Day 23

A picture of your favorite book...The Bible.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

I cannot live without this book, am grateful to fell into this book on November 14, 2008! Whenever I travel, always carry this book with. This book has many reasons to be attached to... It is essential to our understanding of not only God, but ourselves as well. Without God’s Word we will be purposeless and disrupted from our call and the purpose for our salvation. Whether you have personal questions about love, suffering, guilt, loneliness, success, God, the future or the meaning of life, the Bible has answers.

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 118:105

That's why I have chosen to believe the Bible. As a believer in Christ, I know it will be worth it all. Read it for yourself, you will be amazed!

(Picture above: Left is my bible that I use right now and on right is a GREAT bible when you are a new believer, a easier way to visual what is going on throughout the bible.)

Day 22

A picture of something you wish you were better at... speaking with my voice.

This is the most common wish among us Deaf people who want to speak better than we could. As for me, I grew up on speech therapy that really helped me be able to speak just a little bit in a very small conversations. Such as, thank you, hi, how are you, and much more. However, yes I wish I could be good enough to speak on the phone and be able to make things easier while in a conversation. For instance, when I am flying I need to ask the front desk a quick question I would like to speak instead of write it down when I am rushing to next gate or in any outside condition such as in stores, among hearing friends, and family. God has reason for me to be Deaf, absolutely and I do love my life as what it is right now, I rare complain about my Deafness just small things but this one is the main wish that I were better at right now! <><

Day 21

A picture of something you wish you could forget... who has broken or hurt me deep in my heart.

This is something that is hard for me to forget even I asked the Lord for forgiven for whatever I have done wrong in those relationships. These moment were painful that I honestly won't forget because those people who had hurt me, meant lot to me. Felt like was stabbed with knife or shot right into my touchy heart! Even it take me forever to clean up the mess in my heart. However, I know God's with me in my heart to protect from it to happen again. <><

Day 20

A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel...Netherland, London, Sweden, and Romania

Amstredam, Netherlands (and Utrecht-where my friends are)

London, UK (House of Parliament "Westminster Palace") and visit cousin there OFC!

Sweden (Uppsala is where picture is taken)- know some family-friend there!

Romania (Palace of the Parliament- 2nd largest building in the world)- work with Deaf Orphans with "Deaf Mission" by 2 well known friends back home in Nebraska/IA.

I am keeping in faith that the Lord will lead me to visit these places one day! (hopefully Fall 2011) only upon God's willing! <><

Day 19

A picture and a letter... A
This picture inside is soil with mini plant which describes who I am inside my personal and who i am. Also its not completely grown just like i am right now, God's not done with me! In addition, the the letter of A for my name Alissa :-)

• Down to Earth Personality
• Outgoing/Sociable
• Understanding
  
• Outdoorsy
• Organic
  
• Soft heart
• Athletic
  
• Born-Again Christian
• Independent
• lack-back
• Optimistic
• Tolerant
• Good at initiating things but poor at finishing them
• Not prefect...(obvious the pic above is made by me not prefect! ha)
• Hard-worker

My personality list keep going on, the Lord is never done molding with me till it's time for me to go home with him! <><

Day 18

A picture of you when you were little...All ready to fly!

No wonder I am expert at flying all over all myself, this picture tells it all! I was playing airplane, notice bags in right place, seats in order, and bear is the pilot. I didn't remember this at all till my mom found this and sent to me, oh my goodness!! This explains God knew I'll be flying later on in my life,now here i am today flying about 3 to 5 times a year, he's getting me prepared!! Neat uhu!<><

(Thinking this gonna be my favorite picture since it applies to my life today!)

Day 17

A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently... my gastrointestinal issue

This has began in fall 2008, started to noticing was sensitive when i was eating certain foods like wheat and dairy. My PCP had refer me to GI doctor at Strong, since was experiencing server spasm pains everywhere in my gastrointestinal system. Been through tons of testing even colonscopy, endoscopy, and much more you can list. End up been diagnosed with Dypespia and IBS later in fall 2009. Also been going though medicines that would help with my GI issues. However, one huge impact had happened in 2009, that I was taken into ER for the first time since I was little, for possible kidney stone in Baltimore MD on thanksgiving and my b-day! From that day, I become more alert to my body and my health since i was scared to death with that server pain! However, I am still struggling a little bit with my gastrointestinal but there's a huge improvement since 2009. I thank my doctor Dreisbach for being there all the way to support me with this issue, since its little scary for me. This just a huge impact on my life right now is my gastrointestinal issues, which had help me realize more about life and health.

Day 16

A picture of someone who inspires you... M'Leah!

M'Leah will always be the only person who inspires me for many reasons.
I met her back when i was Junior in High school in Washington DC close up program trip, was my workshop interpreter that week, been in touch ever since!

She inspires me because she has so much thrilled thing she has done in her life that inspire me. Because of her I have had my eyes opened to see what is out there. She helped me to realize what I want in my life. For instance, M'Leah has traveled around the world and is an outdoorsy person. She has told me these things had made her life thrilling and impacted her life. As for me, I've become more outdoorsy person and enjoy outdoors activity more. M'Leah encouraged me to explore what other country has to offer, she even told me there's no body stopping me from doing it, do it when you can! From that day, been looking into travel oversea to do Missionary work with children and the deaf one day. In addition, she got me feel comfortable to try new things, like kayaking, telemarking, hiking, and much more. Other thing is her personal that inspire me, she's not a prefect, knows she made some mistakes through her life and once told me its ok to make mistake we all learn from it! Ever since, am not afraid to make any mistakes. Also her personal is very laid back and down to earth, helped me to realize try not to stress about so much things, whenever i am under stress i would try to think of her and what she had told me. If it wasn't for her i wouldn't be the person i am right now. :)

Thank the Lord for M'Leah who had guide me through out my life about what is the best for me! <><

Day 15

A picture of something you want yo do before you die.. Travel the world!

I have the travel bug so want to explore what God has created out there on this earth before I go home to Heaven.

Have already gone to plenty places here in the States, looking into leaving America for awhile in Aug for Missionary work, with Deaf Missions (its only upon God's will). However, am looking froward what it's like out there in different country, even in third country, or well developed country like London or Amsterdam. Same time eagerly to learn different sign language, I've already started learning Netherlands and loving it! Cannot wait to get out of here and travel to explore different culture and gospel God's words at the same time! <><

Day 14

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without... Jesus

The reason why I cannot image my life with God is because I discovered the truth that Jesus is the only one who guide me through my life and knows what is right for me. He knew me and had already planned out my life before I was born. (Jeremiah 1:5) I realized knowing the Lord was the right thing to do in my life because .. he said " I will instruct you and teach you in the way should go; I will guide you with My eye." (Psalm 32:8). Every big step i've made in my life i would pray and see if it's his will for me to go the path i want to, sometime it didn't work out the way i wanted to go. I admit I do get upset with God when things didn't work out the way I wanted it to. However, later I thank him because I realized it wouldn't be worth my time. God is someone that NO ONE can could never imagine their life without! If I never knew him, I wouldn't probably not know some of you or end up here in Rochester! I believe in God that he had guide me here for a purpose; I.e found a church that I fell in love with, met so many people outside of school, got an excellent unexpected job that I never knew i would've got, and has awesome doctors for my stomach issues. God just amazing by what he has done to my life so far, there's more to come that I am patiently waiting for... Smiles.
<><

Spring Break 2011

Its Spring Break for me this week! I feel so much relief since past few weeks been extreme crazy with my new job. This time I decided to stay in town, to work more hours to get more mocha! and Of course more time to catch up on homeworks that I been lacking on past weeks. It's snowing around here, been thinking about going skiing on Thursday since that's my day off, still not sure but that would be NICE! :)

Hope you all have a blessing and great week! <><

Day 13

A picture of your favorite band or artist...
N’Sync

I grew up on N'Sync, even would dance the "Bye Bye Bye" song while they are upon the stage on Television or vhs that I have. Lance Bass was always my favorite one out of all of them and JC was my second pick. No idea why Justin was my least favorite, he must not be my type or something.

However, I do not really have a favorite Artist at this point but I do read some of Chris Tomlin's lyrics and watch his music video or ASL videos by interpreters on YouTube. He's a good looking Christian singer!!

Day 12

A picture of something you love... Golfing, Wakeboarding, and Skiing.

Those sports are what I love to play and enjoy playing for fun with family and friends!

Golfing: My grandpa and dad introduced me to this sport at young age and been playing ever since! Been in many summer tournaments during my middle school and high school years. Also played four years in High school and a letter winner too. I've won medals and trophies from tournaments and high school team tournaments. This game has taught me so much about who I am and how to live my life, by having good mental analyzing skills, social skills, patience, and much more what golf can teach you!

Wakeboarding: My cousins and uncle bring this picture into my life when was 9 year old. I start off water skiing then wakeboarding came along and fell in love with it! Its challenging and good working out sport for your legs and upper body on the water. It feels so great by riding on the surface of the water, it makes me feel I am walking on the water like Jesus did! haha. Recently in January 2011, Jenny my cuzin and I took wakeboarding training session at Woodward at Copper (video shown here), we both are ready to do some flips on our boards this summer!

Skiing: My uncle Steve and aunt Janelle bring me to this awesome sport. This sport is just so much fun and amazing how much you can do on a huge mountain on a ski/board! I started skiing at age 10, year later started boarding for 5-6 years then decide to go back to skiing because I am drooling to learn how to telemark ski. I would have to start skiing again to be able to start telemarking, which i am glad I did because my knee were getting bad while snowboarding. Prefect timing! I am skiing double black diamonds, through trees, jumps/rials, and only thing that dislike is moguls. Skiing is just mind-blowing when you have a prefect powder snow and run all the way down the mountain with a prefect rhythm without be stopped or disturbed! I've made few runs like that, its best day! It like yoga for me on the mountain instead! haha :)

I seriously got to thank lord for beautiful nature to be able to play these sports! Beautiful sunny days, gorgeous green grasses with trees, smooth waters, mountains, snows, trees, and prefect weather to match these sports! God's soo good! <><

Day 11

A picture of something you hate... Children being sick

Every time I hear a child is sick or in the hospital, my heart became fragile. I wish I could take their place and let them enjoy growing up without tolerance being sick and missing out fun opportunities. Unfortunately, when kids get sick it help their body to learn how to fight bacteria and germs become more stronger in their immunizations. In addition, those babies in NICU always bring tears to my eyes but I would whisper to them (when I am working or around them) and say "Have faith, you are a strong one you can make through it, God's with you!" I surely have big heart for those children even not a parent yet (but will for sure one day!)

In high school pediatrician was one of my top 5 career I was interested into going into college for and obvious not becoming one. However, I have been thinking lot lately what I want to specialist in for Medical Social Worker for Masters, been thinking about going back to my dream being a pediatrician. So came up with a idea of becoming specialist in Children Medicine Behavior, that way I can work in the Peds department at the Hospital with those poor sick children. By working with them would help me feel better by trying my best to heal them and love to see children smiling even through they are sick. They always gave me positive thoughts and inspire my heart.

Please remember to PRAY for those children who are sick, who not have medical care, and protect them from getting sick or worsen. <><

Day 10

A picture of the person you do the most crazy things with....Amanda Fick "Mandie"

Mandie and I been through so much since we were 5th grade. This picture pretty much explain it all what we have been through our friendship. We of course done many wild, crazy, dangerous, and much more you think teenage would do these days! I have many many stories I could tell what we have done that was crazy but prefer not (nothing legal but just ask us in person is more fun!). I enjoy her company these days and still do, she and I just know how to have fun and never bored! I will never quit hanging out with my Best Friend Amanda and exciting news is that we will still see each other after we die since we both know where we are going if we die tmw! Praise to the Lord for that!

Day 9

Day 9- A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most ...Veronika!

I am Thankful to the Lord for bringing her into my life! God has blessed us both for a great friendship which lead us to be Sisters in Christ! There's so much to say abt her that I can't explain in words!! I've learn so much about God, life, and everything through her! If I never had met her 5 years ago I wouldn't have had known who God is... it's just amazing how God had lead me to her to know what to do with my life through tough and good times. Veronika is fulfilling of love and advices that help me get through. When I am having hard time in school, relationships, or need advices on she would be right there be all ready to have something to say to cheer me up. Every time if am down and do not show it from outside, and she would notice right away, same time it would make it will go away because I know she always have a way to release it. She would remind me trust God and God knows what I need and am going through, then she tend to talk it out with me, it goes same for her when she is having a bad day would try my best to cheer her up! God's just good by providing a wonderful person like Veronika to get me through thin and thick moments! Amen!

Day 8

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh...

Mandie under the Bus at a museum in Washington Dc. This picture just tell it all! I know it might sound crazy and not good picture in the REAL picture. But just PREFECT how she lays and "suppose to be hit by the bus" show it all. Her body expression does made me laugh. Of course there's more to it but its too long to tell it all on here. We just had SO much fun there! One hint I had a picture of myself kissing a stature, it actually looks like i was making out! Oh my Goodness, other one is my other friends act like were in earthquake in a banned subway, stuff like that! FUN FUN!
What do you think?!

Day 7

A picture of your most treasured item...

My blankie from home. I know it sound like a little kid thing but I grew up on a blanket that I must bring with me everywhere when I am not going to sleep in my own bed at my parent's. First blankie I was very clingy with was green with strawberry shortcake character on it. It has silk and very comfortable to sleep with, believe it or not its not EVEN ripped or anything! Later, got older still sleep with any blankie I fell in love with. Right now I still have this hot pink blankie on my bed (5 years so far), and of course it always travels with me when I fly to places. It just treasure to me because I still feel close to home (my parents/Nebraska) in my heart and safe whenever I am hundreds and thousands of miles away. Admit it, it does help me go to sleep sometime when i have it surround my head just like I was little girl! Now I wonder when I am married would I have a blankie with us? Probably not because "he" would be my blankie... hehe!

God's just good to find a way to help us stay calm and comfortable with certain items that we tresure in our life! It's amazing <><

Day 6

A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
One of my interpreters, Julia Roberts or Dr. Dreisbach

Interpreters: I’ve always wondered how it felt to be in their spot because I pretty much spent half of my life with interpreters. Also curious how it felt to be in their shoe interpreting many different kinds of topics and events. One assign I wouldn’t mind interpreting at an Deaf Olympics event- English to NGT (Netherlands) or other way around…Sound FUN!

Julia Roberts: She’s one of my favorite actress. I would love to trade places with her since she’s a Oscar and Golden Globe award winner, even married and mother to twins children. I wonders how she manages her life behind the cameras, paparazzi, and love life. I actually want her smile!!!!!! Maybe that’s the main reason, just kidding!

Dr. Dreisbach: One of my favorite/top doctor I’ve ever had. I would love to trade with her and see how it feel to be like a Doctor, how she deal by going through all medical school, residency/fellowship, and work at Hospitals/clinics with many different patients with various health issues. Dr. Dreisbach is a amazing, smart, solicitous about my health, and always kindhearted around me. I would just love to trade place with her one day and see how it ACTUALLY felt to be one of those people in White Coats.

Day 5

A picture of your favorite memory

Playing with my cousin Alex when we were young till we off on our own. We were very close growing up and still pick on each other when we see each other at family gatherings. I remember we would always play different sports, video games, collecting sport cards, dressing up, running around at grandma's house, wrestling with each other, and much more! I even remember we would play tackle football in the creek, sand, and snow. Also i would try to copy what he does or whatever he has i would say I must have it because Alex has it too! haha. There's million more memory with him that I miss.

He was the one who introduced me to sports and would want to do the exactly same thing as him. I thank him for that because I developed about myself from those sports and relationships with different people. It just amazing how much Alex had influenced me at young age. In addition, Chris oldest brother (my cousin) he would be part of this but I was more clingy to Alex back then than with Chris. But both was awesome cousins that i couldn't image having!! :-) Thank you Alex Rohde!!! (Alex, myself, and Chris dress up for a parade in Wausa, Ne)

(Alex and I at Chris's wedding, 2008- we both caught the groom and bride- so we have to get married next in the family! Pretty much will happen since Alex is next, then myself!)

Day 4

A picture of your night:

Pretty much going to my night classes, watching my interpreter's hands for 3-4 hours straight for my 4 night classes from 5:30 to 8:30-45. After class I tend chat a little bit with my lovely terps then go home and rest.

Weekends could find me doing homework, working night shift, watching tv/movies, chatting with family and friends, or sleeping. That's my night! :-)

Day 3

A picture of the cast from your favorite show:

Baywatch: I grew up on Baywatch, not just because of Pamela Anderson, don't give a thing about her body! Just love the storyline of how lifeguard work out in the ocean and handle the beaches. My favorite character on that show were David Hasselhoff (Lt. Mitch Buchannon) and Jeremy Jackson (son of Mitch-Hobie), if I had to choose women character it would be Alexandra Paul (Lt. Stephanie Holden).

Grey Anatomy:...ahh just got addicted to this show recently April, maybe because am fascinated to medical world and how things are like in Hospital setting. However, I know Grey's is just a show, not show much of REALITY of what is like in the hospital setting today. I have been reading about medical and gone there enough to know and notice what is not true. This show has great cast, I do not have any favorites but I do miss Dr. Burke being on the show, Liz, and George. Am glad rest are still on, esp for Dr. Owens and Arizona are my least favorite. Just happy it's still running and cannot wait for coming up shows!

Off the Map: This show is absolutely interesting, of course since I am fascinated with medical, this show shows different perspective on what to use when they are out in the jungle by using Eastern Medicine (I.e Herbs, leaves, etc) and they also do use some regular medical equipments that normal hospital would use. This show's cast is little weak in my option, love the storyline by having out in the jungle and its all medical related that makes me happy!!

Mystery Diagnosis: Again another awesome medical show, just interesting they use base true stories about how the person developed their medical diagnosis and use actor to role play the patients' life while the real person and family/friends will explain what happened and how they feel through out the patients' struggles of figuring out what wrong with them. Even the doctors themselves will show up on a interview scene explaining how and what they did through all examination , symptoms, prognosis, and diagnosis of the patient.

I have several more that can list but not the top favorite: Little people in Big world, Full House, Home improvement, I love Lucy, Friends, and Pacific Blue.

Day 2

A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest:

This is tough one because I feel close to many people for long time, First of all it would be my family and Angie.

My family of course knew me from 0 to 18 year old till when I went off to College. We ofc stay in touch throughout my college life and still do now they still know me too well (in some ways) haha. I am SO grateful to the Lord for a wonderful parents and little sister who provide me a wonderful happy life. They were huge support on my Deafness, am amazed about that. There are many things I can say about this family, the picture can just explain it all! ☺

(I love this picture just show we not prefect, we help each other through tough times!)

This picture just remind me that my family always will be with me on every path
I am on, and knowing what is best for me!

Angie, knew her since first grade, she was my interpreter that time. From there she was my role model and always stayed in touch with her when she moved away end of second grade (will never forget that moment she broke the news to me- I remember I ran into my room bawling n said ANGIE HATES ME!) Ever since, we been close we would always email each other, meet up for the stay, or I would go to her place and stay for few days just to catch up since she knows me so well that she knows what to say if I need advices! Also one thing I love about us is that we would be immature, act like kids for once and tease each other and give each other hard time till we laugh to death! I notice I am happy person on earth and get all my stress off myself around her. I just cannot image my life with her.

This is of us way back in first grade, that how we met!
We do wild things together like this!Best day for both of us, she got married! I was blessed to be able to fly in two days before her big day! Was able to help with her with the wedding, just my best moment with her! <3

I am grateful to the lord for providing me such wonderful people through out my life that I am very THANKFUL for, and what they have done for me! <><

Day 1

(Taken at San Jose, Cali Jan, 2011)

A picture of yourself with fifteen facts:

1. Born with Mondini Syndrome, which mean no cochlea in both ears. (That’s why I am Deaf)
2. Loved horses when was young age (always wanted to own one or ride them)
3. Am Cleisiophobic for sure and becoming claustrophobic as well!
4. Attend two different colleges, soon three
5. Started to Golf at age 9
6. When 6-10year old was obsessed with Home Alone movies and still watchs it!
7. Am Organic and simple
8. I have Ambylpia (lazy eyes) on both of my eyes, had surgery for both when was young.
9. Have a big heart for children
10. Been to more than 20 airports and still counting
11. I am only deaf person my ENTIRE family.
12. Grew up on a farm for 4 years- 0 to 4 years old, then moved into a farm town. (Farm is still running by my dad, uncle, and sidekicker cuzin Wyatt-6yr old)
13. Witnessed birthing of a calf, chased cattle, driving atvs, driving tractors, pulled trailer full of cattle, spend hours in a combine in a cornfield and feed cattle.
14. First big trip was to Disney World in Florida (11 yr old)
15. First sign was cookie and speak was mom.
...I can go on and on but only can do 15 :-)