Missionary Work Part 2

Since the last time I wrote about some of my friends that have left on missions I have watched many more get their calls and leave on their missionary journeys so I decided it was about time to write an update.


I mentioned Hannah Hoag in my last post but since then she has received her call and left on her mission. Hannah was called to serve in the Toronto Canada Mission. Oh where do I begin with Hannah? Hannah is the best! I met Hannah at a camp two years ago and since then she has become like a sister to me. She is always so happy and bright. It was so much fun watching her get ready for her mission because of how excited she was to spread the gospel to others.She is always so optimistic, fun-loving, and happy. Hannah's sense of humor is SO much fun and  I love her to pieces! I could go on forever and how much I love her.

The next person I want to talk about is Brianna Johns. Brianna was called to Waukesha, Wisconsin mision, English speaking and left the same day as Hannah. (Fun Fact, Hannah and Brianna were in the same district in the MTC.) Brianna is amazing! She is so wise and literally drops knowledge with every word. She is so kind and sweet. Brianna makes sure no one feels left out and because of this I'm proud to call her my friend.

Next is Brandon Wilhelmsen. Brandon was assigned to serve at the Church History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah and has since been transferred to Arizona. Brandon is super awesome and really kind and loving. Brandon went to Ecuador a year before I did on the same trip, because of this he was super helpful and helped me prepare and know what to expect before I left. That was more helpful than he will ever know. Before I left he told me I had to get a llama blanket because they were so soft. I am really glad I followed his council and got a llama blanket and poncho. Brandon is so humble and I love getting his mission letters and hear what adventures he has been having. Even though Brandon hasn't been able to serve a full-time 2 yr. mission due to health reasons he still wants to serve the Lord through a service mission. It just goes to show that Brandon has a heart of gold.

The person I want to tell you about is Aaron Furman. Aaron was called to serve in the Atlanta Georgia mission. Aaron is really cool and outdoorsy. He is the king of slacklining and one time when we were hanging out with some friends we nearly got arrested for climbing trees.... (It's a long story). Aaron is always so kind and a lot of fun. One time Brianna, Aaron, and I pranked another friend's house by making smiley faces out of plastic silverware on the lawn because it was to expensive to buy plastic wrap to saran wrap her car. It was a good night and a lot of fun.

Now to tell you about Badi Quinteros. Badi was called to serve in the England Manchester mission I met Badi when I went to Ecuador last summer. He was a boy in the ward that we attended church with while in Cuenca. Badi is fluent in English and visited America to go to EFY (a youth camp the church puts on) and was one of our translators while at church and varies church activities. Badi is was always happy and willing to help. He was kind and inviting and I am super glad I was able to meet him. I am so grateful I got to know him. I probably won't ever get the chance to see him again since he lives in Ecuador but I am glad that I got the chance to met him.

Next up is Tallasse Crosby. Tallasse was called to serve in the Adriatic North Mission, Slovenian speaking. I also met Tallasse when I went to Ecuador but instead of her being a native she was in my work group. Not only that but she was my roommate twice, first on the Galapagos Islands and then at the hostel in Cuenca. I was so excited when I found out Tallasse is from Canada. I love Canadians and  Tallasse is no exception. It was so much fun listening to her call sweatshirts-bunny hugs, beanies-tuks,, the bathroom-the washroom, when it's sprinkling outside it's spitting inside, and Volkswagen bugs were punch buggies (I call the slug buggies). While in Ecuador Tallasse affectionately earned the nickname Tally. She is so sweet and I love her lots.

Now to tell you about Olivia Jensen. Olivia has been called to serve in the Frankfurt Germany, German speaking. Oh my goodness, I love Olivia so much!!!! She is my top role model in this life next to Jesus Christ. I admire her so much! Her confidence is radiant and her joy and love is contagious. I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like Olivia. If I had a big sister I would want her to be Olivia. Not only is Olivia amazing but she is going to my favorite country and is speaking celestial language of German.. She is so much fun and always is inclusive of others. Oh and did I mention? She is gorgeous! She is always sharing bits and pieces of words of wisdom and I love her for it. She is also an outdoorsy kind of person and loves to have adventures. I am so excited for her to serve the people of Germany!!

Next is Doug Arner. Doug has been called to serve in the California Irvine Mission, English speaking. Doug is awesome! I met Doug at a camp called Elevation where he was a trail guide. Being a student I was a little surprised to find out that I'm older than him by a few months which I thought was pretty funny. Doug is a lot of fun and is a gentleman, at Elevation Doug and his twin brother Alex would literally run to help someone. Doug is also really good at koosh (it's like dodgeball but way cooler). Sorry I got you out so many times though. ;) Doug is also an example to me and I look forward to hearing all of his mission stories.

Ah Nathan Fales. This is going to be fun to write. Nathan Fales has been called to serve in the Budapest Hungary Mission and leaves at the end of the summer. I met Nathan through an online school I have attended. Nathan was the Student Body President this year (that has been an experience). Nathan is unique and a lot of fun, you'll probably never met a person quite like Nathan. He can be quite crazy but he also has a lot of wisdom to share. He is really good with megaphones and PDA oranges (again, another long story). Nathan always has something new and witty up his sleeve ready to whip out at the right moment. He is a really good story teller and he LOVES adventures so I think Hungary is going to be the perfect for him. ;)

And last but not least Anavey Dixion. Anavey has also been called to the Frankfurt, Germany mission, German speaking. Anavey is seriously the sweetest! One of the main reasons I started clogging was because of her. She was also one of the people I first heard about HEFY from. Because of her I was able to fulfill a life long dream and go to Ecuador and now this year I get to go to Belize. So for all of those reasons I owe you a big thank you Anavey. You opened the passage for me to fing my passion for clogging and serving others. Anavey is so kind and loving and the German people are so luckyto have her! Good luck and thanks again! Love you Anavey!

I also want to give a shout out to these amazing missionaries' mothers Cathy Wilhelmsen, Tamara Furman, Stephanie Hoag, Charity Johns, Marisabel Espinoza, Chenele Dixon, Lisa Arner, Tallasse's mom (Sorry I don't know your name), Christine Fales, and Debra Jensen who taught all these amazing teens the importance of serving missions. I am so excited for all of these missionaries!!
I also want to give a shoutout to all of my friends who are preparing for a mission now. You guys are great!!
I can't wait to serve a mission myself! I can't believe I have only about 9 more months before I can go!! I can't wait to serve my Father in Heaven and bless others with the gospel so they can return to him one day!
Just look at these guys' shining faces! They are going to change the world and I am so honored that I have gotten the chance to know them! <3 <3

Invisible Bruises

Everyone has "bruises". Whether you can see them or not, whether they are are inside or out, we all have them.
I've been thinking a bit about this since I get bruises a lot. They usually don't show up but they still hurt sometimes. Though it hurts, it is unnoticeable.
It has gotten me thinking about emotional and physical bruises that I have seen in other people's lives.
I know someone who was physically and mentally abused by family members and one even ended up in the foster care system. I know people who battled with pornography for years, and I've seen what the emotional bruises it has given them. I know someone that was so "bruised" inside they thought of ending their life.
Now all of these things you can't see with your eyes, just like the bruises that don't show on your skin, but they are still there, and they hurt.
Knowing this, doesn't it make you want to be nicer to people?
People struggle, so why would you want to make it worse?
We have light inside of us. The pure love of Christ is shining in our eyes. Let us not dismiss it and treat others with unkindness or disrespect. Embrace that light! Let it shine and do good! Build others up! Strengthen them!
Why would someone want to be kind to someone who is mean? It is so much harder. So if you are kind to someone chances are they will be kind back to you. But even if they aren't you can feel satisfied that you were kind to someone and maybe you even brightened their day. You never know.
People are always asking for "world peace". Well being kind and loving is the root to peace. So if you have charity for others and they have charity for you then neither of you are going to want to fight and that would could put an end to most wars.
I'm not saying that of we love everyone with a smile plastered on our lips that all the problems in the world would go away. No, what I am say is that if we have charity and are kind to others it will make a big difference to the world! Imagine how much the crime rate would go down, how much happier everyone would be, and how the world would be more united.
So always remember to smile and be kind because after all a smile and a little bit of kindness can be contagious.

Missionary Work

Lately, quite a few of my friends have been getting their mission calls and have been getting ready to go. (Some have already left). I have had bittersweet feelings about this. I am sad to see them go and I won't see some for longer than 2 years since I will be leaving on my own mission before they get back but I am also so happy for their decision to serve the Lord!
Today I want to highlight a few of these examples and thank them for what they have done for me.

One of the first of my friends to leave was Elder Stephen Millsap. Stephen was called to the Moscow Russia mission but while in the MTC was reassigned to theUkraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission. Stephen is so awesome and has an amazing soul that really has brightened my life. Even though I didn't know him for very long before he left he has influenced me a lot. Stephen is always so fun and happy. Stephen was also the one who got me hooked on Gilbert Juice (Pineapple Fanta) and I will always think of him and Gareth when I drink it. ;)
Elevation wouldn't have been the same without Stephen there. I'm really going to miss singing Hamilton with him on the car ride there and back.

The next friend to go was Annika Lundgren. Annika was called to the something Hawaii mission (I can't remember which mission ;P) How I love Annika!!! She has always been so kind and helpful to me and has been someone I have looked up to from the first time I met her. Annika is so bright, happy, and loving and has the best singing voice I have ever heard. Every time I'm around her I just want to sing because it brings so much sunshine to the world!!! She is so funny and I love her laugh!

The next friend to go is Elder Cody Standing. Cody had been called to the Texas Houston South mission and leaves for the MTC today. Cody is so great! I was able to spend two and a half weeks with this guy in Ecuador on a humanitarian trip. Cody is always so kind and is always looking after everyone. His testimony is strong and he just can't stop helping people and telling really funny stories that make everyone laugh. While in Ecuador our group went on a hike that was very difficult for some people in the group. The terrain was rocky and steep. On the way back some of us started lagging being and even though Cody had the energy to press forward he stayed behind to help everyone get safely down the mountain while telling us jokes, stories, and words of encouragement. Cody made the worksite a blast and helped make the workload lighter. Cody is so amazing!!

The next friend to go is Dallin Ward. He has been called to the Mexico Chihuahua mission.Gah Dallin is so great!!! He was an amazing SBP last year for Williamsburg Academy and I learned a lot from him! Dallin is so happy, kind, sweet, and is always looking out for others. He has such an amazing spirit and laugh. Dallin has a smile that can light up a room the moment he walks in. Dallin always made me feel included especially if I was feeling left out. Whenever Dallin talks to you he looks you in the eyes and really listens to what you have to say. Dallin made Elevation a blast as well!

The next friend to go is Dallin Shumway. Just yesterday he opened his mission call to Argentina Neuquen Mission. Dallin is great!! He is so funny! When I first met him at the Royal Simulation for Future Kings and Queens I knew there was something special about him. Then hearing his reenactment of how the general authorities eat their Reese's Peanutbutter Cups was amazing! Riding with him to Elevation was great where he bestowed the awesomeness of the peanut butter cup story once again. After coming home from Elevation I learned that Dallin is a mentor with Lionheart Mentoring and I was really blown away with Dallin's accomplishments in bettering the world and lives of others. He is changing the world everywhere he goes!!

Another friend who is getting ready to leave and has submitted her papers is Hannah Hoag. Hannah is so awesome and was the amazing person who introduced me to how great pixie sticks are at Elevation and now every time I go to Elevation I always have to bring some pixie sticks with me. Hannah is so awesome and sweet and has always been like a big sister to me. At my first Elevation she was an amazing pod sister who helped fit in and truly helped me realize that I can be myself, helped bring me out of my comfort zone, and helped push me through my challenges. How I love this girl!

I also want to give a shoutout to all of these missionaries mothers Angela Millsap, Jill Skeem Lundgren, Jill Ward, Celestia Shumway, and Stephanie Hoag who taught these awesome teens the importance of serving missions. I am so excited for all these missionaries!!

I also want to give a shoutout to all my friends who are preparing for a mission now. You guys are great examples to me!!
I can't wait to serve a mission myself!! I can't believe I have only a year and a half before I leave!! I can't wait to serve my Father in Heaven and bless others so that they can return to him one day!

Just look at these guys' shining faces!!! They are going to change the world and I am so honored that I have gotten the chance to know them! <3 <3

The Creed of God's Warriors

The other day I came across The American Solders' Creed. I have always been interested in military things so I really liked it. But as I stated reading the creed it made me think. What if we were to change the words a little bit and make the creed a declaration of our faith in God that can remind us of our purpose and to help it's stand strong? So I have changed the words a little bit and here is what I can up with.

The Creed of God's Warriors-
I am a Warrior of God.
I am a Fighter and a member of a team.
I serve God and live by his commandments.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to defend God's commandments and destroy the enemies that would try to waiver my faith and my ability to act on his name.
I am a guardian of freedom and truth.
I am a Warrior of God!

How Do I Overcome Obstacles in My Life?

“You have to live through hard days to get to the happy ones. Hang in there.” –Unknown

Life will be tough sometimes, it’s a fact and everybody knows it. How do we endure those times?

One reason we’re given trials is to test how we will deal with what comes our way. Trials can also prove to be gifts that help us grow and learn. It’s important to tackle our trials head on.

“That’s easier said than done,” you might reply. You don’t think I know that? Sometimes we have obstacles in life that seem impossible to rise above.

According to Michael Jordan, “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

Everyone undergoes trials, and yes, that includes me too. I have the typical teen trials too. What makes it even trickier is that sometimes we hear voices in our heads saying things like, “nobody likes me,” “I’m not pretty,” “I don’t have any friends,” or “I’ll never be good enough.” That’s the voice of defeat; a.k.a. the adversary. If you want to succeed, don’t listen to it. Argue back! Replace that thought with what you do want. Then make it happen.

Hardships often prepare people for extraordinary futures.  You never know what the future holds in store for you. Everyone has a purpose in life—everyone— that doesn’t exclude you! You have a mission in life that nobody can do as well as you. Someone else can do it but that other person can’t accomplish it as well as you can. They can’t inspire the same people you will be able to. They don’t think the way you do. They don’t know the things you know. You’ve learned things from your trials that you can teach them. Nobody else is the same as you. You are special! You can make it through!

There is a quote that says, “H.O.P.E. Hold On Pain Ends.” And it’s true. You will get through this hard time eventually. The sun will always come out from the clouds again! Even if you can’t imagine that day right now, it always does. There really is a rainbow at the end of the storm.

So hang on, and learn to enjoy the ride!

Your Talents

Have you ever found yourself trying out new stuff just because your friends are into that type of thing?
I have. In fact one day I realized that my life life was based off of what others thought of me.
So now i'm trying to be my own person, develop my own talents and do what I'm good at.
Some things I do and am good at is violin and piano.
Also I love dancing so I'm going to try clogging.

Being your own person can be hard. Sometimes you may not feel accepted because of who you really are.
But just think for a moment. do you want some who cares about you, or the fake you?
Friends will mean more and are better when you are able to be yourself around them.

You can do what others can't do and others can do what you can do. But showing what you can do can change the world for the better. God has given you special talents to develop to the best of your abilities. It may be hard, but it is worth it. You came here to learn and grow and talents are at the base of that.
You talents may be your purpose in life and you may not be able to fulfill your complete purpose with out growing your talents.
God gave you your talents for a reason, search for the reason.

Develop your talents based off of what you like and what will really make you happy in the end.
It isn't up to your friends what you do, but up to you.
So make the choice to be you, because you are be-you-tiful.

  

Why We Have Trials

Do you ever wonder why you have to be here on the earth? Why you have to go through what you're going through? Why this is all necessary.

Well I'm not an expert on the matter, but I've had experience in these areas. Life is hard sometimes. I think it's ridicules when people turn away from God when they're in a hard spot. God is trying to make us stronger.

You may be thinking this girl has no idea what she's talking about! She's never been this low. Guess what, I have and I know it isn't pretty.

Part of the time I didn't even know why I was so sad and depressed. But finally, right when I was about to trough it all away, a good friend helped me realize it isn't about me. When I stopped focusing on myself it made it that much easier.

God is trying to make you strong for what you have in the future. I know that doesn't make you feel any better about what you have to go through, but think how much God trusts you! God trusts you enough! God saved his strongest for this time, when it is the hardest. God has a mission for you that only you can do the very best. Others could fulfill your mission, yes, but they can't do it as well as you can.

God put you here for a reason, you may not see that reason, but one day, you'll look back on your life see this time and think, "wow, that was a blessing because it brought me to where I am today!" Encouraging thought huh.

But think,when you die and find yourself at the gates of heaven and you see God there is he going to say, "well done thou good and faithful servant!" or "why did you throw away the gift I gave you? I sent my son to die for you and you trough it all away,  you destroyed yourself." Makes you rethink your motives.

Promise me when I say it gets better, I've been there a few times and I know.I have friends who have gone through really hard things too, but they also can testify that it gets better. Please, don't throw your gift away. We need it in this world. You can make the world a better place. It may not seem like you can do a lot but it all adds up in the end.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. -Deuteronomy 31:6