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.
