to everything there is a season

I’ve noticed a change lately. I have always considered myself an introverted person, who likes my alone time. Big groups of people are fun for a while, but they leave me drained. Last year, after having lived with a rotating group of ten other people, I looked forward to moving into an apartment by myself. Now, however, my little fortress of solitude is beginning to feel oppressive.

Over the past few weeks, as the school year wound down, there were a lot of gatherings to celebrate the year and say goodbye to friends, whether for the summer or indefinitely. Thinking back over these parties and looking at pictures, I realize how much I enjoy spending time with these people and even meeting new people that I somehow missed all year. As I woke up this morning, earlier than usual, I wondered when would be the next time I could hang out with friends and hoped that it would be soon.

The friends I have made here are unlike any I have had before. We are connected by this strong desire to be grown-up, full active participants in society, making a difference in the world; yet we realize that we are here now for a reason and that growing up means moving on. Most of us are only going to be together for two years, some a little more, some a little less. I have to wonder why God designed it that way. What affect are my relatively brief encounters with these people going to have on the rest of my life?

All I know is that I have changed. Spending time with friends and acquaintances no longer drains but rather now energizes me. Whether we are sharing conversations, meals, movies, music, or just simply space, I am continually being challenged, reshaped, and filled up by these people. I am excited to see the further changes I will undergo as I continue to live my life with these amazing people that I am privileged to call my friends.

looking back

I cannot believe I have already finished my first year of grad school or that I've been in California for nine months. The time has just flown by. Luckily, in the midst of all of the exhausting stress of reading logs, exams, and term papers, I have been able to have some amazingly fun times. As a way of celebrating, I thought I would post some pictures taken throughout the year.


The best way to end the school year is with a party. Good thing Phil and Amy were having birthdays so there was also an excuse for cupcakes. Because of these girls, my life has never been without fun or laughter.

(l-r) Amy, Erika, Charissa, me, and Tracy

The next few pictures were taken last weekend when we dressed up and went to The Ritz (see previous post). We had so much fun that night; I have a feeling we will do it again sometime.

This crazy group of kids drove out to Pomona to hear a band play. We got there just in time to hear the lead singer say, "Thanks for coming out. This is our last song." Oh well! As you can see, we still had a great time.

The Pink Party! Another birthday celebration, this time with a color theme. How often do you get to see a whole bunch of guys wearing pink?

Playing a little beach bocce during a road trip down to San Diego. It seems to be the game of choice among seminary students in California.

This is my kitchen. It’s hard to get good pictures of the things in my apartment because you cannot physically stand far enough away from it to get everything in the frame.

self care

One thing that is emphasized here at Fuller is taking care of your own physical and mental health in light of all the stressful school work. Let me tell you, after week ten of the spring quarter, I was ready for a little stress relief. So this past weekend before finals, I took the time to do a lot of fun things for myself. On Saturday night, a group of friends and I got all dolled up and went to the Ritz-Carlton to hear some great R&B music. The amazingly beautiful hotel and grounds are inconspicuously tucked away in a neighborhood of Pasadena but boast a gorgeous view of the Los Angeles city lights at night. It was an incredibly fun evening and a great way to end the school year.

Then on Sunday a couple of girls and I headed down to Malibu for a little sun and relaxation on the beach. It was a great escape from the weekend heat (upper 90s) and the pressure of impending deadlines. We made it back early enough so that I could go to church in the evening with my three most beautiful friends, Charissa, Erika, and Tracy. After church we took a nice stroll down to Old Town for some cold treats. It was the perfect way to end a wonderful weekend.

So now, even though my feet are still a little sore and my shoulders are a little burnt, I am ready to tackle this week of finals. I have to write two ten-page term papers and turn in a take-home final by the end of the week. Once that is done, I will truly be able to relax knowing I have finished my first year of graduate school.

** I will try to take a couple of study breaks this week and possibly post some pictures from the weekend.