A part of me.

There's something utterly divine about nature. I believe nature is God's way of constantly reminding us that everything will be okay. How can you not look at a clear blue sky and feel like you can fly? How can you not drive by a field of green and feel from terrible to incredible, and everything in between? I could get lost in the mountains for days, head straight for the view without any initial regard for food. There's something about the unknown, the undiscovered that totally captivates me. I believe part of it is that I seek for challenges because I liked to be challenged. I know that through obstacles and difficulties, one will grow. It is inevitable. Trees have been my immobile friends that shadowed me on my sad and troubled days, they have listened to me speak without any judgement or interruption. The grass has been my comfort and have felt my hands lingering clutch on an angry day. The wind has blown through my hair and surrounded me with peace. I have walked on tore down roads when I was torn down. The moon has guided me home. The dirt has been at my feet but I have been at theirs. Ultimately, nature has been my blanket of hope and safety.
And just as much as it's been there on my darkest days, it's been there on my brightest. The sun has kissed my skin when I've felt ever so free, as the petals of roses have danced in the wind with me. The sky has saluted me as I've stepped out to conquer the world, the clouds have carried my dreams and faithfully remain to accomplish them with me. I have touched the bark of an abandoned tree as I've thanked my heavenly father for all the blessings. I have danced on green and grassless mountains in pure glee, and have had my heart revive on them ever so effortlessly. I have learned about love as I've stared into the distance of a place that I hold so dearly, I have grown and blossomed in the middle of God's creations. I have felt what it is like to be purely and innocently happy within it all.
I thank my Heavenly Father for it existing.

I believe.

I believe that if you want something in life, you must seek it.
I believe that I was born with a natural and everlasting love for my brothers and sisters.
I believe that love came from Him, that He has transmitted that part of Him in me.
I believe that we all have a purpose in this life. I believe that we are part of this divine plan.
I believe that everything happens for a reason - the good and the bad.
I believe that with every obstacle there is a lesson to be learned, and with every tirumph there is thanks to give.
I believe that every day is a gift; that with every breath and step I take, I am living. Oh, how sweet it is to feel alive.
I believe that children are a sacred and heavenly part of life. I believe that families can be together forever.
I believe that who we are reflects in what we do.
I believe in love. I believe in the expression of love through actions, not just words.
I believe in miracles. I believe in innocence. I believe in creativity, in dedication, in sacrifice.
I believe in pain. I believe in overcoming pain.
I believe in forgiveness. I believe that you forgive others not just to have them in your life, but for yourself. I believe that grudges can and will make you bitter and fill you with hate.
I believe in second chances. I believe in change. I believe in the simplicity of things.
I believe that happiness is created, it is worked for. It is something you choose to be.
I believe in many things, like you and me. I believe in me.
I believe in the power of music. I believe in art, in history, in the comfort of books. I believe in dreams.
I believe in faith, I have faith. I believe that life is what you make of it, that it truly is in your hands to build something wonderful for yourself.
I believe that believing in yourself is where it all begins.


What do you believe in?

Amada por El.

Recuerda siempre que las acciones hablan mas fuerte que las palabras.

Diciéndoles eso, les digo lo siguiente: Nunca, en esta vida, he estado frente a frente con Dios, en esta tierra El no me ha dicho que me ama, pero ni dudes que lo ha mostrado, a través de Sus acciones. Dios, mi Padre Celestial, me ha bendecido increíblemente, me ha apoyado, guiado, amado, a pesar de mis imperfecciones. Yo he sentido Su amor, y siempre lo siento. El no me lo tiene que decir. Se con cada fibra de mi ser, que El me ama. Me ama por lo que soy, por lo que no. El ve lo mejor en mi, incluso cuando yo misma dudo mi potencial. El amor de nuestro Padre Celestial por cada uno de sus hijos es algo que no podemos comprender. Es un amor infinito. El nos ama tanto que dejo que Su Hijo, nuestro hermano, Jesucristo, muera por nosotros. Gracias a nuestro Salvador tenemos la Expiación. Y gracias a eso, tenemos el plan de Salvación. Podemos ser salvados. Que gran bendición vivir tu vida sabiendo eso, sabiendo que hay algo después de la muerte, que ha morir, podemos regresar a vivir con El. Muchas veces le he agradecido a mi Padre Celestial, por haberme dado la hermosa bendición de nacer dentro de la iglesia, de crecer con el evangelio, de tener el Espíritu Santo en mi hogar, de saber que las familias pueden ser eternas, y tener mi proprio testimonio que este evangelio, y esta iglesia es la verdad. Su amor ha sido una motivación para mi, un consuelo, esperanza, una luz dentro de la oscuridad.

Todo lo que El pide de mi, de nosotros, es ser obedientes, y en eso, obedecer los mandamientos. Lo cual es tan simple, pero al mismo tiempo, es difícil vivir una vida recta, correcta, sin error - pero no es imposible. Porque Jesucristo lo hico. Y nosotros si lo podemos hacer. Y por eso El nos pide esto. Porque de esa manera le mostramos ha El, nuestra dedicación, nuestra gratitud, nuestro compromiso con los convenios que hemos hecho con El. Esta es la prueba querido hermanos. Y Dios nunca nos hace pasar por ningún obstáculo que no podemos conquistar.

Se han imaginado como será ese día? Como será el día que lo veremos otra vez? Nuestros corazones se llenaran al instante de alegría al estar en frente de El, al ver su rostro, al abrazarlo, sentir su amor y mirarle a sus puros ojos y agradecerle por absolutamente todo.

Quiero que sepan que Dios siempre esta ahí por nosotros. El nunca nos ha fallado. Solo esta una oración en distancia. Y no toma nada arrodillarse y preguntarle lo que uno quería saber, lo que uno necesite de El. Si es bueno para ti, el te lo dará. Siempre contesta nuestras oraciones en el momento adecuado. Abecés no es la respuesta que queremos, pero siempre es lo mejor para nosotros.

Cada uno tenemos un divino potencial, tenemos un propósito y hay un plan. Estamos aquí para desarrollar nuestros talentos, nuestro testimonio y nuestra fe. Estamos aquí porque decidimos venir aquí. Que gozo me da saber que yo estuve con Jesucristo en la guerra pre-mortal.

Dios te ama, te quiere ver feliz, quiere que seas exitoso en esta vida, que escojas lo correcto porque tus decisiones aquí determinaran tu lugar en la próxima. El quiere que regreses a vivir con El y Su hijo, nuestro amado hermano, que estés en Su presencia, como una vez lo estuviste.

Eres su hijo, su hija, y eres amado por El. Eternamente.
 

Julio.

I met a little boy named Julio a while ago. He used to live in an orphanage here in Cineguilla, Peru. He was the first individual there that lovingly offered me his friendship, all it took was one question, "Hola, cual es tu nombre?" And with that, Julio became friends with Princesa Camote Papas Fritas (that's the name I presented myself with). What was so beautifully endearing about this child of God was his spirit. He is one of those people that you'll have the opportunity to meet through out your life and think: where did you come from? He had an angelic look in his eyes and his kindness was infectious. Inevitably, I grew to care for this little criatura just as I have for all the other kids there - Julio taught me to be kind, patient and to love others. I don't think he realized that he did what he did, that he inspired me and unintentionally made me a better person. You see, this is why I love volunteering there. Every time I leave the orphanage, I leave with a lesson learned.


Every one should be more like Julio. He exemplifies a love for others that warms the heart and makes you think. How easy it is to be kind but we choose otherwise. Imagine if every one in the world made an effort to be a little kinder to one other - from family to friends to strangers - imagine if we just tried to be kind, even if it's a quality that isn't natural to us.


What the world needs is eyes that will look at you without judgement, ears that will listen with intent, and mouths that will speak with love and sincerity. There are plenty of worldly issues out there, but I'd like to think that if we were kinder to one another, it would be the beginning of something wonderful.


We went to the orphanage on Tuesday. When I arrived I was greeted by Victor, a charming little boy that loves technology, music, and always is eager to hear me rap. I started to look for Julio, but I found out that he wasn't there anymore, as well as Jon. I was told that the government gave them to families. My first initial emotion was sadness. I thought of how I didn't get to say goodbye. I thought of how they might be feeling to have to suddenly leave the only place they know of as home. Then my mama bear complex kicked in. Are they okay? Are they adjusting well to their new families? Are these families treating them with the love and care that they so honestly deserve?


After we got back from the orphanage I was talking with a friend and he explained to me exactly how the orphanages work here in Peru, and how before they are given away to a family, the families go through a rigorous process to see if they qualify. I was told that "the government gave them away to a family", so that's how I thought it literally was.
After learning this, my thoughts changed and my heart grew soft. I thought of how lucky these families must be to have these new children in their homes, I thought of how Jon and Julio will bring so much joy and life lessons to those families. I pondered of how good their life could get now - and in the most sincerest place in my heart, I wished that they would be showered with love and have a life full of happiness, wherever they may be.


Here's to Julio - for teaching me to be kind, patient and loving. Here's to the stranger that became my friend and reminded me what a true friendship is all about. Here's to a child that has been through a lot and effortlessly manages to be happy. Here's to innocence. Here's to what the future could be like - if we all just try to be a little kind.

 

 

Until tomorrow.

Growing up we were always reminded to appreciate everything we had. This not only included materialistic items, but things that in all honesty, doesn't have a price. I suppose that's why to this day, I always thank God for the blessings that seem to be overlooked, like: the ability to walk, talk, see, be free of sickness, the ability to read, live in the country that I do, have the unconditional support that I do, to receive proper education, and the effortless fact that I am alive to see another day.


Coming to Peru really put into perspective of how blessed I really am. Back in Canada, you don't see much poverty - surely you see homeless individuals, you know of people that are struggling to pay the bills, that are in need of food and shelter - but there is help for that. There are food banks, shelters, thrift stores, social workers, services that are offer things for those in need. But in Peru? There's none of that. You don't have a home? Too bad. You're sleeping on the street. You don't have anything to eat tonight? Better luck tomorrow. You can't find a job? Keep looking. You have a family to feed? Well they better start working too. I can't tell you how many times I have seen little kids on the street, or on the highway selling candy. It honestly breaks my heart. I think of them, and how their life must be. I think of how they must think that that is it for them. Their biggest priority is gathering enough money to buy dinner for the night, whereas me at that age, I could've asked for what I wanted to have for dinner. Sometimes small children will get on the micros (which is a type of bus here in Peru) and dance, or sing or just explain their story and ask for money. Many passengers aboard the bus look away, but there will be the few that go into their pocket and give away what they want to give. The thing is, there is a lot of corruption here in Peru, and sometimes parents, or people that have children working for them will make those kids beg for money, and whatever they gather, doesn't go to them - it goes to the bigger fish in the pond. Knowing all that frustrates me to the core, and only ignites so many ideas in reference to what I can do to make a difference, to make a change.


Tomorrow I'll be going to an orphanage with a group of friends, that is located here in Lima, but it is a bit secluded and from what I have heard, a 45 minute drive away. I am scared and nervous. I am scared to see close to the reality of much of the children here in Peru, nervous that I may cry and they may not understand why. You see, to them where they live, that is home. That is their life. That is all they have ever known. Some children have been there for most of their existence, and do not know of the world and all it has to offer.


I know I will go in with an open heart and I will come out a better person.
It is my grand hope that throughout this experience, we will be able to help these children out through fundraisers, donations and so on. Truly I hope that this sparks a feeling of compassion in a lot of beings here in Lima, and that we may all see how much we are really capable of if we unite and comply.


So my dear readers, be grateful for what you have, and work for what you don't. I know we all go through problems and crisises, and at the time, they seem awful, and are. But in my time of need, knowing that others out there have less than me and could use my help, altered my perspective of the term "problem" and helped me focus on the bigger picture.


If you know of people that need help, it is not enough to have the desire to help, but to implement that desire into action and DO.

Until tomorrow,

Laura

To the future child that will bless my life:

I was cleaning out my storage on my laptop today, and I came across an assignment I had written forever ago for my English course. I can't recall it quite exactly, but we had to write to our future child for their 18th birthday on our concept of success. It was one of those assignments that really made you analyze yourself for a little bit, made you ponder about everything you're about to write down. It was an assignment that caused me to reflect on myself and my abilities, which I really enjoyed because it opened my eyes to personal improvement - and there is always room for improvement!
So without further ado, here it is!

Dear Parker,

 You've now reached a point in your life where you are going to start to make decisions that will affect you in the long run. You have grown mentally and emotionally, matured graciously,  and it has now come upon you to think of the future and to fully understand how you are responsible for the type of future you can have. I've chosen to write this e-mail to you because as your mother, I am your example, I am your role model, and what you see me do, how I handle myself in life will reflect on how you do as well. With your 18th birthday being today, and with this year being your last year of high school, I know now would be a more than perfect time to share with you my beliefs on personal success. Personal success does not only refer to the financial, educational and social aspects of life, but also the emotional, familial and spiritual aspects of life as well. I believe that to be personally successful, you must first be 100 percent happy with yourself. What I mean by that is that you must be happy with what you've done in life. You must feel at peace with how you've treated others and how you've carried yourself. You must know that you've been honest in your doings, that you've been a humble individual, always had your priorities in order and tried your best against the obstacles you've had to face. I know that you are all those things, but I want to encourage you to always continue to be those things, because I guarantee you that you will be faced with events that can tempt you to become a non-honest person. You will encounter people that will have the ability to influence you negatively, but you must always stick to your morals and standards despite the pressure there is in this world today.

I know you love to spend time with your family, especially your grandparents and your cousins. The entire family can truly see how much you care about them and their well-beings. My mom never stops telling me how you're going to be such a family man and a wonderful father to your kids in the future time. I want you to know that you have the capacity to be an exemplary father to your future children, to teach them righteously and to never let them down, as you have never let me down. Family is the most important thing in life. They are the people you have been blessed with to be biologically connected to forever. They are the group of people that will never fail you. They may anger you, disappoint you, make you upset, test you and it is more than likely that they will, but when it comes down to it, they will be there for you up front and center. I wish for you to never isolate yourself from them, or your father and I, to always keep us up-to-date and let us know how you're doing. Family is the internal force that will support you, guide you and love you unconditionally. Along with family, comes the spiritual aspect of life. Being that we are Mormons, I know that for me, being personally successful includes exceeding in my religion. I never cease to try to improve in my knowledge of the scriptures, to stay constant in saying my prayers, to regularly attend church and be an example for the people around me. Where I stand with my religion hugely impacts my life in general. I know I never want to just be stable in my knowledge and in my own personal salvation in the church, I always want to strive to be better and improve in that part of my life.

Of course, being financially successful is a component in being personally successful. I can't imagine myself not being pleased with myself if I didn't have a career, because without no career, I wouldn't be able to provide for my family, much less, myself. Having a career is not exactly about the money, but it also has to do with the fact that it shows that you did something with your life. Having a career shows that you've made something of yourself. That's where education comes in. That's why I urge you to continuously work hard to achieve the best result you possibly can when it comes to getting an education. I know in university you will be presented with time to slack, to party and just go crazy, but you must stay focused. I advise you to choose a career that will make you happy. Don't do it for the money, do it because you like to do it. I chose my career because I love to help people. I love listening to people, being that outlet for them. I so enjoy knowing that I can be someone to count on, to depend on. Someone that can help others see different solutions. Knowing that what I do makes a difference in people's lives makes it all worth it. I think of you and I know you are such a social butterfly and you have so many friends that I am sure you will have a very busy social life. This is why balance is key. Balance out your life between friends, family, school and church. I know with balance you can have a successful life.

Being personally successful takes work. It doesn't just come to you. You can't just make a wish upon a well and it'll happen. You have to work for your happiness. You have to endure obstacles, move on, gain knowledge, learn from experiences and try your best in all that you do. You have to be persistent, determined, strong, brave, accountable, innovative, honest, loyal, observant, caring, patient and so much more. If you don't acquire those qualities now, they will develop as you live your life. I know from experience that personal success is worth all the trouble you go through, it is worth the fight, just like your dreams are. Don't ever give up on your dreams.

Your great grandmother fought very hard to be where she is today. She was a single mom, she raised three rapidly growing boys all on her own. She raised them in a time where the world was very sexist. Women weren't treated equally in her time. Men were very chauvinist. She didn't have a very supportive husband. She had to play the father role as well. Not only did she provide for her children, she was also a housewife.  She raised her kids to become grown, honest men. Although she had a brain stroke, and she can't recognize any of us, she is at peace. You can tell by looking at her face and her presence that she is calm and happy. She raised good children, good workers and good fathers for their children. I admire her for that. I think my grandmother is a swell example of what it means to be personally successful. She may be in a state right now where she is like a child again, but I know deep down she knows that her sons are doing well in life and that she did an excellent job in being an admirable mother to them.

I wish the best for you Parker, I really do. You are my only son and I love you so much. Soon you will go off into the world and spread your wings. In a way, you will take the position I've had all these years. Soon, you'll be the one taking care of yourself, making sure you eat healthy, taking care of yourself when you're sick, doing your own laundry, dropping yourself off at school and all the other things I've done for you. I will always be here for you. If you ever need anything don't be proud like your father, and just ask. I'm only a call or drive away.

Well, my lunch break is almost ever and this e-mail is longer than I expected but I just want to finish with this: I want the best for you in life. I want you to be successful in all areas. Beginning with being happy with yourself and your doings. I want you to try to think tonight before you go to bed, "Am I glad with what I did today?" Life is short, honey. It is too short to be wasting time on treating others unfairly, to be bitter, to sit around and waste time instead of getting what you want yourself. Life indeed is not long enough to contemplate on what you want, because too much contemplating will let all the opportunities that are presented to you slip away. Fortunately, life is long enough to be a child and be spoiled by your parents, to grow into a young adult and make choices in life that can positively affect you, to go to school and get that degree, to find somebody you undeniably love and put a ring on their finger, to have kids and teach them what you know is right and hope that as a parent, your children achieve all their goals in life and for them to be happy. That is what I wish for you.

 

Happy birthday, Sweetie.

Love,

 Mom

"I do".

Like Lao Tzu once said, "being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage". Today I witnessed such an act of courage, an act of love from two young individuals that have had quite the journey before this day.

When I entered the room, I saw how lovely my cousin looked. She looked gorgeous with all her makeup done, her flowing white gown, down to her frizzy-free, flawless hair, yet that still didn't take away from the reality of the situation - she's only 18. At 18, she has made a commitment that as a bride and a mother, one hopes is everlasting. She held her groom's hand and walked down the aisle into the main room filled with her loved ones, smiling as she looked around, taking it in that in a few minutes she was not only going to hold the title mother, but she would now be a wife. The ceremony was beautifully pure, and just honest. What really got to me was the following line from her speech at the dinner, which was: Te amo, nada mas, y quiero ser feliz a tu lado.(I love you, nothing more, and I want to be happy by your side). The look of sincerity in her eyes, and the sound of genuineness in her voice, showed me just how much this day meant to her. Today she sealed her future with a kiss, and strengthened her own family more than ever.


A part of me still can't believe it. I recall when I met her in 2010, she was only 15 - taller than me, but the look in her eyes and her personality just screamed youth. Now she's 18, with her own family, and a big future ahead of her. I wish her the best, as a wife, a mother, a daughter and as an individual. Everybody deserves a slice of the happy pie, and surely she has a great one cut out for her ☺


How right must it feel to stand before all the people you care about, next to the man or woman you love the most, to look them right in the eyes and declare your love for them in the most respectable way. To me, legally and emotionally binding yourself to someone represents your incredible love for them. If someone wants to marry you, it is because they accept you for all that you are and all that you are not. They want to spend the rest of their life trying to figure you out, loving you, supporting you, and yes - fighting with you. Contrary to popular belief, fighting in a relationship is suppose to happen. It's okay if it happens. Differing opinions is what makes the world go round, but you must also know how to see eye to eye, to accept different opinions, to be open-minded and to try to fix a situation, not make it worse than it is. Relationships are meant to have ups and downs, so not only will we shed tears of joy and happiness, but tears of anger and sadness. It is inevitable. Sometimes the person we love can drive us out of ever-loving mind, but they also hold the power to magically put a smile on our face, even when we couldn't imagine it possible. Their arms will be the arms we seek to be held with in our saddest moments, their words of comfort and love will be the words we yearn to hear when we feel like we can't go on, just as their presence will be the presence that we are hoping to be right by our side in our most cherished moments.

True love isn't easy. It's not like how you see it in the movies. True love is real, with a balance of happiness and hardships. I believe that true love occurs at the right place, at the right time. You should be with someone that makes you happy more often than not, not with someone that creates pain, instead of laughter. Sadly, sometimes it doesn't work out.  Every so often, two people love each other, but it's just not meant to be. The Mr./Mrs. Right-For-Nows teach you things that will strengthen you and help form you for when Mr. or Mrs. Right comes along. From each trial, there is something you learn. :)
It's amazing, isn't it? How somewhere out there, roams a person that will love us for our grouchiness, stubbornness, indecisiveness - for all the things we don't like about ourselves. Perhaps it is a person that you already know, someone you don't picture yourself with - or someone you've already loved but somehow gone your separate ways. It doesn't matter, for in the end, true love will prevail.