Spirit of Adventure

I know we're one of the last couples in America to see the movie "Up", which we did last night. The theme of the movie is adventure, which made me think about the differences between my husband and me. When we were dating, I remember walking to Grant Park and Abe telling me, "Stick with me and you'll live a life of adventure." Anyone who knows me knows I am not an adventure-seeker. Yes, I enjoy traveling and was the first in my family to visit Europe -- Eastern Europe at that -- but I like, well, tame adventure. Like museums, itineraries, and no liability waivers. My husband, however, has had a spirit of adventure from the get-go. Even his mom talks about how she used to find him as an infant outside his crib -- she could never figure out how he got out. While my family had great vacations that I treasure to historical places and beaches, Abe's family was more wild. He hiked Maccu Piccu with his dad. He para-sailed in Mexico. As a college student he flew back from Hong Kong by himself.

Without giving the movie's plot away, the theme is adventure that is lost. Someone who has a desire for adventure that gets lulled into everyday life that the adventure is still a dream years later. My husband routinely pushes us for adventure. And I've done and seen things with him that I never would have thought possible. He had us try surfing, which I was scared &$(*-less to do, but I did and, even with really crappy instruction, I did really well. I didn't hurt anyone else or myself, and the thrill of riding a wave was amazing. We also tried sea kayaking, which was an example of a failed adventure, but hey, if we hadn't tried we wouldn't have discovered the best shaved ice place on that side of Oahu.

As we prepare to embark on a few adventures in 2010, the movie made me realize that yes, stepping outside your comfort zone is scary, but the end result shows you that life is more than what you thought possible. And that is worth the risk.

This week

Hi all...Abe here....not sure who follows this blog anymore, but I felt compelled to blog about life as of late. In short...what a whirlwind. First off, Allison and I just celebrated our four year "date-a-versary"....it was four years ago that my lovely wife and I had our first date. We just had pizza last night, just like our first date four years ago (I think that the pizza was better last night) :). I can't believe that it's been four years. God has really blessed us tremendously...it's been a fun 4 years babe :)

The other reason that I wanted to blog was to share what God has been teaching me as of late. I really feel as if the only thing sustaining me as of late has been God's grace. I've learned to really rely on God when there is a lot going on. The words of John 15:7 really resonate with me today: "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Abiding. I feel like this is the only way that I have been able to survive my busyness as of late. It's been so busy as of late... between work, school, taking care of a new house and a Certification exam....it's quite amazing that I have been able to juggle all of that.....

In any case, I just thought that I had to share this.

Have a good one ya'll....we're taking Allison's parents to their first Cubs game this weekend....ah, I feel like a proud parent! :)

The 2000s

I know, I know...the third post in less than a week. :) What can I say? Christmas and the end of a year are always very reflective times for me. And what more so at the end of the decade.

I started January 1, 2000, as a college student. I lived with three other girls who I'm blessed to still be friends with today. Little did I know then the adventure God would have for me. Later that year I went to Europe for the first time -- on Summer Project with Campus Crusade. Hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I've since been on two other trips to Europe as well as a vacation to the Caribbean and Hawaii. I would have never dreamed all of that 10 years ago.

I also would not have predicted my current career. Or the fact my husband is Chinese and I disliked Chinese food until I met him. Or that I live in a large metro area. An area that gets snow. I used to hate snow, but the dumping we got this past weekend didn't seem to mind me much.

I've learned not to tell God that I won't do something. God has made me eat my words so much in the past 10 years, but they have been good times. God has changed and opened my heart. After that summer project I had a heart for Eastern Europeans. Now I feel a kinship with Asians when I meet them. Like I'm part Asian because my husband is Asian.

I've lost some loved ones this decade. But gained a husband, parents in-law, two sister-in-laws, a brother-in law, and a niece. I know those loved ones who passed on would have loved these new loved ones, too.

I don't know what the next 10 years holds. Lord-willing children for us and more nieces and nephews. Lord-willing health for our families. And Lord-willing more adventure with God. I could not have imagined this life 10 years ago. But it is so good. God is so good.

Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel

It's Christmas morning and, frankly, I'm (Allison) in a bad mood. My manageable cold that appeared 9 days ago has morphed into something that makes me feel miserable. My husband is sick as well, so we missed Christmas Eve service, which we both were so disappointed to miss. I haven't even finished wrapping presents because, well, I don't even have the energy to do so. What compounds this misery is that I also was sick at Thanksgiving. Both times I served or am serving as host. God's also revealing some other disappointment that's played into my attitude as of late.

So I went to God about it, realizing this should be a joyous day for all believers like me -- God sent his son in the form of a baby -- this son who would later die for my sins. So how do I reconcile my desire to be joyful at this religious holiday with my expectations for the day itself -- like health and good time with family?

The good news about today is that Emmanuel -- this God with us -- is coming back. We are not left here to illness and frustration and unmet desire. If your Christmas doesn't look like you wanted it to remember that when Jesus does come back there will be no more disappointment, frustration or let downs. This is temporary. And when we celebrate Jesus in heaven -- wow -- that will be one party that won't compare to anything on Earth. So today I'm singing, "Oh come, oh come Emmanuel."

Christmas Thoughts

Frankly, I'm not sure if anyone will read this post. But here's to all of you who have patiently waited -- or have Google Reader.

As I (Allison) was driving home this afternoon -- watching the precipitation change from snow to sleet to rain to freezing rain -- I thought about how meaningful this Christmas season has been to me. Maybe it's because we now live in a neighborhood that's all decorated for Christmas. Or maybe it's because we've hosted family already and will host more in the coming days.

But I think the main reason this Christmas season has been more meaningful to me is because I've been reflecting on how much Jesus is worthy of all our worship. Not only is this baby in a manger our friend, even our Savior to those who have surrendered our lives to Him, but He is the Son of God -- worthy of all our praise. Our pastor has been speaking on Revelation lately and I've personally been studying Isaiah, which have increased my sense of awe and reverence for Jesus.

It makes me think about my favorite Christmas song, "O Holy Night." I get chills every time I sing the line, "Fall on your knees...oh hear the angels voices."

I pray this Christmas would be a meaningful one for you -- that you would be in awe and wonder at the birth of this King -- predicted for centuries -- this Jesus who came to die and who will come again. Oh come, oh come Emmanuel.

U2

I'm not sure if anyone reads this blog anymore as Abe and I have been silent for a few months. Abe suggested that I blog my thoughts on my first experience of a U2 concert, which happened last night at Soldier Field in Chicago.



You see my husband went to the Vertigo tour stop at the United Center before we met. For me, however, I never thought I would ever have the chance to see U2 in concert:
--Until this point, I've never lived in a town large enough to host U2.
--The tickets are always sold out.
--The tickets are always wickedly expensive.

My husband found a way to gain access to a pre-sale of tickets, and when he asked what I thought, I jumped at the chance. And I was not disappointed -- the stage alone was a sight to see.




I went thinking everyone would be singing every lyric, hands in the air, dancing to U2. That was the case, for the most part, but I did see some people there who didn't seem that into it. Maybe they take seeing U2 in concert for granted, but I don't. What else in the world is there to get you up moving and dancing? Bono is right in front of you people!

With listening to so much U2 lately (I've got it playing in our car and my iPod lately), it's amazing to me the lasting power, the unifying nature of these songs. To hear 70,000 people singing along to "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" more than 20 years after it was released was amazing -- especially in light of the words to the song. At times it felt like I was in a massive church service when we were singing "Amazing Grace" (although I didn't hear many around me singing along). I'm not sure if there's another band during my lifetime that has the lasting power of U2...that strikes such a chord in the hearts of their audience.


Did I mention the stage was awesome? At the end this giant disco ball spun at the top of the spindle -- illuminating the entire stadium. Lights beamed straight into the sky. An amazing stage for an amazing band that captures the hearts of fans like no other.

Home Sweet Home

Sorry it's taken so long to write. Abe and I are getting settled in our new home. It's definitely been an adjustment, but there are so many benefits to our new place of residence:

--Able to have a choice in which bathroom to use.
--Quiet. Quiet. Quiet. Need I say more?
--Friendly neighbors.
--A kitchen that makes me want to cook.
--The room to seat all four chairs at a dining room table.
--Dishwasher. Washer. Dryer.
--No more street parking.

Abe and I have also had new experiences in this house, such as learning how to prepare a brand new mower for the first time. Since we were obvious new homeowners with the big owners' manual in our hands, some compassionate neighbors stopped by to offer their assistance. It's odd how quickly we moved from urban multi-unit dwellers to being Mr. and Mrs. Lawn & Garden. (I just got distracted by a dog yapping at a bunny in our yard -- oh suburban life.)

I think we've adjusted well. We're certainly sleeping better. No more earplugs!