Monday, December 31, 2012

In and Out List of 2013

Here are my lists of things that are in and out for 2013:

IN:
Self-Confidence
Happiness
Scripture Studying
Blogging
Service
Good Grades
Exercise 
Africa
Cooking
Dancing
Music
Reading
Sisterhood
Unity
Certainty
Love


OUT:
Laziness
Hesitation
McDonald's (well at least not as often...)
Wasting Time
Anatomy and the tears that accompany it
Worrying what others think of me
Broken hearts










Thursday, December 20, 2012

God is Still Good.

A week later and my heart is still aching for those affected by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I've tried not to think about it too much so that it wouldn't sink in because it it had sunk in I would surely be a mess. I was scared to even attempt to write about it because I knew that my thoughts would never be described eloquently enough and my words would never give any comfort. But, I've decided it's time to let it sink it and for the sake of myself try to put into words my emotions.



I can't imagine the pain and suffering the poor families are feeling as they strive to make sense of this tragic loss. Literally no words are coming to mind to even begin to try to sympathize with these families and loved ones who have been affected.


Since I saw the news that Friday morning I've been looking at every child and parent differently. I keep thinking, it could have happened to that child, or that child, or that parent, etc. I think of my Summer Fun campers and how it so easily could have been them. I think of me in a few years teaching at a school and how it could have been me. All this and still I can't even begin to fathom the pain and the heartache.


The only conclusion that I can come to is that God is sending his love and his support to these people when they need Him most. We may not be able to understand why this happened or know how to help but Christ does know. So I continue to pray and I continue to have faith that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will take those people hurting and hold them and comfort them in ways we may not be able to. That is why God is so good.


Monday, December 10, 2012

Just a Little Something..

My roommate Alex showed me this quote and it has become my phone background. Every time I start to think I can't get through this dreaded finals week, I read this quote.

"The way seems so long, the road so steep. My dear young friends, never lose faith in yourselves or in your capacity to do worthwhile things. And call on the Lord for help that your minds may be enlightened and your understanding quickened. Then go to work with that assurance inside you that somehow you can do it."
-President Gordon B. Hinckley 

What a wonderful quote. Thanks Gordon. Onward and Upward! Good luck with finals fellow college students! 

Monday, December 3, 2012

Oh Africa!

I feel like you loyal blog readers deserve the whole story behind my deciding to go to Africa this Summer. So, here is the full story:

A little background. I've always wanted to go to Africa. Not sure why, but I just always have. Everything about Africa fascinates me. Ok. There is your background.

So on a random day I had been figuring out my schedule for next semester and on a whim I decided to take a Peoples of Africa class. I choose this class over one that I needed for my major so it seemed strange but I wanted to take it so I am.

Then later that week I had been in class and struggling to stay awake and thought, man I would love some Hot Chocolate right about now. So after class I made my way to the Wilk to get some Hot Chocolate. Then to my surprise HELP International was giving out FREE Hot Chocolate. I was thrilled. I graciously took the Hot Chocolate and continued on to my study spot. Once I got settled I went to HELP's webpage and before I knew I was about to hit submit to apply to go to Mbale, Uganda in Africa.



I quickly realized what I was about to do and decided it was probably a good idea if I talk this through with my parents and plan a little bit more for this. (Good idea right?) I called my Dad and told him what was going on and he was understandably surprised and yet so supportive. He calmly asked questions and urged me to take some time to think about it and plan things through before hitting submit. What a brillant man. He said, "Trust you to find these random things to pursue. This is so you!" Which I took as a compliment. Thanks Dad for talking some sense into me.


I didn't hit submit but I couldn't stop thinking about it. The more I researched and the more I thought about it the more excited I got. To add to my excitement HELP called me about my application. (Keep in mind I still hadn't hit submit!) He answered some of my questions and urged me to hit submit. I was on my way to meet my sister for lunch and so I told her about these little coincidences and asked if she thought they meant anything. She said, "Annie if I've learned anything through all this stuff I've gone through this year it's that nothing is a coincidence. Go to Africa." Best advice ever. She is the best sister ever.

So I went home and hit submit. Yup I just did it. I had a minor freak out after I hit submit. Oh man it still doesn't seem real.


The next day I called my Mom to talk to her. I'll be honest and say I was a little nervous because I knew she was super nervous about me going to Africa. She was great though. She did express a lot of concern but she also expressed a lot of love and support. Which I greatly appreciate.

So anyways to make this long story somewhat short, I had an interview with HELP and I think it went really well and then I got an official acceptance email the other day and well, I'M GOING TO AFRICA! I'm planning on going June 15 - August 15th then serve a mission after that. I'm still trying to figure out all the timing and details but that's the plan for now! Don't worry, I'll keep you updated on everything! Thanks for the support!