Now it's summertime

Summer has been good so far. It's been about four weeks since school got out, and the days have been full like a slice of lemon in a glass of ice water. I've been working part time with PLNU's Marketing and Creative Services, which tells the university's story through publications like The Viewpoint alumni magazine. I have enjoyed working with the people there--I feel so lucky to have this job!

My dad and I have been carpooling to work, since his workplace is on the way to Point Loma. It's been nice talking with him in the car. It's kind of like the beginning of freshman year, when my dad would drive me to school. Those days were so precious, exploring the newness of college.

On my way to work, I often listen to 100.1, the Chrisian radio station. I used to be so critical of Christian songs on the radio, finding fault in a cliche phrase or a predictable chord progression. But now I appreciate Christian songs on the radio. They reveal the body of Christ ministering to the body of Christ through music. And there are some really good songs. There's one in particular, "Wait and See" by Brandon Heath, which is well written and encourages me that God has a plan for me, that he hasn't forgotten me.

I need to hear that. I want God to use me, I want my life to be meaningful. And while I find fulfillment in the relationships I'm in, mostly among family and church family, I am compelled into the future by hopefully discovering something that's not yet here, the good work he has prepared for me to do. I wonder what that work is.

In the meantime, my family's getting ready for our trip to Quezon City, the Philippines. My mom and I leave this Friday, my dad and brother leave three days later, and we return July 11. I'm looking forward to testing my patience on the 17-hour plane flight; it will be a good time to think, read, and write (at least for the first hour or so). Also, I'm expecting to be changed by the trip, seeing what life's like in the Philippines. And I'm most excited about celebrating my Lolo and Lola's 50th year anniversary.

A couple years ago, my Lolo wrote a letter to me saying he and Lola hope to live long enough to celebrate this day with all of our family, including my cousins in Torrance. And now the special day is less than two weeks away. We will all stay in my grandparents' house, and when we're not celebrating, we may visit places that are important to my parents.

I'm thankful God provided the money for travel expenses. Until Friday, I'll need to work a little, tidy up my room, and pack up. And now I need to sleep.

Beautiful Day

See the world in green and blue
City Heights in front of you
See the rooftops under the clouds
See the midnight clearing the streets out
See Tijuana sparkle at night
La Mesa mountains at first light
See the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood, all the colors came out

It was a beautiful day
Don't let it get away

It was a beautiful day

The Same Sand

The sand is caught between our feet,
the same sand that glowed gray beneath
the breath of the moon,
which lullabied the Hotel Del to bed
and cast a starry net into the sea.

June 2

That was no ordinary quesadilla.
It was prepared by the chefs at El Torito,
and had the grease and guacamole, yes,
and eating it was still a good idea;
but friendship was the spice that made it sweet. Oh,
how I love being a birthday guest!