paradox

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Sharing narratives of faith and friendship, screen to screen, is one thing. Sharing them, face to face, with family and friends in California is another. Add to that the lovely wedding of our dear friends, Tim and Christine, and our ten days back home was something of a paradox: a rejuvenating whirlwind.

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It was great to see Dad and Mom healthy and happy. Here we are with my brother John and his wife Becky, sitting down for some shabu-shabu. Thank you for everything!

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Congrats Tim and Christine! Oh the places you'll both go!

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My honey -- smashing in navy blue. This month will mark eight years of marriage: the world record for longest ongoing honeymoon. Oh the places we'll still go!

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The week of the wedding, Claire enjoyed some pampering and play with Christine, the bride, and fellow bridesmaids, left to right: Janet (holding Matthew), Esther, Christine (center), Amy (Matthew's mom), and Claire.

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Aren't godly grandparents awesome? That's why we love to spend time with Claire's. Unfortunately, Grandpa, who at age 95 likes to show off his spry walking ability, took off before we could get a picture with him. Grandma, however, was in no rush. Hey Grandma, sure Grandpa has speed, but you're got style. Plus, we'll try to get you a motorized wheelchair with added HP. At any rate, both of you are superheroes in our eyes.

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A quick jaunt to Salinas, California for some good time with Claire's family. Some tummy-turning rides, several thousand Boardwalk junk food calories, and a free Russian circus act under the Santa Cruz sky made for good times.

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Claire's dad, like Dick Clark, never seems to age~! What's your secret, Dad?

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Not sure if we can stomach American-size donuts anymore. But practice we can.

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Impossible, simply impossible. Kudos to whoever invented this money-sucker of a game.

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California beaches. We forgot how good you are.

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Our '80s sitcom shot with Claire's brother, Chung, and Jennifer. Glad to see them doing well. Our speed-scrabble rematch is on.

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It's good to be back in Kobe, but a part of us remains in California. That's the joy and the heartache of our call to love, live and learn in a different location.

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:::