Life update.

Hi. I don’t know where to start so this is probably gonna be messy but I believe that a quick life update could maybe be in order.

School:

In February I decided that I really truly hated my Spanish class and while I could probably BS my way through the class with a decent grade, if I kept at it, I was going to come away hating Spanish. So I hopped onto cattracks to see if I could find a half semester class to replace it with and discovered that if I took two more classes I could finish my associates degree.  That was, if I could go half a credit over the credit limit. In the most Boston way possible and with a plan in mind I showed up to an academic advisor. Many times, when I show up to these sorts of things I ask a few questions I already know the answers to and give the poor sap who got stuck advising my extra little butt a warm up. This time I showed up and said “I have a long story hear me out.” We figured it out. There were quite literally two classes being offered that fulfilled the requirements I needed and I took them both. Taking so many classes was really hard and really stressful, but really fulfilling. I am so proud of myself for rising to the challenge and tying up my classes.

Work:

Multiple times throughout the last year I have thought I had found a Pharmacy to finish my extern hours at. Multiple times I was promised a job and then denied one. But, had some of them worked out the way I wanted, I couldn’t have finished my degree. Still looking. Still trying. I took a 2-week temp job being an AP test reader assistant (Wow. How on brand for me.) It was looooong hours but I made some amazing friends and I am so so glad that I did it. Now back to finding a pharmacy.

Health:

My body is never going to work like a normal person’s body. That can be really hard to accept. Back in December I had a checkup with my POTS doctor(s) and I mentioned that I wanted to go on a mission. I always imagined that I would have to convince them that I could do it. I always imagined I would have to fight and advocate for it. I didn’t. Both doctors in the office thought that I was doing really well and with the timeline I gave them, told me they could do my physical and shots at my next appointment in May. I was thrilled! They told me I might have some restrictions and there would definitely be countries I wouldn’t be allowed to go to. That was fine with me. I want to be set up for success.

In May I went back and they were so impressed with my progress that they signed all my paperwork without restrictions. I could be called anywhere in the world and work a normal missionary schedule. (Holy crap, I could be called anywhere in the world. That’s a little terrifying.) #HeLives to calm my troubled heart. I am so so blessed.

oh, also I had to have toe surgery in doing all the mission stuff. woo hooo.

Teeth:

After my mother pulled out her momma bear claws, the Orthodontist finally gave me a date for my braces to come off so that I could start mission paperwork! And then yesterday they discovered a mistake they made and they need more time to fix. Hahahahaha if you hear about me going to jail you will know why. Hoping and praying that by July 11 they will be ready. Deciding and warning that the braces will be coming off that day regardless. Watch out. The dentist was great though. Still never had a cavity even with braces. woot woot.

Temple

This shouldn’t have been such a big deal? I started having promptings to prepare to go to the temple for myself clear back when I was in China. I got a new home ward Bishop who was all for it, then my records got transferred to a college bishop who thought I was silly to even be thinking about going to the Temple and going on a mission until after my teeth were taken care of. I transferred my records home only to discover that my stake president wanted me to take a formal Temple Prep class. Someone was called in my ward and scheduled to start after a month. That person stopped showing up to church? Someone new was called and scheduled to start another month and a half later. Then the class was 3 months long. My bishop probably got really annoyed with my asking, but the Holy Ghost would not leave me alone about it. It was so frustrating to feel like the spirit was telling me one thing and my priesthood leaders were telling me another. Finally, finally, on May 13^th I went to the temple for myself and the peace that has come is amazing. I have many new questions and lots and lots to still learn. But the peace that has fallen over my soul is beyond worth the wait. I needed this. I don’t know why I had to wait so long. I do know that my pestering for a Temple Prep class has made it possible for several other kids in my ward to begin preparation early rather than feel rushed. There’s a silver lining. I am extremely grateful for the people who taught my class. I still wish it had all worked out sooner, but I am so so glad I had the chance to learn with them.

Mission:

The papers are in! FINALLY! My letter will probably come while I am on vacation with my family. That’s okay. I am so so excited to finally have my turn to serve. Has the wait been easy? No. Has it been worth it? Technically yes but also, I am still frustrated that it was so long. I have more peace now knowing that it is coming. I finally feel like the things I want are happening. I can’t wait!