One year ago

One year ago my adorable little brother Nathan left on his mission. As he went into the MTC, he gave all of our family members “assignments” to complete while he was gone. However, he didn’t give me one. I was really disappointed. I kind of felt like he didn’t give me one because maybe he thought I was hopeless and wouldn’t accomplish much while he was gone. (Note: This was during my negative self-esteem month I was having at that time.) I guess I could look on the positive side and think that he must have already thought I was near perfection so he didn’t give me anything to improve on. LOL!

Whatever way you look at it, I went ahead and gave myself my own “assignments” to accomplish while Nathan was gone. And looking back on this past year, I have accomplished a lot and grown so much in the process.

One year ago, I never would have even dreamed of running a half marathon. Or doing a triathlon. I weighed 25 pounds more than I do now. I had different views on what love means. I never thought I’d find such a fantastic ward to be a part of. I’d never hiked to the top of a mountain. I’d never been rejected from a university. I had never been on a cruise. I didn’t have the relationship with my parents that I have now. I never dreamed of being as open and honest as I am now.

One year ago, I attended my first ward activity in my current ward. Something happened there that has changed my life forever. Before that, I had never met Emma, or Alison, or Bekah Hintze, or Darin, or Garrett, or Matt, or Kristen and Shawn, or Kristi, or the Naisbitts, or Bishop Jackson, or President Thomason, or any of the other fabulous people in my ward. They truly have changed my life, and I’m so grateful for their influence.

One year ago, I don’t think I had the confidence I enjoy today. I have felt such support and peace from my Savior. And I have felt the love of my Heavenly Father stronger than I ever have before. I know my testimony has grown. And I know that I have too.

What a year. It’s been a struggle, but it’s also been a wonderful growing experience full of new adventures and joys. So Nathan, your big sister did amount to something this year. I think I can say I’ve been changed for the better. Give me an assignment for next year!

And in this past year I can see how much Nathan has grown as well. He is such an awesome missionary and he is doing so well out there in Looosiana. I know that he has touched the lives of so many people and because of the person he is, he is such an example to me. I love you Nathan!