Joyful tidings 2019
“I pray it’s said about my life that I lived more to build your name than mine.” (Kari Jobe, “The Cause of Christ” ).
My goal for this past year entering a new decade in life (40!) was to try to serve others more than myself. In my own strength, I see how difficult this is in practice. Yet the fact that “in [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us...” gives me great reason for joy (Ephesians 1:7-8). “Lavish” means to have so much that there is an abundance. It is this overflow helps me see greater mercies each day to love as He loves.
Going to Thailand with a team from my church in January to serve missionaries and families of Christar (my former sending organization) was humbling. It was painful to sit down with friends and other workers to hear their stories of how the past year of government crackdowns and the threat of being kicked out for sharing the gospel (labeled by the government as “espionage”) cast a shadow over their faith and ministry. The words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:16 say to be “subject to...every fellow worker and laborer.” Indeed, I respect their faithfulness to the gospel and how they rest their hope in Jesus in the midst of persecution.
My trip to Thailand resurfaced my own time overseas that I haven’t revisited in a long time, yet the reverberations from that decision to uproot my life are still felt today. I consider it such amazing grace how others have been divinely folded into this journey of mine which felt so very personal some 15 years ago. The fact that others in the church have pursued God’s heart for the lost in the world in the subsequent years tells me how God is at work in making His name known!
Back here in San Francisco my rhythm and routine remains much the same teaching English and serving in the Women’s Ministry at my church. Sometimes the mundane feels like a slog, but there is much to be said about living the daily faithfully. This summer I took a podcasting class through my school, and my podcast discussed faith in the routine. Check out my pilot episode here (pw: lifeashereveals).
I made this to remind myself of my word of the year - “servitude,” which for me means serving others more than myself.
Earlier this year in Thailand I worked with missionary kids as their parents got time to refresh and learn at their annual conference. Here we learned to cook Thai food!
For as many pictures as I want to post of my niece Karen, this one sums up our relationship perfectly! The closest she can get to calling me 姨姨 is “ya ya.” I’ll take that for now, but my greatest joy would be for her to know Jesus one day!
We took Karen up to Fallen Leaf Lake near Lake Tahoe this summer as a family. This used to be an annual summer Lee family tradition, and it was meaningful to bring Karen there as a member of the next generation.
After 46 years of service, my mother retired from her role as case manager. Our family surprised her at her “graduation” ceremony (note my sister and I lurking in the back before she saw us). We are so proud of you, mom!
Our third “Lee” Christmas in San Francisco….we’ve expanded!
For the past few years, I’ve made it a goal to keep up with my professional development in the English as a Second Language teaching field by presenting at the annual international convention. This year I was in Atlanta, Georgia. For a snippet of what I presented on, click here.
I’ve lost track of how long I’ve been at my school, but it’s somewhere around 14 years. It’s been hard in the recent few years to manage the department in times where higher education and international enrollment has decreased. Yet, I remain grateful for my colleagues and their commitment to our students! This is our recent holiday potluck.
My Students THiS YEAR
My students keep me on my toes, yet I often say that being in the trenches of the classroom is what keeps me sane outside of the administrative aspects of my work. Teaching international students has stretched me to have compassion, kindness, patience, and boldness. For those looking for a way to do meaningful work amongst the nations without leaving your home, consider befriending an international student here in the Bay Area! Many are lonely, depressed, and overwhelmed - your kindness to them speaks volumes.
Other Happenings this year…
A trip to Chicago satisfied my love of sports (pictured here at Wrigley Field), art, and food! Thank you to my tremendous hosts Abe and Suzette!
I’ve served in our Women’s Ministry for about a decade now. This year we studied 1 Corinthians together in our different generations of women. Next year marks a turning point as we realign our efforts as a church in discipleship and training leaders. I’m excited to see where this takes us!
A trip to Seattle (one of my fav cities) was made all the better with two good friends and the newfound phrase, ichigo ichie, “one time, one meeting.”
Alpha Pregnancy Center helps meet women and families facing unplanned pregnancies here in San Francisco. This year’s participation in the Walk for Life was bittersweet after their director passed away earlier this year. Her commitment and conviction to serve others has left a mark on me.
I helped with curriculum and training for our summer short term team to Japan. I haven’t taught young or beginning learners in a long time, so it was a stretch!
Welcome home to my “longest” friend in the world, Denise! Turning 40 reminds me that it is good to have friends who have seen you through the seasons.