Missionary thoughts..

I just wanted to take a quick second and express my love and appreciation for the missionary program! (since i didn't get to bear my testimony on fast sunday) It is such an awesome thing! Not only does it provide a way for lost children to reutrn to the arms of their loving Heavenly Father, but it prepares our sweet boys for the responsibilities and callings that will surely come to them in their futures.

I can bear personal testimony of this, as I have had the great blessing of being able to watch Alex prepare for his mission. Over the recent months, the changes that have occured in him have been tremendous! The way he approaches situations, treats other people, the dedication and importnce he has placed in his callings, and just his personality in general.  He has grown and matured so much as a human being, as well as in the gospel. It is such a great thing to see! I love hearing him quote a scripture or a general authority whenever we are faced with a problem, or stressful situation.  It is a huge comfort knowing that I have this awesome priesthood holder by my side! He truely has a profound understnding and respect for his priesthood authority.  I love him!  My heart is so full of love, admiration and pride for this boy <3

I know that these changes have been inspired in him through preparing for his mission. It has strengthened my personal testimony of missionary work, and opened my eyes to the other side of it. If this is what it does to the boys, than there's no way it could come from anything other than our Heavenly Father.

That's all for now..

Much love,
Proud (almost) misisonary girlfriend!

Home Is Where The Heart Is..

Recently, it's become very clear to me how much truth the following statement actually holds: "Home is where the heart is" I've always thought that "home" was the city you came from, where you were raised.. that it could only ever be one place. Well, I sure was wrong.  After returning from a weekend adventure on St. John, (one of the U.S. Virgin Islands) I felt a sense of peace as we drove off the ferry and back into the very worn down, cracked, pot-hole filled roads of St. Thomas. "This is my home" I thought. "This is where I need to be." It's funny, just a few weeks beforehand I was talking with a close friend about how vacationing here and living here are entirely two different things. Tourists come here and see the beautiful beaches, the luscious greenery, and think how lucky we are to actually get to live here.  They don't see the crime, the poverty and utter iniquity that this island is influenced by.  We spoke of how out of place we felt being here.

On my drive home, I was trying to figure out how my change of heart had occurred. Why did i suddenly feel like this was where I was supposed to be? Why did I feel a part of something that I had so recently felt so distant from?  I realized that it was because of my wonderful, loving little branch.  It amazes me that the same fellowship and love that I knew in Arizona, I am able to feel here.  That just proves to me that the love of Christ is the same, here, or anywhere else in the world.  He taught by word and by example to: "love thy neighbor." It's the love I've felt and the love I've tried to give back.  My love for the youth and sisters especially has been strengthened immensely by the callings I have received and activities that I've become involved in. They have pulled me so deep into this branch that there's no turning back.  Seminary, Girls Camp and Relief Society Meetings.... Basically, what if i've learned is: It's not about how long you've lived there, it's not about how long you plan to stay.. it's the experiences had and the relationships made that turn a place into a home. This is definitely where my heart is; it's completely devoted to the people of St. Thomas.  Though this will only be my home for a small portion of my life, I'm extremely grateful that I got the chance to be here and make it my home. <3