First Birthdayin the mish and One Month Down!! (posted late)

Well 1 month down in the actual mission field and I am loving it!

Santaquin is wonderful and such a small town i feel right at home. My

companion Hermana Santos is wonderful, and I couldn't have asked for a

better trainer to whip me into UPM Missionary condition!

So I've definitely learned so much in just this one month i can't

imagine what the next 16 months have in store for me! I love the

people here, and I love that they tend to laugh at my lack of spanish

knowledge then look at me like I'm a straight up idiot... Which

happens a lot to. But hey you serve and you learn(;

So I know I've been a total slacker at writing on my blog but that

stops today, and I for now on will update my blog weekly or at least

every two weeks! I have learned a lot about goal setting abd how awful

I am at making certain things happen.. Like writing in my journal for

instance. (Sorry future kids and self i'll try and get better)

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it truly has something for

every person in this workd going through anything. We have a man we

teach 2x a week who is a recent convert, amd he just glows every time

he reads El Libro De Mormon. Every time i see this man I think to

myself why don't we all have this same glow on our faces? I think

often it's because we forget this gospel is literally a precious gift

from our Heavenly Father and our Savior. To this gentleman the gospel

is a gift that to him is EVERYTHING. Literally. This man knows

exactly how the gospel has changed his life because it came so re-

cently to him. I challenge each of you to truly focus on how this 

gospel makes us who we are each day, and don't let a day go by 

that we don't smile and thank our Heavenly Father for it each day

that we live.  exactly how the gospel has changed his life because it came so re-

cently to him. I challenge each of you to truly focus on how this 

gospel makes us who we are each day, and don't let a day go by 

that we don't smile and thank our Heavenly Father for it each day

that we live.

Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Hello All of my Loved Ones!

Week 1 in Good ole Santaquin Utah has officially come to an end and here I sit writing a blog entry to tell you all of my fun and exciting stories, but instead for this post I just wanted to share some really cool perks of being called to serve in the Provo Utah Mission.

1.) We are allowed to go to the temple quarterly. We are also allowed to go to the temple with our recent converts as often as we can get them to go. This includes going to any of the Utah Temples except for the Salt Lake City Temple. We are however allowed to go to the SLC if a family in our area is being sealed. Way Sweet Right?!

2.) We get to attend General Conference twice during our missions. So family start planning your General Conference trip now(: Just kidding.. I think. ha

3.) In May my brother will be leaving for his mission. That is exciting, but here is the really exciting part. If he is called to the Provo Utah Mission I am allowed to go and to be there with him as he enters the MTC. I could also go through the temple with him and MY FAMILY for his endownments if they chose to wait until he comes to Utah for those. What a blessing. literally. 

4.) I get to eat wonderful Mexican Food. This week we had green chili, tamales and so many other yummy things.

5.) The winter is cold. That would go on my list of bad things.. but as a missionary I will find the positive in every situation. 

I love this area. I love these people. Although I may not understand exactly what they are saying 80% of the time, I am still able to communicate with them through the universal language of the spirit. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. How thankful I am to have been raised on a family foundation that was centered on Christ. I am excited to go throughout this area spreading the knowledge I have that families are forever. 

Love you all,

Hermana Johansen

The Closet of a Future Missionary

Okay so you know those skirts and shirts you've always thought were plenty conservative and decent?! Yep get ready for it.. Throw them away!

There is no time for tugging your skirt down, pulling your tank top up, and all the other things us girls do on a daily basis to make us modest. Or as a lady with bronchitis said.. "Ain't nobody go time for that."

Throw out the tank tops and bring in the crew cut solid tees for layering purposes.

And those high heels shoes you love.. Box em up! You'll see those babies again in 18 months!

I being the super cutesy clothing person that I am have struggled with the transition into calf length skirts and no fitted skirts. But guess what!!! I have done it and all on a budget(:  

The 3 outfits below were soooo cheap! But full of quality..

Let me let you in on a little secret. I NEVER buy anything FULL price.. That is just tossing extra money out the window I could use for another clearance item!!

So how'd I buy a whole new wardrobe you ask?? On a budget. One word. Clearance.

CLEARANCE.

Yes, that rack that many people think is just for clothes that are out of season or too ugly to be sold. FALSE.

So my very first missionary purchase was 8 cardigans from target! Price of each a whopping....drum roll please....$5.44 cents! So that was a steal!

Second huge find! Oldnavy.com 8 shirts for $50.00?! Um yes. Not to mention two of those were denim button ups for $4 each.. So I'm telling ya there's a way!!

Okay so I know you don't wanna hear all of my bills but let me show you three outfits that each were under $20

(Photo credit: Mau Loa Photography- Fort Smith, Arkansas)

Outfit 1-
Coral Skirt and Seafoam Green top!
Skirt- $5.27 (Dollar General).. It was $5 don't judge I'll be honest I was embarassed to be buying clothing here.. then I tried it on and I was like I am in LOVE.
Top- $10.00 (Crane Clothing, bought from a friend NWT)
Belt- $.50 (Wet Seal)
Grand total! = $15.77

Outfit 2-
Polka dot blouse and Maroon Skirt!
Skirt- $4.99 (Walls)
Top- $7.99
Cardigan- $5.00 (Charlotte Russe)
Belt-$.50 (Wet Seal)
Grand Total- $18.48

Outfit 3-
Denim Blouse- $4.00 (old navy.com)
Black Maxi - $8.00 (forever 21)
Grand Total - $12.00!!

So yes I love a good deal. I've shopped stores I have never shopped for clothes before. But hey! It works. Without breaking the bank. And my leopard Sperrys pictured in all the outfits were $32.00! How amazing.

A sale is good. Clearance is great, but the gospel of Jesus Christ is the absolutle best. I can not wait to serve!! 20 days(: say whaaaaaa!!!

Photo Credit: Mau Loa Photography!

44 days where did my time go?!

My goodness gracious it was only 7 weeks ago I was saying oh my gosh I have to wait 3 months before I leave! I questioned if the General Presidency of the church was trying to test my patience. Haha just kidding, I was just really ready to go because when I knew I was going to serve I KNEW. So why must one wait 3 months? Well let me tell you the Lord knows me oh so well and I love him and this gospel more and more.

This morning I woke up and since it's my little sister's birthday I was like oh it's July 6th... Then it sunk in and I was like wait what?! That means I only have 44 days to be just the ordinary Kimber Jo that I am! My mind was blown as I walked to each of my siblings and said did you know I only had 44 days left, their facial expressions seemed to match mine...where has the time gone?!

Utah is sounding better and better as time goes on and it in a way already feels like my new home. Obviously it will never be home where my family will be, but I'm ready to meet my mission family. I love my life here and I will be just as excited to return home to my life here when it is my time to be back in Arkansas!

My packing list is pretty small... Or so I think.. My mom thinks 15 scarves is 14 too many.. What does she know she doesn't wear scarves!! (: (love you mom)

How many skirts should I bring? How many shoes? How many shirts? All questions running through my mind along with what if I don't pick up spanish quickly??! Out of all these questions I have the one I have that is most profound is how am I going to deal with the the goodbyes at the airport. I know that my family will be taken care of and blessed while I'm away, but I will miss the laughs, the wrestling and all other crazy things my family do on a regular basis. I love them. I love all of my loved ones. It'll be 3.5 years before I see my brother again. I love my Lil bro he's my Bestie. I know this goodbye is possible through my testimony of this gospel that it is the true church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I know as I put all faith in my father in heaven he will prepare a way.

I love this gospel.

Utah Provo Mission.. Say What?!

So you know when you are preparing to go on a mission and everyone tells you that you are gonna go where you least want to go?! Yeah..lettme tell ya! They speak truth!!

So I first wanna apologize for not telling everyone I decided to serve a mission. It was a personal decision between myself and my Heavenly Father. My decision and mission process was fast and easy since I had my papers filled out a year and a half ago when I first turned 21! So I want you know keeping it in was a very hard  secret to keep and I watched just about every single mission call to ever be posted on YouTube.. Pathetic I know but I'd just sit and practice my reaction.. Okay not really but just watching the people suddenly be consumed in excitement just made me so happy!! And somehow this got me through not spilling the beans to too many people.

So, the call came and I had to wait 8 hours!! That call was in my posession for 8 hours it just sat there and finally I hid it under a pillow so I wasn't tempted to peak. My oldest sister Casey wouldn't be off work until later to Skype...drats!!

At 5:30, my family gathered together joined by my boyfriend and his parents and my sister and her hubby via Skype from Iowa! Here it was the moment I've been dreaming about since I was a little girl.  I opened my call and started reading... I took it one line at a time and there it was! I saw the words Utah Provo Mission???!!! Say what! I let out a laugh and a smile and said Utah a hundred times. I continued reading to learn I'd be reporting to the Mexico MTC and would be speaking Spanish! Best of both worlds yeah?

I immediately knew Utah was where I was meant to serve and I was genuinely excited and happy to serve there. Now let's be honest what individual doesn't wanna go foreign and see the world? Well ladies and gentleman it's not a vacation and the gospel is needed just as much in Provo Utah as it is in Zimbabwe or Antarctica! Lol so it was almost a sigh of relief when I realized I'd be serving in the safest country ever!!

The immediate reasons that went through my head about why I was excited to serve in Utah?!

1.) I'd be safe.. My parents wouldn't have to worry about the dangers of a foreign country!

2.) US Postal service!! Woo! 2-3 days for mail. I'll take it any day!

3.) Indoor plumbing?! Um yes no peeing in a hole in the ground for me.

4.) The Mormon world is small and in Utah it's even smaller. I am bound to run into someone I know eventually.

5.) Instant snowboarding and skiing connections for when I get home(;

6.) Missionaries gain weight in Utah..so they must be taken care of. My workout routine is already in progress.

7.) The church is true even in Utah and people are lacking the gospel everywhere.

8.) I've always hated Utah (sorry) but its true I am not a fan of it.. So I am beyond thankful for the chance to serve and love the saints in Utah.

9.) I'll be back out west... Serving Latin families.. Real Mexican food. Yes please!!

10.) All I know how to ask in Spanish is,

"are you single?".. I'm excited to expand my Spanish..

11.) Most importantly a mission is not a vacation or a chance to get a plane ticket to another country and to explore.. Yes going foreign has perks, but a mission if served faithfully and with every ounce of diligence in a person a person can grow into an extrodinary tool in the lords work even in Utah.

12.) 3 Temples are in my area that I know of.. Could be more(;

So if you happen to get called to the states.. Trust me it is just as exciting and has it's pros just like going foreign.

Now.. Let the shopping begin.. Skirts.. Winter clothes.. Yes please.

-Kimber

Us Americans and Our Dirty Hair

Funny funny story I have for you today! Okay soo.. Since being away in China and South Korea I have been having to do laundry a lot more regular then I have ever had to do before. Ya know long trip limited bag space there's just only so much a girl can do. I know what your thinking why do I want to hear about this? Well let's just say it has nothing to do with my clothing rather than the detergent used for my clothes.

For the past few years my mom has switched our family from powdered detergent to liquid and then to the tide pods so yeah we are fashionably up to date on our detergent(; anyways so one evening a group of us took a trip to our local shady "coin wash" and did laundry. When I finished I just dropped my little tide box in my bag and didn't think twice about the potential mess.

The next morning was a doozy extremely busy with alot of extra wind in my hair and tangles galore. When we got back to Hotel Vision we were all going out to shop and I didn't have time to shower. So what does this girl do? Oh yes. She reaches in her bag and pulls out a ball cap only to find as I put on my cap that the hat had so convienently filled up with powdered detergent and fell straight on my hair and to the roots. As I said earlier I had no spare time so I stood over the shower and shook at my hair as well as I could.  A group of us went out to grab some donuts for the early night ahead of us and while out I decided to get my haircut. I walked into the salon and disregard any communication problem that potentially was there. I sat down and the man looked at my hair and started waving his hands and said no no no no cut! He saw the detergent in my hair and flipped out that I had some freak hair issue. Now, I promise anyone can check my hair and see it is very healthy. I left the salon with such disappoint and embarassement of that man waving his arms in disgust.

Today was really raining and it was really interesting to check out the Hyundai Factory and all that it had to offer to the community of Ulsan. It is really interesting how communities around Korea are based around such incredible industries. The Hyundai plant seemed to be very efficient and orderly in what it did. I found it really impressive that they said it takes on average a total of 5 hours to complete one Hyundai Elantra from start to finish, but for their premium elite car the equus it took 44 hours.

Warning lol

Sorry posts arent as pretty don't have much time to edit and stuff

Bathroom disaster at 2am

2a.m.bathroom breakoutImagine yourself sitting in your hotel neighbor's bedroom watching sponge bob waiting up to make sure everyone made it home from their evening adventures safely. Then right I'm the middle of hearing Patrick yell at spongebob in Chinese you hear a KNoCK and a THuD then a thump and a great big OH HECKKK NO!!! Lol as I stepped into my room I hear Mariah yelling I'm stuck. Lol yep that's right straight out of the shower with no clothes or towel she is trapped! Hehe I had not s clue what to do except to grab the guys and we went to town on the door. At some point we made the lights go off and well I think her scream could have waken up the dead. Lol in the process of breaking in we heard some metal hit the ground inside the bathroom and then Mariah in her Louisiana accent "uh dat ain't no good Rollin down der on the ground"- it was the door handle. We knocked it off. Oops. 

Messy post

BeijingLonova PC factory -  (sorry no cameras allowed we were VIP)Okay so here's the deal, in my life have never once sat in a presentation that I was slightly interested in or made me think holy moly that speaker was meant for that position. Well at Lenova we had a young lady by the name of Anna who was off the charts dedicated to her job and company. She really showed me that the biggest strength in marketing was having a passion for the product you work for. Anna had an incredible personality and what was so interesting that it was by far the best business presentation I have ever been to. But here's the kicker she was wearing jeans a T-shirt and wait for it... Zebra high top reeboks. Even though Anna had no business look she truly represented the perfect business woman.I am so impressed by how cheap everything is here in China. It is funny because when you walk into a store for clothes or something all the numbers you see are big huge numbers at first it threw me off then I realized I just had to divide by six to equal it to our US dollar and then I thought let the games begin!McDonald's is becoming my best friend, a Big Mac here is well ten times tastier the the ones in the US.The night life, you only live once and who knows even though of love to return to this city there is no guarantee I will so what is a girl supposed to do? Not just sit in her room and wait it out. A group of friends went out and explored a little and practiced our taxi skills. Great Wall- There is a reason people here stay so skinny! That would be because they walk the Great Wall of China and let me tell you that "you feel the burn." At the beginning of the day we were asked which we would rather do a 2 mile hike up or a 5 mile walk. Of course we all wanted to be big and bad and walk the five mile because this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and well we thought we were tough enough to handle The Great Wall... I think it should be called the Great Climb to be more specific. Within in the first 3 minutes of walking our calves were already burning and we has lost any breath we had. I truly think there should be a Great Wall training course on a treadmill because it was rough. Our group made it to the top and enjoyed every minute of the view and I can't believe how much work went into that wall. It was so nest to reflect on the fact that they had no technology and they truly built that wall to. Protect their people.Forbidden City- My favorite Disney movie is Mulan and once I arrived at the forbidden city I thought to myself that my whole life has been a lie because that movie doesn't even grasp how big the the Forbidden City actually is. The forbidden city is absolutely gorgeous and nothing short of impressive of the architecture and artwork gone into every single detail of these places. At the forbidden city my favorite part was the gorgeous garden that was within the walls of the city and it contained the only trees within that area. GORGEOU

First day

Where to begin I guess it's day five and already I have had so many crazy things. The people here are exquisite and just absolutely the most kind hearted people ever. They are so funny,  since we are doing so many things with the TUT university here there are several students we see all day long and have become rather good friends with them. What's funny is that their "English name" changes every time we meet them. They chose names that they think are cool and famous in the US like yesterday we met a guy who wanted to be called neyo bc he thought the rapper would be someone the ladies really liked.  Let me tell you about Candice- Candice is probably the sweetest girl I've met here and literally if we spoke the same language I think we'd be best friends. Lol but when I think about Candice my stomach literally aches. She is so set on completely showing me her culture that at every meal she loads my plate for me by bringing me extra servings of stuff that I never wanted or needed. Since in China I have yet to have one thing that I found relatively good and well Candice she hasn't had anything she doesn't like and feels like I should feel like her. The city here is crazy and people live on top of one another drive down the road and I guarantee you will see bras and undies hanging from every window.Our hotel is this lovely international hotel and well it seemed rather nice until I was showering and all of a sudden my feet were covered in yellow waste and sewer water coming out of the drain... Talk about being 5 inches in someone else's waste water. Yuck . So when I used all of my towels to some what clean up the mess I had the pleasure of getting To go do an interpretive dance for the front desk people trying to sign the phrase I need a towel. Apparently pretending to scrub your hair and arm pits only gets you a bag of Kleenex 

Confusion- it's mutual

First day- Confusion it's mutual

Well what would you know that our very first flight was right on time .NOT.  Let me explain my itinerary or should I say our itinerary to our latest adventure!

Depart LR Airport @ 4:55 headed to Houston international

Depart Houston @7:30 headed towards LAX

4 hour layover depart LAX @ 12:20 am headed towards Seoul 

Arrive I'm Seoul 14 hours later

3 hour layover then four hour flight to tienjien

As you can see our flight has some pretty easy following times well... It's not that easy if you see a huge red DELAYED sign. Much to our dismay we started out with 4 boarding passes and finished the day with like 9. Yes 9, we definitely have great customer service skills and bargaining skills with airport workers. I'd say that's my first takeaway of this whole trip- just nod and shake your head top to bottom then left to right when being spoken to in another language. That way the person you are talking to is equally confused! Trust me it helps with all other chaos.

Whoever invented this thing called United Airlines really should take notes from Asiana Airlines.. 

1.) Non stop drink services (unlimited bathroom breaks) 

2.) Somewhat decent food  raw fish baby!

3.) Free Slippers - such a high quality I'm sure I can sell mine on ebay (;

4.) 23 movie choices- heck yeah I'm totally all caught up on the hobbit, oz, life of pi, warm bodies, and well lucky me some Mark Whalberg movie and I am okay with that(;

Upon arrival at the LAX international terminal that was my first true culture shock and I don't mean by the crazy array of LA weirdos...  Once you step inside that terminal all hopes of communicating properly goes out the window! Let the confusion begin right? Tell me about it... Speak to me in Celsius, kilometers, Chinese or Korea and I got nothing for you but a dear in headlights stare and possibly a say what?!?  It's great to be me, at least they like my smile.

I met this girl named Joslyn on my flight and she was headed to Tawainn but her and I talked our whole three hour flight she gave me some great tips! The two biggest were ABSOLUTELY under no circumstances use a restaurant's silverware in Beijing.  Unless you have a killer immune system. And second, never buy bottle water from street vendors especially if it is frozen, she said the frozen water hides the used straws. Backwash and teeth of previous users...... Yeah buddy. Little extra plaque never hurt anybody!

The people are already so friendly and I haven't even arrived in Korea yet... That could be because my impression is the nice stewardess who work to please.  But I do expect they will be very friendly when we arrive. 

Biggest Horror Story of the trip Flight 70XX on United Airlines was the male steward dude thing... Lets just say he was about 40 with awfully dyed red hair that was parted smack down the center with curls (made with an iron I'm sure) right above his ears. Like a ginger George Washington.  But that's not the worst part he had bats in the cave and I heard multiple people say they refused to get a complimentary drink because they were scared it would fall into their drink.haha. 

Well my free drink lady is coming back around so I gotta go before I miss out on my 8th round of orange juice. Building up the calcium(;

Toddles! Leave comments

Tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow! Is only a day away:(

Well ladies and gentlemen it is 26 hours until my big adventure! My excitmenet has yet to kick in over my fear and nerves. Packing has been the biggest part of this adventure so far!  This is definitely my first vacation where I have to pack my own toilet paper!

I am no expert packer butttt I do know how to be prepared lol some of my favorite items I have found to take include:

Bath and body works hand sanitizer purse clip

Tide Pods for easy packing for laundry

Lysol individial spray

Now I know in Seoul and Beijing it isn't as say filthy as other foreign countries however I just would rather be safe than sorry. I get tummy bugs easy and I'd rather not catch any foreign parasites!

Finals

Ya know those times where your like wanting to go to bed crying and wake up crying.....yeah that's finals week.  I have never been a study bug but this semester I've been rather studious. Whoever said studying helps obviously never studied.

Who I was, Who I am, and Who I'll be

I can't even find a name for the title of this post and the proper way to explain my inspiration for this blog and the importance I am placing on it for my future and my personal growth in the gospel. I find it important to share with those close to me the reasons why I chose not to go on a mission. It is still something I get asked everyday.

 As a young child I was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints as a Mormon. Growing being a Mormon was never an easy or a walk on the clouds for me pushing through being judged, ridiculed and teased quite often. Although, my life as a Mormon may not always been easy it was and still is the perfect way to live my life and the foundation of my happiness.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is such a key element in who I am today and what I have become in my early adult years. As a kid I knew the gospel was true from the get go and never had a doubt in my mind of the gospel  and the truth of it. I wanted to serve a young mission at a very young age not only for myself, but also  for my family and most importantly for my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. A mission to me was all I focused on growing up in the gospel and my desire to learn and study to prepare myself for a mission. I constantly found myself telling all the people I met I am going on a mission not getting married. And I did this on a constant basis just to remind myself of where I was going.

When adulthood rolled around for me and the magic age of 21 was rolling around, I had been in a relationship with a boy for a few years.. a rather cute boy at that. And we had a good incredible relationship other then the few here and there disagreements we had with one another about my choice to leave for a year and a half for a mission. I knew that I wasn't going to stay home from my mission for just some silly boy. HOWEVER; This boy was different though and through our entire relationship he knew that my mission was what I wanted to do and constantly guided me and reminded me that I should always follow my heart and do what I know what was right for myself. That cute boy kept me laughing and had me looking towards the future in ways that I didn't even know were possible. Remember your talking to the girl who wants zeroo kids and not to be married.. yeah right thats changed now. This cute boy was the type of guy that was serious when he needed, but without a moments notice he would flip me over his shoulder and we would wrestle for hours. This boy was the boy I never truly appreciated enough for little did I know what I wanted in the future with him.

That cute boy and I broke up because I was in a constant battle with my heart, mind and my testimony of where I should be at in the gospel and well quite frankly I was in a deep dark hole for a few good months. My bedtime prayers soon became deep tear filled pleas to my Heavenly Father asking him what he would have me do.

During this dark time of my life and the previous years before I had been a full-time student and being a successful one at that maintaining to keep my scholarship and in fact I am graduating a whole year early.. and for those who know me know that is an accomplish because every morning I walk out my door saying "Today is the day I drop out." Well three years later I still haven't dropped out and I am still in school graduating in December. With all the college scene comes the Young Single Adult activities and that fun stuff... our stake is lacking that and I was just about as inactive to those activities as a person could be. I couldn't have been a worse YSA member at the time and know that my life was not on track with the progress of my fellow peers other then the incredible group of church friends I have that hang out on a regular basis and grow from each of their amazing examples...

Now as I continued to pray and study about what my decision was going to be as my parents anxiously awaited to hear that, "I was going to go on my mission." I began to feel other promptings and feelings from the holy ghost maybe in a sense guiding me the other way. I soon felt impressed to participate and get to know some more of our YSA and also to focus on school and my future of building an eternal family with that cute boy of mine that I let go. I felt so alone at times that it often just felt like I had no one to run to. On one side of shoulder I had little people saying go on a mission the Lord will bless you and on the other shoulder I had little voices saying get married it is just so fun!! And all I really wanted to do was to be able to make a decision for myself and for my timing.

"Faith in God is Faith in His Timing"

Lo' and behold it is now May and I am still here in Arkansas because I have chosen not to serve a mission at this point and time in my life.I have been 21 for several months and it does feel a little weird that I am not awaiting a mission call or already out teaching people the gospel. I stayed home to fulfill what the Lord has in store for me and my life at this time I plan to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in December. I am now currently serving as the YSA rep in the Fort Smith Stake and from this calling I have in a sense have been assigned a missionary zone and get to help bring the members of my home area to the gospel. I also strive to continue and maintain a healthy relationship with that cute boy from months ago and can't wait to see where my life take me on my next journey.

I can't express to you now that it is all over how silly I feel forever thinking that I was every really truly alone. I know that my Heavenly Father is constantly with me no matter how alone I felt at that time.

I am now in a difficult place in my life battling to find where my place in life is or where I am headed. With all of the confusion and darkness in my life I have never been more confused with who I am and who I'm supposed to be. I know that I have become a little bit more angry and unhappy lately then I ever have been in my life and I truly want to change that. I want to find the exact purpose that I have here on earth and I want everyone to know that I still have a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

My family has been supportive with my decision and they too are now excited for the upcoming events that will happen in my future. I can't tell you enough how dark of a place I have been in with my life and testimony and feeling like there was no one. I testify to each and everyone of you that we are not alone.

I truly have learned several things in the past few months:

1.)  My answer to stay home from my mission was clear as day for the three reasons above, and I need to rely solely on my faith in order to believe that and have faith in the future.

2.) Every individual has their free agency to make or break their future and their decisions, and it is key for us as individuals to put on our eternal prospective goggles why looking at what makes us happy. I know that's what I strive for. I believe i made the decision that was best for my future.

3.) We never are alone.

4.) Patience. Not even close to perfect on this one. still learning to act on this one, but I have learned that it is very important in the growth and sustaining of any relationships.

5.) Expectations of people, places, and thing really can dampen any situation. It is so important to go in any situation with open eyes expecting to be loved, hurt, changed or moved.

6.) Let your loved ones find their own happiness. Something I have really struggled with lately is not being the one to make the most important people in my life happy. Their smiles, laughs, and well- being is really all that every ounce of my worry has been for.

7.) Let the people in your life know how important they are and how much you truly care for them because you never know at a moments notice when you won't have the opportunity to lift them up.

8.) Be there person people want to have in their lives.

9.) Strive to be a better friend

10.) Never lose sight of your testimony.

 I can't let go of my faith. And I must stay strong and hope that I become the individual I once was. I want to to be the best I can and never allow my fear or saddness get in the way of what is to come in my future.Only time will tell what is meant to be in this little ole life i live. 

 

Two weeks.. But who is counting!?

Agh! Tis that time again where I could literally and physically pull out every strand of hair without a bit of pain because I am so overwhelmed with frustration and HOMEWORK!

The last two weeks of school suck the life out of me every semester and I have yet to learn my lesson not to stress out or freak out. This semester has been the prime example why I should not studddyy. With all of my efforts and hours of studying I have yet to feel like I am going to maintain my scholarship or even pass my classes... ugh:/ So not my usual performance.

Things to do:

1.) Pass four classes that I am currently skimming the surfaces with.
2.) Get my sister's wedding decor finalized along with organize everything!
3.) Pack for China and South Korea! I leave in 3 weeks!! Eek.


I have been searching like a mad woman trying to find tips and tricks to packing successfully for a long trip, but making it light!  My theory as of right now is to pack maxi skirts, dresses and a few versatile shirts! That way I can be comfy, cute and classy(: I also am going to have to pack some unattractive business clothes.. but guess that's what happens when you got to go to some business meetings(:

Can't wait to share my adventures with you!

Kansas City.. it's beginning to look a lot like home.

Okay! So here is the deal.. My sister met this boy (adam) and well he lives in Iowa.. and well what do you know they fell in love and all that mushy stuff and are now engaged to be married June 7th in Illionois! Woo Kimber JO world traveler coming soon to a theater near you:) . Anywho.. along with their engagement I have had the awesome experience of getting to go back to my favorite place ever!! KANSAS CITY. Now now don't go thinking um does she live under a rock? There is nothing in Kansas City.. but really there is trust me!

Kansas City- Eek! I am so excited about this place!! in the past two months I have had the pleasure of getting to spend 6 days around and about touring KC. When my family goes on a trip it shouldn't really be a vacation so much as it is an exploration or adventure! My family makes sure we see all that there is! lol Ask any friend who has been on a trip with us how sore their feet are at the end of the night!

Kansas City to me could be described as one big melting pot of eclectic architecture and people... And let me tell you I have been inspired!

A few of my favorites from my adventures:

 This is me and the bride-to-be my gorgeous sister Casey and my little goofball of a sister Al

 Agh! The possibilites are endless in large grocery stores like KC has to offer for us Gluten-Free aka celiacs.. and I can't tell you how excited it is for me to find such a large collection. Although, with such selection comes some taste testing... some gluten things taste toooo...uhh Health Store-ish. like that odd smell that makes your nostrils twitch when you walk in?

 Antique shops GALORE. And these aren't like antique shops you find in every town these are very high-end with good quality and antiques that can be used and are ORIGINAL. I went into this one and it was basically the most legit old shop ever. Let's just say that the holes in the floors were patched with license plates and the entire ceiling was all vintage lighting. IN LOVE.

This is one of my favorite pieces.. no idea why but I have literally always wanted a vintage one! I cannot tell you how excited I was to find this one and the condition of it. I think that old fashion pieces like this make for great room fillers.
(ignore fact i am having a brain fart and forgot what this is called)

 There are about 5 vendors that are fresh spices straight from countries that I cannot even pronounce!! And they smell amazing(: My family tends to pick 3 out that we have never used and create masterpieces or disasters when we get home!

Produce! This is the very end of the market at the end of the day when we went there was very few people. There is about 2 miles of produce just in circles along with crazy amazing restaurants from every nationality and they are all authentic. Yesterday the produce was swamped with about 800 people! Crazy amazing.

One last thing which i didn't take a photo of is their incredible unique housing developments downtown. So shabby and chique!

When I left KC this weekend I decided that I was meant to be a someone who just goes with the flow kinda like the people there and that can make a statement. If anyone is up for a road trip to see the greatness in KC just holler(:

The origin of our smile

Let's talk smiles and happiness... Genuine Smiles and Happiness.

At least once a day we see our reflection whether it is in a mirror, a window or looking down into some water. When we look at ourselves do we find ourselves being happy with who we see? We are on a constant train ride of change and progression in our lives and each scenario day to day molds and shapes us to who we are now and who are to become. 

Often we found ourselves doubting who we are and if we are doing a good enough job being ourselves and fulfilling our roles in life. 

Next time you see your reflection look at your smile (remember- a genuine smile) and think to yourself where does that smile come from?

My smile comes from several different sources:

My parents- I have been raised by two incredible people who I know have led be to know that the true meaning of happiness is not wealth, material things or big toys, They have taught me that it is simply the bonds within family, friends, and life moments.

My friends- Friends can come from any where and do just about any thing. My friends well we kinda just role with the punches and always have each others back and support one another through all obstacles of life. It is nice to have those friends that you don't have to talk on a regular basis, but know in the end that they are truer then a lot of friends ever could be. I don't know too many group of friends who are such odd balls as us.

My  faith-I believe that our faith is more then just our gospel beliefs or scriptural doctrine it also includes the principles you learn such as: faith, divine, nature, integrity, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works and integrity.

My attitude- Life is so worth living and there are so many things that are worth experiencing. Go try new things I promise it is worth it. Be adventurous. Don't be afraid of change. Admit Mistakes. Be the bigger person. No one is perfect.  

One thing that breaks my heart in the world that I see so often is mothers and fathers who are truly trying their best to provide a home for their children and being discouraged because maybe their house isn't as clean as everyone of their friends is. Ever feel discouraged because your life isn't as neat on paper as the person next to you? Does the fact that your co-workers life seems so perfect and easy stress you out and get you thinking that your doing something right?  Well that isn't always the right way to look at things.

One thing that I have realized that I feel is so important is that just because people seem to have the world handed to them, they have clean perfect kids or maybe they just don't seem to have conflict I assure you that these people do have conflicts. Happiness isn't a matter of your level of performance of life and your responsibilities it is the ability to bask in the enjoyment of life in what you have and where you are.Enjoy the time with your friends, kids, and people around you in a sense that you are not trying to impress others. Always keep improving yourself, but remember that you can be happy in your state of being now.

 If there is something that you are doing in life now that is keeping your from being happy within the simplest aspects of your life I advise you to change it.