seems fitting then that he spent the remainder of his days being served by his loving wife and caretakers, and ultimately by a Heavenly Father whom he is now able to forever rejoice with. Our grandfather who loved to dance is now dancing in the courts of heaven.
As we remember our grandfather we mourn his passing and yet are reminded that our present is yet comforted by the same gracious God who oversees all our days.
Grandpa, we love you and look forward to our reunion one day.
My grandfather didn’t get to meet his two new great-grandchildren, but we celebrate this new generation!
Karen’s name was a secret until after she was born. We like calling her “Kare Kare,” or “Kare Bear.”
Welcome Karen Noelle Jew!
My sister is my hero after laboring for several days and delivering her first baby. I marveled at the gift of life, and the anticipation that we ought to have for Christ’s return when Scripture tells us that “…we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22).
When I’m not there, I like to FaceTime with Karen!
Taken during my grandfather’s funeral in February. He is buried next to my grandmother, who passed away when I was only 3 years old. My grandfather was a WWII vet, and when I visited Pearl Harbor later in May, it was with deep gratitude that I remember those like my grandfather who served our country.
The Lee Family gathering for the last time at my grandfather’s house following his funeral. He loved sweets, and the boxes we are holding are See’s Candies, which was a favorite gift he gave to others.
Karen’s first ever selfie, taken by her proud auntie!
Karen’s first Christmas. Her middle name is “Noelle.” I pray that she would know the peace that comes from our Savior one day!
Photos of MY students I’ve had in the past year!
Spring semester at SFMOMA
more moments of 2018
Summer semester (also at SFMOMA!
Last day of Fall semester
Presenting in Chicago at TESOL in March with a friend and other colleagues in the field!
Attending the Gospel Coalition Women’s Conference in Indianapolis with women from my church in June.
in HK with two of my long time friends, Denise and Wilma. We are trying to look cool, but we are slowly giving away our age when I say “trying to look cool…”
DISCLAIMER: This video has been sped up!! But it gives you a clip from some of my ice skating this past year, learning backwards crossovers…ironically it was my grandfather who first went with me ice skating when I was young!