January's Theme

Man, if I ever had to choose a theme for January 2008, it would have to be CHANGE!! Just when I think I have everything set, something happens to make me rethink everything again.

As some of you may have noticed, I'm not in Russia yet. That is one of many things that keeps changing. I am leaving... I promise! The current departure date is set for either February fifth or sixth. I found out today that the Visas changed again, meaning that I'll be coming home at the end of May. All that contemplating and debating over decisions I did! Just when I make my decision, ta-da! The Visas change again. Oh well, that's how the cookie crumbles!

In my last post, I announced that I was attempting to take classes in the Spring term since I would be home. Within the hour of finding out that I wouldn't be able to take classes (due to attendance issues), ILP called to tell me about the Visa change. If nothing else, I have learned out of these experiences to trust in the Lord completely. He really knows what He is doing in helping direct my life! The scripture that comes to mind is Proverbs 3:5, which reads: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding.

I certainly don't understand a lot of the changes that have happened over the course of this week and month, but the one thing I know for certain is that Heavenly Father will not leave me alone to figure and plan my life. I know this because I've spent the last month convulsively planning the Summer 2008 clear into Summer 2009! Planning and thinking are both curses and blessings in my life! I'm pretty sure I've reached a point where I cannot possibly plan anything else sensibly or without having to change it all time and time again!

Oh, the joys of life!

Decisions... Decisions... (Part 2)

After much prayer and contemplation, I finally reached a decision. I will be returning to the US at the end of April. I am really excited for this choice! It opens up many, many new opportunities and pathways to tread down! For example, I am attempting to take courses during the Spring quarter at Clark College even though I will come into the quarter late. If I am successful, I will be transferring schools in August 2008!

Life is grand! I have seen the love of my Heavenly Father so much this last week as I debated over the pros and cons for all of my decisions. One would think that I would be very stressed out and frazzled with my departure fast approaching and the uncertainties of school, but I'm not. I have been blessed with peace of mind. There are so many things to accomplish this week, but I am not worried about accomplishing all of it. I know that with the Lord, I can do anything He requires.

Have a wonderful day!

Decisions... Decisions...

I found out that my Visa, along with the rest of my group's Visas, were delayed because of a Russian policy change. The Visa changed from being an extended period Visa to a 90-day Visa. Because of this, I get to decide to come home at the end of the 90 days (April) or get a second Visa to stay until June.

I've been weighing the pros and cons since I found out, and I cannot see anything to sway me either way! The pros and cons are pretty even across the board. If I come home in April, I have a chance to take classes in the Spring Term. If I stay till June, I have three weeks of vacation in Ukraine while the Visa is processed.

Have a great day!

Squandering Time Away

While I've been waiting for my new departure date to arrive, I've been squandering away my time. I basically am doing nothing but cleaning and the last few things on my To-Do lists. I have found time to have fun, though! I recently went on a Dress-Up Excursion with some friends to try on bridesmaid dresses for an upcoming wedding. Here are a few pictures from that fun day! To add to the excitement, I've captioned the pictures with excerpts of songs.

Think Pink and the world is rosy red.


The mornin' sun is shinin' like a red rubber ball

There’s a wealth of happiness and romance, all in the golden afternoon.

Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone

My friend and I came up with an idea to open a dress shop where a person can come in just to play Dress-up by trying on dresses for a flat fee! I think it would be a big hit! Anyway, the idea is still in planning mode; I'm sure it will develop eventually!

Have a great day!

Change of Plans

I am still in the US right now because there has been a delay in my Visa. I should be leaving by the end of January; I don't know the exact date yet. Some might think I would be sad about the change, but the opposite is true. I am glad for the extra time at home to finish the things I need to get done. I didn't realize how many items were on my To Do list until this week.

Have a great day!

Birthday Celebrations

What a wonderful birthday I had yesterday! I was able to celebrate several times this weekend. On Friday, I had dinner with my family and a few friends. Then, those friends "kidnapped" me and took me to a surprise party! It was nice to see all my friends before I leave for Russia! On Sunday, the Primary kids sang to me, and we had cake for the treat at the CES Fireside! Tonight, my parents and I went out for milkshakes.

What a wonderful weekend it was! I am so happy to have so many blessings in my life! I am looking forward to the great opportunity to learn and grow this year in Russia. I feel as though I am headed off to the testing session for my life's studies. Thank you to all who have helped me reach this point in my life!

Love to all.

Relaxation? What is that?

With most of my supplies purchased, I feel a great relief. Well, that's done. I think I'll take time to relax and just wait for my departure to come! Yeah, right. Like that could ever happen! I now need to start packing and figuring out the great puzzle of fitting everything in my suitcases, coming under the weight requirements. Ugh, just thinking about it makes my head hurt!

I thought you might like to see some of the none-clothing supplies I have collected and will try to fit into my suitcase. I couldn't get a good angle to show all of them, so here are a few pictures to show most of everything!

It sure is a lot of supplies! And that is without the candy, clothes, etc. A lot of the supplies shown are things for the store that the kids can purchase trinkets and prizes with the tokens they earn.

Well, it's off to work on this massive puzzle! Wish me luck! It's a good thing I love challenges!

10 days left!