One week...

Ellie has been gone one week.

It's strange to think that we only met ONE year ago.

It seems longer.

We've had so many good times together.

It was a hard goodbye.

Especially knowing I could be going too.

I hope I made the right decision.

We made our last week epic.

Canvas art, DI shopping, running adventures, photoshoot, ice cream and dancing:

I miss you.

[{Travels}]: aka Utah, Oregon, and Pocatello.

April has been busy.

Really busy.

in a good way.

I survived my first semester of college!! so weird. Am I really THAT old??

Final projects and tests were stressful.

But somehow, the week of finals, I still managed to spend several days in Utah.

That Monday morning, I got up early, finished my final photography portfolio, skipped some classes and drove to Eden and met up wish some friends from Ethiopia- Mike and Julie Rhodes and Jason Burton.

Mike&Julie&Family:

I spent my first two weeks in Rome/Ethiopia with Mike, Julie and 2 of their kids and friends.

Julie and Mike are very loving and service orientated.

Undoubtedly, some of the most Christlike people I know.

They recently (in November) adopted Taye from Ethiopia.

Jason had taken him in from the streets and had been caring for him previously there.

Spending time with Taye and the Rhodes again was so much fun.

I love this family.

Jason Burton:

First went to Ethiopia at 18, went back a year later, wanted to make a difference, eventually started an NGO helping street boys, he lives there permanently now, has made a BIG difference to so many- including me.

His total selflessness amazes me.

I hope to be more like that someday.

Seeing everyone made me miss Ethiopia even more.

(For you curious readers, I'm going back in January. Hopefully for 8 months-ish)

Lots of planning needs to start.

Anyway, loved catching up with Jason.

Not only did I get to catch up with Ethiopian pals but also my Grandparents.

The older I get, the more I realize the importance of family and those relationships.

I've learned to love and appreciate my grandparents.

Thanks for letting me stay again Grandma and Grandpa Hall!

After finishing off the remainder of finals week it was off to OREGON!

Sam and I flew off on Saturday. It was Sam's first time flying.

Needless to say, It made take off WAY more exciting.

I have been up and down the coast before but not since I was little so it was really fun to go back.

We stayed at the Seaside hostel. If you're ever in Seaside I would recommend staying there! It is so fun meeting and interacting with new people there.

The trip was pretty spontaneous. We spent a lot of time at the ocean- walking/talking, finding sand dollars, laughing, taking pictures, building sand creatures, and being crazy!

We rented bikes one day and cruised all around.

We also went on a beautiful 8mi hike.

Everything was so muddy and green.

This is the mountain that we hiked. It really was so beautiful.

I love nature.

Portland was an adventure too! We mostly just explored and rode the train. All in all, great spring break!

After flying to Boise on Friday and driving home the adventures didn't end...

My little soccer team I coach had a tournament in Pocatello.

Since it was Ellie's last Saturday (Before she moved to Provo) she got work off and came with me! We drove fast and jammed to music all the way down. Our first game went okay we lost 1-0. We had a long break before our next game so me and Ellie went shopping (Ellie is a shopaholic. no joke). Nonetheless, I did buy 3 shirts. Lunch was yummy too at 5 Guys. Hmm... game number 2 was just plain bad. We lost 6-0. We've had a lot to work on this week at practice. I'm teaching them all my amazing defense skills. We have a game today, we'll see if they follow in my ways.

Spiritual Pay Day.

Happy to announce the Baptism of Tofik, Damitu, Mubarek, Mesafinet, and Gutama Haws on March 27, 2011! It was such a rewarding day for Alyssa and Wes. I wish I could have been there for it. I miss those grubs so darn much! The kids were so excited to be getting baptized into the Church and today they will be getting confirmed. They are one step closer to being a forever family.

The Elders that helped teach the kids are amazing! I was so impressed with both of them when I was in Ethiopia. On the left is Elder Mcklenin (Sp?) from South Africa. On the Right is Elder Scoresby From Kaysville Utah! He said he knows some of the Brady and Becky Family. Kenny is his first name, do any of you know him?? Grateful they were willing to serve a mission.

I have so much to blog about but no time...

I take it as a good sign that i'm busy living my life rather then blogging about it.

In short:

1. I freakin' assisted a C section!! coolest thing ever? Yes.

2. I'm coaching a 12 year old travel soccer team. They go to Utah and such for tournaments. I question if I really have time for this but WHY NOT? plus I love soccer. I'll be helping to coach my good ol' high school team this fall too. and I'm really exited about it.

3. I'm going to Portland for spring break with Sam!! why? Because we can.

4. Wisdom teeth out today for the SECOND time. Who gets their wisdom teeth out twice?? I had 2 extra.

5. Registered for spring semester- woo. I'm SO excited for more school... it's ridiculous.

6. I think I'm going to be a track trainer for Special Olympics. This is another thing I question if I have time for. I hope I can!!... and still keep my grades up.

7. I'm attached to the sweet old people I work with. I cut my hours to only working weekends now. I know they are sad...

8. I teach sunbeams on Sundays. They are so cute and super full of energy.

9. A couple Saturdays ago I spent it with Melvin. We drove to Ashton and ate at Big Juds. Then I drove him up to his cabin in Island Park- He wanted to check on it. He told me stories and we laughed and had such a great day. On our way home we got ice cream. Going from driving his car (2011 Toyota Camry) to mine (1995 Ford Escort) makes me really want a new car! Not to mention mine is dying.. literally.

10. Ellie and I have gotten in the habit of running at the golf course... barefoot. We are in denial about the seasons. It's proven to be very painful to run without shoes on when there is snow on the ground. Running makes me happy. Being with Ellie makes me happy. I would be even more happy if it was summer and the grass we run on was actually green and dry and not snow covered. All in all, it's a good combination though. Ellie is leaving in 3 weeks. I am so sad.

11. I love my friends. We got to all get together and have a ABC night. twas a blast.

11. It's finals/ huge projects due time. Needless to say I'm a little stressed. "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..."

Kid-tervention!

I've had a rough transition coming back to the States... to say the least.

Growing up, making decisions, feeling lost, and wondering what to do with my life have all played a toll on me.

I've cried over it, prayed over it, and been depressed over it. Me and Ellie both applied to BYU, we both got in to BYU, but only one of us was sure about BYU.

In the end, we both made different decisions regarding BYU.

Ellie is moving away in three weeks and I am staying at BYUI.

Making the choice to stay in Rexburg was unbelievably tough.

I didn't want to stay.

But in the end I've decided to sacrive my college experience for my dreams.

I feel drawn, pulled, and needed in Ethiopia.

It is where I want to be.

It is where I feel my purpose is.

Staying at BYUI is significantly less expensive which will guarantee me a quicker return to Africa.

It is worth it to me.

Ellie has helped me through all the stress and uncertainty.

She even intervened, and surprised me, with a kid-tervention!

It was full of rituals (face paint, night kite flying, blowing out candles, blind-folded).

An oath was made to still be a kid.

to live in the moment.

to appreciate life.

to be happy.

Um, don't ask me why I look so... HOT. It comes natural.

happy birthday... McKENNA!!

This alone is probably why we are friends:

Thanks for blog stalking me :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Mug shots?

I tried my eye/finger at street photography. I was a little hesitant to ask strangers but, surprisingly, most people were willing to get their picture taken. I thought it was really fun and I'm pleased with the images. I will be doing this again.

This is actually my Grandpa Hall, I took it last weekend when I was in Utah.

Ellie is always a good model/ good sport for my photography. She was my moral support for this shoot.

Grandpa Hall

Would you let a stranger on the street take your picture?

Which one is your favorite?

Happy {late} Birthday Ellie...

As you know, I love birthdays.

Ellie, It's just plain sad that you don't.

Love or hate, it is still your birthday today or in this case... a few days ago.

I think it's funny how different we are.

I love that when we go out you wear a blazer :) and I wear tie dye.

I love that you are organized so that I don't have to be.

If you didn't know this, I love your laugh- It's contagious.

I love that you are a perfect model. Even more then that, I love that you will always model for me...even after you get your wisdom teeth out.

We had the best summer together. I miss those nights.

I'm glad our friendship didn't end when I left for Ethiopia but grew instead.

Like it or not not, I'm thankful you put up with my love for old people- for hanging out with 89 year olds and going to senior citizen dances with me.

I'm SO happy we both got into BYU. But I hate that I have to make the decision of being left behind by my best friend or pushing for my Ethiopian dream.

You have made my life epic.

Our friendship is so unlikely- we met the end of my senior year, I left for almost 6 months, and we are so different from one another. I'm so grateful that we did find each other and that we did become best friends.

Happy Birthday Ellie.