Justice.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

I'm a Liberal Studies major with a concentration in Early Childhood Studies, all that hosh posh to say, I'm going to be a teacher. For awhile now, I've had advocacy for human trafficking on my heart. I've been wondering how on earth I would be able to implement my major/potential career with this passion for justice. I wasn't sure how much of a possibility it was to become involved with an organization's aftercare/rehabilitation for people who have been rescued from the horrors of human trafficking.

So, this week I went to a luncheon with a rep from World Vision and the International Justice Mission. It was a laid-back, eat your lunch and ask some questions, type of thing. Among many other things, I learned that the beautiful people who are rescued from trafficking go through an aftercare program that provides help medically, psychiologically, spiritually, and educationally. Professional teachers are indeed, needed.

If this is something I choose to do, it brings up a lot of questions. There are schools in Cambodia, the Philippines, India and many other countries where human trafficking is prevalent. But trafficking is also an issue here in the states. Will I stay in the states or out of the country? When the time comes, will I even get the job? I guess I'll answer those questions when I get there (finish school, teaching credential, gain experience etc.).

Praying for God's will in my life and to always keep this passion for injustice.

And praying for the innocent people who are trafficked each day. I can't even begin to imagine the terrors that they face every moment of every day. If you're reading this, please make sure you pray too.

For more info on human trafficking or ways to help, visit http://www.ijm.org/

And Live from NY, It's Saturday Night!!

I've been enjoying SNL far too much lately. Practically every morning, Ryan and I are texting each other lines from the different skits. I haven't been too into the show in the past... other than the Best of Will Farrell & Chris Farley. But I must admit, Andy Samberg's killer Digital Shorts got me hooked. Then... every Kristen Wiig skit, and Kenan Thompson's "What Up With That" sealed the deal. HILarious to say the least. Needless to say, I'm an avid viewer and huge fan of the show. I'm visiting my sisters in NY during Spring Break and, this may be wishful thinking, but I hope I run into somebody from the cast on the street. Ridiculous? Not so much... my sis saw Mr. Samberg sitting on a toilet for the "Get Out" short on her way out of work. Ew, I sound like a tourist.

In other recent news, school is creeping its way toward owning my life yet again. No complaints, I finish my undergrad this December. I'm a senior in college. It. Feels. Awesome.

Just found out Copeland is doing a farewell tour. I've wanted to see them perform for the longest time. So, here's my last chance. Ry & I are getting tickets tomorrow for their show in LA. Woot!!

It's been raining cats and dawgs. I love it. My only concern is the small river right outside of the front door of my apartment. There are sandbags, but they can only prevent so much. Looking forward to real (So Cal) winter weather. I finally have a reason to wear a jacket. So long 80 degree January!

That's enough for now.

Amazed.

God has done some major work in my life. I hope I can always keep this joyous feeling of blessing each day I wake up.

Long story short, I didn't think I'd be able to stay at school because of financial difficulties (pretty much everyone's story now-a-days). My story isn't any different or any more special than the next guy's. School's been in session since last week and tomorrow is the last day for late registration.

When I got back to my apartment this afternoon after spending a relaxing afternoon with Ry, I seriously considered to start packing.

My generous, amazing grandmother was gracious enough to send me a check to cover about half of my tuition this year. My amazing and beautiful mom also sent me a check and, well, I just registered for classes. I'm staying.

My mom calls God the God of the 11th and 59th hour. Can't even begin to explain how true that is. Not to say I didn't trust God, but when He doesn't answer my prayers in the timely manner that I so selfishly propose... I get a little antsy. I was ready to give up and start planning my next move.

God has blessed me in SO many ways. I don't deserve any of this.

Thanks to all who prayed with me and for me.

So. Amazed.

Well Cellooo.

If this isn't motivation to pick up a cello again, I don't know what is. The cello is the most beautiful instrument, hands down. It's like it speaks to my soul. We have a connection.

Christmas list item for suresies.

come for me / charlie hall

Jesus come take me away, I long to see Your face

This world is broken yet beautifully made,
Jesus come take me away
Jesus I’ll patiently wait, till like a vapor I’ll fade
Help me fulfill all your dreams for these days,
Jesus I’ll patiently wait

You’ll come again with a shout,
like a thief in the night you’ll come riding on clouds
Finally the voice I have followed for life
has a glorious face that is lit up with light
And you’ll come for me, no more pain, peace,
No more fear, release
just lost and consumed with my glorious King,

And you’ll come for me

Jesus today I am tired, I need your music to come and inspire
I give myself to be refined in this fire,
but Jesus today I’m so tired

Come for me

[End]

Ketchup or catch up, whatevs.

Welp, it's been quite sometime. I'm incredible busy with school. 18 units, being an RA and life on top of all that.

Life's good, though.

October recap:
Yankees win the ALCS
Midterms (shoot me)
Chris & Es leave :(
Kaitlin's wedding
Big sis Manda visits!
The Fantastiks
Strega Nona
Midnight Madness
Halloween Parties

November just started, but so far:
Yankees = World Series CHAMPS
World of Hurt

My grades are pretty rockin' right about now. Don't ask me how I'm doin' it, I just am. Late nights, lots of coffee runs w/the roomies and wonderful boyfriends named Ryan who give incredible encouragement and support. Speaking of which, our 2 year anniversary is Dec. 1st. I know, time flies!!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It's one of my favorites. I'm jealous because my sister Manda is going to be with her hubby's family. But whatevs, she would be having more fun with us. My dad blew the surprise about my other big sis, Tina who's coming for Thanksgiving. She makes the best yams and marsh mellows dish, ever. Seriously.

In other holiday news, I will not watch/listen to Christmas movies/music until AFTER Thanksgiving. It's a rule that everyone should abide by.

I'll leave you with this, you can't trust the SYSTEM, maaaaaaan.

vma madness.

Haven't blogged in awhile. But this, my friends, is blogworthy. (Sorry for the poor video quality).

Pretty sure I cried at 3:42 and especially 5:11. I <3 you MJ.



In other VMA news:

Kanye acted a fool. (Congrats Taylor, you're the 1st and only country music artist who's CD I proudly own)

Lady Gaga officially scares the crap out of me.

Catch you on the flipside.