MY NAME IS a Sanskrit name given to me by my father's Buddhist monk teacher. The meaning of my name, "eternal and everlasting blessings", has shaped both my upbringing and my life today.

HEARING THE WORD "Pra Yesu" to me at the age of 5 was not foreign. From my Buddhist background, it was cultural to respect and revere others and other faith beliefs without disowning your own belief.

AT THE AGE OF 15, in 1989, after fully surrendering to Christ, I became very zealous with life. I wanted to live a life that embraced all cultures, customs, and traditions; a life where loving God and loving others was the focal point.