A New Year's message from Great Grandma.....

Happy New Year to Family and Friends

Happy New Year to all our family and friends!!!

Christmas Greetings from the Brenes Family

Dear Family and Friends,
It’s been another wild and wonderful year! And, as Rebecca continues to remind me, I have the gray hairs to prove it. Since writing to you last year, we’ve moved twice , one of which was a cross-country, cross-Pacific move from Tennessee to Hawaii. We’ve traveled through 15 states, slept in more than 14 different hotels and homes, driven through thunderstorms, snow storms, forest fires in California, tornadoes in Kansas, car trouble in Colorado, and made countless memories as a family.

Though it was difficult to leave all of our Nashville friends, we are so thankful to God for the new relationships He has provided for us in Honolulu. Gregg’s new job with our Every Nation Ministries staff at Grace Bible Church is preparing us for a church plant in East Honolulu sometime next year. Here’s a quick family update from the past year:

Rebecca turned 13 this year and is in the 7th grade at Hawaii Baptist Academy. She really enjoys HBA… the social aspect of it that is, not so much the massive amounts of homework. So far, lunch is her favorite subject. (What girl doesn’t enjoy sittin’ and talkin’ with her friends over a big plate of food?) She’s taking drama classes at her school (as if any teenage girl needs to be taught “drama”!) and is learning to play the guitar. Her favorite thing about living in Hawaii: the food!

Brandon is now eleven and in the 4th grade. His two loves are football and surfing. He continues to be our tender-hearted child who has a love for animals. Recently when Gregg attempted to kill a big cockroach in our home, Brandon jumped on his back and desperately begged him to stop. Gregg asked him why he should spare the roach and Brandon responded, “Because even cockroaches have families.” Gregg did the noble thing and waited until after Brandon left before squashing it with his “slippah”. Brandon’s favorite thing about living in Hawaii: surfin’ da waves.

Justin is eight and in the 2nd grade. His intensity level and love for competition increases with each passing year. Soccer, football, Uno, surfing and anything else that gives him the opportunity to WIN and BEAT you seems to strike his interest. Soccer remains his favorite sport, however, because it gives him the opportunity to run for 60 minutes straight without wasting time for unnecessary things, like resting. Justin also prides himself in being a “straight-shooter”. Recently, he wrote a birthday card to one of his siblings saying, “You are sometimes nice.” His favorite part about living in Hawaii: the beach and shave ice.

Jordan turned five and started Kindergarten. We lost Jordan at our friend’s house on Easter. Couldn’t find him. It was dark outside. Searched the house, searched the neighborhood, and began to search the woods behind their house. After what seemed an eternity (it was really only about 15 minutes), Jordan walked out of one of the bedrooms. He said that he was trying to scare daddy. Needless to say, he succeeded (in addition to terrifying a handful of other parents)! As you can see, Jojo is fun loving, and easy going with just enough rascal in him to make things interesting. He’s playing soccer, learning to swim and boogie board. Jojo’s favorite part about living in Hawaii: the beach and coconuts.

Jessica is now four years old and is among the girlliest of girls. A poster child for the color pink. She even named her favorite stuffed animal Pinksy. This year she took a ballet/tap class and was able to perform in her first recital. Grandma and Grandpa drove 24oo miles to come and see it. A big deal. Her only show. They almost missed it, however, because on the way to the big show one of the boys threw up in their car all over himself and everything. But the show must go on! I wrapped him in a blanket and stuck him in a wardrobe room backstage while Jessie danced. Jessie’s favorite part about living in Hawaii: the pretty hula dancers.

Thanks for letting us give you a glimpse into our past year. We value your friendship and are so thankful that we are not on this journey alone. Have a wonder-filled season of reflecting on God’s love revealed to us in the gift of his Son.

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

Much Love,

Gregg and Kris

We have a new address: 5251 Papai St., Honolulu, Hi 96821

Merry Christmas to everyone from Great Grandma!

Royal High Girls Varsity Soccer Starts Marmonte League with a strong start

Royal Pride Hot News!!
Royal vs Calabasas
Back to 2008-09 Game Schedule & Results
Team Rosters: Score:
Royal HS vs 3
Calabasas HS 0

Game Played 12/17/2008 6:00PM

Royal Perseveres blustery conditions for the win!
Despite frigid temperatures, high winds, and wet conditions, the Royal Varsity girls secured a victory at home with a smattering of die-hard fans cheering them on!Kiku Koyano scored the first goal, and what would prove to be the game winner, off a beautifully switched ball by Cindy Parks. Diana Ohrt, back in the line-up after missing preseason with an injury, scored the second goal off a cross by Kelly Habroun. The third score came from Marie MacKenzie who battled past several defenders and slipped a shot past the Calabasas goalkeeper with a perfectly timed slide tackle.

Kiku's California Stars makes an incredible run the 2008 season....

Playing in the 2nd highest rated division(Gold Division) in the Coast Soccer League, the California Stars, based in Agoura, CA., ended with a 6-2-3 in the U17 group. Although starting slowly, the Stars picked up the pace in the final 4 games to win 3 and tie 1 to secure 2nd place. Aided by Kiku Koyano switching positions to play defensive fullback, the defense solidified to not allow any goals in the final 4 games. Carrying that strong play in the Coast Soccer League Cup Championships, the California Stars won 4 games to reach the Championship game, including 2 wins over Premier teams(highest rated division). On a cool, overcast November morning, Valley United, another Premier team proved to be a formidable opponent. Valley United scored quickly in the 1st half and scored another in the 2nd half and appeared to be cruising to the championship. However, the Stars Catherine Jones headed a incredible ball over the goalkeeper in the 80th minute to cut the deficit in half. The last 10 minutes resulted in renewed vitality and vigor for the California Stars team and a flurry of missed shots on goal. However, Valley United hung on as the seconds ticked away to secure the championship. But it was an incredible run for the California Stars in the tournament that some 90 teams had entered.

Turning a New Leaf - Another Grappler in the Family

Sean started his wrestling career tonight and managed to hold his own until late into the 1st round. Oh well, he looked awesome on his back.....

Diamond Bar Girls Golf Qualifies for the CIF Southern Section Girls Golf Team Final Championship at Cypress Ridge Golf Course

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN THE GIRLS GOLF TEAM FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

11/11/2008

The teams listed below will be participating in the CIF Southern Section Girls Golf Team Final Championship at Cypress Ridge Golf Course in Arroyo Grande on Thursday, November 13, 2008. Time: 9:30 a.m. shotgun.

Central Team Divisional:
Los Altos High School
Cerritos High School
Troy High School
Ayala High School
Eastern Team Divisional
Palm Desert High School
Peninsula High School
Santa Margarita High School
Mater Dei High School
Northern Team Divisional
Hart High School
Dos Pueblos High School
Diamond Bar High School
Westlake High School
Southern Team Divisional
Torrance High School
Cypress High School
Mission Viejo High School
San Clemente High School

Go Brahmas!

Support of Movember 2008

You can be a part of a growing number of caring individuals who are helping us accelerate the end of death and suffering from prostate cancer. Click here now.

When the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) was founded in 1993, prostate cancer research was virtually nonexistent. Since then, with the generous support of people like you, we have
become the world's largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research. We have raised more than $350 million and provided funding for more than 1,400 research projects at nearly 150 institutions worldwide. We have also helped increase government funding of prostate cancer research, attracted talented and dedicated scientists to the field and expanded public awareness. Now, treatments are improving steadily and more prostate cancer drugs are in development than ever before.

While we have made great progress, we need to do more and we need to do it fast. We will put your gift to work immediately to help prevent more men and their families from having to battle prostate cancer.

Movember - changing the face of men's health

Tiffany Koyano Diamond Bar High School Athlete of the Month

Selected as the Diamond Bar High School " Athlete of the Month". Congratulations!!

Pre-Halloween Bowling Tournament Results

Our pre-halloween bowling tournament began in a flurry at the Covina Bowl. Three teams competed for the prize pot in a 2-game pool play and a 1-game final. Team 1 (Stephanie, Rory, and Sean) and Team 3 (Coco, Nick, and Bryan) qualified for the Championship final. It was a close match until Rory Meister exploded with 8 straight strikes and vaulting Team 1 into the lead and eventual champions. Congratualtions to Team 1.

CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE!

On Sunday, October 19th in San Francisco, Stephanie finished her first marathon (26.2 miles) in a blustery morning at the Nike Women's Marathon starting at Union Square and finishing at Great Highway. Stephanie has trained since July 2008 for this marathon and competed against 20,000 runners while finishing #399 Overall in a blazing time of 4:00:03 and first in her running team.

We're so proud of Stephanie's accomplishment and her dedication to a great cause. Her running team, "Team in Training (Great Los Angeles Chapter) and many others contributed to over $18 million dollars for leukemia and lymphoma research. Sunday's event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The money raised goes toward research and treatment for blood cancers, which account for about 10 percent of the nation's cancer deaths each year.

FAMILY KALBI, provided by B.Koyano

1 1/2 cups lite soy sauce
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup sesame oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
8-10 cloves of fresh garlic, crushed
6 large green onions, chopped roughly
4 pounds Korean-style short ribs *
Toasted sesame seeds

Combine the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and corn oil in a large mixing bowl. Add garlic and green onion and stir together. Put short ribs into large sealable freezer bag (you may need two). Pour marinade into bag and turn bag over several times to ensure all meat pieces are covered. Refrigerate for at least four hours, but preferably overnight. Turn bag at least once in the middle of the marinating process.
Heat grill to medium-high heat before adding the meat. Drain excess marinade off short ribs and grill them until medium, about 6-8 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serves 6.

* NOTE ON RIBS: Korean-style short ribs can be found at most Asian markets. The cut is called "flanken," a strange word that refers to a strip of beef cut across the bone from the chuck end of the short ribs. Most short rib recipes call for individual bones cut into thick pieces. Kalbi is unusual in that it calls for 3 ribs, cut lengthwise across the bones, so that you end up with a strip of meat about 8-10 inches long that has 3, 1/2-inch rib bones lining the top.

You can also use the marinade for a traditional cut of short ribs, but this is best cooked by braising -– a crock pot is excellent for this type of dish. (My mother calls this version Mushy Kalbi because the meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth.) You can also use the marinade on chicken.

MORE TIPS
The grilling technique for kalbi is the exact opposite of grilling a big American steak. Kalbi is much more of a hands-on dish. Because of its thinner cut, the meat cooks faster and requires constant attention and turning over, which is why it is so much fun to cook it at the table with a group of friends.

Like most Korean meals, kalbi should be served with panchan, an assortment of side dishes that might include marinated spinach, cooked bean sprouts, salt-cured fish and of course the ubiquitous Korean side dish, kimchi, a spicy fermented cabbage or radish that people either love or hate.

Try kalbi once and you'll see what I mean about being hooked

1st Annual Golf Shoot-Out

The 1st Annual Golf Shoot-Out was held to celebrate Sean Koyano's 16th birthday. The event was held at Diamond Bar Golf Course and we couldn't of asked for better weather and golf conditions. Three teams participated with a victorious team of Angie Koyano, Coco Koyano, Bruce Koyano, and Paula De La Rosa taking home the "Koyano Cup". Second place went to Team 3 - Stephanie Koyano, Paul Cosaro, Rory Meister, and anchored by Ben Koyano. And rounding out the event was Team 2 with Sarah Shin, Sean Koyano, Bryan Koyano, and Tiffany Koyano.

In addition to the team play, the following contest winners are:

Closest to the Pin (#3) - Coco Koyano
Closest to the Pin (#17) - Tiffany Koyano
Longest Drive (Men) - Rory Meister
Longest Drive (Women) - Tiffany Koyano

Special thanks to our tournament producer, photographer, and sponsor - Yvonne Koyano.

The 2008 Labor Day swimming olympics were held in Walnut, CA with special appearances from Paul "Michael Phelps" Casaro and Rory "Belly Flop" Meister. A fun day to get wet and savour some great food.

Tiffany and Duane Koyano 2008 Industry Hills Parent / Junior Champions

Tiffany and Duane Koyano came in first place at the Industry Hills Annual Parent / Junior Championship shooting a even par round of 71 and dethroning back to back(2006, 2007) champs Ben and Bruce Koyano who came in 4th place shooting a 4 over par round of 75. This years junior championship had a record turnout, and excellent arrangements of food and refreshments. Junior coordinator Patrick Zamora setup a great tournament.

Tiffany Koyano Saving in Korea

Tiffany is currently in Seoul Korea on a missionary trip with Inland Church group. Her primary goal will be to witness and share the word of God to young children and teach english phonics. She will be busy teaching for the first two weeks while the third week of the trip will be for personal enrichment and plain having fun visiting other areas of Korea. The group left on July 23rd and plan to return on August 8th. I haven't received any pictures as of yet, we've received an email and phone calls. (Twitter and Facebook sightings) but we trust in the Lord she is in good hands and very busy. We'll keep everyone posted.

A message from Stephanie Koyano:

I just wanted to pass on some news to those of you who may not know. I
have decided to run a full marathon! I will be running 26.2 miles in
San Francisco on October 19th for the Nike "Run like a Girl" marathon.
I am training with a group who raises money for the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society and I have met some great people so far. I am both
excited and a little nervous, but am happy to have made the commitment
to such a great cause. My goal is to raise $3,200 for blood cancer
research by the beginning of October and as a result I have a website
that I would like to share with everyone where you can donate if you
would like. Thanks for taking the time everyone! Wish me luck!

The site can be found at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf08/skoyano

--
Read more about this event and check out her website below:

Twenty years ago, a group of athletes from the New York area hired a coach and trained for the New York City Marathon while raising money for blood cancer research. The inspiration for their endeavor was a leukemia patient, Georgia Cleland, the young daughter of the team's organizer, Bruce Cleland. From this effort the seed was planted for TNT, which today trains approximately 39,000 people a year to participate in marathons, half marathons, triathlons and 100-mile cycling events. Since that first team crossed the finish line, more than 360,000 TNT participants have raised more than $850 million for blood cancer research and patient services. Now, TNT is setting its sights on reaching the $1 billion mark by the end of this 20th anniversary celebration year! --

ABD Boxers make the Final Four of the 16U USA Baseball Championships (fka Junior Olympics) in Peoria, Arizona. The semi-final game against Orange County Baseball is at 6PM PST. Stay tuned.

SCGA Amateur Net Championship Results

A tough two days of competition at Industry Hills where the golf course won the war. Duane Koyano finished T42(158) in the Presidents Flight and Bruce Koyano finished T23(150) in the Vice Presidents Flight. Better luck next year. Http://www.scga.org/08amteurnet/index.html

 

The Brenes's are moving to Hawaii

Great News from Gregg & Kris Brenes (and family) - they're moving to Hawaii.

Congratulations!

…I am sending you. John 20:21
There are a lot of activities that can stimulate the senses, but none excite us more than participating with
God in going and making disciples of all nations. When I think of Christ’s command to take the gospel and GO to a world desperate and in need, my heart races a little faster! Partly because of the enormity of the task and partly because of the honor of participating with God in seeing lives transformed. You play an essential role in this ministry by sending us – a role that is greatly appreciated not only by us, but also by those whose lives have been transformed through a life-changing encounter with Jesus. It takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people and communities. New churches play an indispensable role in God’s design to reach every new generation. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, called the planting of new churches the single most effective way to fulfill the Great Commission.

Why Honolulu?
As we considered the cities in which we’ve lived and the many places to plant a church, we sensed God leading us to return to a place where the people have captured our hearts in a special way. Situated at the doorway to the Pacific Rim, Oahu is the most populated of the eight main Hawaiian Islands and is renown for its diverse ethnic mix. Kris and I are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to live and minister in a community with Hawaii’s distinct ethnic and cultural diversity, reach students at the University of Hawaii and play a part in
ministry efforts in Asia.

Next steps…
As our family of seven prepares to relocate overseas this summer, your prayer support is vital to us! Over the next period of time, please focus with us in praying for:
- grace to further develop our partnership team to cover relocation expenses and the increased cost
of living,
- wisdom to coordinate moving logistics (arrangements for shipping, housing, schooling, travel, etc.),
- peace for our family as we transition to and settle in a new ministry assignment,
- and God’s continued leading as we develop our strategic ministry plan.

You are a tremendous source of joy and encouragement to us as we embark on this new adventure. Thank you for your faithful and heartfelt partnership with us in reaching the nations for Christ.

Much Love,

Gregg and Kris

Benjamin Koyano, named South Pointe Middle School Golf Team 1st Seed

Ben has been named the 1st seed for the South Pointe Golf team after two weeks of tryouts @ Diamond Bar Golf Course posting scores of 36 and 38. The South Pointe Panthers first opponent will be Chaparral Middle School today at 3pm.

Old Dogs, New tricks......

Koyano's qualify for the Southern California Golf Association Amateur Net Championships @ Industry Hills Golf Course April 28th & 29th. " Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill".

The Qualifier

Ben Koyano is working hard on his game, these pictures are from a recent qualifier tournament, he continues to practice and and improve on his game. One of his goals is to grind his sister Tiffany low but, in the meantime he will stay focused on the 12 year old boys division.

Grandma Ikeda turns "99"

Grandma Ayame Ikeda had her 99th birthday on February 27, 2008. She's still kickin it just fine and she's looking forward to many more birthdays to come.

Diamond Bar Brahmas(8) defeat Glendora Tartans(4)

Brahmas' bats make noiseDIAMOND BAR - Maybe it's the comforts of home and its homer-friendly field, but it was clear the Diamond Bar High School softball team was swinging with a swagger Friday. Maybe it's the comforts of home and its homer-friendly field, but it was clear the Diamond Bar High School softball team was swinging with a swagger Friday.
After getting blanked earlier in the week, Diamond Bar bounced back with an 8-4 victory over visiting Glendora. The Tartans opened the Sierra League with a 3-0 shutout over the Brahmas on Wednesday, but Brahmas junior Erica Miller was 3 for 3 with a solo homer and three RBIs and junior Asha Prithviraj hit a big two-run homer in the fourth inning.
Freshman shortstop Stephany Larosa had two hits and scored twice and Emily Kuper chipped in with a pair of hits and scored a run as the Brahmas improved to 6-5-1 and 1-1 in what should be a tightly contested race in the Sierra League.

Full story: http://www.sgvtribune.com/preps/ci_8737963

Walnut Baseball and Diamond Bar Softball Schedules

Listed below are the schedules provided by HighSchoolSports.net

Walnut Baseball Schedule:

http://www.highschoolsports.net/defaultcal.cfm?ct=s&schoolid=CA9178916512&spt=1&lvl=1&division=1&year=2007&CFID=20170337&CFTOKEN=42206514&timeoffset=480

Diamond Bar Softwball Schedule:

http://www.highschoolsports.net/defaultcal.cfm?ct=s&schoolid=CA9176516496&spt=8&lvl=1&division=2&year=2007&CFID=20170337&CFTOKEN=42206514

Sean Koyano: Walnut High School Varsity Baseball Team

Congratulations to Sean as a Sophomore catcher for the Walnut High School Varsity Baseball Team.

Tiffnay Koyano: Diamond Bar High School Varsity Softball

Congratulations to Tiffany as the newest member of the Diamond Bar High School Varsity Softball Team.

Stephanie is on her way to being the family CPA

Congratulations!

Stephanie Koyano is starting the New Year by passing her fourth and last part of the CPA exam!