Just for the month of August I've been to 4 birthdays and a funeral. First birthday I celebrated was for my good friend named Jenny and then for my housemate Shang. A week after was for a friend whom they say look a lot like me, Chatty and lastly was for prince chubby, my crush. What's significant about those birthdays I've attended to was how it was celebrated. Of course there was the usual food, music and the presence of fellow friends at church. I most of the time enjoy the time I spend with these friends of mine from an organization we call YAF (Young Adults Fellowship) It's been a tremendous blessing being a part of the group. I always feel welcome despite the fact that I join activities frequently. After everyone had filled their tummies, we all gathered around for some games and some songs and after everyone seemed to have had some fun, each one gave a simple message to the celebrant on how they are appreciated, their wishes and prayers. I guess my favorite of all was prince chubby, he was humble enough to say that everything we were describing about him was not himself but the power of God at work in his life. I learned a lot from these celebrants and from the messages of other people. Isn't it such a wonderful thing for people to hear how much they are appreciated when they are still alive? Birthdays are a celebration of life, a celebration of God's goodness and faithfulness.

Just recently, I was talking to my teammate Denise about her children, at the age of 23 she already has an adorable baby boy age 3 and a girl of 11 months. A day after we were talking about her children, we received news that her baby girl, Andrea died out of SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.The doctor who examined the baby said, the baby just died in her sleep, there was no struggle, she just slept peacefully. In my heart I knew that God is working in her life, to show her that He loves her. Ironically speaking there are times that God shows us His love by taking something or someone that may someday harm us or even interfere in our relationship with Him.

I have long wanted to write a blog in memory of my friends, the family I consider while I am away from home. I hope they know how much I value them and appreciate them. Soon, when I have enough time. For the meantime, thank you everyone and thank you God for all of YOU.