A new chapter

When I moved to Provo I never thought I could live in a desert type place and never thought I would be here for seven years!!! Yes it has been that long and I have come to love this place like home. I love the people I have met here, the mountains, the experiences I have had here, and the list goes on! But soon I will be turning the page to write a new chapter in my life. I will be moving to a real desert Phoenix, Arizona!!! Why in the world would I ever move there?! Yes its a great place to be in the winter, definitely chases away any seasonal depression, but the reason is Love. So cheesy I know but its true.

Matt and I met actually back to that seven years ago mark when I first moved to Provo. (2006) 

We were in the same freshman ward. 

I remember him, even if he didn't know I existed at the time, and how he was one of the boys to get their mission call to Paris and I was so jealous! I was actually better friends with his best friend James, whom I went on dates with after he got back from his mission. One particular date included Matt, but he was on a date with another girl! James and I stayed in contact over the years, he also took my roommate out on dates as well. One day James invited me to go skiing with him and his friend Matt at the Canyons. I had to work the day they were planning on going but then at the last second someone from work asked if I could switch days with them, it worked out perfectly that I could go!

 (March 2013)

To be honest at first I had no idea what the situation was here. I was friends with James but wasn't sure if he was trying to pursue me or set me up! I instantly felt comfortable around these boys though and just had a good time. Although at first I could not get my skis to go on and was so embarrassed! I was thinking they probably regretted inviting me and we had not even gone down one slope yet! That was when Matt first showed his kindness by trying to help me get them  on. I was able to keep up pretty well too they said! We went to Dairy Keen afterwards and I was so comfortable and at ease that I spoon fed Matt his milkshake on the way home. But it really was my ski leggings he said that won him over! :)

He asked me out once he helped me get my skis in my car. I was kind of expecting it, because of James quick exit to "rush" to the bathroom once we got back to provo.  I said yes and we went out the next night. Our first date was to a peruvian restaurant, it was really fun, and just easy to talk to him. It was nice that I already had felt comfortable with him the previous day and had been able to become friends with him. It was a great date, but then he took me home and I didn't send him an after date text. So the signals we sent at the end of the date to each other were very mixed! Luckily he had used one of his missionary tactics to commit me to tell him how my talk went that I was giving that Sunday. I said I would and then we started being together all the time after that...

Well we had a lot of fun dating but I was trying to make lots of decisions in my life right before he entered it and I was distracted by other things too in my life at the time. He was also moving to AZ for his new job in the fall. So I ended it. (June of 2013)

It was really hard for me but at the time I felt it was the right decision. 

I never stopped thinking about him though.

I dated a close friend for a while but always kept on thinking about Matt instead.

In August I said I wanted to talk and how I wanted to give us another shot. 

(This is all very abbreviated)

We got back together for a short while but it just wasn't working. There were things we had not sorted through yet, oh and did I mention he was also leaving in two weeks! My timing was not the greatest. He then dished it back at me and broke me heart...

It didn't last long though. He had kept his earlier promise to fix my bike and did so before he left for St.George a couple days before moving permanently down to AZ. We of course have very little chemistry together, so it was easy to be around each other and not smooch...not! We ended up kissing that night and then we were both very confused! I showed up in St.George the next day to be with him and prove to him that I was serious about making whatever it was at the time work! Lots of facetimeing and late night phone calls every night, I decided to surprise him in AZ thanks to the help of the Rowleys! It was from then we said I love to each other and things started getting serious for me. I was still in provo but had no desire to go out with anyone else or be with anyone else! I started thinking about moving down there, but still wasn't sure about it all and that was a big step to take!

Of course thats where faith comes in. I just felt right about moving forward with things. I started applying to jobs, looking for places to live, and figuring out how to make it work. I was still nervous about it at times but just kept moving forward with faith and lots of prayer! I am not the most decisive person ever, at all really, but this decision was one of the easiest I ever had to make and everything just kept falling into place for me as well! I ended having a few interviews and was offered a position at both! I ended up taking a job in the Neuro ICU at Good Samaritan hospital in Phoenix (I'll blog more about that later! )

So here I am now in Phoenix, living here and not just vacationing anymore. Hard to believe I moved here for a boy, I must love him or something crazy like that! It has been so great to be down here with him and to not be doing the long distance anymore! Definitely do not recommend long distance to anyone! I know God has guided me every step of the way and I just need to keep on trusting in Him and move forward with faith. He really has put little things in to my life to help lead me to Matt, and it is fun looking back on some of them. 

One funny one is the last season of the Bachelorette with Des and Chris. I liked Chris the whole time because he was so sweet to her, reminded me of Matt. Then How she says she was blind to what she really needed and how much she loved him, made me think of how I felt with Matt and just wanted to be with him. Maybe I am too easily swayed by media :) 

Watch for yourself and tell me what you think!

I now will be living 5 minutes away from Matt instead of 500 miles. I love him and all the sweet things he does for me!

Lets brag about him a bit shall we?!

One of my favorite things about Matt is how thoughtful he is, he really listens and takes notes it seems! 

He knows I love surprises and totally surprised me recently by picking me up at the airport, when I thought he was already back down in AZ!

He also is ridiculously good at buying presents and bought me a DSLR cannon camera, which I love even though I still don't really know how to use it yet! 

He always gets the door for me.

He always makes sure I'm warm even though he is burning up.

He compliments me and makes me feel beautiful.

He speaks French!!! I mean come on how perfect is that, my own personal tutor!

He lives the gospel and seeks to know how to be a better disciple of Christ.

I could go on but maybe I'll save that post for later.

All in all we are very happy right now. And just glad to be near and loving each other every day!!!

Une fois, je suis allée au Maroc.

This one time I went to Morocco and it changed my life for the better. I know its been a long time since I blogged but I thought I should get back in to it as I will be starting a new chapter in my life soon. (details to follow in next post).

I went to Morocco back in May with the helping babies breathe program in association with LDS Charities. I had the opportunity to teach midwives in french how to resuscitate newborns. Ironically enough that I was doing the teaching because I was TRULY humbled by these women and the experience that they had, they should have been teaching me, and they were! These women were patient with my broken french, showered me with kindness and gifts when they had so little of their own. They taught me about their circumstances and how hard they work for the women of Morocco. Sometimes pulling 24 hour shifts all by themselves with very limited supplies. These women are my heroines! Whenever I think about my hard days at work, I remember them and their continued diligence. There is a lot thankfully being done to help these women receive the trainings they need, supplies, and most importantly for their voices to be heard. 

The markets and streets of Morocco are absolutely insane! People and cars down these tiny streets everywhere! There are really snake charmer there too. I was in Marrakesh and it was beautiful!

The classroom where I taught over 60 women. I have never prayed harder in my life than in those moments. By the end I really was able to teach and communicate to them more easily.

Where we had lunch. They all eat from this giant bowl in the middle. There is always a salad course then, meat, then fruit. They eat a big lunch and small dinners, which they eat at really late in the night. They also have their cafe break times during the day.

The mosque in the center of town, and all the tangines, which is like their form of a crockpot.

The sign for our conference,

Some of the ladies at my table. One of my favorite groups too!

So fun to teach and learn with them.

The group of teachers, humanitarian directors, and in country "missionaries" (not really because they cannot proselyte, but they are making great strides in creating relations in the country for the church love them!) Dr. Alouia, Brother and Sister Flake, Bother and Sister Madsen, Dr.Robinson. All of these people were gems to work with. They believed in me, supported me, were a joy to be around and all worked hard. They just loved to serve and were enthusiastic about the program and its results. They are truly people who live with passion for what they do for others and the love they share with everyone around them!

Midwives take care of most of the births in Morocco at birthing centers, or in the homes. Men are not allowed in. Sometimes women give birth in hospitals but not as frequently. These women are the ones who hold the population of Morocco in their hands! 

On of our friends treated us to henna! At this beautiful old home tucked away in this unsuspecting alley way below. The Moroccans emphasize that the true beauty may be hidden but it is always and should be present on the inside.

Our henna

Out shopping on my birthday.

Mormons to Muslims

At the fantisme show!

With one of the midwives who after she received the training phoned us the next day to let us know she had saved a baby with the training she had just learned. I got goosebumps when she told me in person and really felt like though small was my contribution in the training, I was a part of something miraculous, inspiring, and important!

My last night in Marrakesh after a pediatric conference of the french speaking countries (that yes I had to on a panel to answer questions for, very impromptu as well!) they had a big gala that night with a famous Maroc band. Loved dancing with everyone there!

I always felt drawn and wanted to serve a mission. I had the opportunity to do through this humanitarian service. Even though we did not talk about the gospel or the LDS church at all people knew and would ask us if we were mormon. I was able to share in knowledge and great love with the people there. I had one of those joy bursting moments when we were passing out certificates at the end of the training and they were all giving me bisous (kisses on the cheek) and thanking me so sincerely, I thought this is how the Savior must feel about each of us. So happy to see us succeed, so full of love, and gratitude for each one of us. These women truly work with their hands but it is in and with their hearts that they fulfill their work and help each mother feel safe and deliver their baby. I hope to be more like them.

A Life Changing Year - 2012 in review

Last year had a lot of changes in it. Most of them were exciting but a lot of them required a shift into new gears that were not always easy to transition in to. From being done with school, to two very different nursing jobs, to meeting and making lots of new friends, new people in the family, trials, and blessings!

I learned that as hard as it was to get in to the nursing program at BYU it was just as hard to get out and finally get my two new favorite letters after my name: RN

I learned that friends really can help you through the hard times. I feel blessed to have so many friends here in Utah while I'm far away from family. They comfort me, make me laugh, and provide some of the best adventures!

Hollie King and I in Star Valley, WY. Changed my life by being a wonderful friend and taking me snowmobiling!

Hollie and Jason, these two people have blessed my life in so many ways. They are always there to listen to me and give the best advice. They are two of the best examples of living the gospel everyday of their lives. 

The Rowley sisters continue to bless my life with fun adventures and continued friendship!

Katherine always keeping me on my toes and a good friend since freshman year!

Melanie is an inspiration to live life in the style I want to! She is one of the classiest people I know.

Efy, enough said! Even though I was not a counselor this year the things I learned from it and the people continue to give me joy in my life.

My health co Karl, so glad we didn't kill each other that summer and remain close friends.

BDA #14 reunited, love these girls and how they make me laugh.

Darcy has been one of my best friends for several years. She amazed me this year by her continued optimism and fun personality despite her most difficult trial of having ACL surgery.

So many friends to celebrate my 24th.

USNS Mercy completely changed my life! It taught me about patience, obedience, service, missionary work, friendships, perseverance, hard work, discipline, gratitude and the list goes on!

The casrec crew that helped me survive the ocean waters

Britters and Krystal would not have survived without them

After being stuck on a ship for 5 weeks Britters and I went a little crazy as you can tell! We set out for the great outdoors of Seattle and Victoria. It helped me appreciate and put me in awe of God's creations. 

I visited Darcy in Seattle too and was able to see the beautiful place she grew up!

Sebastian Ritz William King born during the Olympics! Even though I have not even met this cute kid yet he helped bring our family together before he was even born. He had us all guessing whether Sarah was having a girl or a boy and what their name would be, sending emails back and forth everyday. I am thankful for this kiddo and can't wait to meet him. 

Lake Powel and the patience of Brother Rowley changed my life as I was able to get up on a wake board for the first time!

Roomies reunited!

Beach babes

Had to say farewell to my dear friend Hollie. Her testimony and firmness of faith continues to inspire me though as she serves in Brazil!

Reunited in St.Gizzle with ship mates! Wouldn't have survived without these girls either!

So glad to see these friends randomly at the top of Angel's landing

Emily and Krystal cannot say enough good things about these two girls! So glad we've become best friends this past year. They keep my spirits high, we share the same passion of medicine, and are always up for an adventure!

Love living at foxwood with these ladies! Have changed my life for the good living with them. It's always a party in our apt!

Renting a puppy? Yes, knowing I can have a cuddle anytime from a cute puppy was a happy fact for me to learn about!

Fun times with roomies!

Skiing was a new experience for me this past year and I've had a blast learning. Definitely a new hobby!

Merry Christmas and smooches!

Mexico never fails to make me happy!

My two new roomies and friends. Love these girls and their up beat attitude. So grateful for their example of loving others fully and for their strong testimonies!

Finally snow this year, I love it!

Polar express, got me in the Christmas spirit.

Rents in our apt

Celebrating Christmas in Utah was a new and fantastic experience there is so much to do here!

Google hangout changed my life and now my whole family can be "together"

Angel Joshua also changed my life this year as he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. His patience, understanding, and willingness to learn about his new life style astound me. (as well as my sister and brother-in-law for all their new found medical knowledge, very impressed!)

Here's to another new year full of adventure, friendships, learning, and love!

Happy New Year- 2013 here we come!

P.S. So far this year has been a lot of bad luck, but I'm hoping it will get better!