Crosswalk

The coolest thing about traveling and living abroad are the people who cross your path. Some friends remain close. Some drift away but they leave an imprint that changes you.

I had a chance to hang out with Steve and Miwa Nguyen the night before their farewell party. Steve was a formal dental patient of mine that actually found out where I worked through my blog. Throughout the year I got to know Steve and Miwa through blogger meetups and other Beautify CNMI activities.

We ate dinner a Japanese restaurant in Garapan and had ice cream at the Big Dipper afterwards. We laughed alot and talked about "Oishii"! They are such a sweet couple and I think its a real loss for Saipan that they are leaving. It's understandable though that they simply just want to be around family since they have been away for quite some time.

If anyone has left a legacy on Saipan it is Steve. Steve is 100 % all heart. He saw a great need in Saipan and decided to do something about it in order to improve the quality of life for those that needed support. He created CAMI-CNMI. I just really admire his leadership and his heart of gold.

Steve and Miwa I wish you safe travels. Cheers to new beginnings and adventures in Texas!

Mai

We refer to Mai as the North Star. She's stunning and constant. Mai's easy to talk to. She's the type of friend who really listens to every word you say and is never distracted. She’s always uplifting and encouraging about how God has great plans for all of us. She's a great storyteller, killer volleyball player, and cooks the best veggie curry. She truly cares for her students and talks about how great they are. I think they were lucky to have Mai as a teacher this year.

On Sabbath afternoons we didn’t like to take naps. Favorite Memory: One afternoon I ditched choir practice and we set out for an adventure with Grant in his truck. We were in the back of the truck dodging tree branches as Grant drove through a rugged path that led to Naftan Point. We hiked along the cliffs and had Sabbath worship together while watching the sunset. Afterwards we had pizza for dinner while sitting in the back of Grant’s truck under the stars and laughed hysterically as Grant told us his best jokes. We had so much fun together.

I'm happy that she will be returning to Saipan with her boyfriend, Jerry, for another year. Have a great summer Mai and I’ll see you soon!

Britni

I hate “goodbyes”. I was never really good at them. It is the end of the school year and the student missionaries are leaving Saipan one by one this week to continue on with their education and to pursue other dreams.



Last night we had a farewell party for them at church. We had a potluck dinner, played a couple of games, and watched a slideshow dedicated to the “Dream team”. They put their heart and soul into the school year and towards their kids. Mai and I are the only ones coming back for another year. A new set of missionaries will come out in the fall. This is usually what happens every year at the SDA elementary and junior high school.


I’m sad that they are leaving but I am thankful for the time we had together. They changed me. Our love for Jesus keeps us connected forever and the memories . . . well they’ll last a lifetime.

Britni is the first one that has left Saipan:

Crusin' in the back of Grant's truck, Rusty.

Britni is the youngest and the heart of our group. She’s what I would call a free spirit. She’s fun and energetic. I loved hearing her lead out in praise songs during church service while Grant played the guitar. She was my first dive buddy. We traveled and explored Guam together. We had heart to heart talks about our dreams and where God was leading us. I’ll never forget her laugh that you could hear a mile away. Britni will be moving to California to pursue her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy at Loma Linda University. I love you Brit and will miss you.

Guam Trip March 2007

Catch 30

Meet my best friend Mel. Mel and I met fourteen years ago during our freshman year in high school. Our friendship has outlasted ex-boyfriends, careers, and past hurts. She's more than a best friend. She's like my sister.

She's half Chinese and half Filipina. She's a talker! She loves to bake. She loves being a mom. She loves to camp with her air mattress. Two words: retail therapy. Her closet is organized by colors. She's thoughtful, often sending me home made cards and care packages from Colorado. I appreciate her honesty. She tells me what I need to hear not what I want to hear. She's the kind of friend that will pick up 3 am calls. She's always encouraging. Just a beautiful person inside and out.

It has been a challenging road for her these past couple of years. I have just admired her quiet strength and attitude to push forward through some of the difficulties she deals with on a daily basis. When I lived in California I would always talk to her on my cell while driving to work everyday. Since I have moved to Saipan it has been harder to keep in touch because of the time difference. So we have found a creative way of staying close with our daily lives. Everyday we email one picture. My pictures have ranged from the sunsets in Saipan, to gross teeth I work on, to what I ate for dinner, to church activities, to diving . . . And she emails me pics of her, her family, her dogs, the snow in colorado, friends.

Mel is the first one in our little click to turn thirty. My other best friend, Rae, is in Colorado celebrating with Mel this weekend. I wish I could be there=( I just feel really blessed to have such great friends. Their friendship is the best part of my everyday. Happy 30th Birthday Mel!!=)