Bittersweet Goodbyes

Three and a half years ago, Jody and I first moved to Colorado and began to prepare for the arduous task of completing a degree at Denver Seminary. And though I was born in Colorado and spent the first few years of my life here, it is a completely different experience as an adult, forging your own way 'in the world' and establishing lasting friendships out of nothing.

We moved to Littleton after returning to the States from Korea, spending two months with my family in Virginia and two months with Jo's family in Texas. It was so nice to finally settle down. I changed my name officially to 'Been,' updated my license to an official Colorado one, got our plates registered. Every little piece made us feel more at home. Still, we knew no one. No church home. No connections other than my parents' friends from when they lived here back in the 70s and 80s. 

After using the first few weeks of our time in Colorado to adjust, it was time for Jo to get everything prepared for his first semester of graduate school. He registered for classes and got his books. The next step to preparing for school was to attend the New Student Orientation.

The day of, we drove to the seminary, parked and walked into the building that houses the chapel. There were round tables throughout the room, and so we picked our seats off to the southern side and began to chat with those around us. Then we noticed a couple walk in, and there wasn't a place for them to sit at any of the tables.

I remember it - as clear as day. "Hey, come join us!" Jody and I urged them.

We pulled up a few chairs next to us, and they sat down.

Three and a half years later, I miss them like crazy.

Sam and Britt became our buds all through seminary. California natives, from Day #1 I knew they would be returning to their beloved state. I just knew it was inevitable. But I still am so thankful for the time that we had together!

Their wiener dog Rustie convinced me that I wanted a miniature dachshund for myself. They went with us out to the home in Elizabeth where we picked up Eu-mi as an 8 week old pup from a litter of eight.

We had doggie play dates.

Worked out together.

Ate meals together composed of whatever was in our refrigerators at the time.

"You have carrots? Oh, great! I'll bring the lettuce and tomatoes."

"Game night? Sweet! I'll bring Settlers. Wanna bake some of your amazing cookies?"

We discussed the stresses of seminary together. Its' effect on our health, our marriages, our finances. Oh, what a blessing to have someone who could relate!

We played outside together... had snowball fights. Went biking in the mountains.

When they got another pup, Roxy, Jo and I decided that we'd need to get another wiener dog, too! I mean, imagine the play dates with not two - BUT FOUR - wiener dogs!

Yup! All 4 of them!

Even when Britt and I were working, Sam and Jo were always up to some mischief. Brewing beer. Debating Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Talking about life in ministry.

When Jo graduated in December, Sam and Britt were there to celebrate with us.

It just wouldn't have been the same without them.

I used to think that 'bosom friends' (as Anne Shirley puts it) were impossible to find. Now I know that they're not impossible to find... but they are rare and to be treasured.

Sam got a job at a church in northern California, and they moved last month. Before they left, they came over and dropped off all the food in their pantry.

Because that's what friends do.

We got take-out Panda Express, sat in the living room and talked about the future. And how they need to find us a job in California, so we can keep hanging out.

Dear Parsons,
We are so grateful for you guys. 
We miss and love you so much, and we pray God's blessings on your lives. 
Keep a room open for us in Cali! We just might have to come visit!!
Love,
The Beens

A Trip to Virginia

A week after celebrating Jody's graduation from Denver Seminary, Jody and I packed up a suitcase, a duffel bag and my carry-on (Eu-mi!) for a two week trip to Virginia to spend time with my family. The end of 2011 marked over three (3!) years since Jody had been to Virginia and seen the majority of my side of the family. I have been to Virginia every year at some point (usually at Thanksgiving), but I always went alone because of Jody's school and workload. I did not realize until this trip how divided I have felt without him. He really has become my family.

The flights (a flight to Atlanta, and then one to Richmond) were uneventful, and Eu-mi was fantastic. She whimpered a little when we first arrived at the Denver airport, and she was stuffed inside her crate. Poor thing. So many smells and sounds. But she was a rockstar, and all three of us arrived in Richmond, safe and sound. Thank you, Sherpa Pet Carrier. And thank you to everyone who prayed for her!

During the course of our visit, we saw my whole family. My parents. My siblings. Their spouses. Their significant others. Nieces and nephews. Pets. It was a madhouse! And yet, there were times of quiet, as well. We talked late into the night and got up late. We went on errands together. We ate dinner and sat around the table. Then we'd go into the 'New Room' (that is actually 10 years old, but will always be called the New Room) and continue the conversation near the fire. It was wonderful, and I pray it will not be so long until we can return.

Here are just a few glimpses from our time at home...

With my sister-in-law and friend, Courtney!

Sarah and her boyfriend, Justin

Sisters!

My football studmuffin brother, Daniel

The Holts' new puppy, Charlotte!

The husbands, boyfriends of Clementson girls + Chris

With the kiddos. Love them!

Jane finally started to warm up to Uncle Jody!

With Charlotte, the new puppy in the Holt household!

Clementson girls + Rebekah

Quality Christmas time with Chloe!

Anna and her boyfriend, Nate

What I learned from spending two weeks back in my childhood home... 

1. My family is big.
2. My family is loud.
3. How did I forget?! You must be the first to take a shower in the morning, because if you are #6 or #7 in line, there certainly isn't any hot water left. 
4. Jody brings a lot of laughter to my family... and he blends right in and makes himself at home. So thankful for a husband that can handle the in-laws with grace, gentleness and humor!
5. Everybody is growing up. Each individual is not the same person he/she was when we were little. Shocker, I know. 
6. Living in Virginia and being a Broncos fan means you have to use First Row to get your Broncos games when they're not aired on TV.
7. I'm an introvert. I love my family... but I also love my alone time. 
8. Virginia humidity ♥ my skin. The wrinkles disappear with each passing day!
9. Eu-mi needs her blanket and a soft, warm place to sleep wherever she goes.
10. There's a reason I do that... and that... and that. Yep, all that 'family of origin' stuff makes sense in a whole new way!

Graduation

It finally arrived.

This past Monday, December 12, 2011, after much blood, sweat and tears my awesome husband Jody graduated from Denver Seminary with his Masters of Arts (MA) in Leadership. I am so very proud of him!

The weekend started off very well, with a great surprise. Six weeks before graduation weekend, I got an unexpected call from Jody's best friend Dustin. He asked if he could fly up to be present for Jody's graduation. I was speechless for a moment but recovered myself enough to say, "Why absolutely! Jody would be thrilled to have you here!"

So Dustin bought his tickets, got his rental car... and we didn't really talk for a while. But when we were driving back from Pampa after Thanksgiving, Jody told me that he didn't want anyone coming to celebrate his graduation with him since he had SO MUCH work to do, and his final presentation wasn't until the Wednesday AFTER the Monday graduation. I started panicking, knowing that Dustin had already booked his flights. I got to madly thinking that maybe I should tell Dustin to cancel... but I didn't want to back down. So I responded by telling him that I really felt like he needed to get as much of his work done as he possibly could.

He was not happy. If it could have been possible, smoke would have been pouring out of his ears. He didn't say anything... other than that he was not happy.

So, fast forward a few weeks. It's Friday evening, and Jody and I are sitting down, eating dinner and chatting. His cell phone rings. He glances at it and turns it off, since he wants to focus on our time together. Then there is a knock at the door. Jody gets up, goes to the door and opens it. He looks at Dustin. He looks at me. He looks at Dustin again. Not a word. Just a confused look, as if his brain had shut down.

Surprise!

So that begin three whole days that the guys got to hang out together.

So proud!

With Dustin

Best friends!

With dear friends, Sam and Britt, who came to support us!

And on Monday, Jody graduated from Denver Seminary. Praise the Lord!

Anticipation

I love anticipation. The tingling in my stomach that comes with the knowledge of something GOOD coming. And there are three wonderful events that are, Lord willing, going to happen before 2012 arrives. They are the rope I'm hanging on to.

• We are going to visit Jody's family for Thanksgiving. Since we first got back from Korea in 2008, Jody and I have not been able to spend Thanksgiving together (with one another with one side of our families). But this Thanksgiving, we're making the trek down to the Panhandle to spend the Thanksgiving holidays with the Been side of the fam. I'm beyond thrilled. I am anticipating the good times and memories made. 

It won't ever be the same again, but still looking forward to time with the fam.

Maybe "help" Pam in the kitchen!

And see that beautiful Texas sky!

• Jody graduates in 8 weeks. Yes, 8 weeks. Every Monday I write on my calendar one number less. It builds anticipation and puts a song in my heart to carry through the week. Somehow, I can handle anything, knowing that he will be finished in just a few short months. God has been good and faithful, and I am looking forward to celebrating His faithfulness when this is over. The graduation ceremony is Monday, December 12th. It'll be a small ceremony in the seminary, for which I am very thankful. No need for a big May graduation ceremony at Southeast... I am content that we will be done!

Denver Seminary campus

• After graduation (yay!), we are heading to Virginia. YES! Jody, Eu-mi and I are flying back to Virginia to spend two whole stinkin' weeks with my family. I am on cloud 9. Jody has not seen my family since we first landed in America in 2008 from Korea. Three years. A lot has happened in three years. I am most excited for him to see Rebekah and Bryan's kids. He hasn't even met Jane, our youngest niece, and she's 2 years old (well, she will be next Tuesday)! I just can't wait to see 'em all! The best part of this is the timing. We will be flying out December 19th and returning to CO on January 3rd. That will give us 2 solid weeks over Christmas break to spend with the family. We will be guaranteed quality time with family, and maybe even some good friends. We'll see. So thankful for the chance that we'll have to spend Christmas with my family. I haven't had this privilege since the Christmas I graduated in 2004. That's 7 years!

See my parents!

Maybe hang out with some lovely ladies!

And see my  nieces and nephews!

The end is in sight...

There is one lesson I have learned very thoroughly through this process called seminary: don't set your heart on anything too quickly.

When Jody began his degree at Denver Seminary over two years ago, we were shooting for graduation in December of 2010 (yep, the December that passed four months ago). But then life happened. (Of course it did.) A poor job market. Two moves. A car accident. Financial stress. Greater church involvement. Brad's passing. And so plans had to change. And through it all, God has been good. 

The latest challenge to graduation presented itself a few weeks ago. Jody needed to register for his last semester, and there were only 3 classes left standing between him and that stinkin' piece of paper. But one of those classes was not offered. Ha! Somehow, deep in my gut, I knew something like this was going to happen. Immediately when I got the text from Jody, my stomach sank. Graduation May 2012?? It could not be!

But we are rejoicing today. Jody and I put our heads together and decided the best step to take was to immediately speak with the head of the MA Leadership department, Dr. Lindquist and see what could be done. Praise the Lord, Dr. Lindquist was eager and willing to work with Jody, knowing a bit about the stresses of the past few months. He and another professor, Dr. Carroll, agreed to tack on an extra credit to one of the other classes, require a bit more work of Jody, and his requirements will be satisfied. Two classes. 5 credits. And 8 more months.

We are thrilled. God is truly good and merciful to us. Yay!

Graduation Date: December 12, 2011

God's Provision

It's a quiet night here in the Been apartment. Jody is up at Englewood teaching the youth, and I decided to stay home tonight. It is Hump Day, after all, and I'm ever mindful of the need my body has for rest and that if I can't keep my eyes open by 5pm, I might want to be low-key that evening! When I look at others who are able to go and go, and be involved in a million different activities at the same time, I try not to give in to feelings of envy, as I have learned the physical limitations I need to place on my body in order to stay healthy. And I am encouraged; I have not had laryngitis since August 2008. It's been a year and a half!

March of 2010 finds me in a much more encouraged place than a few months ago. In fact, I am more encouraged than I have been in a long time. God has indeed been faithful. The most noticeable place that Jody and I see evidence of God's kindness towards us has been in our church, Englewood Assembly. I recall to mind the place we were in a year ago.

We had arrived in Denver in January 2009, and Jody had begun classes at Denver Seminary. Every weekend we would check out a new church.... for three or four months. It was an exhausting process trying to find a home church, and we often shook our heads as we left a service. Is it possible to miss newcomers when your church is 40 people? And not so much as a smile? A glance? A handshake? A welcome? It was such a discouraging experience trying to get plugged in. And then we went to Englewood one Sunday. I think 20 people must have come up to us, shaken our hand, hugged us and welcomed us above and beyond what I have ever experienced before. And I've been to a lot of different churches. The music was joyful and a great mix of old hymns, new worship and all done with great enthusiasm. Perfection was less important than heart there, we could tell. And the congregation was an odd mix of old (as in... 90 years ago these cats were going to Sunday School in this same building), Hispanic, blue-collar, loud and misfits..... and then us. But we kept going back, because there was such LOVE! After checking out a bazillion churches, Jody and I decided to stay at Englewood, not because it promised a dashing preaching career and big fat retirement checks for Jody, but because of the love in the place. So much LOVE and so much GRACE for sinful wretches like...... well, everybody.

Life last year continued to be stressful as Jody finished one semester of seminary, and then we had to move, and then another semester came and we desperately needed another car... and Jody began to get more involved at Englewood. He started going to the Men's Breakfast on Tuesdays and gradually I could tell he was getting sucked in to the wonderful things God was doing in and through this small body of mostly new believers. And he was wanting to stay longer, go deeper and serve more. God was changing Jody's heart.

I, however, was plugging away at work in another church, and I struggled a bit with feeling like my heart was divided. I wanted to get more involved at Englewood, but I was so busy working at Southeast. I signed up in the summer to start teaching the 3 and 4 year olds on a once-a-month basis, and I was paired up with a young mother named Crystal. At first the teaching process was a bit awkward, but somehow along the line, it wasn't anymore. Gradually, I believe God was changing my heart, too, and I began to feel more comfortable with the women at Englewood. And I began to want to hang out with them - however old they were and no matter how different the stages of life we were in. I think God was giving me a new heart, too, full of love and acceptance!

Another tie developed as Jody was required by Denver Seminary to find two mentors. Jody requested our pastor TJ and a younger man in the congregation named Matt to be his mentors, and they both agreed. Though the mentoring process through Denver Seminary is a bit cumbersome, Jody and I are in the agreement that it has proven to be a good thing. It has allowed Jody to show himself consistent and serious about learning the work that goes behind ministry in a church, and it has required of him discipline in spending time with these men. As Jody has spent time with them, I have seen him grow in his love for this particular body and in his wisdom in how to help grow this body in a healthy way.

And so, after doing our best to show ourselves faithful in committing to serve and love this particular body, in February the Lord showed Himself merciful and wonderfully creative towards us. The elder board offered Jody and me the church parsonage, a small duplex next to the church building, as a place for us to live in as compensation for the greater level of responsibility that Jody will be assuming in the church, especially in the grow part of the church's mission statement love, grow, share. Jody and I are thrilled! We have chosen to accept this amazing gift from the Lord, and we will be moving in the end of April. This offer is so wonderful, because it is going to be a blessing to us and to the church, and it will definitely make church involvement that much easier.

Jody and I have no idea what the future holds for us, but we can definitely see the hand of God guiding us, and though sometimes it feels like we are aimless, at times like this we are so encouraged to know that indeed, God is faithful and He is gently holding our hands and leading us by His Spirit. We praise Him for His kindness and faithfulness!

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.

Serve the LORD with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing.

Know that the LORD Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

For the LORD is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting

And His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100

denver seminary...

behind the school there is a beautiful bike trail that stretches miles and miles both north and south of denver seminary. serious road bikers pack the trail, along with runners, walkers and families just taking their children or dogs for walks. from the house it is very easy to get to the school - about 8-10 minutes.

the mountains!

the back of the school - i think the buildings here are seminary housing

(L) the main academic building and chapel and (R) the library, cafe and bookstore ... those big windows to the right are actually doors that fold open on beautiful days. it's pretty sweet!

(L) the administrative and professors offices, (Middle) seminary housing, and (R) the academic buildings/chapel

straight ahead is the library, cafe and bookstore

the administrative/office building straight on, and yes, that is a fake, plastic coyote on a stick in the yard. it's to scare off the geese, which plague the littleton area. if only we could shoot them!

I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9,2

Jody and I are loving the time we have spent here in Colorado so far, and we praise God for His daily provision for our lives. We love our basement apartment, our new little puppy Eu-mi, our bikes (and the paths to ride them on!), and the chance to start life afresh in America. On top of all this, we are so thankful for the chance Jody has to study at Denver Seminary, and we have really enjoyed meeting other students there. There is such diversity in situations - some go part-time and study over five or six years, some go full-time and try to finish in two or three, depending on the degree. Some are married with children, others are couples with no children, and still others are singles. It is so much fun to meet people where they are, and Jody and I are praying for good friends through the school.

While Jody goes to class, reads books and writes papers (repeat x25oo in that order), I do everything I can to keep the house clean, Eu-mi going potty outside, do laundry, make food (as cheaply and creatively as possible!), and job-hunt. But I do everything I can - before I do all that other stuff - to make time with the Lord a top priority. It has been so encouraging for me to sit down and spend time in the Word and to seek His face about His plans for us and for me, personally. I am beginning to see Him heal disappointments and frustrations about Korea, and my faith and hope is being renewed that indeed, His plans are to give me a hope and a future!

Week #2

Jody survived his first week of classes, and I am really impressed at how well he has responded to the workload. He's taking 14 hours, which I think will keep him busy, and he comes home full of exciting new tidbits of knowledge all the time now. It makes life fun and interesting!

Though the weather is cold, he has started riding his bike to the campus. I think it will wake him up for the 8 o'clock classes he's taking...

I continue to job hunt. It is a slow and painful process, but I'm holding fast to the promise that the Lord will provide all our needs. Please pray for an open door!

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;

Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;

Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;

Who satisfies your years with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Psalm 103, 1-5

The past week was a full one for Jody and me, and we are overwhelmed with praise at God's goodness to us. Last week was full of Thanksgiving festivities. We celebrated with both sides of Jody's family. Pictures are soon to be posted on Facebook, at least of one side of the family!

Then, Monday morning Jody and I left early for Colorado. It was roughly 450 miles from Pampa to Littleton, going through the Panhandle, northwest through New Mexico and then straight up I-25 to Denver. We arrived at Denver Seminary in good time and were ushered to their guest apartment, where we stayed for two nights. On Tuesday we took the campus tour, visited two classes, the chapel, and had lunch with Jody's academic advisor. We even found out that the owners of the school's cafe are Koreans and we are sure to have Korean food for lunch should we want it! YAY!

After a busy day at the school, Jody and I went and visited a basement that was on Craig's list for rent. After viewing it, talking with the family that lives there, and praying a LOT, we decided to go for it. The basement has its' own separate entry, two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen (that yet needs appliances), free Wi-fi, washer/dryer, all for $500! We are so thrilled by God's provision. The family sounds really great and are strong Christians. Truly, for the Littleton/Denver area, I do not think we could find a better situation for where we are and what we're trying to do - get Jody through seminary without going into debt.

Now we are back in Texas, catching up on rest from that busy visit, and praying for a job to open up for me once we move and settle in Littleton. Overall, we are greatly encouraged in our faith and are anticipating what God will do in the future.

our easter photo shoot. (ha!)

as mentioned in the last post, jody and i spent easter afternoon and evening with good friends brad and belle. even though it was cold and rainy, we ventured up to the top of the shin-sae-gae mall after the movie to explore. it was quite a nice garden they had up there, and with the rain it was fun to try and take some pictures of each other.

as each month passes, jody and i continue to marvel at the goodness of God in bringing us together. we grow to love each other more with each day, and we are doing our best to take advantage of this year to foster strong and healthy habits for our marriage. together we're working through the book marriage on the rock by jimmy evans. it is an excellent book on building a godly marriage, and we are gleaning a good deal from it as we discuss each chapter together.

in other news, jody and i are so excited about the future. i don't know that i have officially written it on the blog, and i guess now is as good a time as any to do so. we have decided that this is our last year in korea. (toot a horn or blow a whistle, or do something!!!)

though i am contracted to finish teaching mid-october, i may stay on an extra month. jody's contract finishes the end of november. we are thinking we would like to travel a bit in asia... spend a few weeks in thailand relaxing, then maybe see some of the missions work that lifechurch is part of in the himalayas (possibly bhutan or nepal?), and then see a bit of india. from there, we'll fly back to the states, via london.

that puts us back in the states in january. YAY!! though we are truly enjoying this time together in korea, we are both very eager to be back in america and to see those we love and miss so much.

and now you're asking... WHAT'S NEXT?

well, i'll tell you! :)

after much prayer and discussion of jody's gifts, passions, and talents, we feel that seminary is the best step to take. jody desires to serve the Lord, but he wants to be more equipped. i thoroughly support him in this step, and we are busy in the praying and researching phase.

as for the details of where and how, we don't know. but we're taking one day at a time and continuing to submit everything to the Lord. we will follow Him wherever He leads.

even now, i am reminded of a very well-known verse:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23,1

please pray for us as we make these big decisions!