Sept. 26, 2011 – Provo MTC

Hola, mi familia!!!  :)

I'm excited to email you tonight!  My p-day is on Thursdays (the day I'm allowed to write letters and email), but we have special permission to write today because this is our first week. 

I love mis companeras!  I'm in a companionship with two awesome sister missionaries, Hermana Sm. from Wyoming and Hermana Su. from Hawaii.  Both know more Espagnol than I do, and are thankfully very diligent at speaking it whenever they can.  I'm grateful for their example.  I’m grateful for their patience as I take so long speaking and ask a lot of fairly basic questions. I’m also grateful for the relative openness we have to positive feedback and critique. 

Even though I felt the Spirit often my first couple days, I was fairly emotional all through Saturday.  Transplant shock has been hard.  No wonder tomato seedlings keel over when we first take them outside from the basement.  I felt so overwhelmed with all the Espagnol our maestros speak.  So much.  And I understand so little.  I didn’t know that in here in the MTC the public school second language basics of alphabet, colors, pronouns, and numbers are just skipped.  We first learned (memorized) how to introduce ourselves, then how to pray, then how to testify.  All very basic, but that meant I needed to teach myself the alphabet including how to pronounce all the sounds (mis companeras had to repeat the "r" sound many times).  I’m grateful for the resources we’ve been given to help us learn. 

On Sunday I was walloped by a burst of homesickness.  I finally started reading my "The Living Christ" flashcards and felt a beautiful sensation of peace and love.  I felt assured.  I was touched by the scriptures in D&C 88: 67-69.  We find peace and are filled with purpose and light when we focus on our Savior.  I won't feel better dwelling on thoughts of home, but I allow myself to receive the Spirit and Christ’s love when I focus on Him, not me. Another motto I’ve learned while here: I'm serving Christ for 18 months so that other families can be together forever.

An empowering lesson from a fireside on Sunday focused on distinguishing between the Holy Ghost and Satan (what I called "lighties" and "darkies" in my talk).  The speaker talked about how Satan is doing all he can to thwart us from doing the Lord’s work.  When we think thoughts of doubt and despair, remember that "It’s not that I can’t do it.  It’s that Satan doesn’t want me to do it!"

Today I proved with mis companeras that it is indeed possible to not be where you’re supposed to at the MTC.  We were told to go to a certain room in a building for a service project, an "Elder" (male missionary) let us in, and we found out that it was an Elder apartment building (off limits to sisters).  We were mucho embarassed, and grateful the elders we ran into were fully dressed...

 I’m grateful for the Spirit.  The Holy Ghost is so strong, when we choose to believe and receive Him.  I’ve felt so much better since yesterday afternoon remembering that.

I testify that Jesus Christ lives and loves us.  I know that we can do whatever He asks us to do.  A tender mercy of a thought has been "remember the end from the beginning".  Right now may be hard, but I’m remembering the blessings I’ve been promised, that at some point I will be able to speak.  I testify that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed from our sins and mistakes, be made whole, and become worthy of all the blessings Heavenly Father would give us.  Families can be together forever.  En el nombre de Jesucristo, amen.

I love you very much!!! 

--Hermana Ivy [-]

Mission: Lighties vs Darkies--My talk before departure

The following is a rough summary of a talk I gave in church on September 18th, 2011

Thoughts and promptings can come from the Godhead or Satan, and we must choose who to believe and what to act on.

I've dubbed thoughts from Satan "darkies" because when I think about or choose to believe them, I feel dark feelings of despair, doubt, worry, distress, discouragement, sadness, despair, etc. "Lighties" are those thoughts or promptings from the Holy Ghost that, when I choose to believe and act on them, fill me with light through peace, love, calmness, assurance, happiness, faith, etc.

I've come to realize that acting on promptings of the Holy Ghost can be a choice as much as a physical action. "I feel darkness when I believe this thought, so I choose to not believe it. I choose to replace it with believing in Gospel doctrine." For example, I can replace darkies such as "God did this to me" "Nobody loves me, no one will ever love me"  "There is no solution to this problem" and "Maybe that family member will die today" with thoughts like "I am a daughter or son of Heavenly Father, who loves me, and I choose to love and trust Him."

Thankful Morning: Rambling reflections on a week at the Ranch

This last Monday Dad, Mom, my two younger sisters and I drove up to our family ranch to be with my brother and grandparents and other extended family to harvest and store the hay.  While Dad, my brother, and youngest sister have driven giant tractors, I've learned how to cook meals for 10-14 people at a time, and have decided against ever cooking at a restaurant.  ;)

Camping, cooking, talking, being with little children, and a magical sunrise have made this a week I'm grateful for.

Thankful Thursday: Edible wild plants

Today I made stinging nettle soup.  :)

It is brilliant green, and tastes yummy.  Especially with yogurt.  I can practically feel the vitamins rebuilding my body.  ;)

I'm grateful for unusual plants that I like to eat and are good for my body.

What unusual foods are you thankful for?


PS Don't tell my grandpa about this, or he'll spray the rest with Round-up...  ;)

Thankful Thursday: FIVE MORE WEEKS!

Exactly FIVE MORE WEEKS and then MY BIG BROTHER COMES HOME from his two-year proselyting mission!!!

I AM SO EXCITED!!!  :D 

Thankful Thursday: Reassuring words

This afternoon I felt exhilarated after working three+ hours with Mom cleaning up an extraordinarily messy blackberry patch, but tonight I felt overwhelmed.  I am grateful for all three stewardships my family shares responsibility for (a family ranch, a family farm, and the house+property my immediate family actually lives on), but sometimes it is hard to work and work and work and NEVER be done.  

So it was a sweet moment reading these words tonight:

"Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.

You know, brethren [and sisters], that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren [and sisters], let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

:)  

Thankful Thursday: What are you grateful for today?

Today I'm grateful

--to be home  :)
--to have gone to my sister's band concert and see her be singled out and applauded for her efforts
--for fun music
--for my friends
--that we finally got the tomatoes and melons planted in the garden (woot!)
--for totally awesome edible landscaping and waterwise gardening catalogues :)  :)  :)
--for totally awesome plants that look like they came from outer space

This is sea holly (image from highcountrygardens.com)...SO COOL!!!  :D  

...and for gorgeous gardens   :)  (photo from highcountrygardens.com)

And lastly, for my sister who shares fun youtube videos.  :)

What are you grateful for today?  

Thankful Thursday: Thank you, Gentlemen, for your virtue!

I'm typing this in a dorm room at the University of Wisconsin.  My family is here because one of my sisters is competing with her teammates at the national Science Olympiad tournament.  I love being here along for the ride, without the stress of being a competitor.  :)  

Virtue:
1) behavior showing high moral standards
   --a quality considered morally good or desirable in a person
   --virginity or chastity
Origin: from Latin virtus "valor, merit, moral perfection"


Tonight I had a difficult experience.  I was walking back to our dorms with my family and our team, when I smiled and said "Hi" to a poorly dressed man.  His reply was a quiet "Hi, Babe", and I realized a minute later that he had turned around and was following our group about 10 feet away.  I felt vulnerable and nervous, and changed my position to be on the other side of my parents, further away from him.  He finally crossed the street and I saw him checking out other women as we continued walking.

Thankful Thursday: Notes of love

Today I received four written notes and a thoughtful email.  I am so grateful.  I am grateful for family and friends who take time to write down their love, and for junior high boys who take time to thank those who served them.  At some point the notes will go in my binder of letters, but for now they are on my table so I can read and reread them.  :)

This week: Please take a moment to write someone.  :)  

Turkeys, and SPRINGTIME IS HERE! :) :) :)

I am so happy!  Springtime is here, the fresh air seems saturated with endorphins, and tomorrow I'm going home to celebrate Easter with my family!!!  *happy dance*  :)  :)  :)

Other perks of today:
--this morning on the bus there were some adorable toddlers laughing
--I saw a fruit tree blooming!  Pink BLOOMS!  :D

60th Thankful Thursday: Works of art

Have you ever seen a painting that took your breath away the moment you saw it?  One that drew your heart right into its canvas?

This painting* elicited those emotions when I first saw it.

59th Thankful Thursday: Websites

Three years ago I was introduced to the website Oxford Dictionaries.   Free of charge, I can now instantly find in-depth definitions, and if I wanted to pay, could even find how definitions have evolved over time.   I'm grateful for the increased understanding I've gained using this site during study.

Sometimes I get carried away looking up definitions.  I just looked up "receive", "call", and "sustain".  :)

This week:  What is a website you're grateful for?

PS  WHOA!!!  I totally thought the Salar Jung museum had made this up!!!  "Blunderbuss"  haha!  Just made my day.  :)

58th Thankful Thursday: Service enabling Christ

I would be totally thrilled if you take time to read this post--it is one of my favorites.  :)


The past few months I dabbled in and out of a shallow mire of gloom from thinking about myself too much.  I finally learned for myself a principle that saved me; and while I'm certainly not stellar at living it yet, in a few weeks I have felt much happier.


The principle: Losing myself in service allows Jesus Christ room to be in me.

57th Thankful Thursday: more simple delights and a simple chocolate chip spiced pumpkin cookie recipe

Today, I took time to enjoy an hour-long nap (!--really, that never happens), watched cedar waxwings munch on crabapples, and baked cookies (another activity I haven't done in months).  I'm so glad I did--I feel more relaxed and ready to take on tomorrow.

The cookies, chocolate chip and spiced pumpkin, require just three ingredients and are totally yummy.  I just plop the dough on the cookie sheet, hence the rugged appearance, but feel free to make yours smooth.  These cookies are more cake-like than they are chewy.

This week:  What simple delights rejuvenate you?

56th Thankful Thursday: Simple, profound words

"I love you."

Those are three simple, profound words that touch my soul.  I am grateful for opportunities to share them with and receive them from family and friends.

I am grateful.

This week: What are some words you are grateful for?  

A tender video clip on how to love like Christ does

Christ washing Peter's feet and the Atonement

A couple weeks ago I read the account in the Bible of Jesus washing his apostle's feet after the Passover dinner and prior to his Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane.  I was struck for the first time how these versus relate not only to the principle of service, but to the principle of repentance through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

The account I quote from is in John 13: 4-9.  In verses 8-9 I include the Joseph Smith Translation* of the Bible, with differences in italics.  I apologize if there are typos in the scripture below.

4) He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5) After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6) Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7) Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8) Peter saith unto him, Thou needest not to wash my feet.  Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9) Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.  Jesus saith to him, He that has washed his hands and his head, needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit; and ye are clean, but not all.  Now this was the custom of the Jews under their law; wherefore, Jesus did this that the law might be fulfilled.  

Three cows in the kitchen ;)

That may have been the coolest blog title I've ever written.  :)

Three summers ago at my grandparent's ranch, I discovered the most awesome ice cream scoop ever: a Holstein cow handle with a stainless steel scoop.  My grandma gave it to me, and I took it to college.  It became one of my favorite mementos of home and a reminder not to take myself too seriously.  (Who could, looking at that cheesy grin?)

This past summer after I found my current apartment, I thought it would be fun to have my own cookie jar.  Somehow, "cookie jar" became a "cow cookie jar" to complement my ice cream scoop.  And to top the deal, it had to come from the DI (my favorite thrift shop).

For seven months, I occasionally wishfully thought about that hope.  And in the meantime, I happened upon a cow ladle rest at Ross's for $2.

Then last night I found it.  I happy danced right there in the store.  Sure, it's not an official cookie jar, but it will function perfectly as one, and I couldn't imagine a better shape.

I have my perfect ceramic cow cookie container...  now to just find some yummy cookies to fill it.  :)

55th Thankful Thursday: Simple delights to lift the spirit

This week has been filled with small and simple things that have lifted my spirits.  I'm posting some below, and hope you'll add some of your own.  I love when another person lifts the veil from my eyes so I can see the delight hidden all around.  :)

PS I've posted a Youtube video that touched me this week below

--Watching and listening to children laughing and playing during recess
--Green sprigs of grass poking up through cement canyons in the sidewalk
--Hearing squirrels bicker
--The blessed, wonderful smell of rain-kissed air
--Twittering birds in tall skeletous trees

54th Thankful Thursday: Family... isn't it about... time?

This week I've been on Spring Break.  I set a goal to do something fun every day, and have so far kept it.  I don't think I've ever had a "break" where I've felt so good about how I've used the time.  This afternoon I told Mom that, while I haven't gotten everything done, I've gotten the most important things done--and I can go back to school "at peace with myself" ready to get back to work.

I laugh every time.  :)  

Some highlights from the past few days:

53rd Thankful Thursday: Maps, guides, and compasses

This past school year I've been working through an interesting curriculum in how to navigate the map of life.  Last Fall I had an experience where what I thought was best for me wasn't, and I had to re-chart my plan of action using what I knew at the time.  Good things resulted, and I learned a lot.

Now I feel like I've been gently turned around to a path I'd crossed out, being told it is the best direction for me to go.  Yet all I see in front of me is thick, thick fog.  Sometimes in the distance sunlight seems to shine onto possibilities--yet that's all they are: hazy prospects.  

I feel completely uncertain about what's going to happen, and yet totally assured because I trust the source of my guidance.  For me, there is no greater or more perfect compass than God.  

I am grateful for peace even when I don't know my destinations.

This week: Who or what is a guide or compass you are grateful for?

52nd Thankful Thursday: Gifts of Gratitude

Sunday night, I visited my junior high science teacher with several of her former students.  We gave her a book that contained thank-you notes and letters from her past students.  Her joy and gratitude were inspiring and uplifting.  I am grateful I finally thanked one of the most influential, life-changing ladies in my life.

On Monday, I arrived home from school and found a little package on my doorstop.  It contained a precious wooden box with brass finishings--from Subhash in India!!!  I was blown away.  Even more dear to me is the little note he put in it, thanking me for the work I did and wishing me well.  

Looking back at the these experiences, it is incredible that the people who taught me more than I could dream of giving to them, are actually thanking me.  I am grateful.

This week: What gifts of gratitude have touched your life, either through being the giver or the  receiver?

51st Thankful Thursday: Jesus Christ and His Atonement

I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to earth, lived, suffered, bled, died, and lives again.  I am grateful for the peace and purity I am able to feel through the cleansing power of His Atonement.  I know He knows and loves me.  I know He knows and loves you too.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  

This week: Why are you grateful for Christ, or, what is something someone has done for you which you are grateful for?

"I Stand All Amazed"

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

50th Thankful Thursday: More Loves! :)

IT'S THE 50TH THANKFUL THURSDAY!!!  :D  I think it's only fitting to celebrate this momentous occasion with another List of 50 Loves.  :)

Just some background: this semester marks the first time I've diligently worked out at the gym, and I'm seeing awesome results.   This is a super exciting time for me, and so health-related items came up a lot during this list.  Sometime I will write up a full post on it to explain why it's so awesome for me.  :)

49th Thankful Thursday: taking things for granted

Sometimes I wish I didn't have to lose something for me to appreciate it.  Whether it is my chapstick, inner peace, or lately, my health.

I'm grateful that no matter what I've lost, that I always have what I need to get through it.  Right now I'm very, very grateful for my family and their love and support.

This week: What are you grateful for? 

Gently spiced black beans with baked sweet potatoes

I really, really like this recipe.  It's not very spicy, but is flavorful enough to tickle the taste-buds.  The flavors of the beans and the sweet potatoes complement each other very well.  It's fast and can easily be doubled or tripled depending on how many mouths are around to feed.  It's one I'll make and turn into brown-bag lunches for a week.

I adapted the recipe from EatingWell.  While you could zap the sweet potatoes in your microwave on short notice, as EatingWell recommends, I suggest baking them in the oven.  Baking takes planning ahead, but zapped sweet potatoes don't carmelize like baked ones do.

The sweet potatoes take about an hour and a half to bake (they're super forgiving on time).  About twenty minutes before they're done, start the black beans and you're good to go.  :)  If making a larger batch, allot more time for it to come to a simmer.

Yogurt makes a nice garnish and helps make this a complete protein.  This meal is fairly heavy, so I recommend serving with crackers or flatbread.

48th Thankful Thursday: Beans :)

I have 48 cans of beans and more than two pounds of dried beans in my pantry.  Refried, canellini, kidney, black, garbanzo, great northern, baby lima, original baked, chili....   Thank goodness for case lot sales and a mother who is willing to stock up her daughter's pantry.  :)

We'll see how long this supply lasts.  ;)

This week:  What is a food you consider totally essential to your meal planning?  

PREVIEW:  I'm going to post one of my newest favorite recipes this weekend: an Indian-spiced black bean and baked sweet potato recipe.  :)  SO, so good.  :)

47th Thankful Thursday: Doing things of greatest worth

"We are not only to do good, but, most importantly, to do the things of greatest worth—things of the heart that we know we should do but often don’t do."

--James E. Faust, "Sins of Omission", Friend, June 1998, inside front cover

46th Thankful Thursday: Supermom skills in the kitchen

189 jars (mostly quarts) of veggies and fruit
107 cups of salsa and sweet chili sauce
284 cups of jams and jellies

That is what my Supermom canned just this past autumn.  She cans food every autumn, working tens of hours in a hot kitchen.  I think one year she canned over 150 quarts of grape juice. If she's doing tomatoes she boils the tomatoes and skins every one.  Peaches are peeled with a paring knife.  Jams and jellies require near-constant stirring over a steamy pot, most batches take at least half an hour and only produce about 12 cups of jam each.  Applesauce requires the apples to be cooked and then squished through a food mill.

45th Thankful Thursday: Superdad skills

Last evening, my dad fixed my "broken" car key-hole with WD-40 in a freezing garage.  He used duct tape to patch some rips under the car door frame.   He taught me how to grease the rubber rim thingys of the car doors with Vaseline to prevent them from freezing shut.  Then he took apart and put back together my mom's old laptop, replacing some widget to help it run better.

I love my dad.  I'm grateful he would be both willing and able to help me (and do other service too) when he was so tired after a long day from work.

This week: What are some examples of your Superdad's skills or service?

44th Thankful Thursday: New Beginnings

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights. ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

43rd Thankful Thursday: O Holy Night!

"O Holy Night" is my favorite Christmas song.  My body tingles with thrills whenever the song reaches "Fall on your knees".  I am grateful for a loving and perfect Eldest Brother, who came to earth and lived in mortality.  He lived, suffered, died, and lives again for me.   He did and does so in order that I can become cleansed and whole through Him, become as He is, and live with Him and my family for eternity.  In the holy and sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  

This week:  What is your favorite Christmas or other holiday song?  

I've posted a video of Josh Grobin singing "O Holy Night".  I'd love it if you posted a link to your favorite song too.  :)  

42nd Thankful Thursday: Family

I love my family.  I'm done with Finals and am sitting in my living room.  Dad is laying on the couch, littlest Sis is doing homework, and Mom is helping Sis.  Molly our puppy is curled up by the Christmas tree.

I love their hugs.  I love their smiles.  Their laughter. Their encouragement.  Dad's help unloading my car.  Middle Sis showing me the gorgeous decked-out Christmas tree.  Littlest Sis's Christmas band concert.  Mom's love.

Home is wonderful.

This week:  Why do you love your family?

41st Thankful Thursday: Lights in the dark

The Sunday before Thanksgiving I hung a strand of Christmas lights in my apartment's main room.  The purple, pink, yellow, blue and green lights cast cheery glows on the walls and ceiling.  I love turning off the room's lights and basking in their sweet glistening.

I am thankful for the lights in my life that I can be thankful for in times of dreariness.

Some such "Christmas lights" from this week:

--happening upon the delightful flavor combination of fig newtons and gorgonzola cheese (a type of blue cheese)--think a Pixar Ratatouille moment of savoring--if only my ears could be so expressive... or maybe it's a good thing they aren't...  :)

40th Thankful Thursday: Can ye tell [our blessings]? Love from others

Today has been an emotionally bipolar day.  I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who allows His children to feel His great love through others.  Tonight I attended a Christmas Fireside, and one of my most dear teachers spoke on our Savior's birth, the nativity, and His love for you and me.

Afterwards I went to speak with her.  Our embrace was tender.  Have you ever had a moment when your heart swells so it almost bursts, and you feel so much love and yet are unable to voice what you are feeling?  I am so grateful for those moments.

Monday I was blessed with another tender mercy and outpouring of love.  I received a letter from my dear brother (who is still in Montreal serving a mission), containing four photo-postcards (photos he had taken and made into postcards) with 100 of his "Thankfuls" and another 20 from his companion, Elder J.  I laughed and wept as I read them, and am grateful for the love I felt for him, and the opportunity to feel close to him when he is 2,200 miles away.

Their thankfuls bring our total to 880!!!  Isn't that wonderful!?  Instead of typing the lists, I've taken photos of the photo-postcards, and hope you are able to read them below.

39th Thankful Thursday: Ask and ye shall receive :)

~760 Thankfuls were posted in response to last week's blog.  WOW!  I am grateful for those who shared their thoughts.  I feel like each post gave me a glimpse into another heart and enriched my life.

Thank you!

THIS WEEK:  Ask someone what they are grateful for.  

I have followed this week's prompt with a list.  It has the contributor of each list of Thankfuls as well as at least one of their Thankfuls.  I picked which Thankfuls were posted, and hope you delight in the following too.  :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!  :D

38th Thankful Thursday: 1,000 "Thankfuls" for Thanksgiving! :D

I'm thankful for: my family, cornbread, Jesus Christ, our dog Molly, rain, snow, mountains, bees, honey, clouds, sunsets, chickadees, pictures of hedgehogs that my sister shows me, the color purple, my computer, my kitchen, my pillow, my blankie (I can't believe I typed that in public), and India.

That took less than three minutes.  

THIS WEEK:  Post 20 "somethings" you are thankful for.  Let's get 1,000 Thankfuls by Thanksgiving!  

Requests:  

--Please post your thankfuls in groups of 20.  That will make it easy to count to 1,000.  We just need 49 comments on this post.  

--This is informal--it's okay if your thankfuls duplicate those of another person.  

--I plan to post each day for the next week.  You are more than welcome to post multiple times too.  :)

Your participation is eagerly anticipated and much appreciated!!!  :D

Really corny, wheat and honey cornbread--what a mouthful! ;P

Just in time for Thanksgiving...IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!  duh duh-duh duh:  my favorite cornbread recipe!  :D  If you are looking for KFC-like cornbread, check out this recipe (I suggest halving the sugar).  If you are Southern and swear cornbread is not sweet, consider this.  If you'd like a cornbread so good your grandpa eats half the pan for breakfast, keep reading.  ;)

Moist, nearly cake-like, wheat & honey-sweetened goodness, packed with sweet corn kernels.  I like it just how it is without adding extra butter or honey.  I hope you enjoy it too.  :)  

37th Thankful Thursday: Veterans Day 2010

Today I am grateful for the men and women who have served their country and their people, in combat or not, in chaos or peace, in the armed services, as a police officer, as a firefighter...  (If I left out your particular call of duty, please add it in the comments)

All three of my grandpas served in the armed forces (Navy, Marines, and Army), a cousin served in the Coast Guard, a distant cousin's husband serves as a Ranger, and numerous great-uncles and other relatives have served as well.

A Wyoming neighbor served in the Battle of the Bulge and was left for dead.  He still has shards of metal in his back from the bomb that blew up by him.

36th Thankful Thursday: List of 50 Loves

THIS IS MY 50th BLOG POST! WHOOT WHOOT! :D

I had no idea what could be special enough to celebrate this occasion with you. My inspired sister suggested I write a list of 50 things I love. Wow. She is awesome. So, dear reader, here is

Ivy's First List of 50 Loves:

Unpaid Endorsement: Chef's Catalog

I want to tell you about a company I stumbled on. Chefs Catalog started in 1979, and sells all kinds of cookware from top brands at good prices. I had been looking for a specific blender, and decided to buy it from them.

I couldn't be more pleased. They made sure my blender was delivered on time, even though I had requested a shorter delivery period. My blender arrived safely and securely packaged. The blender works beautifully. :)

You can check them out here.

Happy cooking! :)

35th Thankful Thursday: Indebted servants

My interpersonal communications class learned when we are in relationships where we either over-benefit or under-benefit much more than the other person, we often feel uncomfortable and want the relationship to change.

Later that day, I was reading my Book of Mormon. A new facet of one of my favorite passages of scripture was illuminated in light of what I’d learned in class.

In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin knows he is about to die. He gathers his people and speaks to them for the last time. He confers the kingdom to his son, Mosiah, and teaches the people about their relationships to each other and God.

Green chili under 10 minutes

My grandma makes a soup we call "green chili". It tastes so good after working for hours in chilly Wyoming. It has stewed tomatoes, pork, cans of canned chiles, kidney, black and refried beans, and (probably) tabasco sauce.

This is my version of green chili when I need to have dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes. When served with grain, the meal provides all amino acids needed for complete protein. I eat this with toasted tortilla (warmed in an ungreased fry pan, both sides) or cornbread.

34th Thankful Thursday: Teachers

I am tickled pink to introduce you to my dear friend, Mary LeBlanc. Regal, warm, genius, Christian disciple and Dumbledore-esque are some words that come to mind (or were spontaneously typed) when I think of Mary. :) She has composed a delightful series of vignettes of her choice teachers and learning experiences. I am thankful for what Mary has taught me, and for this opportunity to share this remarkable Renaissance lady with you. --Ivy

Please share your questions, comments and own choice memories in the comments section below.

When Ivy first suggested that I consider writing a “guest column” for her Thankful Thursday posts, I had no idea what I might write about. There was so much to choose from, so many people, places and happenings for which I am thankful, and without which my life would have been altogether different. Where to begin? But eventually one idea floated to the top, namely the group of people whom I recall with gratitude primarily, though not exclusively, for the assorted things they taught me. And, in some cases, are still teaching me. Let me reminisce a bit.

33rd Thankful Thursday: Jesus Christ and yoke partners

I understand you may or may not include Jesus Christ in your life. That's your choice, and I respect that. I hope I've written this post in a way you feel comfortable participating.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Matthew 11: 28-30. Jesus pleads with us:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

32nd Thankful Thursday: Favorite Quotes II

This past weekend I joined millions of other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in watching eight hours of talks given by our top church leaders, a semi-annual event called General Conference.

If you are interested in reading, viewing, or listening to the talks, they will soon be posted here.

Here are three quotes that touched me in particular (and short enough I could write them down):

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, quoting Leonardo da Vinci

31st Thankful Thursday: Written records

I know I'm posting this on Wednesday. If I don't post this now, I wouldn't be able to post until tomorrow night. I thought you would rather sooner than later. ;)

Yesterday I was having a bit of a tough spot mentally and emotionally. I realized my self-esteem had been dropping the past two weeks. Causes included being away from home, school stress, and recognizing I had started to manifest pride. The last reason was bitter.

I felt prompted to read my journal. I read entries from my time in India. I felt grateful for the experiences I had had, motivated to get my current duties done, and inspired that, "Yes, I really can do hard things." And maybe most importantly, I was reminded of what truly matters most, and that "I can change. I can become better."

I believe in me. I believe in you, too. :)

This week: What written records are you grateful for? Have you had a particular experience you would like to share?

PS If you made that tomato peanut soup I posted last week, how did you like it? :)

30th Thankful Thursday: Comfort food

As soon as you thoughtfully consider this week's prompt, please read the recipe I posted just prior this post. You may swoon after tasting it, so please have an ice pack handy in case you hit your head. Seriously. ;)

"Comfort food."

Okay, what images just popped into your head? Mashed potatoes & peas with gravy, grilled cheese sandwiches, baked beans, and tomatoes with mozzarella, basil & balsamic vinegar came to mind for me.

These foods remind me of dinners around an old tan wooden table with my family, of being a kid at Sizzler and baffling my parents by ordering a sandwich, of our garden harvest, and just feeling warmfuzzies from the goodness of sweet beans. :) :) :)

THIS WEEK: What comfort foods make you feel like you're wrapped in your favorite comforter, take you back to favorite memories, or just bring a smile of delight to your face? Bonus points for sharing "why". :)

Soul-warming & Spicy African Tomato Peanut Soup

Never in my life have I wanted to share a recipe as badly as this one. Good grief. This soup is GOOD. Common ingredients, rich, and filling. The flavor will blow you away.

I made minor changes to this recipe posted by Gourmet on epicurious.com. Gourmet's recipe uses a few more canned ingredients that might make it easier for you to make this.

I enjoyed the texture and am glad I didn't puree it. If you do puree it, you may not want to let it boil down so much, or it may become too thick.

If you want to serve this with grains, I recommend crackers or flatbread instead of bread.

The peanut butter demands to be paired with a glass of cold, whole, milk. Please don't disappoint the peanut butter.

29th Thankful Thursday: Basic Amenities

Toilet paper is awesome. It is convenient, useful, enables cleanliness, and makes for a more pleasant experience in the bathroom.

For the past three days I have used Kleenex. This afternoon, I finally took time to stop by Smiths and replenish my TP stock.

Thank you, O blessed person who invented toilet paper.

THIS WEEK: What basic amenity are you grateful for?

PS Do you have any suggestions for future Thankful Thursday posts? Pretty please?

28th Thankful Thursday: Like Cups of Hot Cocoa, Thousands of Miles Away

I just finished sipping a steaming cup of hot cocoa. It was warmed my body after a chilly 20 minute walk through the rain (under my umbrella).

Yesterday I had an even better cup of cocoa. I had emailed my India teammates asking for photos, and two replied the same day. Both with wonderful pictures.

Ki. sent hot cocoa flowing through my bones with what she wrote:

27th Thankful Thursday: When Things Work Out

I feel relieved. So relieved. I just met with the director of the Honors Program at my school, and she said to go ahead with what I had planned for my Honors Thesis project. I was nervous to meet with her, and told her so when she asked how I was doing.

Her approval means I get to compile what I did in India, add to it, and produce a resource that CARPED can use to facilitate the installation of their demonstration homestead, as well as being useful for future HELP International volunteers. I am grateful.

26th Thankful Thursday: Delighting in summer bounty

I am sitting at my computer a little bit distractedly, because half of an Ambrosia melon is staring at me. It has a huge scoop of vanilla bean ice cream in it, taunting me, because they know I can't eat them while I type. sigh

I love this time of year. After a summer of staring at little tiny fruits and veggies, willing them to grow, I am finally sinking my teeth into succulent peaches and tomatoes, squirting some juice here and there, and rejoicing in our family garden. I am picking Asian eggplant as fast as they can grow. I'm tasting Armenian cucumbers (which are technically melons) for the first time, and love them.

Tomatoes. I love tomatoes. Blue cheese and tomatoes, basil and tomatoes, basil and mozzerella and balsamic vinegar and sea salt and a bit of olive oil and tomatoes...

I am grateful for the garden, and the glorious delights that are springing out of it. :)

This week: What are you delighting in right now?

25th Thankful Thursday: This past week's favorite moment

I am sitting at my grandma's dining table in Wyoming. It is covered with a light blue tablecloth with a John Deere tractor pattern. I like looking at it. :)

After a month of cutting, baling, and stacking hay, Hay Season is almost done. Rainclouds aren't as terrifying now that everything has been baled. I love looking out to the vast fields, which look perfectly mowed. My sisters are out on the four-wheeler making sure the small square bales are properly turned to be picked up by the hauler.

This week's favorite moment: sitting on the porch swing with Dad, watching the spectacular sunset and clouds, listening to the sandhill cranes call, smelling the rain-kissed air, and feeling the gentle cool breeze.

How marvelous it is that a necessity such as oxygen can smell so heavenly.

THIS WEEK: What is your favorite moment from the past week?

24th Thankful Thursday: Loving younger people (even if they are as tall or taller....)

My next youngest sister is having her Golden Birthday this Sunday. Here are some revised snippets from a prior Thankful Thursday post, with some additional warm fuzzies. :)

My next youngest sister has taken the Sun hostage in her laugh and cheery disposition. She recently completed the same 90 Day Mind and Body Transformation my Mom did, and my sister can't keep herself from radiating joy. She is confident, does hard things, is full of enthusiasm, and is so buff her hugs nearly squeeze the life out of me. ;) Her smile lights up the world.

THIS WEEK: Who is a younger person you are particularly grateful for? Why?

PS When was the last time you told that particular someone you loved them? I hope you take time to do it again today...

23rd Thankful Thursday: Precious, silly, moments :)

Today I drove to my university's hometown so I could find housing for this next year (mission accomplished!). I asked my youngest sister if she wanted to go with me, and I'm so glad she did.

We ate lunch at the Indian restaurant I've wanted to go to for two years, Indian Oven. The food was great, I ate using my right hand only, and I was able to savor a mango lassi without fearing contaminated water. ;)

We celebrated my apartment with ice cream at a favorite local joint, The Bluebird. Raspberry and vanilla ice cream soda... delightful...

India: 22nd Thankful Thursday: Saving Strangers (and Family)

Hmm. That may not be the best title because it could imply that you or I are saving others. This week, "Saving Strangers and Family" refers to others coming to our rescue.

Last Thursday morning, MST, I left India to come home. 77 hours later, I pulled in the SLC airport, after being bumped off two flights in Delhi, being rerouted through London, and staying overnight in Chicago. It was a long journey.

But, I learned just as much, if not more, about myself during those days than I did during six weeks in India. I am grateful. I am also grateful for the people I met during those hours who buoyed me up and helped me get through it.

India: 21st Thankful Thursday: Lessons Learned

Today I leave India to go back home! The past six weeks have been crazy and wonderful, but I'm so grateful and happy that I can leave here on a high/good note.

Some things I'm grateful to have learned:

--I can do hard things.

--I can disassemble my western constructs and try to see the way the gears in the people's heads here work.

--My body is an amazing feat of creation. It mostly adjusted to the heat and humidity, to the point where I think I'll be more uncomfortable in my home's climate.

--It is possible to chew and swallow raw garlic, more particularly seven cloves right after each other. It is also possible that an Indian garlic clove that is a third the size of an American garlic clove can be three times as potent as the latter.

--I can be flexible and adjust plans as needed.

--I can laugh at myself. More particularly because of myself.

--I can live and work with people I've never met before in a foreign environment.

--I can return anger with objectivity. Thank goodness I learned this from Dad before I came here.

--I don't panic easily. Even when a mouse is sniffing my backpack. Even when I open my suitcase and see a mouse bury further down in it. Even when I later open the suitcase outside and tentatively dump everything out expecting to find a dead mouse (I never did find it. Just a bunch of mouse feces.)

--People can choose to be happy wherever they are, in whatever circumstances they are in.

--Beauty can be found anywhere.

--I may not be the one to see the results of what I've done here. But I'm grateful Subhash has said my work has made a difference. I'm grateful to know I've helped lay the groundwork for what he is going to continue building.

THIS WEEK: What lessons have you learned from a particular experience you have had?

India: 20th Thankful Thursday: Technology and Teammates

We've had on-and-off internet connection the past few days. I didn't bring my computer. I am glad I didn't bring my computer because I've gotten a lot of personal contemplation time. But I've also learned that I need to seize opportunities when people aren't using their computers and ask to use them.

That makes posting here consistently nearly impossible.

I'm grateful for computers because I can communicate so much. I'm grateful for the internet for the same reason. I'm grateful for teammates who allow me to use their stuff.

THIS WEEK: Name a technology you're grateful for, and people who enable you to use them.

India:An Indian Evangelical prayer meeting and Salar Jung Museum Trip 2

My Grandma and Grandpa left on Monday to enter the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC). They will be serving in Germany. My Monday morning I was able to call and talk to them for 15 minutes. It meant so much. They will be gone for 18 months, and I might leave on my mission before they get back. I’m praying for one of my flights to be delayed on my way home so we can cross paths in the Dallas airport. I want to hug them very, very much.

Update 12/9/10: Not only did my flight get delayed, it took 77 hours to get home when originally it was supposed to be 24ish hours.  One of the lessons I learned from that incredibly valuable experience: do not ever pray for flight delays.  

I went to an HIV/AIDs clinic with some teammates. The clinic was started by Dr. S some seven years ago in his home. When they were having 700 people a month go through their living room, he relocated the clinic to an apartment. When they outgrew that, they expanded to the second half of the complex. He is one of the most gentle, caring people I’ve ever met. After a tour, he invited us to their staff prayer meeting, “only 10 to 15 minutes long.”

India: Homesickness, the zoo, and a "Talk, --Not"

The following was written July 11, edited on July 14th.

The past week has been particularly difficult. I think the pollution, noise, and lowish team moral are taking their toll. It is getting harder to truly smile, it's tougher to positively visualize, and I'm thinking more and more about home. I told Mom I keep telling myself I'm going to go camping with my family in woods by a stream, and we can give each other shoulder rubs and head massages.

Mom gave me another positive affirmation to repeat to myself: I can do anything for 10 more days.

And even though I'll be happy to get home, I'm feeling panicky about what I still want to do. I feel like time is slipping through my fingers so fast I'm scrambling to hold onto handfuls. It was a hard realization at church today that it would probably be the last time I would see most of those people.

India: Pancakes, a strike, paddies and a garden

Monday evening I was put in charge of making pancakes for dinner. If you have never had cinnamon banana pancakes, treat yourself to one, two, or maybe even three. You can use whatever pancake mix you have handy, but add cinnamon (I add so much the batter looks brown, but that's with a "less potent" preground type), and chopped banana (the more the better). They taste so good, and the banana almost melts.

I took my pancake and drizzled it with honey, smeared on some peanut butter, grabbed a chilled Choco Danone milk from the fridge (tastes like liquid chocolate pudding), sat a chair by our back door, and ate while listening to monsoon rain and thunder, feeling whifts of wet hit my feet. I sat still long enough I was able to feel the breezes glide over my arms and face.

Treat yourself to a moment like that. I hope you receive a rainstorm soon. I'll send positive energy your way. :)

India: 19th Thankful Thursday: Dad's driving skills

Today I almost died. Imagine being in an huge bus, pelting down (paved) roads, with the driver gunning the engine to pass every slow[er] poke in his way. At one point, he was trying to pass some rickshaw truck with another truck coming our way, and somehow our bus made it between the two.

My dad is the best driver I've ever ridden with. He gets to places quickly and deliberately. No zooming in and out. He looks ahead and plans ahead. He's aware of other drivers and often anticipates what they do. I'm grateful. I feel safe when he drives.

THIS WEEK: Name a skill someone else possesses that blesses your life.

PS My mom is a good driver too. :)

India: Trains, a wedding, cattle truck, and deviled eggs

Good grief. It's been forever since I last posted. I started writing this post a few days ago. I've been able to take some video with N.'s nifty gadget, and hope she will help me download them on here soon.

Last Friday I got up at 6:15 am, and by 9 am, was riding a train to a village two and a half hours away. It could not have been a more pleasant day to travel. We had cloud cover, the humidity was relatively low, and the air was cool. The train was an experience. I'm pretty sure the brown stuff on the floor next to my left foot should have been in a toilet. Five beggars came: a woman held out a blind man's hand for him, a young girl came down the main aisle doing flips (she got the most money), an old woman whose right foot had a lump the size of a baseball on it, and a man who dragged himself, sitting upright, across the floor. The best part was sitting across from a young muslim man. He was excited to communicate with us, and did so through hand gestures and writing because he was deaf and couldn't speak well. His family was opposite us across the aisle, and his young sister was particularly excited to read our names after we'd written them down.

India: 15th-18th Thankful Thursdays: Mothers, sisters, blessings and smiles

On Thursday June 11, my sister took care of Thankful Thursday for me by posting the following on Facebook:

15th Thankful Thursday: Today is my mom's birthday. What are 5 things you love about your mom?

[Why we love our mom]

1. She gives great advice
2. She gives great hugs :)
3. She is supportive
4. She is strong--spirit, mind, and body.
5. She's a great cook!

India: Monsoons, affection, and hole-in-the-wall food stops

As I type this, monsoon rains are pounding the cement and earth. I love them. They bring all the gucky pollution out of the air into the streets so now the air smells fresh and clean. (The silty brown rivers of garbage flowing down the streets are gross, but the clean air is worth it. The streets normally clear up fairly quickly once the rains stop). The pounding rain is a familiar setting where I can imagine I'm on the front porch with Dad and Mom watching the lightning. Middle Sister is there too because she loves thunder and lightning. Youngest Sister comes back and forth in and out of the house. And Molly is curled up on the sidewalk, waiting with us.

I can finally pronounce Hyderabad like the locals. It is High-dra-bad (like "bad boy").

Hyderabad is not a tourist city. I have not seen many other "White People" (and when we do, we stare like the Indians because it is so rare). Other than paying the "White Man's Price" for everything, I don't feel targeted. In Italy I was nearly always worried that someone was going to slit my backpack or pickpocket me, but I feel safe here. I believe the Indian people have a neighborly view, and that contributes in large part to pickpocketing not being an issue. We'll see if this theory holds true when we visit touristy spots of Northern India (Ma. is planning a six day trip for us--I'm rooting for the Taj Mahal).  

I had to adjust to being surrounded by men. In public, there has to be around an 80:20 ratio of men to women. It is still odd to be at a traffic stop in a rickshaw, and have almost all men with the occasional couple or woman surrounding us.

India: Cake, boulders, a Fort, and tenderness

Several Skype conversations ago with my family, my mom said I hadn’t posted anything really negative on my blog, and asked if I had been sick at all.

Well, two evenings before, two teammates organized a Cake Party. We sat around two plates with nine samples of cake from our local bakery, and a block of butterscotch ice cream (a flavor Indian people LOVE—it is everywhere). We sampled using tiny plastic spoons, sitting on the floor in the A/C room. The ice cream was fantastic.

The next morning, I started the day off with nausea. I drank a TON of water, and the day after, started my first Real Diarrhea (It's over, finally. Liquid Pepto Bismol is one of my best friends). I’ve written off frosting.

So, yeah. Add stepping on two cockroaches, murdering a mouse with rat poison, being grabbed by beggars, and my experiences haven’t all been mangoes and honey.

India: Milestones, ambulances, and strolling through Monda Market

(Actually typed on Tuesday June 22, 2010)

Today marks a special day in Ivy's Adventures in India. Today, Ivy arranged for a rickshaw ride without any of the Totally Experienced Teammembers. Yes, indeed. Coming back from a productive research hour at an internet cafe, Ka. and I had to find our own way home. I 1) led the way across a usually very busy street that, miraculously, didn't seem nearly as scary as usual 2) hailed an auto rickshaw driver and said "No" when he wanted 40 rupees 3) asked a second auto driver if he would take 30 rupees instead of 40 to take us to "West Marredpally" and 4) was able to direct the driver to the right street when he took a route I'm less accustomed to. It was so satisfying.

I also finalized the dates when I want to have certain tasks done for my projects. That felt good. I feel like I will be able to finish what I need to in the five weeks I have left here. I feel more confident.

I went with K. to Charminar so that we could buy fabric. The store we entered was at least four stories tall. Fabrics of all colors and textures. I'm amazed how all the tailors here use pedal-powered sewing machines. it is incredible to watch them, and how fast they sew. I wish I could bring one home for my sister.

On the way there, I gained a new appreciation for how respectful and responsive American drivers are of ambulances. The roads here are chaotic, with all drivers jostling for the most forward position. An ambulance, which was not much larger than one and a half rickshaws, had its siren wailing but the others drivers didn't make a path for it. Most seemed to completely ignore it. Our rickshaw would have gone faster than the ambulance if our driver hadn't hung back, even trying to keep a few people from getting in the way of the ambulance. In the ambulance was the parents and grandmother of a young man laying on his back with an oxygen mask. He was breathing heavily. The faces of the family were tight and the father was agitated. We traveled with the ambulance for about four saddening minutes. I hope the man makes it.

India: Tiny chess sets, a surprise phone call, and a social whoopsie

Let me introduce you to my HELP teammates. My county director, K., is a highly capable lady who will be marrying an American diplomat in September. T. and his wife M. are the young married couple who are in charge of keeping us single scallywags in check. That leaves five other young ladies not including myself: Ki., Ma., C., G., and Ka. If any young men are reading this, you should go on humanitarian trips abroad. Or maybe it's a good thing you didn't, because HELP has a "no dating" policy. (This rule is so handy. One of the young men here told Ki. he wanted to marry her and she had a good way to end it right then and there).

Last Friday, the ladies went on a weekend trip to Chennai. It was fun to hang out with T. and M. On Saturday we were able to spend two hours at the Salarjung Museum I've wanted to see so badly. It houses the 40,000+ object collection of Salarjung III, prime minister of Hyderabad between 1899 and 1949. Out of the 35 rooms, we dashed through 17. I very much want to go back and see the rest. Some of my favorites: two tiny chess sets with pieces less than 1 cm tall and 2 mm wide; a sandlewood carving of two Hindu gods on a swing. The flute one was playing was thinner than a toothpick and slender, and the toenails were tiny. The tree canopy was multi-layered.; 3 inch diameter ivory balls that had been carved so that there were more than three balls inside each other; a modern painting of a calf nursing. The cow's face was frontal, and her eyes big and wide like a Jersey cow. The calf was tinted blue and you could almost see it's tail wagging. (Dad, I couldn't tell if it was a bull or heifer). :P

Unpaid Endorsement: Rawlin Chiropractic

This has been edited since the original posting.

Dr. Rawlin is a chiropractor unlike any other I’ve had. Here is the basis of his work:

Muscles shut themselves down when they are injured or overloaded. The work that they were in charge of is then transferred to other muscles. Those other muscles become overloaded, and a chain reaction of muscle “shut downs“ occurs.

Dr. Rawlin finds the muscles that have shut down, and restarts them.

India: Project updates and random camels, and ramblings that turned out way longer than I anticipated

Before coming here, I think I thought I would be living and working in the slums of Hyderabad.

Not so at all--we live in a nice yellow apartment in a residential area not far from a guy who sells mangoes, three internet cafes, small grocery stores, and other businesses. There are 1 1/2 inch cockroaches in the kitchen, but I've never seen live ones while I'm out and about. Two of the rooms in the apartment have air conditioning, and the room I sleep in has a large ceiling fan and a swamp cooler.

I'd say we're fairly spoiled.

T. explained why we're not working in slums. Legally none of them are supposed to exist, even though the government facilitated their creation. Because none of the people in the slums own anything, land or material, and because they could get rooted out like cockroaches by the police at any time, they are unwilling to invest in any renovation, and we're not supposed to be there.

India: Mangoes and Hearing Problems

I've eaten mangoes. Real mangoes. Juicy ripe and yellow skinned mangoes. Pure heaven on earth. :) It is the end of mango season, and I want to eat two every day while they're still here. Not sure what that'll do to the digestive tract...better Google it. ;)

I didn't know cities could be so dirty. It is filthy here. The roads are chaotic, but the drivers must be the best on earth in terms of having 360 degree vision and lightning reflexes. . It's like Mario Kart on Steroids, and drivers, no matter the appearance, are actually NOT trying to kill each other.


I'm grateful when the city goes quiet after 10 pm. Wonderful to have a break from honking and noise.

India: Transfers and First Day

Thus begins the India Saga of Ivy. :)

Hello, friends and family. I made it. :) Thursday at 8 am my Visa arrived in the mail, 30 minutes later my dad drove me to the airport. It was odd being by myself. This is the first extended adventure of my life where I am unaccompanied by anyone from my family.

Imagine my gratitude when two familiar persons saw me, smiled and waved. It was a blessing to find out that two neighbors were going on the exact same flight as me, and least for the first leg of our respective trips. It was comforting.

Another blessing was that our flight was delayed for about two hours. This allowed me to write and mail a lengthy letter to my brother. I hadn't been able to write him well for about three weeks.

A few other blessings: I made each of my flights. I had connections in Chicago, Paris and Abu Dhabi before arriving in Hyderabad at 3:30 am. I was able to sleep for about five hours on the flight to Paris, and about another three hours between the other flights. On the trip to Paris, I was offered an aisle seat by a couple from Colorado so that they could sit to each other. I happily obliged. :)

A plug for Etihad airlines: the trip to Abu Dhabi was immaculate, and the food impressive. If ever given the chance, have the Arabic spiced chicken in yogurt sauce for dinner. I think Etihad finds the most polished and stern and well-spoken flight attendants possible. Between them, the flight attendants on the leg to Abu Dhabi spoke about 12 languages, Romanian and Slavic among them. This is when I wish I had kept up with my French. (Random phrases and surprisingly accurate sentences popped into my head while I was in the Paris airport).

I used my first squatter toilet in Abu Dhabi. I laughed. I bet my dad is laughing as he reads this.

In the Hyderabad customs line I met one of my new teammates, C., for the first time. Glad we could go through together. She arrived at the same time we did coming from Mumbai. I forgot to define "we": G. is a fellow teammate that traveled from SLC to Hyderabad on all the same flights I had, though our seats were never next to each other.

G. and I each lost our checked bags somewhere along the line. I'm grateful I listened to Dad and packed all the non-essential items into it. /I'm also glad to have bought toothpaste this morning. I didn't know brushing one's teeth could be so enjoyable. :) It took two hours for us to finish filling out paper work for our lost bags, and it was about 6 am when we were able to go to our new apartment. I was so grateful our country leaders picked us up. We could have ridden the bus, but by the time we finished I was drained.

I really like our apartment. It has an iron gate in the front, the building looks like the outside is plaster and it is painted a cheery yellow. There are four bedrooms, three restrooms (with porcelain toilets!) and a small kitchen. One room has air conditioning, so i've been told the team has "sleep overs" every night to share the luxury. We all have our personal space in whatever bedroom we're in, but we all put our sleeping mats in the AC room at night.

We had a meeting with CARPED, an organization led by a man who reminds me of me. I finally understand what people have been trying to tell me, to "focus". He has TONS of ideas of areas he wants to expand in, including setting up beehives for 770 women and setting up a community science center which includes a demonstration square foot garden. I decided not to help with beekeeping, and to encourage him to find a local beekeeper to help him. I can't fathom setting up a bee program in five weeks when I know so little, when it is very much a long-term project.

This is long enough. I'll post another update soon. :)

14th Thankful Thursday: Critters

There are bees in my beehives again!!! :) :) :)

I became a beekeeper last year (my requested birthday present: two hives + bees+ equipment). Though I wish I could say I was a professional and innately talented, I ended up killing both hives by the end of last winter... *cough*

But now the hives are populated again. Queen Beea II and Queen Betsy II seem to be doing just fine. :)

13th Thankful Thursday: Memorial Day 2010

Dear Reader,

Monday is Memorial Day, a United States federal holiday to honor those men and women who have died while in the military service.

I know people go to cemeteries to remember and honor those who died in combat. Remembering is good. I believe those experiences help make us more grateful for what blessings we have.

Please consider this: what if we also thank those who have served and are still living?

12th Thankful Thursday: Springtime 2010

I went down to the Farm today and checked on the plants we stuck in the ground last Saturday. Most of the tomatoes and nearly all of the melons are still alive. I'm grateful for this because I didn't give them much time to harden off (get used to being outside before planting).

11th Thankful Thursday: Love Languages

My mother just finished a "90 day mind and body transformation," in which she took classes that helped her learn how to take care of her body and how to be her very best self.

I love hearing what she learned. One of the most life changing lessons she has shared was about five different "love languages" that people speak.

The premise: everyone has a primary way in which they express their love. And for whatever reason, people tend to marry someone who speaks a love language different from their own. The languages are:

10th Thankful Thursday: Thank-you Cards

Something unprecedented happened yesterday. An event so rare in today's society, I almost thought I was living in a black and white film.

I received two thank-you cards, found in my mailbox.

One of them was sent by a pair of junior high boys.

gasp!!!

9th Thankful Thursday: Small and Simple

I'm grateful for my fingers. All ten of them. One of them has a boo-boo, and has left only nine available fingers for some activities. What a difference it made! I'm glad I've only had to temporarily "lose" the activity of one digit instead of losing a whole appendage to realize this.

I'm also grateful I'll have all ten available to type the last big paper of the year. :)

This week: What seemingly small and simple thing are you grateful for today?

8th Thankful Thursday: Family

We've been blessed with gorgeous weather the past two days. Low gray clouds, wind, and some of my favorite smells. If someone could replicate the honeyed freshness of rain, including a whiff of damp barn smell (dewy, clean barns smell sweet, not foul) that reminds me of home, and make it just as penetrating as the real deal... I'd be their first customer.

It took me a while to identify the barn smell. When I did, I got a bit homesick...

I miss my family. Here are a few reasons why I love them and are thankful for them:

7th Thankful Thursday: Inspirational Quotes

Quotes can be powerfully personal. Sometimes a quote is more meaningful at one particular point in time than at others. But I think most people have some favorites that inspire them to be and do better.

Here are several I've come across recently:

"My dear sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."

--President Thomas S. Monson, current President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

6th Thankful Thursday: Occurrences of a Wonderful Nature

Different names include: stoke of luck, coincidences, tender mercies, blessings, miracles... I think it depends on the beneficiary's beliefs and perceived magnitude of the occurrence.

I have three to name today:

5th Thankful Thursday--Visionaries

In one of my classes yesterday, the student leading discussion asked the question, "Is it worth working towards sustainability when, hundreds of years from now, people might not care?"

I had one of those lightning strikes of personal application. Every year, my grandpa spends hundreds of dollars buying trees to reforest parts of the family cattle ranch. He is planting for me, his great-grandkids, his great-great-grandkids... most of whom he won't know during this lifetime.

He does this even though he distresses that no one will care after he is gone.

I am so grateful he does it anyway. Because if everything does work out, the ranch will be even more beautiful than it is today. All because of him and what he is trying so hard to do.

This week: In your life, who is a visionary you are grateful for? Why?

4th Thankful Thursday: Remembering the Small and Simple

Too often we overlook the small and simple things that bring us joy or relief. Today, we're going to give a few of them the acknowledgment they deserve. :)

The task: Name three things you are thankful for that would fit in a square inch.

Honeybees, tomato seeds (well, all my favorite garden seeds are smaller than one inch), and the erasers on my pencils.

What are you thankful for? :)

3rd Thankful Thursday: 1st Express Gratitude

Hopefully, at some point in your life, you have been the recipient of a thank you card. Chances are you haven't thrown it away like your grocery receipts, but have kept it in a place where you can read it often. Why? Because reading sincere thank you notes is like drinking hot chocolate on a bitterly cold day, warming you to your core. I'm thankful thank you notes don't require refills. ;)
This week's challenge: write a sincere thank you note, card or letter, and mail it to the recipient. No electronic messages or Post-it notes allowed. We want to touch someone and let them know they are appreciated.
Best wishes!

2nd Thankful Thursday--5 Reasons

5 Reasons I'm Grateful for Snow:

1) provides us water to get through the coming year

2) keeps the orchard cold enough so that the trees don't flower too soon

3) it is absolutely gorgeous

4) snow forts in which to play Star Wars

5) snow flakes + tongue = giggles :)

Now it's your turn! What are five reasons you are grateful for something?

FIRST EVER Thankful Thursday Weekly Challenge :)

Paperclips, handwritten letters, puppy-dogs with great big brown eyes and soft fuzzy fur and brown eyes who love you unconditionally, the fact that "tests have an end", clean bed sheets, sincere complements, a warm coat, warm gloves, snow in the mountains, and post-it notes.

There. Ten things I'm thankful for, most of which are taken for granted. (Well, except for the pooch. She gets lots of love.)

THE CHALLENGE: What are you thankful for? Go ahead and write your big things, or take a moment to think about the less obvious.

Simple Pleasures of Snow... :)

Did you know snowflakes are musical? It's true! I just returned home after a dance held at the LDS Institute building. Large, white, wet flakes of snow have been falling quite quickly. I turned off my car and sat back to enjoy the snow. After a bit, I realized I could hear the snow as well as see it, and as I listened more intently, I heard a sound quite like I'd heard on California beaches this past summer.