Everybody blogs

Yep, it's true. A lot of people blog these days. Why do Derek and I blog? Well, we blog so that our friends and family who are half the world away from us can still be involved in our lives.

So, here is what we have been up to lately...

1. Tobin, Derek's third-in-line brother, has been visiting with us for the past two weeks. We have seen and done a lot here in Korea. Derek and I have even played tourist in our own city! We've really enjoyed having Tobin with us and I have really enjoyed getting to know the Tobinator better. 
2. We have survived the past 6 months of newlywed-dom. It's gone by both fast and slow for us. Major accomplishments are: learning to communicate, being each others champion, learning how to: budget and stick to it, live together and still get in some alone time, not take each other for granted, adjust to household chores, breakdown unrealistic expectations and diet together. We've also learned how to take rest in the Lord both together and apart. We've had some fights, tears and enough laughter and joy to fill an ocean...and all of it has come to us by Grace! So, I'm going to give out some awards to mark the first six months of our life together:
1. Best husband in the world: Derek Fekkes (This comes I hear from having an amazing example in his dad.)
2. Best at practicing patience: Derek - hands down
3. Best at playing piano while the wife makes Saturday morning blueberry pancakes: Derek
4. Best at cleaning the bathroom, washing dishes, and vacuuming: Derek
5. Best at consistently making the bed: Derek
6. Best at hanging up clothes and wet towels: Derek
7. Best dancer in the house: Derek
8. Most romantic date planner: Derek
9. Best at making sure the bike tires are pumped up: Derek
10. Best at running out for milk or eggs when needed: Derek
11. Best hug giver at the end of the day: Derek
12. Best shoulder to cry on: Derek
13. Most encouraging: Derek
14. Best friend: Derek
15. Best at throwing clothes on the floor: Anlee
16. And the award for honorable mention of the laundry goes to: Anlee (But, that is only because she demands all control of the laundry room!
3. So, in case you were wondering...these awards speak for themselves. 
4. Back to communication: we are learning that it could be the single most important aspect of fellowship in marriage. AND it's only possible for us if we are seeking God in our own hearts and then actively seeking God together. I have to admit for those of you who cover us in prayer that I've been failing at my part in this. It is a daily decision to commit all things to the Lord. It's hard. But, our joy is in the Lord, not in each other.We both said it in our vows - "We will never satisfy each other." Still true. If you are supporting us in prayer, please pray over strength in our individual prayer lives and for that to come alive in our prayer life together. 
5. We applied for a job! We finished Derek's resume, cover letter and posted some updated videos of him leading worship to our Youtube site - thefekkesfamily. We both felt really good about the job we applied for. To be honest, we can't see how it couldn't be a great opportunity. Our very best friends here in Korea are also moving to the town where the church is in a couple of months. This couple has been discipleship partners with us and huge encouragers. We are committing this to prayer. We know we want to be near family and friends and are still hoping to be. (Project for everyone out there: find a way for us to be close to both Anlee's family and friends and Derek's family and friends! Please send your ideas to us! They are greatly welcomed and anticipated!)
6. In reading job qualifications for worship leaders, I've determined that God has held Derek in his hands throughout Derek's life, crafting him as the potter crafts the clay into a beautiful man of the Lord, humbly submitting to the Word. I'm a proud wife of both Derek and Christ. Its an amazing feeling when you read qualifications and can scream - my husband is all of those things and more. I'm thankful to Derek's parents, brothers, family and friends, too. The saying, "it takes a village to raise a child." Well, Derek's village is amazing. And while I'm bragging, I'm so proud of my village, too. 
7. We start our last semester as teachers in Korea this coming Wednesday. We are excited and ready for the new semester! We have our classrooms organized and pep in our step! It's been since December since we have actively been teaching. I'm (Anlee) inheriting a lot of Derek's middle school students this semester and am excited to work with them. 

Lastly, we love and miss you guys. Something that has really been encouraging us lately is talking with friends and family from home. Skype us or email us whenever you can. We would love to hear from you - what's new and how's life.

Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.