It is November. The month of Thanksgiving. I haven't been doing the days of thanks like everyone else has. I would need MUCH more than just 30 days!! :) I just want to share some of the most important things in my life that I am extremely thankful for.
1. My Family. Without fail, my family has ALWAYS been there for me in times I am most in need of love and support. Whether it has been in sports, schools, going to Uganda, deciding to serve a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints, etc. They have always been there for me and I know that they will continually always be there for me (which is why my sister is secretly hoping I get my mission call stateside so she can take care of me by sending me care packages full of goodness). :)
2. Friends. Where ever I have been and where ever I will go, I know that I will always be able to make new friends and create long-lasting friendships. The friends I have now are amazing. Friends from Elementary School, High School, College, Uganda-they all are super great friends and I know we will always be friends.
"I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light." -Helen Keller
3. My trip to Uganda. This experience provided me with so many opportunities to help in Uganda and also to help myself. I grew so much while I was there. I continued to grow once I arrived back home. The memories made will always be cherished and the friends I made will always have a special place in my heart. I grew to love the people so much. I will go back, and when I do I plan to visit every friend I made. :) I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to go. Uganda is my second home, I miss it so much.
4. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In my hectic life of constant changes, there is one thing that never changes. That is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is always there for me, the teachings and principles of the gospel are the same world wide. When I was in Uganda I noticed this even more than ever. Even though I was MILES and MILES away from my ward in Utah, when I went to church in Jinja, I felt at home. I felt the spirit, I was learning about the same things I would have been learning about if I were still in Utah. Nothing was different. It was a little harder to understand the Ugandan's English because of their accent, but it was still so great. I love the church and I have no idea where I would be without it.
5. Having the opportunity to serve a LDS Mission. A month ago, President Thomas S. Monson announced, "Today, I'm pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19 instead of 21." I immediately started my papers, and I should have my mission call by this Wednesday - it is in the mail! For years and years I have wanted to serve a mission. My best friend and I, each year at our birthday, we would say, "Only 5 (or however many years it was until we were 21) to go!" I turned 20 the day before the announcement; with it, I received the familiar sentence, "Only 1 more year to go!!" Next day comes along-JK Dawg! I'm going now!! :) I can't wait until I go on the Lord's mission. I can't wait until I get my call (it is KILLING me!)! :)
I know because it is Thanksgiving this month, that that is why we tell the world what we are thankful for, but I think we should always express our thanks for everything we have-not matter if it is November, February, or July. Each day brings a miracle and a reason to be thankful. :)
"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." -Edward Sandford Martin
I made a video of my experience in Uganda. Three months summed up in about 12 minutes. Go here to watch: http://myadventureinlugazi.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-adventure-in-lugazi_11.html
:)
