So I am done with EFY and it is so weird. After
going to California with some counselor friends this past week it really hit me
it was over. I know I say it all the time, but literally I had the best
summer of my life doing EFY. So so so many amazing memories I will never forget.
The thoughts that have been on my mind recently
is change. Life is constantly changing. People are always moving forward or
backward. Some people are starting college for the first time. New
relationships are forming, while some are ending. Some people are getting into
the programs they've been working so hard toward, others are still trying to
figure out what they are doing with their lives. A lot of my friends are
getting married, engaged, or going on missions. And then..... there is me.
There was a time I was a bit bitter. Especially after getting the subtle but
firm no when I anxiously asked Heavenly Father if I was to serve a mission or
not. BUT I have learned so much. (Don't worry, totes not bitter anymore).
I was reminded this summer the Lord has a plan
for each and everyone of us. My plan isn't the same plan as Kylie's. (Kylie, I
hope you're reading this because this was totally an unintentional shout out.
Promise Kylie was literally the first name that came to mind. So, hello.) It's
easy to look at others and maybe envy where they are at in their lives. I came
to the realization though that everyone is in a different season in their
lives. Some are in summer while others are in winter, but we have to remember
seasons are a continuous cycle. Our winter isn't permanent and spring showers
will pass. But summer always comes. While we are in the difficult seasons of
life we must see the good in them and learn from them. We must also be happy
for those who are in different seasons and trust God knows what is best for us.
One of my favorite quotes describes this
realization perfectly: "Don't
you quit. You keep walking, you keep trying, there is help and happiness ahead.
Some blessings come soon. Some come late. Some don't come until heaven. But for
those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in
the end. Trust God and believe in Good Things to Come." - Elder Holland
The end of the summer was amazing! My last
week of EFY was so good. Right after that week I started a job at Chick-fil-A!
So many good, amazing people work there. Although school hasn't started, I was
reminded how much I love my university and the people at it!!! After a week of
working I went to California! If I'm being completely honest, initially I
wasn't excited for the trip. The California trip was with a bunch of EFY
counselors and as it got closer all of the friends I had been planning on going
with couldn't go anymore! I was way bummed, but I decided to still go. It would
be an opportunity to become friends with new people and also it was so dang
cheap I just couldn't say no! Well let me just say. It was an EPIC trip! The
people I spent time with in California I knew, but I didn't know well. They
seriously are such amazing individuals! I grew to love them so much! We spent
three days at California adventure and Disneyland (we had park hopper passes)
and went to Laguna beach. We made some super great memories. Jake might have
stuck his head in a trash can. We might have rode Space Mountain 2 times in a
row even though there was a huge line. Talk about day made. We might have rode
Splash Mountain 4 times in a row our last night. And got completely soaked. It
might have been due to the fact we splashed water all over each other. We might
have made the Nauvoo temple out of sand at the beach. We might have played the
game signs in the ocean. We might have not been able to say a prayer together
one night because of uncontrollable laughter. We might have gone to Del Taco
after midnight one night and Benji asked if it was still Thursday so we could
get the taco deal. That didn't work out too well. Let's just say it was an
amazing trip. I learned the importance of being open to new people and
embracing change. Because sometimes change is good. In this case, change was
super good. I love this group of people. Here are a coupla pictures from our trip!
After
this summer I now know with a perfect knowledge that good things come. They
always come. For me, some already have. I feel I'm at one of the first points in
my life where I am 100% confident with my choices. "And at last I see the
light and it's like the fog has lifted." Yes. I just quoted Tangled. Not
ashamed one bit. Something about this year feels good. Really good. I am
excited to embark on this new change. I'm so excited about my roommates. I'm
excited I'll be living so close to campus. I know what I'm majoring in finally.
I have a job. My parents bought me a car. I'm gonna have a niece in 3 months
and I will be there when she's born. Life is good. Change is good. I'm ready
for more change. Can't wait! The end.
