Puerto Escondido

I am at Puerto Escondido right now.

Life is hard ;)

The program finished yesterday. We all had a goodbye dinner and danced the night away. Some of my classmates left early this morning.

It's so strange that these last 2 months went by so fast.

But I am so thankful that God has guided me to this program. He has taught me so many valuable lessons through my wonderful experiences in Oaxaca and the people around me.

This journey only gets better. We will see :)

God is with me. 

A deep realization on humanity

I wrote a quick email to my prof after reflecting on our discussion this afternoon:

I just wanted to say that I had a deep realization after you said the phrase "But we are all still humans inside."

I did not realize that I had so many prejudices until today. And it's so unconscious that it bugs me.

I now see life differently.

Thank you, Maestro.


Karen

Reflections on the Midwest

It's been almost a year since I visited my best friends and my brother in Winona, Minnesota.

That trip changed my life and perspective completely.

During my years in Vancouver, I forgot who I was. I lost my identity. 

But when I saw my best friends, I was reminded of who I was. And that there are people who genuinely care and love me.

I was inspired by my best friends' intelligence, personal convictions and joy.

I then decided to pursue my personal dream. Fast forward a year, I am at a Teacher's training program in Oaxaca, Mexico. It's really my dream program because I get to travel, learn new things and teach at the same time.


















Thank God for causing all things work together. Thank God for my best friends.

Life has just begun.

Kandom note: I will be flying to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2 weeks! So excited to see my best friend's family. Yeah, we were that close!

Sunday and Monday

Mexico is such a beautiful country.

There is so much natural beauty, culture and history in this place.

But most of all, people are so warm and welcoming. During my 2 months here, I've been able to make kind and lovely friends. God has blessed me through their friendship.

Here are more photos from my weekend.

Sunday: We went to the El Tule (World's thickest tree ~ 2000 years old) for lunch with my Church community.

Monday: Schools were closed because it was holiday. My friends and I organized an outing to Mitla, a Zapotec town known for its Archaeological site. We had SO MUCH fun. We shared our stories, joked around (latino style) and bonded. I'm so blessed to encounter such kind and beautiful people in my life.

I hope I can come back April for a visit. I will miss them so much.

Second last Weekend in Oaxaca

My professor organized an Art Show showcasing the paintings made by Zapotec Children in Cuajimoloyas and Santo Tomas. We helped out with sorting out and framing the paintings.

One of the paintings made by the children. I believe that the young artist that painted this piece was 10 years old! Pretty impressive.

Some of my classmates and I visited the Farmers' market today at El Pochote. I am so blessed to meet such kind and beautiful people in this program.

I then headed down to El Zocalo and Santo Domingo. There were quite a few Weddings happening today! It was so nice to see so many celebrations going around town.

I needed some down time (go introverts!). So I chilled around Santo Domingo before heading home. We are having a dinner party at my professor's house tonight.

I sometimes cannot believe the levels of happiness I am currently experiencing. I never imagined that God would answer my prayers in such a way. He has given me this wonderful opportunity to live life fully again.

I am so grateful for His grace and love this year!

A quote

"It is our duty to compare our present emotions with their former selves and with one another, and thus determine differences. We must compare them with their former selves, to see whether the desires and fears and angry passions which we experience today are less intense than they used to be, inasmuch as we, by means of reason, are rapidly getting rid of the cause that kindles and inflames them; and we must compare them with one another, to see whether now we are more inclined to feel shame than fear, to be emulous rather than envious, more eager for good repute than for money." (Plutarch, 1927/1986: 445, 447)

I give thanks that God has changed me so much this year.
My goal is to become more like Christ in my character and actions.

Young adulthood

Being in your 20s can be confusing.

It's an age of independence, important decisions and transformation.

There are so many changes going on that it may feel a bit overwhelming.

But it's also a liberating and joyful stage in life.

To anyone who is in your 20s, here are some pieces of advice:

• Take risks and don't be afraid of failure. 
• Challenge your presumptions. Open your mind to new perspectives.
• Give thanks for the good and the bad things that happen in your life. This will keep you positive.
• Focus on developing a good character.
• Get to know yourself and love yourself unconditionally.
• Make good friends. Be selective in who you can trust. 
• Stay true to yourself and your convictions.
• Be happy.

My weekend in photos

I am having a fabulous time in Oaxaca. 

I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to meet new people, make friends and explore new places.

Everyday is so unique and beautiful. God has greatly blessed my life. 

Here is my weekend in photos:

At a Franciscan convent in Cuilapam

I've adopted a new attitude in life: Joie de Vivre!

A gypsy band playing near Santo Domingo.

Settlers of Catan night with friends. 

Visited the Santo Domingo museum today. 

The Baroque Architecture is so beautiful and elaborate.

Santo Domingo. My favourite place in Oaxaca.

I love the tranquility of this city.