Law-Abiding Citizen: Or not. Prayer Edition.

"Hands Down the most awkward prayer I've ever experienced. "

So our Alpha group decided to meet at 10pm at the Trinity tables outside by the Trinity lawn. We met wearing all black and looking mighty conspicuous if you asked anyone. Our Alpha Leader, Kellie, is pretty bomb when adventurous deeds take root. We slinked up the stairs to the second floor above the Cafeteria to the chapel area, also known as the UTCC.

Checking for Campus Security, we one by one hopped the fence from the balcony onto the roof. Using our low-lit phones to guide us, we maneuvered through a narrow ally of water heaters and tall machinery before coming to ladder. One by one, all 12 of us climb the ladder into the beautiful opening of sky and city; a roof with a small layer of gravel spread out a good 50 yards in each direction.

Feeling ultra cool right then, we took a few pictures and put another one of our Alphies into the hot-seat. This week, Russell took his turn. We learned about his favorite color and side dish and some other quirky things. He's in my brother building, Smith Hall, an all-men dormitory.

Yikes! So much overpowering masculinity. But he's super chill, and we get along great because he's a computer science major, and I have a tendency to gravitate toward those kinds of folks. :)

We took group pictures, and were closing with pretty serious prayer requests before getting down. I felt moved to pray for everyone, so I began. *eyes closed*

Dear Heavenly Father... *flashlights and ladder rung echoes penetrate the darkness*

*everyone peeks. Squeezes each others hands. I continue with what was hands down one of the best prayers I've ever prayed, every word genuine despite our impending doom, to God. Two whole minutes- of them surrounding us with flashlights and gravel-crackling footsteps and I praying in a most evangelical manner trying to stifle my laughter along with everyone else- later... we all say, "Amen!"*

And the Head Campus Security Officer calls out,

"Amen! Okaaay. ID cards. Give me your ID cards."

Eeeek! What's going to happen to us? I felt as helpless as the Arisocats in the beginning of the movie-- when they were soaked and abandoned by the riverbank.

Luckily, I did not have my ID card with me, so needed not endure the harsh 'tude of the Head dude. I went over to one of the two or three student officers who were writing down our names and IDs on a slip of paper.

I squeaked, "Are we going to become felons?"

He replied, "Oh no! Honestly, I don't even know why we're writing you up. Technically coming up here is not allowed. But...everyone comes up here. I mean... I come up here when I'm off duty, and it's not a big deal. We're just giving you a warning. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the worst to try something like this 'cause there's so many of us on duty. Be careful next time. What were you guys doing up here?"

"We're an Alpha group, and we just wanted some peace."

"Ohh yeah. This is definitely the best place to be. Well, Felix Center is bigger and higher up, but this is more accessible . . ."

And just like that, I had a conversation about breaking the law with a security officer.

We climbed our way down the ladder rungs with a bit more difficulty because some of us were afraid of heights, and chain-ganged our way back through the machinery, over the fence, down the stairs and didn't look back until we made it to the coffeehouse to discuss our first Alpha encounter with Campus Security.

What a thrill, what a rush, I won't deny; however, the implications of our actions almost got us in lots of trouble. This time was just a warning (I think), but I don't imagine we will try anything like that again. I personally don't see the evil behind a rooftop for group meetings, to get away and find some peace amidst the busy campus. BUT! I am not the boss, and I feel that when I engage in reckless behavior that provokes the law, I lose a piece of my purity, smudged by a small bit of shame that can later be used against me.

I do not lose hope in who God is creating within me; I am not afraid of scorn nor persecution.

But we are also made to be holy and blameless, to live as Jesus lived, and to walk as He walked.

And when I do things like break the law and go on a roof (no matter how ridiculous), there should still be some accountability on my part. The experience was fun, but I'm more into transforming the law or bending the law into something more fun, enjoyable and bearable through my talents and skills that God has placed within me. If that means singing my math homework in the hallway, dancing from class to class, or riding my bike in the somewhat dangerous street as I'm used to instead of the conformed sidewalk... so be it!

I am my father's precious child.

For your benefit- yes, YOUR benefit- it is better I remain alive if ever I need to serve you.

I need to be clean and useful to whoever and whatever my purpose may entail.

I am my father's precious child.

The Adventures of Katherine Rose: A Children's Story

For my Christianity and the Creative Process class, we ponder how the christian artist thinks and makes decisions. So far, we've learned about Christ and Culture, and the many questions that arise about how to deal with a secular society from a Christian point of view.

Little did I know that so many "Christian point of views" existed.

Anywho, so while we're pondering all about that (and I say pondering as opposed to learning because Christianity isn't something you learn by a regular school textbook, rather, we talk about many different authors and their points of views as 'Christian Artists' and what that title implies as a job and as a lifestyle, and how it fits into the world today), we're assigned a project that includes Five Life Lessons called Credos, and we're supposed to emphasize one particular one, called a Micro Credo. Using an illustration, we tell a life story that formed this Credo.

SOOOOO... I wrote a Children's Story. About me.

*trying not to laugh*

It's super simple and Olga is illustrating as I type, but here is the story.

~Currently~

1. I am riding my bike from campus to campus. That's all. :(

2. I still eat in the Dining Hall for all my meals.

3. I plan on changing that. Although I still meet new people everyday.

4. I tried a Mango Boba Tea, with the dark, squishy balls on the bottom. It's pretty good.

5. SoCal slang is all abbreviations. Ex. Totes Adorbs= Totally Adorable. Even my professors use abrevs. Totes hils. (Totally hilarious.)

6. My nose is picking up scents that lead me home, like the firewood smell of August smoke.

The sunny smell of Tuscon, AZ, where I lived for two years. And others that bring me to sweet little GP.

7. My Alpha group grows more and more like a family.

8. A girl in my hall just got dumped by her boyfriend of 1.5 years. They even promise ringed each other; but she broke down weeping when she found out he changed his Facebook status from "in a relationship" to "single" and she cried hysterically, "He changed his Facebook status already?? Ohhhhhh. I didn't know. Now I know he's serious. Its official!"

9. I aced my Christian Life, Faith and Ministry quiz.

10. My typical snack: A FiberOne chewy bar and a bottle of water.

11. Exercise per week: walking/biking from class to class, whenever I feel like running (not often enough.) =P

12. Went to a Friday night semi-formal Yacht Party with a girl in hall, Whitney. Had tons of fun!!

13. Got an inflammation in my left eye. I hope it isn't Pink Eye...

14. New Alpha group catch phrase: " Like, I'm okay with that" or "It's so hard being me/us."

15. Feel more and more sure footed about my relationship with God.

Never feel lonely anymore.

16. Nobody is here on weekends. Nobody.

17. I'm thinking of becoming a ninja. Only on the weekends. It could be fun.

18. I can sing 1st soprano. Officially. It's getting stronger so long as I don't push it.

19. I love being here.

20. Still reading the Bible in a Year. Lovin' it. My improved handwriting reflects how much peace I've gained here, thus far.

21. Typical Fashion: Deep V-necks, board shorts, short shorts, high waisted skirts, long boards.

Lots of blondes.

22. Our Alpha group ordered V-necks saying, "If lost, please return to *picture of Leader in old granny outfit and make up* We also tie dyed shirts yellow/black after our group number's sign motto. "Group 23: Ima be Ima be Ima Ima Ima be" with a bumble bee.

I'm stoked for when they're dry!

23. P.S. Everyone here is beautiful. It's really ridiculous. Still, I'm trying not to judge a book by it's cover.

24. I hardly wear any make-up.

Sometime, I'll try to recount an event and write it down like previously. But lately, my head has been full of questions, thoughts, plans, and upcoming events; basically, lists. =D

Love you all! May your day bring peacefulness, joy, and most of all, love.

Held Together By Grace

I feel so worn out. Is it worth it to share?

Where impatience spits and ignorance drones

When you feel the world stab you with anger and despair.

Stop talking on your telephones!!

Yesterday was grand. Today is different.

Do you know just how much you regress

I struggle with words. My head hangs limp.

When Mom's the only friend you possess?

It is not because things are good that we are to thank the Lord,

but because He is good.

~Hannah Whitall Smith

O God, I have been shamed. See how I fall?

I just want to do what I know I should!

*

*

*

ENOUGH of this short pang of weakness.

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all.

~Psalm 65:3

This wallowing in brief, tainted darkness.

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.

~Psalm 55:22

Can I ever be cured? Will there be a time?

[For] when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

~ Psalm 56:3

When love comes so freely, there'll be no more crime.

For it is by grace we have been saved!

~Ephesians 2:8

O Heavenly Father, through you all things dwell.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

Psalm 56:4

Give me peace to say, "It is well."

Others were given in exchange for you.

I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me.

You are honored, and I love you!

~Isaiah 43:4

A little piece of the American Dream, lost in translation

"But I thought... *confused expression*... I thought she was fat?"

This is where my story ends.

I believe that some of the most genuine compliments get lost in translation. This was most definitely the case yesterday after our Alpha group's City Links service project.

But pray tell? What IS City Links, exactly?

Well-- I'll tell ya!

This is where my story begins.

City Links is first and foremost, mandatory. But that's not at all a bad thing. In fact, if City Links were optional, I don't think many Alpha groups would participate. Each Alpha group (made up of one Sophomore or Junior leader and 7-15 members) is assigned a certain project to complete within an 8-hour period. From 8am-4pm, we go out and lend our services to wherever we are assigned for the day. My Alpha group, led by an adorable brunette, marathon running psychology major named Kellie, was assigned "Painting the Contreras' Home." A Totally AWESOME Job! Way better than something like 'Landscaping' or 'Picking Up Trash.'

Upon arrival, a lovely hispanic couple in their mid-50s instantly took us into their tidy, quaint 70's home and made us comfortable in their living room (maybe a little TOO comfortable for college kids at such an early hour of the morning) and began talking about who they were, what they did, and where they were now. They offered us water pods, fresh grapes and melon, and asked us our majors and how we came to APU. Everything was going so well until the painter, who was assigned in instructing us, arrived. He lumbered through the front door with an old western mustache like looked more like a down-curved horse shoe across his upper lip and a heftiness that can either protect you or scare you.

Unfortunately, he must have been having an off day. An awkward conversational lull swept across the room as he peered around the living room with a countenance as hard as stone, or really well-dried paint.

Painter: "Why are there so many of you? I only needed two other people."

Kellie: "Well, we were sent here to help you paint their home."

Painter: "Yeah but... there are so many of you. *loud, yet distant* I called them and said I only needed two other people. I called just two days ago. I don't need all of you here.

Kellie: "Well-- (trying to sustain composure)-- (turns to the Contreras) we are here to service you with ANYTHING you need done. We'll have two of our guys help him paint the house, and, is there something else we can help you with today?"

Painter: (butts in; passive aggressive) I called only yesterday. I only needed two...

SO long story short... the painter intended to paint the whole house himself, and only needed two guys to scrape off the old paint; AKA, do the tedious, boring work and let me have all the fun. The whole time, the 12 of us were still sitting on the couch, pretending everything was alright as the couple led the painter and two of our four guys outside while Kellie made a phone call to headquarters about the rest of us "Unneeded Folk." She came back in and looked Mrs. Contreras straight in the eye,

"We are here to serve you in any way today. We are all yours."

We ended up-- yes, you guessed it-- "landscaping" her garden by picking stubborn weeds and enduring millions of underground ant farms for 2-3 hours, and then sat on the front porch in the shade and talked for 3-4 hours. I tell you, in was like fulfilling a little piece of the American Dream. Doing yard work for a wonderful family, talking and singing and laughing as we worked, and then sipping cool water and sitting in the shade, enjoying each other's company. We put our newest Alpha member in the hot seat and asked him a bunch of questions, gave back massages, took pictures, and waited much too long for our pizza to arrive.

God was right. " There is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God." ~ Ecclesiastes 2:24.

After our van arrived, and we had to depart this new house that felt like "home" much earlier than we wanted, I came across my roommate Xinyi and her friend (Mario, I now know, is his name) talking by Adams Hall. We smiled and said hello, and then Mario looked at me quizzically.

Mario: Why do you-- look so?... skinny?

Me: Wait, I'm sorry. What?"

Mario: (looks at Xinyi; speaks in quick Chinese; both look back at me.)

Me: (Blank stare; raise eyebrows) Umm... NO COMPRENDE!

*We laugh*

Mario: (tries again) Why you look...so skinny?

(At this point, I don't really know what to say. I'm not fat, not too skinny.)

Me: Err, well-- I work out and we just got back from yard work at City Links.

Mario: (combination of looking at Xinyi and Me; very confused and quizzical) I thought... I thought you... I thought she was fa-at?

Me: Umm... No???

*Awkward laugh*

Me: Well, it was great seeing you both again. I'll see ya around! (Quick wave)

Both: Yeah, you too. Bye. Later!

(I book it inside only to crack up in the lobby)

Soooo... that was my day yesterday.

Xinyi later tells me,

"His point was that you look thinner than the first time he saw you."

~~dont be sad~~

Truly, this was a very nice thing of him to say.

Lost in Translation, I guess.

I'll treat him extra nicely next time I see him.

Thanks Mario!!! =D

My next 2.25 miles in JUST for you.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow there will be a blog. =D

Hopefully.

A New Hallelujah.

Tonight, I took Xinyi out and about.
Every Monday, my section leader Arie's apartment is open for worship from 6-8pm to whomever wishes to join. It's a worship open house, per say. Tonight, Xinyi and I went to dinner at the Cafe together and while Olga was talking to her parents, we took the quarter mile walk to her place where a girl was giving the message about the importance of prayer. "It shakes the nations and impacts the world" and although we came a bit late, we didn't miss the big message. Prayer is important. I'm pretty sure everyone came from a southern baptist background too.

There were Yes Lords and Amens, claps and laughs of agreement accompanied by groans and cries out for mercy when their souls became overburdened by thoughts of their past or present transgressions. It took some getting used to when the girl giving the message decided we all should pray "Korean style." I had no idea what this meant, but I soon learned the definition: everyone prays OUT LOUD... at the same time.

Something I have learned about myself is how private I am in prayer; how I go to solitary places for Bible Study every morning. This new way of rejoicing and talking to God shook me a bit, and I felt even worse for Xinyi, who probably didn't understand a good 40-60% of the conversations. Then, after two times of praying and asking for repentance, we went around, one by one, and prayed what was on our hearts.

I tell you, some people have such gifts in the prayer department: tongues, wisdom, passion both loud and reserved, and peacefulness that washes over some's prayers like milk and honey. While a guy went to get his worship instrument, Arie improv sang Psalm 139 in what I believe was a gregorian chant. She's in a Renaissance History class and learned most written psalms were sung on the spot. That, also new, unique experience further broadened by scope of worship. After a few songs of worship lead by John, a vocal performance major, (INCLUDING my favorite song Revelation Song) a few girls along with Xinyi and I left for the night.

I asked Xinyi if she felt uncomfortable at all during that time (because Lord knows I was sweatin' in MY boots for a bit until I got acquainted with the style, so I could only IMAGINE the culture shock of this kind of service for Xinyi), but she merely looked at me unassumingly and replied,
"It's different. I like it."

Wow. Cool.
Although we are different, we all worship the same God. This revelation calmed my anxiety early on in the service, so I could really embrace this unique experience and enjoy it whole-heartedly.

I guess it really is just a new kind of Hallelujah.

P.S I feel genuinely comfortable being here. I like studying and my heart is confident that God has my life in his best interest (which is most definitely MY best interest also).
If I ever was in the red or yellow, I am now in the green. If that makes any sense to any of you. =P If it does, welcome to the synesthesia club!

Much love to you!! Good Night!

Hootenanny

Hootenanny: n. (hoot-en-nanny)

slang; a carnival or festival including assortments of giant inflatable

courses and slides, fair swings, bungee trampoline, rock climbing; of, and without

excluding, sugary ices, churros, and cotton candy; usually, without exemption,

long lines; meant for amusement.

Putting on this festival kicked off the end of Orientation last night. And I must declare:

AT LAAAAAST!!!

Also, there was a giant BBQ with contests, sign-ups, and entertainment by college artists.

I was starving for real food after three days of carbs and starch.

So you can only imagine just how wonderful sinking my teeth into a big, juicy burger felt.

(:Oh yum:)

So from 7:30-9:30 my friends Joanna, Becca and President of Bel Canto, Christina and I went rock climbing, sliding, obstacle coursing, and swinging our way through the night.

Afterwards, we went back to Joanna and Becca's room with Kellie, Maggie, and Tori and played Apples to Apples while sipping extremely sweet hot chocolate with marshmallows and enjoying the company of one another. I guess everyone was feeling pretty low during Bel Canto Camp and Orientation. It made us all feel SO much better, and we excitedly made plans for a Friday night movie night, and going to the Football game tonight!

Things are looking a up a little bit. Bible Study every morning is starting to feel so peaceful and

insightful. I recommend a 1-year study Bible to anyone who struggles with reading the Bible like I do.

~Currently~

1. I have developed a love for Animal Crackers. My roommate has a huge tub of them!

2. I listen to pretty much the same playlist of songs everyday, or whenever I play music.

3. I desperately need an activity-oriented hobby. (Ex. volleyball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, etc)

4. My roommate doesn't eat much, so I usually go down to the diner at least once everyday and sit next to a group of new people.

5. Doing this is sometimes exhausting; but everyone is very pleasant and inclusive.

6. Xinyi's English Name: Cyndi.

7. Mangos here are sold at the 99 cent store. YAYYYY!!!

8. I keep my mail key and room key around my wrist on a coiled band. I never leave without it.

9. My motto is Patience. Keep moving forward and keep relying on God for everything.

10. So far, it's working. =D

And the award goes to...

Stomach Flu??

Of all things to worry about before classes begin, I never thought getting violently ill would be one of them. When I last wrote, I was in the vomiting phase. Little did I know that things could get worse. I won't get nasty with you, dear readers, for the sheer protection of your own stomachs as well as my own in retracing the story.

All I will say is I went to bed with abdominal pain at 11pm, woke up at 2pm for a roller coaster nightmare of a white hot fever, dry-as-a-bone dehydration, disorientation, diarrhea, fainting on the toilet and the sink, soiling myself, turning ghostly pale, and spending the night propped up on the floor in my purple bean bag sipping water and waking up every half hour by my roommate to feed me anti-nasea pills and 2 pepto bismal tablets. She even helped me take a shower to clean off by soiled backside. The water felt amazing, even for 4 in the morning, even if I had to crawl on all hands and knees to get there, fearing another bathroom episode while not being able to stand up. I then awoke after some peaceful sleep at 9:15, already late for our first scheduled orientation event. My roommate Olga told go back to sleep since it wasn't mandatory, only to wake up again at 12:30! Sheesh, there was no way I'm abiding by any schedule today.

Feeling weak, dizzy and light-headed, I dress myself, comb my hair into a wild half-up, half down style and wander aimlessly in search for the Health Center, which in my opinion should be kept open 24 hours a day. I find myself walking into Undergraduate Admissions and he points me several hundred yards in another direction. At this point, I'd love nothing more than to crawl onto a corner and hibernate, but I persist, and finally make it for an awkward check-in and ten minutes later, I'm seeing a beautiful doctor who reminds me of Lisa Cutty from the hit TV show, House.

She tests me and I have a low-grade fever of 99.8 (so I can only imagine how high it was in the middle of the night; we're thinking 103-104 degrees) and my blood pressure is 80 over 60; way too low to do much of anything. She goes back and gives me a grape Capri Sun, and mini packs of peanut butter Ritz crackers and nilla wafers. After scraping off the PB, I enjoyed my first morsels of sustenance since lunch the previous day. Cutty suggested I go on the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, for another 24-48 hours. Giving me a paper of gastroneuritis information, she pats my shoulder, suggests I get a Gatorade to boost my electrolites, and sends me on my way.

At 2:30, after walking all the way to the trolley, get off at West Campus and begin walking toward Duke, my friendly acquaintance named Velly (also a theatre major) tells me I missed the theatre tour and welcome session during this time, and while I write this to you, dear readers, I am also probably missing a follow-up session of more information.

Going back to my dorm, I sprawl out on my bean bag in the study lounge and finish yesterday's bible study. Presently, I'm fast asleep. he next time I wake up, it's 5:30pm.

Great. Something else had already started at 5:00pm!

Could this day get any worse?

Suddenly I am reminded that God is above all of this. He can giveth and He can taketh away. I actually smile at this, because if anything, God has shown me that, yes, he can do both. A renewed sense of fear and empowerment gives me a little peace. God saves those who are in trouble, and I have no doubt that He will come to my aid in perfect time.

Patience Lesson: part 2.

P.S. On the bright side, I got to talk with Mom and Dad for a bit, and didn't have to pay on my meal card for a cup of Rice Krispies and two bananas. The lady just let me go! Also, Mom is sending me my audition sheet music and all the information from an award I apparently won for Best Actress! YIPPEEE!

I feel like PollyAnna while playing "The Glad Game." You're right, girlfriend. Focusing on the good things instead of the bad things makes you feel so much better!

Orientation: A Never-Ending Story.

Aptly titled, this weekend has gone on forever.

Our daily schedules abide by a single booklet marking the mandatory events we must attend along with a buffet of informative sessions we CAN but do not HAVE TO go to. It all depends on your interests; I went to a financial aid and a study abroad session. It was great information, but honestly didn't inspire any God-sent messages, yet.

My roommates are beginning to open up more, and by whom I mean Xinyi. Her English improves everyday but I believe she's more comfortable with her surroundings and that really helps. Olga is a talker, so my skills as a listener sharpen each and everyday. I pray she becomes more comfortable with college. She calls her parents 3-4 times a day to talk about her feelings and her day so far while also keeping a word by word journal, without realizing how much it affects her experiences here. And my friend Caitlen just came in crying because her parents left and she has a somewhat case of situational anxiety. She's super bubbly, small and energetic, but we are all feeling the out-of-sorts anxiety of no rhythm days.

Our alpha groups toured the entire campus according to our schedules. And then out of no where, a massive wave of nausea shook me to the core with nearly uncontrollable gagging; I hate throwing up and will do all I can to avoid it. Between the constant walking with the weird concoction of eclectic pizza, canned fruit, slightly burnt tomato basil soup and 2-day old birthday cake... ESPECIALLY the birthday cake... I do not believe I shall ever eat food again. So I tried sleeping it off. Didn't work. Went to the bathroom and just sat there for the pure relief of sitting down. Sort of worked. Now I'm sitting here. I don't know what happened. I hope I feel better soon.

Otherwise, Azusa's temperatures dropped today to mid 80's I suspect. The weather felt more suitable for everyday activities. I like this phase because everyone's beginning to feel more comfortable introducing themselves.

But it's totally like ripping the bandaid off slowly; let freshman year begin!

80's Party Aftermath & Orientation.

Today is Friday.

This means the first day of Orientation begins; ironically, everyone arriving to APU today is very disorienting.

On the bright side, all the Bel Canto girls and myself already find daily ways to stay connected: running in the mornings, picking up books and laptops, lunch, things like that. Also, my other roommate Olga came back from staying with her cousins; and thus, our bunk is COMPLETE! =D She and I really click on a like-minded wavelength, so that's pretty awesome.

Everyone... freshman, transfers and parents alike met in the giant gym complex called the Felix building and went through a presentation with speakers like the Azusa MAYOR (I shook his hand. Awesome guy...) who gave his number if ever we wanted to call and talk or need an interview or someone to interview, the APU president (the same guy who gave Bel Canto the One-Year Bibles. He's a little crazy, in a good way), the ASB president, and a bunch of other Vice Presidents and other titles. At this point, they went through the endless list of why APU is so amazing.

Here's why:

1) We possess 5 Dead Sea Scroll fragments, the only school in the country.

2) We own the first Original King James Bible.

3) Out of 2500 full time staff members, over 70% had their Doctorate, and the rest have their Masters with some possessing Post-Doctorate training. In short, I feel grateful and inferior to my professors. I am sure to learn much in the coming years.

4) One of the Science people makes NASA space suits/ played on the Women's Football League.

5) 22 students received some International Federal Grant, which is apparently a lot for a single school.

The list goes on.

Then we met with our "Alpha Group," another connecting point with a group of 7-20 random students together with one Alpha leader. We all gathered in the courtyard and sat in smal circles. I got 9 people: 3 guys and 7 girls. They're all really cool, and my Alpha leader and I really click. She was an ex-theatre major, and we played a Skittle Game where:

Yellow skittle= Fun Fact/Random Tidbit.

Red Skittle= Embarrassing Story/ Awkward Habit.

Orange Skittle= Hobby.

Green Skittle= Something You're Afraid Of.

Purple Skittle= Dare.

I got 1 hobby and 2 dares. First I sang for a super cute guy named Sam Over the Rainbow while holding both of his hands. Next, I "opera sang" Think of Me to the rest of the courtyard, and I forgot a part of the verse when- OF ALL PEOPLE- my future husband Sam yelled at me "We Never Said our Love Was Evergreen, Or As Unchanging As The Sea..."!!!! I finished the song and got a big round of applause. It was very cool, and people like my voice. It was very humbling.

FUN FACT: My Alpha Leader's best friend- a senior in high school- just got out of playing Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz at her school. Her name's Sophie, she sounds just like Judy Garland and has been singing a mere 2 years without instruction.

She auditioned for the National Tour one and got a call back! One of the judges was an honorable guest who was friends with Judy Garland, and of all the contestants she could've chose to go through to New York, she chose Sophie!!!! Way cool. Unfortunately, the pop-y, Britney Spears-like contemporary Dorothy prevailed in the end, but still it was cool.

Things are feeling more comfortable and official, and the Lord is really strong in this place. You feel his Constant Goodness everywhere.

P.S. The 80's Party ROCKED. Dr. Hughes just got back from Indonesia and remodeled his "Men's bathroom" and backyard just like an Amazonian Rainforest. I was enthralled by the captivating exotic birds, chickens, chicks, guinea pigs and homely hospitality of his family. In the bathroom's shower, there was even a tank of FISH!

Does anyone remember when I said a sophomore from APU got into Glee? Well, that was his son, Jonathan.

I hope all is well in Oregon. I'm meeting more Oregonians and really like them.

A Test in Patience.

"Rest in the Lord and Wait patiently for Him."

-Psalm 37:7

This is the verse I cling to whenever I feel sick, both for home and for my voice to return. I still can't sing a whole song or participate fully and wholeheartedly into Bel Canto, as a singer and as a friend. In a group of girls, I'm the one who hardly ever speaks, and if she does, she talks in a husky voice about herself in an attempt to relate somehow to the other girls. This could translate to both conceit or social awkwardness; either one is unacceptable in my book.

Yep, it surely seems like I'm a mess of pity right now.

Yesterday, Bel Canto received something called "1 year Bibles" that are printed so you read the Bible in, yes you guessed it... 365 days. You read a portion of The Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs, including a bolded verse for the Verse of the Day. It says you're supposed to begin January 1st, but I can't wait that long. I've been starving and thirsty for almost 5 days now. So reading the Bible with so much variety put life back into my soul. Coincidentally, the first book of the Bible I EVER read all the way through was Ecclesiastes (I know, depressing right?) but that was the very book I began this time too!

Coincidence? I think NOT.

God has me here for a purpose, and that alone is thrilling. I just need to buck up and try and enjoy these times, both uncomfortable and comfortable. Voice or no voice. God will channel me to other like-minded folks. This whole college thing really works out your introductory colloquial skills. "I'm Katherine *shake hand* What's your major? What are your plans post school?" Stuff like that, over and over. Now if only I could speak....

On the bright side, I feel more comfortable with 1st Soprano. The parts are high, but doable.

And I played an awesome round of Apples to Apples with my Section Leader and some other people, both upperclassesmen and freshman alike 2 days ago. And yesterday all three choirs went to Huntington Beach for Pizza and worship. Rachel Kye and I took some AWESOME pictures (I'll tag them soon) and then worship by the bonfire... wow... God pulls us together as one amazing body in some really cool ways. 220 men and women extremely talented in voice, and in one man's case, accordion makes for an excellent, full-bodied sound of harmonizing. It was great hearing everyone's stories too. I carpooled with the Bel Canto president. She's a senior majoring in Vocal studies, and we bonded too.

So there's been both good and bad so far. Today was really hot, and has no intention of cooling down the rest of the year. God give me the strength to eat and drink, find satisfaction in the day's labors, and endure the off-key singing of the girl down the hall belting it out like nobody's around. She's got guts, and I'm just jealous she can sing at all.

80's party/BBQ at Dr. Hughes' house tonight. He's our professor/father figure/favorite uncle simultaneously. I gotta get ready. I miss you all so much, but Jesus is good.

Have a great night!