Once Again...

I apologize for my lack of writing. I suppose it doesn't really matter to anyone, but myself though. Haha
I've had a lot on my mind recently, and hopefully someday I can express it all in a post, but not today. I also realized that I've been neglecting my blog a bit, due to my consistent updates on Instagram. I figured I didn't need too many words to describe what I've been up to.

After completing my finals I returned home, to Arizona. I didn't do very much. I had some dental work done and met with a few friends, and missed seeing other good friends. It was nice to be home with the family though, where I got to hang out with one of the coolest kids ever: my brother, Nathan.

I also got to visit the new Gilbert Temple. It is absolutely beautiful, and I love that I live so close to it!

Due to the dental work that had to be done, I was unable to properly say goodbye to the household that became a sisterhood. As I had originally planned to return to my Utah-home a week before some of the girls were moving out, I would've been able to spend more time with them before they left. However, some things just happen. Fortunately, I still feel very loved and connected to all of them. I will still be roommates with two of the girls, although one of them will be at her home until summer.

It's been bittersweet as I would reflect on all the memories that we shared and the relationship we have built up through spiritual endeavors and emotional trials. We've been through so much together in what felt like a short-but-long few months. I have personally grown and learned so much from these girls and will always remember the love that we have for each other as sisters. (Thank you! I love you!)

Recently, I was driving out to Salt Lake to deliver something to my good friend at the airport. I didn't know that it would turn into a spiritual experience after completing my mission. As I was exiting the airport, I saw the sign to "No. Temple St." and felt that I should go visit Temple Square. It was a little bit rainy and I had only brought a light jacket with me, so I was a bit hesitant. But I had read an email from Sister Bybee that morning and daydreamed that I maybe I would bump into my best friend if I went. In the end, I didn't bump into my missionary best friend, but I saw my eternal best friend, namely my Savior, Jesus Christ. 

 I sat before Him, wondering what I was doing there, but knowing that He wanted me to talk to Him. I knew that He knew that there were things on my mind, and that I haven't prayed to Him in a while. So there I was, wondering how I should go about it when two sister missionaries came up to me and started talking to me. If I can recall correctly, I believe their names were Sister Tsang and Sister Costas. What started off as a friendly conversation, turned into me confiding in them about my troubles. I was grateful for them as they helped me to understand some of the thoughts that I was having, and for simply loving me. The spirit was present and even though we had just met, I knew that they were truly concerned about me and cared for me. I was grateful. I hadn't been able to clearly and fully describe to anyone all of the things on my mind until them. Sister Tsang briefly noted how they may have been inspired to talk to me as they had seen me walking by and felt that they should. When they saw me again, that's when they said "Hello."

When we finished our conversation, I felt so much lighter. I called my former roommate, Charlotte as I walked around the temple grounds. As the sun started to come out, as I spoke to Charlotte about what had just happened, and as I admired the Lord's house, I knew that my Heavenly Father has been looking out for me. Even though I had been neglecting my studies and my prayers, He knew what I needed. I know that as I work to regain those habits, the Lord will continue to bless me. I can feel light all the time as I continually turn to Him. I feel so grateful and so loved. How could I have forgotten it.