New York

We survived New York. 

But I have good news and bad news. 

I still love it. 

That's good because I was worried I wouldn't.

Bad because I'm still convinced I need to end up there. Soon. 

I want to share my experiences with you all. Mostly because I haven't written in my journal about them yet, and this is almost as good. Right? 

We started upstate, doing all of the church history stuff. This was honestly the part I was least excited for. 

Don't worry, I was wrong. 

It was beautiful there. And the Spirit there is something else. I learned that the early saints were So. Humble. 

Patient. 

Willing to follow God. 

I need to be more like that. 

It was so amazing to be in the Sacred Grove. To feel the spirit there was second, for me, only to the temple. 

I have always had a testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. It has definitely been a weak spot in my testimony, though. Because how can someone so young do so many great things? And it's easy to immortalize a person like that. 

But being in his home, in the grove of trees behind his house, helped me to realize that he truly was just a humble servant. 

Willing to ask God what He had in store for him. 

And then, even more courageously, to act on it. And I don't doubt for one second that at some point, young Joseph didn't think "why me?" And "really? This is too hard. Too much. So many people are stronger and smarter and more prepared for this" 

You know, the kind of thoughts I can't seem to shake lately. Tell me I'm not alone. 

But reality is that we are each of those things. We are strong enough and good enough and prepared enough. Because if God can qualify a 14 year old boy to restore His truth and His gospel, surely He can qualify each of us. 

Xo, 

Car 

Things I've Learned About Provo, Utah.

Provo has done some weird things to me, my friends.

and by friends I mean friend, and by friend I mean Carol. I'm pretty sure she's the only one who reads this. Hey, ma!

The first surprising thing I've learned, if you can't already tell, is that Provo brings out the sass in me. The snark. The 'No Filter', The #realtalk and my personal favorite, the Smart Ass. It's almost terrifying how often I speak my mind.

I have no real explanation for this phenomena. I think a big part of it right now is that I have a lot on my mind and so worrying if what I say or who I am might offend you just isn't one of them anymore. It's good. It feels real and right and I'm sorry if I say something offensive, but I promise I have a good heart.

The second thing I've learned is that Provo really is "happy valley" People are happier. and more righteous. Like, FHE is a commandment here. and everyone keeps all of the commandments. all the time.*


*Please see #1

Number 3: People really are as ready to get married as non-Utah County people joke about. Not even kidding. A boy CALLED me on the phone today. To ask me on a blind date. He didn't even text me first. And, at church? Boys actually sit by you. and talk to you. I hope I recovered fast enough. I would hate for them to see the mix of shock/awe/horror on my face. I even gave them a real name when they asked.

I'm moving up in the world, friends.

Four: People are just as eager to marry you off as everyone talked about. Literally. My roommates boyfriend offered to manage my tinder account for me.

Thanks.

But H-no.

10000000 Times no.

Count me so far out.

I'd rather cut my own toes off.

Paper cut my mouth.

Anything.

And last? BYU has an interesting feel about it. They're better than other schools. and they know it... also, they aren't afraid to let you know it. Just incase you might have forgotten or something.


But really. Provo is great. Happy Valley is full of happy people. Including this girl.

XO,
Car

Week 2: I've "arrived"

Well, good news. I'm still alive. I know how to adult! like, I buy my own groceries and make my own meals. I set my own bedtime (that's usually WAYYY too late) and get myself to work on time (without Siri directing me, even.) I've successfully washed my own clothes and made my own bed and decorated my own room. 

Week one in Provo was rough. Filled with anxiety and no sleep and trouble eating and it inevitably ended in Carol coming to save my sorry butt with a girls day in Provo, complete with shopping and Swig. Words cannot describe my gratitude for that woman that is my mother and best friend, so I won't even try. 

I have just felt like I really needed to write something on here, but I'm not sure what. So prepare for a lot of random thoughts, okay?

My first two weeks in Provo have been a lot of things. Hard and funny and challenging and a great opportunity to grow. A chance to start over, to rekindle friendships, make new friends, and to decide exactly who I want to be. Things still aren't easy, I'd say. but I am happy. And I feel at home here, even though I still need Siri to tell me how to get to the grocery store. 

God has a plan for us, ya know? and I am continually amazed at the simplicity of the gospel.... and equally amazed at how complicated us as imperfect humans can make it be. As I am typing this I am overwhelmed with the love He has for me and inevitably for you. I am amazed at how strongly he yearns for us to be happy NOW, no matter our circumstances, and how He's willing to help us in any way and with any thing. He's our biggest support and greatest help and our best guide. But how easy it is to forget that. 

Have faith.

Hold on to hope.

Keep believing.

Things aren't as bad as they seem.

He has a plan for me.

and for you.

xo,

Car