Dearest South Yarmouth Family,
When
we finally arrived late at night after a tense, 9-hour road trip—hauling a
moving truck packed with all our belongings and wrangling five kids—we were met
by the incredible sight of so many of you waving your hands in the dark to
welcome us. Leaving our beloved Maine family of 12 years wasn't easy, but your
warm welcome made the long journey worth it!
To
be honest, we set out on this journey feeling a bit like Abraham in Genesis 12,
stepping out toward an unseen land, ready to follow wherever the Lord called.
But when we walked inside, we were absolutely stunned—you had prepared a place
for us that is more beautiful than a luxury hotel!
It
was a complete transformation from the house we saw during the renovations back
in March. Our eyes popped wide open! We couldn’t stop admiring the huge gift
basket filled with cards, gift cards, and welcome guides, the lovely flowers,
the warm wood tones, the beautiful lighting... you even put fresh flowers in
the bathroom!
However,
the kids didn't truly start screaming in pure joy until they opened the fridge
and freezer to find them fully stocked—complete with ice cream, of course!
We
arrived without any furniture, but you graciously furnished the entire house
with everything we needed, down to the plates and utensils so we could eat
right away. Thanks to you, we didn't starve during our first few days!
We
were also amazed to learn about everything you did while we were away in Korea.
You fixed the basement ceilings, repaired every little corner, and laid down a
brand-new lawn! (Our neighbors mentioned they were totally shocked to see the
whole church show up and transform the yard in a single day!) The kids are
trying their best to tread lightly so they don't ruin the new grass... though I
think I might have already spotted a couple of tiny holes!
And
thank you for planting the beautiful flower beds! You even gave us three
garden hoses, so I no longer have to sprint across the yard carrying a single
hose! With our big family, having two outdoor patio tables is a huge blessing.
Plus, you replaced the fridge, dishwasher, oven, and washing machine with
brand-new ones. Honestly, it feels like Victor and I are on our honeymoon all
over again!
How
else can we explain this overwhelming love, if not through the love of God?
Your deep love for the Lord moved the entire congregation to become His hands
and feet, creating such a loving home for your new pastor's family. Our hearts
are brimming with gratitude. Every single day as we unpack and settle in, we
catch ourselves marveling at your kindness. (Though I'm sure once I unpack the
last few boxes, I'll find even more reasons to be thankful!) You have treated
us so well that words feel insufficient to express our gratitude. There is a
scripture verse I’ve been loving and reciting constantly these days, and it
captures exactly what I feel: no one has ever seen God, but in this new
parsonage, I see, feel, and meet Him every single day through all of you.
"No one
has ever seen God; but if we love one another,
God lives in us
and his love is made complete in us." ( 1 John 4:12)
Thank you from the
bottom of our hearts!
Blessings, Joyce Kang
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