Oh the Places You'll Go

I can't believe I haven't posted here since may. I have a private blog that I have posted to since then, as well as a journal, but I have sadly neglected this blog. It seems I have been everywhere this last few months.
My summer was really good, and really busy. I went on a 4-day trek with my Stake where I was a big sister to a family of 5 boys and 3 girls (all teenagers). It was a great experience, and a strong testimony builder.
I have been to a Music camp at BYU where I learned a little bit about the Organ. It was a fun-filled week with many new friends in the music world.
I got the opportunity to attend EFY in Hawaii. Memories of those 2 weeks are my reason for writing today. I am part of a Women's Choir at DSC, The Director, Merrilee Webb taught at BYU-Hawaii for a time. This semester we start our concerts with an Hawaiian Chant. It goes like this:

Hiki Mai E Na Pua I Ka La'ie
(Come forward and appear you precious flowers arising in the calmness of this special day)
Ke Pi'i A'E La Ka Mauna Kie'Ki'E
(Each of you are taking up the challenge of not simply climbing a High Mountain but you have chosen to climb the Highest and Most Majestic Mountain of all)
Ha'a Mai Na Kama Me Ka Makua
(Dance forward you children of your Heavenly Father)
He Wehi Pulama A'o Ke Kupuna
(For is it not so that you our children are so very precious, in fact, you are the most precious adornment worn around the neck of your ancestors)
E Ka'i Mai Ana E Ka'i Mai Ana
(Come Forward come forward for there are many roads for you to choose
E Hahai Ka Leo O Ka Haku E
(Be sure to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd, for he will always keep you, protect you, and show you the way)

This chant seems to be just for me right now, I leave in a few months for Idaho where I will go to school, but more on that later. We also sing a song called "Waika" That is Hawaiian. Today one of the student body presidents from BYU-Hawaii came and danced Hula while we sang. The spirit was so strong in that room. It brought back memories from those two weeks in Hawaii.
While we (Me and my 16 year old brother) were there, we had the opportunity to not only make many friends, but to stay with a local man. between our new friends from the islands, Brother Lolofie and others we meet there, we were able to learn tons. Many of the stories and things that Kiekie (The lady that danced for us) shared with us I have learned from that trip and from Merrilee. The best part of this trip was after EFY where we know people who lived on the island and got to know them. The people there are the ones that make all the difference. I could have enjoyed it without meeting anyone, but it would have been an entirely different experience. I would have a good time, but It wouldn't have been as memorable. The people make all the difference.

Soon, sooner than I think, I will be moving to go to school in BYU-Idaho where I will live in a dorm, and be hours away from my family. I start school on January 4th, 2012, It is the first step to achieving another dream. I want to go to BYU-Jerusalem Fall 2012. In order to be accepted I have to have attended 2 semesters at a BYU, not be married (not much of a worry now, I'll only be 18 at the time of the trip), and not have my Bachelors degree. I will finish my degree in Web Design the semester after I get home from Jerusalem. I can't wait to see were this road will take me as I get my education and come closer to my Savior Jesus Christ.

School, Work, and Play!

Well, I think I forgot I had a blog! It has been forever since I posted. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get in!
Anyway, lots has happened since I posted last, so I guess I'll just do bullet points again!
- Big J is on his mission in Taiwan, has been for about 10 months. He is a Senior Companion, and is doing great with the language. A few weeks ago, he taught 28 lessons in a week! How awesome.
-Little S was born. She is now about 9 months old, and is mobile. She crawls everywhere, and is liking paper.
-Little J is 4, and is as cute as can be. If he wasn't so cute, I don't know what we would do with him.
-I graduated as an Honors student with my Associates degree. I finished in December so I could be 16 when I finished, then walked on May 6th, 5 days after my Birthday.
-Even though I only go to Seminary at the High School, I have managed to get a date for every dance this year.
-the horses are doing great, I just wish I can get down there more.
-I am applying to go to BYU-I in January! I am so excited. I'm pretty sure I will get accepted, I could enter as a senior! I want to major in Web Design and minor in Music.
-I have finished the 4 semesters of music theory, but I am not ready to be done, so I will find other classes like it to fill next semester.
-Trek is in 2 weeks! I am SO excited! Mom is in charge of the music, and so I have been helping get that prepared. I am also a Big Sister. all the big brothers and big sisters got a harmonica and was told to learn it for trek! I can now play most songs in G, Including transposed. I can play "Come, Come, Ye Saints" "Praise to the Man" "How Firm a Foundation" "The Spirit of God" and "I know that My Redeemer Lives" just to name a few.

Anyway, there is no way I could get a whole year in detail, but these were the highlights. I will do my best to post again soon!