Day 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 - Way 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60

Thursday (52) This was a long day and for most of it, I was with Doug. He had a rough day, so we just hung out together. We went to his doctor appointment and then went to his house and watched a movie together. Just outside of his house there was a big fiberglass canoe that had a cardboard sign attached to it. It said ”FREE”, so of course we took the boat to his front yard. It fit perfectly! I’m grateful for family and the time we can spend with each other.

Friday (53) Today was also a busy day because I went to work and threw a birthday party for Beezer! We saw the new Indiana Jones movie, which was awesome! If you have seen it and have other opinions about this movie, please know that some people reading this blog, may not have seen it yet, so please no spoilers! The birthday party went really well and Beezer was surprised and had fun!

Saturday (54) I went to Logan with my roommates from college to visit one of our roommates that lives there. It was so great to spend time together. I really hope that this friendship lasts forever. I know relationships take work, so I will try to always put the work in so that I can keep these friendships, ‘cause they are the best!

Sunday (55) Sunday, I went to church. My brother Arthur taught the lesson in Sunday School. He talked about service. He told the funniest story. I’m going to attempt to tell it now.
There was a man who was sent to prison. One day his dad sent him a letter. It read, “Dear Son, I’m not sure what I’m going to do this year. It’s almost time to till the field and without your help, I don’t think I’m going to be able to do it. I really wish you were here to help me. Hope you are alright. Love, Dad”
The son, wrote back. “Dear Dad, I know that you are troubled with your farm, but I just don’t know what to say to help. I need to ask that you not till the field this year though. That’s where I buried the bodies. Love, Your Son”
Obviously the dad didn’t wait long to share the information from the letter with the authorities. Within a couple days the field was full of police officers and FBI agents, digging and scouring the field for bodies. After a few days, the entire field had been searched, but no bodies had been found. The dad received a second letter from his son a few days later. “Dear Dad,” he wrote, “I hope that helped!”
The moral of the story is that whatever situation we are in, we can always find ways to help those in need! I think it was a great story!

Monday (56) Memorial Day is usually a day to honor our relatives that have gone before us, but also to honor the members of the military who have served our country and are no longer with us. With the rainy weather I did a lot of things indoors instead. First I reorganized our kitchen. Next, I helped Kenny set up a website for his soccer team. That was a lot of fun, and it was great practice for my class and for my work. Afterward, Kenny, Syd and I all went to Plato’s Closet and Ikea. I wish that I had been able to spend time honoring my relatives, but I am grateful that I was able to spend time with friends.

Tuesday (57) Today I went to class and work, when I went home, Mandy got a phone call that her mother was ill and was being taken to the hospital. I decided that I could help Mandy and offered to take her to the hospital to see her mom. It was a good experience to be able to provide help to Mandy and her family. I was grateful that I had the time and the ability to give them what they needed in order to feel like they could provide care for their mom and still be meeting their own personal needs.

Wednesday (58) This morning I went with my friends Ben Guile, Robert Welsh, Kelley Stowell, and Mo Coble, to present opinions and advice to Senator Orrin Hatch on the bills currently going through congress that would modify the existing Mongomery GI Bill. I was proud to be there to show support for the veterans in our nations armed forces. I am grateful that I have family and friends who have been willing and able to preserve the good in our society by serving in a public service capacity.




Thursday (59) Today in our natural resource conservation course, we did a waste audit. Basically, since Tuesday, the 20 people in the class collected all of the waste that they produced. That did not include the food scraps and hygenic items.
As a class we created 21 lbs. of waste in 48 hours. I think this was a valuable lesson in understanding the impact of our decisions in what we choose to purchase, consume or use. I valued this opportunity, because as we did this assignment, I considered the weight of my choices as I made them over the course of two days.

Friday (60)I had a plan for today, and basically 75-80% of my plan, didn't happen. However, I did accomplish a lot today. I was able to get most of my work done at work, I was able to get Doug to the airport, I got some shopping done for my parents and then get to my non-profit governance class, which is where I am right now!

Day 50, 51 - Way 50, 51

Monday (50)- I am really excited to be in my web-design class. I learned a few tricks on photoshop today, and I know I'm going to LOVE this stuff! I also went to work today and tried to prepare myself for the training that I was in charge of on Tuesday. I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to grow professionally right now. I really feel like I am finding a great place for myself.
Today was also Banana Eve! Beezer, Bryce and I went to visit our friends in Magna. We took two banana cream pies. The first one we ate with Clay, Kenny and Rob. We also gave them each a beach towel with monkeys and bananas in the design. It was great to see them react when they realized we were being nice to them, because banana day is usually a day full of pranks. They were TOTALLY FOOLED! After we ate the first pie and visited for a while, we all said goodnight and were heading out the door, when Beezer grabbed the other pie and smashed it in Kenny's face! Then he wiped his face all over Beezer's face and then she wiped it on Rob! It was great. I am so blessed to have friends with th ability to laugh and have fun, and to carry on a tradition for 8 years!

Tuesday (51)- This was a long day. First, I had to go to my geography class. Which was fun, but I was a little stressed out about the afternoon, so I didn't really enjoy it like I should have. I did training with a few students at noon. It went alright, I realized during the all, that I still have too much work to do still for our Summit on June 10th-12th. After the first training I worked on a lot of loose ends in the office and moved our entire library and supply area to the opposite side of our office, to make room for new cubicles being put in.
After work I came home and did some gardening until the wind got so strong it knocked me over. I went inside and after a few minutes, the power went out! I had to do my evening conference call training outside on my cell phone because it was too dark inside for me to see my notes. Mandy and I had to run to the grocery store after the call to buy D batteries, because half the flashlights in the house didn't work. We got them just in time for the power to come back on!
Now here's the miracle that I want to share.....My parents listened to the prophets counsel to be prepared for emergencies. No, they didn't have enough of the right kind of batteries for the flashlights I wanted to use, but if we had to, we had plenty of candles and other flashlights to see whatever we needed. I also knew that they had prepared our home if we had needed emergency food supply, blankets and first aid. I am grateful for their faith and trust in the Lord's appointed, because I am reaping the rewards of their hard work. Now my challenge, if you do not have a 3 year supply, 1 year supply, or most importantly a 72 hour kit, make a promise to your self that you will do something about that in the next week. If you do something, please leave a comment telling me what you did. Even if it's buying one box of Band-Aids, do something, you will not regret it. Mom and Dad, if you are reading this, thank you for preparing for so long for emergencies, too bad it's all here in the United States. Go to the store this week and buy some extra food and supplies in case your emergency hits! Please! Thank you!

Day 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 - Way 45, 46, 47, 48, 49

Wednesday (45)- I enjoyed my classes today. I am taking 2 classes on Wednesday, first is a web design class and second is a guitar class! I am so excited for both! I was blessed to have the time I needed to do all the things I needed to accomplish all of my goals for the day.

Thursday (46)- Today I went to Cedar City for a student retreat for work. I felt really sick to my stomach all day, but I also had a really great day. I think that the students this year have the best energy and enthusiasm for our work. I can see them accomplishing a great deal.

Friday (47)- The rest of the retreat went really well! Then I had to fly home from Cedar City to get to a class in time. It was pretty scary for me. I am really a nervous flier in large planes, with family or friends beside me, so to fly alone in a propeller plane was nearly horrific. But I did it, without crying! That is a miracle!

Saturday (48)- I am signed up for an MPA course that is all day on Saturdays as well as Friday evenings for the next month! It was fun, but the day was long! After class, I came home and started taking care of my yard and home. I will do better as time goes on, but for now, it's one step at a time.

Sunday (49)- Today was a hard day for me. I didn't sleep well, I didn't feel well, and I missed church. I did a lot of thinking and home arranging though.
Now, the most important thing I will ever write on this blog. My dear sweet brother-in-law, the perfect guy from the moment I spoke to him, has challenged himself to receive and partake of a wonderful blessing. He has decided to be baptized a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is such a smart, spiritual and truly amazing individual and I know that this choice was one he made with sincere faith and courage. I am so thrilled that he has made this choice. My brother and I will be flying out to Florida to see him.

I apologize that I have not been on top of this like I imagined I would, hopefully I can begin a routine so I can do better.

Day 44 - Way 44

Today was a special day for Douglass, my youngest brother. It was his Birthday! Of course, he didn't get to enjoy it quite the way he probably would have liked to, but he did have a good day. I guess anything is a positive experience after you've been HIT BY A CAR! He has been so patient and kind through all of this. I haven't been the best sister for him, but I am sure trying. I hope his boss will continue to be patient with him as well. Today I went to my first day of class, I think it should be fun. I really like the instructor, he is by far one of the best teachers I have ever had. He is tireless in his efforts to help every student achieve success. I am grateful to have the opportunity to take another course from him. I also went to work today. I had a lot to accomplish and by 8:30pm I almost finished it all. Tomorrow morning I will have to go into work early to finish up for our retreat on Thursday.

Day 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 - Way 39, 40, 41, 42, 43

A few things I remember from this whirlwind weekend.
Thursday May 8th (39)- A few people from my work took my friend and co-worker Carrie and myself out to lunch. Carrie and I both received diploma covers this past week from the University of Utah. Carrie is finishing her masters degree in educational leadership and public policy (I think that's right???) and I am finishing my bachelors degree in geography. It was a great lunch with great friends.

Friday May 9th (40)- A friend of mine knows that teaching is one of my most favorite things to do in the whole world, so when she found out she needed to go to her parents ward for Mother's Day she asked me if I would like to teach her Relief Society lesson. I was thrilled and so grateful for the opportunity. I also went to a wonderful concert with a friend and her husband. It was so much fun. I just loved the music and the company.

Saturday May 10th (41)- For those who don't know, technically this was Mother's Day for my mom, because Japan is about 13 hours ahead of Utah time. After experiencing this day, I have to be honest, my first thought was, "Wow someone must really hate my family, to allow so many bad things to happen." After I explain what happened, I will explain what I realize now in hind sight.

For me the day wasn't all that bad. I had a lovely Lions Club induction meeting, where myself, my roommate Mandy, my old friend Bob, and my new friends Rose, Julie and Bryson were all inducted into the East Mill Creek Lions Club. Then I went to lunch with Mandy and her sister and mother. Afterward, I did some very productive shopping. Between shopping trips however, the three dogs currently "hanging out" at my house decided to take a little run when I opened the front door to move items around. Sparky, the smallest of them all was the ring leader. Abbey and Bosco followed suit. I chased them as they ran down my street, across a pretty busy street, then across a highway, against traffic until finally a lady stopped to help me. She drove Bosco home and then I carried the other two dogs. If that wasn't enough of a stressful panicked day, my brother Arthur was organizing his room and setting up his brand new bed and he sliced his finger open on the bed frame and had to get six stitches("WARNING: This frame is sharp and may cut you", is not a joke, that sticker on the bed frame is actually serious).

OK, so that was pretty rough for me and him, and then we were reminded that we aren't the only two people in the universe with tests and trials. We received phone calls and text messages from our brother Doug around 10pm. Doug was HIT BY A CAR! He was riding his bike in a bike lane and a lady swerved onto the road and into his lane, causing him to flip over the front of his handle bars and face plant in the middle of the road. That's right, Doug was HIT BY A CAR! Paramedics checked him out and told him that he could decide to go to the hospital or just see how he felt later. He of course decided to tough it out. The lady was cited and to her credit, both of my brothers said that she was a kind woman and they feel bad that she has to suffer for her mistake.

Now, you have to understand how I could feel like this day was someones way of showing us how much they hate us. But now let me tell the story the way I see it now. I KNOW THAT MY PARENTS WERE CALLED TO SERVE THE LORD AS MISSIONARIES FOR HIS KINGDOM ON THIS EARTH. I KNOW THAT THEY WERE PROMISED THAT IF THEY WOULD SACRIFICE THEIR TIME AND CONSECRATE IT TO THE LORD THEIR FAMILY WOULD RECEIVE BLESSINGS BEYOND THEIR CAPACITY TO RECEIVE THEM. WHAT A BLESSING IT MUST BE FOR MY FATHER, BUT PARTICULARLY MY MOTHER TO SEE THAT ON HER MOTHERS DAY, ALL THE LESSONS SHE TAUGHT US GROWING UP HAVE PAID OFF, SHE HAS LEFT HER ADULT CHILDREN TO MAKE DECISIONS AND CHOOSE THEIR OWN REACTIONS TO THE MANY TRIALS AND CHALLENGES THAT WILL COME UPON THEM AND THEY HAVE OVERCOME. We may have each struggled through this trying day, but at the end of the day, we are all alive, we are closer to each other as brothers and sisters, we have been blessed and protected beyond measure and we know that our parents would be proud of us for how we handled ourselves and will continue to handle ourselves. So, Mother, I know you are reading this, please know from the bottom of my heart, we wish you the very best Mother's Day, but more importantly, as you always reminded us every year at this time of year, it's not so much how we treat you on Mother's Day that matters to you, but it is how we take what you have taught us and apply it to EVERY SINGLE DAY AND MOMENT in our lives. We love you, you have raised all of us well.

Sunday May 11th (42)- My lesson in Relief Society went very well. I have to say though that my favorite part of teaching is the feeling you get when you know you have prepared and studied out the lesson in your mind and in your heart, and then you allow the spirit to take over and tell you what portions of the lesson that you prepared will apply to and be effective for those who are receptive to the spirit. I would say that half of the lesson was what I planned to teach and the other half came from promptings by the spirit to leave out an idea here and there, or add a personal testimony in other places that I hadn't thought of sharing until I was standing there in front of the room. I am grateful that as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we are given the opportunity to learn and to teach by and through the spirit and that we don't have to be scholars or great thinkers by the worlds standards to be able to present to one another plain and simple gospel truths. This was truly a blessing for me as I experienced the spirit throughout all of the meetings in my ward today.

Monday May 12th (43)- Today I got to spend the day with Doug. We went to the hospital so that he could find out what was wrong with his shoulder. After the adrenaline wore off and the shock of being HIT BY A CAR, he realized he was in much more pain than he imagined. We also had his face looked at, because there is still a lot of swelling. One of the medical professionals said that he likely broke his nose and that he tore a joint in his shoulder. Basically he has a separated shoulder. Which means Mandy and I are having Arthur, Doug and my other roommate Sarah sign a contract stating that they will not pass on the separating of shoulders like a contagious disease, because Mandy and I are not interested.
After the hospital we went to the pharmacy and then Doug came with me to work so that I could get a few things done and then we could file his claim with the lady's insurance company. I know this is going to be a lengthy process, and I literally feel so blessed to have just recently experienced the physical pain and mental suffering that comes from an accident caused by someone else. Although I am sure this accident will in a way, haunt the lady that HIT Doug with her car, I think that the real pain comes from the emotional and pretty much annoying process of getting a claim settled with an insurance company. I suffered from that process for over a year and now I feel as though I can sympathize and assist Doug in this process so much more now, than if I had never experienced a slightly similar experience to his.

Now, there you have it. The weekend that kept on giving! If you had asked me 5 days ago what I had in store for the weekend, I would not have included ANY of the details I just mentioned above, but tonight I feel stronger for all that I have seen and felt and experienced, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Someone once asked me how we could possibly send young missionaries out into the world and be OK with talking to them only at Mother's Day and Christmas, or how we could send our Mother's and Fathers out on missions right at the time when our lives are changing the most and when we may need them to be there through our ups and downs. Today I have the answer. If you asked me if I could choose having my parents on a mission, or having them here, I absolutely would firmly declare that I know that more blessings and opportunities are coming to my family as my parents serve than we would ever recognize if they were here. My family will be stronger and more united in purpose than we have ever been before.

Now, I feel as though I need to write a letter to those who may be approaching the time to serve or the time to splurge.....retirement!

Dear parents, grandparents and grown adults,

If the Lord has whispered to your soul that you are needed in the mission field, do not hesitate to answer the call. All of the things that you see standing in the way will surely be taken care of as you forget your own worldly desires and turn to the Lord. Lately there have been a lot of retirement commercials on the air describing how baby boomers are still active and full of energy and enthusiasm for life as they prepare to retire. What better servants can the Lord be given than those who have experience and wisdom and the vitality and energy to get to work? Please, for the sake of the young people looking for direction in their lives, we need the wise and energetic to show us how happy life can be when we turn our lives over to the Lord's service instead of choosing the worldly pleasures that so often come with retirement these days.

If you are still questioning your ability to serve, do yourself a favor and remember that your ability is not what is required. All that is required is your willingness and desire to serve. The Lord no doubt will find a place, time and people suitable for your circumstances. Trust him, he knows his children and he knows his kingdom.
It's HIS work you are being asked to do.

Sincerely, TRacy- a recipient of many missionary miracles.

Days 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 - Way 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38

Looking abck on this past week, I wish that I had taken just 5 minutes each day to write down my thoughts or feelings, but I just couldn't do it. I couldn't stop myself long enough to truly reflect on the little miracles that dotted my path. Now, the time has passed and I feel as though I would be unfair to my intentions for this blog if I were to go back and try to guess and catologue the blessings I can see in retrospect. So instead, tonight I wish to say, that I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me the air to breath and the spirit of peace that got me through this last week. I'm not going to lie, I made this last week difficult on myself over the past few months, when I procrastinated and ignored the deadlines that I always knew existed. I can also not lie and say that graduating was easy without my parents there with me. I AM A VERY DEPENDENT LITTLE GIRL. I still need my mommy and daddy. I was grateful to have the support that I did have, but it didn't come close to being the kind of love and care that I have grown up expecting from my parents. I guess the miracle is that I didn't stay curled up in a ball in my bed crying all week. The miracle is that I didn't use a scam quick loan company to get enough money to fly to Japan to be with my mommy. The miracle is that I did it! I graduated on my own, and although I will always remember the feeling of loneliness that I felt that day, and I will never forget the tears I cried knowing my mommy wasn't by my side, I can say that I am capable of enduring alone. I'm not all grown up just yet, but I'm a lot further along than I was a month ago.