Missionaries!

Last summer I thought I was done saying goodbye to my friends while they left on their missions.  I was dead wrong.  In the last month we have said goodbye to Zach and now to two more.  Last night we said goodbye to one of our friends, Stephen.  He is leaving for summer semester and we won't see him before he leaves for his mission.  He is going to Boise, Idaho and couldn't be more excited to serve.  He will do awesome!!

We also said a temporary good bye to Brock.  He is going to Guatemala in a few weeks and since he lives in Idaho Falls we decided we couldn't miss the opportunity to go to his farewell.  So excited for him.  We got him and Stephen both journals with their names engraved.  We also got Brock a Spanish hymn book (also with his name on it), a t shirt of the Guatemala flag with a message from each of us and a key chain with the flag on it. Like Javi told him, "Guatemala better be ready for the big white man!"

We had a little bonfire for him last weekend.

Speaking of Javier, he will be the last good bye to missionaries (I hope, because I am sick of having to say goodbye to people. But it is SO good that they are going.)  He just started his papers and is so stoked!

I am excited for all these guys and I can't wait to hear all the stories they have.  They are/will do amazing.  One thing that has been pointed out to me in the last couple months is it isn't where you are serving but what your assignment is.  It is such  a good mindset when getting callings because certain places aren't as popular as others.  When Stephen got his mission call everyone kind of laughed but Javi pointed out to him that he is going on a mission and that alone is one of the greatest opportunities.  I have kind of been thinking about that lately.  For the past few years I have been wanting to go help somewhere in another country and do some service.  I have been kind of stubborn about it and not understanding why it wasn't working for me.  Hearing these guys talk about their chance to serve the people in Boise, New York or Guatemala makes me feel guilty for wanting so badly to go out of the Unites States.  I have had many chances to serve and they have helped me grow in many ways.  I haven't started yet but when my background check clears (which it will, promise) I am going to start volunteering at the Women and Children's shelter.  I eventually want to join the Rape Crisis team.  Also starting in September I will be volunteering once in awhile at the hospital.  I am really excited and will not longer complain about not being able to travel and help somewhere else.

Small Lime Rickey-Sumo Style

3 things that I have been stressing out about lately:
1. Getting a job
2. Anatomy finals
3. Physiology midterm and final.

I'm happy to say that I am employed and don't have to worry about number one on that list.  It's not much, but I am now working at a Shave Ice stand called Sumo's Shave Ice.  It  is not a high stress job and the owners are super cool. Perfect summer job when I have other things to worry about.  I have already worked 2 days and just got my schedule for the next 2 weeks.  :)

Truly An Inspiration

Sheri LaMar was my first grade teacher.  She truly understood what it took to be exceptional.  I have learned so much from her not just by being her student but by seeing her through her fight with cancer. She always had a positive attitude which is difficult for many people that went through similar trials.  I had the chance to talk about her in one of my Consumer Health lectures.  We were talking about how our attitude can change outcomes on situations.  My professor was very touched by the story and could tell that she was an extraordinary individual.  She had a very clear understanding of Heavenly Father's plan and accepted this challenge.  I am very lucky to have had her in my life.