Years ago

• 10 years ago today I was in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) preparing to serve a mission in Venezuela. As I was enjoying the spiritual feast that the MTC offers, little did I know what I had really gotten myself into! I should have known when some stranger started singing Welcome to the Jungle (Guns-n-Roses) to me and the other sisters on the plane upon landing in Venezuela that life would be different in this strange land south of the border, way south of the border. It really was a jungle! Reality set in a few days later while grocery shopping with my companion. It was sticky hot, I was tired and I could barely speak the language. I remember almost crying as I listened to my companion order cheese in Spanish thinking that it was going to be a long time before I'd be able to order anything let alone communicate with people in general! I was so overwhelmed! I secretly hoped I'd get hit by a car or come down with some strange sickness so I could go home, that's how scared I was! I'm glad that didn't happen! I would have missed out on one of the best adventures of my life. Those first few months were humbling. I thought I was a lot tougher! However, I hung in there and with help from above, lots of help from above I was able to do what I set out to do. While teaching the gospel, I met some amazing people and learned so much about myself and life. Venezuela is a beautiful country full of wonderful people. I really hope to go back and visit someday. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to serve a mission. It was one of the best decisions of my life!
• 6 years ago, almost 7, I was engaged to be married. Again, I had no idea what I was getting myself into! Well, I had a clue but so many things in life you just don't know about until you are there in it! We had mailed our wedding invitations and plans were underway for the big event! I had my dress, the flowers were ordered and I knew exactly what kind of cake I wanted. With my head in the clouds, little did I know about all the trials, tribulations, and extremely happy times that lay ahead. The wedding and reception were beautiful, definitely a day to remember. It went by so fast though. Like I blinked my eye and it was over! The journey of marriage is another great adventure. Life is so much more fun and interesting with a cute guy by my side. He gives me much strength. I'm glad I married him! He's a keeper : )
• 1 and 1/2 years ago approximately, I was pregnant. By this time I was over the yucky morning sickness phase and looking forward with such excitement to welcoming my baby girl into the world. Again, little did I know what I was in for! Starting with her birth which was an emergency C-section, I was reminded that things don't always go as planned. I never thought I'd have a C-section! I just didn't think I'd be part of those statistics. However, it wasn't as bad as I thought. I realized that it doesn't really matter how our kids get to us just as long as they do! When you get to hold your baby in your arms for the first time, you're not thinking about how she/he got there, you just think about how much you love him or her. I couldn't believe and still can't believe how much love I have for this little girl! It's true what they say, everything does change. I feel lucky to be a mom.