Which way to go?

 

        "The Road Not Taken"

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;       5

Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,    10

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.     15

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood and
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.     20 

       - Robert Frost 


We have termites and our house is being tented and fumigated. So all of us went our separate ways to stay at  a co-worker, a friend, a grandparents while we wait for this process to be over. We are home - less for few days. 

I stayed at former YAV's apartment just down the street and it was good to catch up with Becky and her husband. I am jealous of them right now because they about to go to Nicaragua tonight.  I want to go back to Nicaragua!!  It was nice to have a 2 days break away from my housemates but I miss community times with kids. 

 A few weeks ago, a teen did some poor misbehaving at the house. I didn't accept that behavior at all.   I gave a fair warning and the behavior of the teen kept getting worse. Finally I sent the teen home. I didn't want to kick the teen out of the house  but I didn't want the teen's misbehavior to be a example of how to act in front of the little kids. I was sad.  The next day I talked to the teen one and one about the issue. "You have a good heart and you are setting a example to the kids how to act." "Do you want the kids to act right or be rude?" I said.  You are role model just like the other teens that comes here. It was a good talk with the teen.  We both come to agreement. After that week, the teen seem happier now.    It was hard for me to give any kid or teen a punishment of their actions at community house.  I had to go on the road that was less traveled.  I love the kids.  So after that talk, it seem like we bonded closer.  That made a big difference in 2 ways.  One is the older kids know to try to set a good example of a role model to the kids. The other one is that we bonded closer. GOD is AWESOME. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also a few weeks ago, 2 guests from Homeboy Industries came to speak at the community house. The guests was 2 former gang members and spoke about their past and how their lives changed after being involved with Homeboy Industries.  Homeboy Industries assists at-risk, formerly gang-involved youth and the recently incarcerated to become contributing members of our community through a variety of services in response to their multiple needs. Their free programs - including counseling, education, tattoo removal, job training, and placement - enable young men and women to redirect their lives and provide them with hope for their futures. 

 Check out their website   Homeboy-Industries website    

 I strongly recommended to get "Tattoos On The Heart" book.  Its about gang member's lives, how they changed, and how Homeboy industries got started.   It is one of my top 10 favorite books. 

There was a lot of neighborhood teens and group of teens from Oasis came to listen to the guest speakers.  

I am really pump up  for this week. A good college buddy Lauren is coming up to visit plus me and intern youth pastor David taking the FPC high school kids to LA Dodger game this friday night.  It will be great to get to know the high school group more outside of church.   Hope everybody have a great weekend! God bless!

God already knows.

John 1:1-3,10,11,12

¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²The same was in the beginning with God. ³All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

    
¹⁰He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

 ¹¹He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

¹²But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

It is amazing of how extraordinary God is. He is the father of us. He is the one who created heaven and earth at the beginning.  The earth was plain. So God said "let there be light: and there were light." Then he divided light from darkness. On the 2nd day, he created land as water divided around the dry land. God brought plants, grass up to life. You know the rest of the story in Genesis 1:1-31. 

I remembered learning that story when I was little from my Sunday school teacher.  It was almost like fairy tale.  At that young age, I was like " God made the earth, light, darkness, made everything and he named them of his creation. Cool.  That's it.  

As I got older, I got into details of  God's creations, not just basic of what he created mentioned in the bible. 

Nanobes are thought by some to be the smallest known organism, about one tenth the size of the smallest known bacteria. 

Eriophyid mites are among the smallest of all arthropods, measuring only 125 to 250 μm in length. 

Humpback whale is one of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from  39–52 ft and weigh approximately 79,000 lb.

Jupiter is the largest planet within the Solar System.


Have you ever thought about these tiny or big creations that God made?  Try to think of things that God created, not as a whole but the inside.   

God created those things.  I was amazed when I saw a humpback whale out in the ocean few days ago so close to the beach. The people who live in the area, told us, they never seen a whale so up close. One in the lifetime opportunity.

 The weather, nature, tiny organism hardly see by a naked eye, trillion of cells in our body, the mountains, the stars in the sky, 206 different bones of shapes and sizes in  the human body.  God did it.  God is so incredible  and is the smartest of us all.  Think of this way, God have all the degrees that exist now from college to the end.  How God know to create from 125 um in length mite, red veins in our eye balls, elephant, clouds,  ________, ________, and many more.  

                                                                                                                   (fill in those blank) 

                  

         I have one answer.   He is God.                   

This past month, Scott and Chad came to visited at different times, it was a blast.  One of my favorite times of both visit, is that we talked about God, life, and the future. God put the words out of our mouth. I learned something new from Scott and Chad. I guess they would say the same thing of me. God planned this and still planning. He knows what already gonna happen in 2 secs before I finished typing this sentence.  God picked Mary to give birth to Jesus. Why Mary? God is God. He is the creator above all of his creations. How God knows Jesus was the one?  God is God.

 I ask that you give a moment for God.   Six days of creations and on the seventh day God rested. Amazing!   Thank God, look around you as you quietly talk to God, give him your thoughts. He already know what you gonna say or do.   If you wanna hear God laugh, tell him your plans. 

John 1:31

³¹And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

GOD IS GOOD.

As a christian, I still fail to be example of Christ. Everybody does. People say "God don't give you many chances to do good deed."  They are wrong. God give me and you a lot of opportunities to serve him. Sometime we just failed by not realizing God is here for us and we are here for him.  Sure, we get wrapped up with busy work and its simple to lose thought to do good deeds for God.  God created everything in 6 days and he rested on the 7th. God had time to do that for us.  Don't think that God is God and he can do whatever he wants of what he did with his creations of the 6 days.  God did this cause he love us and for us to enjoy the creations he created.  Adam and Eve failed to listen of God's word. We do the same things.  We not perfect but we can try to do better.  Scratch try out.  We need to make great efforts to have God in front of us and our worries behind us. If you can do that, then you will be in good hands with God. God created the world, he gave us lessons in the bible, and gave his only son to die for us.  So next time you are out in the world at work, hiking, or hanging out with friends, just look around you at God's creation and thank him for his awesome love.
 

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

 PATH's Outreach Team helped out to move Doc & Jon, two homeless Veterans, into their new apartment last Tuesday. This is really great news for the men & for PATH because the outreach team been talking to the men for few months about getting them an apartment. So Jon & Doc decided to do it & since they were war veterans, they have benefits to help them out. They didn't have to go through a 6 - 9 months program at PATH.  So the outreach team got them off the street, Doc & John came by the Path Mall to get cleaned up Tuesday morning. The whole process started off with haircuts and shaves at the PATH Mall.  My boss Jeremy did video interview with both men while I took pictures of the men during the interview and getting their hair cut. My housemates Josh & Robert took the 2 men to their new apartment that afternoon.    God is Good. 

Click the blue link below for more pictures. 

Picture slideshow of Doc & Jon getting cleaned up.      


The winter shelters in LA will be closed on Wednesday till next winter comes. So where all the homeless people go to? Parks, alleys,, cardboard boxes, corners of buildings.  They could go to PATH shelters but they have to apply for it and enter in the 6-9 months program.  These homeless who go to winter shelters, just want to go for short term housing, not a long term housing like PATH.  So please pray for them and  for programs who help homeless clients to find a better way to help homeless even when the winter shelters is not available. 

On March 3, I had opportunity to go back to TN for few days. Thursday night, I spoke on MTSU campus at PSF to college students about Young Adult Volunteers Program & my experiences in LA.   Each year, a YAVs from Nashville site come to PSF to talk about their experiences so this time, I joined them. I am the first one from PSF to do YAV and proud to say 2 of my college buddies are joining YAV program for this coming year.  It was good to catch up with PSF alumni, my campus pastor, college friends,  3 Nashville YAVs, Nashville site Director  & of course my parents & Nanny for a 2 day stay. I enjoyed listening my Nashville YAVs's stories of their stay here & their experience of their workplace in Nashville helping the homeless. At the end of the speaking event, Pastor John gathered the group and asked for us to pray in turns whoever wants to. Several of us prayed for Current YAVs in the states & out of the country as they have 5 months left to go.  Future YAVs for the coming year, PSF's mission trip with 15 students to NC to rebuild homes. The crimes/violence at MTSU. 

Over 30 students / alumni at PSF

After the event, me & my friends went to donut shop and hang out for few hrs.  I talked to Lauren & Chad which they just joined YAV program. I am really happy for them & I told everybody, if you do YAV program, you will be truly blessed. 

Lauren done the interview with Hollywood & New Orleans site & She chose to be a part of New Orleans. Chad have not done interviews yet with the sites but checking out Northern Ireland & South Korea site. This past week, a new site director Antonio from Denver came to Hollywood to shadow Matthew "Hollywood Site director" At the end of the week, Antonio said to me, do you know Chad? I said yes.  Then he said well he is checking out Denver site. Such a small world.  AWESOME!  I ask that you pray for Chad, Lauren & upcoming YAVs as they start to prepare this new journey with this program. 

. 

Lauren         Kyle          Chad

My buddy Scott came to visit me this past week and I had blast catching up with him and showing him around Los Angeles.  It was nice to have a break.  We did a lot of stuff from  

Eating lunch in the press box at LA Dodger Stadium (paid by the LA Dodger)

3rd row seats to Conan & saw Pee Wee Herman & got free tour at WB. 

Gave a tour at my work of PATH for Scott

Hiking up to Hollywood Sign

Played with neighborhood kids

Visited the Community set & hang out with Joel

Went to Point Dume Beach, El Matador Beach, & Venice Beach

Checked out buildings in Downtown LA & Chinatown

Ate at LA's popular hangout at PINKs (Hot Dog place)

& other stuffs.

I worked from 8 to 12 each day at PATH then hang out with Scott for the rest of the afternoon. 

I am looking forward to the next couple months, 2 of my friends Chad, Lauren 

 & my parents coming up to visit. (Different dates/times, not together) I am sad that its only 5 months left to complete this program.  I am still praying over what I am going to do after this. I am seeking advice with my coworkers, my parents, church members, and my site director about what the next best step. 

Here is a prayer list I would like for you to pray for.  It will just take few mins of your time. 

• Lauren, Chad, Upcoming YAVs
• Current YAVs and my housemates as we start to complete our program.
• The people & the victims in Japan, Hawaii, & in the United State's west coast  of the tsunami effect  
• Homeless people out in the street & Path's clients 
• The new site director Antonio from Denver
• My site director Matt and his family
• People who doing Lent 
• My family
• Mrs. Compton & her child 
• My prayer partner Brandon & his family
• Joel as he take a break from touring for awhile to spend time with his sons. 
• My friends who about to graduate in May
• People who are lost with their faith
• Neighborhood kids 

Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV)

 ⁷Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

 ⁸For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Homelessness can be fiXed......

Homelessness is the condition and social category of people without a regular house or dwelling because they cannot afford, or are otherwise unable to maintain regular, safe, and adequate housing, or lack "fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.


The term homelessness may also include people whose primary night-time residence is in a homeless shelter, in an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or in a public or private place not designed for use as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.


In CA, there is 159,732 homeless people across the state. (based on 2007 census).  
In  TN, there is 8,700 to 11,000 homeless people across the state.(based on 2009 census).


82,000 people are homeless on any given night in Los Angeles.


At my work "PATH"'s goal is to end the homelessness. 

PATH Mission: “To break the cycle of homelessness by empowering people with the tools for self-sufficiency” 

PATH Approach:  To help homeless individuals and families find work, save money, secure housing, and empower their lives.

PATH’s strategic approaches to ending homelessness are resulting in successful outcomes and the creation of model programs that have been replicated in many other communities. PATH proven track record of getting individuals off of the streets is one of the many reasons why one former PATH client referred to PATH as “the prime-rib of supportive services.” By providing homeless and low-income individuals with the full range of resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency, PATH is working toward the ultimate goal of eliminating homelessness throughout Los Angeles and America.

Each year PATH serve approximately 4,000 homeless individuals and families, providing them with access to the housing and supportive services they need to break the cycle of homelessness and achieve self-sufficiency.  In the past year, the PATH Mall has achieved the following successes:

PATH'S FACTS

- Provided 13,047 case management and referral services to 3,111 unduplicated clients through the PATH Mall Access Center, linking homeless individuals to the supportive services they need to overcome their barriers to self-sufficiency

- Provided 23,843 basic services, including showers, lunches, and clothing

- Through the PATH Finders Job Center in the PATH Mall, PATH provided academic support, job training, and employment assistance services to 410 individuals, 101 of whom secured full-time, living wage employment. 

- Improved the housing stability of the homeless, as measured by providing referrals to emergency, transitional, and permanent housing to 958 individuals

- Improved the health of the homeless as measured by providing 3,099 service visits to 1,260 homeless adults and children through the JWCH Institute Medical Clinic in the PATH Mall

- Helped the homeless cope with mental illness, as measured by 1,400 individuals who received mental health care services through Gateways Hospital in the PATH Mall

Pretty amazing.......   

GLENDALE OUTREACH TEAM

When I first arrived at the army shelter in Glendale with Mark, Christina, and Alayna there was a line from the end of the street to the doors of the shelter. We walked around and talked to folks in line. A man who work for the shelter yelled and said " I am sorry but we have no blankets for tonight. We have pillows and sheets. No blankets. Again I am sorry. If you come tomorrow night, there will be blankets."  Some of the people seem to be disappointed by the news but others just shook the chip off their shoulder knowing they going to be in shelter tonight. A young man from Michigan walked up to me, asking me about my cohear implants.  I answered his questions and we ended up having a discussion on how technology helping people then I asked "What brought you here?" He said" I wanted to get away from Michigan and start new life here."  Did you have a job when you first came here? I asked.   He said I was looking for one but couldn't find the job. I ran out of money. So here I am but I am still looking for jobs.  He asked for a sweatshirt to me and Mark.  Later that night, brand new sweatshirt showed up for the Michigan boy and tons of blankets. Where did those come from?? Mark had connections. He called few places and delivered to help these people.   Mark is the founder of Invisible People. He experienced being homeless and turned his life around and now he is a top representative role model to speak on homeliness to people. He have been across the US to spread the word on homeliness.  Check out his blog  http://invisiblepeople.tv/blog/about/ 


Later on that night, I was sitting on a army bed cot listening to a man who was in his mid 60s. He worked for construction for 37 years. He lost his home after he got laid off.  Not enough money to retire. He stayed at friend's apartment for few months but he knew it was time to go.  No job. No money.  "Its hard to get accepted for a job at his age and a type of work he does" He said.  I have no computer skills, if I had that, I will be ok finding a job. Then he just smile and then said "I stay here tonight and be hopeful for tomorrow."


A man came and sat in front of me as he ate his dinner food. We both did our quick hi and names.  Then he said "I am here now and can get some rest tonight." I replied "Yes sir."  He just kept on eating as he stare at me like he is waiting on me to ask him something. "How was your day today" I asked.   "Well its the first day." he said.   I was puzzle of what he meant by that. Then he said "I am drug addict"  I stopped the last time that I did it.  I said good. Then he said "I don't know how long that will last. I have been unsuccessful of staying away from it. All the homeless shelters I try to get into, have been hard on drug addicts. They don't allowed me to stay the night, I have to stay clean to come in the shelter. I had different type jobs in the past but the choices got me here now. So its the first day. 

That night after listening to their stories. I gave them encouragement, suggestions and information on Path's Glendale Achieve shelter in Glendale. Glendale Achieve shelter help you find jobs, teach free classes from computer skills to art, a place to help you start off better after you finished Glendale's program. Most of the homeless I talked to, said they will check into it, some just ignore it.  There is nothing I can do but just let them know the choices are available.  

About  a week ago we just did a homeless count in certain part of LA. This homeless count program asked for volunteers to do the count for 3 nights from 8pm to 1am. The staff split up the volunteers in teams and go to certain area that they were asked to go to, to count. There was police and Path outreach staff involved in this program and offer assistance to the volunteers.  They haven't gathered the total count yet. The only places volunteers didn't count was in Glendale and Long Beach.

Hebrews 13:2 (King James Version)

 ²Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.


What this mean is do not forget to show hospitality to strangers and some people have shown hospitality to others without knowing it.  Jesus wants us to treat others like our own brother or sisters. Its hard for me to leave the shelter after I listened to their stories and want to do more. But I can't  The best thing we can do is listen and lift their spirit up.  Let them know that you are noticing them.  Help them feel not invisible as they have been walked by so many people ignoring them. We are all the same in Christ. 

People (YOU) need to know that the homeliness people out in the street that could be dirty, sick, or whatever come to your mind when you first see them. I don't see that. I see the people in the street  that can get chances to start over.  God give us chances to ask forgiveness..... Why don't we start offering and noticing the people out in the street. We need to let them know there is places to help them out. Short or long term housing. Nobody deserves to stay out in the streets, alleys, abandon cars, or trees.   PATH is here to not only help the homeliness but to spread the word of this problem and solve the problem by ending the homeliness.   Nobody chose to be homeless... Its just happened to people.  Its stinks. But it can be fix.  God got a plan and he had and will guide me as I continue to reach out to our brothers and sisters.   

Please pray for my housemates and I as we started a new schedule at community house with kids.  Pray for the kids to become understanding of the new schedule.  Pray that the new volunteers and neighbors to keep connecting with us and the community house as we develop stronger friendships with neighbors and kids.  Please pray for the people and the government in Egypt that violence or ignoring the suggestions is not the answer to end their problem. Pray for my family, Matt's family, and my housemates's families.   


God bless!

A Roller Coaster ride in December.

If you have been blessed, it's your responsibility to bless others with what you've been given. God hasn't given those gifts just for your  own good but for the good of others as well. Early in my childhood, my parents have taught me that it is important to help and care for people who are in need. Its in my blood, to help, listen, care, entertain, and lift someone's frown into a smile.  I know what talents what God have given me to use and I am truly blessed  that God have given me experiences with my talents in past mission trips and now in CA. I see  it as my responsibility, but also my privilege, to be generous with what God had entrusted to me.  

A few days before I left for Christmas break, there was a break in at the community house. A part of a door frame was torn apart when the door was kicked in.  In the room was full of leftover toys and gifts for the kids buy for their parents for Christmas.  Nothing was taken in the room except for the missing door frame was ripped off.   At that time, I was disappointed and thinking "Who would do this?"  A week before that, there was blue paint splattered all over outside bulletin board and outside walls of the community house.  In the month of December, it seems to have its up and down. We had a Posada event with the  neighbors and two kids dressed up as Mary and Joseph. We all walked together singing Christmas carols in spanish and in english. We went to 3 different houses, Mary and Joseph knocked on each door and asked "Is there room for us?" All three owners replied no room available. The fourth house, we went to, was the community house, the host let us in as we saw Mary and Joseph put plastic baby Jesus on the table as other kids acted as wise men standing around Jesus.  After that, we spend time with kids and talked to their parents at after-party. God is Good!

Posada event

The next day after the Posada, we had a Toy store for the kids for 3 afternoons to buy or do chores around the community house to get any gifts they want to get it for their family members. We had baby toys, kid books, adult watches, women make-up stuff, men's tool stuff, sport supplies, and digital cameras. My roommate Brady's friend donated money for us to buy all this stuff that the kids requested to get for their parents. This was the first time that the dwellers did it, it went very well with neighbors. The kids got to wrapped their gifts and write letters to their family.  After I came back from xmas break, some of the kids told me, that their parents enjoyed their gifts.

Toy Store

It seems at some moment, we get closer with our neighbors with events involving with the neighbors but then when the break-in or bad stuff happened, I feel weird. I am not scared but am concerned for kids out in the street.  I wondered if we are doing something wrong or offensive to the neighbors?  Its is not hard to continue to do good things for the people but sometime I wondered is it the reason that is making whoever did this bad stuff at community house mad? I don't understand of why bad stuff happened after we done good stuff?  I pray that the neighbors know that we are here to serve God and be there for them and their kids.  We are not here to interpret the routine of the neighborhood's life. We are here to lift someone's frown into smile, make them laugh, listen to their stories, give them guidances and  the words of the bible and many more reasons of why God put us here.
With the first paragraph I put up on the top of this blog, is my talents being put into good use to the kids or the neighbors?  I don't know. I thought it was, but then why this stupid break in happened?  Its hard to figure out.  Its all in God's hands and he will lead us and the neighbors through this road.

The night before I left for Christmas break, I was taking pictures at Path Mall of a holiday event where celebrities show up and spend time with the kids and families who is on a verge of starting new life after being homeless. Pat O Brien (All Access Reporter), Tommy Davidson (Living Colors), a kid from TV show "LOST" and few others was there. Tommy Davidson was homeless at a young age and he understands the stages that these families face. It was interesting to hear his life story from poor to famous. It was really awesome to see the kid's faces brighten up when they got their gifts.

While I was home in TN for Christmas, it was good catching up with my parents, friends, and church friends. I beat my Mom and Dad in a blokus game (12 times) that I got for them for Christmas. I am the champ. They probably will not admit that fact. lol    I have more stuff to post so there will be another blog in a few days.   God bless!

Imaginary Feast Slideshow

Slideshow for PATH (click on this)

This is a project I am doing for PATH fundraising event.  This project is about Mayra and Wilbur who is staying at Path's family center.  Its just a min and 25 sec video.  Check it out!
: )  Maybe you could donate some money toward this fundraising event.

People's faith and taste buds changes.

I am eating cucumbers, dipping chips in guacamole, drinking egg nog, and my relationship with God have gotten closer after the last 4 months in LA.  In the previous blogs, I have mentioned how I am so thankful that God gave me opportunity to serve him and be a witness to others and he is teaching me new stuff that I never thought of.  I never though in this mission (YAV) program that I will do mission work and design work together and I have been told it was very unlikely to find that dream in this program.  I never lost faith in God but I allowed to listen to negative information from people. God proved us all wrong. I am doing the dream.  God listens and God already knows what best for you in HIS own time and HIS way, not our own time or our own way.  I have listened to people's stories and God opened the gates for me to understand what they are saying. For some reason, I still have a hard time understanding my roommates, but have no problems understanding the people outside the apartment from homeless people to the people I  just met randomly. God opened my ears.  God knows blueprint of my life, I don't. My faith have grown stronger from the lessons I have learned from God for the last 4 months. Nobody and I will never will understand the entire mystery of God but we can gain stronger relationship with him through our daily lives. My friends back home have asked me "Am I scared, homesick, bored in LA?" The answer is No.  Of course I miss my family and friends back home.  But I have been welcomed since I have arrived in LA.  God had this plan  and he gave me a trail to meet and form friendships with people. I have a LA family, church friends, and  friends from work or sport games. They have offered help if I needed it. I am so happy here.  I have always been independent back home and here that have tested my boundaries in a foreign land  that I never been before. God gave me directions and a mouth to speak clear to ask people for advice if I got stuck. I am truly comfortable in this environment. God gave me opportunities to enjoy and have fun while I am here in LA.  I never thought I would talk to Robert Dowery Jr or shook hands with Denzel Washington 2 months ago. But the real celebrities are the people who have prayed for me, supported for me, and leaned a hand.  My director, his family, my family, my LA family, my prayer partner, my church from home and in LA, my friends in LA and back home.  The number one celebrity is God of all times. He listened and still listens. In the first sentence, of this paragraph, I mentioned cucumbers, dipping chips in guacamole and drinking egg nog, I hate those things but since I been in LA, my taste buds have changed.  I love guacamole, egg nog, and cucumbers now. So 2 things changed for me, a closer relationship with God and taste buds.