Beginning of the End

Today, I am writing from the campus of Southern Adventist University. On Wednesday, April 28th, I flew from Salisbury to Chattanooga. With 3+ hours of sleep, I made it to Southern and took my German exit exam. Apparently, I passed! All the professor kept on telling me was that I did good. I am a bit curious as to how good I did, but then again, that doesn't really matter: I have sprung over my last hurdle and am now on the home stretch!

So far, I have been able to see some old friends and hang out with them. That part has been the best. There is 1 thing I forgot: Spring-time allergies are fatal here! I've been sneezing all day, especially today! This campus is rich in aesthetic appeal and natural beauty, but the pollen and dust and whatnot are killing me and I am anxious to leave (I got allergy medicine, but let's see how that works).

Well, the festivities of Graduation weekend have begun (Vespers is going on now as I'm typing). Tomorrow will continue with Sabbath school and church over at the Chattanooga Convention Center and finally the graduation ceremony in the convention center on Sunday morning.

Oh . . . "The golden morning is fast approaching . . ."

A Cousin's Visit

Just thought I'd share some pictures of my cousin, Omelia, from the time she visited us on April 3rd. Omelia and I are cousins on my mom's side (our mothers are sisters). She and her husband were planning to visit us and this was the day that fit our schedules. It must have been kind of hectic for them, 'cause they flew all day Friday and Sunday . . . which means we were together just for Saturday. It was only for 1 day, but it was still nice.

They weren't able to rent a car, so I drove them around. No complaints from me!

Ellos no pudieron rentar un carro, entonces yo fui su chofera. Yo no queje!

Just outside of the Olive Garden, after lunch.

Fuera del Olive Garden (restaurante italiano), despues del almuerzo.

On a path in the woods between our apartment and the zoo/park.

En un camino entre nuestro apartamento y el zoologico/parque.

Close to the Salisbury Zoo/Park. Omelia and Juan Carlos loved the flowers that were budding on every tree and couldn't resist.

Cerca del zoologico y parque de Salisbury. Omelia y Juan Carlos encantaban las flores que salian de los arboles y no pudieron resistir.

At "La Tolteca" (best Mexican restaurant in town) for supper. Julia is always happy when she knows food is on its way.

En La Tolteca (mejor restaurante mexicano en el pueblo) para la sena. Julia siempre esta feliz cuando ve que hay comida.

Otra vez, quiero dar las gracias a Omelia y Juan Carlos por su visita; por tomando el tiempo para estar con nosotras y de acceptar los dolores de cabeza que mas proable tuvieron cuando estaban volando, para estar con Julia y yo. Tambien quiero dar las gracias a todos quien nos han ayudado, sea con orraciones o dinero o simple llamadas y momentos en pensar en nosotros. Muchisimas gracias a todos y un gran abrazo para todos.

My Favorite Europeans

I wanted to share a few pictures I took while I was in Bogi from 25th til 29th of March. Unlike most of the pictures I've taken before, I concentrated on my friends this time (as opposed to nature or architecture). So, here below, are some of "my favorite Europeans":

Ewelina (pronounced "Evelina"; SM from Poland). She's a very sweet and beautiful person: always a joy to be around her.

Alexander and Daniel (SMs from Ukraine). These happen to be the 2 guys who picked me up from the Munich airport when I arrived. These guys can always make me laugh (then again, that's not very hard either).

Heidi (SM from Sweden) and I. She's like a sister to me. Heidi is one of the most serene people I've ever met (seriously, this girl emits tranquility), but by no means does this mean that she doesn't know how to have a fun time; on the contrary! I can't count all the times we've laughed together!

Christian Graf (Theo student from Egypt/Germany). I can say so many things about this guy, but I'll limit myself to this: I am eternally grateful to God for allowing me the opportunity to meet, get to know, and befriend this man. He truly is a Godsend; especially during the last 3 months.

L to R: Christian, Russlan (an SM from Ukraine), and Daniel. When Russlan found out that I wanted to learn Russian, he offered to teach me (he was already tutoring a few other people). My problem was that I was trying to better my German (and I was also just picking up French), so this just wasn't the time for me to try.

These guys are all caring and sweet men. They are just great: I truly love them.

Nargiza (SM from Uzbekistan) and Christian Henzel (SM from Germany). Nargiza, I just met in this trip; but from the few interactions I've had with her, she is a truly sweet and altruistic person.

Henzel has been in Bogi for a while (he was there my 1st time back in 2006). He is a very hard worker and a "happy-go-lucky" kind of guy. He's a lot of fun to be around.

Apparently, he was anxious to devour the delicacy set before him. :-P

*For the record, "SM"="Student Missionary".

I really do love these people. I cannot be reunited with them too soon.

God, thank you for the gift of friendship you've given me through these people. I feel as though I got a taste of heaven through them. I don't deserve friends like these . . . but then again, this just goes to show how truly amazing Your grace really is. Thank you, my Father and my God.

An Update

Well, it's been almost 3 weeks since mom's death and a lot has happened since. Let me give you the basic update:

Mom: Mom died on the 15th of March and was cremated the 20th. On the 25th, dad received her ashes. We have an idea of what to do with them, we just need to finalize the plans.

Dad: Dad is still working as a truck-driver. He was able to request his 1 (or 2) week vacation just in time for me to fly back to Bogi and back to the States. During the time I was gone, he set to go through all the papers and stuff mom has collected during the years. I think he became an archaeologist, 'cause he found stuff dating back to when mom was in middle-school (I kid thee not). He also went and visited Julia everyday while she was in respite care and took her out for a while. In short, as I was away, dad was not bored.

Julia: Julia has been her same-ol' self. On the day before I left for Bogi, dad and I dropped Julia off at the place she was gonna receive respite care. This is a house owned by an organization dedicated to offering services to the mentally-disabled (children as well as adults). This house was part of their respite care; in which they take care of a person on a temporary basis (I believe a week is the maximum). So, Julia stayed there and attended their day-services program (all sorts of activities) during the day (9 or 10 til 15).

From what dad told me, Julia got upset when dad returned her to the house; but after the 3rd day or so, she was fine and returned somewhat happily. The day after I returned, dad and I went to pick her up. She even gave the lady who was taking care of her a hug and kiss! This was a major relief; praise God that all went very well!

On April 1st, Julia was supposed to move into a house where she'll be receiving total care in a more permanent basis . . . only she couldn't. I found out that her budget wasn't approved yet . . . among other steps. We should be receiving word (hopefully) by at least Tuesday.

me: Me, well, I've had full responsibility of Julia since mom was admitted into the hospital--a week before she died. I bought my round-trip ticket to Munich around Feb. 20-something, not knowing what was going to happen within the month . . .

On March 24th, I flew back to Bogi to pick up the rest of my stuff, as well as take care of whatever else I needed to take care of (i.e. return the room keys, officially check-out of the dorm, get my deposits back, etc.). The next morning, I arrived to Bogi's campus and stayed til the morning of the 29th. Those were the best days of my life, since before finding out about mom's diagnosis. I am eternally grateful to God for allowing me to meet and befriend these Godsend of a people: they have certainly made the difference. I love them with all my heart.

After returning to the States, I was immersed under the whole situation and stress of caring for Julia and the household. All I ask of God is for the strength and patience to endure until this time is over (when Julia is in residential care and I'm in whatever is next).

A cousin of mine, Omelia (her mom and my mom were sisters) and her husband just visited Julia and I today. We spent the whole day together, talking and getting to know each other a little better (we've never had much contact before). They flew in last night and will be flying back tomorrow morning. I am glad they came: it was very thoughtful of them and appreciated. Godspeed to them as they fly back to San Antonio.

. . . well, that's it. If there is anything more, I'll let you know.