Life is Great!!!

For the longest time, I was able to claim myself as a 

Recently-Returned-Missionary:) I had to relinquish this title this summer... I think a lot of people experience similar feelings and so I thought I'd share mine with you.

This summer I worked as a counselor for EFY. That is a youth program for kids who are looking to come closer to Christ and spend some QUALITY time with other youth who have similar values.

It was the most amazing experience ( next to my mission) and I loved every minute. 

However, one day I remember one of the kids I was with asked me how long ago I came home, I thought for a minute and I responded.... 10 months.

That whole day I started thinking... 10 months. 10 months ago I was in Poland, talking with Polish people, enjoying Polish food, loving the culture and the architecture and personality. 12 months ago I was eating at "Dziurka od Klucza" literally the best restaurant on the whole earth! 10 months ago I was serving these people, mowiac po polsku:) 

I. Miss. Poland.

I also began to think, what have I even done with my life this past year!? I went to school, worked, did homework, and flirted with boys. Literally, I thought...." wow, Ali, you really wasted this!" Why were you not out there, talked with people on the streets? Why did you not serve others better, or ask more people to take the discussions? Why are you not married?? Thank heavens, at this point the part of me which is not a perfectionist kicked in. I looked around. Here I was, at a camp with all of these wonderful kids who need help in their lives with questions and concerns. These children of God who want me to share with them what worked for me, how I was able to overcome trials and act in faith. I began to have flashbacks of all the wonderful opportunities I'd had since coming home... all of the miracles, and the chances to come closer to my Savior.

I'd been blessed to work at Deseret Book( a miracle since the manager just saw me and said he felt good about hiring me!) I'd made lots of friends and had chances to serve them and share my testimony in less-formal situations. I'd spent lots of time with my family, who I missed with my whole soul while I'd been on my mission. I'd attended church and taught classes and been to so many precious temples. I'd made mistakes. I'd been lazy, and I'd also grown so much from praying to be better than my weaknesses and laziness:) (I still love to watch a good movie on occasion:) I'd fallen for some cute boys ( some worked out... others not:) I'd experienced life! 

I suddenly found myself so grateful. I do miss Poland, I'm dying to go back again. However, I saw how Heavenly Father allowed me to experience so much and apply the gospel in my life. 

I am so grateful that I am learning lessons still, about doing things for the right reasons, and only caring what the Lord thinks. 

If any of you feel like your life doesn't have purpose, or if you just need some things to be grateful for, I have an idea for you:) 

Make some goals, try new things, experience joy( true joy:) Realize that every day you have is a chance, an experience, and a time to draw closer to God by learning through life's ups and downs.

Life is great! 

Love,

Ali

http://www.lds.org/