The End. We are at the end. I can't believe it!
Remember how I said that this was going to be a year to remember? I asked y'all to stay tuned for updates on Spain, Missionaries, NSLS, and Career Decisions over the course of the year, and I can't believe how much I've accomplished! This really was my year! I'm going to Spain, I'm writing 5 fabulous missionaries, I'm the president of NSLS, and I chose my major and a career path. In addition to all of these great things, there were a couple others that I didn't anticipate:
1. I met the best friends I've ever had.
Who knew that I would find two halves that absolutely complete me? When the year started, I wanted to be more involved in my ward and I wanted to expand my social circles, but I never imagined that I would be blessed with sisters in this process. Rocky and Nellie are the best examples of faithful latter-day saint women that I could've ever asked for! They both are such strong beacons of light in my life, and without them I wouldn't be whole... I'd just be 1 half of a 3-half soul. I'm so glad to have them!
The friends I've made include so many more people than just my halves though! All of my roommates have become some of the greatest friends I could ask for. Each of them have their own little quirks, but somehow we just all work together. I know that we will all continue to be friends in the future. I just have so much love for them!
I've also found some great friends in my ward. I'm so sad to be leaving this ward for the summer and I know we will never be the same! I especially want to thank my visiting teacher for always being there for me. She is an amazing woman! My good friend Cassi is also someone that has blessed my life. I love talking with her and being able to give her advice/ get her advice is something that will never be forgotten. It's cool to see the way we have grown together.
Someone else that I really didn't anticipate meeting: Mike Sauceda. Dude, I don't know how or why we became such good friends, but I'm extremely glad that we did! Mike is the funniest kid in the world. He thinks so much differently than other people, and this makes it extremely fun to get advice from him! For some reason, he is the exception to every rule. I can't explain Mike.... you really just have to meet him! He's a great example to me and when I grow up and get married, I hope that he continues to fill the "big brother" role!
2. I decided not to go on a Mission.
I haven't only been wrestling with the Lord- I've been kicking, screaming, biting, clawing, and digging in my heels at every turn on this one. I really really REALLY want to serve a mission. Really. However, the more I've prayed, fasted, and prepared, the more I've realized that that isn't in the plans for me. This year I have grown so close to my Father in Heaven and I completely trust in His plan for my life. I decided I was going on a mission when I was 17, but now I can see a different future. I'm continuing to prepare, but I'm more focused on marriage rather than an 18 month mission. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how I want to raise my children and I know that that will be one of the greatest missionary experiences ever. I can't even wait!
3. For lack of a better way to put this.... I've learned how to date.
I've never been one to do the whole "dating" thing. I mean, when you're in high school (I know I know, I'm young- SHUT IT!) dating is kinda pointless because you know that you're probably not going to marry anyone you date as a teenager. Since I had this attitude, I didn't date much. Last year, I was too concentrated on finding and cementing my identity for me to really be a "dater." This year, that has changed a little bit. I honestly can't tell you an exact number of dates that I've been on... not that it's been a whole bunch or anything... that sounded bad. Anyway... I'm still kinda slow... It takes me a couple days before I realize that something was an actual date rather than a "hang out," but I'm completely different than I was a year ago. I actually look forward to dating now! Awww.... this kid is growing up! I want to thank those guys that have asked me on dates. I have loved getting to know you and each date has been an experience that is helping me find out what exactly I'm looking for in the future. Cool, right? Thanks for putting up with my crazy antics!
4. I found a path for next year.
This includes more than just my major! I am an Interpersonal Communication major through and through, but because of my experiences in classes and out, I've found a way to get out of my comfort zone and become involved on campus. Being an RA will be a great experience next year and it will definitely help me as I look for work after I graduate next Spring. HOLY CRAP. I can't believe it!
There are still a lot of unanswered questions about my future, but I thank the Lord every day that I was blessed with experiences this year to help me grow in the way that I need to. I've heard that it's a lot easier to guide someone that's already moving, and by george I've found this to be true! I love my life right now, and I would be lying if I said that I wanted this chapter to end. This being said, I also know that great things await me! Thanks for joining me on this path of discovery, it's been wonderful!
Thanks for reading!
Oh P.S. I like to write positive things on my blog, but there have been hard things this year too... heartbreaks, friend drama, and family heartaches... but without the hard stuff, the good stuff wouldn't be so sweet! Balance in all things!
Remember how I said that this was going to be a year to remember? I asked y'all to stay tuned for updates on Spain, Missionaries, NSLS, and Career Decisions over the course of the year, and I can't believe how much I've accomplished! This really was my year! I'm going to Spain, I'm writing 5 fabulous missionaries, I'm the president of NSLS, and I chose my major and a career path. In addition to all of these great things, there were a couple others that I didn't anticipate:
1. I met the best friends I've ever had.
Who knew that I would find two halves that absolutely complete me? When the year started, I wanted to be more involved in my ward and I wanted to expand my social circles, but I never imagined that I would be blessed with sisters in this process. Rocky and Nellie are the best examples of faithful latter-day saint women that I could've ever asked for! They both are such strong beacons of light in my life, and without them I wouldn't be whole... I'd just be 1 half of a 3-half soul. I'm so glad to have them!
The friends I've made include so many more people than just my halves though! All of my roommates have become some of the greatest friends I could ask for. Each of them have their own little quirks, but somehow we just all work together. I know that we will all continue to be friends in the future. I just have so much love for them!
I've also found some great friends in my ward. I'm so sad to be leaving this ward for the summer and I know we will never be the same! I especially want to thank my visiting teacher for always being there for me. She is an amazing woman! My good friend Cassi is also someone that has blessed my life. I love talking with her and being able to give her advice/ get her advice is something that will never be forgotten. It's cool to see the way we have grown together.
Someone else that I really didn't anticipate meeting: Mike Sauceda. Dude, I don't know how or why we became such good friends, but I'm extremely glad that we did! Mike is the funniest kid in the world. He thinks so much differently than other people, and this makes it extremely fun to get advice from him! For some reason, he is the exception to every rule. I can't explain Mike.... you really just have to meet him! He's a great example to me and when I grow up and get married, I hope that he continues to fill the "big brother" role!
2. I decided not to go on a Mission.
I haven't only been wrestling with the Lord- I've been kicking, screaming, biting, clawing, and digging in my heels at every turn on this one. I really really REALLY want to serve a mission. Really. However, the more I've prayed, fasted, and prepared, the more I've realized that that isn't in the plans for me. This year I have grown so close to my Father in Heaven and I completely trust in His plan for my life. I decided I was going on a mission when I was 17, but now I can see a different future. I'm continuing to prepare, but I'm more focused on marriage rather than an 18 month mission. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how I want to raise my children and I know that that will be one of the greatest missionary experiences ever. I can't even wait!
3. For lack of a better way to put this.... I've learned how to date.
I've never been one to do the whole "dating" thing. I mean, when you're in high school (I know I know, I'm young- SHUT IT!) dating is kinda pointless because you know that you're probably not going to marry anyone you date as a teenager. Since I had this attitude, I didn't date much. Last year, I was too concentrated on finding and cementing my identity for me to really be a "dater." This year, that has changed a little bit. I honestly can't tell you an exact number of dates that I've been on... not that it's been a whole bunch or anything... that sounded bad. Anyway... I'm still kinda slow... It takes me a couple days before I realize that something was an actual date rather than a "hang out," but I'm completely different than I was a year ago. I actually look forward to dating now! Awww.... this kid is growing up! I want to thank those guys that have asked me on dates. I have loved getting to know you and each date has been an experience that is helping me find out what exactly I'm looking for in the future. Cool, right? Thanks for putting up with my crazy antics!
4. I found a path for next year.
This includes more than just my major! I am an Interpersonal Communication major through and through, but because of my experiences in classes and out, I've found a way to get out of my comfort zone and become involved on campus. Being an RA will be a great experience next year and it will definitely help me as I look for work after I graduate next Spring. HOLY CRAP. I can't believe it!
There are still a lot of unanswered questions about my future, but I thank the Lord every day that I was blessed with experiences this year to help me grow in the way that I need to. I've heard that it's a lot easier to guide someone that's already moving, and by george I've found this to be true! I love my life right now, and I would be lying if I said that I wanted this chapter to end. This being said, I also know that great things await me! Thanks for joining me on this path of discovery, it's been wonderful!
Thanks for reading!
Oh P.S. I like to write positive things on my blog, but there have been hard things this year too... heartbreaks, friend drama, and family heartaches... but without the hard stuff, the good stuff wouldn't be so sweet! Balance in all things!