I finished my take home exam typed two papers and I still feel like i haven't done enough.
There is so much more work to be done and I know I need to keep working until the end of the semester. I'm going to head home in a few to go running. I've been trying to keep that up because its the only exercise that I get through out the day. If i'm not at school I'm at the center doing work.
I been sitting here writing and thinking about friends. The reason is the three middle age women sitting around the table across from me. They seem like they are Christian. One of them is carrying a book that looks like a bible. And they are attentively listening to each other, crying, laughing and encouraging each other. I'm encouraged by seeing them.

A girl describes a perfect guy: " cute, money, smart...has a career." boy! are we in trouble. It made me laugh and frown. Geeez.


Shout out of the day. The homie on a rainy day for helping me out.

Feeling good. Went for a run and took Pepper, and let me say I was surprised she kept up.
Today went kind of fast. After my Stats class, feeling good about the grade I got on my exam, went to meet with my professor Mims. I can't stop saying thats a good guy. Too bad he is retires this coming year. So, many youngsters are not going to have the pleasure of having him as a professor. Well, since we werent having lecture I asked him if could skip on class today. He said it was cool. So I came home and got some stuff done.

I was happy to tutor the kiddies today. It had been almost two weeks since I got sick. And then we had a week off for the thanksgiving holyday. But today we came back and it was good. Everyone was happy to see me and I like that. Its always good to feel love from people. I spent some time afterwards with Miss King in the office helping her print labels for our newsletter and i'm gonne go and hang out with her and help print more labels in the morning.

Bible study was good today. I felt like the boys were listening and taking in what I was talking about. I can see how they are growing little by little and taking more responsabilty for their actions. For example Fernando decided he wasn't going to work to focus more on math and science, two subjects he is behind in school. They are also showing more desire to pray and confess. Which is wonderful.

Please continue to pray for me. School is overwhealming right now. So much work to finish and it seems crazy eventhough its not that bad.

It's Friggin' Cold This Morning
After spending some time at Starbucks across the street from here and doing my devotions and a little reading I decided to come to campus. But I might of made a mistake this computer lab is heck of cold.
I wanted to blog a little before going back to reading my stats book. I had lost track of something in my life. And I think I'm starting to regain it back. Church for example, or being at a church with strong foundations. Not that the church where I've been attending is bad. But I feel like there would be mor opportunity to do more at Fusion. At first I didn't know what to expect and didn't even know if I was going to like it. But I did. And I'm excited about it. The reason is that I haven't been excited about church for quite a while. Its taking me over a year to think about the theology that was thought to me while at Jubilee and how some of it was off. But God still remains and I'm thankful for Him and for the thing he has done.

I had a nice surprise over the weekend. Philip, one of our summer interns showed up unexpectadly. And eventhough I got a little behind on homework because of his visit I was thankful to see him. I can see how he wants to serve and wants to take his experience with God deeper. This coming year he will be going to kalkuta for four motnhs to serve the poor there. Philip I want to encourage you and send a blessing to you my friend. It was good to see you over the weekend.

I think its time for me to start reading again. It would be right.

At home being cozy. Enjoying a nice caramel machiatto, easy on the caramel and some peanutbutter cookies.
I'm glad today. For Gods mercy in my life, for people being more real around. Today my friend Denisse took to go visit a church.
The service was great, I didn't realize how much I missed that kind of worship. I like the way the pastor delivered the sermon, very artsy. Played a piece of a film to supplement his sermon. It was nice.
Aftewards I met with him talked a bit about where i'm coming from what i'm doing and all that. Told him I was interested in getting involved in the church be part of it, you guys know commit. I know its going to be painful but its going to be good for me. This week i'm connecting with one of the guys who is leading a life group i'm looking forward to get involved in. This man has a Ski Row ministry in which they take food every sunday down there and hang out with people and minister to people in that area. This is all very exciting for me.
One of the things I've been wanting to do is to expose the boys i'm working with to serving the poor. I think this will be an opportunity in the future to do just this. Sometime in the future.

Guest Post By: Fernando
Age: 12
School: Elliot Middle School
Harambee Veteran: 4th grade to date


Today it was kind of boreing beacause it was raining but i went to eat at jack in the box.
then i went home and wacth Elf and i also wacth the soccer game on tv. In the afternoon
i went to sergio house to finish my math homework because i am behind in math because
i didn't went to school for one week because i was sick the hole week.tomarrow i wont
have to do math homework. i do not no what i am going to do tomarrow. thats all i have
to say peace out.



sergio is the best and helpful and cool
friend that i ever had.

At home letting lunch settle and whatching Atlas vs. Atlante. They are 1-1 so far. Wait change that 2-1 Toluca. Wait change that again 2-2, Atlante just scored again. Cool!
Good day, I did devotions with Erik and Lone, and finished reading John again. Tomorrow we start on Acts. I'm trying to go through the new testament. That Jesus had some good stuff to say. I can't get enough of it.
Later on today I'm going to help Fernando with his Algebra and prolly wach a movie with the Danes.

Almost forgot to mention this. We got new couches, well not really new they are old but they are very cozy and a lot more comfortable than the ones we had before. We are all super excited. And I was finally able to put up a poster I bought a while back but do to lack of a frame hadn't put it up. I got a frame from Becky today and I was able to use it for my poster. Now our leaving room matches so much better. Its amazing how much change taking those white couaches brought once we took them out.

By the way does anyone need some couches?

Just got out of the shower, after going running I felt the need to shower. Now i'm watching 'Spy Game' with Erik and Lone, enjoying a fresh gala and a glass of water.

Still working on this stuff. And its all good. About an hour ago Brad Arnold walked in to the starbucks. I was glad to see him and vice versa. Brad works for Inner Varsity. About a year ago he came to me wondering if I would like to help them establish a club on campus. A branch off of Intervarsity and I agreed to help him knowing that he would make sure there was people from their crew leading the bible studies and all that. So, I did it, i go them in the door at PCC but the only problem was that they didn't come through on their side. They just stopped coming to lead the bible study. I think I was pissed off at intervarsity for a very long time. Brad admitted he screwed up. I was able to let go of my bitterness. Its cool now. I'm defently going to be careful in the future with people asking me to help them when it comes to ministry.

God is good. So is a second round of iced coffe and slice of pumkin loaf on the house.

Okay so I'm working hard on critical thinking stuff. And I had to pause becuase I started listening to 'Amber' by 311. I really enjoy this song and the chill sound it has. Half reggea(spll?) and half alternativo. It took me back to '96 when I started snowboarding. And I wanted to say word up to my friend TJ Shelton for introducing me to both snowboarding and 311. I'm looking forward to seeing you this coming xmas TJ.

Click here to listen to the song and enjoy -The Supa Dups Remix of 'Amber' by 311

Mix Tape
Listening to this mix tape I made about the beggining of the semesters. Its what I listen to when i'm in the darkroom enlarging my pictures.

All These Things That I've Done-----------The Killers
Alright-------------------------Jamiroquai
Behind Blue Eyes--------------The Who
Black-----------------------Pearl Jam
Born To Lose--------------------Ray Charles
Can We Talk?-----------------------Tevin Campbell
Change Your Mind -------------------The Killers
Cosmic Girl-------------------Jamiroquai
D'Yer Mak'er------------Led Zeppelin
Dancing Days----------------- Led Zeppelin
Eclipse ----------------------Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon
Electrical Storm-------------------U2
Fields Of Gold---------------------Sting
Float On---------------------Modest Mouse
Georgia On My Mind-------------------Ray Charles
Glass Onion--------------------The Beatles
Hate to Say I Told You So--------------The Hives
I Melt With You----------------------Modern English
I Will----------------------------- The Beatles
I'd Rather Dance With You-----------------Kings of Convenience
I'm Ready -----------------------------------Tevin Campbell
I've Got A Woman -------------------------Ray Charles
If I Ever Lose My Faith In You--------------Sting
Midnight Show -----------------------The Killers
Mr. Brightside------------------The Killers
My Generation--------------------- The Who
Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer -------------Stevie Wonder
On Top---------------------- The Killers
Slippin Into Darkness---------------------War
Smile Like You Mean It----------------------The Killers
Soy un Desastre-------------------------------Timbiriche
Take Me Out---------------------------------------Franz Ferdinand
That Lady----------------------------------- The Isley Brothers
The Great Gig In The Sky----------------------- Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon
Try Me --------------------------James Brown
Unchain My Heart --------------------- Ray Chrles
Vuela, Vuela------------------------Magneto Magneto
Whole Lotta Love-------------- Led Zeppelin
Wish You Were Here ------------------Pink Floyd
You Don't Know Me---------------------- Ray Charles
You Shook Me ---------------------Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin

Good day so far. Got up did my devotios this morning. Talked to a few poeple, some wanting to say hi and be foolish, others wanting to know how I was doing and vice versa. Ate thanksgiving leftovers for lunch, and got ready to leave the house becuase If i stayed i wouldn't of been ablet to accomplish much work. So, I drove down to the local starbucks to work on some writing I have to do for my Critical Thinking. Its good, as soon as I came into the this place my friend Ozzy greeted me, we were in a class together. We caught up real quick, they weren't busy. He hooked me up with a free venti iced coffee, with half the pumps of classic like always. Now i'm sitting down taking in the jazzy sounds this starbucks offers and finishing my blog as I looked out towards the Orange Grove part of the plaza looking at the rainbow of faces walking down this familiar street, and smiling as I remember the place where I used to get my haircut. Good times.

Here are some funny movies you might get a kick out of it. The Jesus four is the funniest one. Go ahead enjoy yourself, but don't laugh with food in your mouth becuase you might choke on it. Click here for funny stuff.

Jesus Calms The Storm

Well I feel a heck of a lot better. Over the past days I felt very convicted. I was dealing with stuff weighing down on my heart and I just couldn't take it anymore. God gave me the strenght and ability to be able to talk to Rudy about it and I feel a lot better. Almost like a new person.

What was Jesus trying to teach the deciples when they were crossing to the other side of the lake? JC already knew what was going to happen. After the water started breaking and the wind began picking up. All the deciples started freaking out getting scared their boat might tip over and they might die. But why were these experienced fishermen scared? Jesus wasn't trippin' out, He was in the back of the boat sleeping on a cushion. One of them screamed out to Him, JC woke up and rebuked the storm making die down. After the storm, Jesus asked them why they were being scared. He asked 'Do you still have faith in me?'

God is always aware of our situation (Mathew 10:29). Even thought the storm was strong and fierece it didn't wake Him up. But the calling of the deciples did. God will answer our call for help. And a lot of times He will let us reach the point where we can't take it no more. And He will never leave us in the midst of our storms (Philippians 1:6). I'm thankful for that.

I just got back about a minute ago. I visited Tim and Lisa and watched the second half of Shrek 2 with them, while there I met an interational student from China whom they invited for thanksgiving dinner. After being at Tim and Lisas for a while I headed over to Altadena to spend some time with two of the guys i'm mentoring. I ate with them and watched a classic Chivas Vs. Atlas. Now i'm back at the house resting spending time with Erik and Lone.

Serving Deep Fried Turkey
I juat got back from the Kings Villages, Turf controlled by the Latin Kings of Pasadena. A church was serving the people in that community Thanksgiving dinner so I went down there to help them serve. The lady organizer put me on turkey carving, the guys doing the same thing laughed when I told them the only experince I had carving was, carving carne asada. And afterwards they were graceful enough to guide me through the process. It was fun.
I was able to see some familiar faces, like Chris and Maggie as well as some other people I know from Lake Avenue Church. It was fun. The best part was gettting to know two other Chrises one who coaches football at Blair High School and the other whom I met a while back through his wife who directs the stars program out of Villa 500.

And for the first time Andy Bales remembered my name. The funny part was that I called him Larry instead of Andy, funny stuff. Okay, enough of that I'm out.

Me and Fernando just got done doing his math tutorial down at Starbucks. Now we are heading home so he can get some rest and I can as well. I got to see Terry the pastor of the junction down here its good to run into people you know who are doing Gods work. He is always happy to see me and its all good for me. I don't know there are people I try to go around when I come across, they give me a feeling of not wanting to talk to me. I don't know where that feeling comes from. Maybe I should get on my knees and pray about it. I'm really interested in spritialism. And dealing with spirits. I know i'm developing my discernment but i'm not all the way there where I need to be. Well thats all for now I'll check in with ya'll playas later.


Fernando says: "I learned new math problems and some of the were too easy for me" and he also says, "I dranked some good hot chocolate thanks to Serg."


I say I want a sony ciber shot digital camara the 5.1 megapixels one so I can take pics during these times and give ya'll a visual of whats going on here. Wouldn't that be great. So, I'm saving my pennies to buy one. They are $499.00, true pricy but the quality of pictures you can take is amazing. Well, i'm out. That was my letter to Santa.

I got that feeling again. Where I feel like a piece is missing. A piece of me, and its a little unsettling enought to make me a little uncomfortable. But I'm well otherwise. Three more weeks of school left for me and I can't see the end. With tons of work to do It seems like I can't spare a minute of my time. I thank God for my photo professor Mr. Mims. He is a great man, understanding when it comes to the work his students are doing.

My plan is to be a dilligent worker and try to get even with all my school work and the extra credit homework I need to do.

Things needed to be done work wise:
•Call the city to set up time so they can pick up a bunch of crap sitting behind the house.
•Cut the grass in front yard.

"The work of God is to believe the one He has sent" JC. A lot of times we lose ourselves in interpreting the word of God. I really don't think its all that much about interpreting it. But reading it for what it is, a book. And learning from it and from the teachings. I remember going to CBS with Intervarsity and studying the scritpure word by word. The joy of reading the scripture. It was good times. Word to Scott from Cal State LA. He leads intervarsity there. My time at Catalina was one of the most profound experiences receiving deliverance from God. It was good. I remember our morning prayer by the fire pit next to the clashing waves. Claiming victory in Jesus. Praying with my team out on the pier and everyone crying out to God to deliver them from their fears and holding each other up as we continued to pray. It was a strong experience from me. Meeting everyone from Compton that was on my team. I hope everyone is doing well.

Well, now I gotta go get ready for school. My stats proffesor canceled our class this morning so I only have my photo at 12:20 to 4pm since i'm staying to work in the lab. Exciting thing about it is tha i'm taking two of the youth i'm mentoring. They want to sit in my class and hang out with me at school. So, I talked to my professor Mimms. He was a cool cat about allowing me to bring them. I want them to get what if feels to sit in a college class and start to get them excited about going to college. One of the things which I think they will be excited about is doing the enlargements and walking them through the process in the darkroom. Its going to rock. Okay well i'm out I hope everyone is doing well and is keeping up. Remember the natives these thanksgiving holyday and how they were robbed of their land. Sorry, but I don't do well about thanksgiving and how pilgrims took this land.

•Save a turkey, eat tamales•

Getting ready to pick up a couple of the guys I'm mentoring. We are going over to east Pasadena then we are heading over to PCC to see if I can get in the studio to do my portraits. God willing the professor overseeing the studio today will allow me to do this. Okay i'm out I'll be back later.

I felt the need to look up some verses on repentance. There is a lot of areas in my life which need for me to get on my knees and pray. Number one being not having a daily time for devotions with God. My disregard to give all to God, every area of my life and letting him win my battles. I read some notes about a sermon dealing with single poeple. The notes said the number one reasons single people deal with are 1. loneliness 2. sexual frustration and 3. finance. This is true in my life I'm not gonne deny it. I want to be honest and ask for prayer. So many aspects of my life that need to fall under Gods dicipline and I know my life can never be perfect so i'm nestled in the thought that God loves me no matter what. That he is always going to recieve me with wide open arms. No matter how bad things are at work, no matter the number of times I my put my selfish desires in place of His will in my life. So, if you read this be in prayer with me if you feel called.
Things I'm dealing with right now:
1. Learning to repent and accept forgiveness. This needs to be done daily for me, what can I say I'm a work in progress and God is chipping away.
2. Learning to trust God to get me through the hard times. Finances are always tight with me. I'm going to try to send my newsletter this week. If you want to help stuff envelops and hang out that would be nice. I promise a good cup of coffee or a cup of tea.
3. Learning to accept the loneliness and remebering to get on my knees during all these times. Its hard being away with family. At the moment my community is not as tight as I wish It was. Its divided and its evident and I'm standing in the middle tapping my foot waiting to do.

Those are my biggest needs right now. Thats my life right now.





Reflections this morning
Deuteronomy 4
30 When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey him. 31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.

2 Chronicles 7
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Ezekiel 18
30 "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD . Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD . Repent and live!

Matthew 4
Jesus Begins to Preach
12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
    15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
       the way to the sea, along the Jordan,
       Galilee of the Gentiles--
    16the people living in darkness
       have seen a great light;
   on those living in the land of the shadow of death
       a light has dawned."
17From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Luke 18
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[1] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Acts 2
38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

I was reading the last blog entry and man I was rusty on my spelling. Well so what? Its a just a blog not one of my headache writing assignments. Those I would be stressing over if I was writing the same way. I was feeling bad yesterday and I wrote about it on my blog which I know several of my "friends" read. And not one sent an email or called me to at least hear me out. I take that back because I don't need to have anyone tell me anything or make me feel better about my mistakes. I know my worth with God and tomorrow is always a new day.

I talked to three very significant people in my life yesterday. Someone whom I haven't even met but I've had more deep conversations than the peers I interact with on a daily basis. Ram whom helped me clear some spiderwebs that were fogging my eyes. And Phil, Phil is the guy that pulled me into church when I was out there. Had a long catch up conversation with him, always so formal, because we hadn't talked for over a year. He was gone on an expedition mission project that covered Mexico down to central america and south america all the way down to Colombia ending in the rain forest. Well so it happens that he met a lady in Medellin and will be going back early december to be down there for six weeks. To get to know her and visit with her church and family. And if it Gods will she will be coming back with him in January. Wow! thats I can say about that besides being extremly happy for Phil.
Well, he called and talked about almost every area of our lives in the 1hour and 20 something minutes we were on the phone. Lynn told him I would be coming home for the Christmas and new years. Since he is going to be down in Colombia for most of the time I would be visiting home. He offered me to stay at his apartment during my visit, which is not a bad idea considering my 17 year old nephew has taking over my room at my parents house. So staying at Phil would be a blessing to me. Thanks man!

Another which made my day yesteray is having the money to get home and back. Phil bless his heart also is sending me the money to buy my round trip ticket. I'm gonne go greyhound, yes its a long ride but I gotta work with what I get. Thank you J.

Well its official. Before i say anything else let me say i'm multitasking. Talking on the phone, blogging and carrying a IM converstaion with Rocio. Oh! yeah, about the its official. I failed my stats test today, I feel bad, about 90% of the class filed it with me. This sucks. I think this is the first test I've failed ever. Its not a good feeling.
One of the feelings I've had lately its of a failure. I'm around a lot of people my age some even younger most of them doing ministry. All with a BA, and I'm 25 trying to finish school depending on other people to support what i'm doing. I can't even write. God this sucks.

Pendejadas! la mera verdad. No puedo ni escribir y la mera verdad me siento como un pendejo. No se? Pinches examenes que tiene que tengo que tomar. Ahora tuve un examen en estatisticas y valio pura chingada por que no lo pase. Pero que puedo decir y a quien le pudo echar la culpa mas que a mi por ser tan buey. Bueno de todos modos la vida sigue adelante.

Its getting cold here. We don't have any heating except for our own personal space heaters. The only problem is that all three space heaters are on the lights go out because it makes the breaker pop. Time to bring out the sweat pants and sweatshirts.

Plan for the week:

MONDAY:
School, I have the second to last exam in stats and also the hardest. After Stats we go to Photo, I'll problably do some work in the lab. After school come home and work on catching up for my Philosophy. I have to write about 5 argumentative papers so I can get the extra credit to pass the class. Let me admit Philosphy is a lot more intricate then I expected.
And of course bible study with my guys at 6:30pm

TUESDAY:
I have the day off nothing to attend no classes or work. Plan is to finish my filter assignment for photo so I can develop. Keep working on my papers for Philosophy.

WEDNESDAY:
Stats and Photo, keep working on my stuff.

THURSDAY:
Going down to Kings Villages to volunteer serving meals. I think I'm gonne serve instead of starving myself this year.

FRIDAY:
I'm going to be in Long Beach. I'm driving with Ramiro and Joy and baby Isabel to hang out with some friends.

SATURDAY:
Help the girls with their yard sale. Move stuff from up stairs to the front lawn. So, if anyone wants to come and see what were selling you are more than welcome. Don't know what i'm doing at night.

SUNDAY: Church and prolly more studying and getting work done.


What does an "authentic" Latino church look like? Anybody?

I seriously don't remember the last time I was alone in the house. All my house mates are gonne. The Danes are on a four day trip to the grand canyon and Chris left this morning to be with his family in Sacramento. Its been peaceful and quiet all day. I gotta admit it does feel a little lonely.

Most of the day was spent trying to figure out some formulas for an exam I have this monday in stats. Honestly I don't wanna take it because I fear I will fail it. So, some prayer would be nice. Thanks.

OK so the hanging out with my guys didn't work out so well. Feeling tired and ill I went to bed around 6:30pm. My meds were wearing off and I felt like laying down. I kind of knew that was a bad idea. On the average I get like 6 hours asleep. I woke up near 2am. Without sleep whatsoever. So, now i'm up watching "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless mind" with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, directed by French man Michel Gondry. Its a beautiful film. If you haven't seen it and you like artsy films this is one to watch. Maybe I'll add it to my collection some day.

Final Photo Project

I got the go for our final project in photography. And let me say I'm excited about it but i'm not sure in what direction to go. If more towards a fun theme or more towards an awarness about an issue close to my heart. I had an idea about doing something dealing with the homeless and doing something to stir peoples minds. But I'm not sure. If you have any suggestions shoot them my way.

After taking my meds I went to meet with some people to review for our humongoy (spll?) test in stats this coming monday. And I have come to the conclusion that study groups are not that good of an idea. We were working but at some point a couple poeple started talking about drinking and it went down hill from there. I stayed about another 20mins later. I slowly began packing my things until people started getting the idea. Now i'm home. I'm slowly getting better.

Homies On Broadway
Back at the crip feeling a little better. The time I feel the worst is when I get up. All groggy with a super stuffy nose. But healing is in process no doubt.
I went down to south central today with my friend Chris to Broadway Boxing Gym, home of heavy weight champ Lamon Brewster. It was cool, at first I didn't know if the guys were going to see me like an intruder. But EJ the trainer was pretty cool about letting me be there. Well, the reason for me going down there was to take some pictures of EJ's team. He has some guys that God willing are going to be coming up soon. And I needed to do an assignment for my photo class so I just decided to head down there and get it over with. Now i'm at the home resting. I'm going to be driving Tipton to Kaiser in LA. Hopefully nothing is wrong with that bugger. For now i'm out.

Feeling a little better than yesterday. My throat still bothers me and my stomach aches will go away and come back. My head starts hurting when the medicine wears off. I still have school this week and next. Today I felt like I was gonne fall over at school. I didn't have any food in my system and as I walked I felt like I was going to tip over. It felt weird. I have no idea what my professors said during their lectures. I felt like I had a fever the whole time I was there. Its been helpful being off work. Resting during that time is a blessing. Although at times I feel uncomplete. Taking care of myself. A friend told me its a feeling people who are in ministry get. Being used to taking care of other people and not yourself.

I'm driving Peydria to union station today. I'm sad that she is leaving but its life. I pray God is with her where the wind takes her. I have plans to stop at a church to get a rosary blessed as a symbol of my friendship and a prayer for God to send angels of mercy, protection and grace where ever she goes. I"m gonne miss you friend. I'm gonne miss or thursday morning breakfast together talking about how much God has done for us and loves us, saying corny jokes and enjoying whatever we had to eat that morning. Thank you for your love and your words. I love you friend.

Here is to you for your strenght in weakness:
After a while you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises;
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of woman, not the grief of a child
and you learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
you really are strong
you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn
with every goodbye, you learn...
© 1971 Veronica A. Shoffstall

I took this from my friends site.

One of the reasons why I don't sleep during the day is because then I can't sleep at night. I'm awake not doing much. I was importing songs into the ipod and looking over some information on Christian Assembly in Eagle Rock which is like a 10minute drive. I want to connect into a weekly bible study some where. Lynn Jones I don't like calliing her my pastor don't know why. We are so close that it feels weird calling her my pastor. Well, any way. Her daugther goes to Christian Assembly and they have a worship service bible study on sunday night which works out great for me. They meet at a coffee shop play house owned by the church. God willing i'll be able to visit after thanksgiving. The worship study service is called Fusion. Catchy. Okay well I'm really need to try to sleep. I have class tomorrow. We have a mock exam for our coming last test before the final ay que miedo. But n e way. I'm out like a mullet. Peace.

I got up around 9 from a three hour nap. Couln't take the pain anymore. It wa a massive headache that felt like my head was being crushed by clamps. So, I just went to bed and slept it off. I hate being sick. I don't usually get sick but when I get sick is full blown sick. God is good though regardless of how I feel.

Love From The Ones I Serve
Beatriz, Lupe's mom, Lupe is one of the girls me and Diana took to disneyland. Called today to check on me. I guess someone told her I was sick. Both her and her husband are humble people. Well, she called and was like how are you. "Le lleve una comida pero no estaba en el centro" (translation: I brought you some food to the center but you weren't there). Well, I couldn't reject some Spanish cuisine knowing how much I miss those mouth watering tastes. I asked her to give the plate to one of the kids to bring to me. But she said she would just drop it at my house when she came to pick up Lupe. If this isn't being connected to the community you serve I don't know what is.

Sitting at home trying to study fighting my sickness. I emailed my co-workers to let them know I wasn't going to be in the rest of the week. They can handle it.
I went down to Von's to get some Naked food-juice (A pound of bare naked nutrition to satisfy yoru mind, body and buds), Throat Coat Tea it is clinically tested to sooth your throat with a sweet, aromatic, earthy and viscous taste and some honey to go with it.

I'm glad for friends. One of them was trying to get me to laugh. She finally was succesful. We were having a cup of tea and as she sipped from her cup she started making sounds inside the cup until her glasses were fogged. It was funny. You had to be here.

1 Corinthians 15:55 was the scripture we used for our bible study today. We had an early and fast one today. I think i'm getting strep throat. It is not a good feeling.

What was Omar doing on this one?

Sometimes they just love me too much. These are some of the young ladies and Juanito coming to our afterschool program.

Whats the big deal? I think I'm going through a writters block. But i'm not really a writter so what is it that i'm going through I don't know. Anyway, I'm at home doing homework. We are having a going away dinner tonight for Peydria. She is moving to the east coast :(. I'm happy for her though. She is thrilled about making the move. Later on I'm meeting my old pastor and her daugther for coffee at 7:30pm. I haven't seen her in over a year. Last time I saw her I was over at her house for breakfast up in Washington. Lynn Jones is her name and she is awesome.
I went and picked up the pictures from disneyland today. They came out great. Well, most of them that is. I'm gonne do like a thank you letter for D's mom and put a picture in the middle and have the kids write thank you's around it. It will be a nice surprise. I also have some cool black and white 8x10 that i'm proud of. I'm so excited about learning all this black and white photo stuff. I think I discovered another one of my gifts.

I was thinking about this past week. There is several single moms in our community some of which I know because I share my life with their kids. Don't know this has happened to any other one of my youthworkers out there. Getting hit on by the moms. The first time that happened I didn't know what to say except just pretend I didn't hear it. Now, as a more experience man I'm able to deal with it directly. But let me tell you about my first experience with that.

I was invited to a quinciañera by one of the families. Its the mom and she has 4 kids. She was like yeah Sergio you should come and party with us (meaning the whole family) and of course my youthworker mind was yeah! I could connect with the kids. So, agreed to go. Now as some of you may know how I like to dress up when I go to such events. I got myself all pimped out black shoes, black pants, black shirt and a grey blazer to give it some finess. Well, so I get to the party and the kids are like hey we are over here. So, right away the mom is like lets go dance. I'm like sure. So, he hit the floor and I was doing my thang you know. Well, after the band stops playing we go and sit down. As we are all sitting down the lead singer of the band walks up to me and says I'll meet you outside. So, i'm thinking cool he wants to do some networking or something (networking is so cliche (spll?). So, I asked the mom I'll be right back. She is like leaving him alone he is my kids dad. Well, little did I know they had broken up like 5 months ago. So, I'm like I really need to talk to him to figure out whats going on. While I approach him to shake his hand. He is like i'm gone give you to 10 to leave before I kick your ass. And i was like wow take it easy man. After I told him who I was and his older son conviced him I worked for Harambee and I had nothing to do with his X romantically. He was cool. So, it was a lesson learned.

Okay I think thats enough. Gotta go finish my work.

The Incredibles was incredible. We had a good time watching the show. It was Chuy, Rigo, Maggie and me. The twins were hanging out with their soccer team. But i'm too tired to write more about our time getting lost in Covina. I think i'm getting sick. I don't want to be sick.

Good day. Not as productive as I wish It could of been but it was good. I asked for the day off today so I could work in the darkroom. But before I had Philo which was kind of boring. From having 40something students there are now 12 students in the class. Hate to say but this professor is as boring as they get.
I spent a good 4 hours working in the darkroom making enlargements . Got some good pictures enlarged. Now i'm home resting for minute or two. I'm hanging out with two of my boys later on. Don't know if we might go watch a movie or rent and stay home.

Man! friends are awesome. Well, as you might find out in my last post I mentioned I was taking somd kiddies to disney. Well, I don't have a cell phone and some of you know how necessary it is at times. Especially when you are driving the kids in an old beat up suburban. Well, here is to John, thanks for lending me your cellphone. You are awesome man.

Good night last night. I ran around town taking photos for my night shots. The fun part was doing it with a couple crazy friends I love dearly. After the photos we went to Dennys and without knowing annoyed our hostes.
Today should be fun. I'm heading out at 2pm to take some kiddies to dineyland. Going to The Beach to pick up a friend before heading out to the park.
Right now doing last minuet stuff.

Does anyone know that it is against the law for Bush to run for president again?

I guess es muy tarde.

Not much going on just waiting for class to start and appreciating the sounds of The Strokes. I love the album 'Is this it?' I don't want to go to photo class. I think the lecture part is a waste of time. And feel like we should spend more time in the lab instead of in the classroom. But thats just me. I just hate to have to sit there and listen to the professors lame jokes for like 80% of the class.
I'm out catch ya'll kiddies later.

One of my favorite songs. I hope ya'll enjoy it. Man I got so excited when I was able to post this mp3 with out any formal training.
Nacha Pop 'Lucha De Gigantes'

Ah!!!! success.

Mtv has this new reality tv show called you got a friend that is super funny. I don't understand why poeple put themselves through those situations. I guess getting a $15,000 is worth the stress. I think i'm addicted to reality tv.

De vez en cuando me gusta escribir en español para acordarme de donde vengo. Por que aunque crean o no se me olvida.
Mientras hacia me tarea me estaba acordando de una carita en la cual las arrguas se estan presentando y de sus manitas marcadas por el destino.
Se llama Maria, y algunas vecez me acuesto llorando queriendo amarla con una sonrisa
Yo se que cuando vuelva a su lado no voy a ser el mismo.
El camino ah sido largo y me a dejado marcado el alma.
Mil veces he visto su cara y diario me acuerdo de ella
Quisiera decirle que siga teniendo fé en Dios y que pronto estara a su lado
Pero mientras aqui sigo como un gerrero de sangre luchando sin parar
Acordandome de la gente del sol
de mis raizes de maiz
de donde vengo y aguantando la ignorancia de un mundo forrado por cosas materiales
preocupados con el pecado y no con aser el bien
tratando de intrepretar las cosas sin conseguir nada
para que, solamente se trata de hacer
Las cosas se interpretan solas
Pongansen hacer algo y vivan tantitio

LIving life in Santa Barbara after a summer intership at Harambee.
Felipe luv ya man.

'VUELA VUELA'
MAGNETO

Cuando pienses que el amor
Se ha olvidado de que estas ahi
Vuela Vuela con tu imaginacion
Si no puedes ser feliz
No te rindas puede recurrir
Vuela Vuela con tu imaginacion
Volando encontraras un mundo nuevo
Solo dejate llevar
Vuela Vuela
No te hace falta equipaje
Vuela(Vuela)Vuela
Nadie contrala tu imagen
Vuela Vuela
Veras que todo es posible
Vuela(Vuela)Vuela
Despierta tu mente
Si estas solo en un rincon
Y la tristeza entra en tu corazon
Vuela Vuela con tu imaginacion
Si andas buscando un lugar
Donde el cielo se une con el mar
Vuela Vuela con tu imaginacion
Volando encontraras un mundo nuevo
Solo dejate llevar
Vuela Vuela
No te hace falta equipaje
Vuela (Vuela)Vuela
Nadie contrala tu imagen
Vuela Vuela
Veras que todo es posible
Vuela(Vuela)Vuela
Despierta tu mente
Volando encontraras
Un mundo nuevo
Solo dejate llevar
Vuela Vuela
No te hace falta equipaje
Vuela (Vuela) Vuela
Nadie controla tu imagen
Vuela Vuela
Veras que todo es posible
Vuela (Vuela) Vuela
Despierta tu mente
Vuela Vuela
no te hace falta equipaje
Vuela Vuela
Nadie controla tu imagen
Vuela Vuela

At home studying for my exam in Philosophy tomorrow. I don't remember if i was meeting with Ramiro this morning. I remember him saying he wanted to meet after he came back from Texas. So, Ram I can't can't call from the house but i'm here studying if you want to give me a call I can dash up there.
We got FLIP tonight will see what the Lord has in store for us today.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS


Today is Dia De Los Muertos. A day to remember our dead.
I'm thinking about my grandpa a character I wish I knew more before he passed away. He was truly indigenous. He lived up in the mountains of La Chichihua Michoacan and lived off the land his entire life.

Thank God I finally got the concept of 'One-sample z-Interval Procedure' Thanks Melissa for some of the encouragemet. I've been trying to understand it for the last two days. Now is time to get ready to go to work. Please keep me in prayer its getting ready towards the end of this semester and big assignments due dates are coming up. And the Lord knows I don't need destractions right now. Please pray for me and hold any request you might have until after Dec 18th.

Well I'll write more later on tonight. Not much going on. Bible study yesterday was not as good as I expected the boys were disrespectful with each other more than usual and it made me a little frustrated. Peace out.





A friend wrote this about me, I've never thought of myself as this:

Sergio, mi hermano, I don't have any words for you.  Any that I could say would devalue what I feel.  It's that strong.  I will miss you most of all and even as I type I am brought to tears.  You are the dearest friend I have ever had.  You gave life to me in a time all I felt was death.  You are more than a brother to me though I've only recently began to understand that.  It's ironic; all the time I spent having a crush on you when God had in store so much more than that for our relationship.  I never realized there was a deeper relationship out there than a man and woman in love but I can say I AM in love with you Sergio!  What better word is there for our friendship?  When I had nothing to eat, you gave me food, when I had nothing to wear you clothed me.  I can hardly type this.  It's like our souls are joined somehow.  Man, to say I'll miss you doesn't even begin to describe the pain I feel.  I hope we get to have those houses across the street from each other some day.

Nice surprised when i got home this morning. I had forgotten I asked Veronica, one of the girls from the community, I wanted a dozen tamales (12 for $10) so when I got home this morning from Rams and Joy's place I had tamales for breakfast and some coffee. Good stuff. Today is one of the longest days for me.
I'm meeting with my stats professor to show her my final proposal for urban study. Will see how it goes. Hopefully she won't rejected. Well, more later. For now back to los tamales and café. Peace.