The year started with a goodbye to my dear Romney Branch. I felt welcome and accepted there from day one, and my testimony of the Savior grew SO MUCH from fellowshipping with these people. Attending that branch taught me that I don't have to have anything in common with someone to consider them a friend, but it's also easier to find things in common with people than you'd think.
My reason for leaving Romney was to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA in my very favorite place. Being a VISTA has been the most rewarding, frustrating, and fun labor of my life so far. I love the other VISTAs and the staff at my site - there's nothing like being surrounded by people who've chosen to serve. I'm soooo excited to have the opportunity to serve as a VISTA Leader later this year. I've also been able to volunteer in my "free time" as an advocate for children in foster care, which is my lifelong passion.
Speaking of cool people who've chosen to spend 24/7 serving, I've been fortunate enough to continue convincing missionaries to call me their friend.
Aarin & Chatlen were the best dang counselors a Young Womens' President could ever need. ;) Before I left Romney, they gave me a priesthood blessing that has carried me through some really challenging moments.
Weekly visits with Patty and the missionaries were one of my favorite things about this year! It was sad to watch Patty's health decline, but it's been amazing to see how much a simple visit and receiving the sacrament can brighten her day.
Adam and Koby made being in Morgantown again "okay" until it became "great." (Morgantown is my favorite place, but transitioning to life there as not-a-student with not-my-old-callings was lonely.) I'll always be grateful for their friendship & the fact that Adam only judged me a little for calling him a badass son of God.
Austin, Elder Sandlin, and Krugs (center below) helped me SO MUCH with one of the hardest ongoing trials of my life. I honestly expected to be judged when I opened up to them about it all, but all three of them were nothing but loving. They also helped me rediscover my love for Indian food. (:
I'll also choose this random space to give a shout-out to Elders Howe and Kent, two Motown ZLs who made my days brighter but haven't yet coughed up any of our photos.
Elder Cornwall and Elder Estes are two of the most compassionate, caring, and crazy missionaries I've ever met. I thoroughly enjoy the spiritual and emotional boost I get every time I spend time with them & appreciate their choice to befriend a weird old lady like me. ;)
As I've grown to love Morgantown again, I've had the tremendous blessing of reconnecting and becoming closer with both my old friends from church and some new ones too. The Morgantown University Ward members are my people. (Especially the Relief Society! Never thought I'd say that...) When I was first called to the Relief Society Presidency my instinct was like "???" but my heart leapt for joy, and that's pretty much how it's gone.
These particular old-and-new-again friends deserve a special shout-out...
One of the very best parts of 2017 was that one of my all-time favorite missionaries came back to visit for a day! He also got married this year, which is cool for him but a little bit lame. (*cough*marriedpeopleareboring*cough*) It was fantastic to hang out with one of my very best friends for a day.
Note to any other RMs reading this: VISIT!!!!
Last and most importantly, please enjoy some literal family photos. I love my family. (:
