Rooted in Love

Cleaning, packing and leaving was so hard, stressful and not so exciting. Yet I had peace through it all, which made everything so much easier. I remember crying, packing, stressing out about money, being really sad to leave my family and friends. Nothing about leaving was easy except for the fact that I knew it was all happening for a purpose, and that this adventure was all a part of God's perfect plan for my life.

A few weeks before leaving, I was so blessed to have the time with my best friends. I had to make time with them individually because they mean so much to me, and have played such a huge part in getting me here to NY through love, prayer and encouragement. I especially had to make time with them because they were both not going to be around for my send off. One lives in AZ and the other was about to fly out to Thailand. The time spent with them, were definitely divine appointments that I will cherish forever. They'll never know how much they mean to me, but I think they have a pretty good idea.

My farewells at the Rock were very sad and draining, and full of love. I’ve spent the past 6 years developing relationships with these people through volunteering, attending and through working there. I’m so blessed to have had soooo many people shower me with love, time and devotion. Expecting nothing in return, these people have encouraged me to deepen my faith and walk with the Lord, have financially provided for my needs and have loved me unconditionally. I will never forget all the growth that has happened through the Rock, and when God reveals His plans for my future, I’ll know a lot of what I accomplish will stem from what I learned through the Rock Church.

My sweet mommy. I tear up every time I think of our bitter sweet farewell. I love my mommy with all my heart! Just as I feel like a little girl in the palm of Jesus’ hands when I pray, when I’m in my mom’s arms, I’m a vulnerable child. She’s a living example of God’s love, my beautiful and strong role model and the greatest encourager that has ever lived! May God bless her for allowing her lil girl to spread her wings and fly away to grow closer to Him.

My sweet big sis. She asked me all the right questions that a big sis should ask before allowing her lil sis to fly away to a far away land without her. She helped me stand strong in my decision to move here to NYC, and reminded that everything and anything was possible. Not only that, but she’s my doot doot!! No words can explain what that means, but she knows it’s the most dearest spot in my heart since childhood. I could never thank her enough. I love her with all my heart and pray that she’ll follow the big plans that God has planned for her too. May she trust Him through every aspect of her life and always trust in Him.

My amazingly strong little big brother. What would I do without this man in my life? No words could ever explain the role that he possesses. He’s so intelligent and is always one step ahead. He’s not afraid to say what’s on his mind, and although we don’t agree on things, he’s always willing to listen to my side and explains his side after. Although eight years younger, he’s always teaching me things, is always protecting me. He’s such a strong young man who desires nothing but the best for his family and friends. He’s so passionate about people and cares so deeply about them in the most sincerest way. I don’t even think he knows he has that gift. Some day he’ll see the man that God’s created him to be. Meanwhile, I pray that God protects his path in getting to that point.

My amazing family and friends. I do believe I’m the most blessed woman on earth to have all of you! Thanks for all the laughs, hugs, tears, love, encouragement and for every heart beat you’ve spent with me. Moving here would not have been possible if I didn’t have my team cheering me on. You all hold a sweet spot in my heart and will be blessed with a special crown in heaven for loving me soooo much!

And last but not least, Rock Youth and Academy. The reason why I love people so much is rooted from all the love you have given me. I’d like you to know that my life is changed because of you too! Because of you, God has softened my heart toward so many of life’s issues. My heart aches for the youth! If it weren’t for you guys allowing me into your world, I would never have understood what brought you joy, never would have known struggles or your dreams in life. You are what I’m passionate about, and I love you guys so much! May God bless you for being so honest and for trusting in me enough to share your hearts.

And of course, my Abba Father. I love you daddy. You hold me in the palm of you hands and you’ll never let me go. I have full trust in you and depend solely on you! Jesus, you are why I’m here. You are who I’m here to serve. You are the one I want to follow.

If it weren’t for all of you, my dreams would not have come true. This is something I could not have done alone. Thank you!


Ephesians 3:16-21
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.