The Right Place

Lisa has been begging me to write a new blog for a long time now. Not because she thinks I'm a good writer, but because work gets slow and she needs some new reading material :) Here ya go!

I thought I'd write about a small experience I had last weekend. I went to California with my family to visit my older brother, Frank. He and his wife and son are stationed at Camp Pendleton, in Oceanside. Its nice to go visit and have a FREE place to stay, and considering he gets out next month, we figured we better get one more good trip in.

It had been over a year since I had gone on a trip with my family. I had a lot of fun, but I also realized (once again) that I am not the most patient person in the world. In fact- I admit its a huge weakness of mine! Especially having lived on my own for the past couple years, I do things in my own time and at my own leisure. It was nice to leave home (reality) and get away and relax. We had a lot of fun at the beach, and even went to the San Diego Zoo while we were there. We've been to Disneyland and Sea World a few times prior- so we thought we'd skip those this time.

Sunday came around, and I really felt the need to attend Sacrament meeting at a local church building. So I found a YSA ward on California St, borrowed my brother's car, and headed out. I am pretty familiar with the major roads in this area, having visited quite a few times during their stay in Oceanside, but also have a very good sense of direction. So- I felt a little confident in my ability to NOT get lost on my way. I wrote down a few streets and turns and got myself to the church building in about 20 minutes, taking my time driving through the neighborhoods. Dreaming of a life in a gorgeous home on the beaches of California. As I noticed how different it was from Arizona, I felt just a little out of place.

As soon as I reached the church building- which was beautiful, with lush green grass and palm trees galore- I felt calm. The moment I walked into the chapel doors I felt "at home". I knew that even though I was in an unfamiliar area, I was in the right place. As I walked in, there were no familiar faces. I found a spot to sit and waited the few minutes for the Sacrament service to start. The talks given were great, and the Spirit was strong. As the meeting closed- I was greeted by a few people, and then started to head out and head back home to meet my family.

However, as I left the church building, I felt impressed to turn around and go back in. I wasn't sure what to do, because I knew I was out of town with my family and wanted to spend time with them. But I knew I wanted to feel more of the Spirit, knowing I wouldn't feel it like I did at that moment if I went home. My mom called me at then and said they were just relaxing at home and that I could take my time, if I wanted to stay for the rest I could. So- I did. And it was worth it.

I ended up being late for Sunday School and I didn't want to walk in late. I found some comfy chairs right outside the room where I could still hear what they were talking about. As I sat, a young man walked out of class and stood around where I was. He didn't say anything for a minute, so I started a conversation with him. He was 18, and had just recently graduated. He hadn't been to church in a very long time but due to recent events felt the need to change something in his life, and knew he needed to go back to church. We talked about a lot of different things, and the differences in AZ and CA. About school, work, and many other things. He asked if I go to church a lot back home, and I told him I did. Then we started talking about missions, and if he wanted to go on one. Due to recent events in my life, my testimony of serving a mission has grown immensely. I know without a doubt that they are one of the greatest things a person can do. It is a huge step in helping our Father in Heaven bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, by sharing the gift of the Gospel with others. So- as we talked he expressed the fact that he didn't think he could, but he would love to. I didn't want him to think he had to say things I "wanted to hear", so I asked him why he thought that. We went on for a while, and he mentioned I sounded a little bit like his mom- good thing? Hmm...I doubt it. However, I quickly shut my mouth- not wanting to offend him. Nevertheless, he stuck around and really enjoyed chatting.

As Sunday School ended, some people came out and he introduced me to his friends. They were pretty nice and invited me to hang out with them that coming weekend, but considering I'd be in AZ it wouldn't work out very easily. I appreciated the welcome they gave me. As the 3rd block started (combined RS/EQ)- I got up to leave. He asked if I was going to class, and I said no. (Side Note: I gave him crap for skipping out of Sunday school to leave and go to McDonald's to grab a bite to eat. Which didn't help my cause at all that I said I was leaving.) He gave me a bit of crap in return, so I told him I'd go to class if he went to class too, so I would know someone. He not too excitedly agreed, but came anyways. The class ended being really good, and he was glad he went. I didn't stick around much longer, being gone for more time than I expected to be. So we said our goodbyes and I left feeling very uplifted.

It was really nice to talk to this young man, and be able to share a little bit of my testimony with him and he with me. As I grow older, I notice a lot of ME in the younger people that I meet. Although I am only 20, and feel young myself, I still think it is neat. This experience with this guy made me think of the gratitude I have for those who never gave up on me. Who pushed me to be better, to stick around for church, and to reach my goals. I am grateful for the good friends and family that I have, and for the change that I have made in the past two years. Its been a complete 180- and I still have much, much more to learn and accomplish!

What it comes down to is that the church is the same no matter where you are. It is constant- and unchanging. It is either true, or its not. But it is, I know it is- whether you are in California, Mexico or Hawaii. Our Savior died for the people in all those places. Our Heavenly Father is aware of each and every one of His children. He loves all of them, individually and unconditionally. I know I was supposed to be at that ward on that Sunday. The Spirit I felt in those meetings is the same Spirit I feel back home. I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I know that it is true.

Without a doubt.

come on rain...

I have thoroughly enjoyed the rain the past couple days, and I hope that it lingers for just a little while longer. Just thought I'd share a little bit about that with you...

Rainy days in AZ are few and very far between. Its a very special day when those lovely clouds make their way into town to grace us with their presence, and share some of what they've been holding. I remember one time, working at Moki's, that it started pouring really hard. A lot of employees from the surrounding stores all came out to enjoy the smell and sight of rain. Its probably really funny to people not native to one of the hottest places in the world. Ok- maybe not the whole world. But at least MY world.

When it rains, I wanna strap on my tap shoes and head outdoors to try out my best impersonation of Gene Kelly from Singing In The Rain.

I love everything about rain. The smell. The feel. The sound. The excuse to cuddle with someone close. The clouds that make it possible. The lightening or thunder that sometimes accompany it. Yeah, all of it. Maybe I wasn't made for Arizona...

The small things...

I went shopping with my dear friend, Lisa Andrews, yesterday and found some terrific deals! I hadn't been clothes shopping for myself in about a year. I spent so much time at the mall when I was younger and when I worked there that now, I get a sort of "anxiety" if I am there too long. The styles these days seem to take so much more thought in putting an outfit together. For example, I walk into Forever 21 and I seem like I can hardly breathe. If I could watch myself, I'm sure I'd laugh. I walk around aimlessly, trying to figure out an outfit. There is SO many clothes! I was definitely glad Lisa was there to help. I needed it. However, I did find some sweet sales and spent under $100!!! This will hopefully last me a while, because I cannot imagine having to spend that much time shopping again anytime soon. Sweet deals + cute clothes = happy Elena.

I don't believe in coincidences. No, not one. I think that everything does, in fact, happen for a reason. I believe people come into our lives for a purpose. I believe opportunities come at times when we may not even realize how great an impact they will have. The chaos we call life, really is just "ordered" chaos. We may not know why we lost a job, why we moved across the country, why a relationship didn't work, why not-so-fun things happen, but happen they will. It may take days, weeks, months, years, or possibly the next life for us to really understand the "why's" to everything. Even though I don't know all the "why's" to where I am at this point in my life, I know that I am where I'm supposed to be for a reason. And although our past does not define our future, it definitely shapes who we are. I feel like over the past two years I have been "groomed" for where I am now, and where I am heading. It is an exciting yet overwhelming feeling, because the past two years have not always been times of joy. I know who I am and where I am headed- and as I said, all things happen for a reason! Bring it on! :)

I've come to find out that I really enjoy intellectual conversations. Yeah- at parties you talk about the same things with the same people and that can be easy, stress-free and fun. A good, deep talk about something of worth is very refreshing to me. It gives me an opportunity to share who Elena is. Not only that but I can open my mind to what others think and feel, and connect with friends on a completely new level. I've always been a naturally shy person, and still I really am. As I've been able to step out of my comfort zone- an inch at a time- I find myself opening up more and wanting to learn about others, who they are and what makes them, well, them. Its just great!

Being honest, loyal, and trustworthy are so important to me. I have a very deep for those with these qualities. I know we aren't all perfect- and need work in areas (as for me, a LOT of areas), but I love and admire when I know I have friends who are there no matter what. I realize that as much as I want friends like that, I need to be that friend. I need to be loyal to those who are friends, be honest in all relationships and earn the trust of my peers. Like attracts like, to attract friends of these qualities I need to be a friend with these qualities.

Moki's food is delicious. I recently went there with a friend for lunch and it was oh so good. It had been a while- but I thoroughly enjoyed it! If you haven't ever gone, you NEED to go! :)

I LOVE clouds. I absolutely do. Anyone who claims to be my friend would know this about me. I used to get teased (Ok- I still do from time to time) when I stand in awe and repeatedly say "Oh my gosh! Look at the clouds! Ah they are so pretty!" This, as well as sunsets and any other piece of nature, really intrigues me! I went camping this weekend- and on the way there and back I took quite a few shots of the clouds and scenery. My friend Cub told me that he never knew someone who took as many pictures of the clouds as I do. In reply, I told him that for every 100 pictures or so taken, you have those few really good shots. The clouds always look different, and you really can't capture the beauty in a single photograph. So, I take many. Of everything. Pictures are like a second journal to me. It can tell so much about something, without words. I think I need to enroll in a photography class...

Rain, lightening and thunder are amazing. The smell. The look. The feel. The sound. The light. All of it. I wish AZ had more. Maybe I need to move for a while...

Dance and music are amazing. Dance lets me express myself and physically let go of all stress and anxiety. I can enter into my world where nothing matters but the music and the space around me to jump and twirl in. I can push myself and learn how to control my body in a way that requires constant work and dedication. The music brings out the many emotions that can be felt. It can make you feel happy, sad, sassy, curious, grateful, or even... just there.

FAMILY. I know I have mine for a reason, and I don't know what I'd do without them.

I could go on and on and on.... there are so many things in life worth mentioning, from small and simple to large and complex