I realized a lot of my posts are kind of melancholic. It seems to me like people are more likely to talk about the bad and frustrating things that happen in their lives. But let's not forget that there are so many beautiful things that we experience EVERY day of our lives. Last year, I began to write down one blessing that happened to me on a daily basis. I eventually gave up because of a lack of persistence, but what I learned, was that God puts these little details in our lives that should make us smile. On facebook, I stated that my goal for 2010 is to wake up happy on as many days as possible. Now that shouldn't be too hard, should it? It's an attitude that we can chose to have or not. Yes, it is really hard at times. But what I heard in church today, was that Paul (in Ephesians 3:20-21) tells us that we can definitely set our bar a little higher because God is "able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine." We can set goals and strive to achieve them because God is there to help us through it!
As for my goals, I have an idea of that 2010 will be like for me. After my trip to Haiti last year, I realized I want to work in/with developing countries. Out of all the good things that can be done to help, I chose education as the way that I want to contribute in giving the bottom billion - especially the children - a better chance of life. Ultimately, working for UNICEF would be a dream come true. In order to get there, however, learning another language is imperative. French is my choice, not only because it is spoken in many African countries, but also because it is absolutely beautiful. So here is my plan:
- Learn French. This week, I have an appointment at Berlitz for an evaluation of my French skills. There isn't much left from my high school French, but we'll have to see if I have to start from scratch. It's likely.. :-/
- Get an ESL Certificate (teaching English as a Second Language). I'm thinking that my English is good enough by now that I could teach children how to speak it. On January 19th, I want to go to an information session at Oxford Seminars. For about $1000, I can get a ESL Certificate that I can use all over the world.
- Prepare my move to Paris. As of today, I do not believe that I will stay in the U.S. beyond October 2010. My visa has expired and my I-20 will only be valid until my one-year OPT expires on October 26th. Things might change, but I believe I will leave to start a new life elsewhere. And what better place to go than my beloved Paris, where I can teach English and learn French all at the same time?!
- Billings, Montana: The Women of Faith conference last year in Indianapolis changed my life. This year, I want to share the experience with all the wonderful ladies of the Peck family. Though I am not speaking to Israel any longer, I am keeping a close relationship with his family. They mean the world to me and have been by my side through my journey to Christ and through the separation with Israel. They are all precious and I love them, so I don't know who better to go to the WOF than them!
- Las Vegas, Nevada: As I am planning on leaving the U.S. and A., I told my lovely friend Carlin, I would join her on her annual trip to Vegas this year. As I mentioned it to my BFF Katy at home, she said she'll come with us. This trip is planned for sometime and June and I CANNOT wait until we go there. There is also a slim chance (pending outrageous ticket prices) that I might go a little sooner. Turns out, I made a new friend who lives in Vegas and who I wouldn't mind spending a few days with ;-)
- Alaska. This is just an idea that my mom and I had. She wants to visit in August for a longer period of time and since it might be my last summer here, she suggested we take a trip somewhere. I've seen pretty much all the places in the U.S. besides AK and Hawaii and I don't think I want visit Hawaii with my mother..
- New York, New York. Of course, I can't leave without hanging out with my family away from home: Joe & Rachel. We'll see when would be best to fly out there, I'm thinking either May or September...