The Hwee
Family Reunion in Portland certainly is a family highlight for 2009. Mike’s dad
and his dad’s 7 brothers - the Hwee brothers - united for the first time in 35
years. They range in age to over 90 years old and traveled distances from as
far as Australia and China. The history that was shared was so very rich and,
of course, the memories of the activities, dinners, and time spent together
were unforgettable.
After a
February trip and an October trip, Lynn, Genesis and Jeremiah spent a total of
4 weeks in Visalia, California with her family. The cousins spent endless hours
getting to know each other, playing together, and creating childhood memories.
We all missed Daddy and Hoku on an exciting camping adventure in Martha and
Henry’s trailer, but they made sure to join in the fun at Knott’s Berry Farm
where we met Jared, Janice, Kelle, and Baby Naya. The kids were beside
themselves with delight and had a fabulous time for their first theme park
visit.
This year
also brought delightful Hawaii visits from Kan and Karen Hwee and their three
kids; Jared, Janice and Kelle (before Naya was born!); Grammy Kelly for her
August escape; and Grandma and Grandpa Lwin at Thanksgiving. Mike and Lynn made
a few mainland family visits during the year as well – what fun to see the
Portland family several times; Mom and Dad Lwin in Virginia; Grandma Kelly, the
Tomaseks, and the Kellys in Michigan; and a wonderful, unexpected dinner with
Preston and Robin in Atlanta!
What’s up with each of us?
MIKE still
keeps a pace of life that must come close to break-neck speeds. He continues to
lead and pastor New Hope Leeward as it grows by the hundreds; keeps up with his
Master’s degree in theology; travels for school, mission trips and countless
mainland meetings; sets out to author the books that he’s written in his head
and heart over 10+ years. And he makes a point of being home for dinner and
time with the kids more nights of the week than not. He loved his week of being
Mr. Mom while Lynn went to visit her Grandma in Michigan and was really put to
the test as Jeremiah developed an ear infection and high fever during his
“watch” – Mommy said he passed the test with flying colors!Maybe Mommy will plan more trips in the
future!
LYNN continues her sales careers with Pampered Chef and with Prudential Locations.
The real estate career grows slowly but steadily. This year brought 4
transactions and a Buyer that was able to take advantage of the government’s
First Time Home Buyer tax credit – what a great feeling of success! In addition
to her first love and responsibility of her Mommy role and enjoying the
delightful growth of the kids, she’ll add some on-call hours of occupational
therapy to the adventures and journey of 2010.
JEREMIAH melts Mommy’s heart and is such a charming little boy. Taking after his Daddy,
he has an easy-going, happy heart, a great sense of humor, and is very loving
with great exuberance for life. He’s all “boy” and packed with energy. The
little man loves to play outside, yell, sing, dance, play with his trains,
fidget with remotes, operate the DVD player, and play Mario Cart on his
Nintendo DS. Definitely a techie … maybe an engineer following in Grandpa
Lwin’s footsteps! He’s a big helper, too – his chore of choice is to Swiffer!
As any good little brother, he’s very tolerant of Genesis, loves her as his
best playmate and can’t wait for her to get home from school each day … but
he’s always ready to pick a good fight!
GENESIS is
the apple of Daddy’s eye and LOVES New Hope Leeward’s pre-school! She’s
learning so much and becoming a delightful little lady. Though not much of a
morning person, she heads off to school every day and looks forward to being
with her friends. She loves to write her letters and numbers, color, paint, cut
paper, as well as sing and dance in her skirt that twirls. She especially
enjoys being the prayer leader and snack helper at school. At home, she’s happy
to help set the table for meals. And always the “helpful” big sister in
providing Jeremiah with what she perceives as necessary advice and guidance (in
other words, big sister bossiness!)
HOKU is now
in his Sophomore year at the Pacific Rim Christian College in Honolulu.His college level courses have been a
lot more work than he would like them to be; however, he’s risen to the
academic challenge and is earning nearly a 4.0 GPA!His natural musical abilities continue to be discovered as
he continues to excel in singing and playing his many instruments including
acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, and piano.He is currently being trained to be one of the youngest ever
worship band leaders in our church and he’s doing a great job.You might want to sign up now to get
autographs in case he ever makes it big – you’ll be rich!
God’s Best to Your ‘Ohana!
With this
2009 update on the Lwin family adventures, we hope and pray that you’ve been
richly blessed in wonderful and unexpected ways this year. WE have indeed seen
God’s wonderful favor and we’re so happy to have the opportunity to share our
many blessings with you!
