Back to the West

Hello there! Well, I have lived in Utah for two months! Crazy how fast time has gone! I know the feeling of flying into Utah was not a pleasant. I was so anxious on what to expect and how things would end up. 

Back story: I decided to move to Utah during my mission. I wanted to attend LDSBC, but couldn't get my application in by the due date. I applied to ten different jobs not hearing back from any of them. I didn't have an apartment, so I moved in with my friend's parents. I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life! But I reminded myself that I received confirmation that I needed to be here. 

So during my time of waiting for school to start, I kept myself busy by playing the ukulele and applying for more jobs. I started BYU-I online in September. Just taking two classes meant that I had a flexible schedule. I knew I wanted to move to SLC as soon as possible so I could be close to a job. 

I literally found my apartment and job with the help of the Lord. I can testify that if we are obedient and do the things we are suppose to, Heavenly Father will bless us! I moved into an apartment October 1st with the best roommates out there! I started my job at Down East a few weeks later. 

I made it a goal on my mission to attend the temple every week. So far I have missed only week since I have been home. The temple has made me feel at home. And the reason why is because that is where you can feel God's love! I have been able to attend with my cousin and my trainer from my mission. I haven't limited the service I do at the temple, but I do appreciate all the time I can spend there. And I have no excuse not to go when the temple is a 15 minute walk from me.

I attended my first BYU game with my roommate Eliza. And every night, we gather as roommates to read the Book of Mormon. We are getting so close to the end, and are so grateful for this challenge Pres. Nelson gave us.

I have a picture of me as a kid always drinking out of these water fountains. The Hogle Zoo was another home for me as a kid. That was a must during the summer as a kid. I got to go back, and it was fun to see it as an adult. Also to reflect on the memories I had here. 

And this cute lady is my best friend Erin! I moved in with her parents. They treated me so well! They make Utah home for me. Erin is so amazing and I just love that we can pick up from where we left off. It was so hard to move away from her those many years ago, but so happy we are reunited. We see each other as much as possible.

Now what is downtown life like? Well it is really fun! I have to remind myself sometimes that I am living in downtown SLC. I watched the movies of where people dreamed of living in downtown of a big city. They thought they "made it" by living there. I don't think that, but it is definitely a cool thing to say, haha. I live right behind the Gateway mall (which is now a ghost town). I live five minutes from Temple Square. I get to walk to a lot of places which I don't mind.

They YSA ward that I am in is so great! Literally! We call it the "Greatway Ward" instead of Gateway. We are always meeting up with fellow members who have become dear friends. We are always attending devotionals at the U. 

What I have come to understand living here is that God is very aware of me. I literally have the best roommates! I see family members that I love so dearly. I have a great job, and actually will be changing to another job soon. He has kept me safe living here. I have the opportunity to attend LDSBC this winter semester. And Utah has began to feel like home. It's not because Utah has the picturesque location to live in (it does, but that's not my idea of home). It's because the people I am surrounded by are important to me. They lift me up. They help me be a better person. I can go to the temple. I have access to call my family any day or time. I have experienced some trials, but I always have someone to lean on and talk to. 

If you want to feel at home, have people in your life that you can grow with. Go on adventures! Get to know the area you live. Talk to your Heavenly Father in the temple. And always strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ.