My Dear Friends,
It feels like eons since I’ve last written to update you on the state of our affairs as of late. I know this can sound trite, but I do not exaggerate when I say that things have just been extra-accelerated even throughout the 1 month break I had from Dec. 7 – Jan. 7. Yes, this is no longer the year of the 7, and instead, the hot digit is now our “lucky 8″. Times are rapidly changing and so are we, along with the times.
Anyway, instead of aimlessly rambling on about some contemplative reflections about my past year, and my prayerful hopes for this sure-to-be awesome year, I’ll keep in mind that although I could write an entire volume for this posting, I should not expect to test your patience, but instead will try my utmost best to summarize my more recent experiences as below (*I tried my best with this one…promise!*)
*Ahem* OK, I think you must be learning by now that my newsletter tones are increasingly becoming a little bit more casual as if you are reading this after the past long-awaited updates, you probably have survived the first year of (most would say “long-distance”) friendship and have somewhat is still curious about what Joy and Paul are up to these days. 
So, from where I left off in the previous Fall update, we’ve just started pastoring the English Ministry service at Hebron Presbyterian Church, Koreatown, and are now proud, somewhat assimilated members of this wonderful community. Despite the fact that I cannot communicate too well with most of the older folks in the Korean Ministry (KM) service, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time of getting acquainted with the English-speaking adults and youth. We recently enjoyed a 3D/2N Winter Retreat at Pali Mountain (about 2 hrs away, not far from the snow slopes) and managed to survive all the crazy things we will forever be remembered for many years for now (try eating a raw whole unpickled jalapeno!). More than that, though subtlely, there’s been a growing sense of community as we get better acquainted with the youths each week, who, though tired at the end of the trip, were discipled into having a bigger heart for God and His people. I guess any evaluation I would make will seem biased considering that I’m at the top of the hierarchy with Paul in this English ministry. As you can imagine, being in this role has its fair share of challenges and expectations. So far, we’ve been very blessed to have some dedicated youth who do an awesome job in leading us in worship and (most of the time) just showing up for the things we run, but more than that, we’re praying for an increase of young adult helpers and leaders who will carry the torch with us. We have a vision to grow this ministry steadily from the 30+ group that it is to a bigger group, so please pray with us for this fresh year ahead for God to pour out His Spirit amongst us as we plan, intercede, and work hard for His church.
In terms of school, I’m back at school now nearing the end of my 2nd week of the Winter Quarter. I am, firstly, SO thankful to be a part of a wonderful cohort group that meets weekly with Prof. Bryant Myers (formerly a VIP with WorldVision Int’l) and his dear wife Lisa who never cease to open incredible doors of opportunity for us to meet some very impressive contacts from his network (3 other current and ex-WorldVision Int’l top dogs, not to mention the wealth of experience that Prof. Myers brings to us to begin with) in order to share their life experiences with us and to advise on our future career goals. What a privilege to not only be hearing their words of wisdom and knowledge, but to also be sharing time with them in a small group setting so that there was time to get up-close and ask personal mentoring type questions which is replied to with such amazing vision and perspective (they really do have a vision of the world!). That’s just a snippet of the mind-blowing spectrum of people in ministry at Fuller, and boy, am I glad to be a part of this astounding school!
Oh yes, back to the school (got a little diverted there), I’m (as I have been now for a year) still thoroughly enjoying the cutting-edge classes and excellent interactions with the students, developing some great friendships with a wide-range of students. I was well-advised by Tom (from WV) that EVERY friendship that God puts in your life exists for a reason, and we need to learn how to stay connected to our friends because we never know when God chooses to open a door, meet a need, or use us to serve them come the right time. That’s what spurred and reminded me, actually, to update you with you this blog posting…aha! OK, so you get the point. I also loved the quote by Tom which impacted him as much so that he wrote a part of the anti-apartheid legislation in South Africa which quotes something like this, ”the central truth of this universe that makes the most sense is when one person cares for another person – if you are white, look for a black, if you are well, look for a sick person etc.” What a profound quote indeed – one which greatly influenced many to stop apartheid in South Africa! I still believe that at the core of any great ministry is a ministry that just simply loves God and cares for one another – whether it’s a person, youth group, or a specialized demographic. That’s the only thing that should keep us going in this world - carrying the expression of God’s heart of love and loving others, even when it requires significant sacrifices. I was reminded that this is why I’m studying at Fuller, to gain practical knowledge, understanding, and skills to equip me to do just that – care for the world’s sick (physically, psychosocially, and spiritually) and poor.
Finally, on the wedding forefront, there’s about 2 months and 3 weeks before our big special day! *whistle on!* As you can imagine, this is probably going to be the busiest quarter for me ever - with full-course load (no choice about that), my ASC job, ministry at church (we’re starting Youth Alpha!), and the wedding preparations well underway, there’s no stopping or turning back. So, please please please keep us in prayer at this time. Paul’s decided to take the quarter off school to concentrate on implementing some key things at church, while still working his 9-5 job (more like 9am-9pm after the long commute), so he’s not having a break either from the stress that both of us will likely experience in growing intensity over these few months. Despite all the stresses that’s coming ahead, we’re both very excited about finally saying “I Do”. I probably won’t blog after this blog for several months until after our wedding (April 6th), but pls. do email me if you would like to drop a note or update about what’s going on on your side.
As I always say, I absolutely LOVE hearing from all of you (you know who you are) so, whether it’s an email or a blog comment, pls. feel free.
Until the next loaded newsletter! 
Cheers to a bright and blessed start!
Yours with hope,
Joy
P.s. enjoy some snapshots showing how we celebrated the holiday season!
Act 4:11-12 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
