my winter quarter of my first year of college has truly been an experience i could have never imagined. but God's wonderful goodness, serenity, comfort, encouragement, and provision prevails. =)

 

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

This past week has been the craziest week of my life. New experiences, new feelings, and just everything that's making me see the world as it is. I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know what I am supposed to do. God has seriously made my first year of college a huge hurricane. Serving in new ways, loving in more ways, and becoming someone God wants me to be. God is sovereign and things will work out for His glory. And I will take joy in that. Cause in this brokenness, Christ can be seen so much more clearly. And now, I do have peace.


Hope all is well with you! =)

So I guess this is college.

It's almost the end of week 7 and here I am at my computer on xanga attempting to type a post so I can remind myself years later, what I thought about college.

It's been pretty much a rollercoaster.

I couldn't wait to go to college. I was so excited to go...to meet new friends, to grow, to start my career in hospitality. And then, I was here, in Pomona CA. And...not to bash on anybody reading this, but I go to Cal Poly Pomona. Not, Pomona College, or Pamona, or Ponoma. It's Pomona... =) College started out like going to summer camp, just like Genny said. I was meeting people everyday, and after a while I was so tired of shaking people's hands and trying to remember people's names. But I felt that everything was just so...superficial. Well, that was just welcome week. Of course things are going to get better right? At least..that's what I thought. Week Zero came and went. I enjoyed going to the library to study* and I was extremely determined to get good grades and be very disciplined. I went to bed early, woke up for class early, ate, went to class, studied, went to class, ate, studied, maybe go for a run, ate, and then maybe just hang around with people. But by the third weekend, I was so bored of it. Bored of it all. There'd be so many days when I felt that I didn't even have a meaningful conversation with anybody. I felt just...so alone. And, I missed my CCS kids. I missed being comfortable around people and not having to worry about first impressions. I missed talking and listening. I missed going to church and not feeling so awkward. Even when I went to fellowship meetings... I was sad. Maybe because of the "Let's-get-to-know-each-other-games," but enough of this sad entry. It got better.

I went to a CRU (campus crusade) retreat. I don't know how much I got out of it...but it felt good getting closer to the Epic people that went. (epic is the asian fellowship) And, the experience definitely wasn't bad. But I still didn't feel that much at home. And then couple weeks ago, I went to UCLA to visit my brother and go to GOC/GCC. I had a blast and an amazing time. I got to meet some really cool people and see Adam Sandler! I don't know, but I felt like I actually meant something there when my week didn't go so well. But when I came back... I think, I was just jealous. I guess I was jealous that if I went to UCLA, everything would all be set up for me. I'd have friends already. I'd have my brother to take care of me. I'd have fellowship to grow in and a church to call home. And here I was, in Pomona...going to church after church. Going to a choice of basically 2 fellowships here. But lately, I've been realizing...that God has placed me here for a reason.

I've gotten involved with EPIC. I went to their Scavenger Hunt, which I almost didn't go to..but had a blast getting to know people and finally feeling comfortable. I made friends there, found music buddies, library buddies, and friends to play basketball with. And, for the first time..in which I felt was a REALLY long time (even though it's not.. haha), I felt at home. Right now, I go to Bible studies and weekly meetings with CRU (campus crusade) and although right now, I don't see myself there as much as EPIC, I still enjoy going. So here in Pomona, there is Campus Crusade, Epic, Destino, Impact, and some other Korean Christian group that I don't really know about. At first I thought it was weird that Campus Crusade had this "monopoly" on basically all the Christian groups since all of those groups are still part of CRU. But now, I see how it's pretty cool. On Thursdays, people from all groups can go to the Cru meeting and worship as a whole. The only thing I wish...is that it could be longer. Since CPP is a commuter school, it's pretty hard to have meetings. We have "U-Hour" which is basically, nobody having class from 12-1pm. So, we have meetings during that time and it's hard to really talk to anybody cause people will be rushing to and from class. I can't exactly pinpoint what I am learning spiritually, but I do know that I am trusting God a whole lot more. I've been learning that my life is so much more than this life. I feel a bit selfish for feeling so sad the first couple of weeks. Spiritually, I've really been working on seeing my sinful side so I can be 'wowed' everyday of God's grace.

And today, I am thankful. I am thankful that Pomona actually has Christian fellowships to go to. I am thankful that I've made friends to go to church with. I am thankful that Venus Wu is here with me to be my big sister and help me through everything. I am thankful for someone named Faith Sizto for watching out for me. I am thankful that Epic actually exists. I am thankful for friends to study with. I am thankful for someone named Ashley Wong who drove me to UCLA. I am thankful for all the people who have cars. I am thankful for Amanda Wan who would always eat with me. I am thankful for Kevin Zhang who has taught me to cook. I am thankful for Alyssa Jow, for being able to share things with. I am thankful for Kevin La, Matt Wong, and Felix to play music with. And, I am thankful that people cared and prayed for me.

And yes, I do believe that God has placed me here in this place for a reason. The gifts that He has given me, are actually being used right now. I am a part of something greater. Well, yes, Pomona is boring. There is really nothing to do out here. We have cows and horses to look at. Our view is of the freeway. But right now, I am glad where God placed me. I am in classes that are small where I can actually do well and have pretty good teachers who know what they're doing. And here, I am able to serve in new capacities that I probably would have never thought of back home or at another school. I am forced to really show God's love here in this commuter school. So here I am. Alive, ready, and excited for the new ride God will have me go on.

So I guess that the lesson learned is that I expected a bit too much out of college.
But then, this story isn't exactly finished yet. I haven't really found a church to call home yet. And so, if you'd like to pray for that...that'd be pretty "legit." <- that's a new word i learned to say here. =)

Something I've been thinking about: "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!" Luke 12:24

*(NOTE: our new library is pretty awesome. We have this grand reading room that's just pretty amazing. You get the light from outside and get a view of the entire campus. I enjoy looking out and seeing the freeway and all the trucks and cars that are zooming by. Just for a chance to think that all these people are going somewhere, doing something, rushing, or enjoying the road. You can also see all the people trying to find a parking spot or strolling along to get to class.. I love it. AND! the bathrooms (well, on the upper floors) are really clean and new.)


So, that was long. Sorry bout that. Have a great weekend!

Work
I've been working at Elephant Bar for almost five months already. I didn't even realize how fast it's been. Well, I guess working there has been a pretty long stretch, but five months is a pretty long time. I've seen people come and go and watch all the little dramas go on in the restaurant. I guess it's interesting and I am learning a lot about customer service. My favorite part is seeing and seating older couples. I know a lot of people don't really like the old people because they walk slow or whatever, but I like them. This one older Asian couple always comes in for lunch and sits at the same table everyday. They don't even tell us anything, we just know. When I work the lunch shifts, I love talking to them. They say that I remind them of their grand-daughter, but to me... it's their smiles and joy which make me love opening the door for them and walk them to their seat. Then, there's this other older couple who are just so cute. I see them, maybe once a week and they like to sit at the same spot all the time and have the same server too. They park on the handicap space and the husband wheels her out into the restaurant. I open the door for them and seat them. Then, the husband always asks me to bring him two waters with lemon. They are so cute. I don't know, but I think older people are so much more fun to talk to.

Then, there are the times were I can get annoyed at work. I get tired of the gossip. Tired of the swearing and just the "crap" people say. When I first started working, I was warned by people to be really careful about talking to people. And for me, that is something that I've learned and will probably have to deal with for the rest of my life. At CCS, I guess I can pretty much trust everybody but at work, I need to be careful.

This is Kristina. I started E-Bar as a host with her. She had quit cause she's starting school already, but it's just kinda sad. When I was finally getting to know her, she leaves and it's just one more sad good bye.


Romans 8:31 - "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
So this summer, I didn't go to Hong Kong. While everybody might have thought I did and I would have liked to since I felt that I didn't do my job completely last year, but I didn't. I guess part of the reason was money, but here's the "longer" story to it. I was praying about whether or not I should be going, and then I got a job at Elephant Bar as a host. Taking care of people and being able to talk to my fellow co-workers about God to me was pretty appealling. Plus, getting into the hospitality business early and getting a head start on my 800-hour Work Experience for college was pretty necessary. My first month at E-Bar, I was just figuring out who the people I worked with were. And I was scared and I still am sometimes. I think I can get intimidated by people easily. So I have this goal of talking to one person about my faith...but I just get really scared. My brother started this evangelism training group this summer and I have been learning a lot and ways to present the gospel, but when I'm put into a real life situation, I don't take advantage of it. There was a day at work when we were talking about the Bible, but I didn't say anything more. Or, when they ask me where I was going when I needed to cover my shifts for CBM. I could have explained so much more, but I didn't. I guess I'm just really scared of what people think of me. I like being accepted and liked, and for me to be not liked, is like a big fear. But in the Bible, Christians were not liked and they were persecuted for it. Yet, I can't even stand being "talked" about. Here I am complaining about gossip, yet I do so much of it too. I know I've hurt people in what I say, and I really want that to stop. At CBM though, I was just encouraged by the messages and talking to people that I have nothing to be scared about talking about God to people. I hope I can take advantage of the opportunities God now presents to me and do what God wants me to do in the short time I have left at E-Bar.

CBM
To me, it's the people that I meet at CBM that make it so worth it. I spent this summer working and helping out in basketball camps and practices. I missed being completely surrounded by Christianity and CBM for me was a time of just encouragement to me. The thought that life at CBM could kinda be like what heaven might be like also came to mind. I love worship at CBM. To me people are so free and so open, not worrying about what others might think. And, the fact that everybody sings so loud during worship. I love being surrounded by voices and closing my eyes. Now, the people...

This is Rebecca. We became email buddies last year and we still email each other every once in a while. I still think it's pretty awesome that we can still keep it up and pray for each other. It's like having someone always praying for you.

My Gabbi, I've gotten to know her in a deeper level this year through just everything at school. and she's one of the most sweetest people I know. She's leaving for college so soon though. =(

Crazy Kids and a good time...


This is Renee. A new bud who I spent a lot more time with this year. She's so much fun and so great to talk to.


And this is Courtney. The girl who has made me laugh so much more and the girl I spent so much time with. Hmm, she's so much fun.


Goodbye...
Yesterday, we said good bye to George. I don't really like goodbyes, but I think I'm okay with them. I just find it so crazy. I used to think this was so far away. Being a senior, graduating, going to college. And now, it's here. Genny's moving in one week. How crazy does time fly?


A+ to anybody who actually read this. haha
Hope you are having an AWESOME summer!!


       

So this year's Hawaii Trip was pretty awesome. Before the trip, I was a bit hesitant. I almost was not going to go to Hawaii due to costs and some other reasons, but I am extremely glad that I got to go. Even the few weeks leading up to Hawaii, I didn't even realize that my class was going to Hawaii. I didn't realize that this would be our last trip together. I didn't realize any of it. And, it felt like high school could be going on forever. But this trip really made me realize the importance of every person in my class. The relationships I have made are something I will cherish all my life.

Hawaii was truly a place of paradise. So we had a great time together. We got to see wild life which included fish, mantarays, dolphins, octopus, and turtles. I thought that was cool. And just being able to have so much free time to hang out and explore the area was really fun. Just looking outside the window to me, was amazing and beautiful. When we went snorkeling, we were in boat (where a lot of people got sick...) that just kept going out into the ocean. And the ocean felt so big. And the feel the wind in my hair and just look out. To me, that was pretty awesome. The ocean may be big, but God is so much greater than it. (lesson 1) While I was there, I felt no worries. No worries at all! And that felt great. Our class decided to go to a campsite sort of place where we slept in cabins and dirty bathrooms. And even though that doesn't sound very nice, God's nature overpowered everything. We walked outside our cabin to a secluded beach area where we could just listen to the waves crash, talk, or play, or just enjoy life. But for me, I was just encouraged by the conversations I had with some of my classmates.

I guess before the trip, I felt kinda distant from most of my class. I got really busy with schoolwork and student government and I never wanted to intrude into people's conversations. While I tried to talk to everybody, I found myself not talking or not even listening sometimes. But this trip allowed me to talk to the people who I spent so much time with. To be able to talk about things deeper and about spiritual things, I personally felt really encouraged that my classmates actually cared about their relationships with God. (lesson 2)

Anyways, here's my trip in pictures. So I was trying to be artistic with these pictures.

Flowers


Huh? Smile. Huh?


Brad Pitt????


The drive...


Volcano:


What we saw on the hike...


Happily Stuck.


Tigerrrrrr..


The outside of our hotel. I just like the colors...





Pearl Harbor:


Feets:


Away into the ocean...


part of the ship:


The secluded beach. CALM.


the secluded beach continued...


Sunset.


Laughter.


secluded beach continued...


Hear the waves crash.


Hmmm..


I see flying people!


Palm Tree.


Here are my portraits of people... hehe
Zack. Notice all the pink.


Slim.


Carie.



The cat yawns. Norman.


Grace.



Good bye to the island!