"Don't leave the Lord out of your life."

I've been balancing many different emotions this past week. Some pleasant, and some, well, not so pleasant. I'm not upset, or resent having these emotions. No, not one bit. Sometimes, being on your own in a new state, gives you the impression that you have to deal with certain things in your life alone. Whether its about school, boys, or any other type of relationships. But that's not true. This week has been new to me. I've lost communication with someone very dear to me, I had to prepare for my first college exam, and everything from my phone got deleted. (however I did finally get my laptop, woooo!) Losing everything from my phone may make me sound like some phone addict who freaks when something goes wrong with it, but I don't think I can be blamed for being upset after unexpectedly losing all my contacts. However, I must admit that I shoudn't have let it affect me. After a night of mourning my loss(don't judge), I prayed for peace of mind and to look at this situation in a positive way. I also seeked to understand that this communication I lost with this person could be a great thing for them & I. Oh & the test? Totally passed it. Awwyeah. I realized that all that weight I was carrying around, was something I didn't have to carry alone. The Savior feels the depth of our suffering and he wants us to cast our burdens upon him, and to know that we do not have to do this alone. We are not alone. When we wonder if we are known by our savior, we must remember that the Lord knows every detail of our prayers. He does not want us to leave him out of our lives. I know that the Lord is walking this journey with me, and because of that certainty, I know that I am not forgotten.

I'm lovin' it.

No, not McDonalds.  Well... okay ANYWAYS, here, my current home in Rexburg, Idaho. Before I left, I was never able to say I was 100% ready for this journey. Boy was I wrong. I was so ready. It has been the best 2 weeks of my life. However, I do miss my family, but I dont quite miss home. This is my home. It's not permanent, but wherever the Holy Ghost is, the spirit feels like home. There has not been a moment where I do not feel the spirit. It seriously never leaves here, & that's just beautiful. I've met many lovley people. I know I'll be just fine here. And now that I have a super fun calling of greeting people as they enter the chapel, I'll be sure to make many new friends. I love it here. And I'm so excited for the rest of this semester. Here are some pics of my recent home!

Beautiful trees.

View from The Crossroads.

My sweet apartment door.

KIWI LOCO, yum!

And so it begins.

I left for Idaho this morning, and I must admit, I was heartbroken with the thought of leaving home. Last night I asked my brother in law to give me a blessing of comfort so that my departure wouldn't be so difficult. However, I still continued to be sad. Why? I lacked faith. I knew I'd be okay, but I continued to think negative. I prayed to my father in Heaven, and he answered. There was no doubt in my mind I wouldn't be okay out here in Idaho. It's been only one day of being away from home and I've already crossed so many things off my bucket list. Fly in a plane? Check! See the Hollywood sign? Check! Visit temple square? Check! Have in-n-out? Check! See some mountains? Check! And I've also witnessed my Heavenly Fathers love once again. 

 1st: As I checked my bags in at the airport, I was told my suitcase was 15 pounds over the free limit weight, which meant I'd have to pay an extra $50 or empty my suitcase a bit more (which would have been awful since I was in a packed airport). My dad began to collect the money when this young lady turns to me and offers to pay. I was stunned. Maybe she was kidding? Well, she wasn't. She followed with, "I've been in the same situation and I'd love to help," as she handed the lady at the front desk her credit card. I knew Heavenly Father had sent me an angel. I was so happy to know kind people really do exist. Even if they're complete strangers.  

2nd: This was my first time being in a plane so yes, I was freaked. (turns out they're not that bad) Well, thanks to my instincts & my young women medallion, I chose to sit next to a girl who seemed pretty nice. I wasn't expecting her to ask, "I couldn't help but notice your medallion. Are you on your way to BYU-I?" She then explained she was also heading up there for her freshman year. I was so glad that I wasn't left alone on that long flight. And since she was also a member, we had plenty to talk about so that I wouldn't notice the taking off of the plane. (which, again, isn't too bad.)

Last but not least: As I drove with a wonderful friend of mine to Idaho, I couldn't help but notice all the temples we passed through. And they all say the same thing, "Holiness to the Lord. The House of the Lord." I knew in that moment that this gospel, these temples, and my Heavenly Father love for me is the same anywhere. And I knew I wasn't alone. I have so many things inspiring me. And I will not give up. Not now, not tomorrow, not ever.