Dear Wanderer

I just got an email from a friend with the above salutation. It's funny 'coz I just started reading The Alchemist. The story starts off with a shepherd boy who dreams of seeing the world. Sounds familiar? ;).

This vacation turned out to be my best vacation ever in so many levels. PB and Bro. Clint picked me up at the San Francisco airport. The next day we went snowboarding in Lake Tahoe. I've passed by the Lake Tahoe area before during my first cross-country trip. It's even more beautiful in the winter. The day after, I worshipped in Redwood City. It was great to see so many familiar faces. Then my friend, Botoul, picked me up from Bro. Clint's house and we headed to Fremont. I also worshipped in Fremont and was surprised to see our former minister in Philadelphia who I did not get along with. Rumor has it that Armando married his sister-in-law. I was pleasantly surprised that I did not have ill feelings for him and his wife. I sincerely hugged them both. I am really thankful that, if it weren't for them, probably, I would have not left Philadelphia. I am in a very happy place in my life right now, so it really all worked out. :) I didn't even care to ask about Armando. I'm sure now that he is not the kind of person I would have wanted to spend the rest of my life with anyway.

My mini-reunion with my college friends was just fabulous. They were just an inspiring bunch of women. Yesterday, Mel, my high school friend picked me up at Botoul's condo. I didn't get a chance to tell Mel that I was heading to the Bay area. It's a good thing though that apparently she subscribes to my blog! :) And although she doesn't leave any comments, she said that she tries to skim through my stories. Thanks, Mel! It was great spending time with you again. After lunch, she dropped me off at Jun's house. The house sits almost at the top of a steep hill. We were afraid that I would trip over on my high heels and fall all the way to the bottom of the hill ;). The view was gorgeous, though. Jun has a daughter now and a son on the way. It seemed just like yesterday when were children ourselves.

Last night, here in Daly City, we had the year-end prayer at Church. They also had a wonderful program afterwards. There are about 1,000 brethren here. It was so nice to be a part of the celebration. The Rosales family, as usual, has been very welcoming. PB will be joining me later here for our New Year's Eve celebration at Ate Tess' house. My flight back is tomorrow. I will be leaving California temporarily. The minute I land in Indiana, I will start bidding my long goodbye. Indiana has been great to me but I have a feeling that it's really not the place for me.

2008 year looks to be an exciting year. The top 8 things I would like to happen next year in somewhat chronological order.

1. Win a fellowship to help pay for my trip to Guatemala

2. Meet Tala and Caroline in an exotic place.

3. Meet with Glenda and Edith in NY or DC

4. Drive cross-country for the second time

5. Do a month-long elective at Stanford

6. Publish my research in Pediatric Radiology

7. Enjoy Guatemala

8. End the year in the Philippines with my family


Happy New Year to all!!!