Tonight was crazy. This entire week has been crazy.
The message at the Ark last Sunday was by Javi (Tarango-Sho of IV La Fe). He spoke on transitions: how they are not as temporary as we think, how we should never feel comfortable, how we are to rely on God in these times for comfort and provision, how transitions are ways of exploring new sides of Jesus. His message couldn't come at a better time.
It's the last two weeks of school, which = crunchtime for everyone. I can't really describe the emotions I've felt this past week; they seem to fluctuate between sadness that the year is ending, but excitement for so many new things to come.
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LAST SMALL GROUP
InterVarsity has changed my life.
God has blessed me and used me in sooo many ways this year, and I have no words to express how thankful I am that He brought me into this community. I LOVE my unit3 brothers and sisters. I didn't get a chance to record for the sg appreciation video, but God has gifted us with amazinggg leaders: Andrew has this huge heart for God and community. I have seen him step out in faith to initiate conversations with strangers, with the homeless, with those who may feel excluded. Emily with this crazy genuine, down-to-earth attitude. She is so comfortable with who she is, and she's not afraid to show her quirky awesome awkwardness because she so knows that God loves her the way she is. Nathan has given me encouragement every, single, time. He has shared with me his struggles, his pain and his trials, thus opening the gateway for me to open up to him. And Sarah. Sarah Lam. She has been a ray of sunshine to our small group, our fellowship and the body of Christ. She has unconditionally poured out love for us that can only originate from one Source.
I love my small group DEARLY. I know that our community isn't perfect. And I almost like it because it's not.
I am glad that we recognize the struggles that we face as a community. I am thankful for our differences. And even though there has been tensions and divisions arising, I'm really glad that we are able to come together as a body of Christ. Our small group has such strong personalities with so much leadership potential, and I'm just so excited to see how God will work through each and every one of us as we -part our ways- next year. They have provided me with a safe space. They have been patient with me through the beginnings of my Walk. They have graciously prayed for me and answered my questions. They have reaffirmed me and provided for me. I admit that I did step away second semester, because I really felt called to build relationships with our brothers & sister in our class and other small groups.
Dinner Tuesday night at Emily's was sooo good because it was really the first time that ALL of us sat down and shared a meal. I am really glad that we got our very own 'puzzle' yearbooks :) I hope that we will continue to be present amongst each other's lives for the upcoming years. I know that things will be difficult, but we will still be THE amazing 07-08 u3 small group.
LAST HALL ASSOCIATION MEETING
Spent at Fondue Fred's just reflecting on the year. My officer corps is quite special; it takes so much dedication and heart for any Hall Ass Ex Comm to gel together and work so well together. I am amazed at how comfortable with each other. They made me feel so included last semester even when I wasn't on Ex Comm, and they have empowered and encouraged me this semester especially through Collide planning.
Brittany Murlas is an amazing woman. She brings the most positive energy. She is so incredibly supportive and encouraging while managing to keep us in check at all times. I am so thankful that she is a part of my life because I KNOW she will be doing amazing things for our community. She is the most capable and compassionate leader I've met. Ex Comm wouldn't have been able to pull off anything this semester without our awesome PA.
I really admire this bunch in our vision AND our dedication to living it up. I know that we didn't really hangout much outside of meetings and events, but Tuesday nights were never a bore. "The shitz", I love sex because... and snaps.
LAST SUITCASE CLINIC CLASS
Inspirational Suitcase alum speaker. Hilarious group presentation. The Unity secret. Crazy tons of small group pride.
It's funny how God brought me to Suitcase Clinic in the beginning of the year, but I am so sure that God has called me to serve in this community for a purpose. Christopher Peabody, a med student at UCSF, talked about the presence of Suitcase across the country. He emphasized our values and mission statement - compassion & empathy - that are lifelong skills that will empower everyone in this class to become leaders in our community. I am excited to take part in this organization for the rest of my college years in hopes of developing these skills.
I have some pretty big shoes to fill next semester as Volunteer Coordinator. DJ and Andrew just have this crazy aura around them that radiate positive energy. I am so blessed to have been in the Unity small group. I can't believe how well our small group got along - I never imagined all of us to be so chillax and friendly with each other. I know I'll definitely see everyone at Clinic a lot still next year - I can't wait!
LAST LARGE GROUP
Reminiscent slideshows. Cute song. Testimonials. Prayer.
I can't comprehend why and how tremendously the Senior class has blessed our Freshmen class. Sam's testimony on community, Wilken's testimony on faith and Slam & David Chau's testimony on reconciliation. Slam & David's testimony really touched me because it symbolized foreseeable issues that our class will have to deal with in the future. The ways they serve God are so different - Slam's renewal and reborn dedication to follow Christ, and David's "of the world" brokenness to struggle alongside everyone. It's so beautiful that they are both able to worship the same God in such distinct ways.
I feel so loved on by the seniors. I know they have been praying for us, and they have poured out love for us especially at FROC. They were patient with us and willing to be vulnerable with us. I can't say that I am super close with any of them, but I have developed this attachment and admiration for many of them through conversations (Slam, David Chau, Jen Chiang, Jeff Kwong, Stephen Yang, Joyce Lin + Tiff Yang + Osup Kwon at FROC in particular). I know they aren't perfect, but just seeing the ways that God has transformed them and taught them about Him has been mind blowing.
I pray to God asking Him to constantly remind us that we are all still part of His body, that all of us will still connected no matter where He takes us. We are the IV-CCF community, and I can't wait to see how God will use each one of the seniors to bless and glorify His Kingdom.
SMALL GROUP LEADER APPRECIATION
I am going to be honest; tonight's small group leader appreciation blew my mind. I am guilty of not having high hopes and expectations for it. God is sooo good. I am so proud of our class for putting all of this together: the planning, logistics, video, awards, food, gifts, haikus. It was THE manifestation of the Body of Christ!! I am so thankful and appreciative of everyone's collective efforts. I know each 'committee' worked really hard on their respective part of the night, and the way everything came together was beautiful. Thank you Lily for heading the idea.
The event really also sparked some worries in me...
A few weeks ago, Sarah at the Ark asked us the question "Who are you blessing in your life?". And honestly even now, I don't even know!!! I will have some pretty bigbigbig shoes to fill next year as a leader. I am excited yet afraid at the same time about where God is going to put me. I pray for trust.
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I've blogged for about 45minutes now, and it's getting late.
TRANSITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
Becoming diligent to focus on my studies to wrap up my first year. Moving out of the dorms. Moving into apartments!! - learning how to really take care of myself and get along with to others. Going on my first 'church camp'. Going on 'vacation' without my parents. Spending down time with God and my brothers & sisters at Catalina. Reflecting on the past year and getting excited about the next - so can't wait! Living on my own without my immediate family for two months halfway around the world. Spending the entire summer without my friends. Taking on an internship - glimpsing into the real world. Taking on new leadership roles as a small group leader and volunteer coordinator.
And lastly, since the last large group about grief, beginning a healing process from my past broken (dating) relationship(s). I don't really know where anything is heading, but I pray to the Lord that He will give me the time to grieve and heal 'properly' from these major gashes and wounds.
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On a random note, I finally placed in the order for personalized dog tags. Mine is Isaiah 40:31, Derk's is Joshua 1:9. I can't wait for them to get here!
All this is pretty bittersweet. Just gotta keep in mind that each ending is just another beginning.
Friends when it’s dark out
2 years ago
