random thoughts

I hadn't updated because last week was the first ever "hell week" I had here in Texas. But to my relief, the challenge was not Texas-sized. The exams weren't even half as difficult as ordinary ones in UP. I'm not exaggerating. Several of the exam questions, both in Biology and Chemistry, were dead giveaways, like, "Which of the following is not a bacterial shape?" (c), ovalus, of course. So I got a 106 in Chem, and 105 in Biology. But I must fight myself against pride. I am but dust in the presence of my Maker, and I exist only because of His great mercy.

I earned a B+ on my first essay, but I've gone over it already. Knowing me and how wretchedly high I expect of myself, I almost felt I was hyperventilating when I got my paper back. OA, haha. I don't know why I've been making such a big deal out of this "language impediment" I'm fussing about. It's stupid, really. Besides, putting too much importance on improving my writing and spoken English, while thinking that achieving so will deeply satisfy me, does not glorify Him at all. It insults Him.

I attended the CCC Bible Study at lunch today. I was surprised to find two Filipinos leading the group -- one was the campus pastor who also just moved here a month ago from LA (I forgot his name though, sorry), and the other was April Abesamis, who -- guess what -- hails from UP too! She was about to graduate two years ago with a BS in Psychology when her parents decided to transfer her here before she turns 21, which is the maximum age for dependents. Same reason why I'm here.

Anyway, it turns out she was the one who started the CCC chapter in UTPA. I guess she missed her Christian friends so much (like I do now), that she contacted national CCC officials to start up a chapter. I called her up a while ago, and told her I'd like to help out with organizing and planning the fellowships. She was delighted. She told me they'd been praying for people who were willing to serve in their ministry, and it seems I'd been His answer.

I finally chose to define idolatry on my second essay. I thought of it just Tuesday last week, so my essay was really messed up (although my seatmate, Jorge, liked it. I didn't know he was a Christian too. He generally agreed with my propositions on image veneration and hagiolatry). So here I am now, trying to the best I can tonight so I won't be cramming again tomorrow. I'll post it here when I'm done. I hope it'll minister to Catholics who are still soul-searching.