Unrecognized Blessings

Last night I had a conversation with a friend that caused me to reflect on the blessing my Heavenly Father constantly provides for me, despite my arrogance or ignorance.

Today as I was revisiting about that experience I was lead back to times when I too have waded through hard and heavy times. As I did so it dawned on me: the experiences we have in this life really are able to bless lives outside of our own: They bless me by strengthening my testimony and remind me to turn towards the Lord, but our experiences also have the ability to bless those we love. They can likewise provide strength and comfort to those who are in need. (There is a reason that we don't have to experience mortality alone, because it isn't part of the plan! We need, desperately need each other. The beautiful part being that Heavenly Father knew it! He knew we'd need each other, so he puts us in the right places days, months, and years prior so relationships can be developed and fostered for our benefit. A little overwhelming, isn't it?)

The conversation ended and I proceeded to get ready for bed. As I continued with my ritual: turn on heating blanket (I sleep in the basement - back off), pjs, remove contacts, brush teeth, prayers and scriptures I found that my scripture reading wasn't as ... rushed as it normally is. I found myself looking for things that particularly stood out and struck me as important for the days events. Irony? I think not, or rather, I know not.

In synopsis: I found it such a beautiful blessing to be able to see the Lord's hand in my life. To be able to have the spirit help me recognize how all of these experiences (whether pleasant or painful) really are for our good; our short-term, long-term and eternally. I was again touched to know what a loving Heavenly Father we (yes, you AND I) have. His love and concern for us is very individual, but He knows that as we help and love others that our love for those around us and for Him will grow. Through this Christ-like love and service we are provided with opportunities to uplift and strengthen each other so together we can draw nearer unto Him. Genius! The man really knows what He's doing!

Until next time, keep your chin up. There is a God, and He loves YOU.

42 is the answer to all life's question... wait, no! Today it's... 27!!

As the countdown continues I thought many of you would be very interested to know that only:
(drum roll please!)
27 days remain!
Woot woot!


This is a picture one of the team members took while they were down in Chiapas in December! Aren't the kids there just so cute?!?

More updates to come, so stay posted. OH! Also if any of you are interested in donating to the cause of educating the village of Bautista Grande, below is a list of supplies my team is in need of. We'll be taking these supplies down, teaching the community how to use them and then leaving them there! Some of the supplies are medical and education related. Others are needed supplies are need for labor intensive projects. Thanks for all your love and support!

• T-shirts/Aprons (to be used as smocks for a community art project)
• Sponges
• Crayons
• Markers
• Paper (White/color/lined/notebooks/etc)
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Books (Spanish, and Spanish/English)
• Kleenex
• Hand sanitizer
• Pencils (regular and colored)
• Tacks
• Tape
• Bars of soap
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• combs/brushes
• washcloths
• medical gloves
• gauze
• ace bandages
• band aids
• pain relievers
• Neosporin
• Vaseline
  
• medical tape
• work gloves
• small chalkboards/whiteboards
• coloring books
• blocks
• Legos
• balls
• Velcro
  
• puzzles
• erasers
• pencil sharpeners
• pencil boxes
• Number/Alphabet banners for classrooms
• calendar supplies for classrooms
• Maps
• jump ropes

Mexico or Bust!

The countdown has officially begun: 31 days and counting!

That's right friends, in 31 days I'll be climbing aboard an airplane that is headed to the land of eternal warmth: MEXICO!! Woot woot! It's been such a long and sometimes painful, but overall wonderful process to get to this point. There have been what seems like countless hours spent at the TRC and playing with handicap children (know - rough huh? ;) Hee hee.). Monthly drives to Salt Lake, and what seems like and infinite number of emails sent to various people.

...BUT it's all going to be worth it!

I can't really put into words the emotions that are running through me at this time. Part of me wants to scream from the rooftops and share my excitement, while an entirely different part of me wants to curl up and cry; no so much for myself but for the children with whom I know I'll fall in love with.