I have known John since the fifth grade, when I first moved to California. John was always the funny and sarcastic guy, who always lifted the spirits of those around him. John always hung out with the coolest people in junior high and high school, so we were never the closest friends during that time.

In college, however, God placed both of us in the same dorm, two floors apart. Then the following year, he brought us to the same church, where we would both be challenged in our faith, and grow together as brothers in Christ as we served together. Our college experience together brought us close and John has remained a steadfast anchor in my life through good times and bad.

John is best characterized by the comic book characters that he loves. When we were in elementary school, he would often wear a Garfield t-shirt. Garfield's personality is exactly how John was back then. Today, John's favorite comic book characters are Batman and the Green Lantern. He yearns to fight for truth and justice in every way possible and cannot stand to see injustice in any form. He aspires to fight for justice as a lawyer, and is currently a law student at McGeorge.

I have known Abe since I moved to California. We were introduced at the church playground, and I still remember running around with him. It was a sad day for me when I found out that Abe's family was going to be going to a different church. Before he left, he left his phone number in my Bible. I could never call him though, since I didn't really know how to use the phone back then.

It wasn't until we got to Dana Junior High that we met up with one another again. We picked right back up where we left off, and quickly became the best of friends. Abe has always been there for me. We watched over one another through all the different traumas of junior high and high school. Together we shared a passion for music, for roleplaying games, and talking about theology. We have shared with each other at a level that only the truest of friends can understand.

Through the years, Abe was the one who didn't judge me, even though my beliefs were selfish and completely random. He stood by me, while I was floundering in my faith. And today, I'm glad to know that he'll be standing beside me when I standing beside me at the altar when I commit my life to Cindy.

Today, Abe is a businessman who owns his own business. He has various interests, and an intense passion for serving God. He recently just got engaged to his girlfriend of many years, Vicky.

I didn't meet Jonathan until after college. After graduating from college, Jonathan came up to the Bay Area to pursue his Masters here in the Bay Area. He was introduced to Josh, and eventually we were in the same small group together. After meeting him and getting to know him, I realized that he was one of the nicest people that I've ever known.

I found out later that Jonathan actually picked his own name. And the reason he picked the name that he did says everything that needs to be said about Jonathan. You see, when Jonathan came to the United States, he decided that he wanted to be a good friend to others. So when he picked his name, he modelled himself after Jonathan from the Bible, who was a good friend to David.

And Jonathan has truly been a good friend. He always makes time for his friends, and is one of the most thoughtful people I know. We have served together in many capacities at church, and I have been rewarded by seeing his loving care for those around him. Recently, Jonathan moved into the Carlmont manor, and we became roommates. Together, we enjoy playing lots of games, talking about girls, watching movies, and sharing a simple meal.

Today, Jonathan is a business manager at San Francisco University, pursuing his interests in sports management.

Before I left for graduate school, I specifically asked God for a friend, one who I could fellowship with and who could keep me accountable. As I like to put it, Miwa's friendship has been God's way of answering my prayer. Being in the same year as clinical students, we experienced the ups and downs of graduate school. We quickly bonded over discussions on what it means to be a Christian, our research interests in culture and psychology, being silly, FOB behavior (hers, not mine! j/k), and admittedly, departmental gossip (which we both readily agree, does not fall under "what it means to be a Christian!"). Throughout my time in Oregon, Miwa has been my biggest confidant and encourager, as we both have strived to "walk the walk." Miwa is one of the smartest people I know, yet the most empathic and humble. Oh, and if you're into manga or into running...she is the girl to talk to.

Miwa is married to Steve, a district manager of Starbucks in Eugene, OR. Harvard and I am grateful for their care towards me as if I were a member of their family. It is our biggest hope that they will move to the Bay Area sometime soon.

I will never forget the first time I met Frances. A week after I arrived in California, I attended a Crossroads picnic with my summer roommate. My roommate and I were chatting when suddenly both of us stopped in mid sentence, "Did you hear that?" she asked incredulously. "Yes," I replied. "Who's singing?" We both turned around and saw Frances strumming a guitar, and singing with just the most beautiful voice. I have been her biggest fan since that day.

Although Harvard was friends with Frances since they lived in the dorms together freshmen year, together we have grown to love Frances as a sister. Frances is a multi talented servant, serving God in a variety of capacities. Frances has shown me what it means to worship fully and what it means to press on in life circumstances. I have been able to learn this through the countless hours we've hung out, eating, sleeping over, going on Thanksgiving trips, etc!

Frances is a fourth grade teacher at the Chinese Christian School in San Leandro, CA. When she is not teaching or serving at church, she can be found performing at community theaters and concerts.

I met Phoebe in the 10th grade when I started going to the T4C, the "Chinese church" in Minnesota. As my mom became fast friends with Phoebe's mom, I too, became close friends with Phoebe and her brothers, Nate and Josh. Without a car, Phoebe and I would ride our bikes around and around - to the lakes, and once too far than we had bargained for...other antics included messing around at home, watching ridiculous television shows, and later once we got our licenses, we would drive recklessly on the snow and ice...

Aside from being adventurous and a little mischievous, Phoebe has the amazing gift of caring for others. When we lived in the dorms together at the University of Minnesota, Phoebe would pray for each resident on our floor every week. Phoebe is the type of person who dropped everything to meet the need of a friend - I know this based on first hand. Time and time again, Phoebe would sleep over or even skip class to be there when I needed a friend.

Phoebe currently lives in Woodbury, Minnesota, with her beautiful baby Elise, and her awesome husband Todd. Although she's living the grown up life, she's still the same, high spirited, loving individual I know all too well.