New Directions

My blog was once dedicated to the funny stories of my life, but since my life just doesn't seem to be all that entertaining anymore, I decided to revamp the blog and go in a new direction!

This weekend we had Stake Conference. For those who do not know what that is, it is a general meeting we have in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, of which I am a member. It takes place every six months or so. A recurring theme was that of missionary work. One sister even touched on the topic of missionary work through social media, using blogs, Facebook, and other such web based media to share the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I thought I would give it a go and share the things I know.

Lately I have had multiple experiences that have strengthened my knowledge that God knows me, that he is aware of me and my struggles, that he loves me, and that he takes care of me. One of the examples that comes to mind happened recently. Two months ago I was offered a job as a nanny for a family I used to work for before my mission. The only problem was that they live 3 hours away, so taking the job would include a move. My first instinct was to politely decline the offer and stay where I am. I love it here. Without much consideration, I made the decision that I was going to stay, and not take the job. The job would keep me out of debt during my first two years of school, but other than that, there weren't any real pros to taking the job. I started to doubt my decision and thought it best to pray about it. I prayed and I fasted, and I received an answer. I was to take the job, pack up, and move. Long story short, it turns out my current job would not have been sufficient to support me while in school next semester. When I informed my boss I would be leaving them, she actually seemed quite relieved because she didn't know whether or not there would be enough work for me in the coming months. There is more to the story, but the point is that through this experience, I was able to receive the reassurance that our Heavenly Father loves us, and is so aware of us, and will take care of us as we strive to be obedient and live has He would have us live.

I know that God lives, that he is our loving Heavenly Father & that is just one of the things I know.

So much for funny story of the week...

You know, my life just isn't as funny and entertaining as it was while I was on a mission in Honduras. There is so much to laugh about between companions, broken Spanish, and the apostacy you hear every single day.

I do have a few highlights from the last few weeks though. The first one? Hiding in cabinets with Makenna. I tried to fit in her hiding spot, but it didn't work. I could barely get half my body in, but Kenna thought it was hilarious, and wanted to hide with me. That's when this happened. Please excuse the quality of the camera on Tara's phone, thank you.

Then there is Colby. He is just starting to say my name. And, by "my name"  I mean he says "Daa-iiiiin!" Actually, that's pretty close to how Kenna says it, too. Funny stories about Colby? None in particular come to mind, but he is just a funny kid. He loves to play rough. You can win him over by pushing him over, barking at him, or throwing him onto the bed or couch. He is just extremely handsome and has the BEST smile that takes up his entire face. This day he kept waving at me from across the table during dinner and laughing. Adorable. 

 The other day I was upstairs getting ready to go to institute, when I hear Tara downstairs laughing. She then came up with Kenna, who had found a shower cap and put it on. She wore it around as if it were completely normal. I couldn't get her to pose for a picture but I snapped this one. 

That about does it. Except for Tara and I. When we are together we digress to teenagers. We are even worse when we are apart and text messaging. Exhibit A: 

We continued to message like this for a few hours. Spelling everything wrong and using the "hip" slang these days. We might still do it (hint: we do). 

So I am enjoying my Texas summer. I am officially a student again. Bittersweet. Slightly excited. Slightly depressed. Time to be an adult, I guess. I know my funny stories are kind of lame this week, I will try to have a more exciting life this week! Love you, Kathy! I win :) 

The Grand Transition

Everyone says return missionaries are weird when they get home. I don't think I am too awkward, but I'm sure some would choose to argue. I mean, other than random Spanish words that make it into my everyday English, I am pretty much normal. I only called my mom "Hermana" a few times. I was delighted to have alone time and I quickly remembered all the words to my favorite songs. But, I still haven't had to hug any boys that aren't family. That might be the awkward part.

After a week in Arizona and a week in Florida (Disney World), oh, and a 2 day drive, I am now home in College Station, Texas. This is where funny story of the week comes in. When I pulled into the driveway  Tara (sister-in-law) and Makenna (niece-2yrs) were waiting for me. When Makenna saw the white truck, she thought daddy was coming home and excitedly threw her hands in the air screaming "Da-eee!" When I stepped out of the truck a slightly disappointed/completely confused look swept over her face. I was afraid it would take Kenna and Colby (nephew-1yr) a few days to take to me, but I stepped out of the truck, put my arms out, and Kenna gladly came to see me. We spent the next hour and a half running, crawling, and spinning around the house. She had fun giving me a tour of the house and playing, saying "come on!" every time I took a moment to talk to Tara. My favorite moment was when it was time to go to bed and Kenna asks for milk. Her mom said no, and Kenna began to sing "Miiiiiilk, mi mi mi miiiiiiilk. Milk. Milk. Milk. Miiiiiiiiilk." We ended the night as best friends and cuddle buddies watching Tinkerbell. The girl is a goofball. We are going to have fun.

Colby was already asleep when I got home, but I met him the next morning. From what I understand, he freaks out around new people. He didn't take to me right quick, but he didn't freak out either. We spent the day together, including a road trip to El Campo to see Kyle (my brother who has an internship for the summer). By the end of the night, I got about ten goodnight kisses and hugs from Colby-Bear. Probably the happiest moment I have had since being home from my mission.

Another funny story from my drive over. I stayed in El Paso one night, splitting the drive into two days (I'm just not as young as I was when I used to do 18 hour drives in one shot). I stopped for dinner at McDonald's (gross). I was minding my own business, looking out the window, thinking about.... I don't remember what. All of the sudden I feel somebody pulling on my purse. I jumped and went to pull it away from whoever this terrible and dumb man trying to rob me in McDonald's in front of 15 other people was. I was surprised when I saw a very nice looking elderly lady. She then told me how beautiful my Honduras bag was and that she thought I was a very attractive young lady. I talked to her for a few minutes and had a delightful conversation with her, but as she walked away I couldn't help but thinking "You are SO lucky my gun is in my truck right now!" (Which is funny, because even if I had had it on me, I would have gladly given anyone my purse who was trying to rob me, I'm a wimp like that.) She really startled me. I think I might still be a little jumpy after being robbed in Honduras once.