This is another one of those posts that I've been writing in my head for a long time. I can't believe I'm just one short week away from seeing Elder Low again! It doesn't feel real, but I'm beyond ready. He's been an incredible missionary, he's changed lives with his testimony, grown so much stronger in the Gospel, and been an example to everyone, especially me.


For a lot of people, the best two years comes while serving a mission. For me, this wasn't the plan. I'm glad Heavenly Father knows what he's doing and was able to point me in the right direction. I learned and grew so much by listening, following, even though I didn't always understand.

So here's a quick look at what I've been up to for the past two years, what I've learned, who I've become, and why I wouldn't change a thing.

1. I traveled. From places like Saint George and Park City, to Idaho, to Arizona (and crossed the Grand Canyon off my bucket list) to Disneyland and Dodger Stadium, to Boston, Cambridge and Concord. I had some pretty amazing adventures and loved seeing new places, meeting new people, learning and having fun.

2. I had some incredible work opportunities. I started working for BYU Radio, and was able to do some fun work on national radio there. I then got an internship at KSL where again, I met some amazing people and learned so much about my career path. Then I got hired at KSL (twice), learned even more about working in a newsroom, and found a place to stick around for a while.

3. I powered through my freshman, sophomore/junior, and half of my senior year of college. I worked hard and got good grades, had some classes I absolutely loved and some that I tolerated, and just overall had a great time going to school.

4. I worked for BYU Student Alumni. I ran the communications for the BYU Food Drive for two years in a row, and ran communications for the Traditions Ball last April. The friends I made at Alumni will be people I cherish forever. I loved serving my university and having fun while doing it!

5. I made some amazing friends. Friends that will last me for a lifetime. And beyond. I figured out who was really going to be there for me when the going got tough, and I feel so lucky that I was able to meet those people.

6. I dated. Some of these guys were not so good. Others were part of a larger plan to help me learn and grow. I don't regret that for a second. I was able to learn so much about myself, become a better version of myself, and make friends that will never, ever let me down. That's pretty lucky if you ask me.

7. I became more confident and comfortable with myself. I can honestly say I have never been so comfortable in my own skin. I love that over these past two years I figured out how to stop caring so much what other people think of me, and really focus on what I think of myself, and what my Heavenly Father thinks of me.

8. I spent much needed time with my family. It's been amazing to go home and chat with my parents, go on fun outings with my sisters, and we've grown closer together over the past months as we've all grown up.
9. I wrote to Elder Low every single week. And I wrote other missionary friends often. It was awesome to get to learn and grow with them.

10. My testimony grew exponentially. I had experiences that I'm sure I needed to have, that were planned and placed so I could learn, and become stronger in this gospel. I had missionary moments, service opportunities, church callings, and was able to go from knowing about my Savior, to knowing him so personally. I learned how my Heavenly Father speaks to me individually. And I learned how to be a better instrument in his hands by obeying what he asks me to do.





And that's all folks.
Happy Thursday everyone!