I never thought that i'd be in Champaign for more than 4 years, but I guess God had other plans. I can't believe that the new school year is starting in a week and a half and i'm still here, haha. I really felt that God was calling me to stay an extra year so that I'll continue to grow and gain more training before going out on my own. God really taught me so much about His character this summer. I was struggling all summer looking for a job and wrestling with the decision of what my ministry commitment would be this upcoming year. The phrase 'God will provide in His time' became a reality in my life. What was a problem for me all summer was solved in the span of 2 days as God truly did provide. I'm thankful for everything that's happened ever since I graduated. I'd much rather be working at a real firm/company but I'm still thankful for the ways that God has worked in my heart and in my life this past summer.

I'm excited to see what God has in store this upcoming year. I really feel like it'll be a good year. I have a job and i'm back to my roots, trying to serve my people. I know i'm going to continue to struggle with my selfish desires, but I have hope that God isn't finished with the work He started in me. No matter how much I might want something, if it's not in His will, it won't happen. I just want to be faithful every day...to fight every day...to persevere through all the tough times that will come...and to give my very best in all I do...until the end.

I can't believe it's halfway through the semester already...can't wait til Thanksgiving break! So much has happened the first half of the semester but i'm thankful for everything. All the ups and downs have been a learning experience and I wouldn't trade it in for anything. I never thought that i'd be soo broken, but this year has really stretched me about as far as I can go. I've learned that God is not only the Lord of the Storm, but He is truly Lord of my life.

You never really realize how special something is until you lose it or it's taken away from you. As tough as life has been for me lately, i'm just trying to see the bigger picture. It's definitely not easy when your heart tells you one thing and everyone else, including those you're close to, tells you something totally different. No one ever said life was easy right? It's just really frustrating when you know what you have to do, but you can't do it because you rely too much on yourself. I don't acknowledge God's power and authority as much as I should. I'm still living for myself instead of living for Him. I know it's a process...I just have to keep fighting...keep persevering...

fall 7 times. stand up 8. 

Ok, it's 9:30 in the morning and i'm awake...that's about as illegal as it gets ...i guess i'm just spoiled bc my earliest class is at 11!  Anyway, we've been in school for a little over a month and a half but it feels like i've been here for so much longer...idk,  i guess so much has happened in that short amount of time that it just feels that way. It's definitely been an up and down year so far...physically, emotionally and spiritually...i'm really learning how sovereignly in control God really is and that everything happens in His time, not mine. It's been a battle fighting the desires of my sinful heart, but i have hope that God will guide me and direct me into making the right decisions, this year and in the future...

I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to serve in the ministries i'm involved in this year: LIGHT, small group, and MS...

One of our awesome email flyers...if you have nothing to do Sundays at 4:15, come to ISR Lounge B...you'll have a fun and blessing time, I promise! 

Ruth, Becky, and myself: FP9 What can us 'browns' do for you?...darkest sg pairing in Far/Par area...just doesn't look like it in this picture!

Gonna be another blessing semester...i'm excited to see what God has in store for us! Late night practices...lack of sleep...quality time with great brothers/sisters in Christ...spiritual growth...dancing for God...I wouldn't want it any other way...

Lord, help me to be faithful, in every little thing I do...

~I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

     --Matthew 17:20--

After the 1st week of school, I still can't believe that this is my senior year! Time flies when you're having fun...so I guess i've been having too much fun, haha...sometimes I still feel like a freshman! I really don't know what to expect this year and my emotions are all over the place right now...i'm a senior now, co-serving for the first time, serving in Mustard Seeds, what to do when I graduate...I'm soo thankful and grateful for the ways that God has blessed me so far and I just want to take full advantage of all the resources I have while i'm still here on campus...it's also been so hard to guard my heart from relationship issues and the desires of my heart...but I know that even as I struggle with these things, they're not happening by accident...I know God is trying to teach me something and is testing my faith...I just hope that I can stay faithful throughout this year, no matter what struggles I go through, no matter what hardships I face and that I really would trust and depend on God in everything I do...

Here's MS after How to Survive a few days ago...it's our crazy picture...idk if it's crazier than our back to back 6 hour practices though, haha...

     A lil over 2 weeks into summer and I feel like I haven't done anything productive...haha...although I did get my license renewed last week...2per is 21 now!! ...dang, i'm getting old! Anyway, went to sendoff service yesterday and it truly is a blessing to see my fellow seniors go on missions..uh oh, i'm gonna be a senior next year!...time is flying by! Pastor Min really reminded me that we are called to "set the world on fire, for Jesus" I know I really haven't done my part lately, sleeping an average of 10 hours a day, haha, and doing nothing productive during the time i'm awake. I just wanna continue to strengthen my relationship w/ God but it's soo hard w/ all the world's temptations and distractions. I have to rekindle that fire for Jesus in my own heart, before I can even think about setting the world on fire for Him...

     So in my boredom today, I decided to take a few pictures of my new Scion tC!!!...well, technically not that new, b/c I got it a lil over 2 months ago, haha...sure is an upgrade over my old civic...160hp and stick is a pretty fun combination..it's a lot of fun to drive!

Side:

Angled:

Front (it's all about the Filipino flag hanging on my rearview mirror, haha...i'm brown and i'm proud!):