Also in the spring, I went to Mexico for a church mission trip with eight other people from Pomerado Christian.  Spiritual warfare took hold as our car broke down on the way, a team member nearly got mugged, sickness plagued our camp, and the language barrier made communication somewhat difficult.  Beyond these obstacles, God prevailed and many children became Christian at our mission site.  We all seemed to connect and enjoy the adorable kids there while learning to follow God’s mission for each of us.

During the summer I enjoyed visiting New York City.  It was somewhat ironic that after spending merely 3 days there, I was able to find my way around the city much better than in my hometown of San Diego.  The frantic taxi drivers, rushing businessmen, street vendors, and mobs of people combined to create intensely active and eventful surroundings.  I found that this environment is amusing and somehow relaxing for me.  By the end of the trip I had decided that New York City was my new favorite city.  I plan to head back there next spring for the annual choir trip! Also, because of my addiction…er…love of coffee; I included pictures of me enjoying Starbucks in New York and Chicago.

   In August I began the most demanding school year I’ve ever had.  I decided to take AP U.S. History, AP Bio, and Honors Lit and the combination of those challenging classes causes me to get very little sleep at night.  In addition, I got into the top audition choir at my school, Die Lieders.  I have a great time in this class even though it adds to my hectic schedule. 

I also tried out for a Southern California Honor Choir and made it into their mixed group.  We had three total rehearsals and a one- evening performance. It was an enriching and enlightening experience.  I also got into the California All State Honor Choir and will be rehearsing during one weekend in the spring with one performance at the end.

In essence, the year of 2002 was tons of fun, and I’m looking forward to the coming events of next year.