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Hello, we're the Xiong Family of Maplewood, Minnesota. There are six of us; Eric, Tammy, Sergio, Othello, Derek and Elijah.
We've been living in Maplewood since October 1994. Come and learn more about our families and friends.
January 2009
Nyob Zoo and Happy New Year!
Another year in the books! What chapter are you on in your life story? Some of us are just beginning our first chapter
and hope to explore more avenues. The majority of us are either married with children and/or are at the peak of our careers.
The disclosing question is...Are you happy where you are now? While you ponder on...Here are a few chapters added to our
family in the past year, 2008:
*Eric was voted as the assistant Head Elder by the Governing Board in our church. It was a much busier year.
*We drove to Tulsa, OK overnight during Spring Break and visited Thoj and Yij Xaiv Hawj's family.
*Tammy traveled to Vietnam, Laos and Thailand in the summer. It was her first encounter with a country outside of the
U.S.; to see the daily struggles and lifestyles of the Asian culture (particularly the Hmong). It was an eye-opener for
sure!. Eric came along and visited his birthplace (Sayaboury, Laos) for the first time since coming to the US in 1976. It
was truly a memorable experience. The boys stayed with Aunt Me and her family in Omaha , NE for a little over three weeks.
We are blessed with wonderful nieces and nephews...to watch over them.
*The boys also got a taste of SALT'08 in North Platte, NE the first week of August. They had a blast with the wonderful
young adults. The camp settings and activities provided comfort and relaxation for everyone! Eric volunteered as a camp
coordinator.
On other notes...thanks to Uncle Nom Pheej for inviting us for Thanksgiving in Hickory, NC. Five of us (Eric, Uncle Danny,
Brother-in-law Vaker, Aunt Cha and Aunt Shoua) drove from MN. It turned out to be a productive trip although it was a very
long drive. Besides being with families, Eric won his second golf tourney there. Aunt Shoua's family moved out of the house
in July. We still hope that they will get public housing. The kids will soon have their Green Cards and permanent residency
status. Mom is doing well. Besides the normal colds and hiccups, the new medications are responding well to her skin. She's
happier for sure! Currently, Yaushi (nephew) is living with us as he works on his career and wedding knot. Family reunion
is scheduled for 2010. I think Aunt Hua's family is still hosting it in Colorado or Indiana? If you have any ideas, please
share them.
Let us end with this word: CHANGE. Eddie Espinosa sang, "Change my heart oh God. Make it ever true. Change my
heart oh God. May I be like You." I believe God wants us to change for the better. When people or things hinder you
from growing or prospering, it's a good idea to make the necessary changes to better your life or the people around you.
The Bible says, "..Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God." (Psalm 55:19). Some of us may
not want any change at all to our lives, but we know that God has a better plan and purpose for us. Trust in him and all
things are possible. May the new year bring you peace and comfort. God Bless!!
Hope you had a warm Christmas and a Happy New Year!
~The Txoos Ying Eric Xiong Family
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