Roenne is now Two

Today is my daughter’s 2 year birthday.

There’s so much that I had originally wanted to write, but after sitting down I realized that the amount of things that I had planned to write had increased to astromonic proportions.

How could one expound on the last 2 years of life with you, Roenne, and the things that God has done?

Let me begin by saying that you’re second birthday today is very significant (to me at least).

Today, 2 years ago, we were in Austin, Texas, hanging out in Seton Northwest, when you arrived.  Umma had a very big stomach, and dad was loaded with starbucks coffee and praying like a crazy man.  We had no idea what God was beginning to do in our lives and the path that He would take us.  I had no idea that I had the capacity to love in the way that I’ve been called by God to love you.  It’s been an amazing ride to see you grow, and your curiosity for things is astounding.  Don’t ever lose it, ok? Ok.

Today has completed the first week back in Atlanta, after moving you and your mom from the lovely Austin, Texas.

Today we visited KCPC (Korean Community Presbyterian Church, now known as Karis Community Fellowship) today, which was the place that your umma and I met, and where both of our walks with Jesus really took off.  We were eventually married by the Pastor at the time from that church and have some lifelong family and friends that still go there.

Today I also started working out, the first time in about 3 years.  I’m going to work out so I can keep up with you as you grow older (I don’t want to be just a sideline dad… but I probably will be anyways!), so I can stay strong and healthy for you and umma, and also the family that you may eventually have.

Today, I realized, to a greater extent, that so many things have changed and they are changing at a pace that is far faster than I had imagined.  You are growing up so fast, and I want to make the most of it.  Today is the first full day that Jin and James are a married couple, you were there last night, but you won’t remember it, and as I stood there watching a man and a woman commit the rest of their lives to each other, for better or for worse, in the hands of an Almighty and Powerful God, I saw your wedding flash before me in my mind’s eye, and I was frightened, not because I’m afraid of losing you to an amazing and godly man, but because it’ll be here before I know it.

Here you are, in your very pretty dress:

Roenne at Jin and James Wedding from John on Vimeo.

So Roenne, on your 2nd Birthday, as you take your daily nap, I pray that God will watch over you far better than I have done, that God will delight you far more than I can, that you will learn to love Him far more than you do me, and that you will find ways to use your unending curiousity and boundless energy for His Glory.

I love you Roenne.

-Appa