2016 has been so good to me. I can't even begin to count the blessings of God's constant giving. I'm ecstatic for what 2017 can bring! There are so much more for me to learn and give. I hope to be a blessing to everyone around me and foster more growth in every interaction. My New Year's resolution is to grow individually, in my relationships, and more importantly, with God. Oh, and maybe drink a little less...;) Cheers to a New Year!! :)
Finally got to break in my new keyboard! First live acoustic recording from my new room!
Also made a quick raw recording of one of our recent favorites! Featuring my good friend, Zuway! Work in progress! :)
What a month! After my time in Iowa, I got to revisit Chicago again. It was short and sweet and I can't wait to go back! Came back to a new house with the best housemates ever. I'm loving every moment of my new chapter so far! God has blessed me tremendously with the most amazing house and people that are always looking out for me. Excited for everything (living near) SF has to offer!
Day 1:
I've never really taken any interest in politics because I'm the type of person that likes to avoid conflict. If you know me well, you'd know that I like to maintain a peaceful environment. Growing up, I've always identified more as a Republican...I guess due to my upbringing and surroundings. On top of that, I grew up in a Christian home and remain a strong believer even today. I automatically casted myself in the Conservative Republican category without any research or interest in learning more. I guess life is good for me, never had it rough enough for me to care about what's affecting me and other people in the country.
I turned 26 this year and this is my first time voting. I guess if it wasn't for my best friend that has a heart for politics, I wouldn't be flying out to Iowa to try to make a difference. Iowa is a totally different scene compared to California. People here are literally fighting to sway the state one way or the other. You can feel the intensity all around town. One lady told me this restaurant owner got so fired up about it, he almost kicked her out for being a Democrat. Families are now in quarrel and refuse to speak to each other over political parties. How crazy is that? It's crazy to me because coming from California, we're pretty much sheltered from what's really happening out here when the election is so close.
In just a few hours time, I've come to love and appreciate this town the way I've heard about it many times before already from my best friend (who's currently working on Hillary's campaign). The people here have this indescribable geniality that you don't find in the people back at home. I got to see firsthand the kind of places the rest of the country lives in, which is obviously not as luxurious as our multi-million dollar homes. I overheard two guys talking about how spending $200 is such a luxury purchase for them while it's something we do without even blinking sometimes. Corn and beans matter more to them than LV or Chanel. I also found out there isn't a single Nordstrom in the entire state?! This is foreign to me as I'd imagine it would be for anyone back at home. I actually feel so honored to be able to meet these people and be able to be a part of them lives for a few days.
I had many amazing encounters already today and one of which is with a man named Steve. He is an amazing husband and father. He took the time to drive us around town and gave us a tour of the mental institution here (it's where most of the towns people used to work). I later learned that he has cancer and still so willing to be out here serving and doing his part for a better future. As I got to know him and many other Democrats here, I started to question my own stance. I mean...I've never voted so I never really had to think about it. And even if I were to vote, I would never vote based purely on the party. So meeting these Democrats really got me thinking. As I started to chat with them more, I realized that these liberals are all Christian! Isn't God just so amazing? He knows just who to put in your life at the right time to address all your doubts. After taking the time to listen, I realized I can relate. They truly think about what would Jesus really do? They really want what's best for the people and not just what's best for themselves. I am definitely guilty of that, I've never really thought about politics as how it can affect others. It was then that I realized I'm a self-absorbed suburbs girl working in tech. I know, right? Wake up, Jessica! There's more to life than you, your friends, and work. Why is it so hard to be selfless in California?
I spent the afternoon visiting a town called Independence. After going door to door, I started to see a difference in the supporters. All of my encounters with Trump supporters have been negative, hateful, and egotistical. Why is that? Why do they have to smirk at me and say "I'm voting Trump!" Yes, I get it. The reason why I can't bring myself to support trump is because his vibe makes me feel just that! He instigates divisiveness and that's something I can never support. The Hillary supporters weren't all rainbows and butterflies, but they were definitely normal if not polite at least. I'm actually shocked that I can see a difference in the supporters. Most of the people we spoke to were either undecided, not voting, or even voting independent. It's so shocking for me to see this in person and actually experience this on the front lines.
I'm not here to persuade you to vote one way or the other, just simply sharing my firsthand experience with you guys. It's been amazing so far and I'm so stoked for the rest of the week! I believe this experience will make me a better person and I'm hopeful despite the results because I now know America is filled with Amazing people like the ones I've met so far! It's going to be a close one! If someone like me can make an effort to vote this year, you can too! Don't choose indifference over using your voice. God didn't intend for us to sit on the sidelines during a pivotal moment in history. Make sure you vote this year! :)