"Life is too short. Grudges are a waste of perfect happiness. So laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change. Love deeply and forget quickly. Take chances,give everything and have no regrets. People change, things go wrong. But just remember, LIFE GOES ON"

First post!

I know I haven't posted anything for a VERY long time.. but this is the start of my new post! I'm going to catch up on my blog and FINALLY write some of my experiences, thoughts, and memories from Africa. Be ready cause they are coming soon!!

Fear is the Opposite of Faith

As this week began, so did the battle within myself. A battle against my fear and a need for faith.
The realization that as soon as the team leaves, Kelly and I
will be alone in Africa. Fear immediately struck me as I realized just how long we were going to be here and I found myself questioning what I was doing. I felt sick from the fear and couldn't imagine the long days ahead of me. I prayed constantly for the strength I would need because at the same moment I realized my fear, I also realized this trip is not about me. This is about those children around who are in need of encouragement. This about those girls with saddness and hopelessness written in their eyes. This is about those people around me who desperately need to feel loved. I knew then that I could not possibly allow my fear to get in the way of the work that needs to be done. Fear is the opposite of faith. I know this is a battle within myself that I will need to fight the whole time I'm here and that battle begins now. I am praying constantly for strength to reach outside of myself and become a tool in the Lord's hands. As I sat looking at pictures of the faces around me, this song came on and reminded me of my purpose here in Africa. I want to recite just one verse from the song Safe Harbors that really helped me to gain some faith.

Can you see through their disguises?

Can you hear what words won't tell?

Some are losing faith in heaven,

Cause their life's a living hell

Is there anyone to help those who have no where else to flee?

Or the only arms protecting them belong to you and me.

This is a call to arms to reach out and to hold

Evacuees from the dark

This is a call to arms to reach out and to hold

Evacuees from the dark

This is a call to arms to lead anguished souls

To safe harbors of the heart.

Can you feel the pleas of the refugees for safe harbors of the heart?

The words of this song hit me with such force. It helped me to find inner strength and motivation to forget myself and look at the need of those around me. I've seen the pain in their brown eyes and behind their beautiful smiles. They need me just as much as I need them. I pray I'll have the strength to reach out and hold them in my arms until they feel the love I have for them and the love Heavenly Father has for them.

"The story for their need for love is written in their eyes.."

In the heart of Africa

My time spent in Africa thus far has been incredible! I only wish I could find the right words to describe the experiences and feelings I have here. I realized long ago that finding words to describe this place is impossible. It still amazes me how peaceful I feel here because this place is my home. What a blessing to be able to come home once again. The first two weeks here were spent with the whole team of around 26 people. It's been so much fun to share these life changing experiences with such incredible people. I have learned and grown so much from their examples to me. They left on Monday and all though the house is quite now, I still feel their spirit here with me. Communication is finally becoming easier out here and I promise to post some pictures and experiences soon. I can't wait to share a part of my experience with you. Since the team left Kelly and I have been thrown straight into the heart of Africa. We are the only white people for miles around and we can feel it! It's strange though, although I am suddenly very aware of my skin color all I can think about is how well my heart matches with those around me. I feel so blessed to interact with these people. They have become my new family. We all see the same sky and wish upon the same stars. They may not speak the same language as me or eat the same foods, but we are bonded by the love we feel here and towards each other. I am so grateful. As stated by my dear friend Sue Krupa Grey, "The sameness of the human heart is God's most beautiful artwork. What we choose to see and find in each other is usually what we become."

Africa here I come..

Here I sit preparing to embark on the journey of a lifetime. After much planning and pondering, I can't believe the time has finally come for me to return home to Africa again. This time I am blessed with the opportunity of staying not just three weeks, but three months. I hope and pray that I am spiritually prepared enough to really engulf myself into my work over there. It's hard for me to fathom that I will be living in Africa for three months. I'm not sure what to expect or how to prepare, but all I know is my heart tells me it's the right thing. I know there will be heartache and trials, but then I know there must be in order for this experience to truly change lives. I cannot express in words my gratitude for this incredible opportunity. I am so grateful Heavenly Father has led me to do this amazing work. I am so grateful to my parents for the love and support they show me. I am so grateful for the hard work and support of Gloria Terry and Vicki Stone (founders of Africa is Life Changing). Without them, this dream could never have become a reality. I pray that I may be used as a tool in the Lord's hands to help those that I come in contact with. I know my life will be changed through this experience and I just pray that I may change the life of someone else as well as they feel the love Heavenly Father has for them.

Favorite things about Hawaii..

This post is dedicated to my favorite things about Hawaii.. Oh what a great place! I will miss it!

1. Skydiving in Hawaii.. So beautiful!

2. Jumping off Waimea rock.. actually Waimea Beach in general is just my favorite!!
3. The fact that riding in the back of the truck is legal in Hawaii!! hee hee Gotta love that hitchhiking!

4. The amazingly beautiful sunsets..
5. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the mountains in Hawaii.. they are breath taking!!

6. Plumeria flowers.. I love the way they smell and look. They are my favorite! I loved putting them in my hair everyday :)

7. The best restaurant in Hawaii.. Hukilau Cafe :)

8. Of course the beautiful beaches and ocean..

9. ... well obviously the person I will miss the most :)

10. The beautiful wildlife! besides the dang roosters.. I won't miss those!

My time spent in Hawaii was so so great! I will really miss it and I hope to go back and graduate from BYU Hawaii. What a great experience! One I will always treasure!

April Fool's Day fun!

So a new prank war has now broken out at BYUH ever since April Fool's Day.. Here some of the pranks we did on April Fool's Day.. There's many more to come! :)



We took this oh so ANNOYING alarm clock that makes monkey noises instead of normal alarm noises and placed it under KallyRae's bed set to go off at 2:30 in the morning..


Hee hee we put IcyHot on the toilet seats in the Hale bathrooms ha ha.. classic.

Michelle put my toothbrush in a block of ice! Yes I couldn't brush my teeth that night!

We also put some flour in my friend's hairdryer..I stole my friend's fish which she didn't notice was missing for two days ha ha and we REALLY wanted to catch a rooster and put it in my friend's closet.. but haven't successfully caught one yet. Any ideas on how to get one? Lucy's stuff has all been locked in her closet and KallyRae's bed has been seran wrapped.. ha ha so fun! The battle continues to rage as more pranks are brewing in the head! Brilliant! Love pranks!