The First Quarter's out.

My first quarter of college of 4 years is over. It's only the beginning.

Now I have next 3 1/2 weeks off... But first, think about this... Why am I here, what am I doing here and what is next?

I'm here because of God. He made me through my parents. He allowed me to become Deaf. He formed me as I grew up. He rescued me from destruction that was laid out in front of me. I was a caterpillar, and Jesus enveloped me in a cocoon, and transformed me into a butterfly.

I know that God has a plan for me in my life, I've only see it begin to unfold and I am so thrilled about it. Because I know it is good and it will bring glory to the Lord and show people what the Lord has done in my life and show people Jesus.

What am I doing here?? To show the world Jesus. I can relate to people who are experiencing the similar things I experienced. One can only relate to similar experiences. I praise the Lord everyday for rescuing me. Only in Jesus I have abundant life and I cherish it so very much.

What's coming up next? Of course, I'm going to enjoy my break first, then finish up the rest of my school year. It's only year number 1, but it's a great beginning and I love the way it's unfolding, the Lord is showing me awesome things He is going to do for the next 3 1/2 years. No, I do not know all the things that are to come, but I know they all will work out for the good according to God's will! (Romans 8:28)

I can say with certainty that, of course, I will face some valleys, but I'm not going to be afraid because I know that the Lord is with me through it all!!! (Psalm 23)

Life is a beautiful gift that the Lord has given us. What we do with it is our gift to the Lord. I'm cherishing it and living it to the fullest, because I thank the Lord for this second chance He has given me. What is better to do with a gift but to use it to the fullest?

My heart swells and overflows with gratitude and love to the Lord for all the blessings He have showered upon me and I do ask for blessings because they're awesome! Because they're from the Lord, who is the Source of Life. *loves*

John 10:10 "The thief (satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

_\m/
K

P.S.
I'm so looking forward to the break, there are so much to be done and so much fun to be had!!!
I praise the Lord and thank the Lord everyday for the loved ones He put in my life: My parents; my sisters: Patti and Emily; my mentors: Dana, Jet, Allan and Yamile; all of my dearest friends, you know who you all are. All thanks be to the Lord! Blessed be His Name!!

December 2008

I know it's only the first couple weeks of December of 2008, but I still want to reflect on the year 2008.

It is truly an amazing and blessing year! I started out with a mission trip to Dominican Republic which changed my perspective on life in America and all around the world. No, Dominican Republic does not represent ALL countries, but it does give me a picture of what the majority of countries are like all around the world.
It also changed my perspective on life itself. I thank the Lord for that every day, He humbled me and helped me to grow more. I was very truly humbled, and I cherish that.

That Spring, the Lord showed me that it was time for me to go back to school, to college. I was so excited because I wanted to go to college, but the timing wasn't right before, but now!! YAY!
So I worked with VR to get all the paperwork processed and all that. During that time, I was so looking forward to working at this one Christian Deaf camp.

The next biggest thing was working at a work place for the longest I've ever had, past 8 months (my first longest before this one)

While working for longer than 8 months, I got really blessed with a position to work with middle school girls at Christian Deaf camp. When I first found out that I was assigned that position, I freaked out a little because I thought I didn't know the first thing about middle school girls, but I knew that God gave me that position for a reason so I thanked Him and praised Him, looking forward to what I will be learning that week.
Sure enough, that week the girls taught me that I know a lot of things about middle school girls and I totally could relate to them because I had this "been there, done it" experience so I could tease them and just be there for them.
Each and every girl I had holds a special place in my heart because they are my first girls. I know there are so many to come and they all will have a place in my heart. I thank God for teaching me this and giving me such a rich experience I had that week. I am truly blessed to work with these girls and I look forward to every year I'm going to work with them!!!! Praise the Lord!!!

At work after the camp, I figured that I will need to quit my job. I was so scared because I know I depend on that income, but I trusted the Lord that He will meet and provide for every need. I was working with my boss on when to leave and all that. I originally decided to quit the first week of August, but after more thought, I decided to quit the first week of September. Exactly a year and 2 days to the date from the day I started my job.

During this period between first week of August and September, I had an opportunity to go on a camp out to get away from the busyness of the world and just to relax. I enjoyed it and I got to know a few people better, I had originally met them before but didn't really know them. I enjoyed the camp out. My favorite part of that camp out was laying on a dock at the night, looking at stars. I saw how BEAUTIFUL the Milky Way is and I saw the most shooting stars I've ever seen my whole life! There were over 20 shooting stars that night, it was so beautiful. That's God's creation and it's amazing.

After I got home, I found out that I had gotten more out of that camp out than I had thought at first. This one guy was pursuing me after getting to know me better. I was surprised. I honestly didn't expect that at all. But... that's the Lord! He loves to amaze and surprise His children! I thank the Lord everyday for letting this very special friendship I have bloom. It's growing more and more everyday and I love how it's progressing, it's very special and very cherishing to me. The Lord is in middle of it all and He's guiding it!

First week of September I quit my job, started college 2 weeks later. My younger sister moved out to college out of state. It was so different. I was scared of how college would be, but I quickly learned that it was so easy! I love college, I can work at my own pace, and it's such a different atmosphere!
For the past 3 months, it was really different being without my sister. For the past 2 years, we've grown closer, less fighting (hahahaha!) and really bond as sisters. I thank the Lord for that!!

I cried at times because I truly missed my sister, and realizing that we're indeed growing up. I guess I experience a little of sense of loss, loss of my childhood. I'm not a little child anymore, I have responsibilities now, and I'm starting a huge and new chapter in my life... College. Amazing.

Then in November, after turning double big 2's, I got to visit Gallaudet, and learn that the Lord has a plan for me there. I was scared and thrilled at the same time. I can NOT say no to the Lord, His plan is always the best and the most awesome! I'm still a little scared majorly because it's so far from home. SO FAR! But, no where is too far for the Lord! He will be with me ALWAYS!

Oh, oh, oh! One more thing!!! For the past 3 months as well, I've found my complete identity. I knew I'm Christian because I belong to Jesus. I know I'm deaf because that's what/who I am. I know I'm woman. What do I mean by "complete"? Well.. I took a class at college, Deaf Culture studies. It truly opened my eyes to the Deaf world. I learned and became proud of being Deaf. I am Deaf. That's my world, that's my culture. But understand this, I'm first Christian. THEN Deaf. I finally see more of what God wants me to do. I knew I was called into the Deaf ministry, but I couldn't work there until I knew more and understand the Deaf culture. Now that I have a much better picture and understanding of it, I know I can work more effectively there. I'm part of it, it's part of my daily life now and it will be fun!
I'm truly excited to see what the Lord has planned!

Now it's December. 11 months down, 1 more to go. It indeed has been a life changing year. I'm so glad that it happened this year, the timing is perfect. I finished the first quarter, I have 3 years and 2 quarters to go. It's only the beginning. I am truly excited for what will come this month, I know it will be an amazing finish to the year that had an amazing start. My loved ones will be with me, and I will have another amazing start of another year!

And I must share one more thing.... My friendship with the guy who I'm in a relationship with has truly bloomed from the beginning to now, and I know more will come out of this relationship because we've put the Lord in the center of it before the beginning. I love it! I remember when I got with him again in the person for the first time in a relationship, when I went to Gallaudet, it definitely was different. I mean we started out our relationship already long distance, we weren't in person when we entered our courtship. It was ok with me not being with him in person, I didn't know him very well yet and was learning so much still. Then when we got together in person, I learned more of who he is and how he is and how he interacts with others and me. Our bond grew stronger quickly, especially because of our long distance relationship. We developed more of a trust bond, and our relationship has grew so much more. Since we are so far away from each other, after being in person, it was really hard for me. Having him with me in person then not, was such an experience. I know I don't like long distance, but I trust the Lord, that He has a reason for this. I can wait and I choose to wait and be patient. The Lord is awesome, His plan is awesome, His purpose is awesome, nothing can exceed it! I really look forward to spend time with him again this coming winter break after Christmas! I'm so excited for him to meet my families and see how beautiful and unique my hometown is! Hehehe!

2009, who knows what that will bring. But I know that the Lord already knows. I have nothing to fear, I have nothing to worry about, because the Lord is with me always.

2009... Wow! Time really flies so fast.

God is GOOD all the time.
_\m/
K

What next, Lord?

So, I went to Gallaudet's open house and I'm sooo very glad that I went. It certainly was eye-opening and a rich experience.

Gallaudet's open house was very informative, and they could only do so much in so little time, I don't blame them, they had a quite large group. I learned more about my goal in my major and met up with the directors of this specific major.

Keep in mind, prior to this, I prayed that I will see what God wants, whether if I go to Gallaudet or not, as long it's all according to His will. After I got home, I certainly could see what God wants to do with me. The whole weekend, I prayed and prayed, I still wasn't sure if the Lord wanted me to go there. My heart certainly changed from "Gallaudet is forbidden," to "Ok, I'm considering Gallaudet." That sure was a dramatic change in perspective for me, espeically now that I saw Gallaudet with my own two eyes.

When I got home, I prayed and prayed more. I DO NOT want to go against God's will. Honestly, yes, I get a little scared from time to time because Gallaudet is a LONG way from where I grew up. But... Where else is better for my major? So...
A couple days after I got home, I realized where God wants to me to be and I can see in general what God wants to do with me and use me at Gallaudet. How can anyone say "No" to the Lord when He knows the very best and completely according to His will??? So I decided that I will apply to Gallaudet. I just know with my good grades this year, and VR's help, I will be able to go to Gallaudet. I'm going in the Fall of 2009! I certainly am Gallaudet bound!
This is a new addition to my newest chapter of my life!!! I'm excited and honestly don't know what to expect!!! This is thrilling! Hah.

And of course! During that weekend I went to Gallaudet, I got to see 'him!' I truly enjoyed my time with him, I got to know him so much better, how he interacts with others and how he interacts with me, despite my ditziness and blond-ness, LOL! He truly is a gentleman and he truly is a man after God's heart. I'm so blessed to have this friendship with him, I enjoy his company so much, I enjoyed just being with him and I enjoy our conversations, we're able to chat about ANYTHING, from A to ZZZZ! God is amazing! Heh! After I left, I missed him so terribly, it's amazing how one can miss someone else so much after such a short time together. I get to see him again so soon!! He's coming to "meet the town" during the Christmas break, I'm so excited! To see him again and for everyone to meet him and see how amazing he is! Hehehe! (I know you're reading this! My advice to you is this, "Don't be scared!! No one will bite you!!!" =] ) SMILE

Well... so, yeah.. That's the latest. For the time being, I will keep doing my very best at community college, getting the best grades I can get. Throughout all this, I will keep my eyes on the Good Lord! He's the one I depend on for gudiance and everything. He is my life, first and foremost! Only the Lord can satisfy me in everything, emotionally and spiritually, He's the one who meets all of my needs. He is indescribable. Beautiful.

_\m/
K

Gallaudet Bound

I guess it's about time I say it out loud...
Actually, it's a little past that time.. But anyhoo....

I will start at where it all started...

In high school, when it was time for juniors/seniors to think about what college/university they'd like to go to and to apply, etc, etc... I didn't want to go to any university, no where far away from home. I was too scared to be far away from home. So I thought about community college, and that was it. I never wanted to go to Gallaudet, my dad is an alumni, though he dropped out his first semester. And I've heard stories about Gallaudet after I graduated and started to seriously consider universities. Gallaudet was taboo for me, ABSOLUTELY no way!

I didn't go to college for 3 years, and I'm finally in college. Over the summer, my perspective on Gallaudet changed dramatically. Why? Don't ask me! Haha.
At the beginning of the summer, I was aiming for Western Oregon University.. but I wasn't sure what major I wanted, I prayed all summer and it wasn't until I went to NWCCD and met the guest speaker, Bert Reid, and learned of his career. It was like a light bulb went on over my head, and I went "AHA!!! THAT'S MY MAJOR!!! That's what I am supposed to do!!!!" It makes so much sense because I love languages and I'm always fascinated with languages all over the world, it only makes sense that I do something that I would truly enjoy! So I'm majoring in Linguistics in ASL. For now, I'm working on BA in ASL, then after that, work on Linguistics degree, I'm not sure what one yet, MA or Ph.D. That sounds like forever, but we will see.. maybe I'll just stop at BA, and work from there. Anyways, that's a whole 'nother story there, heh.

Then I worked with VR to get in a local community college to get started. I was getting so geared up that I wanted to transfer for winter quarter. At first I wanted Western Oregon University (WOU) because I know that they offer BA in ASL. I became so focused on which University offers that degree, and I inquired people who went to WOU about that program and they said that it indeed is a good program but is having problems with the deaf program, that it's not working out and recommends that I look into other universities. I was disappointed because I wanted to go to an university that is still close to home. So, I prayed more and decided to look into Galluadet. It was becoming more ok for me because I know some people there now, which 2-3 years ago I didn't know anyone there. As I looked into it more, I realized that it does make sense that Gallaudet is a better choice because it has a deaf community and a deaf culture, everyone signs, where WOU has a deaf program and some people signs, the deaf community there is not as big and as strong as Gallaudet. I was getting frustrated because I didn't want to go anywhere so far away from home. I'm a family person and home is so important to me.

As I prayed more and got in a courtship with this young man who happens to attend Gallaudet, I felt more peace. I'm working with VR and everything seems to work out smoothly for me to transfer to Gallaudet sooner than I thought I'd be able to. I was thinking of transferring the fall of 2010, but I looked into what my community college could offer, I realized that they couldn't help me more than a year. So I realized that it's better that I transfer the fall of 2009, and it makes sense. VR is helping me with all I need and all the lights are green, it's all go. So, I don't see any barrier or stop signs on the way to Gallaudet, and I pray that it's all God's will. I don't want to go against what God has planned.

2 years ago, I've never dreamt that I WOULD go to Gallaudet, it was an absolute NO. But.. Guess what?? You never know the future! God changed my heart, changed my perspective. What I learned is that if God does want me to go to Gallaudet, He will protect me, He will give me right friends and He will make sure I have the support system I will need. And He will teach me new things, transform me more, making me more like Christ. It's amazing. I also learned that God's plan is the best, even if it doesn't make sense at times!!!

So, I'm Gallaudet-bound! I'm going to Gallaudet this Thursday for the open house they're having on Friday. And...... I get to see him!! Hehehe!

It's going to be a great weekend, I will get to see what D.C. looks like and all that!! My first time on the East coast and actually look around!

God knows what is the best, so look on to Him and wait on Him, He will show you and guide you!! LET Him guide you!

_\m/
K

Hearing the Lord

For past 2 weeks, it's been up and down for me. But that's pretty much normal for me.

Anyways, I have something to share, it's quite neat, but I don't know the outcome for it just yet, but when I do, I will be sure to share with you!

As most of you might know, I quit my job of one year as a pastry chef. I had to quit for some reasons, 1: The timing, 2: I was starting school and the job was quite too demanding, 3: I needed to focus on school.

After I started to settle after the cloud of dust came when I started school. I know the routines and how demanding college is. I prayed to the Lord that if He wanted me to get a part time job to meet the ends I might/will have, that He will show me, or put the urgency to go and apply at different locations. But I didn't get the sense to do that, so I just gave it all to the Lord and say that He's in complete control. He knows my needs and He will meet them. So, I completely forgot about it, though I know I might be quite really tight on meeting my finance needs.

Then on Thursday, when I was praying, The Lord showed me one location, and I was like, Eh?? He said again, to go and apply there. So I said, OK, I will do that. After school that day, I went and picked up an application and brought it home and filled it out and all that. I even updated my resume and added it to my application. Next day, I went and asked to see the manager, gave him my application and all the paper works. He looked over the application then took his time reading my resume. I was asking in my mind, is everything alright on the resume?? He said that he will give it to the hiring manager and seemed to gave me a favor, liking what he saw on my application and resume. I thanked him and left. But as I was walking out the door, I noticed a paper posted on the door saying "Now Hiring, All Position, 18+." I said to myself, I didn't see that there yesterday!!

Well, whether if they hired me or not, God told me to go there. I didn't expect to be looking for a job for a long while since I'm in school. But the Lord knows my need and wanted me to be able to meet all of my finance needs. So... I'm quite excited! Not because I'll be working sometime soon, but because I heard the Lord speak to me! I love it when I hear the Lord, reassuring myself that I indeed can hear the Lord! I admit that sometimes I have my doubts, but thankfully the Lord is so patient and merciful, He reassures me when I need it. I do pray that the Lord remove all the doubts, and I thank the Lord everyday for reassuring me. I do have a cynic way of thinking sometimes, and the Lord is so patient and helps me refreshing and renewing my mind daily. The Lord really transformed my life, my way of thinking, my actions and my words. I learned how to get rid of all the negativity in my life, simply by reminding myself daily, every time a negative thought or word comes my way, I ignore it and praise the Lord for being with me.

God is SO amazing... indescribable!!

I love you all!! My precious friends that the Lord have put in my life!!
_\m/
K

Cell phone VS The Bible

I found this in a forum and I love it because it's so true!

________________________________________

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.....

Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

"You are lovely..."

I heard Jesus speak to me last Friday.
I was having my brief coffee time with Jesus in my car. I love having coffee time with Jesus, my special date with Him alone. And I was just enclosed in warmth and love of Jesus. I was feeling completely content and full of joy with Jesus.
Then I heard Jesus say, "You are lovely." Jesus said it so gently. As if I was a princess.. [I know I am a princess because Jesus is King of kings.] "You are lovely." As simple as it was, to hear it from Jesus meant everything.

It was special to hear it from Jesus. I didn't grow up hearing my dad telling me how special I am or how beautiful I am or something like that. But I forgive my daddy. I don't blame him for anything. And Jesus made up for it. I'm God's child, and it was just really special to hear Jesus telling me how lovely I am. I am going to cherish this for the rest of my life.

I know God has an amazing plan for my life, and I am totally thrilled to live out His plan!

Thank you Jesus, for everything. YOU are lovely! More lovely than any gold, silver or diamond! You are my everything!

Readers, this was something I wanted to share, and I wish everyone could experience God's awesome, great love.

_\m/
K