VT

To all the victims in the Virginia Tech shooting..my heart goes out to you. To all the families, friends, colleagues, professors who lost loved ones in this tragedy..my heart goes out to you.

The violence needs to stop, the hatred and wars need to stop...It's time to take a stand...

We need to set down our pride and start loving each other. This story still shakes me because it makes me wonder what draws people to hurt one another..I'm having a hard time explaining what I'm feeling right now, but all I can say is that it needs to stop...

In Loving Memory...

These past two weeks have been filled quite depressing, life awakening, and heart warming moments. One of my instructors who taught me the first year of Nursing passed away on February 13, 2007. Our class along with several other classes were collecting money to have roses delivered to his hospice on Valentine's day, unfortunately they didn't make it, instead they will now be buried with him in his memory. This instructor of mine taught me more about myself than any other instructor I have encountered with. His loving spirit, his thoughtful gestures and warm smile brought me to where I am today within my program. I struggled the first two years of nursing school as  I didn't know if this program was for me. However, it was this particular instructor who taught me to be confident, to keep working hard with head held high and to keep an open and positive mind towards the end of this journey. And now with one more year to go, I have him to thank for that...

Mr. Ritchie..Rest in Peace.

A week later, On Sunday, February 18, 2007, another friend passed away. Although he wasn't a very close friend since he lived in San Francisco, he was still an important of my life especially with KP. Sam Largo was a member of Likha Folk Ensemble in SF, and he would come to Vancouver to help with the technical operations for our shows. He was also an inspiration to many of the dancers and become a good friend to most of us. He was full of life as most would say, he can light up a room with his smile in a heartbeat. He pushed many of us to our fullest potentials. I remember him telling me and encouraging me to keep trying whenever I messed up and he would always find ways to make me laugh when things got stressful. He died at a young age of 37 due to complications from kidney failure. Sam Largo, you will be truly missed and remembered. May you rest in Peace with our Lord.

These past two incidents have broadened my perspective on life. They have both proven to me that life is short, life does go on and we must continue to be the best people that we can be. These two people were living examples of that.They both worked hard in everything they did, they did not once  complain about their illnesses, instead were humble enough to put others before them. Now they can rest in peace smiling while those who cared for them are crying because they were such a big part of their lives. Although it may be hard at times, I will remind myself to live life to the fullest, to not let my worries take hold of me and to place others before me...

Music of my heart

Well the first month of 2007 is coming to a close and I can't wait to see what the year has in store for me next! As most of you may know, I am almost done school..one more year to go..it's so nice to finally be able to say that. As I look back at all the things I have gone through, not only in 2006, but throughout my life, I have noticed a change in me.

For those of you who have known me for  most of my life, you might have known me to be someone who always carried my heart on my sleeve. My heart has been tossed around, broken, torn and used. But only because I let it...

 I was sensitive to almost everything, cried at almost everything bad that happened in my life, all in all I was a girl who was in so much pain that I didn't know how to control it.

I was reminded the other day that I am no longer that girl. I am now a woman who has gained more strength, more knowledge and most importantly, more control over my life. The reason for this is because my faith has grown stronger. My parents have been away for almost three weeks now and I never knew how much work they do for us! Everynight, my sisters and I have been organizing our time to take care of our house, buy groceries, take care of two other properties that my parents are renting out, checking the oils in our cars(I always forget to do that until my dad has to remind me). Three years ago, if my parents left us with all these responsibilities on top of school, I would have whined the whole time they were away. I would have been crying every night wishing they were back. But I realized that I hold something in my heart bigger than anything on this earth. God has taken me through every obstacle in my life and I realized it's only now that I have fully accepted it. I'm twenty four years old, turning 25 this March. I have been in denial for a long time that I am an adult. I have been carried under my parents wings for so long, so them going away was a true test if I could handle it all. The truth is..it's not so bad being an adult! I still have time for school, for friends and time alone.

I have realized that this year will be a true test of the love that I have attained throughout the years, a time for change and growth, a chance to let go of everything in my past. To move on to better things in my life..a new relationship..meeting new friends..gaining more knowledge and most of all, acknowledging that faith that lies within me.

I realized that my faith has grown so much that I don't really want to worry anymore. I know that all I must do is continue to believe that I am being taken care of and that my heart is no longer on my sleeve but is protected inside of me...because I let it..

Almost there!

Yessss! Just one final to go..the 12th to be exact. I can't believe how quickly this semester went. I'm so excited. Just one more year to go in my Nursing program and I am getting very anxious.

On another note: Christmas. I love this season..besides snowboarding and shopping, just the thought of celebrating Christ's birthday is truly something that I look forward to every year. This is going to be a low key Christmas. I didn't work much for the past two months so my budget for gifts is a bit tight compared to last year. However, I realized that it's the thought that counts. I figured that there are always others who are less fortunate than me so I must keep the spirit in giving towards others before me.

So with that I am focusing on putting thought into my gifts this year and making sure that I give something that will show those whom I love just how much I care and appreciate how they've been an impact to me throughout these years.

Also this year is my last year as a YFC leader well as campus program head. I've served this community for 8 years of my life and I have no regrets. I've seen leaders come and go, but most of all I've seen God's wonders in the new leaders that He has molded to continue the work. I can now feel more secure in moving on knowing that things are in good hands. I've been in denial for the past two months because I didn't think that it was my time to move on from my service as program head. I wanted to hold on to it till I finished school and I think that's why it's so hard for me to let go. I didn't realize that I would get this emotional but I can't help it..this community has been my second family for so long. I fell in love with the work, my faith grew stronger because of the people that I've met and got to know better. I met some of my best friends here all who have seen me grow into becoming the woman that I am today. I have also learned alot about myself through my eight years serving here. I've learn to love myself, to stand up for myself, and most of all, to forgive...

But as I move on, I know that I will be ready because I am convinced that my brothers and sisters in YFC will continue to pray for me as I move on in my service. I know that I am stronger now that I have faith that God will continue to work through me. This is an amazing region because it is full of love now. Three years ago, Butch and Debbie had faith in this region that we would grow to love one another. I have no doubt that we are all in love with the work, that God is the soul purpose of us serving and I have never been more excited to see where this love and how far this love will blossom next. To all my brothers and sisters in YFC Pac Region...continue to stay strong, to have faith, to grow and love one another but most of all, to remember that God has called YOU to do His work.

Thank you for all your support, your guidance, and the love that you have given me. I never thought that this day would come. As hard it is to let go, I know that there is more to His plan for me, more surprises, more people to meet but nothing will compare to what I've experienced in this ministry. I will continue to pray for all of you. We are BLESSED to have one of  the best core groups in all of Canada, the best PC's in all of Canada, the best JOKES in all of Canada, and best of all the most hardworking servants!

Go PAC Go!

PS. For all you "oldies" come join SFC..that's where I'll be in 2007!