Right now, in photos

 The Dream Team. It's a slightly-conceited name, but word on the streets is when Steve was stepping into his supervisor role as Natalie, Harrison, and I all started our intern year with InterVarsity, he said something along the lines that this was the dream team of interns he would enjoy leading.

Somehow, that name has stuck, as has our friendship. None of us could have imagined that we would be together at National Staff Conference in 2014, dreaming big about how God could transform our students to become world changers. We started together as undergrad but have since spread to different campuses, and it's not likely we'll end up in the same city together anytime soon. Still, we dream together, process together, love together.

I went over to Harrison's yesterday for company as we both did work. I called Natalie for dreams for APA, for personal struggles, for friendship.
Friendship is a gift.

We've been having these discussions with my mom about what's teochew and what's not (I'm realizing hoe I've failed to keep all the Chinese foods/cultures/dialects apart...), and in a mildly eye-opening conversation, it turns out my favorite noodle dish ever is distinctly teochew after all. Tell me, how did I go all 25 years of my life thinking it was "just Chinese", as opposed to a specialty from my mom's regional culture?

I made it again this week and it was delicious: the beansprouts, the garlic, fish tofu, fishballs (the bokchoy isn't typical in our family, but I decided I should have some greens)...

I first learned about shin&shin at Asian American Staff Conference when Shin Maeng was invited to be the artist in residence. I spent part of an afternoon with him as he chatted up a storm and explained the intricacies of the drawing, drawing out meaning in every little icon and space. I stared at the prints, wondering if I should by an art piece in a year where budget was so tight. I didn't.

But graciously, all the staff were gifted a print from this lovely duo at the end of staff conference. When they announced it, I knew this deserved a good frame. So last night, I bought the nicest frame I've ever paid for. One might think that as a photographer I would have better frames, but I've always leaned towards cheap ones, received nice ones as gifts, or given my best away to others. But real art deserves good presentation. I walked the aisles of the store multiple times, picking up one, putting it down in favor of another, repeating until I settled on one. And when I got home and got the print in the frame, it was perfect. I found myself drawn to it several times since: the bright mat and dark wood highlighting the colors and giving space for the details. I realize that there's a way my eye appreciates this presentation and wish everyone could see it too. I can't stop staring at it.

I'm incredibly grateful to Shin and Sarah for listening to the spirit and creating such prophetic pieces (and I love that they're Asian-Americans). And I'm grateful that someone in IV nationals chose such a beautiful, meaningful gift for the staff to receive. I receive it with joy and gladness.