A New Year in a New Place
As we end 2025 and turn the corner into 2026, I (Stephanie) am feeling somewhat sentimental and reflective. The Mauney family life in December 2025 looked a lot different than life for the Mauney family in December 2025. The past year held so much change.
I took a step of faith back in February 2025 and started a new job. And not just a new job, but, honestly, a new way of life. I stepped into a part-time consulting role allowing me to remove JoAnna from childcare and stay home with me as well as having June’s school schedule reduced. When June finished pre-school, I had my first summer with two kids at home full-time. In August, I began June’s homeschooling journey, which I never would have imagined even attempting.
I went from a corporate career woman managing my home by outsourcing to a full-time mother, cook, cleaner, and part-time employee. It has been a transition that felt difficult to adapt to at times, but it was one that made my heart incredibly full.
All the while this change in family dynamic occurred, we were preparing and planning for our relocation to South Korea.
Amidst the changes in our lives, one I am most thankful for is the change in my own heart. This year has been one of incredible spiritual growth for me.
God has used these many transitions to prune me and produce fruit I have been praying for over several years. I have become more patient and engaged with my children. I have become a less bitter wife. I have been freed from anxiety over change and travel that I have battled for over a decade. I am in awe of the way God is writing my story. It’s truly a testament to His faithfulness and providence in our lives when we hand over our ‘yes’ to Him!
As we near entering our fifth month in Pyeongtaek, I have certainly found myself folding back into old ways. Pressures of a new role in the church, culture shock, and pushing myself to be an excellent teacher, mom, cook, cleaner, remote employee, and spouse only add to my temptation to rely on my own strength. It’s sadly ironic how I often look to myself in times of need rather than the only strength and peace that endures, Jesus!
For 2026, I am hoping to choose Christ daily. To choose His peace when I feel my heart becoming discontented. I choose to dwell in the goodness of the journey He has our family on. I am certainly unqualified and unworthy of the path, but with the Savior of the world walking by my side, I can be the light to the dark world around me.
Please join us in praying:
Pray for our year to be filled with faithfulness. Pray as we continue to lead our church community here. Pray we adapt to a new culture and learn the ways of living here. Pray for us to learn Korean! Pray that we would have deep rooted, life-giving friendships. Pray that we would be good stewards of our money, time, and gifting. Pray that our girls would come to know salvation through Jesus. Pray that our marriage is an example of the Christ and his bride.
