A Privilege Indeed!

I got an email from my ASU institute teacher earlier this semester informing me that he knew a girl who had recently been through a similar situation as I was earlier this year! The second I found out, I quickly began emailing her in an effort to "comfort those who stand in need of comfort." I honestly cried in the middle of class because my heart was breaking for her as I read about the situation! I have an entirely new understanding of compassion after all of this. I never thought my experiences this year would give me the opportunity to help others, but time and time again it continues to bless my life despite the trial it started out to be!

I love the quote from Pres. Monson, "We have no way of knowing when our privilege to extend a helping hand will unfold before us. The road to Jericho that each of us travels bears no name, and the weary traveler who needs our help may be one unknown."

It's so true. We have no idea when such a privilege will present itself and so we must always be prepared. I am so glad that I was given this opportunity, because it truly has been a great privilege to get to know Stephanie!

This past weekend, she decided to take a quick trip up here to take a break and have some fun! That is exactly what we did! We...

--walked around downtown and soaked in the old town feel

--stuffed ourselves at IHOP with friends from my ward

--stayed up WAY too late just talking about all the things

that we have learned through our experiences

--made muffins for breakfast in

--attended stake conference which happened to be amazing!

(It was a state-wide broadcast and President Monson

spoke! How lucky are we?!)

--shared many laughs over a yummy "linner"!

Let me just tell you, Stephanie is a phenomenal person and I am so grateful for her example!! She has such a strong testimony and a love for those around her and I am so grateful for the privilege it is to know her! What a privilege service can be in our lives! What a blessing friends can be! Thanks for coming Stephanie!