tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84535154652536313902024-02-07T16:53:40.797-08:00A Day With MeMaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.comBlogger1212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-31455494854425198872022-11-30T09:02:00.003-08:002022-11-30T09:04:59.991-08:00Week 9<p><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 15px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqlHdj53bvc14BiUGANv9Q0D3V19O02qDtJWh1Ph570TmQki3iGIiSAAUbOmP9FTIBUfPp88KeEx4ovk1LaoxWhUyu2PQa3TF9mpftVRZ8thTbTaZGda3Q4NhCx3KSpt_-gSWDn2gPLqvnMbdwzyhAbh0puM64b656zkMULyhcqanOdL6F0dwQetm/s4080/20221105_200702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqlHdj53bvc14BiUGANv9Q0D3V19O02qDtJWh1Ph570TmQki3iGIiSAAUbOmP9FTIBUfPp88KeEx4ovk1LaoxWhUyu2PQa3TF9mpftVRZ8thTbTaZGda3Q4NhCx3KSpt_-gSWDn2gPLqvnMbdwzyhAbh0puM64b656zkMULyhcqanOdL6F0dwQetm/s320/20221105_200702.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7m36muYULHB2-Kf-lO4rl-bNoaAKAKs2adQx8yJCT07jx9jSCvmlhl4Fd_ENB2V2qpVIreNs81lrUbeDzqIt3DLUcqKlA80ZOFbWWN7fxenxsDZA8JhoZBxsWXzKpVKpWGisRm2rs7kY20sMpOQucAE21vUKjyNLWVPoNcUOxH0vI_aQnuvQt_zB/s3264/20221107_172306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7m36muYULHB2-Kf-lO4rl-bNoaAKAKs2adQx8yJCT07jx9jSCvmlhl4Fd_ENB2V2qpVIreNs81lrUbeDzqIt3DLUcqKlA80ZOFbWWN7fxenxsDZA8JhoZBxsWXzKpVKpWGisRm2rs7kY20sMpOQucAE21vUKjyNLWVPoNcUOxH0vI_aQnuvQt_zB/s320/20221107_172306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1pBKNik5kHDfn35hwO31AXxxnkzADMeThvgCZVK5zbj0eVoe4dxxyer3E0FsxXrniSK1ClM30EfcdI77osG9IZ0qgA87El2b9dehx_RXLBPse-RWUsa32re7k4LQ_CNm2ccpqcgTrhsLxyHEdeyysukWvbnIJe8nARHg51EQGb5yEiotnDEinj0F/s1152/IMG-20221106-WA0005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1pBKNik5kHDfn35hwO31AXxxnkzADMeThvgCZVK5zbj0eVoe4dxxyer3E0FsxXrniSK1ClM30EfcdI77osG9IZ0qgA87El2b9dehx_RXLBPse-RWUsa32re7k4LQ_CNm2ccpqcgTrhsLxyHEdeyysukWvbnIJe8nARHg51EQGb5yEiotnDEinj0F/s320/IMG-20221106-WA0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This week has been awesome. The biggest thing that happened was that I had exchanges. Because my comp is district leader I got to spend a day and a half with one of the zone leaders and his two roommates. Elder Almeida (the ZL) is very cool, but what made the entire experience just a bit cooky was that he is the person in the zone who speaks the least English, and I debatably speak the least Portuguese, which lead to an interesting dynamic of slow talking, finger-pointing, and Google translating. But we got it down eventually and gave some really great lessons.</span><p></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Elder Almeida's roommates are also dope. Elder Fonseca is a Brazilian Elder who is almost fluent in English and is always laughing or making a joke. Elder Jones is a war torn veteran of the mission field, but still has lots of enthusiasm. Living in a group of four is very different, and if I'm being honest, I prefer it. We also ate out of the apartment a lot, so I got to try lots of new foods like Brazilian Pizza, Acai, pastel (attached below), and dessert Torta.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We also had a training on Friday for all the new missionaries. I actually don't remember what it was about because it was all review of things we had already been told. Plus some spiritually uplifting things...but that barely counts. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We don't have a whole lot of lessons or baptisms because we are laying the groundwork in the area. However, we have one or two interested people who we are teaching, including Odinei. We have a picture with him attached below.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today was Pday and normally that means all the missionaries in São Carlos get together to hang out. We played a lot of Uno, Mafia, and basketball. I have also attached a photo of this below. (This week I have actually taken photos of the things I have done)</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I feel inordinately blessed this week, and feel like I am hitting my side as a missionary. My Portuguese is improving, and I'm am actually starting to understand what is occurring around me. I also feel the Lord bless me as I teach so I can speak passably and be understood perfectly. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This upcoming week has a whole bunch of other exciting things coming up, so rather writing about my life, I'm going to go live it now.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Peace!</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Elder Whiting</span></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-51060584249841882592022-10-31T08:54:00.008-07:002022-11-30T08:58:03.638-08:00Week 8 (I Think)<p><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px;">Time really does fly! It feels like yesterday that I was arriving in the field and it's already been a week. I met my trainer, Elder Watson, and found we would be opening a new area and house in Tijuco Preto, which is part of the city of São Carlos. What I did not realize at the time was that meant I would be arriving to a house with 2 mattresses and a bed...total. Thankfully, many of the appliances arrived on Friday and we have had the opportunity to run to the store to get groceries. It was very day to day there for a bit.</span></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The people of Brazil are great, but I have no clue what they are saying. I speak fine and they understand me, but as soon as someone else's mouth opens, it's all Greek to me. I know it comes with time though, and Im already seeing some improvement, but it still is slightly disheartening to basically be deaf to everyone except my trainer.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We get fed lunch as our primary meal and usually it involves rice and beans. At this point, I'm past enjoying it, but also past being dissatisfied with it. I will never complain about more food on the plate. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I would say the kookiest thing to happen this week was at lunch the other day. We arrived and found that the entire Elder's Quorum Presidency was there, despite it not being their house, as well as another man we hadn't met. After we ate, they simply stood up, went to a different room and started playing 80's rock music without saying a word. We were just awkwardly sitting there a few minutes before we found someone to give a message to and get out. We also later found out the guy we didn't know in the group was the Stake President, so we have simply been left with more questions about the situation than before.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm settling well, but am perpetually hungry and a bit tired. I'm sure as the weeks pass it will either disappear or I will learn to live with it though.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We have had the opportunity to teach at least one appointment a day since arriving, and we even got a family to come to sacrament meetings, which was hype. The work is progressing and it feels awesome. At times, our efforts feel a bit ineffective, but no sooner do I have the though than someone lets us in the door. God really does bless His missionaries.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Much love,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Elder Whiting</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsVnMMFK-ZiwwtaHXV-LuA45cFoYc475dRJFDO6qO8schl40GW87r9kPfdWa68vufDRzepew90nlNmSy3YAVrmHQh52Z1wAnN2XnJ0Yf-6_9wjiVSizGMuqRpwrKmvLHeROB6dQK5pQVEIohBQNj2eaN9aKfcWhll39WtxHnnl0z04s32uq44ed5eF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsVnMMFK-ZiwwtaHXV-LuA45cFoYc475dRJFDO6qO8schl40GW87r9kPfdWa68vufDRzepew90nlNmSy3YAVrmHQh52Z1wAnN2XnJ0Yf-6_9wjiVSizGMuqRpwrKmvLHeROB6dQK5pQVEIohBQNj2eaN9aKfcWhll39WtxHnnl0z04s32uq44ed5eF" width="257" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-63986217055608979362022-10-20T18:26:00.000-07:002022-10-23T18:26:48.314-07:00Weekly Email 6: Last Week of MTC!!!!!!<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">This week has definitely gone by the fastest thus far. It seems like just 2 days ago I was writing my last letter, and now I'm writing another again. I'm not sure I have enough stories to fill it, but I will give it a try.</span></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As part of my journaling, I have started to list things I'm grateful for each day, but each day the list growing by one. This has lead to some...obscure picks, including, but not limited too: the peanuts from the vending machine, a "nice" bed, power naps, Brazilian Elders, and a dope T-shirt blanket (shout-out to my mom).</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Classes are going well, for the most part. We are at the point where our instructors and ourselves are expected to use exclusively Portuguese, which is great because we are able to do that, but also not because it means that we are never able to say what we actually want. That being said, our knowledge grows everyday and it's definitely a blessing to be learning as quickly as we are. That does not mean I am not a bit apprehensive about this upcoming Tuesday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_h5WyUt-iHpxl-fPKFjkuo1YC56PnmCiwpad2niUKbfurUOSUyBc8ZbyaDxdnc4FiszPfeY5iDGxOtD2NVyCI81b0Xz-V2G7Fhn9Qxk0MWXATsVKOLaFyynSh73rabAQOAjsLSCTnxLSi8JcrU4oq1MZKOXRrNqdnDGWpnU59w9NwDvEKhUMi-q8/s5472/IMG_6266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_h5WyUt-iHpxl-fPKFjkuo1YC56PnmCiwpad2niUKbfurUOSUyBc8ZbyaDxdnc4FiszPfeY5iDGxOtD2NVyCI81b0Xz-V2G7Fhn9Qxk0MWXATsVKOLaFyynSh73rabAQOAjsLSCTnxLSi8JcrU4oq1MZKOXRrNqdnDGWpnU59w9NwDvEKhUMi-q8/s320/IMG_6266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Yesterday, one of our roommates carelessly locked us all out of our bedroom while we were showering, which feels like something from a movie, but was resolved in a surprisingly umembarrassing way. We just asked someone else to get help unlocking our bedroom. That does not mean we didn't give the perpetrator the hardest time ever though.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I have started reading the Saints novel, which is surprisingly great. The expressions of faith of everyday people really has helped my testimony to grow and put my struggles in a new light. The stories of miraculous conversions alongside very normal ones has helped me understand that the Lord has a different plan for everyone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9993lc_Lf65TvTKyHSbxkoELVx03EytmnZv2hrvG0kodKj1rAYQGOaVRJ9vibyQRci8nH_FUiNVLcbUcIMMmZnV15eIKZ033ztodZiCYu68RGylztAN0L06Ivm54VSTRwq2jU27uTP73bV8P2AugfYBVK_VbuEHE2nLUFyj31j_w6HnNqsKKpRvxi/s5472/IMG_6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9993lc_Lf65TvTKyHSbxkoELVx03EytmnZv2hrvG0kodKj1rAYQGOaVRJ9vibyQRci8nH_FUiNVLcbUcIMMmZnV15eIKZ033ztodZiCYu68RGylztAN0L06Ivm54VSTRwq2jU27uTP73bV8P2AugfYBVK_VbuEHE2nLUFyj31j_w6HnNqsKKpRvxi/s320/IMG_6245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Overall, I would say that although my time here has been great, I am anxious to get out there and do stuff. My Portuguese is at the point where I feel I could get most any point across and I have some level of listening comprehension, so I really don't feel like I have anything holding me back here except the people. My district is great and we get along really well with another district of Brazilians, so it's going to be hard to say goodbye. I know this is just a stepping stone, but I have gotten comfortable here... Still excited to leave though. I will be sure to let everyone know how the transition goes next week.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fica Frio,</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Elder Whiting</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-46592145659103687682022-10-13T17:06:00.002-07:002022-10-23T18:28:41.056-07:00Week 5: The Grind<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvNAaKridLCveWQW_BWgOVdN1I-HsjZPaP5zDjsvRyrl1hWU6eycJcWDjSur5SFGMDSRRlZIALY8Uj2GqhYpKbWgF-VtbGVY8howemAW5gpT9AyhvmMi8UO3dWMqoBVhfJWDe1db5nl0EQ0MwY82rNYK6EEbSmgp9v87y386RLHHopr0LTO_DLuR6/s5472/IMG_6188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="5472" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvNAaKridLCveWQW_BWgOVdN1I-HsjZPaP5zDjsvRyrl1hWU6eycJcWDjSur5SFGMDSRRlZIALY8Uj2GqhYpKbWgF-VtbGVY8howemAW5gpT9AyhvmMi8UO3dWMqoBVhfJWDe1db5nl0EQ0MwY82rNYK6EEbSmgp9v87y386RLHHopr0LTO_DLuR6/s320/IMG_6188.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_iLJbedtkVYKTrDpNsjfbQWBUx8u2L5dEeP6nL6FUdIUkFP2Sazf9Oib1V2tehhsKrBCGgOfOR03bFkGHScCLulutDD_RSzo6SdnKB72Xv-OCuQPd8MwayWzv-rgkVHKq-Tp8taBu-j0TCbQID2pLVRPl-a4WoperfVcYVyxR7jj7jpzEHG-1OKJ/s5472/IMG_6198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_iLJbedtkVYKTrDpNsjfbQWBUx8u2L5dEeP6nL6FUdIUkFP2Sazf9Oib1V2tehhsKrBCGgOfOR03bFkGHScCLulutDD_RSzo6SdnKB72Xv-OCuQPd8MwayWzv-rgkVHKq-Tp8taBu-j0TCbQID2pLVRPl-a4WoperfVcYVyxR7jj7jpzEHG-1OKJ/s320/IMG_6198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This week has been something of a snoozer. Not much exciting has happened, but that doesn't mean they don't have us working. We still have classes 6 hours a day and some days I just passout when I hit my bed.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 15px;">I think I finally figured out Journaling. Little did I know that when we are honest when we journal it is a fulfilling experience rather than a laundry list of experiences. Needless to say, I have been having a much more spiritually blessed experience when I am honest with God and myself about how I feel and what I think. </span><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Yesterday, Elder Rasband lead an MTC devotional. It was really great to hear from an apostle of the Lord and he left us with two promises that are real special. It astounding that in a 1 hour devotional I ended up with about 3 pages of notes. The apostles really do have profound wisdom and insight. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="auto" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Once again, we visited the temple today, it was a wonderful experience. I went with a specific question in mind and took a small notebook into the Celestial room to make sure I recorded my revelation and that made all the difference. I have found that the more I spiritually prefore for the temple, the more meaningful an experience I have. </div><div dir="auto" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It's been a long week. It's weird because day in and day out I feel like I am doing work that does not feel fulfilling of itself, but I feel like I am spending my work as a whole is more fulfilling than I can ever remember.</div><div dir="auto" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Até Mais,</div><div dir="auto" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Elder Whiting</div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-64859494045984271522022-10-06T19:32:00.006-07:002022-10-23T18:29:39.766-07:00Brasil MTC Week 3/4 - Elder Whiting<div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This week (and a half) has been craaaazy busy, but also one of the best of my life. My flight plans were pushed back a day about 2 hours before we left for the airport, which was a not totally welcome surprise. But the extra day gave me some time to be with my family and for that, at least, I am grateful. Because I was traveling late, I ended up traveling alone as well. But in His infinite mercy, the Lord put many people in my path to help me emotionally. To many tender mercies to list in one place. </span></div></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I arrived at the MTC and it has been a blast. I got reunited with my old district, minus those who are still waiting on visas. We also gained two new members, Elder Chandler and Komatsu. Both are from Japan, but Elder Chandler's father is in the Army, whereas Rlder Komatsu is ethnically Japanese. On Friday we also gained a 10th Elder, Elder Canon, who got kidney stones and has to stay a couple extra weeks while they monitor his health. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I gotta say, the food her is AMAZING...for the first couple days. It is the same meal schedule every day. Paninis for breakfast and rice and beans with some variation of meat for lunch and dinner. The exception is Thursdays when we get pizza for dinner. Even that is different in Brasil though, because one of the options for tonight was pizza with a jam sauce and cheese curds. It was pretty solid.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Holy Ghost speaks in a whole different way now. It's not louder by any means, but It is perhaps a but more willing to make its presence known. It also is just easier to feel with both the structure of the day and the content we study. I look forward to having this gift for the next 2 years. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We get to play volleyball everyday, which is my jam. My district has found it amusing how in just 2 weeks I have turned from a fairly solid but quite player to a much more...animated version of myself as my competitive nature begins to express itself. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We had the great opportunity to go to the São Paulo temple today. It was awesome! The Celestial room was smaller than San Antonio's but also very beautiful. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To be honest, I have had to many experiences to put in one email. Hopefully, next week my thoughts will be more linear.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Love from,</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Elder Whiting</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Photos:</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Average Meal</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2. Elder Canon and Getz sleeping in .5 FOV</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3. At the São Paulo Temple visitor center</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Posting up in the dorms</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8Q6VWDbEfEqXsFlN25Fr9pvUgJrBO2uA6khRWYtor8L3XFRi-_XwaDTmNrukfQppIP3--B5naF3r6e5XgJdmoUqzOTgkjjC4kOC3OTpx5liMYUcrLGBPbFWYB3TmlGMZ4OIheYsJciwCkajTLSXIVhfMRqGHkiYuEruA3xjoCqs05LF5QKkwYwNP/s4080/20220930_114321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="4080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8Q6VWDbEfEqXsFlN25Fr9pvUgJrBO2uA6khRWYtor8L3XFRi-_XwaDTmNrukfQppIP3--B5naF3r6e5XgJdmoUqzOTgkjjC4kOC3OTpx5liMYUcrLGBPbFWYB3TmlGMZ4OIheYsJciwCkajTLSXIVhfMRqGHkiYuEruA3xjoCqs05LF5QKkwYwNP/s320/20220930_114321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kK0s7t_PsflB-d8rMlojhjv7GG23Kc7NvlMQGcDMPuikSjV5wkmm9KeiaviAzLfo6QNsq5YvELfGpjIIuZOGu8cofP0VpMjEqTytwGHUiSjlyYV2g62GG5g8YnNwS4_AvbmdJOkiLRHdz7Bcptq3ioWlbI7SnsVMUme9Liz1wgCQrk5Szq66dPpk/s2576/20221006_064954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kK0s7t_PsflB-d8rMlojhjv7GG23Kc7NvlMQGcDMPuikSjV5wkmm9KeiaviAzLfo6QNsq5YvELfGpjIIuZOGu8cofP0VpMjEqTytwGHUiSjlyYV2g62GG5g8YnNwS4_AvbmdJOkiLRHdz7Bcptq3ioWlbI7SnsVMUme9Liz1wgCQrk5Szq66dPpk/s320/20221006_064954.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-72034812417341952212022-09-24T18:52:00.006-07:002022-10-07T18:19:13.423-07:00Week 2 - Elder Whiting<div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9EqAQrekr1X3gpS3mg-Z1g5X9vZK2wNO5e3Tfh99siGVjp23N1YE9EJYFpsb_mE3d_Z4m-t1swQ-oGmSwt3iXisfaVziSovT3R6uA3oyjOJrYHtcC9lNNSLmexF3dmDOYW5N31ijaXeptJYnWkig2pA0GxGfUptvLMcbkNVBeZmlM5Dm7EPqcEYU/s1698/Hearts-%20Mentado.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1698" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9EqAQrekr1X3gpS3mg-Z1g5X9vZK2wNO5e3Tfh99siGVjp23N1YE9EJYFpsb_mE3d_Z4m-t1swQ-oGmSwt3iXisfaVziSovT3R6uA3oyjOJrYHtcC9lNNSLmexF3dmDOYW5N31ijaXeptJYnWkig2pA0GxGfUptvLMcbkNVBeZmlM5Dm7EPqcEYU/s320/Hearts-%20Mentado.png" width="320" /></a></div>Life is a blur. It feels as if just as quickly as online MTC has started, it is coming to an end. I will say, however, that I am a bit forlorn about it all, because this week the district really bonded in a way that was something to behold. We were especially sad about the fact that because only some of us have our visas, we will be split when we arrive in the Brazil MTC. Some Elders even jokingly put together a slideshow presentation about why Distrito 37F should stay together. We know the Lord has a plan for us though, and we trust he will guide us to better things than what we ourselves can build. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I leave the States Monday afternoon, and as that time moves closer, my feelings about it not only get stronger, they also alternate more rapidly. One second I'm over the moon about being in Brazil, and the next I am feeling deep sadness at the thought of leaving my life here behind. And it's not any easier for my family, because they are mostly just feeling sadness - or at least my mom is, I am not sure about the others. While we were packing my stuff away and redistributing the things I didn't want between the family, my dad said, and I quote, "You leaving feels like Christmas!" So at least I know I have their total support in my departure to Brazil.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My Portuguese is coming along as nicely as can be expected. I think I can confidently say that it's about where my Spanish was after 3 years of classes. Our teachers decided the district would graduate from the basic core to the intermediate core a week early, which was met with mixed enthusiasm. For reference, the basic core is about 10 pages over the course of 2 weeks of "God is our loving Heavenly Father" and "The Book of Mormon is the word of God," whereas Intermediate Core is a self guided program that is paced so that we are familiarized with a 200 page document, which I affectionately refer to as the "Portuguese Bible'', alongside 2,500 words, 500 phrases, and 9 memorized scripture - all to be completed in 4 weeks. I don't doubt it's possible, it's just extremely daunting.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I think one of the greatest spiritual takeaways I have had this week has been how the Lord is setting us up for success when we follow his promptings. About 2 months ago, I started watching The Chosen. I remember after watching the first two seasons I had the distinct impression to pivot my personal scripture study from the Book of Mormon to the New Testament. Reading about the life of Christ was great, but there wasn't much new ground covered spiritually. Imagine my surprise when the Lord put me on pace to start reading Acts right when my mission started. Reading about the mission of his disciples is truly inspiring and I feel edified each day as I learn about their commitment to His gospel. What's more, when I restarted reading the Book of Mormon, alongside the New Testament, I picked up in Helaman, during Nephi's ministry. I could not have picked a better combination of scriptures for this period of my life if I tried. And all this because I accepted one small prompting a couple months ago. It's a strong testament not only of God's omnipotence and whatnot, but also His love for each of us that He wields it not for His own benefit, but to bless our lives in ways we could not even fathom on our own. What a joy to wear His name on my chest as I go about doing His work!</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As I struggle to come to terms with my own joy and sadness, knowing the Lord has a plan for me is a great comfort. I know that what He has for me in Brazil is going to be awesome, and I can't wait to ramble about it again next week!</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tchau,</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Elder Whiting</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-36102245513273726912022-09-18T15:00:00.005-07:002022-10-06T18:32:37.840-07:00Dear Wyatt, (An Open Love Letter)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhHAJsh1t-Pxss_pG3L7tGmdCpJCpk9-rP9fB_iGzQXknLQX5tdU1LbY8LdatjRtU0TQEf04V8aguNtpvx-dlYp22pnXxhCxnbRIIakDpFsqd-fplGq1THSCC4fWaNzC8bNcqk7bad2H5V016O22Dwi-za2fwqurHgUhtomBqP_UtI3Uo_GG0m2lds" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhHAJsh1t-Pxss_pG3L7tGmdCpJCpk9-rP9fB_iGzQXknLQX5tdU1LbY8LdatjRtU0TQEf04V8aguNtpvx-dlYp22pnXxhCxnbRIIakDpFsqd-fplGq1THSCC4fWaNzC8bNcqk7bad2H5V016O22Dwi-za2fwqurHgUhtomBqP_UtI3Uo_GG0m2lds=w278-h494" width="278" /></a></div><br />Dear Wyatt,<p></p><p>In one week and one day you will leave for Brazil for two years. I keep watching you and thinking. I keep cherishing every "last" moment and I keep mourning what was one of the best phases of my life, being your mom. I guess that role won't end, but it will definitely change and it is that change that has me all introspective. When you were little I believe I wrote a letter for you that was supposed to be opened on your 18th birthday. Clearly I didn't give it to you this past year at 18, and I don't know if I even know where it is now, or if I even wrote it. And so, sadly starts the phase of my life where once I could say things with 100% surety as I have always had a fantastic memory, I now hesitate and allow a lot more room, because there are certainly things I am starting to forget.</p><p>So I never forget the things I am thinking now as I watch you sleep on this Sunday afternoon on the couch right by me with the dog right by you, I wanted to write you this open love letter. Let me start by saying I love you so much, I have loved you every day of your life, in a way I never could have imagined, am constantly surprised by, and I am given more delight in the giving of that love than any other thing I have done to be happy. You are on the right path, a good path, an eternal path with far more significance, meaning, and purpose than most people know. Please make the daily course corrections you need to stay centered on that path. It may be tedious some days, hard others, and a cake walk on a select few, but that path when on it tends to feel really good, and at the end is the best reward. Seriously daily course correction. I know, you know what I mean now, but remember it forever, every day for as many days as you have.</p><p>Wyatt, from 9 weeks old in utero you revealed yourself to me in a million ways that I have maybe added significance to throughout the years, but more likely I now can understand and interpret the language of Wyatt in a way I couldn't when you were in utero. So at nine weeks I started feeling you move. Doctors didn't think it was possible, other mothers were skeptical, but your Dad believed me. I didn't know if that meant you were going to be active or an athlete, but I knew you were moving. Knowing you now, I know that once your big brain was fully formed you needed to figure things out and explore and I have no doubt that is what you were doing then. I have since learned that around 8 weeks a baby's brain develops to the point to dictate movement. I am sure your natural curiosity was testing the equipment even at that early age. By age 1.5 years old you were talking in multiword sentence, by 3 you would ask me what your options were, by 4 you had taught yourself the letters of your name and how to write them without me every once showing you, but just having it on the refrigerator spelled out in magnet letters.</p><p>Your child temperament was always mild, accommodating, easy, and pretty self soothing in nature. You would sit and watch cartoons for long periods of time when I needed, but were just as happy if I told you to entertain yourself with toys or books. By early elementary school you were wowing the world with both your intelligence but even more your sweet disposition. Most every year K-4, except one, I think you earned the Principal's Award, given to one girl and boy in each class who stood out. Occasionally you would earn a bit of a reproof or correction but almost always with good spirit and a willingness to obey. As you got older, Dad and I marveled at your name meaning - little warrior, because it didn't fit you at all, not even a little. You laughed easily, had many friends, a few close friends, and life was pretty good.</p><p>As we neared the teen years, things were still going okay. This was a phase dreaded by many parents, but with mild issues with Isabella and no signs from you I thought we would sail through these years. In middle school you continued your sweet personality, and good grades, and added sports like volleyball and soccer to your list of loves and you did pretty well at both considering we had never been the parents to start our kids at a little age. By the summer after 7th grade we had decided to move to Texas and you were our most resistant child. You were angry and moody. You cried the day we moved into our new house and flung yourself on your bed. My heart broke at your misery, but even more at your inability to choose to be happy. School continued to go okay in Texas even with the frustrations of limited academic support or programs suited to your "gifted" nature.</p><p>But by the beginning of high school you were a bit of a nightmare. Puberty with you had been far worse than with Isabella. Your mood swings were much more frequent and far wider in range. You turned into an angry child. Travis joked that your warrior self had finally come to play. Now I say this and still I recognize how blessed we were, because even through all of this you remained largely sweet to children and infants, quick to give me hugs and kisses and check in when leaving and returning home. You toggled some new friends and overall after a few serious worries about your growing rage issues and worrying for your siblings physical safety, you popped out on the other side of the worst of it. You weren't near as angry, but instead you had grown just a bit cynical, judgmental, and worst of all your comments reflected some of the values of the media and ideals around you which were laced with some good old fashioned sexism and a healthy dose of pride. Yet in all this you were fully engaged in church whether by force and coercion or choice is to be determined - I'm sure in another few years you will tell me.</p><p>Eventually you outgrew most of that too. Your last year or two of high school turned the corner and again returned back to my favorite version of you. The smart, quick witted, funny boy who couldn't pass up a ridiculous joke because laughing is just too good. You got very serious about a mission and started making changes in your life and habits to prepare. You read scriptures mostly daily, prayed nightly, and worked hard to live consistent with the standards, sometimes better at the do nots, than the do's. I got better at waiting patiently for you to learn under the Lord's tutelage and timeframe instead of my own and you bloomed and blossomed into this amazing man.</p><p>You are smart, you know this and so does anyone who has talked to you for more than 10 minutes. And sometimes you worry that is all you are, but I promise you the best bits of your are not your brain power and intellect. Wyatt, you have so many amazing attributes and not just because we share more than a few - much to your alleged chagrin (I believe you are more okay with it than you like to admit). You are kind and thoughtful, a great teacher and helper. You have so much patience but crazy high expectations for yourself and everyone around you which sometimes comes off as judgmental or unforgiving - neither of which things you are. Your warrior self has never revealed it self more than in this age and stage. You are a devoted disciple of Christ. You are engaged in living life now trying to be exactly who he needs you to be and to serve the people and the places you are called to.</p><p>Yes you are leaving for Brazil next week, but you have a life planned that includes so many righteous goals and pursuits. There are no limits to your preferences and you have a plan with big things outlined and trust that the details will sort themselves out. You have this mission, college with majors and minors - that may change, grad school, careers, etc... You have a description of your wife that you are watching for and a desire to continue to learn and to grow like no one else I have ever known. You aren't afraid of doing new, hard things and once you decide to do something you are "all in". So many parts of the gospel and your testimony have clicked into place this year. Continue to get "all in" on the rest of them. Nothing will serve you more, make you happier, help you succeed than being "all in" on things of eternal significance. I will miss you immensely my sweet Wyatt. Two years is way too long even with weekly phone calls, but I have never wanted anything more for you than I do this experience. Go serve in the Lord's army, in the youth battalion, be his warrior, and bring a whole host of others to Christ with your fiercely burning testimony of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation. Remember that it isn't about the two years, but what they represent. This is the start of you choosing for yourself what you want out of life and what you are willing to forego to get the bigger, better, more important things.</p><p>I love you, I am exited for you, I am worried for you, I am eager to hear from you and you haven't even left yet. Just know that you are exactly who Heavenly Father intended you to be. Continue to fine tune and measure your progress by his promptings and no one else's not even your dad's or my opinions. Live worthy of every blessing he has planned for you which is so much more than you and I can imagine. Go conquer my little warrior. I love you, I love you, I love you!</p><p>Your best friend and grateful mother,</p><p>Mary </p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-65417114626104881672022-09-17T18:43:00.001-07:002022-10-06T18:49:31.544-07:00<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Dearest Friends,</span></p><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The first week on the mission has been a whirlwind. So much has happened in such a small amount of time that I'm not even sure I remember it all. Online MTC is an utterly unique experience. </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One of the coolest parts of this week has been getting to know my companion, Elder Johnson. He is from North Carolina and likes to wrestle. Although we don't have all that much in common superficially, we get along fairly well due to our mutual hatred of the Portuguese language. The language itself isn't terrible, in fact, the more I learn, the more similarities it has with Spanish. What bothers me the most is that in the areas where it is not like Spanish, it is so incredibly inconsistent with Spanish, English, and sometimes itself, that I sometimes have microaneurysms trying to comprehend it.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Our district is really awesome and has some utterly unique characters, from Elder Malquist, our defacto leader, Elder Page, who we are all convinced is already fluent, to Elder Getz, who cannot help cracking jokes at every opportunity in the zoom chat. Our fearless leaders are Irmãos Jeronimo and Mentado. Irmão Jeronimo is equally confused and fascinated by English slang and laughed for literal minutes after we explained what it meant to be "caked up." Irmão Mentado is a literal saint. His native language is Spanish, and he has only spoken Portuguese for a year, but he uses a second non-native language, English, to teach a bunch of 18-19 year olds with enough patience to make a rock envious. </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One of the highlights of the week was yesterday, when we had our first opportunity to teach a lesson to a non-member in Portuguese. Although, to be honest, I think we did less teaching and did a whole lot more reading preplanend materials. However, I found the experience to be not only linguistically fulfilling, but also spiritually. The district is quickly recognizing the strength of the gift of tongues in that none of us would last a day in Brazil currently, exempting Elder Page, but each of us knows that the person we were teaching was able to not only comprehend what we had to share, but also was able to benefit from it.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I would say the biggest takeaway this week has been that the reason that missionaries have a specific sleep schedule is because this whole lifestyle is exhausting. Even though I spend most of my day behind a computer, I am ready to take a 2 hour nap by 2 PM. Despite the physical exhaustion, however, I can certainly say that I constantly feel spiritually alive in ways that I seldom have experienced to this point. I can't say my testimony has changed much in the past couple days, but I certainly feel greater conviction about its contents. The Lord has an interesting way of taking seemingly unconnected events and weaving them into a tapestry of personal significance. It is a way that He shows His love for us. I am grateful that it has helped me to make some very important insights about my purpose as a missionary.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Happy Trails,</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, "system-ui", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Wyatt Whiting</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-35713300933687096032022-03-28T11:12:00.001-07:002022-03-28T11:12:59.809-07:00Isabella Is a Double Digit Starting With a 2 - Happy Birthday!<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What's your favorite thing to do?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div>* Probably read or play wrestle with Braunson</div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you want to be when you grow up? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* A teacher/a mom<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite food?</span><br /><br />* Pancakes (of all time, go to - but instinctively that doesn't feel right)<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Who do you like to hang out with?</span><br /><br />* Braunson<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you do really well? </span><br /><br />* Talk about everything<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What makes you laugh?</span><br /><br />* Hanging out with my friends - especially Kaitlin<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is the best time of day?</span><br /><br />* The mornings, not early but 8 or 9am, especially lately because the weather has been beautiful and temperature is perfect.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What are you afraid of?</span><br /><br />* I don't know what I am afraid of, but there are things I feel afraid when I think about - stressful things, serving a mission, etc...<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to do with your family?</span><br /><br />* When we go on walks or sometimes board games or movie nights, top golf.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to learn about?</span><br /><br />* I like learning about classroom management has been really interesting and it feels exciting to think about applying that. My major has become so much more fun as I get excited to apply all the things I am learning - building student excitement.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Where do you like to go?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* Outside - I think I always forget how much I like being outside until it starts to get warm and then its all I ask my friends is to hike, walk, or go to the park.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite book?</span><br /><br />* I don't know if I have one. Let me check Goodreads and see if I have one. Oh okay, it's like a short story, but it's called The Emperor's Soul. It's by Brandon Sanderson, Braunson made me read it, but it was really good.<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">If you could have one wish, what would it be?</span><br /></p><div>* Just more time in general. I always feels like each day could use more time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslmo5B7WRHA9sxqZnQXJP-ehpVEPgY69SeJGeraNJC4mbFn5RYdkdP_2Xdc2nG8b0Jb_Q7vnsCpvue-u0nRK-ySw5L4d3mN_fhSiGEyovH7gFLBJsK0Mn6lYBHozt3CK_x1psXfoPA1cPNWQa1x2ZxTgTakg0ozHeK42KVDI1QKPYfvOS9rQt9Dd9/s5568/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20DSC_5344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="3712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslmo5B7WRHA9sxqZnQXJP-ehpVEPgY69SeJGeraNJC4mbFn5RYdkdP_2Xdc2nG8b0Jb_Q7vnsCpvue-u0nRK-ySw5L4d3mN_fhSiGEyovH7gFLBJsK0Mn6lYBHozt3CK_x1psXfoPA1cPNWQa1x2ZxTgTakg0ozHeK42KVDI1QKPYfvOS9rQt9Dd9/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20DSC_5344.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVa9JQ2FmVHDAbMG4VyIPTLwNbwqtfPBmkEEvw526NUyXw6Py7oYmrddlderNdGqDj299u86-ZvAs-ezjAKUF2NQwhPzEjLPWolgumUxcGlNx1CmOc_QfsUzKbaV8X8iWqTMJDb8YY5dRrgvad7MOAVe9SDQwoE1I9lzgJRN8mP_q0Rln5d0wzzWK7/s5568/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20DSC_5376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="3712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVa9JQ2FmVHDAbMG4VyIPTLwNbwqtfPBmkEEvw526NUyXw6Py7oYmrddlderNdGqDj299u86-ZvAs-ezjAKUF2NQwhPzEjLPWolgumUxcGlNx1CmOc_QfsUzKbaV8X8iWqTMJDb8YY5dRrgvad7MOAVe9SDQwoE1I9lzgJRN8mP_q0Rln5d0wzzWK7/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20DSC_5376.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUzt1iitx4_VHWMLKz4yFMw9_aeNHDCstpDQV6n6doORnzG_aVzD_EbBrIC5NMQ4Z8CflrURIFMW2oAnFTOAIWANPHaC7hvR2N9l_azkH1OiMg14B4WCmOK4J6yo3mCPtdtCnqlDncoz_qbBivQvOeLWPkUhx7zoxde9XErbNzjcItezYuWurbOh6/s5568/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20DSC_5406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="3712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUzt1iitx4_VHWMLKz4yFMw9_aeNHDCstpDQV6n6doORnzG_aVzD_EbBrIC5NMQ4Z8CflrURIFMW2oAnFTOAIWANPHaC7hvR2N9l_azkH1OiMg14B4WCmOK4J6yo3mCPtdtCnqlDncoz_qbBivQvOeLWPkUhx7zoxde9XErbNzjcItezYuWurbOh6/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20DSC_5406.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><p></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-22167697917648499252022-02-13T18:56:00.004-08:002022-02-16T11:37:41.151-08:00Wyatt Is A Man!!!<div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Q. Guess whose birthday it is? </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">A. Wyatt Owen Whiting</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">FAQs</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">1. How old is this hottie?</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">18 - yes he is legally a man!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Is he really as handsome as he appears in pictures?</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, probably more so. He has a bussin jawline, killer smile, shredded body, but he doesn't even realize it. Even hotter is his crazy, awesome personality.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Does he have a girlfriend?</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">No. Although a big fan of girls, he keeps it casual and tries to take out a variety of girls to learn more about them and himself.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">4. How much fun does Wyatt like to have?</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe the perfect amount. His parents never have to ride him about school, work, or responsibilities, but as soon as they are done...he is "game on" ready to play. He loves skiing and wakeboarding/surfing, traveling, board, card, and video games, and just hanging out and laughing with friends and family.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">5. What are Wyatt's plans post high school?</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Wyatt plans to defer his college start date for a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has earned the money to pay for this himself, has kept himself mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared his whole life, and turns in his papers next week. He will not choose where he serves, but believes he will be called where the Lord needs him to be. More info to be released later.</div></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Special thanks to all the people who turned this amazing boy into an incredible man. We couldn't be more proud, even if a bit sad at how fast it all happened.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What's your favorite thing to do?</span></p><div>* Play on my Switch</div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you want to be when you grow up? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* In finance<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite food?</span><br /><br />* Chili<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Who do you like to hang out with?</span><br /><br />* Micheal Torres<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you do really well? </span><br /><br />* Bring a smile to my mother's face<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What makes you laugh?</span><br /><br />* myself<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is the best time of day?</span><br /><br />* When I am not doing scholarships<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What are you afraid of?</span><br /><br />* My mom making me do scholarships<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to do with your family?</span><br /><br />* Eat dinner<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to learn about?</span><br /><br />* Psychology<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Where do you like to go?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* Home after school<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite book?</span><br /><br />* The Alchemist<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">If you could have one wish, what would it be?</span><br /></p><div>* For everyone to appreciate my excellence (read: sarcasm)</div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLpVRh4qC5t7mkKo-Qq0-p05szIPT9f8Vls8U50uuA52dsiHYYj8RsP1lrgfwwaJznfycOgHn3aoWzD49j5Syvw8o-sIgKObUuuB42CsO5t9k1dBWptqBTfD0Bq6-Q1vX9AavyIlWvmhr8pQcxlLQntGp7hNRAyEcAMUYQDKlOW2wArEAH6YRocroW=s5568" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="3712" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLpVRh4qC5t7mkKo-Qq0-p05szIPT9f8Vls8U50uuA52dsiHYYj8RsP1lrgfwwaJznfycOgHn3aoWzD49j5Syvw8o-sIgKObUuuB42CsO5t9k1dBWptqBTfD0Bq6-Q1vX9AavyIlWvmhr8pQcxlLQntGp7hNRAyEcAMUYQDKlOW2wArEAH6YRocroW=w302-h454" width="302" /></a></div><br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-68303237324511086202022-02-05T18:14:00.001-08:002022-02-09T11:17:21.788-08:00Opening Up the Windows to Heaven<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I tend to live my life pursuing anything that interests me wholeheartedly. The downside of this is that I almost always have more interests than I do time. As a result, I have to inwardly reflect on what my strongest values are and make choices that reflect those. </span></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">Right now I am at a crossroads as I consider new job offers, getting my doctorate degree, focusing on my family and kids these last 3 years before Travis and I are empty nesters, future dream jobs, and retirement plans. Yes I am a planner and so choices are being made now for that. Once again, I am grateful but torn over so many awesome options.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">So like I have historically with any major decision in life (including who to marry, where to live - all seven moves, what homes to buy, when and how many children to have, what jobs to take, when to start and stop phases of life) I find myself using tonight and tomorrow to fast and pray about it. This is something members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the opportunity to do each month. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">And even though I can't have it all, or at least all right now in this moment, I feel peace because I know I will get direction as I lift my heart and mind to commune with my Heavenly Father. "Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful. It can fill our minds with the revelations of the Spirit." He will guide and direct me and continue to make my life better than anything I have ever been able to plan or imagine for myself.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">And if there is any one thing I have wanted to teach and pass down to my kids, it is that absolute confidence in recognizing the voice of the Lord and knowing he loves and cares about them and that he will talk to, guide, and direct them as he has me throughout my life. I know that they will feel the peace and assurance and confidence in all areas of their life that I have been able to have. So regardless of your faith, I challenge each of you - try it out, at least once, see what you think and consider how you feel.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial;">For more about fasting, see <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/fasting-and-fast-offerings?lang=eng&fbclid=IwAR0VtspRTMlfyoQK3fAzXYWM_5mtFqDdnZwTuEeldoE-Q5gaOw7rhpFM5VM">here</a>!</span></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-36433443465955681672022-01-26T08:22:00.003-08:002022-01-26T08:22:36.334-08:00Quotes To Live By<p>"Your system is perfectly designed to give you the results you are getting."</p><p>"My promise to you is that when, not if, you test God's promises...work and wait. You will see miracles."</p><p>"Who do you turn to for advice?"</p><p>"If you are honest, people may deceive you. Be honest anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfishness. Be kind anyway. All the good you do today will be forgotten by others tomorrow. do good anyway. What you create, others can destroy. Create anyway. Because in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and anyone else anyway."</p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-87104308840281169662022-01-24T19:36:00.008-08:002022-02-16T12:32:52.907-08:00Christmases Remembered<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2geKBO_n3DFAURe1-6tutAXocoZ80t1qFemdE2KgIzCUL5uJK2xk0uMp8OPxcQ2Y6rlXvUPbOz3kOFk3117exxwSs82TTef7dLpIP_H7YkOS9B7RiQnBsOFEsfZhenSzR3eTS61evf82nekBHc7P-PBPBmAz1D1sn92n-yRq6O5TaxNE2YRX7VNxB=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2geKBO_n3DFAURe1-6tutAXocoZ80t1qFemdE2KgIzCUL5uJK2xk0uMp8OPxcQ2Y6rlXvUPbOz3kOFk3117exxwSs82TTef7dLpIP_H7YkOS9B7RiQnBsOFEsfZhenSzR3eTS61evf82nekBHc7P-PBPBmAz1D1sn92n-yRq6O5TaxNE2YRX7VNxB=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjubtSM_a1kb8GI8tEEV6mnMhXA7QS99zaDlc9FrVksL9MPs3DG_eK4IrGHFMoM-m3XaL0XSUNkjwU_xFQ9lrsR7X2tFUQcr4bjpzkv5xx4t0IaXkDJ_w5Te2QgR3xHeYWKOhEXAezCDZEfv_94GBX2QgigdKIOokaAq4CJqNLF_L2RCSnEii3m54U-=s3648" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjubtSM_a1kb8GI8tEEV6mnMhXA7QS99zaDlc9FrVksL9MPs3DG_eK4IrGHFMoM-m3XaL0XSUNkjwU_xFQ9lrsR7X2tFUQcr4bjpzkv5xx4t0IaXkDJ_w5Te2QgR3xHeYWKOhEXAezCDZEfv_94GBX2QgigdKIOokaAq4CJqNLF_L2RCSnEii3m54U-=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Each year after Christmas, school age children return to school and ask one another what they got for Christmas. I remember being asked and asking others this same question. As I have gotten older, the same question still exists with mild variations, but increasingly I cannot recall what I have gotten nor what I have given to my children and the other loved ones in my life. Each holiday becomes less about candy, gifts, and stuff and more about time together. So now, when I get asked that questions...I sit and think. So two years ago, I realized that as part of my holiday planning and to try and keep track of what I had bought I would create lists. In 30 years, I am sure I will look back on this and think it is great. I've decided to share what the kids have gotten from us their parents and their siblings the last two years.</p><p>First note: we tend to stick to 3 gifts from parents to kids as well as one another. Then the kids get three siblings gifts for a total of 6. Occasionally they may get more than one item but in a themed gift. Additionally they also get gifts from grandparents, friends, or others. With all of this generosity in their lives we felt like 3 gifts was plenty. </p><p>2020 - Year of Covid Christmas</p><p>Travis: (2) 72 hours kits, Fireplace tools kit, and Ring doorbell and chime; First aid kit for the car, fairy lights, nose hair scissors, thick socks</p><p>Mary: Roomba, Running Shoes, Hammock; Curling iron, game, boots, and sweatshirt</p><p>Isabella: Ski tickets, happy light, phone car chargers and usbc port; mount for car phone, g-2 pens, dice and cards</p><p>Wyatt: Ski tickets, khaki shorts, leather wallet; water bottle, book of silent longings, Tul pens</p><p>Issac: Ski tickets, can jam, lego temple; Amiibo, socks, Oculus game</p><p>Kody: Ski tickets, black watch, new shoes; whitening strips, Guesstures, socks</p><p>2021 - Year of Abundance</p><p>Travis: New outdoor gas grill, range finder, and reloading parts; twinkle lights, reloading trimmer, funnel, and another reloading piece</p><p>Mary: Retractable screen door, new toilet seat, and tbd as the one gift didn't work (outdoor lights); salt spray, salt spray, puzzles, and photo storage bin</p><p>Isabella: Spice kit/kitchen basket (Mexican vanilla), steamer, food processor; sports bra, black leggings, whitening strips</p><p>Wyatt: Standing desk, luggage, switch game; new darts, Mcdonalds hat, papa johns hat</p><p>Issac: Amiibo, Jumper cable independent start, lego white house; car Alexa, car stand/car charger, root beer making kit, eye cover for sleeping</p><p>Kody: LED lights, Airpod case and stickers, Nike sneakers; sweatshirt, posters for room, ???</p><p>Baked goods at the holidays that the kids must have:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Puppy Chow</li><li>Peanut Butter Fudge</li><li>Crack Brownies</li><li>Pretzel Rolo bites</li><li>Pretzel rods dipped in chocolate</li><li>Jam Print Cookies</li><li>Toffee</li><li>Cathedral Windows</li><li>Chocolate Crinkle Cookies</li><li>Sugar Cookies with sprinkles</li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-47517966646037490162021-12-04T11:19:00.021-08:002022-02-16T11:40:35.705-08:00Issac Turns 16!!!<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What's your favorite thing to do?</span></p><div>* Play video games; build stuff</div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you want to be when you grow up? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* Physicist<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite food?</span><br /><br />* Crepes<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Who do you like to hang out with?</span><br /><br />* Tayson, family, and girls<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you do really well? </span><br /><br />* I build stuff really well and science<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What makes you laugh?</span><br /><br />* Dad jokes; actually not dad jokes, only when I tell the dad jokes, not when I receive the dad jokes<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is the best time of day?</span><br /><br />* Night<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What are you afraid of?</span><br /><br />* Socializing<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to do with your family?</span><br /><br />* Play Mario Party<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to learn about?</span><br /><br />* Anything in the science field except for Biology because Biology is stupid<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Where do you like to go?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* To bed<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite book?</span><br /><br />* Uhhh, I wouldn't know, I don't read enough<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">If you could have one wish, what would it be?</span><br /></p><div>* That everything on this list would come true</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw62RRE1pSbWV-zKapWGhi6IXXERqGqMUGSTPNKO9S3NswcqimFatIVF19EMUgL2OskCPEf8BDkIO46wnKtUZQM5NINcPVII-N3n7ecf_lVicCygTs35B7ylHOuM77pxVCx04L5WU0aAuK4_shruJy4CBTf9iEyDS6_vhaXv4T0xXUnjfeX4C-LyN5=s5568" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="3712" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw62RRE1pSbWV-zKapWGhi6IXXERqGqMUGSTPNKO9S3NswcqimFatIVF19EMUgL2OskCPEf8BDkIO46wnKtUZQM5NINcPVII-N3n7ecf_lVicCygTs35B7ylHOuM77pxVCx04L5WU0aAuK4_shruJy4CBTf9iEyDS6_vhaXv4T0xXUnjfeX4C-LyN5=w323-h485" width="323" /></a></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-26790676113057708452021-09-04T09:21:00.024-07:002022-02-19T11:54:55.764-08:00Kody Turns 14, Starts High School, but I Stopped Aging<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What's your favorite thing to do?</span></p><div>* Hang out with friends</div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you want to be when you grow up? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* Business manager<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite food?</span><br /><br />* French fries<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Who do you like to hang out with?</span><br /><br />* People (Braeden, Joe, David, and Dylan)<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you do really well? </span><br /><br />* Eat food<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What makes you laugh?</span><br /><br />* People getting hurt<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is the best time of day?</span><br /><br />* Night<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What are you afraid of?</span><br /><br />* The dark<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to do with your family?</span><br /><br />* Play board games<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to learn about?</span><br /><br />* Cooking<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Where do you like to go?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* I'd like to go to New Zealand<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite book?</span><br /><br />* Big Nate<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">If you could have one wish, what would it be?</span><br /></p><div>* For a million wishes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheFXLbzgC0tKTbWiay3cZ7UQNCDNCkOiM3CU_f_7oELqKKsZbs4vIO2cZpYaHqi7YBmNjjMltKUlpVDS53uSf9H1hB2QKTdFbOPwUuc2AjpjDU3LWeIo8gtOIt6RQ2fe-88sugh_adpyISyQEI9M2JKLEqsnqgjJk1H9o8q6eg8wO5JMYnpRk3VgBm=s5568" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="3712" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheFXLbzgC0tKTbWiay3cZ7UQNCDNCkOiM3CU_f_7oELqKKsZbs4vIO2cZpYaHqi7YBmNjjMltKUlpVDS53uSf9H1hB2QKTdFbOPwUuc2AjpjDU3LWeIo8gtOIt6RQ2fe-88sugh_adpyISyQEI9M2JKLEqsnqgjJk1H9o8q6eg8wO5JMYnpRk3VgBm=w322-h485" width="322" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7iUT9gaE7Ut5HYqekfYjF3-u8eyl98FvzTjwfvX8fWdSe8EkJC_0uYtxopdSD8OKpqPoTR-egOvkeOD4kv-2LdtyQiXsfpHwENT2sexGhZXhKAWyULIX6Bs4KuxJBAekAtgxWFwvQx5do5l2miTtwW2KRv9qiYVoCWIJrSN9k4wmZJLlON8Dz37BO=s5568" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-53316030718948105242021-06-03T09:37:00.001-07:002021-06-03T15:48:51.389-07:00Unexpected Beauty<p>From age six to about ten years old, I would spend my annual vacation at Bethany Beach in Delaware racing up-and-down the small family oriented boardwalk trying to find the best way to spend my meagre $2 a month allowance always with my sister by my side as our parents were big proponents of the buddy system. I had worked hard theough the year and money didn't come easy and so I knew each purchase had to count. Always a given was a large order of boardwalk fries and usually some other sweet treat to accompany it, but the rest of my money was kept and looking for that perfect souvenir that would help me remember these priceless memories of family vacations throughout the year.</p><p>One year as I raced up-and-down the boardwalk repeatedly unsure as to what to purchase I saw my brother, Phillip, sitting in the bandstand's wooden reversible seats just looking outward and his serenity had piqued my chaotic attention. I went over and sat by him and asked why he wasn't doing something. He told me that he was doing something, people watching. He explained that everyone was doing thr same thing in an entirely different way and as I watched with him, I saw what he meant. He said that sometimes he would make up stories, backgrounds, and entire lives of the people he was watching. I found I too was captivated by this practice and from there made it a part of my annual beach tradition.</p><p>Today as I ran through a new park down in San Antonio, I felt that same sense of simple joy and absolute delight. Denman Estate Park with its Korean monuments and old home and wooded walking path had brought people out: college aged students picnicking on a blanket, a husband and wife walked their dog,, a pre-school class walked about as their teacher taught them about the wildlife, parents and children fed the ducks, runners whizzed by, and a three generational family explained the meaning and heritage of the monuments. I had been running myself but I kept stopping to watch the people and record the beauty. As I slowed I returned to that moment on a beach boardwalk where inspired by my brother, I had my first foray into social science and what I would spend the rest of my life loving. It's crazy how a park in Texas and a beach in Delaware will both inspire me to slow down and just listen and watch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uNfitZ0cECWbG6mDXDncvGylf2UXAD-a1b0NS8y_TcoJy_5482H4W5E30QIZiofXE_W-yyOv1txkVLrEwlPImM3dTtUtH_A2mTBExZL3yCAxmR-lew4J4joDiIpXsXTDrAMtKqUiY7I/s2048/20210603_104838.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uNfitZ0cECWbG6mDXDncvGylf2UXAD-a1b0NS8y_TcoJy_5482H4W5E30QIZiofXE_W-yyOv1txkVLrEwlPImM3dTtUtH_A2mTBExZL3yCAxmR-lew4J4joDiIpXsXTDrAMtKqUiY7I/s320/20210603_104838.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvAjygrsI_yOmP88yooL50jxUtni__L1PJGE25hKS8EqIpltswAPF34udyzZKNraqgkuFyle5nI2TrLxjfxFhfU8zVp8V-yC7pxG9E4HZOcoTIp319yTOfW1YMvPRqyH3-ZSY-b2_z08/s2048/20210603_105916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvAjygrsI_yOmP88yooL50jxUtni__L1PJGE25hKS8EqIpltswAPF34udyzZKNraqgkuFyle5nI2TrLxjfxFhfU8zVp8V-yC7pxG9E4HZOcoTIp319yTOfW1YMvPRqyH3-ZSY-b2_z08/s320/20210603_105916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9iGKctC9Z7JoZSBvTHefozhOnjHIH9ZueQH_aBpd-xsiul1-hlNRGLpKxd_JybwBm5D7C8pX7O8uEGKWWm2nVMzWia-xkAOFCnQHozTVKrvaHY9GUKE_sMCpaeII0D8zgVZtBBxkilA/s2048/20210603_105532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9iGKctC9Z7JoZSBvTHefozhOnjHIH9ZueQH_aBpd-xsiul1-hlNRGLpKxd_JybwBm5D7C8pX7O8uEGKWWm2nVMzWia-xkAOFCnQHozTVKrvaHY9GUKE_sMCpaeII0D8zgVZtBBxkilA/s320/20210603_105532.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66fnH2nFkGEX8vLncd1UTifn5sb-ElFLKPzIWIqnXO4ON-BuMTqJOQBD6xK8oPX0DXJdM0Zthls-nvvcdgVHyqviVO3Vw1WcsEcG32USlrGK6zjNmhErgdQUsSxh76WwT34B3GG8Rk5M/s2048/20210603_104510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66fnH2nFkGEX8vLncd1UTifn5sb-ElFLKPzIWIqnXO4ON-BuMTqJOQBD6xK8oPX0DXJdM0Zthls-nvvcdgVHyqviVO3Vw1WcsEcG32USlrGK6zjNmhErgdQUsSxh76WwT34B3GG8Rk5M/s320/20210603_104510.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-34586680826711974542021-03-31T17:20:00.000-07:002021-03-31T17:20:00.120-07:00Is It Really Failure?<p>This week was a week of misses and near misses. Travis was in a "Biggest Loser" competition through his work. The competition ran from January through the end of March. Each week they would weigh in on Fridays and a leaderboard was published on Mondays. Prizes would be awareded to the top three biggest losers based on percent lost. Travis has been in the lead the last few weeks, but Monday he learned that he dropped to 2nd place by .04%. It was so close. He was disappointed, but he is pretty resilient and when we spoke I reminded him that he would still get a prize even if it wasn't the one he had set his heart on, he had lost 27lbs in 3 months, and he was enjoying food more than ever before as he made much more conscious choices and eliminated so much junk food. So I have to ask, did he really fail?</p><p>Then Wyatt yesterday shouts, I knew it. Immediately I was worried. He was waiting on National Honors Society officer results for next year, his senior year. He had not been awarded an officer role, but he had correctly predicted every person in their particular role that was chosen. Clearly he was disappointed to not become the President which was his hope, but he decided it would probably be okay to not have an additional responsibility next year. He was still confident about his leadership skills, knew he was academically doing just fine, and has been granted many other opportunities to lead in and out of school. Additionally he got his SAT scores back and he wasn't sure how to feel. He hadn't gotten a perfect score, but he still did quite well. I asked him what score he had hoped for and he admitted he hadn't really set a goal at all. So I had to ask him, did you really fail then?</p><p>Last, as I near the end of my Master's Program I have just my Internship 1 and Internship 2 to finish. This requires an interviewing, application process, and basically a matching program. You ideally apply to 3-5 places. Within a short period not only my school, but the two other graduate schools with counseling students all apply simultaneously. There are limited positions, high hour demands need to be met and if the position you are seeking can't supply enough hours you need to get a second internships site, additionally you need to get a certain amount of individual counseling done as well as group counseling. It gets sort of cut throat competitive in San Antonio in end of March. I finished interviewing today at three sights. First sight had over 50 apply, 20 interview and were accepting 2 interns. Second sight only allowed 20 to apply, 12 interview, but had 4 spots. The last sight had about 50 apply, most interviewed, but only 10 spots. I'm still waiting to hear what happens with two of them, but today I was offered one position on the spot before they even finished with the interviewing process. So even if I don't get my first choice, I ask myself - have I really failed?</p><p>My friend and I were talking about this the other day. In the world we live, there are so many opportunities, experiences, adventures, and choices. Often it can feel overwhelming. It can almost feel like if you aren't getting the thing you want most that you are failing, but I reminded her that we live in a world where more often than not we are deciding between two great choices, when we fell short of our goals we are still reaching amazing growth opportunities, when we don't win we are still winning. Truly we are blessed, living in prosperous times, and setting and achieving amazing things within our families, our communities, and our churches. It really is true that failing forward is not failing at all!</p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-4165558186537758422021-01-29T10:17:00.001-08:002021-03-12T10:22:51.664-08:00Wyatt is 17 and I Am Old!<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What's your favorite thing to do?</span></p><div>* Read</div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you want to be when you grow up? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* I don't know<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite food?</span><br /><br />* Chili<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Who do you like to hang out with?</span><br /><br />* My family<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you do really well? </span><br /><br />* Make babies, me laughing saying no, read well, fast, and effectively even.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What makes you laugh?</span><br /><br />* Myself<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is the best time of day?</span><br /><br />* Between 8 and 10 pm<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What are you afraid of?</span><br /><br />* Public humiliation, sure we will go with that one.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to do with your family?</span><br /><br />* Watch movies.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to learn about?</span><br /><br />* Female anatomy, no I'm kidding, I uh like Chemistry.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Where do you like to go?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* No where, I like staying home.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite book?</span><br /><br />* The Wiseman's Fear - Patrick Rossfuss<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">If you could have one wish, what would it be?</span><br /></p><div>* To find my wallet! Boom!</div><div><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-58944681355890124772021-01-20T11:49:00.002-08:002021-01-20T11:49:41.615-08:00Ponder the Book of Mormon<p>*Write a verse</p><p>*Think of the verse</p><p>*Pray to Heavenly Father and ask - Is there more? </p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-80537934942897060462020-12-01T08:41:00.031-08:002021-03-12T10:17:15.343-08:00Issac Turns 15<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What's your favorite thing to do?</span></p><div>* Play Minecraft</div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you want to be when you grow up? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* Aerospace Engineer or Therapist<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite food?</span><br /><br />* Crepes<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Who do you like to hang out with?</span><br /><br />* Ben (Torres), I guess<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you do really well? </span><br /><br />* Science<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What makes you laugh?</span><br /><br />* Um, I don't know. Jokes, ha ha ha! My own witty humor, not really don't put that.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is the best time of day?</span><br /><br />* Nighttime - because it's dark.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What are you afraid of?</span><br /><br />* I don't know, being repetitive.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to do with your family?</span><br /><br />* I like when we go on family walks sometimes.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to learn about?</span><br /><br />* Science<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Where do you like to go?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />* I want to go to Iceland!<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite book?</span><br /><br />* I don't currently have one.<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">If you could have one wish, what would it be?</span><br /></p><div>* To have infinite wishes, but because you never let us do that, then to never have to work again.</div><div><span style="font-family: mv boli;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-63604195877110511682020-10-15T08:20:00.002-07:002020-10-15T08:24:07.870-07:00The Pearl Girls: An Invitation to Join<p>Many people have noticed, commented, and asked about them. And depending who I am traveling with, you might think I am part of a clique, club, or group of some sort because within my associates and friend group there are a small bunch of us who wear them. So as a non jewelry wearing person, many wonder how I have gotten into this habit of wearing a pearl necklace.</p><p>Twenty one years ago, as I dated Travis, I saw his mom wearing a pearl necklace. It was beautiful and I commented on it. Even then I was not a jewelry wearer, but I think there is something simplistically beautiful and classic about pearls. She told me the history of her necklace which had been bought for her from a family member while he was traveling in Japan, I believe. When Travis and I got engaged, his mom had asked if I wanted to use any of her jewelry for the wedding, it could be my "something borrowed". Immediately I thought of the necklace. Travis let her know I would feel super delighted and honored to borrow the pearl necklace and so she brought it along with pearl earrings to Washington DC with her for the wedding day. I wore them and felt like a princess, sure that this would probably be one of the few times - I'm not a girly girl you see.</p><p>Then on our first Mother's Day together, Travis surprised me with pearl earrings. He knew I wasn't a big jewelry wearer, but he also remembered my delight on our wedding day. Although we couldn't afford a necklace yet, he had happily splurged on the earrings. Then just a couple years later and right after Isabella was born, on Mother's Day, he got me a pearl necklace. As the jeweler lovingly wrapped them, he gave me care instructions. There is a special cloth to wipe them down with and a list of do's and don'ts stressing the fragility of them. With this investment and these instructions, I reserved those pieces for special occasions and didn't wear them with any kind of regularity.</p><p>Fast forward to June of 2019, it was the first day of camp, we were a fairly new Presidency volunteering our time and energy to serve the young women age 12-18 in the San Antonio area. That evening, Amanda, unknown to me prior to our calling, gave each of us a gift. We all unwrapped simultaneously to open our boxes of pearls. She explained that they represented a right of passage and that we were in this together for better or worse. We were floored at her generosity. But felt the impact of her words. In the four months we had been serving together, we felt like we had known each other for years. Already we had experienced adversity and were bonded through weathering it together. I felt nervous, but she assured me she wore them everyday, they were very durable and improved with wear. We all wore them every day that week and continued to for the duration of our service together.</p><p>As I wore them though something magical happened, people did notice them, and more often than not they told me a story regarding the pearls, either their own, their symbolism, or why they thought I wore them everyday. Including the symbolism of making something beautiful through adversity, as the oyster turns sand, an irritant, into the pearl or how Heavenly Father seeks to bless us when we are faithful like the story below illustrates.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcUNoLzSX8_E0NaPboxPT_rGydQaKlEf6Dvm0nLRp_c4KbLy6pkn4bJzQwDDrVCVtBhFs7svrY2KqptRrpwk8jt6w-yYIRud8RjouvWaJfMHAmE4bHSerMbceArHkt33z2nWdTfDO3Js/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="468" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcUNoLzSX8_E0NaPboxPT_rGydQaKlEf6Dvm0nLRp_c4KbLy6pkn4bJzQwDDrVCVtBhFs7svrY2KqptRrpwk8jt6w-yYIRud8RjouvWaJfMHAmE4bHSerMbceArHkt33z2nWdTfDO3Js/w424-h588/image.png" width="424" /></a></div>But for me, what I learned is that pearls represent wisdom, most often wisdom gained through experience. They are known for strengthening relationships and relay a sense of safety as well as symbolize purity and integrity. And due to the experiences of my life that had brought me to Texas, into this calling, and through a series of well timed and seemingly small, but powerfully tender mercies, my life started a bit of a transformation, maybe not noticeable to anyone else, but it was to me.<p></p><p>And so now I wear them daily to remember those things. It reminds me of my strengthened relationship with my Heavenly Father and my strengthened relationships to others as I serve them. It reminds me why I am here in this life, learning wisdom through experience. It calms me when I am worried, and it reminds me that all of these wonderful blessings come as a result of my constant companionship to the Holy Ghost because of my choice to live a life of purity and integrity. </p><p>So as you see me wearing them, twirling them, nervously rubbing them, know that I want to invite each one of you, not to get a set of pearls - although I totally support that too, but find something that daily reminds you of your relationship to your Heavenly Father and your purpose here on Earth, to gain wisdom through experience in partnership with God.</p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-12425039344503356692020-09-22T12:53:00.007-07:002020-09-22T12:53:35.522-07:00Little Baby Girl In the middle of the night, comes the call...we have a baby, she needs a home. Can you take her? The family where we plan to put her, where her brother all already is, can't be reached. We know it's not ideal but you will have her a couple days to a week. Can we bring her by?<div><br /></div><div>And after a sleepy, half cogent prayer and a brief discussion, the answer is yes. She is delivered still in the dead of night, before the sun is up, before my brain is operating still. Sleep is foregone, but adrenaline - the good kind- is running rampant. My mind rushes to fill the million gaps and potential problems that I can find and starts providing solutions.</div><div><br /></div><div>And once she is here, it is easy to see that the answer can next to never be no. This is a human. Someone with a need and as a disciple of Christ, I will retrieve the one, if at all possible. And so now, I am sleep deprived, in school, barely holding it all together, letting Travis pick up so much of where I am failing. It reminds me what an amazing helpmeet and husband I have in him. It reminds me of the toughness and resiliency of our family. It reminds me I don't need to be perfect, just present. </div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-3398100803721663322020-09-12T11:56:00.003-07:002020-09-22T12:44:28.227-07:00I'm So Excited For Her/I Don't Want to Let Her Go<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Returning Isabella to college brings out the bipolar in me. My emotions range from one end to the other and often I can be experiencing both simultaneously. After coming home during the Spring semester and then staying home for the Summer Semester, I wasn't prepared to get used to her living at home again just to send her back. But alas, I am excited for her, but I am sad for me. I want to see her spread her wings, but I will miss my buddy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">So in a massive send off we went to visit some places we hadn't been before. We went to Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Pike's Peak, Breckenridge, and then into Utah and Idaho to visit friends and family. Touring with just one kid is super fun and gives them so much control to pick what interests them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh_8K8nztTWML3mRWvbu0n309bXgAv0mW39qwJMBOF28B3yJPLxXy2RjvY6Gm3hvb5A4FdascobrN7Qu2OywQGZ2xDhgCgNMbU8bXuFhyphenhyphenDrqwVKslEk8UPid79fLXodlVB5ToU8Loxho/s2048/20200904_063113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh_8K8nztTWML3mRWvbu0n309bXgAv0mW39qwJMBOF28B3yJPLxXy2RjvY6Gm3hvb5A4FdascobrN7Qu2OywQGZ2xDhgCgNMbU8bXuFhyphenhyphenDrqwVKslEk8UPid79fLXodlVB5ToU8Loxho/s320/20200904_063113.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7TRTZ3plPRdW5hXBVidy2q04gx30yv0W5b4h7tYpjuI28eaH26STtBwaqr4bYL8KV3aZKwF2ltcSq1rAjbMD56sCn9piM2jCXZo19hg2Z7e91wC-hG3DQHQrGc034yKdB79_4yN4xwk/s2048/20200905_104742.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7TRTZ3plPRdW5hXBVidy2q04gx30yv0W5b4h7tYpjuI28eaH26STtBwaqr4bYL8KV3aZKwF2ltcSq1rAjbMD56sCn9piM2jCXZo19hg2Z7e91wC-hG3DQHQrGc034yKdB79_4yN4xwk/s320/20200905_104742.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kS8qQqxptNxuoGh3jLObTiiXGTKKKpRXPtF6LYctnHkdRSLyoblzczbKAsqQc5tjQu4m8GD3UUYzkVzMB5JGpFupv23WX8weGt77RZ6l6Ot0Uwq5wAbYtU-M_XnczdSVf7y4-VxGEgw/s2048/20200905_111312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kS8qQqxptNxuoGh3jLObTiiXGTKKKpRXPtF6LYctnHkdRSLyoblzczbKAsqQc5tjQu4m8GD3UUYzkVzMB5JGpFupv23WX8weGt77RZ6l6Ot0Uwq5wAbYtU-M_XnczdSVf7y4-VxGEgw/s320/20200905_111312.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtSzPGBAdMnep45PsPoEvRyc4QhFxAqXE5yt7S5EXATCol3EC_VWEzdPV5yP3zCTx46xa9f7Omg0_f3CRQSXW-DrZnKbxW2n6-XBbo7ubXiKb3uyHDIp3HYNnm3dsm6GyXOT4cD4YxV8/s320/20200905_180754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UtmB9R5HIQCbuAzJjktKGxZ8pI9KcAZdsyKeU_K4R8Ebh0DMi3UpDrQUSyKK_OQuMfvepKOsA9iN8HzgsCVK4m0TprYIl_hlVycSb9Zremu6NI9SlIfvnJUVCOQe7oELV7KIZQ_jJIY/s2048/20200911_140845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UtmB9R5HIQCbuAzJjktKGxZ8pI9KcAZdsyKeU_K4R8Ebh0DMi3UpDrQUSyKK_OQuMfvepKOsA9iN8HzgsCVK4m0TprYIl_hlVycSb9Zremu6NI9SlIfvnJUVCOQe7oELV7KIZQ_jJIY/s320/20200911_140845.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QTPTWh6hskLiPxR1aAl8ZGswio1w2xvpNaQqpU6YnXEkZohwE47g6CknrIBJ0xLyqe2A_J_DzG_3BEqY6wkFH8YmG6QGfdduAhk1XfBzrR92Z-HsJGGPcRhMNDphV1Zp9qm6EPc7jpQ/s2048/20200911_220504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QTPTWh6hskLiPxR1aAl8ZGswio1w2xvpNaQqpU6YnXEkZohwE47g6CknrIBJ0xLyqe2A_J_DzG_3BEqY6wkFH8YmG6QGfdduAhk1XfBzrR92Z-HsJGGPcRhMNDphV1Zp9qm6EPc7jpQ/s320/20200911_220504.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Last leaving is always a tear filled goodbye. Both on her part and mine. In the end though, I know she is exactly where she needs to be doing exactly what she needs to do. So Travis, Isabella, and I spend the last few days trying to stock pile as many cuddles as we can to last us through the separation. Love you Princess Pei Pei.</p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-62372777492621949212020-09-01T14:18:00.003-07:002020-10-15T08:21:54.705-07:00He's a Te(e)n!<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: mv boli;"><span style="background-color: white;">It's his birthday! He's officially a teen. Although it feels like he has been one for some time. He's a bit of an old soul and as the youngest he is always trying to keep up. In some ways he is way beyond his years and then in others he is right on track, and then occasionally, he's a little behind - like in the height department. But what they say is true, great things come in small packages and besides his stature there is nothing small about this boy. He is thoughtful, valiant, stalwart. He is a feeler and empathetic and helpful. He is a bit sassy and spirited and I swear I see as much of the backs of his eyes as I do the fronts. He is my social butterfly and my best buddy. He is a perfect ten! Thanks for being a part of our family. We couldn't survive without you. We wouldn't laugh nearly as much!</span></span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What's your favorite thing to do?</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "mv boli";">Video games - Super Smash Bros</span></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you want to be when you grow up? <o:p></o:p></span><br />Own my own business<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite food?</span><br />Chick Fil-A<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Who do you like to hang out with?</span><br />No one, because of social distancing.<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you do really well? </span><br />Play video games<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What makes you laugh?</span><br />People<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is the best time of day?</span><br />Time to go to bed, Night time<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What are you afraid of?</span><br />The sea<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to do with your family?</span><br />Go places - vacation<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What do you like to learn about?</span><br />Food<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">Where do you like to go?<o:p></o:p></span><br />Anywhere<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "crafty girls"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">What is your favorite book?</span><br />Stone Fox<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;">If you could have one wish, what would it be?</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: mv boli;"><span style="background-color: white;">To go to bed</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: mv boli;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: mv boli;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXZh8yClkC3vuhRBLJ1nDioDfGnSyDSjZi43LPcX3qE4eAMIySkz_3tag3lBjDy80NKOoadDvpPwGfqcPT36DwbW9k41RC0ktnctbckD6y-O7WfPPuUq2EGjx-jV5mgJgcKFpSPiQHxk/s2048/20200706_155658.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXZh8yClkC3vuhRBLJ1nDioDfGnSyDSjZi43LPcX3qE4eAMIySkz_3tag3lBjDy80NKOoadDvpPwGfqcPT36DwbW9k41RC0ktnctbckD6y-O7WfPPuUq2EGjx-jV5mgJgcKFpSPiQHxk/w410-h230/20200706_155658.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq5Jl6xH2u3C6ZPNj6Fh2MI9bCF-L-myXC0N6zGokVO3wStUDytwYKJnuBWXHYQtLVjIeNm_NiuEYjyarFxTaoez_hpc634vSMm39M-bdoAwjaAbeRW95nt9uGhtlaGfeu3i_xNlV3vo/s2048/20200802_154407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq5Jl6xH2u3C6ZPNj6Fh2MI9bCF-L-myXC0N6zGokVO3wStUDytwYKJnuBWXHYQtLVjIeNm_NiuEYjyarFxTaoez_hpc634vSMm39M-bdoAwjaAbeRW95nt9uGhtlaGfeu3i_xNlV3vo/w410-h307/20200802_154407.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7mI28sULqFNIXwvUWwLUr6lOFON3K1EarL9O2bQEOyRj0dBXIN7GfTkoFqLMrdmQklqjKuZJ8Og8NOy2lqqW2g-7QCrlM0xH92tj0rfMFVJu-WEDoeNWaddw7a3-m9WNMnojuXrv_gE/s1023/IMG_20200901_124423_766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1023" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7mI28sULqFNIXwvUWwLUr6lOFON3K1EarL9O2bQEOyRj0dBXIN7GfTkoFqLMrdmQklqjKuZJ8Og8NOy2lqqW2g-7QCrlM0xH92tj0rfMFVJu-WEDoeNWaddw7a3-m9WNMnojuXrv_gE/w410-h410/IMG_20200901_124423_766.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453515465253631390.post-83073694378661796142020-08-25T08:39:00.002-07:002020-08-25T08:39:31.055-07:00The Man, The Myth, The Legend<p>Many knew him as Big Rig, but that was not something I called him. When I called to him it was usually with the words John-his name, but always with the thought Dad. Clearly he wasn't my biological dad, but I can still remember acutely when they moved to our area. I remember the buzz about the new family, hearing their family biography including the kids names, ages, and genders, and it seems like almost instantly we all feel into friendships with our families intertwined. Their house was the first house I experienced the idea of refrigerator rights with. The idea of such comfort and acceptance that you could walk in and eat whatever they had as if you were at your own house. And despite it being Marlene who I am sure bought all those groceries to feed the masses, did all the dishes afterwards, cleaned her house unendingly as we dervishly tore through room after room, it was John's booming laugh, warm spirit, and jovial nature that made everyone gather near, like we wanted to be in on whatever was going on around him. </p><p>They arrived on the scene just before my parents divorce and John devotedly bore the brunt of so much. As an ecclesiastic leader, he often mediated the mess. As a friend, he checked on us, cheered us, and wrapped his arms around us, and as an additional father figure he gave many a lecture, filled with analogies that were lost to my 11, 13, and even sometimes 15 year old mind. I look back and can see how apt most of those lectures were and what an impregnable force he was to support not only ever member of his family, but ours, and a slew of others as well. He stepped into the mostawkward part of my adolescence trying to help smooth the way. He invited me to join his daughter, and my friend- Nicole, to the daddy/daughter dances, he bought me tampons in times of teenage crisis when you are caught totally unaware, and time and time again he took my burdens upon himself as he listened to my worries, assuring me he would take care of it and not to worry. And through a half dozen adolescent years, he was solid, consistent, steadying, and sure. </p><p>It was no surprise that he was at my wedding, and for the first year after, anytime we saw one another he would hold up his "view finder" hands and loudly proclaim "newlywed alert, newlywed alert". I didn't understand and with each passing month, I was so determined to prove that Travis and I were no longer newlyweds, but seasoned marital partners. Oh to be so naive and young. He would then chuckle and tell me that we had the glow of newlyweds though. You can just tell when people are newly married, because they always have to be touching one another, they constantly look at each other all moonily, and a host of other little tells. He enlightened me that our actions gave us away as newlyweds. After about two and a half years of marriage, he was still proclaiming "newlywed alert". When I reiterated that we were no longer newlyweds, he assured me he would relinquish the phrase when it was no longer apt. Many years later, with kids in tow, and living farther away, I remember walking into my home church congregation. One of the first people I saw was John. Each time was filled with hugs and catching up, and he said to me "newlywed alert". It had been about ten years, and I sighed dramatically. Sensing my exhaustion, he told me, that this wasn't something that should frustrate me. He said that he had figured out that Travis and I would be the type of marriage to always have a little extra glow about it. And he said that no matter how old I got, how long I was married, or how many kids I had, that he would never be able to forget the image of me in my teen years, walking sleepily through his house after spending the night, running in and out on the weekends, and that I would forever be that young additional daughter to him.</p><p>So last year when I took my daughter on her senior trip, an idea inspired by this legend of a man, one of the places we went to was France. His ties to France ran deep, not only in knowing the language, but a myriad of other experiences and family history. As we entered the country, I started humming quietly to myself Aux Champs Elysees and thought of him. It was maybe my third year of camp, age 14, where he came up for Bishop's night. I had been doodling at a picnic table and he came over and joined me offering tips along the way. He was an amazing artist too amidst his never-ending list of talents and skills. As he sat there helping me he started humming this tune. I thought it was catchy and so he proceeded to teach me this little french song. I knew not a lick of French, and so he painstakingly said each syllable over and over, me poorly mimicking the sounds I heard, him translating for me what I was learning to sing. He taught me all about the street the song revered, the bridge filled with locks put on by lovers, and a host of other french history. So as I toured my daughter around this amazing country, I taught her the song then too lyric by lyric. He was on my mind and when I got home, I told him about it briefly over social media. Then just a week ago, something happened when my family was driving in the car, I can't remember exactly what it was, that triggered us all to spontaneously break out into that song. Everyone knows a phrase or two at least and we descended into giggles as happily butchered it. </p><p>My insides glowed at such fond memories spanning multiple generations. Then it just as quickly broke when I heard the following week about his death. For me it was unexpected. And so despite my intense heartbreak, I can't imagine how his family must feel. For every one of my memories of which there are hundreds, they must have thousands. This was a man who never lived halfway and that sometimes makes the absence so much more encompassing. But of this I am sure, this man knew from whence would come his redemption and resurrection. He taught it to his family, my family, a church congregation, and everyone he met. He lived it, and his kids live it. I feel confident that when the day comes, they will all be together again. His arms will be outstretched, his booming voice, his laughing face, and affectionate embrace will be waiting to meet them. So despite his physical absence he remains, "the man, the myth, and the legend" even still and forever.</p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00820581011156578435noreply@blogger.com0