tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64660422644026472832024-03-13T06:37:53.617-10:00Maybe It's EmilyMaybe it's just me, or maybe it's not.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-41422429032964662822019-07-14T14:44:00.001-10:002019-07-14T14:44:18.445-10:00What are you supposed to do?It was "May the 4th Be With You" day. I probably would have found some way to watch one of the Star Wars movies, or holler like a Wookie, but instead I spent the first half of the day in the hospital.<br />
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I was 8 weeks pregnant and started spotting about five days earlier. I wish I had known sooner that you should see the doctor if you bleed more than three days in a row, all I knew was that spotting was normal. But the spotting slowly increased until on Saturday my mother in law suggested going to a clinic to get checked out. I called the Tricare nurse line because I was scared and didn't know where to go, and at their suggestion to the hospital I went.<br />
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There was a lot of waiting and a lot of Chip and Joanna Gaines on our room's TV. After several hours of worrying and cramping, it was the ultrasound that confirmed my suspicions. No heart beat. They didn't have to tell me, I could just tell by the picture on the screen. The doctor warned me that a miscarriage will probably occur soon and to prepare myself for possibly a lot of bleeding as he discharged me. I needed to use the bathroom before leaving and went to the restroom next door to my room. I was peeing when I felt my baby pass. As the hospital was trying to get rid of me my body got rid of my baby. I tried calling my husband's name who was outside the door but I didn't hear a response.<br />
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<b>What are you supposed to do when your future hopes and dreams are literally down the toilet?</b> Sitting in a sterilized u-bend of a hospital toilet, out of sight?<br />
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What are you supposed to do when you are all alone and you have a miscarriage?<br />
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I'll tell you what I did, I cried. I've done a lot of crying in my life (very emotive person here), but every pain and cry I've had in my life paled in comparison to the swelling upheavals that arose from my chest. Oh my poor baby.<br />
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I wanted to pass my child in the privacy of my own home, but <b>what kind of dignified burial is the hospital toilet</b>? Even if I had wanted to scoop my baby out and done something better than the john I couldn't because he was completely out of sight (I call my baby a he, don't know why).<br />
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I couldn't just flush that toilet and walk away, it would have filled me with pain and regrets that would haunt me. How do you say goodbye to your baby? Your baby that you have to flush down the toilet? All alone?<br />
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Weirdly enough I thought of Marie Kondo. Like what I imagine to be millions of others, I watched that show and practiced thanking my items that didn't make the cut in downsizing, finding that it did mitigate the sting of throwing things away. And that's what I did to my baby. I thanked him for giving me that chance to be his mom, for giving me the experience. I tried my best to honor and thank him. And then I flushed.<br />
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I am a social worker at heart and try my best to be logical yet understanding, non-judgmental of my feelings and my experience. I didn't want to pin all my hopes and dreams on my pregnancy because I had heard that a vast majority of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. And so I tried to "keep it real." I don't believe I was trying to lie or trick myself into thinking this way. I really wanted to do pregnancy, or the possible complications, well. I wanted to be well. So through all the crying and mourning that day, I tried to be understanding and compassionate towards others that were also mourning, and in the end, take it well. "It's okay. It happens."<br />
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After going home and grieving I felt ready to go back to work after a few days, but I was not ready for the roller coaster of emotions when I found it to be so difficult to return to work. It took me about a week to just be there for a whole day. A few weeks to talk about it with all my coworkers. I have a pretty good team at my job and I trust them to be empathetic and kind, so I felt comfortable sharing my struggle with them. And here we are, two months later, and I think I might still be struggling. I honestly cannot tell if it's the miscarriage because we've had a lot of change and upheaval in our lives. Let me just list them here:<br />
1. We got a dog the week before I miscarried. Sorry, not a dog. A PUPPY (what were we thinking, right?)<br />
2. Our contract for our apartment was up a few weeks after the miscarriage, so cue scramble to find something affordable in Utah/Salt Lake counties that offers a six month lease. With an ESA.<br />
3. We move. I didn't take time off of work to do this. That was a bad idea.<br />
4. My husband starts his new job that he puts a lot of overtime into. He goes from being home and available a lot as a student to hardly ever home with an opposite schedule to that of mine.<br />
5. He signs us up for a gym membership (wut).<br />
6. Did I mention that we got a freaking puppy<br />
7. I didn't stop bleeding for about six weeks. Bleeding=no intimacy=tension<br />
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My reproductive health seems to be back in order, thank heavens. But often I get annoyed so quickly and easily by my husband and lately I've been thinking that I don't really love him. I've been open about this with him and we'll work through it. But I've been wondering, is the miscarriage still affecting me? I have not felt anger towards any one or anything, I haven't needed something/someone to blame. Is this how my anger in the grieving process manifests itself?<br />
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This brings me to the reason why I wrote this ridiculously long post: Has this happened to anyone else? What have been some long term affects of your miscarriage(s)? Did you ever find yourself inexplicably angry/annoyed/out of love with your partner?<br />
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For those who took the time to read this thank you, and for those who take the time to respond thank you for helping me feel not so alone.<br />
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P.S. I found these to be somewhat helpful:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/emotional-support-after-miscarriage" target="_blank">Emotional Support After a Miscarriage</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/inspirational-stories/a33933/advice-and-support-after-miscarriage/" target="_blank">The Best Advice I Received After My Miscarriage</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19929493/miscarriage-support/" target="_blank">‘I’ve Had Multiple Miscarriages—Here’s What I Wish People Knew About Supporting a Friend Going Through One'</a></span></li>
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<br />Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-16522247288560391372014-11-16T17:56:00.000-10:002014-11-16T17:56:46.545-10:00This Sunday has been the best!Today has been great for a couple different reasons.<br />
1) I felt like my hair looked good *score*<br />
2) I made apple pie for ward lunch, and I was afraid that it turned out bad (the juices in the pie were less syruppy than I wanted), but instead was given many a compliment that it looked like a very handsome pie, that it was delicious, and then THE John Major, cooking extraordinaire, told me that it was good. Now, Bro.Major is a most excellent chef himself, and not one to sugar-coat things, so the fact that he complimented my pie in all sincerity just made me feel like winner of the day. <br />
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Not quite unlike this:<br />
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3) While at the MTC, before they headed out to their missions, Hna.Harris, Hna.Squires and I were able to receive blessings from our MTC teacher. It was a very spiritual experience for all four of us. It was truly a testimony of priesthood power, and a testimony that the Lord was very mindful of us. In that blessing I was told many wonderful things, including that through the extremely difficult things I was going through at the time, I would be able to serve as a beacon to the downcast and abused, even for those who I would not know were going through similar difficult challenges. I was told that I would be able to help people. The blessing given to me that day has meant so much to me, I am so glad I wrote it down afterwards, because I regard it as very sacred revelation given directly to me through a humble and faithful servant of the Lord.<br />
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That's why I decided to get my degree in social work, because helping others is all I want to do. That's it! That's the end! That's really all I want to do! But lately I haven't felt very helpful, and instead have felt very needing of help and support. Magnified with that is the frustrating fact that I cannot find a job in my chosen field. I want to help!!<br />
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Today I was blessed with the opportunity to give a talk. Normally I don't like giving talks because normally I feel uninspired and like I'm blathering. As I was preparing for the talk this past week, I felt inspired to talk about the less-obvious. I was asked to speak about going forward with faith, and instead of talking about the obvious moving-forward-after-randomly-choosing-South-Carolina-I-ain't-got-no-job-what-am-I-doing-here stuff, I felt inspired to share my life's constant challenge of "Going Forward With Faith," even when my flame of faith has been barely more than a spark. I felt like I needed to be honest about my experiences and talk about how dark things got, and how I had given up on keeping commandments and covenants after a while, and how doing that made me a miserable person, angry, bitter and depressed. But then, how I've come to realize that through actively keeping commandments and covenants, the Lord would place us where we need to be, and where we want to be.<br />
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I was just trying to be as honest as possible. And I was hoping that people wouldn't feel awkward or uncomfortable or less of me. That was my biggest concern. I didn't feel like I blathered and I felt like I did well, but I was hoping that it was okay with everyone else. I was grateful that the Lord blessed me with inspiration. It's been a long time since I felt inspired in such a way.<br />
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And to my delight and humble appreciation, I've had several people tell me that what I said hit home, was exactly what they needed to hear, and that it resonated with them. My friend Amy expressed to me how much that message was needed, because there were so many people in the ward that <em>you wouldn't even know</em> who were going through hard times, and needed to hear such an open honest shpeal. So many people told me that today, and it made me feel <em>so good</em>. I can still help people. I can strengthen people's testimonies, I can help them feel like they're not alone in feeling how they feel. <br />
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On top of that, tonight I was able to help out a friend, give a listening ear, and give counsel. Man I used to do that all the time and it was my favorite thing, but I haven't felt spiritually apt enough to do that in a loooooong time. It feels so good to get back to who I really am.<br />
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So Sunday- today- was AWESOME. <br />
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I hope your Sabbath was awesome too! I have to go to bed to wake up early to work for Amazon. Please pray for me that I might find another job hahaha<br />
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But really, please do it.<br />
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Goodnight y'all Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-27910237391784668052014-06-25T20:38:00.000-10:002014-06-25T20:38:47.588-10:00Hard Work Makes All the Difference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm going to school in Hawaii, and I love the aloha spirit, broken English, pigeon local style brah.</div>
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I was tagged in a post with this Youtube video, and I gotta say that it was one of the best commencement speeches I've ever heard. He highlights the importance of working hard, despite what test results and GPAs have told you in the past. Don't buy it. Nothing creates such a great difference in your life than pushing yourself and sacrificing to make your dreams come true. </div>
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Hey, it worked for me. </div>
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<br />Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-17224937276797795112014-05-27T10:07:00.002-10:002014-05-27T10:07:15.812-10:00For the Beauty of the Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/05/27/rachel-louise-carson-google-lets-fly-a-doodle-true-to-environmental-writers-nature/?tid=pm_pop" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="(courtesy of GOOGLE 2014)" class="size-full wp-image-1135" height="228" src="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2014/05/CARSON-doodle.jpg" width="599" /></a></div>
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<em>“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” — Rachel L. Carson</em><br />
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What an interesting woman she was. I've never heard of her before, but I like her already. She seems like a great pioneer for nature conservation, and as a byproduct, for women as well. If you click on the picture it takes you to a <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/05/27/rachel-louise-carson-google-lets-fly-a-doodle-true-to-environmental-writers-nature/?tid=pm_pop" target="_blank">Washington Post article</a> (as well as here) about her.<br />
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Enjoy the nature around you, and I hope you have a great day.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-6148542731678507252014-05-11T00:44:00.001-10:002014-05-11T00:44:35.835-10:00Culture is Prevention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tonight I went to my friend's senior vocal recital. I've been to other senior recitals, but this one was different. Whereas the others exhibited vocals in the style of opera, jazz and Broadway, my friend did his in the style of his people- the Hawaiians. He opened with a Hawaiian chant (a very important form of song), next with a chant of hula kahiko. </div>
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His songs ranged from ones composed by the Ali'i to more modern songs of the WWII era, many of which were accompanied by hula dancers. Some were fast and fun, some were slow and nostalgic. All in all it was a great performance, and it carried me away to another time, another place. It made me feel, and it made me think.<br />
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As I was watching and listening, I was reminded of this video:</div>
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That theme: culture is prevention. That's the model of intervention for many Native American tribes. It's the idea that connecting with your past, your ancestors and your culture act as a type of preventative measure against behavioral dysfunction such as alcoholism, abuse, etc..<br />
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I believe in this model. A connection with culture, family and ancestors acts as a type of anchor that steers individuals away from seeking other vices to fill a void: the absence of human associations. A sense of belonging to something bigger than self.<br />
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I loved my friend's performance because I have grown to love the Hawaiian culture and feel a profound respect for it. I almost envy Hawaiians for having such strong ties to their culture. It makes me want to create stronger ties with that of my own. <br />
I wonder what the Danish do?<br />
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Even if the culture you are confronted with is one of dysfunction, go further back. Go back to before dysfunction was introduced to your family. There is such a time. If you feel lost and floating, not knowing where you fit in, find a culture you can tie yourself to, for that will act as your anchor. You don't have to feel lost anymore.<br />
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The Hawaiians serve as an example to all of us to connect with our ancestors, our families, our cultures and to one another.<br />
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And if I can so interject, the apostles and prophets have been saying it for years: do family history work. God apparently has seen the positive affects of connecting with culture and has been telling us to do so for decades. <br />
Oh heavens, now I get it.<br />
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I encourage you to connect to your culture. Do family history work. Connect with others. Go see a cultural display and then learn about it. As you engage in forming your anchor, you don't have to worry about being lost anymore.<br />
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If you would like to learn more about how to start learning about your family, please visit <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/family-history">https://www.lds.org/topics/family-history</a><br />
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Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-6299550652028083062014-03-23T23:34:00.001-10:002014-03-23T23:34:39.542-10:00Rape: When is it Permissable?<div style="text-align: left;">
I want to talk about this Facebook conversation I got involved in this week.</div>
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It's about this woman, Shelley.</div>
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She hunted a giraffe and the Facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Political-Loudmouth/281168802721" target="_blank">Political Loudmouth</a> reposted the pic of her with her prize and said this:<br />
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<em>"In this photo, a female trophy hunter sits smirking on top of the giraffe she blasted to death with a rifle as it ate from a tree.<br /><br /> With these kinds of "hunts," wealthy individuals are usually driven to the spot by guides who know where the animals are. The clients then shoot and kill the animals, often while sitting in the Land Rover that brought them.<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span></em><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /><br /><em> Even more unconscionable, some safaris are "canned hunts," in which captive animals raised this purpose, are placed inside a fenced-in enclosure for the "hunter" to shoot."</em></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Giraffes are one of my most favorite animals, they're tied for the number one spot with elephants. The screen saver of my tablet is a smoochy giraffe.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">I have giraffe statues at home (couldn't take them to college with me). Despite all this, the point I wanted to make about this Facebook post was not about hunting giraffes. It's about some of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152339228467722&set=a.10150108003162722.290341.281168802721&type=1&comment_id=16472019&reply_comment_id=16565782&offset=0&total_comments=60451&ref=notif&notif_t=photo_reply" target="_blank">comments</a> I've seen in response to this picture.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">And I think it's pretty grotesque to say the least. I was taught that the word cunt is the most crude of words to call a woman. It's shameful that some think murder is justifiable. It's even more disgusting when rape becomes permissible punishment under certain circumstances.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">RAPE IS NOT JUSTIFIABLE. IT IS NOT PERMISSABLE. No matter how much you might disagree with or HATE the person, rape is no retribution. People's varying opinions are sick, twisted, grotesque, vulgar and the list goes on and on. It was really eye opening to read others' reactions, not only to the picture but also to my defensive comment:</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">Do I agree with her over the fact that she killed a giraffe? No, and I would NEVER wish for her to be raped and murdered because of it. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">I'm not going to follow the story anymore since I made my point and any other comments would just be like casting pearls before swine. I said my piece and now I'll keep my peace. Just remember rape and other forms of sexual exploitation are never an answer. And that's not opinion. That's fact.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">******</span><br />
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If you are ever a victim of rape, find help. You are not alone and there are those that are wanting to help you heal. Please visit <a href="https://www.rainn.org/">https://www.rainn.org/</a> for more information on how to deal or what you can do for your loved ones.<br />
<br />
For another interesting read please check out <em><a href="https://medium.com/p/1d20ea8b9064" target="_blank">"The 'Divergent' Rape Scene: Here’s Why It Matters-</a></em><br />
<div class="post-field subtitle post-subtitle" name="subtitle">
<a href="https://medium.com/p/1d20ea8b9064" target="_blank"><em>Rewriting the script on sexual assault — and giving power back to girls"</em></a><em> </em>written by Beth Lalonde.</div>
Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-39754599093781150192013-12-28T21:31:00.000-10:002013-12-28T21:31:17.231-10:00"Walmart educations?"<a href="http://news.msn.com/in-depth/we-are-creating-walmarts-of-higher-education">http://news.msn.com/in-depth/we-are-creating-walmarts-of-higher-education</a><br />
The previous link is tied to an online news story that begins thus:<br />
<br />
"Universities in South Dakota, Nebraska, and other states have cut the number of credits students need to graduate. A proposal in Florida would let online courses forgo the usual higher-education accreditation process. A California legislator introduced a measure that would have substituted online courses for some of the brick-and-mortar kind at public universities.<br />
<br />
"Some campuses of the University of North Carolina system are mulling getting rid of history, political science, and various others of more than 20 “low productive” programs. The University of Southern Maine may drop physics. And governors in Florida, North Carolina and Wisconsin have questioned whether taxpayers should continue subsidizing public universities for teaching the humanities.<br />
<br />
"Under pressure to turn out more students, more quickly and for less money, and to tie graduates’ skills to workforce needs, higher-education institutions and policy makers have been busy reducing the number of required credits, giving credit for life experience, and cutting some courses, while putting others online."<br />
<br />
I don't get why educational institutions, and governments for that matter, decide it's a good idea to cut programs that provide students with a diverse foundation, such as sciences or humanities. Especially humanities. Society decides it's okay to forego the things that enrich our lives and expand our minds in the pursuit of getting more more more and becoming more more more. Our society puts the wrong emphasis on what determines success. As for me, I am thoroughly opposed to these kinds of "improvements," and agree with this quote:<br />
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So lawmakers, think about what you are really doing.<br />
<br />
Sincerely, Emily<br />
<br />
A renaissance woman (and better off for it)Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-44259234037754720662013-03-24T22:37:00.000-10:002013-03-31T15:58:48.711-10:00Why I love EasterI love Easter.<br />
It's my most favorite holiday.<br />
I even like it more than Christmas.<br />
Now, while I've caught you in your gasps of horror at my yuletide blasphemy, hear me out.<br />
I love what it means.<br />
It means the Son of God came to Earth. It means He lived a perfect life. It means He overcame sin. It means He took our sins upon Himself. It means He suffered our sins, our afflictions and the burdens of our illnesses. It means He gave up His life for us. It means that He kept his promises. It means He will intercede for us. It means we have a chance at life eternal and exaltation. It means I can live again. It means that He lives. It means that He loves us. It means that He listens to us. It means that He desires to bless us. That's why I love Easter.<br />
<br />
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<span class="verse"> </span>"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.</div>
<div class="">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6466042264402647283" name="12"> </a><span class="verse">"</span>And he will take upon him death, that he may loose
the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him
their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according
to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.</div>
<div class="">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6466042264402647283" name="13"></a><span class="verse"></span>"Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon
him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions
according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the
testimony which is in me."</div>
<div class="">
Alma 7:11-13 </div>
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<br />
For me this message is one of the utmost importance. A few years ago something traumatic happened to me, and it hit me hard. To say that hit me hard would be an understatement. It took me and yanked me down under the bus of hell. I tried so hard to do good, but I was living in a nightmare. I felt like I had lost myself. I felt alone and confused. But worst of all, out of everything, it was the fact that I did not feel that God was near. Whenever I had struggled in my life, I had always felt that God was near, that He listened to me and loved me. I was very close to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. But when I needed them most at that moment-<br />
I felt like they had left me.<br />
I felt like they left me alone. I felt nothing. I felt like I was talking to the wall. I was thrown into the deepest, darkest pits of despair.<br />
Only to wander and wallow in it alone.<br />
Before I was 110% that God was there. That He loved me. That He would always be there for me. And now- now I doubt. Where was He? I feel hurt that He left me. Does He really love me? I wonder about these things all the time.<br />
When I slip into the deep crevices of my mind, lost in the ravines of such dark doubt, I remember. I remember those many times where He did answer my prayers. When He has blessed me. When he has shown me in ways big and small that He is aware of me.<br />
One day I will once again come to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live. That They love me and stand to bless me.<br />
That's why I love Easter.<br />
I feel like this was all done with a purpose. Heavenly Father tore my metaphorical house down with a giant wrecking ball, He reduced to pebbles my foundation, only to maybe have me build a foundation and a mansion more sturdy, more beautiful and more sure than ever before.<br />
That's why I love Easter.<br />
Because Jesus Christ has made that possible.<br />
I was promised that I will one day come to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live, and that They love me and stand to bless me throughout my life. That's only possible through the atonement.<br />
<br />
That's why I love Easter.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-22166392850467949002013-01-01T05:12:00.000-10:002013-01-02T18:26:53.473-10:00Happy New Year!: Gangnam Style<object height="720" width="1280"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
This is one of the many special things I did on New Years.<br />
Karaoke. I've been wanting to do karaoke for a long while. Shout out to Kayla for doing it with me and Laura for being an excellent camera woman.<br />
Have fun, be safe, and enjoy our silliness!Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-44212337063627451642012-07-21T14:51:00.002-10:002012-07-21T14:51:41.594-10:00Post Mission LifeI was reading an article on www.LDS.org about the training of new mission presidents, and I loved this: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"President Monson said missionaries represent the flower of youth and
the hopes, prayers, and dreams of their parents. “They represent
sacrifice. If you as mission presidents can realize the importance of
their missions in the lives of these young men and young women and in
the lives of your senior couples, then you will be in a better position
to motivate them properly.”</blockquote>
<br />
It got me thinking about the importance of my mission in my life. I know that's not the context of the quote, but work with me here. I want to imagine that if my president asked me what the importance of my mission in my life is, having served already, what I would say.<br />
<br />I don't know why I was called to serve a mission. I don't know why the Lord wanted me to go so bad. But I'm so glad I did go. It changed my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
Maybe that's why he wanted me to go. I wasn't living poorly. But he wanted me to change my life. He wanted me to live better. Do better. Be what He knows I can be, which was so much more than I thought. So much more than what I was doing.<br />
<br />
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We're still trying to figure it out. I'm still growing. But maybe what he did for me wasn't get me to the final destination of "I'm the best I can be!" but move the path to a more upwardly direction.<br />Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-88338541599066131552012-07-14T00:40:00.001-10:002012-07-14T00:41:25.505-10:00So my roommate was talking about a friend problem.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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She wants to stop being friends with some silly people, and she's finding it to be more difficult than she bargained for. She said that other people are making it hard for her because they always bring them up, and they won't let her forget about them.<br />
"Well, hun, you can't forget. Forgetting about them won't make it better, because you'll remember them, someday, somehow. And then you'll get upset again. The goal is to deal with it, not forget about it. That way, when someone does bring them up, because it will happen, you'll still be okay."<br />
I believe that to be true. Stop running away from problems, they will always catch up to you. You will never out run them. Maybe for a season. Maybe for a short while. Maybe for a long while. But they will always catch up and make you trip. So stop trying to run. Stop trying to hide. Deal with it and learn from it and learn how to handle it. And you know what? When it does catch up to you, you can still keep moving forward. You won't trip like before. You'll keep moving forward with grace, poise, and strength that others will find inspiring.<br />
<br />
Have a good one, and take care of yourself.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-54847129457105109682012-05-06T01:07:00.001-10:002012-05-06T01:07:32.291-10:00Joseph's testimonySo yesterday as I was leaving the temple I met a man crossing the street. His name is Joseph Kanoho Keliikoa, III. He has mild cerebral palsy and a hearing disability, but he's still very cognitive, don't be fooled. As I was crossing the street he greeted me like I was his best friend from his science class and introduced himself. In our conversation he handed me a slip of paper with his testimony on it. He said that he does it because his patriarchal blessing says that he needs to share his testimony with everyone, and I want to help him do it.<br />
Joseph also works at Photo Poly at the PCC if you ever want to meet him :)<br />
<br />
Dear brothers, sisters, family and friends! Aloha! I would like to share my testimony as a disciple and special witness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This true church has blessed my life as my family lives forever. I know this to be true. I know we have a great, loving Father in Heaven, and that we are all his precious children. He truly loves, cares, and prays with all his heart that we will return back in to his presence with our brothers and sisters in our loving home here upon this earth and for all eternity. That is a great blessing to know and to feel by the Holy Ghost.<br />
I know Jesus is the very Christ. He is my brother, my Savior, our Savior, and our Greatest Friend. We can rely on Him and return and live with Him and Father in Heaven for eternity. I know through His atonement, we can be clean before them through repentance and live. I know Jesus Christ called us friends. That is a wonderful blessing and a great joy in our lives. I truly know that He bled from every pore as He entered in the garden. That true love He has is real. That really made Him special in my life as well as yours too. I know Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God. I know that he restored the fullness of the blessings of God back on the earth. We can bless our families forever with the Melchizedek Priesthood. In the temple, we can be sealed to our families forever. Most importantly, the Book of Mormon, that great, special witness of our Savior Jesus Christ, is the keystone of our faith. I testify it is true. I know Joseph Smith saw our loving Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ in his very eyes in answer to his prayer. But Joseph Smith knew that no enemy then present or in the future would have sufficient power to frustrate or stop the purposes of God.<br />
We are all familiar with his prophetic words: "Our missionaries are going to different nations. The standard of truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independently, til it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, til the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done." I know that Prophet Thomas S. Monson is truly the Lord's servant that leads as well as guides His people to exaltation with great love in his heart, mind, spirit and that great charity. I know that he as well has seen our Savior and Heavenly Father in his experience that was so marvelous. I know, truly know, that parents, grandparents,uncles, aunties, missionaries, families, friends, brothers, sisters, ward leaders, stake leaders, home teachers, visiting teachers, seminary teachers, apostles, seventies, stake presidency, bishoprics, primary children and youth of the church, neighbors everywhere from past, present, and future has true pure testimony that they hold dear in their humble hearts. I know that be true. We are true special witnesses of the true church that lives forever. I know this church is the very true church upon this earth and the Holy Ghost bear witness thus to be true. I know that my message and my testimony I shared with you are true. I would like truly invite you all listen to the prompting of Holy Ghost that Heavenly Father gave unto you. Will you please come and share your testimony with us as Lord's representative and true friend among us all. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0h5NMXj9F4M/T6ZaussFlII/AAAAAAAAAN0/RyzCdU1RyY8/s1600/2012-05-05_11-18-20_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0h5NMXj9F4M/T6ZaussFlII/AAAAAAAAAN0/RyzCdU1RyY8/s320/2012-05-05_11-18-20_300.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Joseph Kanoho Keliikoa, III<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
The slip of paper Joseph gave me. </div>Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-34599258163157734032012-04-28T10:36:00.002-10:002012-04-28T10:37:28.698-10:00Buenos Aires Argentina Temple Open House, Cultural Celebration and Rededication Dates Announced!<br />
<div class="article-title">
<span class="article-location"><span class="ipe-format-none">News Release</span> — 27 April 2012</span>
<br />
<h1 class="ipe-format-title">
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</div>
</h1>
</div>
<span class="article-location"><span class="ipe-format-none">Salt Lake City</span> — </span>The
First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(Mormon) has announced the open house, cultural celebration and
rededication dates for the Buenos Aires Argentina Temple.<br />
The
public is invited to visit the temple during an open house from
Saturday, 4 August 2012, through Saturday, 25 August 2012, excluding
Sundays. The temple will be formally rededicated on Sunday, 9 September
2012, in three sessions. The rededicatory sessions will be broadcast to
all stakes and districts in Argentina.<br />
In conjunction with the
rededication of the temple, there will also be a cultural celebration
featuring music and dance on Saturday, 8 September 2012.<br />
Latter-day
Saint temples differ from the Church’s meetinghouses or chapels where
members meet for Sunday worship services. Temples are considered “houses
of the Lord” where Christ’s teachings are reaffirmed through marriage,
baptism and other ordinances that unite families for eternity. In the
temple, Church members learn more about the purpose of life and
strengthen their commitment to serve Jesus Christ and those around them.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-89463712899982673412012-01-08T18:41:00.001-10:002012-01-08T18:41:43.150-10:00klgaldkfnga;djklfJust to get some things off my chest.<br />
I'm the new Relief Society President in my ward. I'm just afraid I won't take it seriously enough rather than being so nervous or not up to the challenge. I'm stomping down the voice that would want to stomp me down. How much I want to be a good Relief Society president for these sisters!<br />
I am grateful for the sisters who accepted the callings to help me. I need them, and I hope they just as much need me. How much I can't do this without them!<br />
So really, I'm okay. Just a lot to think about, you know?<br />
I always have a lot to think about. My calling. School. Buying a car maybe soon. Boys.<br />
How much I hate that subject right now.<br />
Because I broke up with my boyfriend. Almost two weeks ago. And the decision was mutual. And it was a bummer, sure. I worked and flirted my booty off to be able to get to where we were. And I was crazy about him. But things weren't moving along towards marriage. Really, no. And I keep telling myself, This is better. He can't fulfill your needs. He has a bad attitude sometimes. He's not what I need. And I get to a place where I feel good. I feel great! And that I have moved on! That we can just be friends and live free and enjoy thinking about what the future may hold!<br />
But every night I dream about him. I hate those dreams. They make me miss him and put me right back on square one. And he's such a flirt. Whenever I see him he does it. But I think he does it to a lot of girls. I dunno! And he won't leave me alone- he's always in my head. I can't concentrate because mentally I'm yelling out WWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYY?????????????<br />
I just want this to go away. It's dragging me down, it's bumming me out. It makes me want to cry. Because I feel so dumb. We had our first date back in August, and he would get close and then back off, get close and then back off. And I would always want to say I'm done! I'm done playing this game! I don't want to date him anymore. And then something would happen, and there he always was, with the cue card that said Date Him!!!!! And I did. I always ascribed it to Providence, because what else would it be? It happened way too many times for it to be coincidence. So is this what is happening again? Or do I just need to learn control over my romanticism? What do I need to do concerning this? I feel so lost.<br />
And then I ask myself, If you can't even figure out this, how can you give your dedication to your new calling and to the sisters? How can you help and sustain them when you can't even help and sustain yourself?<br />
And I want to listen to the still small voice. I want to know what I need to do.<br />
Brain ready to explode now.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-12768005693350140182011-11-21T19:48:00.001-10:002011-11-21T20:40:21.550-10:00Dating.... stinksI found out about a book that explains how I feel about this subject:<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
I seriously hate dating.<br />
Something that has been a blessing to me is the counsel from Pres.Uchtdorf that he gave in a CES fireside in November of 2009:<br />
<br />
<br />
"I know this may be a disappointment for some of you, but I don’t
believe there is only one right person for you. I think I fell in love
with my wife, Harriet, from the first moment I saw her. Nevertheless,
had she decided to marry someone else, I believe I would have met and
fallen in love with someone else. I am eternally grateful that this
didn’t happen, but I don’t believe she was my one chance at happiness in
this life, nor was I hers."<br />
<br />
Dating and finding my eternal companion is all my choice! <i><b>Nobody</b> controls this part of my life except for <b>me</b></i>.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sh7SPtnqecc/TstDbY16ymI/AAAAAAAAANk/nMTfYgZqKxU/s1600/232005818273338901_AOps9wOd_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sh7SPtnqecc/TstDbY16ymI/AAAAAAAAANk/nMTfYgZqKxU/s320/232005818273338901_AOps9wOd_c.jpg" width="232" /></a><br />
<a href="" name="38"></a>
<a href="" name="39"></a>
"There are those who do not marry because they feel a lack of “magic”
in the relationship. By “magic” I assume they mean sparks of attraction.
Falling in love is a wonderful feeling, and I would never counsel you
to marry someone you do not love. Nevertheless—and here is another thing
that is sometimes hard to accept—that magic sparkle needs continuous
polishing. When the magic endures in a relationship, it’s because the
couple made it happen, not because it mystically appeared due to some
cosmic force.<br />
<a href="" name="40"></a>
"Frankly, it takes work. For any relationship to survive, both parties
bring their own magic with them and use that to sustain their love.
Although I have said that I do not believe in a one-and-only soul mate
for anyone, I do know this: once you commit to being married, your
spouse becomes your soul mate, and it is your duty and responsibility to
work every day to keep it that way. Once you have committed, the search
for a soul mate is over. Our thoughts and actions turn from <em>looking</em> to <em>creating.</em>
<br />
"But what about those who despair of ever finding an eternal
companion? First, don’t give up. Go to activities, meet people, and do
all you can. I know that dating can be rough. Rejection is one of the
most painful things we can experience. Trust me, I know how this feels. I
fell in love with Harriet long before she fell in love with me.<br />
<a href="" name="42"></a>
"But this didn’t stop me—not at all. I found ways to be in the same
place she was. When I was administering the sacrament at church, I
arranged to pass it to her family. I was doing the best I could to
impress her, but I think she found me a little immature. The sparks
simply weren’t there for her. I despaired of ever convincing her that I
could be anything more than a friend.<br />
<a href="" name="43"></a>
I went away, joined the Air Force, and then traveled half a world
away to attend pilot training in the United States. It wasn’t until I
returned to Germany having completed my training as a fighter
pilot—years after I had first met her—that this beautiful young woman
looked at me and said those magical words I had been longing to hear:
“You have matured since the last time I saw you.”<br />
<a href="" name="44"></a>
I moved quickly after that, and within a few months I married the woman I had loved for a long, long time.<br />
<a href="" name="45"></a>
"So don’t give up, brothers and sisters. Just because you have been
rejected a time or two—or three or four, or a couple hundred times—don’t
despair. Brethren, the secret to finding the girl of your dreams is to
get to know many of them and then, when you fall in love and it feels
right, ask her to marry you. If she says no, you continue to search and
to pray until finally you will arrive with that young woman at the altar
of the temple. Just don’t give up.<br />
<a href="" name="46"></a>
"Now, sisters, be gentle. It’s all right if you turn down requests for
dates or proposals for marriage. But please do it gently. And brethren,
please start asking! There are too many of our young women who never go
on dates. Don’t suppose that certain girls would never go out with you.
Sometimes they are wondering why no one asks them out. Just ask, and be
prepared to move on if the answer is no.<br />
<a href="" name="47"></a>
"One of the trends we see in some parts of the world is our young
people only “hanging out” in large groups rather than dating. While
there is nothing wrong with getting together often with others your own
age, I don’t know if you can really get to know individuals when you’re
always in a group. One of the things you need to learn is how to have a
conversation with a member of the opposite sex. A great way to learn
this is by being alone with someone—talking without a net, so to speak.<br />
<a href="" name="48"></a>
Dates don’t have to be—and in most cases shouldn’t be—expensive and
over-planned affairs. When my wife and I moved from Germany to Salt Lake
City, one of the things that most surprised us was the elaborate and
sometimes stressful process young people had developed of asking for and
accepting dates.<br />
<a href="" name="49"></a>
"Relax. Find simple ways to be together. One of my favorite things to
do when I was young and looking for a date was to walk a young lady home
after a Church meeting. Remember, your goal should not be to have a
video of your date get a million views on YouTube. The goal is to get to
know one individual person and learn how to develop a meaningful
relationship with the opposite sex.<br />
<a href="" name="50"></a>
"Now, there are those among you fine young members of the Church who
might never marry. Although they are worthy in every way, they may never
find someone to whom they will be sealed in the temple of the Lord in
this life. There is no way for those who have not experienced this
despair to truly understand the loneliness and pain they might feel. I
know of many women who want more than anything else to be a wife and a
mother, and they cannot understand why their prayers have never been
answered. There are many single men who, for whatever reason, also find
themselves alone.<br />
<a href="" name="51"></a>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGzYDGbEjG8/TstDchkbHUI/AAAAAAAAANs/durk2KLwBWI/s1600/232005818273331881_jibB0BJn_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGzYDGbEjG8/TstDchkbHUI/AAAAAAAAANs/durk2KLwBWI/s1600/232005818273331881_jibB0BJn_b.jpg" /></a>"First, let me tell you that your prayers are heard. Your Father in
Heaven knows the desires of your heart. I cannot tell you why one
individual’s prayers are answered one way while someone else’s are
answered differently. But this I can tell you: the righteous desires of
your hearts will be fulfilled.<br />
<a href="" name="52"></a>
Sometimes it can be difficult to see anything beyond the path
immediately before us. We are impatient and do not want to wait for a
future fulfillment of our greatest desires. Nevertheless, the brief span
of this life is nothing in comparison with eternity. And if only we can
hope and exercise faith and joyfully endure to the end—and I say <em>joyfully</em>
endure to the end—there, in that great heavenly future, we will have
the fulfillment of the righteous desires of our hearts and so very much
more that we can scarcely comprehend now.<br />
<a href="" name="53"></a>
"In the meantime, do not wait for someone else to make your life
complete. Stop second-guessing yourself and wondering if you are
defective. Instead, seek to reach your potential as a child of God. Seek
learning. Become engaged in a meaningful career, and seek fulfillment
in service to others. Use your time, your talents, and your resources to
improve yourself and bless those around you. All of this is part of
your preparation for having a family. Immerse yourself in your ward or
branch and seek to magnify your callings, no matter what they may be.<br />
<a href="" name="54"></a>
"The great purpose of this mortal existence is to learn to fully love
our Heavenly Father and our neighbor as ourselves. If we do this with
all our might, mind, and strength, our eternal destiny will be glorious
and grand beyond our capacity to imagine. Be faithful, and things will
work out for you. That is His eternal promise to all who love and honor
Him."<br />
<br />
And I find that this time is to prepare me for when I do find someone who I can share my life with. It will come. I'm practicing right now. I need to learn to communicate. I need to decide what I want so that when I come across it, I can recognize it and work my heart out to never let him go. It's a humbling experience.<br />
<br />
I seriously hate dating. But I know that it's for my good. I'm going to be an awesome wife someday for all of the silly things I go through today. Ladies, hold your heads up high! You go through this for a reason. You are being turned into diamonds. You are being prepared. You are being perfected. You are perfect sisters.<br />
Besos! Be of good cheer, and I'll try too, okay? Deal.<br />
EmilyMaybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-54235879877659790912011-09-28T04:13:00.006-10:002011-09-28T04:38:32.194-10:00Coming homeWhen returned missionaries say that there should be an RMTC, they're not kidding.<br />At least make a support group or something!<br />At first coming back home wasn't too bad. I was doing really well actually! But the more I'm home the harder it is. I think I actually got depressed yesterday. <span style="font-style: italic;">I hate being depressed</span>. The anxiety of not knowing what's going on in my life or where she's going has been getting to me. I've heard that when you get home you don't feel like doing anything anymore. Like all the stuff you used to love to do doesn't really entice you anymore. I used to love books and movies; I loved to learn and go to school. But the desire hasn't been there since I've been home. I don't feel like doing any of that stuff. But I also hear say that you kind of have to get in your mind what you like and what goals you want in your life and push yourself (aka force yourself) to do it. Because it's not easy. It's not easy coming from a very structured life where it was all planned out for you that made sense, to a world that everything is up to you. It's not easy coming home a new creature, unsure of who you were and who you are because it's still so new.<br />And don't even get me started on dating and boys.<br />But I'm reinforcing the idea that coming home is definitely a trial by fire, testimony gaining and strengthening experience. You gotta rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ even more, that they will not lead you astray or let wander in paths of bad choices. That they are still there to listen to and answer your prayers. Because they will. Maybe in their own time and their own way, but they will. I've been trying to tell myself that. I'm trying to more than that. I'm trying to believe it.<br />And the anxiety slips away.<br />The depression ebbs.<br />And the road to hope clears and trust is established.<br />Therefore having joy in the journey becomes more than a cute catchphrase, but really your way of life ingrained into your heart.<br />So my fellow RM's, don't despair. We all go through it. I heard the average of about 6 months. I've heard 6 years. Everyone is unique. But we all go through it. Take hope in the fact that you are not weird or alone. You are not a freak. But you can wear out the storm and be even better because of it.<br />The mission might be the best year and a half or two years of your life, but she also makes the following years the best of your life as well.<br />Enjoy the journey.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjoTLVkj1xg/ToMxV9lCWpI/AAAAAAAAANY/Oewsc-FufqM/s1600/62905_152057314833597_100000879884625_249289_2121044_n.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjoTLVkj1xg/ToMxV9lCWpI/AAAAAAAAANY/Oewsc-FufqM/s400/62905_152057314833597_100000879884625_249289_2121044_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657419810284395154" border="0" /></a>Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-73657656058546978202011-09-20T01:44:00.005-10:002011-09-20T03:22:43.296-10:00Jane Austen was on to something...<span class="body">No man is offended by another man's admiration of the woman he loves; it is the woman only who can make it a torment. -Jane Austen<br /><br />I love how every woman I know loves Jane Austen. We can all relate to one character or another. I can relate to Emma. I'm not a matchmaker, I'm not rich, but I can relate to the fact that I'm young and live in my own ideal world. I'm okay with that.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVd6U0gcZJY/TniTSchV7LI/AAAAAAAAANA/6hz6Mk-xqzo/s1600/images%2Bemma.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 172px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVd6U0gcZJY/TniTSchV7LI/AAAAAAAAANA/6hz6Mk-xqzo/s400/images%2Bemma.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654431277266627762" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="body"> Although I love Emma, I do not appreciate that Jane Austen was not writing about a character in her head, but about me!</span><br /><span class="body"> In Emma, Emma takes young Harriet under her wing to help educate her and set her up with a smart match. Emma vigorously takes up this challenge until Harriet falls for Mr.Knightly, who Emma has unknowingly loved. And then Emma goes through the torture of wondering if she has lost Mr.Knightly forever.</span><br /><span class="body"> Now change Emma for Emily. I'm dead serious. This is happening to me.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QLVG7uqa7w/TniTa-z8CsI/AAAAAAAAANI/cqRFWGvzREs/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 275px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QLVG7uqa7w/TniTa-z8CsI/AAAAAAAAANI/cqRFWGvzREs/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654431423910382274" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="body"> Add a bit of Elinor from Sense and Sensibility. I've meet a guy. Wonderful. He's great. I'm very interested. I'm pretty sure he is too. But just like Elinor and Edward, something isn't moving along. I really want to get to know this guy better. But the heartbreak ensues when the scene between Elinor and Anne Steele really happened to me. Twice. And I don't say anything to anybody. Because I don't want people to know what I'm going through. This blog isn't supporting my designs. But this is what pains me most...<br />Jane Austen novels always end up with the happy ending. But will my story? As much as my life is a realistic reflection of her novels, doesn't mean that I will end like Emma or Elinor. It breaks my heart. What to do? I dunno.<br />Jane, will you please write a happy ending to my story?<br /></span><span class="body"><br /></span> <span class="bodybold"> </span>Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-14691049540611757072011-06-30T05:34:00.004-10:002011-09-13T02:16:15.448-10:00Post<div><div>I'm home! Just to let you know...</div><div>1. I will call you!</div><div>2. I made a new blog for spanish speakers wanting to know more about the gospel. Refer whoever you want!</div><div>3. I'm doing alright. Thanks for all your support and prayers; I have felt them!</div><div>4. I love you!</div><div>Besitos y abrazos, Emily</div></div>Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-60883815865372025722011-06-17T06:24:00.002-10:002011-06-17T06:29:17.079-10:00She is in the States!Emily called about 6:45 a.m. to let us know she was in Dallas. So it looks like she will be in SLC at the scheduled time.<br /><br />Airline: AMERICAN AIRLINES AA604<br />Leaving date: 17 JUNFrom: DALLAS TX at 12:05 p.m.<br />Arriving: SALT LAKE C, UT at 1:40 p.m.<br /><br />Gate A3<br /><br />I know there will be lots of missionaries coming home from Argentina. So we may be hard to find.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-28184724865848567932011-06-16T22:06:00.003-10:002011-06-16T22:10:39.674-10:00On Her Way Home Finally!Emily wrote that they were leaving early this morning. She neglected to tell where she was going and how. But we will assume that they made it to Santiago. The flight was on time into Dallas at 6:11 a.m. on Friday, June 17th. (as of 11:30 p.m.) Anticipated time of arrival in Salt Lake City is expected to remain the same.<br /><br /><strong><em>I will check first thing in the morning to see if she sent out any messages when she lands. We will call the travel department to make sure that the missionaries made it onto this flight.</em></strong>Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-68701872132089767982011-06-15T12:16:00.003-10:002011-06-15T12:29:36.442-10:00NEW ITINERARYEmily sent an email saying that they would not be leaving until Saturday and coming in late Sunday. But an hour later we received her new itinerary. Parts of this letter are below:<br /><br />The missionaries will be traveling to Santiago Chile tomorrow (Thursday) and they will travel from Santiago to the United States. This is the new itinerary.<br /><br />Airline: AMERICAN AIRLINES AA940<br />Leaving date: 16 JUN<br />From: SANTIAGO, Chile at 8:50 p.m.<br />Arriving: DALLAS TX at 6:05 a.m.<br /><br />Airline: AMERICAN AIRLINES AA604<br />Leaving date: <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >17 JUN</span><br />From: DALLAS TX at 12:05 p.m.<br />Arriving: <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SALT LAKE C, UT at 1:40 p.m.</span></span><br /><br />We think they are sending them by bus to Santiago. I am curious about the volcano ash in Santiago, but they seem to think they can do it.<br /><br />If you are thinking about coming to the airport, please check here to make sure she has made it out of Santiago on Thursday night. At that point, she is on her way home and it should be okay. I will make sure to post it as soon as American Airlines verifies that the flight is in the air.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-89684543181665755532011-06-14T16:41:00.002-10:002011-06-14T16:46:14.147-10:00DELAYED BY A VOLCANO!!!Yes, you read that right. Emily's flight has been delayed by a volcano. Let me explain. Last week, a volcano in Chile erupted spewing tons of ash in the air. The ash has reached Buenos Aires and is making it difficult for planes to take off. She is in a hotel in Buenos Aires with other missionaries on their ways home. She will call me as soon as she knows when she is flying out. We are all bummed.<br /><br />Anyone who still wants to come to the airport, please call me at 208-705-6090 and I will put you on the call list.<br /><br />Marilyn Georgeson<br />(Emily's Mom)Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-65251674607412905762011-06-07T21:39:00.002-10:002011-06-07T21:48:03.195-10:00You Are Invited!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nNmva2YWM4/Te8onCWGA-I/AAAAAAAAAM4/uIDLGruRobc/s1600/Jet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 126px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nNmva2YWM4/Te8onCWGA-I/AAAAAAAAAM4/uIDLGruRobc/s400/Jet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615751911463846882" /></a><br />Anyone desiring to come greet Emily when she comes home, here is the itinerary of her flight into Salt Lake.<br /><br />Date: 15 June 2011<br />Airlines: AMERICAN AIRLINES, Flight AA 2529, Terminal 1<br />Leaving DALLAS TX at 300 P<br />Arriving SALT LAKE CITY UT at 440 P<br /><br />Please look for our family and join with us to make her homecoming a big one.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-61381417815639145872011-06-07T21:25:00.004-10:002011-06-07T21:37:33.956-10:00A VOLCANO ERUPTED!!!!!!!!!THIS WEEK WE HAVE A MIRACLE BAPTISM!!! And we're excited. He's been a tough cookie. He's the husband of an ex-missionary and has been investigating for the past twelve years, and now he feels is the time to put his family together. That's his main reason. He's a good husband and father, and wants that family unity, and that's a big push for him. He will get his confirmation as he works and learns in the gospel. His son just turned 14, so we think that his son will be able to baptize him. BUT his family still doesn't know! That's okay, a sweet little surprise for his family on Saturday.<br /><br />This weekend is stake conference. We're getting a special satellite broadcast from Salt Lake. A baptism for stake conference. A baptism for my last week. That makes my little heart sing.<br /><br />We've been working more and more with members this past week. We had 13 lessons with members, when we struggle to get 7! We're involving members more and more and we've been meeting with success. All of our new investigators have friends in the church. The bummer is that we didn't get to meet all of our goals because...<br /><br />A VOLCANO ERUPTED!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Puyehue, a volcano about 100 Km from in in Chile erupted spreading ash all over the place. We were helping the members clean the church when we noticed a big nasty cloud coming in. We thought "Snap that a huge storm!" and then when we went outside we realized that it wasn't rain, but ash and pumice. We left with a member to visit some appointments, and we asked him "should we be worried?" Na, he said, we were fine. We left out of our first visit, and people are running around with hospital masks like crazy "Are you sure we shouldn't be worried?" Na, we were fine. When we left out of our second visit we realized that we had a couple calls from our district leader. Turned out we weren't supposed to be outside. We thought that it was fine and we waited for someone to let us know that it wasn't okay. Alright, they call us two hours later. But we're fine. We bought some food and began boiling water-I believe that we now have enough water to last us a month. We've got water all over the place. I'll show you the pictures when I get home.<br /><br />Yesterday only five of us were in church - us, the ward mission leader, the <br />bishop, and my convert Andrés Vila. Then an hermana came at the end. The stake president also came and called us the wimpiest ward :) We had sacrament meeting and shared testimonies. It was cute. They didn't want us walking around yesterday, so they said that we can visit members or stay in the pension. We were in the pension for a couple of hours and my companion decided that she was going to go crazy, so we ended the day visiting members. We had ash all over the place. I imagine that when I'm home I'll still have ash in my hair :)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGeNarZk5zU/Te8lzy1KQZI/AAAAAAAAAMg/ICzPBcP_rPE/s1600/Volcano1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGeNarZk5zU/Te8lzy1KQZI/AAAAAAAAAMg/ICzPBcP_rPE/s320/Volcano1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615748832102597010" /></a><br /><br />And now Bariloche looks like the beach.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JU8eJ7lFERA/Te8mTZl-p2I/AAAAAAAAAMo/wysTyN5AKvk/s1600/Volcano2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JU8eJ7lFERA/Te8mTZl-p2I/AAAAAAAAAMo/wysTyN5AKvk/s320/Volcano2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615749375083849570" /></a><br /><br />Wow! I can't believe that I forgot! It was crazy the first night because ash was falling like snow and there was some killer lightning. It was intense! The windows were rattling, and the thunder lasted for 30 seconds at a time I say! It was the shortest shower I have ever taken because I was so freaked out :)<br /><br />The bummer is that now I have to visit a bunch of members to say goodbye since they weren't in church, especially to remind them that we have stake conference this weekend.<br /><br />I gotta go, but take care! And I'll see you soon!<br /><br />xoxo, Hna. Georgeson<br /><br />The pics are from Hna. Bundy's camera, therefore she is in the picture of our patio Sunday morning.Maybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6466042264402647283.post-73170421739242669002011-06-07T21:23:00.000-10:002011-06-07T21:25:00.829-10:00Letter from the Mission PresidentDear Family Georgeson<br /><br />Your daughter, Sister Emily Rose Georgeson, will complete her missionary assignment in the Argentina Neuquén Mission on June 14, 2011. We have greatly enjoyed having Sister Georgeson in our mission and appreciate more than you will ever know your willingness to share her with us and with the wonderful people of the Patagonia.<br /><br />Sister Georgeson has served a most successful mission as an obedient, caring missionary. You can be justly proud of her and her accomplishments. She is returning home with a strong testimony of the Savior and the spiritual strength that comes from having served Him faithfully. We feel confident she will continue a life of activity in the Church. We encourage you to give her ample opportunity to share her testimony and missionary experiences.<br /><br />Please recognize that adjustment is a difficult process for all returned missionaries and Sister Georgeson will need your continued love, support and understanding. Give her encouragement in making some of life’s important decisions.<br /><br />Sister Georgeson has had a wide variety of experience as a missionary that will serve her well throughout her life. She has served as a junior companion and senior companion. More importantly; she was called to train a new missionary. The calling to train a new missionary is the most trusted responsibility in the mission. This shows the confidence that Sister Georgeson has earned. She is a wonderful woman of faith and it has truly been a joy for me to serve with her. We will miss her here in the mission and sincerely pray that she will experience success in all of her future endeavors.<br /><br />On behalf of the entire mission, we express our deepest appreciation to you and pray for the Lord´s choicest blessings to be with you.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Darwin F Peterson, President<br />Argentina Neuquén MissionMaybe It's Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360335859404295802noreply@blogger.com0