I stayed up until 2:45 AM studying for Chem and Arabic. This madness must stop. Where does all my time go? :(

Yesterday, I picked up a care package from the Thompson's!! I was so giddy. You should've seen the smile on my face when I walked out of that post office. I feel so loved!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You guys are so sweet to me. I can't wait to see you at Thanksgiving.

Today,
"If we endure hardship, we will reign with him." 2 Timothy 2:12 This gives me hope. Pain now, blessings later.

I got back from Tae Kwon Do yesterday and decided I needed a third physical opinion, so I stopped by Cambrian's and he "counseled" me that Mr. Psychologist-to-be. He was pretty insightful, and I must say, I'm glad I stopped by. Thanks Cambrian!

Tae Kwon Do is so much fun! Now, I don't even have to workout on my own. Three sessions of TKD a week will keep me in shape. Raymond drills us pretty hard.

I miss Asian food. Spring rolls.... pho..... oh my goodness I miss Asian food. Especially the kind my mom makes. I think it was because yesterday's dinner was so horrible. VIvian and I grimaced as we chugged down our food.

Today, I have Arabic and a Chem Lab and errands to run, an essay to write, and Arabic to learn. Yay.

It's particularly gloomy outside.

Toodles.

Well, I have an Arabic test in an hour. I don't feel like studying anymore. By now, it's either I know it or I don't - which most likely, I don't. So I'll bomb my first test in college. It'll be a nice wake-up call to get my act together and get it together soon. This morning, when I logged on to read my emails and Facebook messages, this comment from Lydia made my day, and it hasn't even started yet!:

Hey Christina! I hope all is well with friggen Yale! hahaha.
Well anyways, I was cleaning and I came across a letter you wrote to me probably 2 or more years ago, when we wrote letters to everybody. Remember?
So yeah, one line that you wrote really stuck out:
"I wish we can go back to kindergarten and be carefree again, not having to worry about anything besides having a complete set of crayons."
I guess it stuck out since we've both gone so far since kindergarten; we've put so much more on our plates than back then - taking on so many bigger things than crayons. It was just so good to be able to catch a big sigh of relieve and relive the happiness of the good old days, so I just wanted to share it with you :)
I hope all is well with you, seriously. Stress keeps you sane, sometimes. And know, you can probably beat all the competition that is Yale. Hope to see you around again. It's been a freakishly long time.
Good night and God bless <3"

This is what my heart beats for - the simple things in life, to quote Lisa. You couldn't imagine the joy that filled my heart and just this indescribable happiness that just made smile so big, so early in the morning. Sometimes, in the midst of the business of life and the worries that come with life, we forget how good life can really be. It's not fair, it's too hard, it's too short, it's too long, it's too whatever - but it is also good. Thank you Lydia, for making my day, and for sharing and reliving that insight.

This weekend was really fun and unproductive. On Saturday we decided to go get board games at the Dollar Store, which as it turns out, did not have any. So Vivian, Josh, Surui, Alex, and I made a complete detour into the sketchy parts of New Haven right outside the Yale bubble. I must say, I was glad we asked the boys to come along with us. Then, we stopped by Rite Aid, which was closing down, so we bought really cheap wrapping paper. You never know when you'll need wrapping paper. haha :) And then we went back and played Catchphrase and other random card games. Then we watched Slumdog Millionaire. It was such a good movie! And that Jai Ho dance at the end brought back a flood of memories from our Spanish play! oh, the memories <3 But after watching that movie I thought about three things:

1. Sometimes, life gives you answers. A lot of them. So much that they will makes you rich.
2. Poverty is very real, and man's hand in it is also very real.
3. How rare is the kind of Jamal-Latika love. And that is exactly why it's only in the movies.

I am very excited to start at NHR today! Can't wait to meet the student I'm going to tutor! Today is going to be a busy day, a lot of errands to run and a lot of homework to do.

This morning, my verse is "And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction with joy of the Holy Spirit." 1 Thess. 1:6 It gives me hope in sharing the gospel. And if only I knew how to properly do that.

I was talking to Trong last night on ichat (which is the bomb, btw) and we talked about college life and our worries and such. It was so nice to catch up with an old friend. And, I almost cried when he said he was doing bible study with a group outside of Berkeley. GAP. God Answers Prayers :) Keep on exploring this wonderful peace and love from God, Trong :) You and your lovely girlfriend are in my prayers.

I also got a phone call from Sarah yesterday. It was nice to hear a friendly voice from home. Thank you for that wonderful conversation. I am excited to go to the post office today and pick up my package!!! Oh how I love getting mail!

Saturday night, or should I say Sunday morning, since we didn't end until 3 AM, Vivian and I talked about life. I think it was our third conversation about life. ahhahaha. I'm willing to bet there will be so many more as the days go on. It was nice to talk to someone who could connect with me. My favorite line from our conversation:
"Being in a relationship right now is like taking another Foreign Language at Yale" - and it's true! A relationship is a time commitment, a huge one.

Then, after Vivian and I finished, Nikki texted me and we started talking. Man, I was just talkative Saturday night. And I'm so happy for Nikki and Jared. They make me giddy. Yay for love :) And from this conversation, I learned that if someone really cares, they'll talk to you, or at least make some effort to communicate with you. Being busy just does not cut it as an excuse anymore. Maybe, just maybe, if this keeps up, I'll be able to let myself slowly move on. It's hard to let go of something you deem so good, but it might not be there anymore, so for your own sake, it's best to move on. And life goes on. Hopefully.

I've reached a final decision about my letter. I realize that it's just me acting on a whim, wanting to get my feelings out on paper. And that's all that it is, my feelings on paper. I'm ready to tear it to pieces and take the first step to moving on.

Alright, I must go eat breakfast now and start my busy day. God bless you for reading this, whoever you are.

Well, this week has been sufficiently stressful and busy with a dash of fun.

Highlights of the week:
I started Tae Kwon Do - and I love it! It's a great workout and I get to relieve a stress at the end of my busy days, Mondays and Wednesdays. And, I get to hear the Korean words, which remind me of the great time I had in Korea with Yein. I miss her so much.

I got hired by New Haven Reads! And I will be working four hours a week. Getting paid to do something you enjoy and love doing is the greatest thing ever! I'm so excited to meet my students!
I had another Rush Meal with Living Water and Susie and Jason were so nice. They are such nice people and I was so lucky to have had the chance to eat breakfast with them.

This morning, I woke up at 11:45 and then went to breakfast with Vivian. Surui showed up from doing his laundry too. We had a good time :) And now, we are in the library for a homework marathon. I really need to study for Arabic. But I'm doing this entry first. and now i am here the library with Josh and Vivian. Whooot!

I just read from a section of Matthew 6. A few favorite verses are:
"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men....But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen."
And the Prayer:
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

I think this traditional prayer sometimes loses it's relevancy in our mind. I feel as if sometimes I just recite it without thinking about the words. My eyes glaze over it and my mind just says ohh it's the same old prayer. But it's not. It's something to be taken seriously and slowly and it is something glorious to be revered.

I'm really thankful for the Internet and Facebook because I don't know what I would do if I couldn't be in contact with my friends back home. I also want to thank Sarah for emailing me and keeping in touch with me :) And Tracee for her counsel and comfort when I was totally an emotional wreck.

Well, I have an Arabic test on Monday - I better go study for that. I texted Nate yesterday! "Ahlan wa sahlan" :) I'm glad he's enjoying his time with Anne in their first days of marriage. I am so happy for them that it makes me so giddy! Hahaha :)

And, I dropped Intro to Cog Sci. I realize that balance is what I need to strive for. If I want do other things besides academic work all the time, I need to drop it. Sleeping only five hours a day is not healthy and sleep is very important to me. And besides, I'd rather enjoy and do well in my other courses than stretch myself too thin and try and get five credits. I'm still adjusting to the college life.

And, last night, I watched She's the Man with Josh, Vivian, and Surui and Zak. I love that movie! And it was for English class so I don't feel as guilty watching it. :)

I also wrote a really long letter this week. I don't know why I wrote it. It was so random. I was sitting and waiting for my interview with Brian at NHR and the idea just popped into my head. It's still in an unaddressed envelope in my folder. I realize that sometimes we do things in the whim and sometimes those things should not be mailed. I'm going to mull over it a couple more days and then decide whether or not I want to mail it. Weighing the unknown consequences can be very difficult.

Oh! And I talked to Anh until 2 AM last night. Haha or this morning I guess. It was nice to catch up with her and ask her how she's doing. Girls' League is in good hands :) I miss her sweet bubbly personality.

And I called Nancy too but I think she was too busy moving in. I'm so excited for her! yay ucla! :) <3 Good gracious, I miss her so much. Her sarcasm, her smile, her killer hugs AND HER BAKING SKILLS. :D :D :D

That's what I miss too. Bear hugs. you're-hugging-me-so-hard-that-I-can't-breathe bear hugs. People here are not into bear hugs. I miss Sundays at Midcities.

But I'll be back for Thanksgiving :) yay!

Friends I've made here at Yale are great and I'm enjoying getting to know them better! :) I still feel as if there are walls that I put up. But, I have to be open to new experiences.

Rest in Peace, Annie <3

Tonight was Annie Le's prayer vigil. We gathered on Cross Campus to remember this remarkable, young, brilliant, heartwarming woman. It was so good to see the Yale community out there. Like Austin said, all the "groups" were there. It's amazing how tragedies can bring a body of human beings together in unison - in heartache and in mourning. As investigations continue as to how Annie was taken from us, I can't help but be so angry at the person who was behind all this. How can you take away life? How can you take away a life such as Annie, a flower that is blooming so beautifully, so full of promises. She was ready to save the world from what people say. She "had it all" - brains, beauty, and a heart so big, so full of love. I just don't know.

I can only imagine how hard and how painful and how heart-searing it is for her family, fiance, and friends. My heart and tears go out to them. I didn't even know Annie and just hearing about her death and their loss makes me ache inside and it caused me to cry. It is just so unfair. She was going to be a beautiful bride on a beautiful day with beautiful plans for the rest of her life. And now all Jonathan can do is mourn. God, please be with this man who is in love with Annie, please bless his heart, please heal his heart, comfort him in this time of loss and despair. Only You God can cure and heal this pain. No human words or action can offer the comfort that you offer. Please be with her family, her parents especially. I can only imagine what they are going through. Please fill up their loss with Your abounding love. God, please just heal.

Several prominent Yale staff gave their short speeches about Annie, but what touched me the most was when Annie's roommate came up to share her part. She was choking back her tears as she told us to "bear with her as she tries her best." God bless her heart. She recited Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." And at that moment, all my doubts, all my questioning of God in this dark situation vanished. It was as if He spoke to me, to the hundreds that showed up, that our loss is a part of His greater plan - a plan so great that we can't comprehend it. He calls us to trust in Him completely, and I do. I'm sorry I doubted. I'm sorry I was so unfaithful. I don't know for sure if Annie is a Christian or not, but I'd like to say that she is. I'd like to know that she is with our Heavenly Father right now, at His right hand, exploring heaven. Annie's death is tragic, but I know she did not die in vain.

Austin found me in the middle of the service and gave me the longest hug. He is so sweet. He comforted me and asked me if I was okay constantly, and continued to hold me. It was as if I had forgotten what it is like to hug someone that tight, for so long. It was so nice and I was filled with love. Thanks again, Austin. I know I can come running to you anytime.

A newspaper interviewer came up to us at one point and asked me about how I felt about the whole thing. It was kind of weird and I don't remember most of what I said. Hopefully she'll quote me correctly. I couldn't even see her clearly because of the tears in my eyes.

Last night, Vivian and I had a great, confusing, and challenging conversation. We prayed together. It was so good. God is so good. Help us to be lights for you during this dark time Lord, help us reflect Your endless love, bolster our faith, build us up to be citizens of heaven, Father. It's challenging, it's unfair in our eyes, but I know You know best, and for now, all I can do is be patient and let you reveal to me in Your time.

I must admit, I am frightened. It's scary to know that this crime happened within the Yale community. I must admit that I am scared to go to any basement for the time being. Or to go anywhere by myself. But I know and I take comfort in knowing that God is with me at all times. If something were to happen, I know I'm already saved. Besides, Yale has great safety resources, and as long as we are united as a community, as a university, as human beings, we can keep each other in love and safety.

To Annie,
We have never met, and for that I grieve. I wish I could've met you before you had to leave. Your death is a tragic event, but I take hope in the possibility that you are with our Father right now. Know that you are dearly and sorely missed by your family, your fiance, your friends, and by the Yale community. Your vibrant life will be a testimony to the positive attributes of humanity. Thank you for being so radiant, for being optimistic and a bringer of joy and love. Please rest in peace.

Yesterday I felt particularly homesick - to the point of tears. A lot of things have been going on. I miss home. I miss my brothers. I miss my mom and dad. I miss LEGIT Asian food. I miss my friends. I miss my couch. I miss my church. I miss my church family. I miss him. I miss California weather.

Yesterday was Saturday, and I woke up at around 11 AM and went and got brunch with Vivian, after that, I tried to do homework. Julius and I worked on our English essays (which are still not done) and Vivian worked on reading her novel. We facebook-ed each other while we were in the same room. It was so silly and yet so fun. I have found a new hobby in making Facebook Videos :) so much fun! Then we headed to dinner and got back and did some more work. Oh, and we made a trip to the Salvation Army and I picked out a temporary raincoat just in case it rains again. And we made a trip to the post office so I can drop of my postcards. I checked my PO Box and was kind of sad it was empty.

Then, I decided to really crack down on this essay that is due at 3 PM today (and is still not done as I write this). It's on masculinity and femininity and I'm using an ad from State Farm for analyzing this theme. But then I just went into this "missing home" mode. It was so depressing when mom called two days ago and was in tears because she was worried about me due to Annie Le's case. I really do hope this situation will turn into positive miracle. I pray for her family and, especially her fiance. They were going to get married today. And the investigators have found bloody clothes in her laboratory station, which may or may not be linked to her. I hope, I hope, I hope that she just got cold feet and will show up soon. And then, I read about Kevin Telles' death from playing football. Such a melancholy event, and when it comes to these things, I really don't know what to say. Except that life is so short and sometimes, sometimes it's taken away. He had so much potential. He lived and breathed football and he gave it everything he had on that field. I salute you, Kevin Telles and may you rest in peace. Hopefully, we'll see each other again one day.

Then I started to question why all this is happening. Surely this is not how God wants it to be. Why is there all this hurt and pain? But there's also the other side. There were birthday celebrations and weddings on the same days these events happened. Is this the balance of life? I find it so hard to be so sad and so happy at the same time. It's draining, emotionally.

Well, I also want to congratulate Nate and Anne! Happy wedding, happy marriage, happy ever after! :) And to Brendon and Lindsey as well! :)

Tracee called me yesterday and we had a good talk. Well, it was mostly me venting. Okay, it was me venting the whole time. But I'm glad she called and listened and offered comfort. Thank you so much, Tracee.

Then, I headed out to celebrate with my friends who had their birthdays within this past week. Happy Birthday do all of you! I really needed to get away and have a good time. And I did, so it ended up being a good night. And, Nancy was texting me and said how she wished I was there to eat cupcakes with her and drool over Zac Efron. Haha :) <3>

At the end of my night, which is only the beginning for the other kids who were about to go party, I couldn't help but be a little irked by all the vulgarity around me. Drugs, sex, and alcohol seem to be everywhere. I get it that it's college. I get it that some people need to relieve stress. What I don't get is why girls are willing to dress in clothing up to their butts and giving up their bodies to guys who won't even remember who they are the next day. And then seeing the drunk people do silly things, say silly things, is also particularly awkward and annoying. I don't get why people do the things they do, what kind of satisfaction do they find in doing those things? I don't want to come off as judgmental, I just don't get it.

I went to bed at 2 and got up at 7 and I am now in the Branford Library, determined to get my work done. I'm going to try out Trinity's evening service today at 6:30 with Vivian.

This morning, I read in Matthew Chapter 5. Here are the parts that stood out to me this particular morning:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit , for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted"

"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God"

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of the me"

"you are the salt of the earth.... You are the light of the world"

"You have heard that it was said, 'love your neighbor and hate your enemies,' But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."

Lord, today, please help me be productive and get my work done. Lord, let me miss home, but please don't let me become an emotional wreck. And today, please help me be a light for You. Amen.

September 8th

His Footsteps, My Pathway:

"Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." Matthew 5:48

This is from a little book Tracee got me for 1 minutes devotions. I try to read a page before I got to breakfast and I write the daily verses either on my hand or on a post-it. Today, it's that one.

Let's face it. I'm never going to have the time to write long blogs about the end of my summer, the trip to Texas, and Cultural Connections. So here's a short re-cap.

Summer: it was a blast, wonderful memories, great lessons learned, my birthday was fabulous, my Baptism priceless, mom took me out for a massage. Earlier on, Fuge and Biola and VBS were such great events!

Texas: hot, humid, Texas. They have Howdy Burgers and Taco Cabana. I never did see a cowboy. It was nice to spend a week at Co Hien's. She is so nice and she babysits 13 kids a day. It was organized chaos and I never ceased to be amazed by her talent to babysit that many kids. But I must say, the highlight of my trip was meeting up with Nate for breakfast at Denny's. Who knows when I'll get to see him again? We had a great conversation - about life, love, God, and other random things. It was so good to talk to him and I feel so blessed that he is in my life. He always has the words to uplift me, advice to give me peace and encouragement. He's getting married soon to beautiful Anne, and I want to wish them the best of a married life. I know with all my heart that this marriage will bring glory to our King.

Cultural Connections: was fantastic! Despite my initial doubts, I am so glad I did this program. It didn't drastically change my perspective because I had an open mind before I came in, but I couldn't help but feel as if my mind was a little more less clouded than before the program - which is always a good thing. Dean Garcia and the CC Aides were so great to us and I appreciate them a lot. It's great to see them around school as I'm walking to class or having lunch. They are so loving! We played Laser Tag, had a bunch of panels on Yale life, a Poetry Jam, a Talent Show, and so much more! I sang in the Talent Show :) It was so nerve-wracking but it was so good, this experience. The poetry jam reinforced my belief in the power of words. I wish I could write like they do. It's amazing and insightful and you just feel yourself being sucked in as you listen to those words. There is so much talent in people here at Yale, and each day, I am humbled.

Camp Yale/Orientation: Five days of festivities and relaxation before the crazy schedules start up. I spent most of it soaking up the sun, getting to know people, and occasionally glancing at my Blue Book. Camp Yale is now over, and the work has begun.

This semester I am taking Chem 118 and a Lab, English 114 Masculinity vs Femininity, Arabic, and Intro to Cog Sci. It's a big load of work, these four classes. Maybe it's just because I'm not used to the style of teaching and college work yet. Hopefully it will get better soon. And then there's activities! So much going on each night, it's tempting to just put off homework. I'm working on doing hw during the day so I don't have to do it at night. Sleep, once again, is suffering.

This morning was disappointing. I got transferred to another Arabic class and I'm not too stoked about that. God, please work things out there.

Last night was Living Water's Singing Dessert and I had a great time. I especially loved the song "I Understand" - it speaks about how no matter how many life storms one is going through, God is there, He sees, and He understands. This song is especially true during this time. I am so frustrated with shopping period, with the workload, with overextending myself like I always do. When things go wrong, I am quick to anger and let it get to me. But I find hope in that God knows and He understands. My heart and flesh cries out for His hand to intervene in my life and restore peace. I need to continue to draw near to Him, but this hectic schedule is not allowing that. I read in "Practicing the Presence of God" that it's possible to be connected to God every second of my day - and I am trying to practice that. In the simplest, ugliest, most banal things, God is there. In the most beautiful, most precious, most natural - He's there.

So, I just finished Arabic class. Again, I feel so behind and must look into getting a tutor soon. I hope Aziz will be as good as Ghassan. I have a lab at 1PM on Science Hill. Oh joy! My first trek up that hill that was made to punish Science majors and Pre-Med students. It's a hike I tell you. I no longer fear the Freshman Fifteen. Although... it's kind of tricky since any extracurricular activity I go to has free food... so on top of three meals a day, it can be a lot. I just have to monitor what I eat I guess. But sometimes, like yesterday, after a rough day, chocolate cake is all I want.

My devotional for today is in Matthew 3. I'm trying to go through this book, chapter by chapter. It's titled "John the Baptist prepares the way" and "The Baptism of Jesus." John says "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry." It is so cool how John knew that, and how he respects and acknowledges Jesus. When Jesus was baptized, "at that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirt of God, descending like a dove and lighting on him." How majestic and beautiful was that moment. I can just picture it in my mind... the heavenly hosts are singing as the Holy Spirt descends upon His Son, blessing Him, and fulfilling righteousness. When I was baptized, as I was submerged and lifted up again, it was like an out-of-body experience! God is so good. Thank you for taking my sins away, my Friend.

Yale has been a bittersweet experience. I love the school, the people, the architecture, the opportunities. But it is very different. I've found a couple of Christian friends and have made a conscious effort to plug into the Christian community. But I've also come to find that if I focus on Christ and stand for Him, He'll make even the most dry desert bloom. I love it here, but I can't wait to be back home for Thanksgiving.

Shopping Period Day 2 + Psalm 1

mood: focused
music: none
praises: many blessings
prayers: many worries

Today is Day 2 of Shopping Period. It was much better than yesterday. I promise I'll blog about the end of Summer, Texas, Cultural Connections and post pictures some time in the near future. Right now though, my priorities lie elsewhere. I got into the English 114 Section that I petitioned this morning! Getting up at 6 AM was worth it after all. Alfred Guy's class is going to be amazing! Masculinity versus Femininity. try saying that ten times fast! :) Reminds me of Nemo... "I live in an anemonemee - an anemo-nee" ahahaha!

Then I went to a Math 112 class and stayed for exactly 2 minutes. The professor was completely bland and had no emotions, and if I do say so myself, might even be afraid of his students. I can't stand the lack of a dynamic learning environment. I guess the rumor is true. Math is boring and is taught by graduate students who have better things to do. So I left, really fast.

Then I went to Audobon's to pick my workbook for Intro to Cognitive Science - which cost me 60 bucks!! So sad to shell out so much money. The owner was nice though and wished me good luck. I'll sure need it!

Then, I went to the bookstore to pick up stuff for Chem, got a sweet deal on the Chem textbook from Carl for one hundred bucks (it actually costs 215) and got a labcoat, and lab materials. I am remembering how Ms. Buck said that Chem Lab Write Ups are horrendously tedious and boring. Just imagine the walk up Science Hill in November... ughh! suck it up, Christina. That's what you get for being Pre-med.

Then I ate lunch in Branford's Dining Hall. Michele is so nice and I love seeing her everyday when I go for food. It really sucks that Harkness Tower is under construction! The very icon of Yale, the monstrous bells, and Gothic architecture now all covered in blue gunk for restoration and renovation. At least we get it next year. I hope they finish in time for the seniors this year though!

Then I went to Arabic class. Aziz wasn't as personal as I'd like a person to be, so I was kind of irked. I'm switching to the morning section with Pro. GH. Hopefully I won't fall too behind, I already missed two sessions. :(

Then tonight was amazing. I went to a meeting with Yale Students for Christ and worshipped and met people and heard a guy talk about the Kingship of Christ. But what stood out to me most is that God really is everywhere, even at an institution like Yale. He talked about how we should not let Yale overwhelm us, reign us, nor hinder us from seeking God. It was so good. And I felt cared for by a Heavenly Father. Tomorrow, I'm going to a session with Yale Christian Fellowship to hear Zac talk about how he found Christ at Yale. It'll be good I'm sure.

I signed up for volleyball and table tennis intramural for Branford.

Now, time for some quiet time. Psalm 1 :)

My favorite parts are:

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night."

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water"

"For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."

It makes me think about peer pressure a lot, the "ways of the wicked." I am exposed to a lot of concepts and new events that are not exactly in line with my morals and virtues, but it does not mean that I need to pay them any attention. But the natural initial curiosity naturally happens. It takes a lot of prayer and conviction to be able to stay true to myself and God.

^ Psalm 1 was the chapter that Cuqui had given me at my send-off. Will and I are trying to do a Psalm marathon walk through. Please pray that we can keep each other accountable and be able to keep at it.

Now, Chemistry chapter 1....