A day after 2008 elections to the presidential inauguration on January 20, is certainly a historic time line in U.S. history.
Yesterday, November 4, Illinois Senator Barack Obama was elected as 44rd President of the United States. He defeated Arizona Senator John McCain by landslide, grabbing 349 electoral votes and John McCain getting 163. Only 270 elctoral votes are needed to win. (Electoral vote count as of 5:00 p.m. on Nov.5 from CNN). On the national electoral map, Senator Obama also claimed most important batleground states like Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Montana, and North Dakota. For decades, there's hasn't been a Democratic candidate to win these important states. That's history in itself.
In fact, I was talking about politics with my roommate several days before the election here in my new apartment in North Philadelphia, near Temple University and I came close to correctly predict that Obama would win Northeastern region, Lake Michigan states, Florida, Western coast states, and maybe few in the middle. He won Colorado and New Mexico in the middle as well as my predicted regions. I guess my political science classes here at Temple pay off!
I did not, however, vote for Senator Obama. I admire the Senator's passion for change, his inspiring attitude toward millions of young voters, and the way he ran his campaign. The way president-elect Obama ran his campaign certainly will go down in history books as other politicians try to study the tactics he used to ran for office too. I do think that Obama campaign spent too much money (exact amount is not yet known) while the media gave him more air time unlike John McCain. I understand Senator McCain did not have that niche to inspire as his opponent, but I do not think the media needed to ignore McCain's other skills like strong leadership. He was also heavily criticized for his choice of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate. I applaud Governor Palin for her performance to continue campainging despite all negativity about her experience, wordrobe expenses, and personal family rummors.
Last night, I was sad to see my Republican candidate loose this important election . I continued to have hope that Senator McCain would win by participating in his campaign work until the last hour. I spent many hours at McCain/Palin Philadelphia headquarters on Arch street in center city, calling Philadelphia residents to vote for McCain, going door-to-door and hanging signs across city neighborhoods. I think it's a miracle in itself that I'm sitting and writing this after my campaigning for McCain in America's most dangerous corner-North Philadelphia-where people get shot here practically on daily basis. I may write a separate blog entry about some Election 2008 stories which I have been a part of. Some are negative, some exciting. I have plenty of pictures to prove.
Tonight, I was watching CBS Evening News with Katie Curic which was a special hour-long extended broadcast. Reporter Mark Phillips began his report with these words: "It's almost he (Barack Obama) was elected as President of the world..." The world indeed is rejoicing over newly-elected American President. I think other countries are tired of President Bush's administration and are looking for change which Obama promises.
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ELECTION DAY 2008:
I decided not to vote early because I knew I would have to stand in line for a long time; as the result, I would be late for my classes. Instead, I got up early and strolled through the Broad street where I placed McCain/Palin signs on windshield of every parked car I saw. That was my last minute outreach to do something for the campaign before most people could get to the polls. During the remaining of the day, my mind was in one place: election, election, election. At work, my Wal Mart co-workers who are black seem to be very excited about this night because they knew we were hours from making a history together. By now, every one knows that I support Senator McCain, and to some it was disappointing. I was called by my friends here a "racist," "simple-minded" and "white suburbianite" as reason for my support for a Senator McCain (a white candidate) who has much more experience than Senator Obama. On two seprate occasions, I was approached by tow different assicoated who excitedly told me that tonight they were "history makers." They were reffering to the fact that they just placed their vote for a black candidate which is something many of their relatives have been waiting for a long time. I understand their pride, and Am too proud how far America has come along.
After work, I decided to stop by the McCain campaign headquarters but found it to be deserted. Some people who I saw there looked gloom, pessimistic. I did not stay long and decided to take a walk aroud the beautiful City Hall. While on Market street, I noticed a lot of people celebrating and cheering at Soul Food restaurant, next to CN8 television studios. I was told my a door greeter that a free cocktail, Obama celebratory party was happening-all were welcomed! I went in with my camera to find Senator Obama supporters cheering as large TV screens reported precintcs of the election results. The large room was filled with young hispsters, drinking and eating free food. Stevie Wonder's "We Can Feel It All Over" blarring in the background.
It was also something different about riding in subway tonight. Philadelphia, which is 75% Democratic, was quite tonight as several people took night walks and a bearded beggar counted cash while sleeping outside Macy's in dirty sleeping bag. I noticed that some who rode subway tonight appeared happy, talkative, and one man just couldn't stop smiling the entire ride. Not sure if the election had to do enything with his smiling.
Once I got home, I turned the TV on just in time to catch Senator John McCain conceeding to Senator Obama and congratulating him on his win. Few cries of "boo" were heard in the background but McCain gently rebuked the crowd, saying that the reason he lost this election was not because of his suporters but because of himself. More jeers followed. I thought his concession speech was humble and gracious. I could see he was dissapointed at the outcome. When he talked about his running mate Sarah Palin, she teared up a little bit but was consoled by her hsband Todd who was at her side. McCain spoke from Arizona in the very spot he married Cindy many years later.
After about an hour, Senator Obama came out and spoke to more than 500,000 supporters gathered at Garden Park in his homestate of Illionois. His wife Michelle, their two daughers came walking on stage with him. Oprah and Jesse Jackson were seen tearful as Obama spoke about how America transcended through historical adversities and tonight in her shining moment. I thought it was cute when started the speech with a promise to his daugheters: they will be getting a puppy he promised them when they move to the White House.
I watched the President-elect Barack Obama's historic speech together with my black roommate Keith. We both voted today for different candidates. And we also lived through a historic moment together.
I know Senator Obama will have a lot on his plate once he gets in the White House on January 20, 2009. He will have to end two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, face radical Islam that threatens Israel's security, fix the national economy and focus on other important issues that face America today. God has our future in His hands and He certainly elects certain leadears for a reason.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
One Month Living In Philly-A Truckload Full Of Memories
Today, August 20, marks my first month since my moving here to Philadelphia and so far I seen and experienced things I surely would not forget for a long time.
I live in a shared house on Willington St. (off Cecil B. Moore) in North Philly. This area has a significant track record of violence and other related crime. But so far, I have not seen anything that would make me re-evaluate my living here. I hope I will not experience anything like that. In fact, God had blessed me to place me where I live because my apartment is directly across the Philadelphia Police Department of 22 and 23 Districts. The police officers here are so friendly, yet understanding of the conditions here. For example, this morning after I returned from working overnight at Wal Mart (18 hours of straight work) I had trouble parallel parking in front of the police station. The three police officers were standing nearby talking, seeing that I was struggling to fit my car into a tight parking space, they came to my assistance. All three approached my car and began instructing me how to back up. I didn't ask them but they came to my assistance because they wanted to help me.
For the past two weeks, I have been living by myself in a large apartment building because my landlord is still waiting for potential occupiers to move in. My mom asked me the other day if I'm afraid of being here alone, I replied that I have nothing to fear; police station is nearby and God is with me whenever I go (plus I bought a pepper spray mace just in case). As I have been going to work, my landlord's mother, Betty along with other family members, been coming over and facing the house. Together, they have done a nice job of re-painting, floor wall, and ceiling re-modeling. Simply saying, the house looks much better that it was when I first moved here!!
Of course, when I'm in school I have to have some form of income. For this reason I transferred to a local Wal Mart, on South Columbus Blvd. Yes, I secured my job as Photo Specialist so I still develop photos, sell cameras and help out in other departments as well. What I have noticed after coming from a small-town Wal Mart is that customers here are very selfish and impatient. They want to be served now, it doesn't matter if I'm busy helping others at the time. What I love about this area is that it's the most diverse place with multi-linguistic communities who come to shop here. Some customers do not speak English so I have to try my best help out. Last week, I was able to sell a camera to a Russian traveling seaman and I sold it while speaking in Russian to him. In just a matter of one month, I have come to have a close, friendly relationship with several of my co-workers. They are really funny who make my working atmosphere fun. Soon, I will have to adjust my hours in order to balance school and work properly.
END OF PART#1
I live in a shared house on Willington St. (off Cecil B. Moore) in North Philly. This area has a significant track record of violence and other related crime. But so far, I have not seen anything that would make me re-evaluate my living here. I hope I will not experience anything like that. In fact, God had blessed me to place me where I live because my apartment is directly across the Philadelphia Police Department of 22 and 23 Districts. The police officers here are so friendly, yet understanding of the conditions here. For example, this morning after I returned from working overnight at Wal Mart (18 hours of straight work) I had trouble parallel parking in front of the police station. The three police officers were standing nearby talking, seeing that I was struggling to fit my car into a tight parking space, they came to my assistance. All three approached my car and began instructing me how to back up. I didn't ask them but they came to my assistance because they wanted to help me.
For the past two weeks, I have been living by myself in a large apartment building because my landlord is still waiting for potential occupiers to move in. My mom asked me the other day if I'm afraid of being here alone, I replied that I have nothing to fear; police station is nearby and God is with me whenever I go (plus I bought a pepper spray mace just in case). As I have been going to work, my landlord's mother, Betty along with other family members, been coming over and facing the house. Together, they have done a nice job of re-painting, floor wall, and ceiling re-modeling. Simply saying, the house looks much better that it was when I first moved here!!
Of course, when I'm in school I have to have some form of income. For this reason I transferred to a local Wal Mart, on South Columbus Blvd. Yes, I secured my job as Photo Specialist so I still develop photos, sell cameras and help out in other departments as well. What I have noticed after coming from a small-town Wal Mart is that customers here are very selfish and impatient. They want to be served now, it doesn't matter if I'm busy helping others at the time. What I love about this area is that it's the most diverse place with multi-linguistic communities who come to shop here. Some customers do not speak English so I have to try my best help out. Last week, I was able to sell a camera to a Russian traveling seaman and I sold it while speaking in Russian to him. In just a matter of one month, I have come to have a close, friendly relationship with several of my co-workers. They are really funny who make my working atmosphere fun. Soon, I will have to adjust my hours in order to balance school and work properly.
END OF PART#1
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Special Visits To My New Place!
Ever since I moved here into Philadelphia, I feel little isolated in a big city. I don't know many people, if I do, some go to Temple University here. Today, though, I had a privilege of having two visits to my new place which made me feel much better about my current condition. My friend Sopheavy who's taking summer classes at Temple called me this morning and told me that she was around in town. So I met up with her at the Liacouras Center and then brought her to my new place to show around. She said that she wants to move out of the house but her parents are afraid of the area and will not let her to do so. At some point in our life our parents ought to trust their child will make it well in the world.
Then after several hours my sister, Carissa came over on her way back home from work to visit me here. I was really happy to see her and glad she was able to find the place easily. She liked my place too; I think she was also relieved to see the Philadelphia Police station literally in front of my apartment. Together, we drove into Center City and had a dinner at Quiznoz restaurant there-she treated me. :-) I had a nice time today with my visitors and felt a little more comfortable here. I hope my other friends will make a point to come and visit me too.
Tomorrow I may go back into center city and learn more about the area. There's plenty enough to see anyway.
Then after several hours my sister, Carissa came over on her way back home from work to visit me here. I was really happy to see her and glad she was able to find the place easily. She liked my place too; I think she was also relieved to see the Philadelphia Police station literally in front of my apartment. Together, we drove into Center City and had a dinner at Quiznoz restaurant there-she treated me. :-) I had a nice time today with my visitors and felt a little more comfortable here. I hope my other friends will make a point to come and visit me too.
Tomorrow I may go back into center city and learn more about the area. There's plenty enough to see anyway.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
When God Reveals Glimpses of Himself
Tonight, after returning back home from celebrating my sister's 29th birthday at "Tex Mex" restaurant, I decided to walk around the local high school parking lot where I live nearby. Usually, I walk around the school for more than an hour while I pray and just spend precious time with God. I thank God for provisions, blessings and opportunities He had showed me during the course of the day. Tonight, I was especially grateful to Jesus for bringing me through a tough situation with housing; the last walk that I did it was painful one. I was in tears from distress that God had left me all alone and, at that time, I was troubled greatly as I felt God to be far from me. At one point I had to stop walking and paused while I sobbed. Then, later in my walk, I saw a beautiful sunset over an evening sky and I felt a rush of peace sweeping over my body. I was at rest at the end of my walk that night (last week). Today, however, I was simply praising God for His awesome provision of my new apartment and laptop-all in the same week!
While I was at the end of my walk, I lifted my hands toward the night sky and remembered these words from Revelations 4:8 "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." I repeated these words three time simply out of grateful heart. My heart was so overjoyed that I told God to take these words of praise and carry them up straight to His ears. Suddenly, I felt a little breeze and a group of several birds surrounded me and began to chirp! They just appeared from now where out of dark sky and began encircling me around. To me, it appeared they were singing in unison and so I, like a conductor of the choir, began directing these little birds. In several occasions, I stopped, and they stop too and then I continued again by saying out-loud: " One more time!" It was as if they obeyed, then that's when it hit me; God was revealing Himself to me through bird song in the middle of the night! Then as if it didn't happen, the birds flew away and it became quiet again. I didn't hear anymore chirping afterward as I finished my walk with a joyful heart.
I believe tonight I had experienced yet another hopeful signs from the Maker of heaven and earth (and those little birds too). Living the christian life isn't just doing what God requires of us, but also experiencing God in personal and unique ways.
While I was at the end of my walk, I lifted my hands toward the night sky and remembered these words from Revelations 4:8 "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." I repeated these words three time simply out of grateful heart. My heart was so overjoyed that I told God to take these words of praise and carry them up straight to His ears. Suddenly, I felt a little breeze and a group of several birds surrounded me and began to chirp! They just appeared from now where out of dark sky and began encircling me around. To me, it appeared they were singing in unison and so I, like a conductor of the choir, began directing these little birds. In several occasions, I stopped, and they stop too and then I continued again by saying out-loud: " One more time!" It was as if they obeyed, then that's when it hit me; God was revealing Himself to me through bird song in the middle of the night! Then as if it didn't happen, the birds flew away and it became quiet again. I didn't hear anymore chirping afterward as I finished my walk with a joyful heart.
I believe tonight I had experienced yet another hopeful signs from the Maker of heaven and earth (and those little birds too). Living the christian life isn't just doing what God requires of us, but also experiencing God in personal and unique ways.
Monday, July 14, 2008
I Got New (and my very first) Laptop!
Today I have finally joined the world with those who have been living in the age of wireless, carry on computers, known as laptop. My new laptop is HP Pavilion dv5-1002nr which I bought from Best Buy yesterday. When I first began to look around for laptops, HP;Dell, Acer were not my point of interest-rather MacBook totally won my heart. I wanted MacBook because everyone, everywhere seem to have one but after talking to several experts from the computer world, I received completely opposite view from what I have been exposed to. I was told that even though Apple proudly claims to have redefine notebooks, all other PC are just as much up to date, if not better than MacBook. Apple's price for their computers is just simply ridiculous-in other words, I'm glad what I have chosen and I hope it will last me for a long time. Many of my blogs will be written and posted right through my new laptop.
This Sunday, July 20, I will be moving to Philadelphia where I will be going to Temple University, starting September 2. The place where I will be living is located on Willington Street, across the street from 22 and 23rd Philadelphia District Police Department. This should give me a little comfort but still I have to be very careful in my wanderings in the city-after all I will be living the the worst section of city of Philadelphia where crime is at all time high. Recently, I heard that many people are literary fleeing Philadelphia because crime rate there is out of control. God help me and all other students!!! I will be sharing a 5-bedroom apartment with four other students whom I have not yet met. I hope they will be descent individuals with whom I could get along with nicely. Please keep me in your prayers as I make this transition this weekend and slowly try to adjust to the city life.
Visit my blog often and let me know what you think. Also, send me a buzz about your life happenings and things I can pray for you. Keep in touch and God bless. :-)
This Sunday, July 20, I will be moving to Philadelphia where I will be going to Temple University, starting September 2. The place where I will be living is located on Willington Street, across the street from 22 and 23rd Philadelphia District Police Department. This should give me a little comfort but still I have to be very careful in my wanderings in the city-after all I will be living the the worst section of city of Philadelphia where crime is at all time high. Recently, I heard that many people are literary fleeing Philadelphia because crime rate there is out of control. God help me and all other students!!! I will be sharing a 5-bedroom apartment with four other students whom I have not yet met. I hope they will be descent individuals with whom I could get along with nicely. Please keep me in your prayers as I make this transition this weekend and slowly try to adjust to the city life.
Visit my blog often and let me know what you think. Also, send me a buzz about your life happenings and things I can pray for you. Keep in touch and God bless. :-)
Monday, December 31, 2007
My Year 2007 Reflections: How the year had changed my life
In less than 2 hours I, like billions of other people will welcome a new year-2008! I'm sitting at my computer and writing this blog while on the other screen I have CNN Pipeline streaming 4 live feeds from New York Times Square as thousands celebrate the coming year. I'm thinking to myself here, last year I had to stay to watch the ball drop on TV-today on computer with 4 different angles! What will the next year bring is only a guess.
All I can say this year has definitely been quite a ride! Even almost to the end of it the world has seen much turmoil. By this I mean the latest assassination of Pakistan's former Prime Minister and leading contender to become a third-term Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. She was tragically gunned down five days ago on Thursday, December 27 shortly after speaking to a rally in Pakistani small town called Rawalpindi. Some blame President Pervez Musharaff, some Al-Quaida, some blame her other political opponents. Once I heard the news of her assassination, I was not so shocked to learn it because I was expecting her to be a target in such volatile region. What I'm terrified of is that Bin Laden (and or/his radical supporters) is just a step closer to acquiring nuclear weapons if he/they succeed in taking over Pakistan. This will most certainly be a nightmare scenario for all countries of the world including U.S. and Israel. Bhutto was a courageous woman, she wanted to redeem her country into a democratic state but her voice has been silenced. In my opinion, Musharaff MUST GO and be replaced by some one else from Pakistani People's Party which Bhutto so bravely led.
Back home elections 2008 are getting in the swing of things. Democrats have Obama, Hillary, Edwards and Republicans have Huckabee, Romney, McCain, Guliani, and Thomson. I have made my choice whom I will vote for on November 2-Mike Huckabee. The former Arkansas Governor shares my core values, supports issues at which I stand, and, most important, shares similar belief as I do-God is love and He showed His love to mankind through the death of His Son (Himself) on a cross. The Iowa caucuses will be held this week on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. I hope and pray that votes will chose him to be the front runner from Republican party. He's got my vote and I'm sticking to him all the way!
Now to what this year has meant to me:
The year started out slower for me but then it took off like a rocket, before I knew, it was gone! Maybe it's the age thing! In January 2007, I still attended Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell. There, I joined an Honors Program but shortly figured it was much more than I bargained for. While working in Wal Mart (in East Greenville), writing for the Town and Country, and going to school full time I was stressed out greatly. Thanks to my Ipod Video that I was able to listen to Charles Stanley's In touch Program while commuting back and forth from school to work and home. When I met Dr. Stanley on September 11 of this year, I was able to tell him how much his programs (podcasts) blessed me.
I did not stay long in Honors though but continued with my regular classes until I graduated recently. December 17 was my last day at Montco. During my last semester here, I left the post of being the President of the Veritas Christian Club to Hesed Ferroux, joined WRFM with "Blair On the Air" program and began writing for newly re-discovered school newspaper "The Montgazette." I must say I had the best year at MCCC because I was able to do many things. I traveled to Lexington, KY with Veritas Club where we helped build a house for patsy Kozak and her children. Met a Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt in November, met Paul Rusesabagina- the real hero of "Hotel Rwanda," went to Jubilee Conference in Pittsburgh-what a blast, got inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, and met many good friends on campus to whom I was able to be a witness of God's grace and love.
On March 3, Anna, Matthew and Savana moved in with us which our family sacrificed much for. Carissa moved out and later was able to find an apartment in Telford. She loves her new place very much it seems. I'm happy for her about that because she always wanted a place to call her own. She also got a job at IMS Health where dad works and apparently she's doing a fine job in Client Services just by the way she talks about it. :-) Anna, while leaving with us made many good and bad choices. She got a job at Quiznoz but then left it for the Movie Gallery. That was the point where she decided to make choices that eventually got her kicked out of the house and kids relocated to live with Pete in New Jersey. The entire situation was just an awful ordeal through which her own children suffered (ing). Only God can help Anna to get back on her feet and realize what she did. May He be her guide in new year and protect her children who need her back.
July 22, I was able to meet David Phelps-my favorite Christian singer. He came to Reading Scottish Rite Cathedral with his concert "Star Spangled Summer." Just spending an hour with him showed me how a regular and personable he is.
But the moment that by far surpasses most things I've done this year was me participating as a contestant in the American Idol Season 7 auditions in Philadelphia.
All I can say this year has definitely been quite a ride! Even almost to the end of it the world has seen much turmoil. By this I mean the latest assassination of Pakistan's former Prime Minister and leading contender to become a third-term Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. She was tragically gunned down five days ago on Thursday, December 27 shortly after speaking to a rally in Pakistani small town called Rawalpindi. Some blame President Pervez Musharaff, some Al-Quaida, some blame her other political opponents. Once I heard the news of her assassination, I was not so shocked to learn it because I was expecting her to be a target in such volatile region. What I'm terrified of is that Bin Laden (and or/his radical supporters) is just a step closer to acquiring nuclear weapons if he/they succeed in taking over Pakistan. This will most certainly be a nightmare scenario for all countries of the world including U.S. and Israel. Bhutto was a courageous woman, she wanted to redeem her country into a democratic state but her voice has been silenced. In my opinion, Musharaff MUST GO and be replaced by some one else from Pakistani People's Party which Bhutto so bravely led.
Back home elections 2008 are getting in the swing of things. Democrats have Obama, Hillary, Edwards and Republicans have Huckabee, Romney, McCain, Guliani, and Thomson. I have made my choice whom I will vote for on November 2-Mike Huckabee. The former Arkansas Governor shares my core values, supports issues at which I stand, and, most important, shares similar belief as I do-God is love and He showed His love to mankind through the death of His Son (Himself) on a cross. The Iowa caucuses will be held this week on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. I hope and pray that votes will chose him to be the front runner from Republican party. He's got my vote and I'm sticking to him all the way!
Now to what this year has meant to me:
The year started out slower for me but then it took off like a rocket, before I knew, it was gone! Maybe it's the age thing! In January 2007, I still attended Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell. There, I joined an Honors Program but shortly figured it was much more than I bargained for. While working in Wal Mart (in East Greenville), writing for the Town and Country, and going to school full time I was stressed out greatly. Thanks to my Ipod Video that I was able to listen to Charles Stanley's In touch Program while commuting back and forth from school to work and home. When I met Dr. Stanley on September 11 of this year, I was able to tell him how much his programs (podcasts) blessed me.I did not stay long in Honors though but continued with my regular classes until I graduated recently. December 17 was my last day at Montco. During my last semester here, I left the post of being the President of the Veritas Christian Club to Hesed Ferroux, joined WRFM with "Blair On the Air" program and began writing for newly re-discovered school newspaper "The Montgazette." I must say I had the best year at MCCC because I was able to do many things. I traveled to Lexington, KY with Veritas Club where we helped build a house for patsy Kozak and her children. Met a Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt in November, met Paul Rusesabagina- the real hero of "Hotel Rwanda," went to Jubilee Conference in Pittsburgh-what a blast, got inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, and met many good friends on campus to whom I was able to be a witness of God's grace and love.
On March 3, Anna, Matthew and Savana moved in with us which our family sacrificed much for. Carissa moved out and later was able to find an apartment in Telford. She loves her new place very much it seems. I'm happy for her about that because she always wanted a place to call her own. She also got a job at IMS Health where dad works and apparently she's doing a fine job in Client Services just by the way she talks about it. :-) Anna, while leaving with us made many good and bad choices. She got a job at Quiznoz but then left it for the Movie Gallery. That was the point where she decided to make choices that eventually got her kicked out of the house and kids relocated to live with Pete in New Jersey. The entire situation was just an awful ordeal through which her own children suffered (ing). Only God can help Anna to get back on her feet and realize what she did. May He be her guide in new year and protect her children who need her back.
July 22, I was able to meet David Phelps-my favorite Christian singer. He came to Reading Scottish Rite Cathedral with his concert "Star Spangled Summer." Just spending an hour with him showed me how a regular and personable he is.
But the moment that by far surpasses most things I've done this year was me participating as a contestant in the American Idol Season 7 auditions in Philadelphia.
On August 28, I traveled to Philly with Brie Kulp and had to wait for 12+ hours in line with 22,000 other contestants. Show host Ryan Seacrest told us what we in Philly made a history in large attendance. We spent an entire day at Wachovia Center (Brie later left me because she had to start her fall classes at Kutztown U.).
I sang "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder but unfortunately did not make the cut. All I can say, I had the best experience there and I was glad that I had the opportunity to share the gospel with Jasmine, a girl who I met on the way to Philly who apparently had a rough life. She later told me: "Wow, I feel so much better and feel the love of God." That's what counts! God may have brought me there just for that divide moment. May He be glorified in all I do and say to others next new year.
Click here to see all photos of my American Idol tryout
As far as my spiritual life has been giong, I have been praying a lot while fervently stayed in His Word all year from which I have learned much. I feel God is preparing me for something greater I have ever imagined. This year I have taking God's love and grace to many. God is good. He enables me to tell others what He has done for me. I'm priveledge and wholesemly blessed for having the Lord Jesus Christ-the living Sone of God-the God Hmself-living in my heart and life. This year (just 3 minites left of it) has been unique as well as inspring. I look forward to what the Lord has instore for me as I begin new life in Temple University and try to find his very purpose. Living His way was my 2007 year motto and I hope I was able to demonstrate that.
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