Kristen and Matt

Mel and I first met our freshman year of college and became better friends during our time at UCLA while attending the same church and campus fellowship. A fellow civil engineering major, we had ample time in class and while “studying” for me to distract her into talking about boy drama, sharing spiritual challenges, and going crazy with our long nights of projecting. Her attitude, words, and actions always encourage me to trust in the Lord’s will and stand firm even when the going gets tough. I might still be in college if it weren’t for her. :P

Christine is a fun and yet serious sister-in-Christ. We grew up at church together, and I’m thankful we’re both back in SF and get to take lunch walks and breaks. Christine and I have had fun over the years at high school and post-high school sleepovers , on roadtrips, and during long conversations. I admire Christine’s desire to study the Word and her honesty in speaking her mind.

Jessie and I grew up as partners-in-crime at family dinners where we’d spy on the boy cousins and have our own girl’s table. We were playmates from birth and throughout elementary school. Some fun memories with Jessie include taking gymnastics together, playing “house” after school with our brothers, and enjoying food at our grandparents’ house. I’m thankful we’ve both returned home to enjoy family gatherings together and share meals here and there.

Kim and I first met at SFBC in our junior girls Sunday School class. Our friendship grew as we attended youth group together and later, the same high school. Some fun memories with Kim include sitting on the third floor at Lowell, having sleepovers with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and potstickers, and talking about nerdy design projects. I’m encouraged by her passion for God, her friendships, and excellence in what she does.

Becca and I attended school together from kindergarten through college, having things like uniforms, teachers, and sports teams in common. We had the privilege of living together for three years during college, during which we were able to share daily life and grow in our friendship. I even got to learn from Becca's Chinese skills when we traveled to HK together! I appreciate Becca’s steadiness and her firm grounding in the Word.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know Taeree in a spiritual as well as everyday context. We joined the same small group Bible study our second year of college and got the chance to get to know each other. As we shared and prayed together, I learned how kind and caring she is, as well as how silly she can be. I was blessed to be able to live with her my last two years at UCLA and be encouraged by her passion for what she believes in and by her desire to please the Lord with her decisions in life.

Tiffie and I met as freshman at UCLA while attending Grace Community Church and Grace on Campus. Our friendship grew more during our sophomore year sleepovers and even more so after moving into the apartments where we’d talk for hours about all sorts of things. Tiffie is a generous and loving friend who is passionate for the Lord and reminds me to be prayerful in all circumstances, especially whenever life throws a few twists and turns my way. And she’s always up for a good adventure. :)

Tranwei and I met during our first year in high school.  Our friendship continued as we attended the same college and lived as roommates for the past 4 years.  I'm proud to say we haven't gotten sick of each other yet!  I'm thankful for Tranwei both as friend and brother in Christ.  Ever since I became a believer in high school, Tranwei has always been eager through God’s grace to be an encouragement to me through his words and actions.

I first met Andrew in freshman year at our college fellowship, Grace on Campus.  We grew in our friendship through the handful of math classes we had together.  With my bad jokes and his affinity towards laughter, it was the perfect combination!  Andrew was always someone I could talk to and I could count on for giving sound advice.  I’m amazed by Andrew’s love for people and his eagerness to make time for people amidst his constantly busy schedule.   

Although I met Daniel early on in college, I didn’t really get to know him until we lived in the same apartment our junior year.  We had many fun memories of going to UCLA football and basketball games, trash talking about foosball, taking “study breaks” with Smash Brothers and just sitting around and talking.  I truly appreciate Daniel’s friendship, and I am constantly amazed by his servant’s attitude, always willing to help drive people around or being available to lend an open ear.  

Darren and I grew up making up our own games to pass the time and creating headaches for our mom.  One thing we used to do was take all the chairs and blankets in house and create a formidable fort with my bunk bed.  I’m thankful for Darren and his patience with putting up with a bossy and often times unreasonable older brother.  

I met Jeff when I first visited Kristen in San Francisco. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him as we share our common interests of photography, playing the Wii, and finding good deals on electronics. I’m thankful for the care and love he has in watching out for his sister. I look forward to getting to know him better as we share in family gatherings and fellowship.

Twenty-five.  That's the number of engineering classes Steve and I have had together during our undergraduate years at UCLA.  Through scootering around campus, cramming for tests in Covel, playing red vine wars, thinking of tic-tac-toe algorithms (yes - Steve and I are geeks), and sharing what we’ve been learning, I have come to appreciate Steve as a great friend and brother in Christ.  Steve continues to show me through his actions, speech, and thoughts what it means to be relentless in the pursuit of God.  

Tim and I first met in at CGBC at our high school youth group.  Although we never attended the same high school or college, we were still able to keep in touch and grow in our friendship.  It has been neat seeing how God has grown and matured us the past couple years.  I was glad Tim was able to live with Tranwei and me for half a year before he went to grad school.  It was fun making chili cheese fries runs!