I Smile

2:The Bible

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am so blessed to be able to read God's Word. Kevin and I are really trying to read more of it together and discussing things, which has been awesome! It is through this that I am able to get to know my Savior more; I am able to see what needs to change; I am encouraged to continue to live a passionate life. It is through the Word that I know God loves me deeply.

2012

2012-01-02T01:43:00.000-08:00

I rang in the new year with some good friends down at one of my favorite cities, San Diego. Though we werent there very long, we were able to do a lot. Of course, when you talk about the new year, you can't help but get asked the question, "What are your New Year's resolutions?" One of mine is to be more thankful. So, I've decided to use this blog to thank God for all the blessings in my life, one day at a time. I want to thank God for sending people, things, and memories that make me smile. (When I finally figure out how to post pics from my iPad, I'll add those too.)

Blessing Número UNO: My Husband, Mr. Kevin Gruezo

Kevin and I have been married for almost 6 months (already??!!! Whaaaat???!!!!) I've definitely been loving married life. He truly is my best friend and I am so happy to be married to such an awesome guy. We have fun, and he makes me laugh all the time. ALL the time. :) It's been wonderful to grow together and create even more amazing memories. I can't wait to continue to grow old with him.

(Side Note: This picture was taken last year in London. Ah, London...)

28 Days...gulp...

2011-06-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

28 days! 28 days????? Where did the time fly!! Well, I did have Science Camp, the end of the school year Thank GOD I'm done!!), and apartment hunting on our list of to-dos that we have thankfully checked off! whoohooo!! God answered our prayers (especially mine because I really had my heart set living in this city)..and we will be moving to ... wait for it, wait for it... CLAREMONT!!! whoohoooo!!!! We found a cozy one bedroom apartment about half a mile from the Claremont Village. We are so excited to move into our very first place together. Kevin will move in July 1st and I will make my way in after the wedding.

As for our wedding plans... It's all coming together. Now that school is over, I'm planning to do nothing to RUN and CRAFT!! As of today, 265 lovely people will be attending our wedding, which is fewer than the 300 we anticipated. I'm sure that number will continue to go up in the next few weeks, but we have a wonderful venue that will accommodate the large number without feeling too cramped.

My current room looks like it blew up with all kinds of wedding stuff: baskets, invitations, presents, jars, wood..hahha.. Soon, all the planning will be over and we can sit back and enjoy our very special day. =D

Our wedding coordinator, Michelle Groom, is AMAZING, and I'm so happy that we have her on our team. She is going to pick up all of the wedding goods on June 30th, so I have just a few weeks to get everything done. At least I'll be able to relax for 2 weeks before the wedding. I can't wait!!

28 days until I become a wifey to my best friend makes me smile...

88 Days

2011-04-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

As you all know, the new wedding fad is photobooths! It is extremely fun to take pictures, and they're great to keep as a reminder of the wedding. At the San wedding, there was a booth and we, of course, had to take some.

We would like our wedding to be filled with fun and excitement. We want our family and friends to laugh, enjoy their time, make lasting memories, and truly celebrate this momentous occasion in our lives. We have different tricks up our sleeves and various surprises for our guests, which we hope they will like and cause them to smile.

Photo booths and being silly with my honey makes me smile. =)

91 Days

2011-04-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. San!! My friends, Jasmine and Nate, got married yesterday, April 9th. They've been dating for 3 years and now they're finally married! Yay! You can tell they were both super excited; I've never seen Jazzy happier! I'm so happy for the newlyweds.

With the beautiful bride, Mrs. Jasmine San

I just couldn't help but think about our wedding day, especially when I had friends and family reminding us that we were next. Ahhh!!!

Weddings definitely make me smile...

95 Days

2011-04-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Bridal Expos: I've gone to a few of them. I've been to a super small one at a golf course; I've been to a medium-sized one with another bride-to-be, Eva; and I've been to this super swanky one in West Hollywood with one of my MOH, Krissa. This one, located at the London Hotel, was a bit too booshy for me. Even though we both felt a bit out of place, we had fun tasting the goodies, taking some fun pictures, and grabbing a mighty heavy swag bag. Oh ya! Kevin and I are going to have a pretty relaxed, sweet, and comfortable wedding. So, all of the glitz and glam of that night was NOT for me. Case in point: After seeing a slew of BMWs and Mercedes pass us by, Krissa and I had to practically run to my old, beat up Mitsubishi Mirage as the valet guy pulled up. haha... good times! Free goodies, good laughs, and spending time with my MOH makes me smile. =)

Wedding Countdown: 96 Days

2011-04-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

I'm super sore from today's boot camp (the only things NOT in pain are my fingers!!), and super tired from working on grades and report cards, so this will be short post. Short and sweet. I'm super sore from today's boot camp, and super tired from working on grades and report cards, so this will be short post. Short and sweet.

We took these two pictures while we were in Paris. I loved it there, though not as much as London. Both Kevin and I LOVE to travel and I hope we'll get to do as much of that before we have any kids. Yes, I mentioned the K word!! =)

Thoughts of Paris makes me smile...

Wedding Countdown: 97 Days

2011-04-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I celebrated our 2 year dating anniversary on March 31st..whoohooo!! We had a little dinner at BJ's, and even got to hang out with my cousin for a bit.

In order to get the best bod possible for the wedding, I've recently joined the Body Fit Boot Camp in Chino Hills. I only started last week, but I'm liking the workouts so far. Thanks to Groupon, I've joined for a month at a great deal. I'm gonna milk it for all it's worth, and then drop my membership cuz there's no way I'm gonna pay over $100 a month to work out, especially since I already have a gym membership. But, I'm hoping this will give me the push I need to workout hard; no pain, no gain, right?!?

I shall end this post with an OLD picture from 2007. This was our first official date, which was to Kevin's work's Christmas Party at the Biltmore. As you can see, we had a fun time that night. Apparently, he was showing off his bling..hahah...

Anniversaries, boot camps, and bling make me smile...

Days Until I Become Mrs. Gruezo: 100

2011-04-02T01:04:00.000-07:00

100 days!! Yes!! My official countdown has begun, even though The Knott has been counting down since we signed up. 100 days!! I know that's going to fly by. My goal is to post something for the next 100 days. It may be a project I'm working on or an old picture I've stumbled across. Let's make the first one a good one!

Back in 2008 I went on a missions trip to Hawaii, London, and Northern Ireland. Kevin and I were kindda dating before I left, but I knew that I needed to continue on with this voyage. So, in July I left and Kevin and I stopped talking. Then, in October, while I was in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a special package was sent to me. I thought that perhaps people from church sent me a care package, but I was wrong. In the box was this Halloween tin filled with candy and a short and sweet note. And yes, it was from Kevin! =)

100 days and reminiscing makes me smile...

104 Days: Engagement Party

2011-03-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Though Kevin and I have been engaged for a few months now, we finally had our Engagement Party. My cousins, the Chow family, hosted the party (Thank you so much!) at Buca de Beppo in Irvine. I was a bit nervous because our families were going to meet for the first time. Yes, the FIRST time. Our wedding party was going to meet each other as well. But, we had tons of fun grubbing, laughing, getting to know each other, and celebrating our future marriage.

The Chow Family - Leah, Ronnie, and Benny

Our parents

Kevin's Fam Bam

My Fam Bam

Us with Owen (Bridesmaid), Ruby (Bridesmaid), and Kriss (Maid of Honor)

Some of my Bridesmaids couldn't make it, but they'll be there at our Wedding Shower

Us and most of Kevin's groomsmen

Derwin, my brother (Groomsman); Alex, friend (Groomsman);
Daniel, Kevin's brother (Groomsman); Mark, friend (Best Man);
Anthony, friend (Best Man);

Eric, friend (Groomsman); Matt, Kevin's brother (Groomsman)

Us and "The Friends"

To end the partying, my dad serenaded us! Oh ya!!

3 hours later, the food was gone, and it was time to pack up and head out. I couldn't believe how quickly the time flew and I couldn't help but think about how quickly our wedding day will come and go. I need to make a mental note to sit back and enjoy that day. Take in the sights and sounds, and enjoy that one special day.

One of many parties to celebrate our upcoming marriage makes me smile!

Homework!

2011-03-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

Wedding Countdown: 108 days to go!

Kevin and I met with our DJ and Coordinator last night, and after our meeting, I have come to realize that we have A LOT of homework to do. I think yesterday was the first day I felt a bit overwhelmed with the number of things we need to do before the big day. I know we still have 3 1/2 more months, but there's still much to do: music to choose, crafts to create, items to purchase, gifts to wrap, meetings to be held, and the list could go on and on. And you know that you're getting a bit anxious when you start dreaming about the wedding, and not in a good way. That's me.

A few nights ago I dreamt that I couldn't find Kevin during our reception. We were supposed to take pictures, and so I was searching for him inside the estate, but I just couldn't find him. Then, when I went back out to the yard, I saw him walk in with some of his friends. They were carrying something heavy into the reception. I think it was an ice sculpture, but I'm not totally sure. Then, his brothers and some cousins decided it would be fun to douse him with a pail of cold water, like he won a championship game. After they did that, he ran into the house to change, and when I found him he was wearing old baggy sweats and a huge t-shirt. I told him that we still needed to take pictures, and he simply replied, "This is all I found so this is what I'm going to wear."

When I told Kevin me dream, he reminded me of how ridiculous that sounded. He has a great way of bringing me back to reality. Needless to say, the wedding is filling my mind! haha.

Funny dreams and a fiance who lovingly calms my anxieties makes me smile.

My Dress

2011-03-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, my dress came in today! I can't wait to pick it up. I'll be going this Saturday with my mom and older cousin and I'm extremely excited to try on MY dress. Sure, I loved the dress that I tried on, even though it was held together with huge Home Depot clamps, but the dress I will see this Saturday will be my dress. It'll be the one I wear to the wedding. Oh ya! I know I need to get some alterations done on it since I know I'll be too short for the dress (even with the extra two inches I'll grow thanks to my new shoes), and I'm going to get other things done to it as well. Oh weekend, please come!

Besides that, it seems like wedding planning has slowed down, thank God. There are tons of little details to put together but I think the bulk of it is behind us. Whew! I thank God, also, for how He's been growing Kevin and me. He's already strengthening our relationship and helping us to open up to each other and communicate. Communication is key, right?!? It's awesome to know that God is in the center of our relationship and that He will take care of us, no matter uncertain things may seem. God has is all planned out, and I have no doubt in my mind that it will be perfectly beautiful.

My dress and growing closer to the one I want to grow old with makes me smile.

** Oh, and I promise to post about our engagement during Easter Vacay. Please be patient! **

3 Months, 27 Days

2011-03-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

In just a few short months I will be Mrs. Kevin Gruezo! Whoomama! =) Wedding plans have been going splendidly: We've booked all of our vendors and given them all necessary deposits, we know what we will do for favors and other little surprises, Kevin and I (along with one of my bridesmaids, Owen...thanks, O!) have even been crafting! Yes, when put to work, Kevin makes a great crafter! My dress should come in within in the next two weeks so that I can get it altered. I've bought my wedding shoes, which are amazingly comfortable and NOT flats! I even know what I want to do with my hair. Kevin has his suit, tie, and shoes. Most of my bridesmaids have picked out their dresses, and the Couples Shower invitations have been sent out. (Sidenote:I can't wait for all of the wedding festivities to commence. I know that we're going to have so much fun!) I need to roll up my sleeves and get some more crafting done because I have a number of details I want to include in the wedding. I've gotta get to work!

Everyone has been telling me that these next few months are going to fly by, but to me, it seems like July 10th just can't seem to come any quicker!! I have about 9 weeks left of teaching for this school year and then I'm off, which is perfect because I want to be done with wedding stuff by the end of June. Then, all I need to do is relax, and enjoy time with friends and family before saying those two words: I do.

Wedding planning and having (almost) all our ducks in a row makes me smile.

5 Months

2011-01-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

Kevin and I will be married in a little over 5 months! AWESOME! Wedding planning has slowed a bit, though do a tasting this Thursday. God has blessed us with ease and peace. "One and Done" has been our motto. We looked at the first, and only, venue and booked it. I found THE dress in one day and bought it. We booked the first DJ we met. We booked the first, and only, wedding coordinator we met. It's all coming together so quickly, so smoothy, and, save for the money Kevin and I have been shelling out of our pockets, so painlessly. And, trust me, we are not being rash about things just because we know we don't have much time to plan. We genuinely love all of these things (or people) and feel like they tie in beautifully with our theme and overall look. We especially love the hearts of our vendors, their excitement to work with couples, and their love for what they do.

We still have much to do, but I feel like we've gotten a lot accomplished and we've only been engaged for a little over a month. Whhoohooo!!! Quick and easy planning definitely makes me smile!

I know...I know...

2011-01-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

Why haven't I blogged recently? Why haven't I told the world about how the best boyfriend in the world surprised me with a trip to London and Paris? Why haven't I proclaimed from the top of my lungs, or the tips of my fingers, how he proposed to me? Why didn't I get on my computer the minute I come home to share that I no longer have a boyfriend, but that I have a FIANCE? Why?....I. AM. BUSY!!!

My apologies for my lack of zeal in blogging lately, but until today I literally don't have time. Between teaching, grading, tutoring (for extra money), meeting with vendors, emailing different people, crafting, working out, and sneaking in a date night with my future hubby, I really haven't had much time.

So now it's Saturday, 2pm. We had no meetings, no tastings (until 5:30 p.m.), no appointments. So now, I can sit and blog. Finally.

One day (hopefully soon) I'll be able to back track and share our engagement story, but today I feel like blogging about the present. Today. How do I feel at this very moment, in the midst of the chaos, some uncertainties, and the stress of it all? Blessed. I'm so blessed to have friends who care and are extremely excited for us, who plan parties and get togethers and open their houses for us. I'm blessed to have family who can't wait to meet Kevin's and have set up great dinners for us. I'm so blessed to have a loving, caring, generous, hilarious, and handsome man who will, in a few shorts months, be my husband. But more that that, I'm blessed to have a God who loves me so much, who knows exactly what I want and need, whose timing is always perfect, who makes me smile. So, there are many things yet to plan, many purchases yet to accrue, many sleepless nights to come, I sit today and thank God that I am blessed.

To My BF...

2010-06-25T02:38:00.000-07:00

You are simply amazing. I always have so much fun with you, and you always make me laugh. We have so much fun together, and I love that I can be myself around you. My crazy, cookey self. You are so kind and generous, and I absolutely love that about you. You care for others and always have their best interest in mind. You make me feel beautiful, even when I'm in baggy pajama pants and your oversized Carson High School volleyball shirt. Your energy and love for life overflows, and I am blessed to be a part of your life. It has been awesome praying, and reading, and watching, and laughing, and crying, and shopping, and eating, and making memories with you.

To my BF, thank you for showing me how to love and care for others. Thank you for showing me how to enjoy life more. Thank you for protecting me and making sure that I'll be okay. Thank you for showing me how to serve others with humility and generosity. Thank you because I see Jesus Christ through your life more and more each day. It has been a pleasure being your GF these past months, and I'm excited for what God has in store for us next. You are simply amazing. You are awesome. You make me smile, and I love you.

Progress

2010-06-25T02:22:00.000-07:00

isn't going too well. It definitely is summer and I haven't really stuck to anything on my list, except the very last one. I'm enjoying summer quite a bit, I must say. I've gone to The Happiest Place on Earth a few times and ever saw Kobe Bryant with his family. I've spent time in the lovely SD and made memories in LV. I went to my very first Laker Championship parade, though I couldn't really see anything. And I thought I saw Phil Jackson, and started yelling his name, only to find out after the parade that he wasn't even there! Who was I yelling at? I have no idea.

I've spent time with family and friends. I've worked, worked out, and buffeted it a few times. It's only been 2 weeks, and although I haven't done much on my list, I thank God for the summer.

Summeritis makes me smile!

84 Days of Summer

2010-06-07T01:05:00.000-07:00

Summer is quickly approaching and I am ecstatic!!! I know it's been a long while since the last time I posted, but now that I have some extra time on my hands I'm hoping to update this blog more. I've been mentally compiling a list of things I want to accomplish this summer. I figured that I should write them down before I forget and the summer's over. So, here is my list...for now.

- Organize, paint, and redecorate my room
- Give away clothes, shoes, stuff I haven't used in the past year
-Complete Insanity
- Lose at least 15 pounds (hopefully Insanity will help)
- Fit into my "skinny dress" again
- Save at least $500
- Catch up on some TV Shows: The Office, How I Met Your Mother, Glee
- Visit my nieces at least once a week
- Be crafty at least once a week (I'm designating Mondays as my crafting day)
- Do something unexpected/special/sweet for the bf at least once a week

I'm making this all public in hopes that I'll be more accountable to myself, and hopefully others will help me reach these goals as well. I have 84 days to accomplish these goals. 84 days.

84 days of summer definitely makes me smile!!!

Proverbs 4

2010-03-02T00:07:00.000-08:00

"But the path of the righteous are like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." (v.18)

I hope that the path I am treading on is like this light, a pat that grows brighter and brighter each moment. The light may not be very bright to begin with, but with each step, each new year, it illuminates brighter. I want to remain on this bright path, and not stumble onto the dark one. If I stay where there's light, I won't have to worry about stumbling in the darkness.

Recap: Stay on the path that's lit, the path of the righteous

Proverbs 3

2010-02-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (5-6)

Trust. Trusting God with all of my heart, with all of my being, with all that I am. Trusting God, even though it doesn't make sense to me. God has used this passage many times in my life to help me through many different situations. He has reminded me to trust Hm when my bank account read $0.00; through tears of heartache; lying prostrate on the floor, tears flowing down, when I thought we were going to lose my beloved grandmother; while quitting my career to follow my dreams; in coming home to no job, no career, and many bills; while rejoicing and returning back to teaching. Trust God.

I know that I can trust God because He is my Father and He wants what is best for me. He has what's best for me in mind. I need to remind myself this quite frequently because, honest to say, I didn't think I would be where I am today. If I could have mapped out my life when I was 20, things would be very different, but I praise God SO MUCH for not giving me the liberty or power to do this. Because ultimately His map is what's best for me. I have trusted God in my past, and I know that I can trust God with my future. =) Not only will I trust, but I wait in anticipation, like a little girl the night before Christmas, to see what amazing things the Lord has in store for me. I wait, and smile...

Proverbs 2

2010-02-25T23:53:00.000-08:00

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity; guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints." (6-8)

Walk in integrity. I talked about that in class today. One student said that his dad told him, "It's what you do when no one is looking that defines who you really are." I'm sure his dad read that or heard that from somewhere else, but my 5th grader quoted him. I had a good discussion with a my rambunctious 11 year olds about integrity. What would you do if no one is looking? Would you choose to do the right thing, or lean towards the wrong thing because you know you won't get caught?

In our weekly Chapel, the principal talked about God's omnipresence. God is everywhere at all times. Everywhere. At all times. I pray that I live with integrity: give back too much change from the grocery clerk, recycle the water bottle, pick up my trash that flew out of my hand, speak with honesty and truth, live with one face and not two. Knowledge. Wisdom. Integrity.

Recap: Live with integrity. God will be my shield of protection.

Proverbs 1

2010-02-25T01:09:00.000-08:00

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (1)

This is my desire - to gain knowledge. For living. For acting. For loving. So, if the beginning of knowledge is to fear the Lord, I need to ask myself: What does it mean to fear the Lord? I don't think this means to be scared of Him, but to be in awe of who He is. To sit back and smile at the awesome God. To take in a breath and be amazed by the Creator God. To sit and stand and kneel and rejoice and laugh and sing and be quite just thinking of God. It's been a while since I've done that. I remember being back in Kona, sitting by myself with the cool night air surrounding me, looking up at the stars and down at the crashing waves. I remember thinking: God is amazing. And just wanting to sit there and try to soak it all in. I miss those days.

"For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster." (12-13)

Complacency. This word has defined me lately, especially when it comes to where I am with my relationship with Jesus. I've been going through the motions and haven't really cared about it. Until now. I've been dissatisfied but didn't really care. Call me foolish. Thank God for His word revealing this to me, bringing it up to the surface and causing me to repent and turn from my foolish ways. I don't want to be simple. It's time to get rid of complacency. Now. Instead, I need to listen to God. Sit back and listen. Then the thoughts of insecurity and dread of disaster, which have plagued me the last few days, will cease. I can be at ease. Yes, that sounds good.

Recap: Be in awe of God. Listen to God.

I think I'm off to a great start!

A Proverb A Day...

2010-02-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

It's 1 a.m. and I know I'm going to regret this in the morning, but I just couldn't sleep. I had to get up. I had to write. I wanted to read. And so here I sit, on my bed. Though I should be sleeping, I am instead going to embark on a short journey. 31 days to be exact. 31 days of Proverbs.

I've been wanting to spend more time reading the Bible and so here I go. I want to dive deeper. I want to change. I want to gain wisdom and knowledge. I'm hoping the book of Proverbs will aid in this quest.

29 and Feelin' Fine!

2010-02-19T23:01:00.000-08:00

So..I know my bday was a few weeks ago, but I wanted to put up some pictures up of my bday festivities. The BF and I went out to Goofy's Kitchen, thanks to Matt and Yvs who gave us a splendid GC. =) We stuffed our faces, walked around the Disneyland Hotel, saw a different side of The Happiest Place on Earth, and had so much fun!

11:14 p.m.

2010-01-12T23:14:00.000-08:00

It's just been a few weeks into the new year and I'm already doing much better with my blog. Yes! January 12. Little Benjamin Chow was born. After much prayer he's finally here! I'm excited to meet the newest member of our growing family. Yet another halfer has been added to the mix. Chinese and Filipino. Chilipino. Filinese. None the less, little Benny is family.

Been working out more lately. I absolutely LOVE working out. I mean, I think I could be quite the girly girl, but I love sweating, getting all gross at the gym, pumping some iron, and getting that heart rate up. It's a great feeling. Not only am I feeling better and fitting into my clothes better, but I'm also gaining more energy to do the things I want to do. Like snowboarding!

Yes, last Saturday was my second attempt at this outdoor activity. Years and year and years ago I tried it for the first time and HATED IT!! I'll spare you the details. But, for part 2 of my Christmas present, the bf took me to Big Bear to board. I loved it! He was very patient with me and I only got frustrated for 20 minutes during my second run. Not bad, right? And, I learned a little about myself.

1. I CAN get out of bed by 5 a.m. if I really wanted to.
2. I'm goofy.... footed.
3. I prefer my heels over my toesies.
4. I can get up quite easily toe-side, but not heel-side...hence the aforementioned frustration.
5. I can plow and kindda leaf.
6. I detest the blasted lift.
7. I can get up if I stop telling myself that I can't get up.

My growing family, working out, and having fun in the snow make me smile. =)

2:35 a.m.

2010-01-07T02:35:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here in my dark room. It's 2:35 a.m. and I can't seem to get to sleep. I had a full day of working, tutoring after that, and then rushed home to get ready for the Clippers vs Lakers game, I took my dad, bro, and Kevin for Christmas. it was fun and my dad was super excited, but the Lakers just couldn't seem to make any baskets. sucks. And, I drank some soda at the game, which is the reason why I'm up. late.

After watching 4 episodes of Gossip Girl (my new favorite guilty pleasure) I decided to write. Looking back on this sad excuse for a blog, I noticed I hadn't posted anything since November!! Pretty pathetic, I know. Much has happened, too much to write it all down. But my highlights consists of the holidays with the fam bam, the bf, and my friends.

And now, it's 2010. What year is it? hah... 2010. I'm excited for this new year. After 28 years of my life, my resolutions seem to stay pretty constant: Lose weight. Draw closer to God. Enjoy life. Lose weight. Nothing's really changed for this coming year.

I'm excited for everything that's in store for me. I'm excited to experience life. I'm excited to live through the new pages God has written. It's all so exciting. I know it's going to be a great year.

I read through an old journal entry from January 1, 2009. I'm such a different person. My thoughts are different. My desires are different. My life is different. For a while I was struggling, wrestling with that. How can I be so different? Who was that person one year ago? Who was I one year ago? Why am I so different? Am I better? Are these changes for the good? For my good? For good? ,,,

That's too many questions for so early in the morning. So for now, I'll try to rest my brain and sleep. If not, maybe another episode of GG will lull me to sleep. XoXo... kidding. 2:46 a.m.

New Post? wha???

2009-11-09T23:38:00.000-08:00

I finally took a look at my post and noticed that I have NOT updated it for 3 months! yikes!!! A LOT has happened since then, and I shall do my best to recall my past 3 months. Though I should be working on my grades, I shall update my blog (haha... what a great teacher!!).

In the month of September I...
- became a teacher once again. I'm back at CHCS teaching 16 5th graders.
- watched Legally Blonde with the BF, Karen, and Anthony
- celebrated with the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Dy
- went do Disneyland many times
- was sick many days

In October I...
- celebrated my halfiversary with the best BF ever. We spent a weekend up in San Jose and SF.
- did the CHOC Walk around Disneyland
- registered for the Nike Human Race run around USC but didn't actually run it cuz I was sick
- celebrated Sabrina's 2nd birthday at her Ninog Mike's house. I can't believe she's already two!
- Went back to the 60's to celebrate RJ's 18th
- Went back to the 80's for Halloween
- went to Disneyland many times
- was sick many days

So far in November I...
- went to Ski Dazzle and picked up a ski jacket and pants. Yes, I shall attempt to snowboard this coming season, after a 5 year hiatus.
- Saw Kooza with the BF at the Santa Monica Pier. Super awesome show!!
- have been sick

Recurring theme...being sick. boooo... Why am I always sick??? It could be because...
1. I'm around kiddoes all the time who are not the best at covering their mouths when they sneeze
2. The weird and sporadic change in the weather. One day it's 90 degrees, and the same night the temperature plummets down.
3. I don't know when to say no to things like hanging out with people.
4. I don't get enough sleep because of number 3.
5. I haven't been working out as often as I'd like to.
6. I'm dating someone who has the same complex as me (see item #3). No joke, we drove over 300 miles in one weekend because of all of the activities we went to.

I promise to post pictures soon. I guess I haven't done too much the past few months...except be sick in bed. grr... Never the less, I smile and thank God for where He has me today: back at teaching, back at home, back with the best BF ever, back with my family. Back.

More Surprises!!

2009-08-15T02:41:00.000-07:00

My BF is THE BESTEST!!!! =D

We planned to ride the Midnight Madness this Saturday with a bunch of friends. Since I don't have a bike, I was just planning to borrow someone's, but the BF had something else up his sleeve.

I've had a long 2 weeks of VBS coordinating, and during one of our treks out in Torrance, he told me that he wanted to take me out for about half an hour. So, before dinner, the BF, our friend Jeremy, and I hopped into my car and headed out before feasting with the rest of the crew.

We drove a few streets and then we started to pull into a shopping center. I automatically noticed one particular shop. We parked near this bike shop as he told me that he wanted me to be ready for this Saturday's ride. Since I knew that we had to get bike lights, I asked if that's what we were getting. He smiled at me and said no: He was getting me a new beach cruiser!!!!! It's awesome: White with pink trim! Yes, I AM quite girlie!!

He just picked it up today, so I'll post pictures soon. =D

God blessing me with a new bike and the best BF makes me smile...

Surprise, Surprise!

2009-07-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday the BF took me out on a special date. His clues...1) wear comfortable jeans and a shirt and 2) bring my glasses.
I was really excited as he drove around Manhattan Beach. As I was driving, I saw people walking towards a park, with blankets in hand. We finally parked and the BF, carrying a backpack, and I walked over to the park to find more clues.

There was a stage in the middle of the park...

There were loads of people, the audience if you will, lounging on the grass and enjoying the cool summer air...

I looked around and finally saw a sign: Shakespeare by the Sea!! This production performs FREE Shakespearean plays at various venues during the summer.

We enjoyed a lovely and healthy meal (thanks to Flamebroiler) and managed to take a picture before the play started.

This was taken at the end of the play, As You Like It. I didn't study this play in college, and it took some time to get used to the language, but I was able to pick up what was going on. And they all got married and lived happily ever after. =)

There was a Meet and Great at the end of the show and I took a picture with one of the main characters, Rosaline.

After, we went to Lotus, enjoyed some delicious yogurt, walked down the pier, stopped by to pick up something from Anthony and Karen, and headed back home.

Shakespeare, the sea, my BF's surprise date, and God making it all happen makes me smile... =)

Miss Villarin!!

2009-07-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

So...back in May I prayed a specific prayer. It was short and sweet.

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009
So, I've been learning about praying specifics, right? Here goes: God, I pray that you bless me with a job back at Chino Hills Christian School this coming Fall. I pray that I would be teaching 4th or 5th graders again. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Guess what?!? God has answered my (and many others') prayers and I shall be teaching 4th or 5th grade again at Chino Hills Christian School. Both positions are available, and I'll find out tomorrow which grade I will be teaching. God is so good! =)

God answering simple and specific prayers makes me smile...

Home...

2009-07-17T01:52:00.000-07:00

Praise God for His perfect timing; the day after I came home, my sister gave birth to beautiful niece #2, Karis Mae Barrett. Although I was originally going to come home on the 23rd, the Lord directed my steps and guided my heart to bring me home earlier. God's plans are PERFECT!!

I've been home for a little over a week now and most of my time has been spent these these people...

The BF and the older niece, Sabrina...we spent all day with her while my sis and bro in law were at the hospital. She calls him "Ke." It's SO cute!

Uncle Ke didn't want to hold the newborn, so this is the closest he got.

Just the girlies

The BF and I at his 10 year high school reunion. He claimed me as his date, but I dubbed myself the honorary Carson High graduate. hahah...

God's perfect timing and my growing family makes me smile...

Last Day...AAAHHHH!!!!! =O

2009-07-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

It's my last night here in the Philippines. The Motherland. it's about midnight right now and I'm pretty much packed. Sitting in the room by myself cuz my roomie, Kris, is now back in "the states." I've had an amazing time here and I thank God for every minute of it. ..well, almost every minute cuz my extra time in the CR wasn't too fun.

I got to see my extended fam bam here in the PI for the first time. First time in 28 years. It was kindda weird seeing family and not really knowing them, but being connected to them even through the years. I got to share the love of God to two of my cousins and give my cousin a Bible.

I got to spend some time with the BF out here, and even Skype with him after he went home. He's really one amazing fella.

I got to fly out to Bacolod and Boracay. AMAZING! {I'm sorry for the lack of pictures, but the internet is slow here. Visit my FB to see pics.}

I got to experience the love of God through the Lim family -- their joy, generosity, hospitality, love. It's great having such a big extended family.

I got to pray with one woman in the correctional institute, and encourage a PK.

I'm so blessed. Really. I'm learning more and more, that when you follow Christ, He has amazing journeys in store. Things I wouldn't have imagined doing. Even though I'm as broke as a joke right now (haha...) I'm really enjoying life. Thank You, Jesus for causing me to smile...

...good-bye Manila, hello LA!!! =)

I'm Coming Home...

2009-07-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

sooner than scheduled!!! =) I'm so excited to be home. I LOVE it here (though my tummy does not) but I'm ready to be home. God has answered my prayers and has provided for me to come home. I was feeling uneasy about staying here and my excitement go be home with friends and family (and the BF, of course) grew. But, I didn't want that to be the only reason to go home. Still, my uneasiness grew. I didn't feel at peace about staying. So, I kept praying. Then, I got an email about a certain job opportunity for the upcoming school year (again, something I've been praying about) and I thought that it would be best to come home and try to secure this job. And then I was able to book my flight home just a few hours ago. So..when will I be coming home???

THIS FRIDAY, July 10th at 9:35 a.m.!!!!

Hip, Hip...horray!!! Now I get to attend a friend's wedding AND the BF's 10 year HS reunion! Thank You, Jesus!!

God changing plans and me coming home earlier makes me smile...

One Year Anniversary

2009-07-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

July 3, 2009

This time last year, I was boarding a plane and heading to Kona to embark on an amazing journey with YWAM. Wow...one year. God surprised me with a special phone call from two good friends, Tim and Aaron, who are still doing ministry with YWAM. Together, we were able to reminisce a bit about our 6 months together. Now, here I sit, recalling God's goodness this past year...

- joined YWAM
- lived in Kona, Hawaii for 3 months
- wrote my first song
- lead praise and worship for the first time
- met 50 amazing people who I have grown to know and love deeply
- flew out of the country for the first time
- lived in England for 2 weeks
- rode the Tube
- watched Wicked in London
- watched my favorite play at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
- lived in a flat in Belfast, Norther Ireland for about 9 weeks
- met some amazing people in Belfast; i still write to them
- saw one man get physically healed before my very eyes
- visited Ireland for a day
- home for the holidays
- went to San Francisco with some of my DTS family
- drove up north by myself for the first time
- went to Disneyland with some of my DTS family
- got in a relationship with one AMAZING guy =)
- went to San Diego with the BF
- went to Vegas with with the BF and Krissa
- went to SF/San Jose with the BF and Krissa
- getting closer with the BF's awesome family and amazing friends
- went to Vegas with the BF, Marky, Jenn, and Joel
- went camping at San O with the BF and his friends
- another Vegas trip with the BF, Marky, Jenn, and Joel
- watched Avenue Q with the BF, Anthony, and Karen
- watched Frost Nixon with the BF
- watched Dirty Dancing with the BF
- went to Vegas with Jerica and Kristine for JB's bday
- went {back} to the Philippines - I left when I was 1
- met some of my family here in the Philippines for the first time ever
- flew to Bacolod
- and now I'm currently in Boracay

...it's been such an amazing adventure. Seriously. I look back and all I can do is smile. Well, if you know me, it's more like smile and cry. God is SO good! I was thinking about God's goodness today {as I was getting an amazing massage at the resort's spa} and I can honestly say I couldn't ask for a better life. I don't have all the money in the world; I don't have any fancy-pants car; I'm not married (yet!!); I don't have any kids (yet!!); I haven't had a set job for the past year and I don't currently have a set job. But, I'm happy. I'm rejoicing in the Lord. I love the life God has given me. God tells us to follow Him; He wants us to live our lives the way He lays it out in the Bible; God wants us to do His will. I've been trying to do this this past year, and this past year has been the BEST! I've grown so much in my relationship with Jesus. I love my family. I love my church family. I love my boyfriend (yes, I do; and yes, he already knows!!). I love my life.

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Thank You, Jesus, for my rich life. Thank You for causing me to smile...

Over and Above

2009-06-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

That's God. He goes over and above what we ask or think. I felt His love and blessing as I was able to spend time with Kevin not once, but TWO times in the Philippines!!! Before I left, Kevin and I knew that we would be in the PI together, but we weren't sure if we would be able to see each other. So, we just played like we wouldn't see one another for 6 weeks. Didn't want to get my hopes up!. I prayed, and Kevin prayed, and others prayed, and God answered our prayers!

Meeting #1: Tuesday -- I had a free day today, and made plans the night before to spend time with the Gruezos. I was so excited at night, but when I woke up the next morning, I got a call from a sick boyfriend. =( He tummy wasn't feeling too hot, so he opted to say home and get some rest. I was bummed, but I thought that I just HAD to see him. So, Krissa and I took a taxi (and got ripped off big time!!! grrr...) and headed over to Eastwood from Pasig and I got to see him!!! We just hung out at his aunt's condo, and then headed down to the Eastwood Mall for a bit. And then Kris and I headed out to Greenhills to do some mad shopping. At least I got to see him for a bit right? I thought we had a full day on Wednesday, but things got changed and I benefited.

Meeting #2: Wednesday -- We distributed goods and spent time with the community under the bridge. I'll write more about that later. But, we were done quite early (10am) and so we got home, showered, went to Robinsons, had lunch, team devotion, and then we had the rest of the day to ourselves. I seized the moment and contacted the BF. They met up with me at Robinsons, though there was a typhoon raging outside, and I got to spend the rest of the day with Kevin and his family. I just prayed for one day, but He gave me two! Over and above. That's the God I love.

Jezreel Fo' Real!

2009-06-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 20, 2009

Today we went to church at Jezreel Baptist Church. We got to sing songs in Tagalog and God moved my heart and, well you know me, I began to weep. They were tears of joy to know that my Savior is touching the lives of so many different people all over the world.. every nook and cranny. We had to travel through crazy and busy streets to get to church, and you would never know that a church was there, but low and behold, a thriving, living, flaming church was there, shedding light to the community around them. It felt so good to sing praises to God in Tagalog. It's something a rarely have a chance to do, and i can still hear the voices of the others' praises echoing in my ears. Praise God for His goodness and love to the many nooks and crannies (and barangays!) here in the Philippines.

Later in the afternoon, we held a special Sunday School for the children and it was a delight to get to know them. We played and sang songs, did a very low budget skit about when Jesus called His disciples, went over our memory verse, passed out the school supplies we packed earlier in the week, colored with the children, and fed them food. It was a great time together and it was awesome seeing the kids and hearing them sing praises to God.

Though I have a tummy ache now, it was a very good day. Thank You, Jesus! And.... I think I get to the the BF tomorrow!!! That's definitely something to be happy about. =)

Update

2009-06-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 15, 2009
I woke up and had LBM (!!) or the runs. =( Took a swig of Pepto and then went downstairs to have some breakfast. Hung out with Tita Carol’s sisters. They took us to the TriNoma Mall, which is a really nice mall, had Brothers Burgers (super yum!), and then they took us this hydro spa with herbal pools. Ha ha…it was really cool.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Woke up around 5 in the morning with the runs again. But not as bad as the other day. Hopefully my stomach and my system is getting used to it here. Pastor Alex, Mark, and Krissa came to meet us today. The team is now officially together. Hurray! We went to Market! Market! for lunch, do so some shopping, and to get the school supplies for the children’s ministries. We bought so much stuff, that it took 4 workers, 20 minutes, and 2 boxes to get it all done. Ha! But, we’re excited about it! I bought more pasalubong stuff and then we had dinner with some pastors today to meet them and ask them questions about the ministries. We’re off to GreenHills Mall tomorrow. I really want to finish all the pasalubong stuff tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Went shoppng with Kris at Market! Market for school supplies for the kids. Then, we went to a youth rally that was about 2 and a half hours away. We drove through crazy traffic, through crazy streets, but praise God, the van brought us there and back. There were many high schoolers there. Pastor Alex gave a message about being a follower of Christ. We were supposed to lead in singing some songs, and Kris was supposed to give her testimony, but the other churches there (there were 6 churches total) sang some songs...one even gave us a mini-concert. Seriously.

Thursday, June 18th, 2009
Packed the school supplies for the kiddoes. Went to Green Hills for more goodies. Had lunch at Jollibee (again!) and then we went to TayTay to feed some children there. We thought there would only be 30 kids, but there ended up being about 90!! They were excited to see us, and we got to pass out food, I played a little, and we tried to get to know as many as we could. They loved when we took pictures of and with them. We met one of the workers there, Tita Grace, and we went to her house after. There was a small group meeting there and we got to meet some high school and college aged people.

I was very humbled to see that though they don't live with much, they are still happy. Especially Tita Grace, she lives in a very small home, and she gives any extra money she has (not even extra) to help feed the children in the barangay. She gives sacrificially. She makes close to nothing, and yet she continues to give to those "less fortunate" and she trusts that God will continue to provide. AND she has a smile on her face and joy radiates from her. Praise God for people like Tita Grace, who give joyfully to serve her Savior, and to extend the love of Christ to the children.

Nandito Na Ako

2009-06-15T21:15:00.001-07:00

Thursday, June 11, 2009
- 1st flight from LAX to Narita, Japan

Friday, June 12, 2009
- Date change happened sometime en route to Japan
- 2nd flight from Narita to Manila
- Landed in Manila at around 11pm
- I was so tired, but excited that I actually and finally set foot on Philippine soil! First time I’ve been back home since I was born!

Saturday, June 13, 2009
Today we got up and went downstairs to find a nice breakfast waiting for us. I’m not used to the maids here in the Philippines. They’re really nice and take care of us. After, we went shopping at Market! Market! The mall was HUGE! There were about 6 floors! I bought my phone today and was able to call home. Yay!
(Bite count: 2)

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Went to church today at Greenhills Christian Fellowship. It’s a really nice church. It was nice to praise my Father here in the Philippines. Had lunch back at home, took my Sunday nap (I still LOVE Sunday naps), met with some pastors we will be ministering with, and had dinner across the street at Tita Lulu and Tito Charles’ place (Kat’s aunt and uncle).
(Bite count: 11)

Monday, June 15, 2009 - My Jollibee Day!
I woke up and had LBM (!!) or the runs. =( Took a swig of Pepto and then went downstairs to have some breakfast. Went to Mega mall today (SM baby!) and shopped all day...literally! Had Jollibee for lunch AND dinner! Scumptious deliumptious! Bought my guitar today! Guitar + gig bag+ strap + tuner + new strings + shaker + (free) pick = $80!!!! You gotta LOVE the philippines!

Almost.....there....

2009-06-11T02:51:00.000-07:00

DONE -- Pick up COW Youth Money at the Martinez's
** Praise God for the $430 the youth raised for the trip!!

DONE -- Pick up COW Young Married Couples money from O
** Praise God for the $170 from the couples!

DONE -- Drop things off at Armenia's

DONE -- Go to Lifeway to pick up some books for the plane
** Crazy Love by Francis Chan

DONE --Get health insurance
** applied online...hopefully I'll be approved

DONE -- Print out and sign liability sheet

DONE -- Get my toesies done (Sorry, Cara...I got them done earlier today!)

NOPE -- Put together art/crafts for VBS
** LOOKED through VBS stuff, but decided to bring older church craft books with easier activities

NOPE -- DLand Day with the BF and friends
** Sob Sob...I guess I have something to look forward to when I get home.

NOPE -- Beach Day with the BF
** So sad...so sad...

KINDDA -- Give VBS bag to Jerica
** Dropping it off at the Lim's tomorrow morning

NOPE -- Complete Resume
** My job hunting will have to wait until I return home

NOPE -- Fill out and submit CA Substitute forms

DONE -- Target run for necessities: Bug spray, Citronella candles, Benadryl, Pepto
{ended up buyiing $70 worth of crap, I mean necessities...argh....}

NOPE -- Check to see if I need Typhoid shots
** Hopefully I don't need them!! =O

NOPE -- Get an unlocked cell phone for the Philippines (ask Dezza)
** Hopefully Pastor Alex has an extra one for me to use

DONE -- Buy a digital camera
** I love my new Canon!!!

DONE -- Buy a webcam for when I use Skype

NOPE -- El Monte run for Saturday

DONE -- Set up Skype account for my brother

DONE -- Set up webcam on my computer
** Thanks, dear!

DONE -- Costco for Saturday

NOPE -- Call the guitar guy to get my guitar fixed up
(I'll just do this when I get back)

NOPE --Meeting with the team on Friday

DONE -- Read 2 Ways to Live for Friday's meeting

NOPE -- Write poem for CHCS graduation this Friday

DONE -- Meet with the Demandantes/Hegles on Sunday (1pm)

NOPE -- Prepare for CHCS beach day on Monday

DONE -- Pack for Vegas trip for Monday,Tuesday
** Super fun trip! yay! Congrats, JB!!! Now I'm super tired!!!! =(

DONE -- Lunch with Rubes on Friday - 1pm at the Shoppes
** Thanks for a wonderful lunch!!!

DONE -- Make graduation chocolates for Daniel (just gotta deliver them!!)

_ Say (a hopefully not so tearful) goodbye to the BF...

NOPE -- Have one more family outing (beach trip???)
** But they did come over and have some delicious Paradise Cake from King's Hawaiian that the BF brought for me

DONE??? -- PACK for the Philippines!!!
** I {finally} started packing around 10pm. It's almost three in the morning. I fly out tomorrow. I SHOULD be done, right!?!

_ Meet at Pastor Alex's at 9AM Thursday morning

Last Day...AAAHHHH!!!!! =O

2009-06-10T00:59:00.000-07:00

__ Pick up COW Youth Money at the Martinez's

__ Pick up COW Young Married Couples money from O

__ Drop things off at Armenia's

__ Go to Lifeway to pick up some books for the plane

_ Get health insurance

_ Print out and sign liability sheet

DONE -- Get my toesies done (Sorry, Cara...I got them done earlier today!)

_ Put together art/crafts for VBS

_ DLand Day with the BF and friends

_ Beach Day with the BF

_ Give VBS bag to Jerica

_ Complete Resume

_ Fill out and submit CA Substitute forms

DONE -- Target run for necessities: Bug spray, Citronella candles, Benadryl, Pepto
{ended up buyiing $70 worth of crap, I mean necessities...argh....}

_ Check to see if I need Typhoid shots

_ Get an unlocked cell phone for the Philippines (ask Dezza)

DONE -- Buy a digital camera
** I love my new Canon!!!

DONE -- Buy a webcam for when I use Skype

NOPE -- El Monte run for Saturday

_ Set up Skype account for my brother

__ Set up webcam on my computer

DONE -- Costco for Saturday

NOPE -- Call the guitar guy to get my guitar fixed up
(I'll just do this when I get back)

NOPE --Meeting with the team on Friday

DONE -- Read 2 Ways to Live for Friday's meeting

NOPE -- Write poem for CHCS graduation this Friday

DONE -- Meet with the Demandantes/Hegles on Sunday (1pm)

NOPE -- Prepare for CHCS beach day on Monday

DONE -- Pack for Vegas trip for Monday,Tuesday
** Super fun trip! yay! Congrats, JB!!! Now I'm super tired!!!! =(

DONE -- Lunch with Rubes on Friday - 1pm at the Shoppes
** Thanks for a wonderful lunch!!!

DONE -- Make graduation chocolates for Daniel (just gotta deliver them!!)

_ Say (a hopefully not so tearful) goodbye to the BF...

_ Have one more family outing (beach trip???)

_ PACK for the Philippines!!!

_ Meet at Pastor Alex's at 9AM Thursday morning

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday!

2009-06-08T01:13:00.000-07:00

_ Get health insurance

_ Print out and sign liability sheet

DONE -- Get my toesies done (Sorry, Cara...I got them done earlier today!)

_ Put together art/crafts for VBS

_ DLand Day with the BF and friends

_ Beach Day with the BF

_ Give VBS bag to Jerica

_ Complete Resume

_ Fill out and submit CA Substitute forms

DONE -- Target run for necessities: Bug spray, Citronella candles, Benadryl, Pepto
{ended up buyiing $70 worth of crap, I mean necessities...argh....}

_ Check to see if I need Typhoid shots

_ Get an unlocked cell phone for the Philippines (ask Dezza)

DONE -- Buy a digital camera
** I love my new Canon!!!

DONE -- Buy a webcam for when I use Skype

NOPE -- El Monte run for Saturday

_ Set up Skype account for my brother

DONE -- Costco for Saturday

_ Call the guitar guy to get my guitar fixed up

NOPE --Meeting with the team on Friday

DONE -- Read 2 Ways to Live for Friday's meeting

NOPE -- Write poem for CHCS graduation this Friday

DONE -- Meet with the Demandantes/Hegles on Sunday (1pm)

NOPE -- Prepare for CHCS beach day on Monday

_ Pack for Vegas trip for Monday,Tuesday

DONE -- Lunch with Rubes on Friday - 1pm at the Shoppes
** Thanks for a wonderful lunch!!!

DONE -- Make graduation chocolates for Daniel (just gotta deliver them!!)

_ Say (a hopefully not so tearful) goodbye to the BF...

_ Have one more family outing (beach trip???)

_ PACK for the Philippines!!!

_ Meet at Pastor Alex's at 9AM Thursday morning

7 Days!!

2009-06-04T00:45:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely...I'm getting them done!

_ Get health insurance

_ Print out and sign liability sheet

DONE -- Get my toesies done (Sorry, Cara...I got them done earlier today!)

_ Put together art/crafts for VBS

_ DLand Day with the BF and friends

_ Beach Day with the BF

_ Give VBS bag to Jerica

_ Complete Resume

_ Fill out and submit CA Substitute forms

DONE -- Target run for necessities: Bug spray, Citronella candles, Benadryl, Pepto
{ended up buyiing $70 worth of crap, I mean necessities...argh....}

_ Check to see if I need Typhoid shots

_ Get an unlocked cell phone for the Philippines (ask Dezza)

_ Buy a digital camera (with insurance!)

DONE -- Buy computer camera for when I use Skype

_ El Monte run for Saturday

_ Set up Skype account for my brother

_ Costco for Saturday

_ Call the guitar guy to get my guitar fixed up

_ Meeting with the team on Friday

_ Read 2 Ways to Live for Friday's meeting

_ Write poem for CHCS graduation this Friday

_ Meet with the Demandantes/Hegles on Sunday (1pm)

_ Prepare for CHCS beach day on Monday

_ Pack for Vegas trip for Monday,Tuesday

_ Lunch with Rubes on Friday - 1pm at the Shoppes

_ Make graduation chocolates for Daniel

_ Say (a hopefully not so tearful) goodbye to the BF...

_ Have one more family outing (beach trip???)

_ PACK for the Philippines!!!

I'm sure there some things I've missed....yes, I only have 10 days to get this done. argh....

Change

2009-06-03T02:57:00.000-07:00

Wide-eyed and young spirited,
She had so many plans
She wanted to explore the world
Set sail, fly high, and venture off
into the unknown world
atop mountains and waterfalls

But things changed
Time was the only thing that took flight
and flew on by
through the years, the milestones
the setbacks and celebrations.
She still wanted to fulfill her dreams
Dreams waiting to become a reality
Painted and hung upon the mantle
as a reminder of her desire

But things changed
and her dreams of adventure
climbing mountains and roaring through rapids
turned into teatime and cloud gazing with the one she loved
These became her wild adventures
With no regrets, and years filled with happiness
Her book was filled
not with unknown plants or animals,
but with the one she's known for years
And she was happy
She lived a fulfilled life
Her dreams of adventure and a life worth living
came true.

10 Days!

2009-06-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

I only have 10 days before I head out and I feel like I still have SO MUCH to do! argh...I was running around today and felt my shoulders tense up. That's a sure sign that I'm getting stressed out. So much to do; so little time. And the planner in me is worrying a bit. I know I shouldn't be worried, but I just want to get it all done. Now. So to help me, I'm gonna jot down my to do list here cuz I check this at least once a day. It'll remind me to stop procrastinating and get going!

_ Get health insurance

_ Print out and sign liability sheet

_ Get my toesies done

_ Put together art/crafts for VBS

_ Give VBS bag to Jerica

_ Complete Resume

_ Fill out and submit CA Substitute forms

DONE -- Target run for necessities: Bug spray, Citronella candles, Benadryl, Pepto
{ended up buyiing $70 worth of crap, I mean necessities...argh....}

_ Check to see if I need Typhoid shots

_ Get an unlocked cell phone for the Philippines (ask Dezza)

_ Buy a digital camera (with insurance!)

_ Buy computer camera for when I use Skype

_ El Monte run for Saturday

_ Set up Skype account for my brother

_ Costco for Saturday

_ Call the guitar guy to get my guitar fixed up

_ Meeting with the team on Friday

_ Read 2 Ways to Live for Friday's meeting

_ Write poem for CHCS graduation this Friday

_ Meet with the Demandantes/Hegles on Sunday (1pm)

_ Prepare for CHCS beach day on Monday

_ Pack for Vegas trip for Monday,Tuesday

_ Lunch with Rubes Wednesday/Thursday

_ Make graduation chocolates for Daniel

_ Say (a hopefully not so tearful) goodbye to the BF...

_ Have one more family outing (beach trip???)

_ PACK for the Philippines!!!

I'm sure there some things I've missed....yes, I only have 10 days to get this done. argh....

God Answers Prayers!

2009-05-21T23:34:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely! =) God has answered part of my previous post's prayer. Hurray! God is good! God has opened a door for me to sub next year for CHCS. And one of the teachers will be taking some time off to have another beautiful baby, so they're gonna need a long term sub. Me! Me! (possiblee!) Also, word on the street is that the 4th grade teacher (she's a new teacher and replaced me when I left last year) is now engaged and her fiance lives up north. Why in the world would she want to stay down here when her future hubby's up north!?! I can feel it now... God's doing something! =) And I'm excited!

This past Tuesday the choir/drama had their Spring Muscial. It was AMAZING. Made me cry, of course. Being surrounded by the students and parents and their warm greetings made me miss my CHCS family. Yes, they're really like family. They got to meet the BF, and a few of the fathers warned him that if he messed with me, they would mess with him (haha). Seriously, though, they did. It's awesome. I miss it.

Dear Jesus, please allow more students to enroll at CHCS so that they need more teachers. May this growing enrollment be a testament of Your goodness in the life of Your children. I also pray that You work in the heart of the 4th grade teacher to want to be with her fiance. Am I being selfish? Please forgive me if I'm being selfish. Thank you and I love you. =) Amen.

Happy Friday! =)

3 Weeks

2009-05-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

Reallly?? That's it?!? I've been so busy working with my mom and tutoring after work (work after work, ick) that I haven't really thought about all the things I need to do for the upcoming weeks. With all my weekends packed, and I mean PACKED, I have to cram everything into my work week, which isn't an easy task to do. PLUS... I'm trying to find a job for when I come home, preferably teaching again. I'll be home at the end of July and many schools start prepping for the new school year in August, so that would be perfect timing for me.

So, I've been learning about praying specifics, right? Here goes: God, I pray that you bless me with a job back at Chino Hills Christian School this coming Fall. I pray that I would be teaching 4th or 5th graders again. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

3 weeks, folks.... It's time to get crackin'....

And the Countdown Begins...

2009-05-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

ONE MONTH...

In one month from today (May 11th) I shall take flight once again. This time, I'll be heading to the Philippines!! I'm so excited! Though I was born there, I haven't been back for 27 years and I have NO IDEA what to expect! I'll be there for 6 weeks (yes, 6 WEEKS!) doing missionary work with my church, Community of the Word.

I'm so excited! I've been quite busy lately and haven't really been able to soak it in, or even think about all the things I still need to do. I know that this last month will fly by; I already have all my weekends booked with outings with family and friends. It's good to be loved. =)

God's goodness, 30 days, and the Philippines make me smile...

Special Specific Surprises

2009-05-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Surprise #1

Last Monday I went to Bible study. We learned how we should pray specific things, so that when God answers our specific prayers, we totally know it's from Him and can thank Him even more. So, I did just that. Tuesday morning, I woke up and actually worked out before work. Yeah, that's a rarity in my life. Anyhow, two hours later, I was driving to work with my mom. I had a quick conversation with God and said, "Jesus, it would be really nice to have some coffee today."

I know that I could have just bought some Starbuck's and still thanked God for blessing me with the 5 bucks for a frapp. But God had something way better up His sleeve. =)

During work, my friend, Aaron, and I were texting each other because he and his brothers were at Disneyland and wanted to see if I wanted to join him. I tutor as a second job and had 2 students that day, but I was thinking about canceling for the day to join him and his brothers. I've done that before, so it wasn't a big deal for me. But for some reason, I opted not to cancel and told Aaron that we would just have to hang out another day.

After work, I headed to job #2, tutoring a 2nd grader. Whenever I go to her place, her grandma usually give me a cold soda and a snack. I've tutored her the past year and a half, and they've ALWAYS given me soda. Always. Well, on this particular day, she came out of the kitchen, and guess what she was holding in her hand: A cold Starbuck's Coffee!!! You know, the ones that are in those glass containers. =) I knew it was from my God. I knew He heard me. He set me up for something sweet. Something good.

Surprise #2

This surprise happened on the same day. The bf and I made plans to go to the Huntington Beach Farmer's Market. He wanted to go surfing with Mark before our date, so he asked me to be at his house by 8pm. When I asked him what time the Market, closed and he said 9pm, I thought to myself that we wouldn't have very much time there. I was going to text the bf about the time issue, but I didn't want to be a brat. He wanted to surf with Mark and I know how much he loves surfing with the boys. But, I wanted to spend more time with him at the Market too. Even so, I wanted to be a good gf and follow his plans.

So, after the coffee story, I was already on cloud nine, thanking God for His sweet surprise. I finished tutoring at 5pm and decided to just head out towards the bf's hood and do some reading until he finished surfing. But, as I was driving, I received a text from him. He told me that the surf wasn't good and that he was headed home already. I joyfully texted him that I would be on my way! By the time I got to his place, it was 6pm and we had plenty of time together at the HB Farmer's Market. We walked around, had some good eats, talked, laughed, and had a really fun date. God knew my heart and that I wanted to spend more time with the bf, and He answered my heart's desire. God is so good!

When I told the bf my stories, his eyes grew large and he had a big smile on his face. Then he told me his side. He was supposed to meet up with Mark after work that day to head to the beach. But he got off work early, 4pm, so he decided to head out to the beach by himself and have Mark meet up with him there. By the time he got there, he noticed that other surfers were leaving cuz there were no waves. So, he sent a quick message to inform Mark and headed home...to meet me. =)

God is so good! I love the little plans He has for my life. They are special. Specific.

God and the specific surprises He gives me makes me smile...

Thank you, thank you...

2009-05-01T00:36:00.000-07:00

Miss Courrrtney Morrrrrtimer for the laughs.
Mr. Wilson for the great workout.
Sir Norms for the delicious meal, fit for two.
Miss Aim Cee for the delightfully free dessert.
Ban Anna for the special treat, almost perfected.
My superhero for a splendid day yet again.

God and these cooky characters make me smile...

Tandem

2009-04-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

You
taking the lead
guiding through obstacles
foreseeing troubles
making quick judgement calls
zig zagging
weaving in and out of traffic
warning about bumps up ahead
taking care of the heavy machinery
making sure we're safe
allowing me to fly

Me
following right behind you
giving you the lead
going where you're going
enjoying the ride and the cool air
admiring our images
viewing the beautiful coast and scenery
coasting along with you
anticipating the fast downhill
smiling at the wind in my face
putting both arms out for the first time
and flying

Us
riding together
working together
reaching our destination
burning legs up hills
then coasting and relaxing
enduring the bumps
racing our shadows
finding a rhythm
gliding in unison
beating hearts in unison
tandeming on bikes
mirroring our lives

From a Fish's Eye View

2009-04-16T01:56:00.000-07:00

Our fish faces

Kris and Brian rollin in style

Kris got to put her feet up (literally) and relax on the ride home, while I did most of the driving

Sweetheart fries from Veggie Grill. I just had to.

One of our favorite places to be

Beautiful sunset on a cold afternoon. Reminds me of being in Kona.

LAZY BUM....

2009-04-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

It's Monday. It's 1:30p.m. Got up at 7:30a.m. Went back to sleep. Got up at 10:30a.m. Bro took my car to get it fixed. Then took the bro to get his car fixed. Home. Organized my growing pile of jewelry. Sitting on my bed. I don't want to do anything for the rest of the day. bleh... what a bum. Oh well, it's Monday.

Esss Efff -- Part II

2009-04-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

Meet the crew...

Nina, Nines, Ninesy, Neen, Lola, the girlfriend

Kevin, Kevbo, Clark, the boyfriend

Brian, the werewolf, Dela

Krissa, the vampire, Kris, Lily

We're one fun bunch!

Fisherman's Warf

Having fun with hats

Some real cool cats

Hamburger or hotdog??

Watching the sea lions

The dynamic duo

She had to have a cupcake!

Trying to be a gangsta thug like the boyfriend

He fell asleep after being in the car for 5 minutes!

Group Shot

Sittin on the wall...

More of us...barf! =)

Yeah, we like each other...

Proof that we're not old fogies!

Hanging out at a park

Reflecting...

I like to be girly every once in a while

This is what I wanted to do to him by the end of the trip. Kidding!

@ Santana Row with the fam bam

1, 2, 3,... JUMP! Thanks to the expert, Babes!

I LOVE this girl!!!

Favorite. =)

Sick in the Sun

2009-04-07T01:33:00.000-07:00

It's not fun being sick when it's nice and sunny outside. I missed a beautiful day because I stayed in bed almost every day. I guess once in a while my body really needs to take a lazy day break. Once in a while...

Lazy days make me smile...
But missing the sun makes me frown...

Esss Efff with the Twinsies!

2009-04-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

More pictures will be up when I get some more
Here's a cute shot of just us four
And, for now, this fun shot will have to do.
Can you guess who is who?!?

My New Toy

2009-03-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to get a new camera; I stupidly broke my new one when I was in Belfast. Since I can't really afford a new digi right now, and since I've been wanting one of these from Urban Outfitters for so long, I decided to splurge and get me one. Plus is was on sale. Yay! So, meet my new toy...

In 5-7 business days I shall have a new set of eyes. I'm so excited!!!

This is the next beaut on my list. =)

New toys that help me express my creativity makes me smile...

New toys that help me express my creativity -- and that are on SALE -- make me smile even bigger!!

Braddock

2009-03-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

45 minute drive for some good eats
and good friends
more memories shared
along with the food
picture taking
making time for those I care for

gassing up and getting caught
a moment alone
so we snuck in a quick hug
and then we're off again
for more food and more memories

what we thought was the wrong way
the wrong direction
the wrong turn
turned out to be perfect
Braddock
memories swept over us
and we had to detour

down the darkened street
past the rows of houses I used to walk past
weekly, prayerfully
reminiscing about the past
where he used to park under the tree
the rooms, playground, the kids
making our voices deep and scratchy
to mimic one man in our past
with the crazy hair and raspy voice
laughing and smiling
that we ended up there

the blue children still dancing
the bars still holding up
the grassy field just like it used to be
where kids would play kickball or tag
5 years ago

just seemed like yesterday
we drove out there together
friends at work
God at work
riding with him meant no bus
no walks for blocks to get to my destination
things were easier
simplified

5 years later
still riding in his car
though the small has turned to large
and the red to tan
I'm still there with him

Braddock
thanks for the memories

The Girl at the Mirror

2009-03-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

by Norman Rockwell

Threshold: n. a point of entry or beginning

Threshold
where there is a beginning
there must be an ending

I feel like I'm standing at a threshold
or maybe sitting there because I really don't know what to do
and I'm sick of standing
So I sit
and I think
and I wait
and I pray
and I ask

I'm nervous because I don't know what to do
I'm not sure what to do
Must I really leave things behind
to begin something new
things slumped to the side
left there, nearly forgotten
Why?

Looking in the mirror
I see the new me
but I'm still a child
and I see a reflection near me
right beside me
holding my hand
wanting me to be happy

I don't even know what I want
I want it all
I want the best of both worlds, Ha!
But I can't
and I'm torn
and it hurts when I think about it
I don't want to throw my doll to the side
to pick up a kiwi

So I just sit and wait
sitting at the threshold
hoping that someone would either shove me forward
or close the door in my face

My Fatty McFat Fat Weekend!

2009-03-16T00:23:00.000-07:00

I'm usually a healthy eater, and I've been pretty good with portion control, but this weekend was an exception to the rule. A HUGE exception! I definitely had a Fatty McFat Fat weekend..and, yes, I enjoyed every bite of it!

1:30 p.m. - On Saturday, I had loads of yummy Flame Broiler for cutey patooty Taylor's 3rd birthday.

4:30 p.m. - Then, Kevin and I drove out to Carson (which is SOOO far away...heheh) and attended a family party. And, you guessed it, there was a colorful array of delicious Filipino Food! It was masarap na masarap!

11 p.m. - We hung out with some of Kevin's friends out in Lakewood, and on the way home we had the munchies, so we split carne asada fries and a humungo horchata from Albertaco's. We scarfed this down on the way back to my house. See, I told you...Team Fat Girl, here I come!

After gorging on food on Saturday, I thought that I would do better the following day, but boy was I wrong! I had some tastey food for our church's potluck (gotta love the weekly potluck after service!), then headed over to the Team Captains of the Team FatBoy and Team FatGirl. hahha...You guys KNOW I love you! After a quick nap, my tummy was ready to take on the day's challenge.

6:30 p.m. - Our first stop was Pondahan, in West Covina. Kris and I had the Filipino burger with sweet potato fries. JP and O had fresh lumpia and bangus. Oh..and we shared 11 fishballs (they threw one extra one in just for fun!)

8:00 p.m. - The Team headed to Life Plaza to get boba. Buy one get one free, baby! Jape and O got the cantaloup slush; Kris and I got the Thai Iced Tea. All with Boba, of course.

8:30 p.m. - We then headed out to Glendora to have some donuts, New Orleans style. We were in luck because they were frying up some new donuts, and we asked them to dip them in powdered sugar (a la beignets). They were delicious, but not really like beignets. We were going to wait for their special Cougar donut, but that would have been another 30 minutes. We weren't THAT desperate for another donut.

But... JP DID get one of their famous strawberry donuts. Doesn't it look mouth watering? I was up in my ears with food, so I couldn't partake in the splendid moment with him. Maybe next time...

9:30 p.m. - Finally got back to Kris' place.

10 p.m. - Kris and I headed to the gym. haha...thank God for 24 Hour Fitness!!

Being a Fatty McFat Fat with my friends makes me smile! =) Go Team Fat Girl!!

Happy Birthday, Lily!!

2009-03-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

I thank God for our friendship
I hope this, you do know
We've had jokes and amazing times
and our conversations - they just flow
We've been through a lot together
Through our years of singleness
And you've helped me through the years
to help my life not be a mess
Especially this past year
With our dates and late night talks
It's been amazing, all our memories
of working out and running walks

You've seen a side of me
that not many get to experience
and I thank God for you in my life
and for adding to my life your radiance
You have a glow within you
that you may not even see
But I see it very clearly
because it has greatly affected me
Thank you for the hours of listening
and hearing all my pains
Thank you for our beauty talks
through the weight loss and the gains

You've been a great encourager
and a wonderful friend to me
I love our bouts of story times
and getting all crazy
I'm praying for you, my sister
That God would bless you more
I wish you a happy birthday
and I love you - 11:04.

Yessirreee....

2009-03-05T01:20:00.000-08:00

I'm all smiles...

Back in the Day...

2009-03-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

when I was young, I'm not a kid anymore, but sometimes I sit and wish I were a kid again...

I saw this pic in a Frances' recent blog, and I just had to steal it. =) I'm not sure when this picture was taken, but I'm pretty sure that when it was NO ONE was married and NO ONE had any kids. Now, many years later...they ALL are married and they ALL have kids...except for me, of course. =)

Hmm...makes me think...

I took care of my super cute niece today, little Sabrina (or, who I like to call Sabweeeena) and she's such a joy to be with. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE her!!! That made me think again...

I know, I know...I've heard it too many times from my friends: STOP THINKING! hahah... I truly praise God for where He has taken me, how He has led me, and for all the special opportunities I've had, especially during the last 8 months of my life. But...as I sit here, and think (hahah) I can't help but wonder what the next step will be. No matter what happens, no matter whether or not captions of pictures will change, I will sit back and smile...because God is good (all the time; all the time, God is good!) =)

He...

2009-02-26T02:20:00.000-08:00

makes me smile... =)

What I've Been Up To...

2009-02-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

I've been strolling along many beaches...

I've been wisked away and taken to someplace Extraordinary for dinner...

I've been taking pictures at The Happiest Place on Earth with friends...and learning to spell at the same time...

I've been all smiles these past few weeks...

2002, 2009

2009-02-19T22:46:00.001-08:00

I LOVE reading through my old blogs and remembering life was like years ago. So different. I stumbled across this post from way back, and it just made me smile, of course.

Sept 3, 2002
My "PIC" (inside story) is leaving me for about 4 months...on Thursday morning she will be boarding a plane for London, where she will study Shakespeare and watch his plays at the Globe Theater! How amazing...I would love to watch Shakespeare there, but alas, I'm stuck in LA, destined to watch Shakepeare the way BBC knows best...whoohooo. Some of Ruby's stops along the way: Prague, Paris, Italy, Rome...wow...all in the span of 4 months! In the following four months my itinerary consists of working, studying, reading, working, studying, reading....hmmm...doesn't compare to a tour of Europe! Maybe someday my Prince Charming will sweep me off my feet and wisk me away to Europe...hmmm.. a very unlikely story for the time being...

7 years later, Ruby is married and has 2 beautiful kids. I just hung out with them and Owen and her little beauty was well. I praise God because He fulfilled this dream of going to the Globe Theatre and watching a live performance of one of Shakespeare's plays. And what is even more amazing is that God set me up so that my favorite play was playing: A Midsummer Night's Dream. Though I'm still waiting for my earthly Prince Charming, it's great to see how my King has swept me off my feet and wisked me away to Europe. Seeing God through the years makes me smile...

The Waltz

2009-02-11T23:21:00.000-08:00

Eyes streaming with tears
He held out his hand
and asked for mine
Bewildered and confused,I put my hand in his
and slowly stood up, ready to trust him no matter where he wanted to lead me
I felt like a little girl holding Daddy's hand
as he paraded me around for all to see
Each step helped me on this journey to break free
from my shell and be who he wanted me to be
And then the music
And then the dance

I put my head on his shoulders and began to weep
tears to flush away the sorrow and the pain
tears to show my overwhelming joy and peace
It's a new day
Drop the past
Leave it all behind
Begin the new life
With just the music
And then the dance

It was not only one brother, buy many waiting to waltz
But that didn't matter
I wanted to waltz only with my savior
to be held in his arms and have him whisper in my ear
I want only and always to waltz with my lord
First the music
and then the dance

Written July 13, 2008

It's a Bird! No...It's a Plane! No..it's....

2009-02-09T23:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, Superman make me smile. =)

The Princess

2009-02-05T23:57:00.000-08:00

{Wrote this a few years ago. I think I've already posted it on this blog, but I can't seem to find it, hence the possible repeat. Enjoy}

She lives in her own little world, this kingdom in her mind
Where everyone does her every wish, her every command
She cares not how she treats them or how they feel
She only wants what she wants; her way or the highway
She has a sweet smile, oftentimes masking the hurt or anger inside
But she wears her emotions on her royal sleeve
They all see it; she sees it

Her eyes are dark, telling her emotions, screaming her frustration
They are her weapon; her subjects tremble when she unleashes their knightly fury
She has many thoughts but voices very few
She keeps many frustrations to herself
In times of emotional distress, she cries out
Her subjects listen quietly as if they are asleep
Indeed they are, or try to be
Then the royal Princess climbs back onto her thrown
Hurt, she lays yet another brick on the wall
And paints her royal smile back on her face

She feeds off her subjects’ fear
The very stench drives her, empowers her
She feasts on their intimidation and desires more of this fowl character
Their quivering voices, cowering eyes, hunched shoulders
Feed her, disgust her, make her want it more and more
It sickens her, but she can’t resist

She goes about doing her regal tasks
Prim and proper; no detailed overlooked; perfected perfection
Everything must be done her way
Everything
Or else her fury
Quick, cover your eyes
Don’t look

I hate her
I loathe this princess
She haunts me; she follows me wherever I go
It seems like she grows stronger every day
She overshadows me and stalks me, watching my every more and wanting to escape
Waiting to escape; watching for the very moment when she can come out
I beat her and suppress her royal highness
Sometimes she lives too deep to kill her
But I try to mortify
Others are sent to do the same, with little avail
I fight and fight, but her forces seem stronger at times
I see her face in the mirror and it scares me
I am saddened to think that she sits on my thrown
She takes over my world, my life

I need the King to help me; He is the only One who should rule my life
No princess, no prince, no one but Him
The King can mortify this thief
or better yet He can change her and make her a servant
Just like His Son
He can drop her from her royal pillow and allow her to wash the feet of others
What a privilege, what an awesome turn of events
By His decree He can save her, He can transform her
Only the King can do it
This princess has no chance when He is on the thrown
And He is always on the thrown

Finally, I can take off my tiara
It pierces my head, leaving scars and wounds to remind me of my past
Finally I can start being the servant
Finally, I can escape her world and live in His
I know that she will always be there
Until I finally enter His pearly gates
But every day I must cut her off, gauge her out, pluck it out, mortify
Every day I must take up a symbol of my new life
My cross
Every day I must look to the King for wisdom and guidance
Farewell princess
Good riddance

Written July 8, 2007

Spitting Words of Art

2009-02-05T23:28:00.000-08:00

Krissa introduced me to local arenas of Spoken Word and Slams, and I must say that these events have encouraged me to write and post my words down. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE poetry and literature (hence the fact that I majored in this in college). It helps me unwind. Lets my thoughts run wild. Shows me who I am and how I'm actually feeling. Let's me create and imagine. Eases my mind and unwinds my frustrations. Allows my emotions to break free from the bottle. Words of art make me smile...

Enjoy one of many ArtWords below...

Jump

2009-02-05T22:59:00.000-08:00

I sit here with the leaves rustling, my mind and thoughts wrestling
I'm scared to let go and open up the floodgates
I'm petrified to reveal the real me
I don't even know who this me within portrays
I'm afraid to let the outside in
My selfishness yearns to keep them out,
to block them from the person they may not like
I shall set up bodyguards, bouncers if you will, to keep them out
They try to see what's all the commotion,
but I fight to black out their vision
I fight harder to reveal the real me
I want them to know
I want to know

Thoughts and emotions too deep to see
This mask burned onto my face
It hurts to remove this painted facade
But scrape I must to reveal the unadulterated girl
Pull
Tag
Stretch
Yank harder
I'm afraid to look past the mask
That's the me I've seen in the mirror for so long
Too long
Scrape it off
Or maybe I can pull it off like a band aid
One quick moment
One second in time
Pain shortlived, though piercing
And than it's all over and I can let the healing begin
I'm scared, but I'm ready
I want to be ready to remove this unnatural face
I desire to reveal the beauty within
It's time to take that leap into vulnerability
It's time to jump off the cliff
and be held in His tender arms
He'll catch me, my loving Father
He'll hold me until the wounds have healed
I'll see my face for the first time
And He'll see my face and whisper in my ear
"You are my Beloved
My creation
and I love you as you are..."
It's time
Here I go
3, 2, 1

Written July 8, 2008

R-E-S-P-E-C-T... Find Out What It Means To Me!

2009-01-30T23:57:00.000-08:00

It's so amazing to be respected by people. It shows that they care. It shows that they listen to you and try to understand how you feel. They want you to be you, and to be comfortable being the person you were meant to be. That's how I'm feeling right now. I enjoy being me, with all my quirkiness and craziness. I know who God has made me to be, though this process is far from over. But, I know what I like and what I don't, and I'm not afraid to voice my opinions about different things. I won't feel rejected. It's just me being me.

I'm learning to respect myself. I'm learning to really love the person God made me to be. I'm learning to respect my body. I'm learning to look in the mirror and thank God that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I couldn't say that years ago. I wouldn't stick up for myself. I was a people pleaser, and would do things, even if I didn't want to, to please others. Good-bye to that pathetic person. Hello to the respectable me. I like this new change. Respect: yes, it makes me smile!

Running...

2009-01-24T01:40:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not running away from problems...or anything like that. I just want to RUN! I REALLY want to start training for a half marathon...it's been on my mind for a few years now (i know...) and one of my really good friends, Toni Lei, has crossed the finish line a few times now...and I think that this would be a great year to do it. hmm...I'm getting excited! Anyone want to start training with me!?! =) I know that it will be hard, but running will make me (and my heart!) smile...

The Great 2-8

2009-01-16T23:07:00.001-08:00

Yes, I admit it, I'm 28 years old!
No...28 years...young.
28. I don't feel like I'm 28, whatever that means.
Many people say I look like I'm 22 or even 18.
That's a good thing I suppose; it's all relative.
At 28, many of my friends are married and have one or two little ones running around.
Me? No kids, no husband, no boyfriend, nothing
but pure joy.
I'm doing what I was born to do.
I'm doing things that make me very happy.
I'm living life LOVED and loving the life I live.
Not many people my age can say that.
Not many people twice my age can say that.

I've lived a great life thus far.
Had my ups and my down, but now it's more up than down.
Way up actually
Relaxing, coasting, spending
time with family and friends from all over the world
literally!
Just until I take flight again to the next land I shall call home

it's gonna be a great year
This 28th one of mine; I can just feel it
New year. New me. New girl. Newness of life.
No complaints of wanting him or wanting them
when I hear them wanting to take back some years of their married lives
And besides, I already have Him
and He's the best Him there will ever be

350-some-odd-days left and I know they'll be amazing
through my wrinkly 28-year-old skin, I smile and live another great year

Reflections of 2008

2008-12-29T22:24:00.000-08:00

It's the end of the year, and I wanted to take some time to look back and thank God for all the many blessings in my life. It's definitely been a VERY different and VERY exciting year for me. So much happened, and all I can say is that all glory goes to God, who made it all possible. I look back and see how God directed my steps, each and every one of them...

- ended relationships
- loving SABWEEEENA!!!
- Manalili wedding
- Bermejo wedding
- turned 27! wow...
- prayed more earnestly about missions
- Listened to a message by Francis Chan, and he spoke about a crazy bunch of kids called YWAMers
- Looked into YWAM and started doing my research
- Told the principal I was applying for YWAM
- Filled out application and sent out necessary forms
- Got my first tatt
- Monterey trips
- Vegas trips
- MLK 2008
- Got accepted to YWAM
- Captain Planet
- Lily and Lola
- Got my second tatt - Ready to Fly
- Nina Day at Disneyland
- SD with the fam bam
- Tearfully told my kiddoes that I wouldn't be back
- Said good-bye to my Chino Hills Christian School family
- Said good-bye to my family and friends
- Packed my bags
- Kona for 3 months...intense!
- Girls camping trip
- Other camping trip
- Ken's Diner
- Will's gloves..haha....
- Meet and Eat - and driving a 15 passenger van
- Meeting Jesus at "my spot"
- Adriana's
- Honolulu twice!
- Ohana gatherings
- Barf bags with Nesha
- Dates with Julie
- Leading worship
- Writing songs
- Dancing with my Daddy
- London for 3 weeks!
- Big Ben, the Buckingham Palace..and such
- A Midsummer Night's Dream at The GLOBE THEATRE
- Making music videos with the girlies
- Sleeping on the floor of churches and halls
- Sam Sandwiches
- Screwing in my smiles
- Not showering for days at a time
- TWO slices of deli meat! ha!
- Treasure hunts and finding the treasure
- Holy Spirit Dave
- Good-bye dinners
- Spiritual warfare
- Belfast!!!
- looking out for dog poo
- The Oasis Cafe
- TEC guys..hah...
- Dubs
- Giant's Causeway
- Ivan
- The A Team
- Martin and his never-ending flute playiing
- Dinners at Martin's
- Flowers from Ivan
- Glencairn
- 8, as in "ayte"
- St. Andrew's youth
- High School Musical 3
- Love notes on napkins from Ivan
- Snow and frost!
- Primark!
- Jack butt
- Singing songs
- Leading worship at St. Columbus
- "Can you turn me on?" ha!
- Shankhill House
- The Phoenix Center
- "Lovely"
- "Who said that?"
- Teaching Helen how to speak "Californian"
- Filipino church with potluck, of course!
- Free rides from taxi drivers
- The Belfast Leisure Centre
- The Wave Machine
- DATES WITH JESUS!!!
- Belfast Castle
- City Centre
- The Roast
- Hot Chocolate and a treat
- Not shaving ..hahah...
- 12 Hour Prayer and Praise
- Sushi
- Saying good-bye
- Back to London!
- Buffet with the guys
- Back to Kona
- Hanging out and fellowship
- Hayashi's
- Mexican food
- Date with Jesus
- Sitting on the wall
- Long walks and talks
- Breakfast with Julie
- "Come Away with Me"
- "Look at the stars...look how they shine for you"
- Saying good-bye to my DTS family
- Back home
- Being with my family and friends from all walks of life
- Welcome Haydn Lohren Manalili!!
- Trusting God
- Growing in my relationship with Jesus

Lord, thank You so much for 2008. There is so much more that I can write about from this amazing year; thank you! I'm so excited for what you have in store for me in 2009. Thank you...looking back, though there were rough times, thinking about 2008 makes me smile!

For Yna...

2008-12-13T16:40:00.000-08:00

At 1:30 p.m. I will be at San Francisco airport. I will try to give you a call but I heard that you don't have your phone. so....hopefully you'll be outside my terminal by then. I will be at the United terminal station...right in front, where we met last time. Hopefully you'll remember. try to call me if you can tomorrow. I'll have my phone one me but i wont be able to check the internet. okay...see you tomorrow. please don't be late because I take off again for Kona very soon after I land. k. thanks. bye pooch!

I'll Be Home for Christmas...

2008-12-11T07:15:00.000-08:00

thanks to a wide-eyed and lovely group of 6th graders! =) Yes, the 6th grade class of CHCS pitched in and BOUGHT me a ticket to come home! =) Aren't they amazing!?! Isn't God good?!? I didn't have a ticket home yet, and prayed to God to provide...and He surely did! So, I will leave Kona at 9:35 p.m. on December 18th and arrive at the LAX airport at 5 a.m. on December 19th. To my body, it'll feel like 3 a.m. but because of the time difference it'll be 5 already. It won't matter because I"ll be super excited to be home with my friends and family. Being home for Christmas definitely makes me smile! =)

Super Short Update...

2008-12-05T17:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry about my short updates, but it usually takes forever to upload pics on this...and I've only have 1 week left, so it's crunch time! =) In one week I'll be back in Kona, then after 5 short days, I'll make my trek back home. Thank God that I'll be home for Christmas...and now for some pictures! =)

It's snowing here in Belfast! It doesn't snow everyday, but when it does, we make sure to take some lovely pictures!

The pictures below are from a day trip the team took along the beautiful coast of Northern Ireland to Giants Causeway. This is a phenomenon of nature (God's amazing creativity!) because there are these rock pillars of 6-sided rocks that shoot out all along the this coastal area. It's AMAZING! I hope you can see them in my pictures. Surrounding these rocks is this beautiful scene. This is close to where surfing competitions take place; needless to say, the surf is HUGE! God gave us beautiful blue skies, though it was quite cold there. Truly, God's creation makes me smile...

I was in awe of the view!

...with one of my teammates, Helen...

...the girlies chillin on some rocks on the coast of Northern Ireland...

God and His wonderful creation makes me smile... =)

It's SO COLD...

2008-12-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

I wake up and this is what I see outside my window. It's exciting, but it's so cold that I think I"m catching a cold.. oh no....But, for once, I'm actually going to have a white pre-Christmas. yay!

Thank You, Silent Servant! =)

2008-11-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

Today I received an email from one of my old students. It's always great to hear from past students and be encouraged by them. I had this one particular student in my class for 2 years in a row (4th and 5th grade). She loves the Lord and is a wonderful young lady. I was so blessed by her email, especially this portion of it:

"I have earned some money that I want to donate to you.
Could you send me the information my mom will need to know
so we can send that to you. I earned this money by being a
silent servant in our home and to my family and friends. I
worked all summer for it. I hope you can use it. "

What a blessing to know that a young 11 year old worked so hard all summer serving others and earning money just so that she could give it away to me! I'm so touched and blessed by her! I praise God for using these acts of kindness and service to bless others and to bless me.

To the Silent Servant,

If you are reading this blog, know that I am SO BLESSED by your servant's heart. I know that God loves you So much and is SO pleased by your willingness to serve others. I saw that while you were in my class for 2 years, and I'm sure that Mrs. Apolinar sees your caring heart as well. Please tell your family that I said hello! I can't wait to see you all when I come home! =) Thanks again! May God continue to bless you!!!!

For God's glory,

Miss Villarin

Fair Trade!

2008-11-22T13:49:00.000-08:00

Fairtrade is the way to go! Last week I went to the "Biggest Fondue Party in the World" and learned a lot about the chocolate, coffee, tea, and sugar industry. One thing we can do to help the workers earn a fair wage is to purchase items that are Fairtrade. You can tell because you should see this symbol above. It's one simple thing we can do to promote justice around the world. FAIR TRADE!!!!

Maddie, This One's For YOU!!!

2008-11-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

Before I joined YWAM, I taught at Chino Hills Christian School. For the past few years, I had the privilege of teaching a rambunctious and amazing group of 4th and 5th graders. They are now big, bad 6th graders and I know that God has exciting and wonderful plans for their lives. There is one particular student who loves the Lord, loves her family, and has wished for me to give the school a shout out. Maddie, not only am I giving a shout out to CHCS, but this entire blog is dedicated to YOU! =) So sit back and enjoy!

Dear Maddie,

You've been a wonderful student and I've been blessed to know the entire Apolinar family; You guys are WONDERFUL! =) You have an amazing love and devotion to the Lord and I know that He loves you so much! You have a great heart for others and your kind and caring spirit encourages others. I was very blessed to receive the letters from the class, and I was very blessed and encouraged to read all of them. It's great to know that so many people are praying for me and the team out here in Belfast. Yay! Have a wonderful time in the 6th grade and give your mom a BIG hug for me! May you continue to enjoy God and love Him with all your heart! I hope you enjoy the pictures and the memories behind these pictures. =)

I love you and miss you, Maddie! =)

For God's glory,

Miss Villarin
Proverbs 3:5-6

Dating my Best Friend

2008-11-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

I had yet another date with Jesus last Saturday. We went to the Belfast Castle and, though it was smaller than what I imagined, I still had a wonderful time. I encourage you to go on a date with your Best Friend, too! =) Dates with Jesus definitely make me smile! I'm so excited for tomorrow's date! hurray!

New Life...

2008-11-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

New Life Flats, that is! That is where my home away from home is right now. A flat is basically the UK word for an apartment. Let me give you a tour of my humble abode! ...

Here is our lovely "living room," which we share with our neighbor who lives in the flat across from us. The TV doesn't work and the extra bed just chills there all the time....lovely, isn't it?

Here is my side of the room. Yes, I sleep in a bunkbed; I haven't slept in one since my college days..oh the memories...

I don't have a closet, so I use the top bunk as my "walk-up" closet. I try to keep my clothes neat and organized as much as I can.

Here are my scarves. It's so cold here that I wear one almost every day.

This is my "wall." This wall is filled with pictures and letters from my family and friends from back home and from here in Belfast. I love walking passed this wall every time I leave my room because I'm reminded of God's goodness in my life. My new life at the New Life Flats makes me smile! =)

Surprises in the Mail!!

2008-10-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 weeks, I've been blessed and overjoyed by lovely surprises in the mail! Thank You, Lord, for the wonderful ways you bless me through my friends back home!

Surprise #1: 6th Grade Love!

The 6th graders at CHCS have adopted me as their own personal missionary and I absolutely LOVE it! Many of these students were my students last year, and possibly the year before. ALL of the students have a special spot in my heart. I work with many children here in Belfast and even painted an elementary school and have been missing teaching the kids back home. I praise God that He loves me so much that Mrs. Apolinar and the wonderful students would write me and send this wonderful book to me. When I received the mail, i sat on one table of the cafe I work at and read each and every letter. With tears welling up in my eyes, I thanked the Lord for them all.

To Jill and the lovely 6th graders...THANK YOU SO MUCH for the letters. You don't know how much they mean to me. It was such a wonderful blessing to read each letter and remember the great times I had at CHCS. I'm so happy to hear that you are all having a wonderful start of 6th grade, and with Mrs. Apolinar as your teacher, I wouldn't doubt that one bit! =) God has been putting you guys in my heart lately and I've been praying for you often. Thank you so much for your prayers for me out in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I know that God hears them and is answering them. I hope to hear from you guys soon! I love you all and will see you soon... =)

Now...on to Surprise #2: A Special Treat this Halloween

I was working in the cafe today and Janet, our leader, told me that I had a package at the DTS office. Immediately a smile came to my face as I tried to think about who would send it to me. I wasn't expecting anything from anyone. This was a total surprise. After work, I raced over to the office to pick up my present. There, sitting on a chair, was a brown box with my name on it. =) I was so happy I wanted to cry! This was my very own surprise...totally unexpected and much appreciated. I read the name of the my secret friend, someone whom I haven't spoken to in a while, and I was beaming. =) Package in arm, I raced back home to open it and see what was inside. There, on top of the goodies, was a note from my friend, wanting to wish me a Happy Halloween.

To my dear friend: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MY HALLOWEEN TREAT! You really got me and it was something that was totally unexpected. You definitely made this girl happy today. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. All the girls on my team saw the package, read the note, and was happily jealous for me...hahah... Thanks, friend, and I hope you're doing well. I shall enjoy the sweetness...every bit of it!

To my dear Lord and Savior: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR LOVE FOR ME! Thank you that you would bless me with wonderful friends. I have felt your love through their kindness and generosity. Thank you for using them to show me how much you love me. Thank you for putting me in their hearts and minds to bless me. You know that I needed encouragement from back home, and you sent these wonderful packages to me. Lord, thank You that Your timing is utterly perfect! Please bless my friends! As You can see, Your love through these packages make me smile! =)

Time to Update!!! Hurray!!!

2008-10-31T08:48:00.001-07:00

So it's high time that I update. I know..I know...it's been a while. I've been quite busy with different ministries that God has given us. They have all been wonderful and I'm so excited for the next half of Outreach (only 6 weeks to go!). Last night a few of us did this ministry called Late Love. Sounds a bit dodgy, but it was really cool. From 11pm - 2am, we passed out tea, coffee, and biscuits to the college students who were walking around town after a night at a bar or club. We just wanted to share the love of God to them and hopefully warm up their hearts as well as their bodies.

And now...for the pictures!

We are running a coffee shoppe called The Oasis every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We have met many different people and we even have one regular, our friend Martin. On our grand opening, we had live entertainment, and one customer! hahaha..

Sometimes we get so bored that we just pose like statues, hoping to get people to come it. I don't think this works.

On Saturdays, we have a free day and I usually spend the day on a fantastic date with Jesus. We go out together and experience new places in Belfast. On this particular Saturday, I went to Queen's University and walked around the college town. I am taking a picture in front of a really old and beautiful brick church.

I think this is the same church.

I am standing in front of Queen's University. You gotta love the self timer on digital cameras! =)

Top of the Mornin' to ya!

2008-10-17T07:44:00.001-07:00

I'm now in Belfast, Northern Ireland!

I have some extra time on my hands, so I wanted to just update and let you know what's been going on with me. Northern Ireland is a really nice place and the weather hasn't been too bad. It's actually been a bit sunny, though we still wear warmer clothes because it's quite cold out. It hasn't been raining too much, but I was able to buy some cheap rain boots to prepare.

We live in a 3 story house (cool, huh?) in NI, and it's not too far from the City Center, which is like their "downtown." It's really nice and has a lot of stores and cafe's. I'm currently in one cafe b/c they have free wireless here. I take the bus or walk everywhere, which is good for my health.

For the past few days, we painted an elementary school about half a mile away from where we live. We've also met with some High schoolers and are going to meet up with them every week at a local church.

Starting next week we will be very busy. Every MWF we will be running a cafe and getting to know the people who go to the Cafe. We will also be working in an after school program during the week and helping the kids with homework. We are also going to a few elderly homes and spending time with them. Many of the older people here just want someone to sit with them and listen to their stories. It'll be nice to spend time with them and share the love of God to them as well.

In a month we will be moving to a "flat," which is the same thing as an apartment. But, we will pretty much be doing the same ministries. We will also have some time to go sight seeing and we're going to see Giants Coswway, which is this cool thing on the coast. Google it if you have time. Every Saturday we have a 'free day' and this Saturday I think some of us with go to a castle and do more sight seeing.

Alright....that's about it. Please keep praying for me. Thanks!

..and for pictures!

Here's the team in the elementary school we painted. We're posing with the principal, who loved our work so much that she asked us to come back for 3 days straight!

This building is where we live. We live on the corner house. 55 Balygomartin!

This is me in front of the City Hall (I think). It's so old fashioned and beautiful. This is located in City Center.

As we were taking pictures, we noticed that someone put this "crown" on the stature and thought that it was hilarious!

We love jumping pictures. This was taken on our walk home today. Yay for being in Northern Ireland. Indeed, God and Northern Ireland makes me smile!

Hello All

2008-09-28T11:18:00.001-07:00

I will not have Internet access regularly, so I will not be able to post things until...hmm...I get to Northern Ireland. So...that may be a few weeks. Please pray for us as we do various ministries in London, especially as we work in the university here in Windsor. Hope to get back to you all in a jiffy!

Rubes, This One's For You!

2008-09-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Today, we got up and asked the Lord what He wanted us to do today. He wanted us to go to this Methodist Church in the city and ask if there are any ministries we can do there. He also wanted us to buy some flowers and pass them out to the elderly to brighten their days and hopefully strike up conversations with them.

So, after breakfast we did so and were able to give some flowers out. We also stopped by Sainsbury's, the local grocery store, to buy food for the rest of the week.

Here we are in front of Sainsbury's waiting for a taxi because we bought a lot of groceries. Nina is in the middle, and Janet is on the far right. We are all part of the same small group, one on one, and outreach team, so we are all pretty close. At the grocery store, I was in search of something quite special....and after looking up and down many aisles, I finally found them!...

McVitie's Penguins!!! Ruby told me about these when she went to London and so I wanted to share these special treats with my fellow YWAMers. As I instructed them of the very special way to eat these penguins, I was reminded of Ruby's Bachelorette Party many years ago and how a bunch of us celebrated Ruby's upcoming wedding by scarfing down some Penguins. Praise God I actually found them back home!...hahh.... (Love ya, Rubes! ..and don't worry, Penguins await you during Christmastime!...just don't let Ben see this post! hahah...)

We truly enjoyed eating them! Everyone was so excited about the fun way of eating them! They were scrumptious!

Thank You, Lord, for the Pounds and Pences You bless me with so that I may bless others....Penguins definitely make me smile! =)

What a Lovely Day!

2008-09-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Today we headed into London! Hurray! I woke up bright and early to start our day and make the 2 hour trek through traffic into the beautiful city of London. We spent the first half of the day in a seminar about our destiny and looking back and seeing God's hand working in our lives through our past experiences. Praise God for taking an active roll in my life!

Then, we got to explore the sights and sounds of the city. We saw The Windsor Castle (but we didn't see the Queen), walked around the shoppes, ate dinner (I had my first plate of fish and chips and boy was it scrumptious!) and then headed back to Harpenden. In a few days we'll actually be staying closer to Winslow so I can go back and try to buy something (everything is super expensivo here because the conversion rate is roughly $2 for every one pound...ouch!). I was surprised to see a McDonald's, Starbuck's, and H&M. Well...I actually shouldn't be too surprised to see these stores because they're everywhere! I definitely want to buy something at H&M London...how cool is that?!?

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be in this beautiful city. I'm reminded of all the things I learned as I studied English Literature in college and I get super excited to actually walk things out. Thank You for surprising me with added bonus to my outreach. Thank You for showing me how much You love me because You knew that I've always wanted to visit this city, go to The Globe Theatre, and watch my favorite Shakesperean play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. And now in just a few days I will be there! Thank You, God! You never cease to amaze me and I thank You so much for the amazing friends with whom I get to experience this with. You are a great God and I love You. Thank you!

Enjoy the pictures! And as you can tell...London makes me smile! =)

Meeting Up with the Fam Bam

2008-09-23T13:12:00.001-07:00

After I said good-bye to Kona, we headed to San Francisco. There, met my fam bam and got to spend time with them. It was so great to see them, even if it was for only a few hours. We had breakfast at MickeyDees, did some quick shopping at Target to get some last minute items, headed to Ghiradelli Square for some yummy chocolate, then raced back to the airport. I thank God for giving me some time with my family before I head out to Outreach.

Meeting up with Toni Lei

2008-09-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Toni and I have been talking about doing a Hawaii trip together since we first met. We finally made this dream a reality. Although it was short lived, we had a great time. After she ran her first half marathon (you go, girl!), she flew over and met me in Kona. We made more great memories on our trip: Cruisin in a convertible Mustang (oh ya, we roll in style!) Hayashi, late night WalMart run, Will getting pulled over by a cop after being behind the wheel for all of 30 seconds, Huggo's on the Rocks, late night cruisin and talking, turn around trip to Hilo, going to a ghetto (yet famous) gym and met, spoke to and took pictures with BJ Penn (a 2 time world champion in UFC)...all lin the span of about 48 hours. Yes, we know how to work it! Here are some pictures from our trip. Thank you, Lord, for Toni Lei, and finally allowing us to have this trip together.

Cheerio!

2008-09-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

I'm in LONDON!!! ahhhh!!!! God is SO good! Never in my life did I think that I would be living in London for almost three weeks and then in Belfast for 9 weeks! Ahhh...God is SO good and I thank Him for blessing me by bringing me here. It's only been one day and it's already been fabulous!

I'm staying on the YWAM base in Harpenden. It's gorgeous here and the weather has been crisp and beautiful. Thank You, Lord! Here are some more pictures from my first few days in London. Since I've been here, I've already been on the Tube and a train. Oh..and I've walked into town a few times; I've went to the grocery store, Sainsbury's, and played a game of Apples to Apples with new people I've met here. Here are more pictures from my trip so far. Enjoy!

From the airport, some of us took the underground trasportation, The Tube, to get to Harpenden.

From The Tube we walked to the train station...We're almost home!

All aboard! The next thing on our list was taking the train. Just one more hour!

After we finally got off the train, it was just a 20 minute walk to our final destination.

After about 3 hours...we finally reached YWAM Harpenden. Here is the building I'm staying in. Isn't it just beautiful! Thank you, Lord...Harpenden makes me smile!

Formal Update

2008-09-09T02:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends, September 8, 2008

As I sit here in my room with less than 2 weeks before I leave for Outreach, I think back and stand in awe of what God has been doing in my life. He has been blessing me with new friendships and future connections; He has been lavishing His love on me and providing for my needs; He has been showing and giving me His heart for the nations. I praise God for what He has been doing, and I know He has so much more in store for me.

Let me update you on what I have been doing thus far. Starting on July 3rd, a total of 51 students arrived for the Summer
Discipleship Training School here in Kona. Although I did not know one single person, I have formed close friendships with many of individuals from different nations. Before we started the DTS, the Lord put one word in the hearts of our leaders and staff that would characterize our class: LOVE. I have seen the Christ-like love we shower upon each other as we pray and provide for one another. And, I have experienced the amazing love of God in bringing me here and allowing me to grow in my relationship with Him.

We have had topics focused on the Father Heart of God, Laying Down Our Rights, Spiritual Warfare, Identity in Christ, Supernatural Lifestyle, Cross Cultural Communication, and Destiny by Design. We have been having awesome encounters with God and His love for us and we've seen amazing freedom take place in so many of our lives. We are now finishing week 9 of lecture with 2 more to go until we leave for outreach. We have teams going to San Francisco, South Africa, China, India & Nepal, India, and 2 teams going to London and Belfast, Northern Ireland. I will be going to London and Belfast with 6 other YWAMers and we will focus on community transformation. We will be there for 3 months and our goal is to radically pour out God's love on this community as we come and serve, spend time with, and bless the people there. God has put it in our hearts to work with children and youth, and hang out with people in cafés around town. We are so excited!

Personally, I still need about $1300.00 in order to have the rest of my needs met. We've already purchased our plane tickets, but now we need money to cover our costs of living. I'd like to ask if you would consider praying about giving financially towards this mission trip. The balance of the cost is due this Wednesday, but I will be leaving for outreach on September 18th, but I could still receive support during the duration of my stay in London and Belfast. At the bottom of this letter is information about how you can financially give towards my outreach. Please let me know if this is something you would like to do, so that I can know how much money is on its way. Thank you!

In addition to financial support, I am absolutely in need of much prayer support. Please be praying for our school and my outreach team (Janet – leader, Roxie, Daniel, Kevyn, Helen, Nina K., and me). Also, please pray for me personally for God's strength and perseverance. I need God's protection and strength to continue on with all God has for me during this time.

I do miss you guys, but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I will see you in a few months. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. I am so grateful for you and for being a part of your life. Please let me know if there is any way that I can pray for you, your family, and your friends.

For God’s Glory,

Niña Villarin
Proverbs 3:5-6

** If you would like to give financially, please send checks to:
Community of the Word
C/O Nina Villarin
3825 Glen Ridge Drive
Chino Hills, CA 91709

Wanna Meet Up?

2008-08-29T00:53:00.001-07:00

If you'll be in the San Francisco area, then maybe we can meet up! A few of the teams, including the team I'm on, will be flying out to the San Francisco Airport to catch a connecting flight to London. We will be there on September 18th. Our flight is scheduled to arrive there at 5:03 a.m. and depart for London at 1:00 p.m. on the following day.

Or...

We're scheduled to be back at the San Francisco Airport on December 14th at 1:30 p.m. and depart again at 4:35 p.m. (not much time the second time around).

I'll be in Kona for a week of debriefing and then I'll be home on the 19th of December, just in time for Christmas! I'd really love to see some of you guys if you'll be in the Bay area. And...you can meet some of my awesome friends from all around the world.

Let me know if you can make it out so I can plan accordingly. Hey...just think of this as an excuse to drive up to Frisco! hahah....

Short flights home make me smile...

Where God Guides, He Provides!

2008-08-26T02:19:00.001-07:00

God blessed me with another envelope filled with $20's..no joke! I left to go to work duties and prayed about financial things. Then, when I got back to my room, I noticed an envelope on my pillow with my name written neatly on the front of it. And, inside lay a wad of bills...$300 from the Lord, yet again! God is SOOOO GOOD and definitely loves to shower His children with His goodness.

...And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Oh..and guess where the Lord is taking me tomorrow!.... drum roll please....drrrrr.....

...that's right..Honolulu! I have to take care of some things before I head over to London and Northern Ireland. And, yes... God provided for this trip as well. I will be going with 3 other people: Nesha and Arben from Kosova, and Danny from Ghana. I'm so excited. Please pray for this turn around trip, that we would be able to get everything accomplished that we need to while we are there, and that we would have fun as well.

God is SO good and makes me smile bigger every day!

A Written Update!

2008-08-22T00:54:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you guys know that I miss the church and I hope all is well. I'm doing great out here and loving the Lord more. This week we are learning about God's destiny for our lives: Destiny by Design. God has made me and given me the gifts I need to fulfill the dreams He has for my life. It's so amazing to know this and I am truly pressing into the Lord to seek what He wants for the rest of my life. God has given me many verses to guide me and slowly unfold the dreams He dreams for me.

I am also getting ready for outreach, which I'll be leaving for in about a month. We will be flying to San Francisco (just for a few hours, I think), then we'll head to London for a few weeks. After, we will be going to Northern Ireland and staying there until the first week of December. Then, I'll be flying back to Kona to debrief for a week and then I'll be home on December 19th. Wow....I know from now until then God will do so many miraculous things! I'm so excited!

Also, God is the great provider! Through my church and through my new DTS family, God has provided for the first phase of my outreach, which was $2,500. God also used someone to surprise me with $300 in cash! Someone put it in a makeshift envelope and put it on a clip in front of my room. God is SO good! Now, my trip to Honolulu is all paid for. No, I'm not going there just for fun, but because I have to take care of things for outreach. God is SO good and never ceases to amaze me with how He provides, and loves to provide for His children. God definitely makes me smile... =)

It's NOT About the Benjamins, Baby!

2008-08-14T01:59:00.000-07:00

Where God leads, He will provide! God used someone to anonymously give me $500 to help me pay for my outreach funds! $500!! Praise God! London and Northern Ireland, here I come! God is so good! ... Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Guess where the Lord is taking me!

2008-08-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

AAAAHHHH!!! I know! LONDON! God knew that I've always wanted to go to London and my outreach team will be there for 2 weeks before heading out to Norhern Ireland. I'm so excited! ...and praise God, because the airfare is actually cheaper if we go to London first! Praise God! He is SO GOOD!

It's About That Time...

2008-08-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

to update my blog... (sorry, O!) I've had a busy couple of weeks and last weekend was quite hectic, but now I have time to finally update. Hurray! I apologize that the pictures are in a random order. Nevertheless, here we go...

Introducing Team Northern Ireland! A few Sundays ago we found out our Outreach Teams. It was a fabulous night!

Last Saturday I did construction on a new building the school is putting up. I worked from 9-3pm. It was hot, tiring, but I loved the being able to serve others.

2 Fridays ago a few YWAMers had a bonfire. It was so much fun! This was our fabulous fire.

At the bonfire with some friends...

Before going to the bonfire, a bunch of us went out for a friend's birthday. We got some ice cream and hung out at the beach. Happy Birthday Maggie!

God's beautiful sunset. I love living in Kona!

Last night a bunch of the girls got together and had a Girls Night Out! We got dressed (which is quite rare nowadays) and headed over to Bubba Gumps. At this table are Nicole, me, Julie, Paige, and Amy.

Julie and I shared a "Bucket of Boat Trash." It was so good!

Gray and White Day for Julie and me! I love this roommie...ya, that's right!

This is the beautiful ocean I run along in the mornings. Again, praise God for His amazingly beautiful creation. I could get used to living in Hawaii!

Going back to my construction day. Here are some bunk frames I primered. As I was working, I thought of all the saints that would stay in these beds. Praise God that I could serve those who would use them hundreds of years from now.

Girls Night Out with my Swiss roomie, Mel. Ya, girl!

Nina and Nina....hahah...her name doesn't have the squiggly accent, though.

Here are most of the girlies. There were 23 DTS Ladies total...fun times!

This is me with my small group leader, one-one-one, and Outreach leader, Janet! She rocks!

Last but not least, Meehan and Julie with a mud pie we all shared. It has fantabulous! Thank you, Lord, for great food, great friends, and a great Friday!

Oh...and I want to give a shout out to Sally. Oh ya...that's right! Thank you for your prayers! Though the bugs are relentlessly feasting on me, I am loving the Lord more and learning so much! You have an AMAZING daughter and I am so blessed to have her in my life. =) I can't wait to meet you!

VBS Staff, this one's for you!

2008-07-27T02:40:00.000-07:00

Go to VBS because VBS makes me smile! =)