Sunday, February 18, 2007

My name is Wayne, and I will be your server.

Adjusting to life in another country is not an easy task. I remember the feeling of homesickness while living in Korea, even though I knew it was where God wanted me to be at the time. It has been challenging for both of us to tackle life in America. I know Choonghwan wishes that he could speed up the process of learning the language and overcoming cultural differences. I am so proud of him. One of the hardest things for him has been finding employment that is satisfying. He recently quit a part-time job at FedEx that he picked up over the holidays. It just wasn't right for him.

He recently took it upon himself to apply at Cracker Barrel and was hired as a server. I have never seen him more tickled about a job! He has really worked hard to learn the American phrase-ology for taking orders and waiting on customers. God has once again blessed him with a friendly and helpful staff of co-workers, and we are both thankful for that grace. It is good for me to see joy in his heart, and to realize that it comes from his joy of serving others. I know that God will bless Choonghwan as his smile and enthusiasm blesses others while they enjoy their meals.

Engaged!

My littlest brother, Patch, recently got engaged to the love-of-his-life, Ms. Laren Lott, from Birmingham, Alabama. We are all looking forward to the wedding in August and are so happy for both of them!


The Barkers come to Nashville!



Choonghwan and I had the most delightful weekend with the Barkers just a few weeks ago. They took the time and energy to make a four hour drive from Atlanta to Nashville, and settled in with us on a Friday evening. Jana had "warned" me that it would feel like they were moving in with all of Mara Kate's baby gear... it did! Our apartment felt so empty when they packed it all up and left on Sunday.

We really had a good time doing new things in Nashville. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe and the Pancake Pantry. Mara Kate took her first ride on a carousel, and tried mandarin oranges for the first time. Our little apartment came alive with Mara Kate pushing her walker around and climbing all over the couch. It was fun to watch her be at ease, and also to watch Choonghwan enjoy and entertain her. It was also fun to call Tuie and let her know that Mara Kate was saying "BeBe"! (pronounced Dee-dee in Mara Kate language) It was equally as good to catch up with my little brother and his lovely bride. It has been such a blessing to have Jana as a sister-in-law. I was glad to finally open my home as they have been gracious on so many occasions to open their home to us!

Somehow, all of the pictures of Kane and Jana ended up on their camera... I promise, they really were here!


Mara Kate settled into her routine in BeBe and Choonghwan's apartment

Mara Kate all dolled up and ready to go out for the day!

Mara Kate likes to eat what she sees others eating... Choonghwan was good to share his caramel rice cakes! Aren't they a pair?!

Thanksgiving and Christmas 2006

It's a lazy winter afternoon, and I've finally found time to update a bit...


Here are a few pictures from the holidays. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas we were able to see and spend time with all of the Kane family members... aunts, uncles, cousins and more! We really did miss Mimi, but were blessed to know that she was home for Christmas. For me, this past Christmas was less about the festivities and the gifts and much more about family. Choonghwan enjoys the "American" Christmas more and more each year; we both really enjoy relaxing in K-town.


Thanksgiving in Athens... love those smiles!

Daddo drew my name for Christmas and also gave presents to his girls. Since Pat was in Martin, I got to be an honorary Kane-girl for the evening.

Don't we look cute!