Easter

Its been a while since I've had a "normal" easter.  I don't think I've dyed eggs in over 3 years.  Its funny how that happens when you get out on your own and are always busy.  Thats okay, its not the egg dying that I miss, or the scavanger hunt, or the candy.  What I miss most is the family and time we shared together.  The true purpose of easter however is Christ and in conference today it was focused on Christ, the way it should be.  I can't help but think that this was the best conference I 've ever been a part of, but I likely say that every time.  Its just so refreshing to get a new dose of God's word.  It may not even be something new per-say, but the way it is spoken may catch me in a way I never thought about it.  In short it was a very good Easter.

Thoughts

It seems that when we least feel like doing something, that becomes of greatest worth.  I doubted for a while whether or not to listen to the third session of general conference tonight.  Eventually I went even missing the opening song and prayer in my indecision.  However, what happened from that moment on captivated me.  The talks were brilliant many of which seemed specifically tailored to me, my thoughts, and my current circumstances.  Ronald A. Rasband spoke about missionary service and I couldn't help but think of a certain missionary I miss dearly.  He shared an experience of getting to witness first hand and even participate in the process for assigning a missionary to a mission.  His thoughts were very comforting to me and made me reminesce of when I was called to Bolivia.  Deiter F. Uctdorf spoke about patience a rare virtue, but something I have been fortunate enough to be well acquainted with.  With that in mind I learned even more about the subject and am excited to improve upon that newly acquired knowledge.  I am more confident in what the future holds.  To put it plainly, it was exactly what I needed to hear.  President Eyring spoke of diligence something I am striving to improve on in conjunction with patience.  All the talks were excellent in all three sessions.  I am so thankful to have living prophets and apostles to raise me up even if I'm just starting to slouch or walking straight.  We can always walk a little taller, but sometimes we don't know that until someone from higher ground can point it out.  I know that my fair lady also enjoyed and learned a great deal from what was said.  I can feel it.  With a brighter perspective I look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation for the final two sessions.

Weekend

Thank goodness for general conference this weekend.  I am excited to hear from the leaders of the church and learn what things I should focus on.  There is a distinct advantage to having conference this weekend; that being that I will be busy the majority of the day.  I was a little worried what weekends might bring me now that I have been completely isolated.  It was always hard enough of a struggle, so the additional absence of my girlfriend wasn't going to make it easier.  This way, we will be watching the same thing at the same time.  In a sense we will be together this weekend and I plan to enjoy every moment of it.  Again I say thank goodness for general conference.

Snow

I can't help but feel my world has suddenly turned upside down.  I am living winter in the spring, but it is still spring.  I hear that it is spring break for many people and yet I walked out to a snow storm this morning.  Ironic how the weather can so accurately describe my life.  Spring is thought of as a time for life, growth and beginning.  Winter symbolizes endings, and perhaps sadness.  Snow is purity, tranquility, and splendor.  Combining the three thoughts can accurately describe my life.

As my fair lady enters missionary service it is the end of easy communication.  It is met with reluctant sadness.  Though I am sad to be seperated yet again there is a great calm inside me.  Everything is just fine and I am amazed at the possibilites this new adventure opens.  It is the beginning of a new life.  Our relationship will grow stronger and deeper than ever before.  I can see you there wondering why I could think such a thing.  Consider this.  My fair lady and I finally have to try.  Her focus is clearly on something else as it should be for the time being.  We will have to work harder than ever to keep our fire burning within.  No phone calls, no random visits, just good 'ol snail mail.  Our goals will be united as we support each other.  As she serves she will gain an understanding and appreciation for the service I once conducted in Bolivia.  We are set on bettering ourselves for the greater good, something that makes us shed the shell of childhood and emerge as responsible adults.

Snow could have been a bad thing for me today, especially because I am not particularly fond of cold weather.  However, it was seen as a blessing to make me stop and think.  My world could easily seem upside down, but all I need to do is straighten up and find my bearings.  Snow is a good thing, even in April.

Day 1

Today marks yet another "beginning".  Sister Schardt has entered the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) and I am thrilled for what awaits her there.  It is a little strange having the position switched on me.  When I went to the MTC it was so easy to go, because I was so excited to get to work.  Being on the outside it is so much more bittersweet.  Huge waves of pride passed through me as she entered the MTC to do what God wants her to do.  At the same time a great deal of longing to be at her side crept within me.  In fact I even caught a glimpse of jealousy recalling the many adventures I had at the Missionary Training Center.

I remember Day 1 in the MTC fairly well.  Perhaps I can share a glimpse of what Patricia went through.  When you arrive you are issued your missionary tag with a colored dot indicating that you are new.  Then you are ushered through several lines, one to pick up your access card (this card is used for meals, getting into the correct sleeping quarters, etc.), another to pick up your teaching materials, and if you are lucky enough you get taken immediately to the immunization area just to make sure you took care of everything.  Missionaries are more than willing to help you no matter where you go, so consider it impossible to get lost, unless you suddenly lose the capacity to communicate with other human beings.  You and your luggage are shown to your quarters where you may or may not meet your companion for the first time.  In my case I did.  The rest of the day is already scheduled for you, except for a few personal hours they give you to "unpack" and "meditate".  You go to a few meetings to teach you basic rules and eventually you get food for the first time.  Thank goodness for the cafeteria.

While Sister Schardt was doing all that I was already feeling the blessings of supporting a missionary.  I received an invitation to present my research in Washington D.C.  If that wasn't good enough it was an offer that came with all expenses paid!  I am so excited, things are going great for both of us...at least from what I can tell.  I know she got mail her first day....I made sure of that.  If nothing else that should make it a red letter day.  I love her and I love the gospel we both know to be true.  She will do great!

T-Minus 1

It has finally arrived.  The hours we have left to share are very few.  Already my girlfriend is officially a sister missionary.  I have to admit it doesn't quite seem real, but soon it will be all too real.  I sent off her first letter already so that she will have mail at the MTC upon her arrival.  I'm so excited....I know she will be great.

Clear

What is the color we see most often?  Is it red, green, blue, white, or black?  Or maybe, what we really see the most is clear.  Think of all the void that seperates the blue and the green of sky and grass.  Think of the water we drink.  Windows, bottles, plastic wrap.....hmmmm, it makes me wonder.  I know someone whos favorite color is clear.  They are very fortunate....very fortunate indeed.