Treasure Hunt

I would like to share an experience I had this week. I've been struggling with fear of going to Russia the last few weeks. I've become accustomed to talking with a friend of mine who always helped me find the scripture I was looking for to fit my situation. With him on his mission, I couldn't exactly talk to him in the same way. I tried talking to other people, but I never could find exactly what I was looking for. I wasn't entirely sure what I was looking for either. That certainly didn't help any.

On Thursday of this week, I attended Institute. I am so glad I did! We started studying the book of Psalms, and the instructor turned us loose to explore the book. As I flipped through, I found the scripture I was looking for!! The scripture is as follows:

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
(Psalms 146:5)

I knew it was exactly the scripture I had been looking for as soon as I came across it. I just love Institute! I am so thankful that we have a strong Institute program in Vancouver! I am truly going to miss having Institute, but I will have the chance to rely on myself to learn and grow in the scriptures.

Have a wonderful day!


12 days left!

Happy 2008!

I hope everyone had as much fun last night as I did! I rang in 2008 by banging on pots and pans while shouting "Happy New Year!" I then enjoyed a fun and boisterous dance session with friends!

Preparations for Russia are drawing to a close and just starting all at the same time. I only have a little over two weeks left in Vancouver, and they are sure to be busy as ever!

Happy New Year! May 2008 be one of happiness and joy!


16 days left!

Triad News

Most of the people who read this will have no clue what I am talking about, so I must provide some background information to precede my actual post for tonight.

I have two friends who I love! We call ourselves "The Triad", taken from what Hungry* learned in her Sociology class at school. It means a group of three. Since her class, we became The Triad.

The Triad
(Me, Hungry and Hag Moth*)

With that said, we started shifting the blame of everything that went wrong in one week onto one of The Triad or another one of our friends, alternating people each week. For example, one week it could be Hag Moth's week; the next would be my week. Somehow, Hungry always seems to get out of having her turn!! It's done all out of fun and games, and love. It has been a source of great laughter for all involved!

Well, now to the real subject of this post. For the next three weeks, it is my fault! Usually, the person at fault only has one week of agony, but since I am leaving for four months, it was decided that I would get the blame from now until I leave! It's kind of silly but fun just the same. It might even sound dumb, but that isn't the point. It's a Triad Tradition, which I will sorely miss. I wouldn't want to trade any member of The Triad for anything. I love you both very much!

Love to all!


21 days left!

*Names have been changed.

Merry Christmas!!!

How thankful I am for this time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! It has been a wonderful Christmas, in spite of me being sick. My parents and I exchanged gifts this morning, as well as opening gifts from family in California. Most of the gifts are things I will take to Russia with me: a suitcase, a scarf, chap stick, etc.

More importantly, I want to share my testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. He was born on this earth to gain a body just like I have. He lived here on earth, and He lives still! I know that my Savior lives- that He was resurrected after His crucifixion. I am grateful to Him for the great sacrifice that was made. It is though the Atonement of Jesus Christ that all mankind can be saved and return to live with Heavenly Father. I know my Savior; He is my loving friend.

I love Christmas time because of all the lights and the symbols of Christ. May we each remember why we celebrate Christmas. May we all remember to retain the Christ in Christmas.

Much love.


23 days left!

A Ton of Bricks

After months and months of planning, telling people I am going to Russia, and attending my training, you would think that the realization of my trip to Russia in less than a month would have already sunk in. Apparently, it hadn't.

On Wednesday, the realization that I am actually going to Russia hit me like a ton of bricks. I am actually going to Russia for 19 weeks or about 130 days! That's a long time! Oh my goodness gracious! I know I am going to have fun and work hard, but wow! What did I get myself into!?! I'm leaving the comfort of my home to go to Russia in the middle of January! My brother always told me that I was crazy, and I've always agreed with him. However, I must be crazier that either of us knew!

This Christmas is kind of overshadowed with my preparations for my departure. I can't believe that Christmas is just about three days away. Last time I checked, it was Thanksgiving! Where did the month go?

Enjoy the Christmas holiday! Merry Christmas!


27 days left!

The Countdown Continues

I leave exactly 31 days from today! It seems so far, yet I know it is super close! There is so much to do before my departure. I don't know if I'll get it all done!!

Merry Christmas!

31 days left!

A Happy Life

I had the best trip to Utah ever this last weekend!

I was in Utah for a training session for ILP in Provo. I learned a lot about what I'll be doing in Russia! I met two girls who are also going to Voronezh, and I am looking forward to working with them. I will probably teach more than one age group, teaching 15 to 20 hours each week. I'm warning everyone now that I will come back speaking "expanded" English. You might think I'm weird for the first few weeks!

I also had fun down there! I was able to see the lights on Temple Square! What a beautiful sight that was. Temple Square has such a Spirit about it already, so when you add the Christmas Spirit, an overwhelming joy enters your heart! At least, it entered mine! I am so thankful for the blessings of our day! We have temples on the earth where we can draw closer to our Father in heaven.

There were so many people and lights on Temple Square that night. I was there with my friend, Max, and we were trying to take pictures of us by having him hold the camera. (He has longer arms that I do!) That didn't work too well, and I'm sure we looked pretty comical! Luckily, someone volunteered to take a picture for us! Thus, this picture is a little out of focus, but I like it just the same!



I am super happy right now! I know that I am in the right place and that I am doing the things I need to do. And just to show you how happy I am, I'll leave you with one last picture from my trip to Utah!

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

37 days left!