Calling all Bookworms!

Hello, I hope there are some book-lovers out there.

My dad has been trying to get started and work as a full-time author for years. He hasn't had much success (if any), but he hasn't quit. He has written several works, mostly Christian Fiction. I just uploaded one of his books, Achor on a website called, "Authonomy". Anyone can upload their stories there and anyone can read others' stories there as well . . . as long as one has an account. If you do, or if you would like to, please go to authonomy.com and check out my dad's book, Achor.

If you need more persuading, here's a synopsis:

The writer Jack Silver is puzzled when he sees the archaeologist Dr. Hamilton covering up an area he just excavated.

Jack Silver is a writer who loves being with his family and studying archaeology. When the archaeologist Dr. Jay Hamilton writes to him, asking for his help in an upcoming dig, Jack is encouraged by his daughter, an aspiring archaeologist herself, and welcomes the opportunity.

Dr. Hamilton is aware of Jack’s insightful knowledge of all things biblical ever since they went to school together, and wants to hear his opinion on exactly what spot of the Valley of Achor the dig should be directed. During the meeting, Dr. Hamilton invites Jack Silver to join him on the excavation. With Dr. Hamilton’s permission, the Silver family decides to join him.

Dr. Hamilton is overly excited to start digging, even willing to risk breaking Israel’s sacred Sabbath laws. On Saturday night, an earthquake hits Israel; the epicenter being at the Valley of Achor. Jack knows Dr. Hamilton is there and goes to see if he is alright. Jack is baffled at seeing Dr. Hamilton covering the area he just excavated instead of digging further; what happened?

Please go and check it out!

Expected Shock

I don't know if anyone still checks this, but just wanted to use this space in order to ask you all if you could pray for my Cuban relatives (Dad's side of the family).

My grandmother, Dad's mother, died last night sometime after 19:00 (7pm). She had breast cancer for about a year. She fell as she was in the bathroom on Thursday evening, was unconscious, and was declared dead last night (Saturday night). She was 88.

Don't worry about me: I'm ok, as in the death didn't really hit me and we were expecting it 'cause of her cancer and age. Of all my grandparents, she was the one I had the most communication with; but it wasn't very much. Sure we wrote letters back and forth, but that was probably no more than 4 times a year . . . if that. (as far as my other grandparents are concerned; dad's father died before dad came to the States and met mom, mom's mother died about 8 years ago--I met her once and that's it--and mom never knew who her father was, so he's as good as dead). So yeah, that's how it is.

Dad seems to be ok (again, he was expecting it), but still; pray for him, his other siblings, and the rest of the family there, please.

Shew, first a brother-in-law on February 23, his wife on March 15, an uncle on June 5, and now his mother last night (June 19). . . and he found out about his mother this morning: on Father's Day . . .

. . . Jesus is coming soon.

New Move

It's quiet.

Too quiet.

Something is missing.

The apartment feels emptier.

Today is a major day in my family (oh, and I was baptised 14 years ago today, but that has nothing to do with what I want to say). Julia has begun to go under the care of Dove Pointe (an organization in Salisbury, MD; dedicated to provide quality services to citizens with disabilities in the area).

I took her to her 1st (official) day in their Vocational Day services. She never liked going there, but after a while, she was ok. She had already spent some time there before.

As she was there, two men from Dove Pointe's maintenance group came by to help move Julia's furniture to her new home. I also bought some stuff that Julia would need for her "new place." We set the furniture up in her room and everything was put in its place. Now, may the time of adjustment begin. . .

Wow.

That is all I can say.

After 4 months of caring for Julia (basically on my own), it's over.

The room Julia and I shared now has only 1 bed and what feels like a ton of space. My clothes are all that's in our closet. Instead of her random vocal sounds and her occasional slaps, silence has taken control.

I'm not listening to see what Julia is doing. I'm not going to listen to any more claps (signal that Julia is done using the toilet and needs to be wiped). Julia is not going to come up to me anymore, "asking" me to give her a bowl of Fruit Loops (her favorite cereal). I'm not going to bathe her tonight; not for a long time, if ever again.

The feeling is surreal.

Yes, I have been away from my family many times; but my family has never been separated: at least not like this. I was in college, dad was on the road, and mom and Julia were at home. Now, mom is dead, dad is still on the road, I'm in our rented shelter (it ceased to be Home a long time ago), and Julia is in her new home. . . sheesh. I never minded being away from home, but that's because I had a home to return to. All I have now are family members scattered to the four winds. Wow, what a situation.

But you know what? God is still very good--at least we're all still alive. As long as there is life, there is hope.

So . . .

Question: What am I doing here again?

Yeah, I know there are people who love me and wonder about what I'm doing (and actually remember that I have a blog--if they ever knew it in the first place) and how life is treating me; but I got to thinking. . . What else can I share in this blog? The stuff that happens between now and the time I go to Korea--if I go? (Hey, if this year has taught me anything, it's that you NEVER know what is going to happen. Sure, you may have an idea and some plans, but who's to say you'll actually go through with them? Shew, you should count yourself lucky for following them through WITH changes!)

It's just that I look at my blog every once in a while. Has anyone read my title and subtitle? Cubzolana in Austria . . . again. (I've been in Austria for only 4 days in March since I left Bogi on New Year's Eve. The rest of the time I've been in the States . . . again).

The Online Chronicle of My Second Year as a Language Student in Austria. (I haven't had a class since the beginning of December! "Second Year"? More like "Trimester plus a couple weeks in 2009".

Don't get me wrong: I'm really not complaining about having my time in Bogi cut short. God is in control and He allowed this to happen: He knows what He is doing (I've already thought of a few good things that would not have happened had I stayed in Bogi--even if mom was alive and ok).

I'm just contemplating if this blog was supposed to be over by now. Ever since half-way through the academic year, I've had a new chapter or two. Has this blog been stealing time? Has this blog served its purpose?

After 6 years . . .

Praise God! I am finally a Southern Adventist University alumnus!

This has been an amazing weekend. I was able to spend time with friends I love (and some of their families) as we all celebrated a major milestone in our lives.

On Sunday morning as we were marching in, as soon as I stepped into the hall, I felt completely different. I am not the kind of person who wants to be the center of attention: I didn't want to go to the ceremony and march! But as I saw the sea of faces with smiles and cameras, faces of families and friends who are all united in celebrating an important event very few people are able to reach; all the stress and sacrifice, the pain and predicaments, the challenges and choices . . . have made this event worth it. I do not regret marching, although I do regret that mom wasn't there in person. But it's ok, for she was in my heart (besides, mom saw me graduate from college in a dream, before I graduated from 8th grade!). God is good.

Now, let me share with you some of the highlights of this truly high weekend . . .

Monica, one of my best friends, picked me up from the Chattanooga airport. She didn't welcome me empty-handed. . . aren't they lovely?

After I took my German exit exam. My stress had evaporated and I was free! I was also reunited with Jellique and Beverly, the office manager of the Department of Modern Languages.

A few other friends at China Kitchen (great Chinese food, and SAU students get discounts!): Kasandra, Thomas, and Brittany; they are quite the animated bunch.

Carlos and Kevin, being themselves (I wouldn't want them any other way).



Oh, Southern got a new round-about. At least traffic isn't as deadly, or so I hear . . .

The fountain in the round-about

Sabbath after church, I went with Jellique's family and we ate Indian food. It was soooo good! I'm so glad it was a buffet place--I got about 2.5 full plates of food! My appetite has returned!

Back on campus, a group shot was in order.

After the Nursing Dedication Saturday night. Carlos searches . . .

Yours truly with 2 of her favorite nurses.

Sunday morning, waiting to march in, got a quick picture with Jessica, a Masters of Nursing graduate. My respects.

Ok, the line is moving, but not that much . . . quick picture!

Chad. This guy cracks me up, he's really sweet . . . and a School of Religion graduate . . . who knew?

Back at my seat, after walking across the stage and receiving my new Bible and Diploma cover (actual Diploma comes in the mail).

Ignacio Silverio, sat right beside me ('cause of alphabetical order). We cracked up so many jokes and did so much crazy stuff when the cameras were aimed at us . . . good times.

Yey! Dad made it! Because of his superiors, we weren't sure if he would make it.

Dr. Brown-Kibble, choir director; one of the SAU people I missed the most. It has been a joy and an honor to sing under her command.

Yey! We did it! 2 awesome nurses and I.

Jellique and I with one of my favorite English professors (Dr. Byrd), too bad I couldn't get Dr. Haluska as well . . . blast.

Alright Bro (aka Kevin)! Kasi is so proud of us!

And the best for last . . .

A proud father with his daughter

"Memories, patent in the pages of my mind;

Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine." (Elvis Presley song)

Praise God for occasions like this and the memories that come with them.

Now, I have a lot of work ahead of me if I will be able to go to Korea in about 5 weeks . . . so if you don't hear from me in that time, do not be alarmed; for I am extremely busy, racing against the clock. May God's will be done.

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.