Out of the Mouths of Babes

I was recently reminded that I learn best from children. I can think of many instances in my life where the insight I need comes from the mouths of babes.

The first I'd like to share, that I thought about on Sunday, was during my junior year in high school. I had the opportunity to be a cadet teacher and help at the elementary an hour each day for a semester. I was assigned Kindergarten. This class was quite rambunctious and very, very social. The teacher said no matter where she puts the talkers, they find someone to talk to. In fact, they were almost all talkers. And they spoke their minds. If they thought about something they said it. Sometimes, this was a bad thing, but not always.

One day, I was working with a group of three little boys. They had been working quietly (rare) and then, out of nowhere, a little boy named Bray looks at me. He asks, "Do you know Jesus?" I had no idea what to say. Luckily, he gave me no time to answer.

"I do, he died for me."

All I could say was, "That's right, he did."

He then went right back to work and he and the other boys started talking about the wrestling match they had that night. I'm sure Bray doesn't remember asking me this, but I will never forget it. I think about that question, "Do you know Jesus?" often. I try my hardest to be able to truly answer with a resounding, "YES!"

The second instance was more recent. A couple of months ago my family was driving to Rexburg to watch one of the brothers play basketball. I saw the illuminated Rexburg temple shining like a beacon in the darkness. I pointed it out to my almost three-year-old niece and told her it was Jesus's house. She said, "Can I go there?" My answer was not right now, but when your mommy and daddy are sealed together you will go with them. She then said, "But, I miss Jesus!" I realized how lucky I am to go to the temple and be in His house. It brings me nearer to Him, so I miss Him less. I think we all miss Him, but only a kid is inherently close enough to the veil to realize it and vocalize it.

A Day Without a Mexican

Before you read too much into it, just read the post. :)

So, right now I work in Spring Potatoes. I stand on a conveyor belt all day as potatoes go past me and onto a semi truck to be sold and transported for seed. My job is to take out the garbage, like the rotten potatoes, rocks, weeds, and other such things. Every once in awhile a weird piece of garbage will pass by like rusted pliers. I work with five Mexican ladies that mainly speak Spanish. There is this documentary, I think by Michael Moore, called A Day Without a Mexican. It explores what life would be like if there were no Mexicans, mainly in California and the jobs they do and how the economy would fall apart. I've never seen it but that is what I gleaned from the trailer. If that happened at Jorgenson Farms, where I work, I would be the only one left besides the owner.

I have learned a lot from working with these amazing ladies. They are so giving and full of life. Laughter can almost always be heard, even though the job we do isn't the most pleasant. Everyday Sylvia brings a hot drink and this delicious bread with sugary goodness on top. My dad told me what it was called, but I forgot and he isn't in the vicinity to tell me. They refuse a "No, Thank You" as a good answer to the offer. I once got scolded for only taking half of the loaf of bread and not the whole thing. This is the before lunch snack, after lunch they break out the fruit and pass it around. Some days they even add to the deliciousness with candy. One day, they even fed me lunch. I had my own but they served me good sized helpings of everything they had prepared. Best food ever!! I am so grateful for the opportunity I've had to work with these ladies. They are amazing!

Life as I Know It

It's been a while and a lot has happened in my life since the last time I updated this thing. First, I moved. I left Salt Lake and moved home to prepare for my mission. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I know that it was right. My life has been greatly blessed because of this decision.

I get to spend so much time with my family. I was able to be there when my cousin, Andrew, got home from his mission. I was able to see my awesome little brother, Chase, open his mission call (Louisiana Baton Rouge mission). I was there this fabulous weekend and I have been able to spend some quality time with each of my siblings.

This weekend was Easter. Best Easter I've had in a long time. We spent Saturday in Preston for Alyssa's (my sister-in-law) baby shower. Then it was over to my aunt Mabel's house to prep for the Easter egg hunt. It was the first of what should become an annual glow in the dark hunt for the "big kids". The big kids are almost all 18 or over, but it was so much fun! Dad, Todd, Mike, and Dustin hid the eggs which were filled with candy, glow sticks, and pieces of paper that indicated you won a prize. Some of Alyssa's brothers and sisters came as well and we had a blast. I won a Green Lantern power ring that is legit and lights up. Yes, I am kind of a little kid. I didn't take a real picture of it, but I found this on the internet.

Isn't it cool? Lexi is kind of jealous, she hid it from me today. :)

On a completely unrelated note, I am also almost done with my mission papers. I can turn them in on May 7th and all I have left is the dentist and the doctor. I have yet to get my wisdom teeth out so that is going to be on the agenda soon. Luckily, I only have 3 wisdom teeth so maybe it won't be so bad. Here is the picture I am submitting with my papers. Hopefully I will get a better one taken for the plaque, but this will have to do for now.

I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve the Lord full time for 18 months. Watching General Conference reaffirmed for me that I am supposed to serve a mission and I couldn't be more stoked. Let's hope it gets to May 7th soon so I can turn my papers in already!