2011

2011

If there was one word to define the year, it would be transition.

I turned 20, it was a transition from adolescence to adulthood.

There were 3 main chapters to this year which happened to be 3-4 months each.

1. The Final Semester at MCKL (January-May)

It honestly didn’t really feel like the last due to the fact that I only had to be in college 10 hours a week and that there were only 15 of us left in our batch. Although I occasionally felt like there was no point in going to college, I still wanted to finish well. When I got my acceptance and offer letter from Colby-Sawyer, I started being complacent. I guess it didn’t matter if I did that well or not since I had the two A’s to back me up. Ended up doing really well, all glory to God. I’m still amazed by His grace up to this day, I could not have done it without Him. I do not think I deserve it, but that’s what grace is.

But results weren’t the main point. It was the closing of a chapter that had become part of my life, no, it was my life. I had made strong friendships, served in the CF which I believed contributed to my growth, had heartbreaks and joyous times. Still, it was time to leave and surprisingly, I was more than ready when I had to. I’m guessing it’s because during the last semester, I felt like I had my time and I was ready to move on.

2. The Summer Break at Home (May-August)

I know we don’t have a ‘summer’ break back home since we pretty much have summer all year round. That’s what I tell everyone here when they ask me about the weather. But that’s what I’d be referring to from now on. These were the last few months at home. I honestly didn’t do much, sleeping really late and waking up in time for lunch. I was ‘preparing’ for my leaving to the States and although I knew it, the reality only hit me hard a few days before I left.

It was hard, knowing that things would never be the same again. I’d be back during the summer breaks but I would never have those years again.

Leaving my family, friends behind, I felt like Abraham, being called into a foreign land.

And all I could do was to place it all in His hands, “I trust You Lord, I trust You.”

3. The First Semester in the States (September- December)

I landed in a new land which seems like a spiritual desert. Originally uncertain of my coming here and if this is really where I’m supposed to be, He reminded me that this is exactly where He wants me. By His superseding strength, I was able to stay strong in Him and the transition was smoother than I expected. I did not experience a culture shock nor got terribly homesick. I was seeing His promise “I will never leave you nor forsake you” and “I will not leave you comfortless” come true. I am grateful indeed.

He’s provided me great friends, amazing mentors and I’ve found my place serving in CF. Slowly but surely, He is revealing Himself as well as His plans not just while I’m here but for the future as well.

2011, a year of endings and beginnings. A year of joy and pain. A year of faith, hope and love. A year of experiencing God's faithfulness, of seeing the Word come to Life.

Thank You