Saturday, March 20, 2010

Broadening Horizons

So I'll have all the San Fran posts when I get back. I'm still in this fabulous city, but wanted to get this posted...

The Tongan culture is incredible.

There are a huge amount of Tongans out here, and I love it.

A lot of my life has been spent in a bubble. I lived in Utah until I was nearly 16. I left for a few years which opened me up to a lot of new things, but then I went back to Utah.

This last week I have seen and been a part of so many new experiences and opportunities because of the Tongans.

I went to a Tongan singles ward on Sunday. It was one of the greatest things I've ever done. Most of it was in English, but even then, the Spirit was so strong and so great. Relief Society was taught in Tongan. It was an incredible testimony to me that the Church is true no matter what. I really had no idea what was being said, but that didn't even matter. I knew that what she was saying was true. Amazing.

The people are so open and welcoming. Anytime I go to a ward that isn't mine, I feel awkward and in the way. I don't know anyone, I don't know where I'm going, I just feel strange. This time though was completely different. They took us in, and treated us like we had been there forever.

Throughout the week we've spent a lot of time with these families and they don't treat us any differently than they do their own cousins (that's a whole other story right there...)

On Monday night we went to the singles ward's FHE. It was hands down the best FHE I've ever been to. We had an amazing lesson first, and then some hilarious games. We were split into two teams and competing. The first game was "You know you're Tongan when..." and the group had to act out something to finish the sentence. My team decided it would be hilarious to have me and the other girl I was with participate. We got way into and dominated the game.

The last game was a pick-up line face-off. Me and one of the other girls sat in the middle and boys from the opposite team would come up to us and give us the best pick-up line they knew. Our reaction determined whether or not they got a point. The second guy to come up to me said "All I have to offer are these hands, this strong Tongan body and..." but after that, I was gone. I had been won over. Seriously, they are the most attractive men I've ever met. No joke. They're attractive in more than just their physicality though. They are sweethearts, all very talented, they all play rugby but are very musically inclined as well. They are all just way nice and fun.

They ended the night with a sort of testimony meeting, which was incredible. To go from having all sorts of crazy fun and laughs to serious/spiritual moments like that was amazing. Everyone there has so much love and appreciation for everyone. I loved it.

Tonight we went to the Tongan Stake's Relief Society birthday dance thing. I have never felt so white, blonde, and skinny in my entire life. But just like at church, it didn't matter. No one noticed. They didn't even think twice about it, and if they did, they didn't make a big deal about it.

Everything that was said or done tonight was in Tongan. I had no idea what was being said or done, but it didn't matter. They sang a closing hymn in Tongan and it was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. It wasn't necessarily the most talent I've heard or anything, but the power and spirit behind it was the important thing. They sang with so much love and strength and testimony.

I've always been a part of the majority. When it's come to traditions, background, etc. and even if I haven't been (like as far as church and stuff) it hasn't been a big deal. I've found my group and fit in. I never really made a point to branch out. To come here and be the only blonde in a room of 500 people, or to be the only one not understanding the words being said is a very different feeling, but it's been very enlightening.

This whole week has been incredible. Stay tuned for more stories and adventures. Look on Facebook for pictures!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Random Ramblings

GO AGGIES!
We beat New Mexico State last night to win the outright WAC championship. That's three years in a row! The boys played a solid game and rocked it. Afterward, we rushed the court and cut down the nets. Such a great feeling!

I'm going to San Francisco for Spring Break next week!! It kind of came out of nowhere, and was a completely spontaneous decision, but I'm stoked!!

Sometimes I wish I wasn't so independent... For the most part, I'm ok with it. It makes me feel good to be completely on my own. I love that I can take care of my problems on my own and not have to rely on anyone else, but sometimes, it sucks. I hear people complaining or stressing about stuff, they have some solution that involves someone else. Whether it's getting money from their parents or whatever, they have someone to fix it. I usually don't. And for the most part, I'm ok with it, I really am. But sometimes it just gets really frustrating, ya know? Oh well.

I'm really glad I'm not completely socially awkward.

I need extra credit in Media Smarts and can get that by dressing up as an "unapologetic woman" for the Women Rock the Runway event... Thoughts please! I've thought about Cyndi Lauper, Baraba Walters, or Annie Oakley... any other ideas?


I really just need to get out. I need a break. Good thing I get one starting Friday!

Today I'm going to sit and chat with the president of our university about a book. As part of the A-Team we do a class for freshmen called Connections. Part of the class is having everyone read the same book. Each year they pick two or three A-Team members who read the book earlier and go talk to President Albrecht. This year, I'm one of those people. The book was really good and I'm hoping the whole thing won't be hard or nerve-wracking...

And... that's a lot of thoughts. I know I had more, but I can't remember them...

Thursday, March 4, 2010

This Week

This week I...

Lost an election...
But made tons of new friends...

This week I...

Failed a test...
But did surprisingly well on another...

This week I...

Forgot to read a book for a class...
But remembered I get to do fun reading this weekend...

This week I...

Drank more Dr. Pepper than is probably normal...
But enjoyed every drop...

This week I...

Learned things about people I thought I knew so well...
But learned a lot about myself...

This week I...

Put myself out there...
But learned a lot from the experience...

This week I...

Was disappointed by the results...
But was reminded that everything happens for a reason...

This week I...

Learned I can't do everything by myself...
But learned who I can truly count on...

This week I...

Kept trying to get over him...
But fell harder...

This week I...

Really missed the sunshine...
But was given of glimpse of impending spring...

This week I...

Stressed, didn't sleep or eat, and cried...
But told myself it was all part of the experience...

This week I will...

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Lyrics.

I love music. That's no surprise.
I love a wide variety music.
I found this song a long time ago when it was the iTunes free single of the week and I've been in love with it ever since.
You can go HERE to listen to it and watch the video.
Here are the lyrics.
Best Days
-Graham Colton-

With everything I've ever done
I'd give it all to everyone for one more day
Another night I'm waking through
Anther door I walk intro
I can't break

It's a winding road
It's a long way home

So don't wait for someone to tell you it's too late
'Cause these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of tonight
Here comes the rest of our lives

I count the steps the distance to
The time when it was me and you is so far gone
Another face another friend
Another place another end but I'll hang on

It's a winding road
It's a long way home

So don't wait for someone to tell you it's too late
'Cause these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of tonight
Yeah let's make the best of tonight
Here comes the rest of our lives

It's a winding road
It's a long way home

So don't wait for someone to tell you it's too late
'Cause these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of it
So don't wait 'cause no-one can tell you it's too late
'Cause these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of tonight
Yeah let's make the best of tonight
We'll make the best of tonight
Here comes the rest of our lives

I rediscovered it tonight when it came up on shuffle.
I love it.
Make the best of life. Live it up. Smile.
These are the best days right now, but I have to remember that there is also so much ahead.