Hi Everyone!

It's be a REALLLY long time and I apologize. I've been quite busy with myself and thinking and God and just enjoying the abundant blessings He's been pouring out on me this past weekend.

So, just a quick run-down of what's going on with me this summer..

- I'm going to Florida in about a week for a family vacation

- I will be babysitting my three little cousins when I come back

- I will have (hopefully) be prepared to take the road test! (c'mon driver's license, come to mama!)

- And last but not least, I will be contemplating a lot about my major and future and career path because I never really got to sit down and think about it enough and seriously as I should have

*also, R8 on Fridays (hopefully if I can make it) and Rutgers on Sundays

** also... hopefully plenty of BBQ in the sun!!!

*** also also, PLENTY of RELAXATION AND ENJOYMENT. FORSHUR. It is much needed after a tough and unfavorable freshman year T-T

SOPHOMORE YEAR - YOU BETTER BE BETTER!!!

:)

Ok, so that's the basic run-down of summer. I love meeting new people! Also, if you're free, we should hang out! so contact me and we can make plans :)

peace out,

Steph

Finding Our Way

Growing up. We all have to face it some time in our life. Even if we try to hide from it, it'll creep back into our life. But what is it exactly? Why is reality so persistent? Maybe because we know we have a calling. Our mind and reality can be a canyon apart. I think it's that. Because our own ideology becomes an indulgent. We love the comfort, especially the comfort, so why leave it? But if we took that step to educate ourselves about the injustices in this world, then change would be that much closer. Actually, I feel guilty for not involving myself more in fighting against the injustices of the world.

Recently, I attended a workshop at Rutgers Community Christian Church called "Justice & compassion." After a very well-informed presentation, it was as easy as my home address and my signature on a letter that would be sent to the government to plead for more effort to end modern-day slavery (Visit www.IJM.org if you want to learn more). Fortunately, a difference can be made right here and right now. However, I always trip myself into thinking that I have to do that much more, to intervene with my hand swinging all the way down, as if time is not of the concern but the gravity of my work is. We live in a world of immediacy, and as much as I want instant results, I know I can't grab the world and pull inward. Instead, my prayer everyday is that my heart would expand so that I can give freely and willingly, little by little, and more of me each day. Even if it doesn't deal directly with modern-day slavery, listening to the good, which I've concluded to override evil, in me every day is the best way I can live my life. Good, what good? I'll catch myself multiple times on the brink of disobedience but I'll crunch down and respond the respectful way. Good is the better choice. It's the right way. It'll bring the most contribution, light up the better half of someone, and ultimately bridge the gap between what is real and what is ideal.

So while growing up is quite scary at first and difficult to handle, it's also a measurement of how much more we are capable of having well-rounded intentionality because we are able to retain what we've learned from and about this world in order that we might make it a better place.

"The time has come, the kingdom of God is near." - Mark 1:15

When we think that heaven is a place after earth, know that God's kingdom has already come.

Hey guys :)

I'm down to four finals. Wish me luck. I know where I'm dorming next year and I registered for my next semester's classes. The weather fluctuates often - I don't know how I feel about that. Besides, it's BBQ season!! fishballs on skewers coated with honey and grilled chicken wings and tender smokin' beef :P mmmmm...

I am so excited.

For this summer, I'm hopin' to get a job at MSLO once I go through the whole app process.

On the other hand, I'm goin' ta Floridaa XD yeaaaaa.. gonna enjoy some nice family time in the sun!

It's been difficult getting back on my feet and all, but I'm still pressing on. I hope all of you are doing well and I get a chance to talk to you after school's over bout' what's been going on in your life! Well, that'll bout' sum it up for now... SEE YOU IN ONE WEEK!!!

Love,

STE