Peter Ban and Max Kim

Peter and Max are good friends. They are both alike. For example, they are very fast, hard workers.  They also remind me of the old "Odd Couple" television show.  Peter is neater, and Max is kind of sloppy at times.  But they help each other.  It's no wonder they became good friends.  Peter helped Max get his homework done, and Max helped Peter with his companionship.  These are photos we took of their special breakfast at IHOP , at a youth retreat they attended, and their departure.

A Tree Frog

It took three years, but finally I saw one of the tree frogs that chirps every year starting in February. They make a nice sound that gets louder when it rains. Cute little things, aren't they!

Grandparents' Day

Here are photos and videos of Grandparents' Day at Shiloh.  Lisa performed "Nothing But the Blood" on her violin, and all the kids sang songs for their mostly silver-haired audience.  The science project project boards were on display, too.

Science Projects

I have a love-hate relationship with science projects.  They are so much fun, but keeping them from eating up too much time or money is a challenge.   My wife said that the next time we have science projects to send her away on a vacation until they are finished.  Heidi, Lisa and Terry all did science projects.  The problem was that it was a team effort--a host dad and child project.  There were three children, but only one host dad.  Things got kind of rushed at the end, because the kids needed a lot of help.  Anyway, we made it.  And the kids learned about simple machines like pulleys, how to make electricity, and what causes a plane to fly.  Here are the proud children with their project boards.

Origami Party

Yes, there is such a thing as an Origami Party.  The kids' thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they made all kinds of things with paper, snacked on fruit, Rice Krispies treats, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and lemonade.
The trampoline provided a nice diversion from the paper folding, and for the last hour or so we played kick ball at the park down the street.  Eight kids came from Shiloh and they all behaved well.  The weather was warm, sunny, calm--simply heaven sent.  Thank you, God!

James Starts School

I'm rather excited about our newest boy, James.  He came knowing very little English, but he is catching on and acclimating himself to his new environment rather quickly.  He gets along with his roommates and our family well.  The pictures are of his first day of school.

Today was day 3, and I met with his teacher (during first period) to hear about the weekly schedule in the class from his teacher.  The class was preparing for grandparents day and were writing letters to their grandparents.  His teacher told me today that she asked him if he had grandparents and that he didn't seem to understand.  I told her to relax.  He's what you call pre-emergent.  I told her in a month, you will get a lot more answers from him than now, and in two months, you'll find it hard to believe he couldn't understand you when he got here.

During James' first week here, we let him speak Korean so he could get to know everyone and get over his jet lag.  I asked the other children to speak English to James so he could get used to hearing the language so he would do better in school.  Do you know what?  They all did!  I was so proud of them.  So the other kids are being a big help.  That's why I'm so optimistic about James learning fast and feeling comfortable and confident in his new environment while he is here.