Woohoo!

(Diana) For dessert, unscramble the cupcake letters to figure out what it says.
(Mom) "I see the word baby. B-A-B-Y"
(Sisters) "Baby, what? Woohoo!"
(Mom) "Oh yeah, its says 'Baby Woohoo!'"
(Diana) "It says 'Baby Hopwood', but we'll name it Baby Woohoo for now."

Now I get it why they call it the "Miracle of Life"...because this gifted blessing is created as just that...a divine miracle! Our little child is a healthy 13 week old fetus (apparently the size of a lime) and seems to be as chill as its daddy. We are incredibly excited and joyfully looking forward to November 28, 2011!!!

Moorea! (aka: TAHITI)

Moorea is a gorgeous, little island in French Polynesia just 9 miles northwest of Tahiti.  Its a beautiful reward after the exhausting adventure getting there.  Our layover flight to LAX was canceled and therefore we missed our Tahiti flight out of LA.  Since flights out of LA are limited and there aren't any inter-island connections once you arrive in Papeete; I highly recommend starting your travels one or two days before you actually start ordering poolside mai-tai's.  Despite the canceled flights, misconnections and the unexpected 6 hour bus ride, a secluded beach was still worth the effort.  Below are a few pictures from our heavenly vacation.

Samchoon's Legacy

John Sungsoo Park was born on October 29, 1954 in Seoul, Korea and died on February 5, 2011 in Seattle, Washington at the age of 56.  He was a son, husband, father of three children, a brother, mentor and a lover of Christ.  I called him Samchoon (meaning uncle in Korean). 

Samchoon was a humble, generous and selfless man who devoted his life to serve Christ and love others before himself.  Aside from owning his own CPA firm, Samchoon spent his time as an elder at Korean Presbyterian Church of Seattle, rarely missing a Sunday service and always sharing the gospel until his final days.  From church sport activities to weekly church meetings, Samchoon's priorities never wavered.  He truly loved God's people as if they were all "blood related," serving the church with great compassion and dignity.  Samchoon taught me that it wasn't nearly enough to go to church, that to be a Christian we are to live completely devoted to Jesus.  And that there is great value in loving and serving Jesus, desiring more of the Holy Spirit as a church community. 

The fruits of Samchoon's labor on earth was apparent at his memorial.  It was quite obvious he had an impression on hundreds of lives.  Many people flew to Seattle from various corners of the continent on a moments notice to celebrate John's life.  The sanctuary was packed full with over 400 people, and an additional 100+ people listening in while standing outside in the cold weather.  Despite the interment service the following day, many people sacrificed their own agenda to honor and bid Samchoon a final farewell.  Its exactly what he would do for them.

It amazes me how Samchoon provided and attended to the needs of his parents, wife and children (for many years had seven people in the same house), while running his own business, and actively involved with church - he carried such a heavy load.  And despite his busy schedule always made time for you.  How does someone with such a large (proverbial) plate  demonstrated a headship, a loving marriage, and a joyful heart with such grace?  He enjoyed the outdoors and was the first to introduced my family to the quality goods at REI.  He was the adult with great responsibilities yet his child-like joyful spirit never escaped him. 

A few months prior to passing away, Samchoon prayed over a family meal and while I only recorded a small snip - he prayed, "Jesus always guide them (family members).  Always be the master of their lives.  (with appreciation & gratitude) God, thank you so much!  I pray in Jesus' name.  Amen."

Samchoon, THANK YOU!  Thank you for your encouragement and your example through the years.  Thank you for continually pointing us to Jesus, for the many hugs & laughs you shared and for humbly leading our family well.  I love you, Samchoon!