Family Update 2009

Merry Christmas from the Wong Family

"for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

This is the first time that Effie and I will be spending Christmas beyond the shores of the United States. This past Sunday, I preached from Luke 2:8-11. This is the same passage that I would read on Christmas with the family gathered around and before we tore into the mound of gifts under the tree. It is also one of my favorite Christmas passages to preach in church. While things are different, there are still many things that are the same.

We are so thankful for those who have taken the time to send us Christmas greetings and share bits and pieces about their families. Every year, we and the kids would sit around the kitchen table with a big basket filled to the brim with your news and notes. For the next few hours, we would sit around sharing in your lives.

We want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year in 2010. And, if you really have a lot of time on your hands, please take some time to read the Christmas mini-blog articles that each of our girls and their families have posted on this blog site, too.

Love You All,

Arnold & Effie

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Arnold & Effie

Earlier this month, we visited the great country of Indonesia. At the invitation of one of the Grace Baptist missionaries serving in Jakarta, I was able to preach in a Christmas service for a church. Then, Effie and I were able to present a parenting seminar together. The next day, I preached 3 times at the anniversary of a Christian school. With the ministry assignments completed, we were treated to several days in the city of Bandung, which is in the mountains. The scenery and weather were great!

Indonesia has very fertile soil. It is said that you can put a walking stick in the ground and it will grow into a tree. We believe it. The countryside is very lush and green with all kinds of crops. In fact, one of the great treats we experienced was to drink drinks made from freshly grown blueberries, strawberries, and other tropical fruits. One favorite drink was a combination of avocado with chocolate and another one was custard apple. You just have to taste them to believe how good they are.

The city of Jakarta is a city bustling with activity - there are over 1.5 million motor bikes in that city alone. Effie and I were impressed by the warm hospitality of the people. And, we were dazzled by the driving expertise of the motorists who navigate through the 24/7 rush hour traffic in Jakarta. But, we were not prepared for the stark contrast between the poor and the rich. But, it is all part of our introduction to this part of the world.

It is amazing just how much Asia is into celebrating Christmas. The malls and streets are a blaze with decorations and ornaments. While it is rare to find Christ mentioned anywhere outside of a church, snowmen, bears wearing Santa hats, and Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" can be heard almost everywhere. One of the things we have to get use to is celebrating Christmas in 88 degree weather. But, here we are in December wearing shorts and t-shirts.

Some have been asking us what we will be doing for Christmas this year. Tricia will be coming on the 19th and staying until the 29th. We are looking forward to seeing her and showing her around Singapore. Many GBC church members are eager to meet her! The last time I looked we are pretty well booked up for meals for the whole week of Christmas.

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Dana, Albert, Jackson, Cade

Dana, Al, Jack, and Cade have been in Ohio for 18 months. They have survived one winter and are hoping to see a White Christmas this year! Dana is still working for P & G and has most recently been working on a project that has taken her to Plano, TX quite a bit. Al continues to take care of the house and is very involved at the boys' school. He currently serves as the Asst. Treasurer for the PTA and volunteers in the classroom. Jack just turned 9 and is in the 3rd grade. He played baseball for the first time this Fall and really enjoyed it. Cade is 7.5 years and is in the 2nd grade. He loves to draw, build things with Legos, and is in the school chorus. Both boys also started Cub Scouts this year. The highlight of the year for the family was a recent trip to Southern California where we enjoyed visits to the beach, Legoland, and Disneyland.


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Lisa, Mike, Nathan, Brandon, Baby Boy #3

Although 2009 seems like a blur, we have much to be grateful for this year. Mike is still employed as a technology consultant for Credera in Dallas. He will be cheering on his beloved Texas Longhorns in the BCS National Championship Game in January and has recently resumed mountain biking after a long hiatus.

This past year, I honed my skills as a professional juggler - balancing the demands of two very active boys, keeping a home and working at the George W. Bush Foundation/SMU. Oh, and by the way - we're expecting Baby Boy #3 in February!

Nathan (4 years old on Christmas Day) is our dynamo. He never runs out of energy, loves anything with wheels, and played soccer for the first time this fall. He attends the SMU Preschool part-time while I am at work and has the best time learning and playing with his buddies.

Brandon (2 years old in January) is growing up quickly...and just in time! He started at the SMU Preschool in May and has become quite independent. He loves being outside, making messes, animals of any kind (partial to horses), any kind of ball, Elmo, and wandering away from his mother in public spaces. He already has quite a few words, can count to 10 and stand toe-to-toe with his brother when it comes to "negotiating" for toys and wrestling with Daddy.

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Elena, Rodney, Reuben, and Baby Boy #2

A couple of pseudo-limericks to summarize our year…

The Espiritus are swell in Chicago

But still getting acclimated to the snow

Rodney graduated in May

Elena started a doctorate in Occ. Ther’pay

And Reuben has been nicknamed “Mr. Destructo.”

In other news for 2009

We’re expecting again, Oh my!

Boy#2 due in Feb

Not putting diapers away just yet

Maybe this time there won’t be as much cryin’! (on our part as well as his)

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Marina, Robert, Thomas, Travis, Derek

This has been a year of peace for the Su family as we are celebrating our fourth year in Tulsa, OK. It's the longest place we've lived anywhere, and we're literally putting down roots. Marina planted a long-awaited garden plot to grow vegetables and finished digging flower beds around the house. Robert continues in his same job as a territory sales manager for Bridgestone Golf and still enjoys playing any chance he gets.

Thomas (8 years old) is in third grade and loves being the oldest brother. He competed in his first Tae Kwon Do competition this year and will earn his black belt in a few months. He enjoys all things 'Apple' and designs laptops for his company called 'Tom Com.' Travis (3.5) has a passion for watching TV and finding things in "I Spy" books. His laid-back personality and cheerful smile keep everyone in our family laughing. Derek (2.5) or "DiDi" wrestles and spars to keep up with his older brothers. He is a fearless climber and dreams of being a superhero with a sword.


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Alicia, Ed, Faith

We transitioned to the stage of parenthood this year when Faith Lok-Yun (cantonese for "joyous grace") was born three weeks early on March 23. God planned it perfectly as Gung Gung and Pau Pau were able to spend time with her before they left for Singapore weeks later.

Ed continues to serve as the English minister in Katy. In his spare time, you'll find him playing with Faith or tinkering with his fantasy football team. Along with his regular youth group activities, he led a week long mission trip to Chihuahua, Mexico in June.

Alicia became a full time mother and part time teacher this year. She works 20 hours a week as an intervention teacher and has continued to take 1-2 graduate courses in the evening in pursuit of her master's degree.

Faith, 9 months, is enjoying her reign as the "#1 granddaughter". She's an easy going baby as long as she gets her sleep and some food in her belly. Her day is filled with fun activities like eating, sleeping, drooling, clapping, crawling, and babbling. Walking is in the horizon as she loves to pull herself up and balance herself with her toys. You can follow her growth and development at our family website: Faith.

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Tricia & Patches

This past year I've moved back to Dallas and taken on a new challenge as a Math Specialist. I enjoy my new job and the challenges along with it, but do miss having my own classroom and Austin. Moving back to Dallas has allowed me to spend more time with my nephews and sisters!

This year has also been a year of travels. I've been traveling all over Texas (Austin, Houston, Dallas), vacationed to Playa Del Carmen with my friends, and visited Marina and the boys in Tulsa. I'm also planning to visit my parents in Singapore for Christmas.

Patches just turned 3 this year, and he is enjoying running and playing at my new apartment park. He is not enjoying the cold winter months in Dallas!

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Kara

Kara is in her 4th and final year of dental school in Dallas. She graduates in May and is currently interviewing for potential residency spots. This year she took advantage of her "lighter" workload and was able to travel to Florida, Washington D.C., California, and Boston! She's really looking forward to her ski trip in January where she'll hit the slopes in Tahoe with friends.