Welcome home (Justin)

This is what we arrived to when Justin's mom brought us to her house from the airport...

Some background on this cat. It's name is "kitty" and there is a love hate relationship between kitty and Justin. Well mostly, Justin hates kitty bc she is responsible for all his "allergies" growing up. She also doesn't care for him, I think bc he's thrown her off the couch and other places she shouldn't be.

But here she was, exerting all her dominance - in OUR GUEST ROOm, like as if she somehow knew...

September & October

Wow. So much to update everyone on - read below for the following:

• Justin's Trip to Africa
• Ann's Soul Searching
• Visitors
• Biggest Loser!

Hopefully the pictures will keep you entertained throughout :) Miss you guys!

Justin's Trip to Africa

Just to let you know, VisionFund currently oversees a network of approximately 40 Microfinance Institutions (or MFIs).  These MFIs were previously managed loosely through the different World Vision offices spread across the different countries, and we are in the process of consolidating these MFIs under VisionFund ownership and control.  The purpose of my trip was to go visit our MFIs in Uganda and Kenya to meet with their management and staff and to perform a review of their operations and systems prior to consolidation. To learn more, go to: http://www.visionfundinternational.org/VisionFund/VisionFundweb.nsf 

I really enjoyed interacting with the staff and the people on the ground there.  It’s a great encouragement to meet people come from a completely different background, worldview, and way of life yet worship and serve the same God.  I also had a chance to go on a quick one-day safari during my weekend stay there where I visited Nakuru National Park in Kenya.  There I saw lions, monkeys, zebras, and flamingos in their natural habitat.  It felt like a reverse experience of being at the zoo where I was confined to the space of our tour van while the animals around me were free to move about. My least favorite part of the trip were the stomach issues. Thank God I didn’t get sick the entire trip until the very end. It was a LONG 26 hour flight back home.

I met a few clients during my time there.  One used her loan to start a chicken farm.  She used the money to build a chicken coop, and buy feed.  She had previously been left by her husband with no money to care for her family, but now had the means feed her children and send them to school.  Another loan recipient used his loan to start a food stand, and another used a loan to convert an old building to an inn.

Working in Los Angeles behind a desk and computer, it’s easy to be removed from the work that’s actually going on on the ground. Visiting these MFIs and hearing the stories about lives that have been changed through the work of these MFIs help confirm that the seemingly endless spreadsheets I work with help further the work that goes on around the world.

During the trip, God taught me just how fortunate I am; fortunate to have been born in the US and not have to worry about where my next meal is going to come from, and fortunate to have the opportunity to work for an organization that strives bring about God’s kingdom in places of poverty and suffering.

Soul Searching

While Justin was in Africa, I had some great opportunities to start experimenting with some of the things I feel God has placed on my heart. Since Justin works for World Vision, and they do effective work to alleviate global poverty, I thought I'd see what it's like to volunteer for them. Thankfully two of his female co-workers kindly went with me (I don't know that many people in LA that would blindly volunteer at an event where they had no idea what they'd be doing). Turns out there was a Women of Faith conference and they partner with World Vision for child sponsorship. Our job (with these BRIGHT ORANGE World Vision aprons - people would think we worked for Home Depot) was to simply walk up and down the aisles during breaks and collect people's child sponsorship or help them find the kid of their choice (country, gender, age, etc.). Two things I got out of that day: I need to write my child more often because I met so many ladies who have a relationship with their kids. Secondly, we got to listen to all the women speakers and turns out these old ladies have some pretty godly advice! My favorite one was: "change can be good"... Oh and it was entertaining to see Amy Grant perform live even though I'm undecided on her. (see below)

Another topic I experimented with was the issue of human trafficking. There is a clear burden that can only be God-given for this issue, so thankfully there was an entire conference with ALL faith-based LA organizations getting together not far from where we live. Seriously, what are the odds? I got to meet so many different organizations doing great work ranging from awareness, legal intervention, to rescue and restoration.  God showed me how great a heart he has for those who are oppressed, marginalized, and exploited. Through prayer, he also showed me that I want to get involved in the rescue and restoration side of the fight against trafficking. 

Is anyone still reading? Just testing. Well one of the organizations that I got wind of was called Night Light International. They are a Christian organization whose goal is to provide alternative employment to women in Bangkok, Thailand to make jewelry, so they can leave their jobs at the "bars" and be given a full salary with benefits. Women in that culture are responsible for sending money back home, not the men. Believe me, none of these women wanted to work at the "bars", but faced such poverty that this was their only choice. Night Light not only provides a way out, but also counsels the women as they come out of that life and gives them the hope and restoration in Christ. 

The next part I am still trying to full grasp. After several tries, I was able to meet with the director to discuss ways I could volunteer while I figure out what I want to do with my life. Instead of telling me right away their needs, she asked me where my skills and passions lie. I told her finance/accounting, organized, attention to detail, etc. She looks at me funny and says "I've been praying for the past 6 months for someone to fill a finance/accounting position. There was no funding for it up until now". (Jaw drop). We just looked at each other and couldn't believe it. So a few weeks later and lots of prayer sprinkled all over...I am going to start tomorrow (pending board approval) on a contract basis for 3 months, we'll see what happens after that!

There were and are tons of concerns circling my head. The pay was a huge struggle. I realized my identity was still tied somehow to what kind of company I worked for and how much I made. A huge lesson God is teaching me right now is that my identity, worth, and fulfillment truly lie in Him and Him alone. Not Jesus PLUS something else. The viability of the organization was also a huge struggle. I like to work for big companies, the kind that aren't going anywhere for 100 years. God reminded me that it's not up to me to control my destiny and that I will have to trust Him step by step as much as I want to minimize risk around me. As an additional note, I have the most supportive husband. Justin affirmed the path God was taking me on and did not balk at the pay or unpredictable future. Gosh, it really makes me wish I didn't give him such a hard time about moving to LA for World Vision...;)

As this blog post has gone way too long, we will leave you with pictures to tell the rest of the story.

Andrea's parents visit LA (Getty Museum)

Justin's Mom visits LA (LACMA)

At a live taping of Biggest Loser. Pictured: Hannah and Olivia (the winner) from last season's episode of Biggest Loser

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Although Justin and I have been apart periodically because of his work, we still find time together. Scrambled to find the best picture of us 2 on my phone...with Mark and Johanna for Sunday brunch

Missing my Nieces (and Nephew)

Maddie with her mouth wide open, Mui Mui in mid smile, and Dan in full smile (THANKS DAN!)

Now Mui Mui has her mouth wide open and Maddie is in full smile

At this point, Steffy was on, so Mui mui came alive and started waving and sticking out her tongue :)

Some Sisterly Love (Mui Mui is like "what are you doing")

This is what their aunties teach them...

Thankfully I got to skype with Maddie and Olivia (with Dan's help). They were ADORABLE as usual. Since you can only video chat with one other party, and Steffy wanted to also skype, I facetimed her, pointed my camera at my computer screen, so the girls could see Steffy on my phone and she could see them on my computer screen. Totally weird! Here are my fave snapshots from this morning.

Stay tuned on Justin's post on Africa!!

He's Back!

Justin made it back safely yesterday, I picked him up at LAX. First things first- what did we eat for dinner? You guessed it: sushi! Thanks for all your prayers!

Hello from the Equator!

Justin wants to say hello from Uganda's equator!

Thank you for your continued prayers. It is a miracle he has not gotten sick yet. (He has a tendency to get sick when he travels. So do I, we make such a powerful couple :)) It is by God's grace only! Plus his dizziness and headaches have gone away. Wow! Thought you would enjoy this picture. I almost forced the camera into his hands before he left, but he is being a faithful picture taker for me and for all of you!

Uganda!

He has landed safely in Uganda. I just spoke with him over Skype. Besides eating a cold potato salad with sardines (and finishing ALL of it because he knew people were starving in Africa), he did well in his long flight to Uganda. 

Thanks for praying for his safety. With it being 9/11 weekend, I had pretty bad thoughts running through my head. Keep praying though! I need him back in one piece. Prayer is a powerful thing!

Speaking of 9/11, may the families and friends of the victims continue to heal as they remember this terrible tragedy and celebrate their loved ones.

Reconnect: Month 1 (and a half)

It has been 7 weeks since Ann (I) set foot on LA soil (cement at LAX). Since then, it has been a whirlwind of events, most all of them good. 

We are so thankful for God's faithfulness in really providing key people to help with our transition here. That's why this blog entry is called "Reconnect" because this past month has definitely been a time of reconnecting with friends, either recent or dating as far back as high school days and even a study abroad friend from Hong Kong! It has also been a sweet time for me to connect with God in an unconfined time period, allowing for more opportunities to dive deeper with the Lord. 

One of the biggest blessings from God was one of my best friends, Grace. She lives 3 minutes down the street from us, and since Justin broke his arm, quickly coordinated with her Fuller friends to furnish a very nice rocking chair for him to sleep in (instead of a box in the corner). Her and her husband Peter helped us unpack, break down boxes, and take them to the dumpster. This was of major help since Justin was still out of commission with his arm (update on that later in this entry)

Pictured: Me, Jeannie (visiting from Houston), and Grace

Another huge provision was my cousin Erin, who lives 5 minutes from us. She has been so welcoming, taken us to the farmer's market, and even baked us bread from scratch! There's nothing like having family close by. Not to mention, she fedexed us our passports when we forgot them...

Enjoying Dim Sum with Erin, Kellen, Auntie Flora, and Uncle Andrew @ King Hua

Not pictured are other friends from high school and college like Karen Weng, Ricky Lin, and Ling Kung. They all have been in living in LA longer than we have and really have shown us a good time. 

An unexpected reunion was with one of my buddies from study abroad in Hong Kong. You'll never guess how wereconnected: Yelp! Aimlessly looking for a breakfast spot in Santa Monica, I stumbled across her friend Jennifer's Yelp review and westarted facebooking from there. Usually when you haven't seen someone in 7 years, you've reached this awkward phase of "I don't know you anymore" and "I can't remember why we were friends and I've moved on". I am not that kind of person though. Thankfully neither was she! Next thing you know, she invites Justin and I to a camping trip in Yosemite, which happens to be Justin's "favorite place on earth". His words, not mine. 

Ann pretending to be outdoorsy on their hike to Cathedral Lakes

Happy as a clam at Cathedral Lakes

El Capitan (left) Half Dome (right)

And last but certainly not least is the Longhorn crew! Johanna, Mark, Janel, Timmy, and Kenneth are all friends from either high school or college and all live in LA. They have instituted "Texas Dinner" which are potlucks at someone's place. We went to our first Texas Dinner last week and laughed until our sides hurt!

Updates on Justin's arm: It's about 95% better. It didn't heal all the way straight (5 degrees off), but it works and no one can tell except Justin. Very thankful that saga is over.

Real time update: Justin is on his way to Uganda and Kenya for two weeks. His flight is 28 hours long with many stops along the way. If you remember, please keep him in your prayers because he was not feeling very well before getting on the plane. Dizziness and headaches. Not sure if this is spiritual warfare or if this is just being human. Either way, the timing is bad. Very exciting trip though, he is going to actually check out the microfinance institutions he works to support every day!

Update on Ann's job search: I've been doing LOTS of soul-searching, praying and asking God what he has gifted me to do on this short time on earth. While waiting on the Lord, (if you know my penchant for maximizing efficiency with my time), I have signed up to volunteer at a World Vision sponsored event, attended my first women's small group, and plan on attending a faith based anti-human trafficking conference next weekend. Through scripture and people I've met, I feel like God has been telling me lately "Don't settle. Hold out for something I created you for, and don't worry in the meantime about the money or how long it takes".  Also I feel reassured that God loves me no matter what I choose to do for a living. 

Us Update: We have been doing overall well. Marriage is a continual refining process, as we try to figure out what it looks like to walk with the Lord together, and as we decide what we want to be about while we are here in LA.

That's it for now! I will leave you with some random pictures of our time here in LA and our prayer requests. Please let us know how you are doing as well. Don't want it to become one-sided! Keeping in touch is really not our strong suit so please feel free to email us a personal update :)

• Safety and health as Justin travels to Uganda and Kenya
• Continued guidance for Ann's job search
• A community for Justin and Ann to plug into and live life with
• A God-centered marriage 

Freshly shucked oysters from Quality Seafood @ Redondo Beach

That Uni is still moving!

Sunset at Redondo Beach

The day we fell in love with Santa Barbara (Leadbetter Beach)

One of Ann's successful dinners: Chicken Piccata and Roasted Tarragon Potatoes with Salad

Renewed Hobby: Card Making!

Bike Riding in Santa Barbara -NOT TANDEM. Side by side with a fake wheel so Ann can't try to steer.

First Weeks in LA

We started this blog to keep in touch with our friends and family who we care about oh so much and vice versa! Hopefully even though we won't see each other on a regular basis, we can still feel connected to each other's lives this way!

It has been an eventful July. The first week I (Ann) was out here, we celebrated fourth of july with one of my best friends Grace and her husband Peter, and their baby girl Abigail. Finished off the evening by watching fireworks going off at the Rose Bowl from our bedroom window! I spent two precious weeks back in Houston training my replacement. That was a humbling experience to literally hand over all my responsibilities, knowing that they would function well (if not better) without me.  The Lord was good in reminding me of His truths, esp. how my worth is not tied to my work or my paycheck.

Saying goodbye to my family was the hardest (especially the little ones!) and I tear up sometimes when I think about Maddie, Olivia, and Gabriel. Thankfully Steffy, Dan, and Tina send me pics and videos so I get my baby fix. I feel like just when I got adjusted to LA, it was time to go back to Houston. Just when I got adjusted to Houston, it was time to go back to LA (for good).

 Maddie - 4.5, Olivia 2.5, Gabriel 3 mos.

The Leung family at the FINAL farewell dinner :)

Update on Justin's Arm: We are on week 7 of the healing process. You can see that the bone has started fusing back together (not 100% straight, but the doctor said he won't be able to tell the difference). This hasn't kept Justin from assembling all the electronics in the apartment :) God really provided a great doctor (only took 3 tries!) who is giving him sound treatment. Thankfully his arm is healing well and he is in significantly less pain. That was a whole ordeal. But I learned just a taste of serving sacrficially, giving me no time to mourn the fact that I was not in Houston anymore. Justin is always in good spirits, even though he has been working a ton of hours at World Vision. Budgeting season ends September 19th, so we are just looking forward to that time when things will calm down.

Justin's arm 12 days ago

When asked: "How do you like your job at World Vision", Justin would say that it's good. It's easy to get into the weeds, like any other job, on a day-to-day basis. But when he steps back to see what he's doing all this for, he has a greater sense of purpose than he ever did with his previous jobs, which their end goal was to just make as much money as possible.Justin has been out here for 3 months already, so before he broke his arm, he was enjoying snowboarding in Mammoth, farmer's markets, and exploring LA (fave spot: Little Tokyo for obvious reasons).

Have we found a church yet? Justin and I have only visited 3 churches so far: Mosaic, Christian Assembly, and Pacific Crossroads Church (Redeemer plant). There are things we like and dislike about each one. What's weird is to be the "shopper". I hate that mentality of consumerism within the church, but it is a necessary temporary evil for the short term. I think one way to get a better feel for a church is to just serve right away. There are tons of ways the churches serve the city of LA (good sign), so we might just jump in that way. We will keep you posted though. We love you all!

Prayer Requests:

• Praise God that Justin's arm is healing well and he is sleeping through the night!
• Pray that God would be in the midst of Justin's work at Vision Fund
• Pray that Ann can discern the best way to use her time here in LA 
• Pray that God would protect Justin and Ann's marriage during this adjustment

Enjoying dinner at the Santa Monica Promenade with some friends from Texas!