Monday, November 25, 2013

Thanks Beyond Words

My heart is full of gratitude. 

Just to be clear, every once-in-a-while college gets rough. Tests, homework, and constant studying can get old real fast! This week was one of those where I was feeling pretty ready for a break. Amidst all that there are things that are constant and beautiful. There are blessings that are always there, but are often taken for granted. 

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm going to recognize a few of those things that I am immensely grateful for right now. Here goes nothing!  


1. escuela
I feel like I talk about my school a lot, but it's an awesome place! It is such a blessing to attend a university where the Spirit can be felt every single day. I'm talking there are pictures of the Savior in every classroom, a prayer before the beginning of every lecture (and sometimes after), and people looking at you funny if you DON'T pray over your food in the cafeteria. That's cool stuff :)





(photo cred to Coley Norton! Stole this from you...)
  
2. the temple
I was thinking about it and I have always lived near a temple. That's a HUGE blessing! It's an escape from concerns of the world and a place where peace can always be felt. Nothing brightens my day more than walking to class and seeing the temple the entire way up.




3. missionary work
This past week Coley (my roommate) and I went out teaching with the missionaries. We taught two families that came from pretty different backgrounds and circumstances, but the experience was the same in each home. The Spirit was undeniably felt and my heart leaped when I saw their faces light up as they learned about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't wait until I get the chance to share the gospel everyday!! I am seriously counting down the days until I can turn in my papers (100 days)! 



4. friends that are too cool
They make me laugh until I cry and when I cry, they make me laugh. Enough said. 






5. my ridiculously awesome family
I don't think much needs to be said here! They're just really cool people. They're not perfect, but they are the closest thing I've found :)

because they're adorable

and we look pretty good together

they're sassy goofs

and again, they're adorable :)


Thank you to everyone who has taught me:













Friday, November 15, 2013

Just the beginning


 So I've never actually done this before-blog, I mean. But a few days ago I realized that I want to keep track of the craziness(or even lack of)that is my life. So here it goes!

School.

Right now I'm living it up in the happenin' town of Rexburg, Idaho (population: our school). This is my fourth semester attending BYU-Idaho and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!! No matter what I say any other day, I really do :)

I am a premed student working on an undergrad degree in Biology. Life is currently stressful, busy, and WAY too much fun (I think I'm doing something right). Last week in premed society (a club for wannabe doctors) we did sutures on pigs feet. As of right now, a career in plastic surgery is not looking very promising...




Family.

My parents and my 8 younger siblings are currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are based in Guatemala City, Guatemala and will be working all around Central America for the next few months. Moral of the story: they're 3,000 miles away and I miss them a TON!!




My first niece, Molly Marie, 
was born a week ago and I absolutely ADORE her!! I haven't actually met her, but she's pretty much the cutest thing I've not seen. I'm counting down the days (137) until I can hold her :)






Friends.

This startup post wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention the insanely amazing people I live with while I'm in school. They are seriously a huge blessing and some of the best friends I've ever had!! Love you guys! (ps. I'm crappy at taking pictures, but I'll work on it)





Life.

This was a pretty lame post, but I'll work on being more interesting for the people who read this (aka my parents). I'm just excited for this opportunity to seriously think about all the things and people Heavenly Father has put in my life. My world really is what He gives.