As of today, I’ve officially been in Southern California for one month! It’s been one overwhelming but blessed month, and I am so thankful for so many things: my relatives over here, my friends back home who are praying for me, my new friends, my classmates, and I can go on and on and on…

You know what I realized? You know you’re no longer in the Philippines when…

1. The cars stop for crossing rabbits.
2. You’re actually aware of speed limits. (*grin*)
3. Your new best friend is that guy who gives you directions on your GPS
4. You are freezing and getting sunburned at the same time.

Welcome to California! :)

Since some of you have been asking me what’s been going on, let me give you a peek into my life over the past month:

These are my classmates, with one of our professors, Roger Heuser.

I’m not in the photo because this was taken last semester (I’m one of two new students in our class this semester). I’m learning a lot from these people!

This is one of my favorite things to do here in SoCal: Watch the sunset!

Every weekday, you can find me in one of the libraries in the area.

My favorite one so far is our university library, because I’ve already staked out a nice, little comfy cubicle in there. Plus they don’t mind if you bring in coffee or tea.

Whether I’m in the library or a cafe, you’ll usually find me with these things in front me:

My ever-reliable Mac, a textbook, my Nook (which has my Bible and a couple of my school books), my phone, and a cup of tea. And if a pack of trail mix is around, I won’t be able to resist!

This is where I go to church:

This photo of Mariners Church doesn’t do it justice. It’s a bright and beautiful place but it’s also relaxing and homey. I like it a lot.

Here are some of my new friends (thanks for the photo, Vicki!):

That’s Vicki, Mike, Samuel, me, and Rochelle

And here are more of the people we hang out with on Thursday nights at Mariners (photo c/o Rick Wells):

Hello from California! :)

That’s all I’ve got for now, friends…all new experiences, all new faces, same ol’ me. :)

What’s new with you? :)