Photos: With the Chens

DSC_0029

Evelyn showing Lydia her purse

Evelyn acted like an older sister to Lydia this evening as Evelyn took very good care of Lydia. Samuel, her brother, also treated Lydia with kindness by sharing his toys.

Evelyn's and Samuel's bedroom

DSC_0032_large

Evelyn Chen (5 years of age), Lydia (20 months of age), and Samuel Chen (3 years of age)

I have Evelyn to thank for this picture as she helped to get everybody lined up correctly before the photo was snapped.

Evelyn's and Samuel's bedroom

DSC_0034

Evelyn, Lydia, and Samuel

Upper floor playroom

Note: All pictures were taken on September 29, 2007 at the home of James, Jenny, Evelyn, and Samuel Chen in Bellevue, WA.

Hospitality

September 30, 2007


Hospitality

After experiencing the generous hospitality of the Chens during the previous evening, we heard about hospitality as Pastor Bob preached about this topic at Shoreline this morning. Pastor Bob emphasized that hospitality is not optional for Christians, for 1 Peter 4:9 commands, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

Here’s the prayer in the written sermon outline, which Pastor Bob also read today:

“Lord, I gratefully acknowledge that everything we / I have is Yours. I thank You for the opportunity I have to be a steward [a synonym for manager] of Your many gifts – especially this house (apartment, dorm, condo, etc.). For those You bring here, may this be a hospitable place, one of peace, happiness, healing, life, and encouragement. I acknowledge I will need Your help to keep me positive and not grumbling when it’s inconvenient to be hospitable. For the lonely, my neighbors, my friends, those new to the church, or as a potential meeting for small groups, I dedicate this place to You. Use it any way You choose for Your glory.”

SiowFong and I hope that as Lydia grows older, she will follow the example of the Lydia in the New Testament of the Bible who was a model of generosity and hospitality.

Photos: Cougar Mountain Zoo

DSC_0181

Lydia, who is sitting in her stroller, staring at a statue of a tiger

DSC_0210

Lydia gazing at a crane



DSC_0245_large

Lydia reaching for a black bear stuffed animal

DSC_0247_large

Lydia holding that black bear stuffed animal

(We did not buy this one for her since she already as a Vancouver black bear soft toy, a gift from the Seucs)

Note: All these photos were taken on September 9, 2007 at the Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, WA.

Dinner at James' and Jenny's Home

September 29, 2007


Dinner at James’ and Jenny’s Home

The highlight of our day was seeing James, Jenny, Evelyn, and Samuel Chen, our friends whom we had not seen in a few months, and having dinner with them at their home at 5:00 PM.

Today was a busy Saturday for James and Jenny as they went to Evelyn’s weekly half hour to forty minute long violin session that started at 8:00 AM. Then the family drove to Chinese school, which Evelyn began taking this year, that started at 9:00 AM and lasted until noon. Following their morning activities was a birthday party for Evelyn’s classmate that they attended. (James and Jenny informed us that as their children have grown older, the number of birthday parties to which they are invited has also increased.)

After returning home, James and Jenny prepared a sumptuous feast for our evening meal, which consisted of grilled steaks, grilled salmon, stir-fried bok choy, sautéed mushrooms, salad with mixed greens, rice, fruit, and ice cream. All of the food was yummy.

While SiowFong and I were talking with Jenny and James, Lydia was interacting with Evelyn and Samuel. Evelyn, who is five years old, and Samuel, who is three years of age, welcomed Lydia. Evelyn was particularly thoughtful and patient to Lydia, and she spent much of her free time with Lydia. Samuel was also willing to share with Lydia. For instance, when Lydia saw a ball that resembled a golf ball that belonged to Samuel, he allowed her to play with it for a long time.