This past summer my world was kinda turned upside down, and I was faced with many challenges I never thought i would have to face, nevertheless overcome. Through the Lord's unwavering strength, and the strength and love of many people along the way, I have found myself able to carry on through these trials. I have a testimony now, stronger than ever before, that the Lord gives these challenges to us so we can become stronger people, and because he knows we are strong enough to take on these struggles. I know that before I came to this earth, I told my Heavenly Father that I would overcome the trials that were given unto me and that I would do everything I could to come back to him. I can now say that I am grateful for these trials I have had to face, and even though I still have questions and feel lost at times, I know my Heavenly Father is there, waiting for me to call upon him in need. I believe we are defined by how we rise above our shortcomings, and I know my Savior not only knows, but has felt the struggles I am faced with every day. He is my strength and my motivation to carry on. I love him and will serve him with all my heart.
My recent trip to Utah over Thanksgiving Break was everything I hoped for and more! Although it was packed with exciting and fun events, it started out with a scare at the airport! There was bad weather coming into Utah, and the pilots weren't sure if we would be able to make it all the way through. Since I was flying alone, you can imagine I was quite scared! The plane ride turned out to be the longest plane ride of my life! A constant headache and people who wouldn't seem to stop talking in the seat next to me, did not do much to make the plane ride comfortable! I made it from Nashville to St. Louis and almost missed my flight to Denver! After an hour and a half lay-over in Denver, the plane finally started its flight toward Utah. When I finally arrived to Utah you can imagine how relieved I was to finally be off the plane; I had been in the airport or on a plane from 2 P.M. to 11 P.M!! BUT It was all worth it the moment I saw Kristi running towards me in the airport!!! After waiting to get my bags, we finally made our way to Kristi's apartment where Kristi, her two roommates, and I had our first sleepover! We all piled our mattresses on the floor and laughed 'till nearly 3 in the morning! The next morning Kristi had me wake up at 7 for a hair appointment she had made...I was not pleased- haha. Needless to say, the trip was everything I hoped for and more! It was exactly what i needed after the stresses of school and dance! My trip was jam-packed with friends and family, some I wasn't even aware i had, 2 hour long bus rides, 15 BELOW ZERO weather, hours and hours of laughter, and embarassing moments at the creamery! Haha, I created memories I surely will never forget! The trip was made even more wonderful because I got to spend my 16th birthday with Kristi, who is my sister and best friend! It was surely a birthday I will never forget! I loved everything about Utah, and at some points, although very rare, I didn't even mind the blistering weather! :) I can't wait to go back, and I look forward to hopefully going there for college someday, in my distant but very near future! :)
