El Campo Esta Blanco: Mision Peru Lima Este

Title Translation: The field is white, Peru Lima East Mission.

Well, I better crank out my Spanish books and start reviewing because pretty soon Spanish will be all I speak! I'm really really stoked. I will be serving a mission in Lima Peru in the East mission. I leave January 9th for the Provo MTC where I will learn the basics of Spanish and teaching and then go into the CCM which is an abbreviation for Centro Capacitacional Misonal. This is the equivalent of the MTC, but quite a smaller operation and a much more of an immersion into the culture and language. 

I am SO excited!

Anyways, A lot has happened in the past month or so of my life. First, my best pal got a mission call. He's going to Russia! Right now he's in the MTC and doing great! Woot! I got my call! [PERU!!!] And I leave in 69 days! My job changed and I now work less hours and more front desk. I've visited Logan twice, the last time being where I said goodbye to Logan... (sorta... I might sneak another visit in...maybe) Then I got in my FIRST car accident. It wasn't a big dealio, but the story is crazy! (this happened back in September) First I had been awake since like 2:30 in the morning. I had to catch an early flight to Vegas (early meaning I got here at 6:30 am.) I had to work at 8:30, so I made sure to get a shower. I skipped breakfast because I felt like I should leave for work early. I left about 20 minutes early. On my way to work I ran into the back of someone. This lady was so sweet. She didn't speak English and I'm not 100% sure she even understood what was happening but she chose to just walk away and we parted ways. I was so  relieved. She even told me it would be okay and that I should have a good day. The lord works in mysterious ways.

I also went through the temple. What a neat thing that was! I love that place! It's SO amazing. Those of you who are working on being able to go through the temple, continue that trek. You won't regret it. I also finished teaching the new member lessons to the Gonzalez family! They are SO sweet. Every time one of them gets up to bear their testimony in church I just feel happy inside. I also started teaching another family in my ward. They have a  5 year old girl who is so full of energy! Every lesson she sits on my lap and plays with my scriptures. She is smart too and is learning about Jesus! I just love missionary work. I can't wait to get out there and serve!

I have always loved holidays, but I feel like I like them a bit more this year. Maybe it's because I need a distraction so I don't get too anxious, but I really love them! I am so glad I get to spend this season with my family!

Life is good my friends, life is good! :)

Addie and the Castle

This is a short story I wrote the other night just for the sake of writing. It has some metaphorical meaning to it. If you look hard enough I'm sure you could find them! :)

Once upon a land in a time not so far away a sweet little girl named Addie was talking to her dad. In their conversation the topic of being special came up. Addie asked, "Daddy what makes me special?" Her dad took her in his arms, looked into those bright, beautiful eyes and said, "Addie, you are special because you like to smile, you are adorable, you are determined, but Addie, you are the most special because you are a princess." Addie smiled real big and gave her daddy a hug. Then her daddy looked at her and said, "Addie, I'm going to send you away for a little bit now. It's time you learned some lessons and this is the plan for you to do learn those and be the best person you can be. It might not be the easiest plan and there may be times where you feel as if you are completely alone, but you must always remember you are a princess."
   
Addie was afraid and excited to follow this plan and learn these lessons. she didn't really know what to expect but as she went away she was optimistic. As her journey progressed and it got a bit harder, she met wonderful people. There were also a lot of bad things that happened. Addie began to forget who she was and the things her father told her. Every once in a while she did remember and the wonderful people helped her a lot too. The thing that helped her remember the most was the building that looked like a castle. She often went to the castle to be reminded of her identity of princess, but before entering the castle she had to meet some requirements and reach a certain point where she was ready. Addie worked hard to be able to enter. Finally the day came.

Some of those wonderful people were there with her. They continued to support and encourage her. She entered the castle and was amazed at the beauty of it. She felt so happy and felt peace about everything that she had questioned. She was also told that she would be able to meet the king. As she continued further into the castle she was filled with excitement a bit of nerves. Finally it was time. She stepped into where the king was and tears filled her eyes. Standing in front of her was her father. She ran to hug him and continued to cry remembering all that he had told her. He softly pushed her back and looked into her eyes and said with love that only a father can, "I knew you could make it. I am so proud of you, my princess."

Addie remained in the castle with her father from then on. She loved being able to always remember the princess that she is and she was SO happy to be in the place where she was meant to be. Even though she was truly happy in the castle, she didn't forget the struggles. The things she learned helped her. They lead her to appreciate the beauty of the castle. Addie spent her time from then on reminding everyone she came in contact with that they too could be a princess. She was often seen helping those around her who were having a hard time, lifting them up knowing that one day, they might have the opportunity to enter into this castle and feel the way she feels. Addie's journey was tough, but the lessons she learned were worth it.

Never forget who you are. Never forget where you come from. Just like Addie you too are royalty. Life is meant to be tough. There are things all around that cause us to forget who we are and what our end goal is, but when we remember- when we truly are able to be reminded of this divine nature, that is when we are happiest.

Always remember who you are. No matter where you are in life right now, someone out there loves you. Remember that and everything else will fall into place. And, as always, keep smiling. :)