2009: It's been a WONDERFUL year! :)

Here are some of the highlights and things I'm really glad I did this year:

* finished a full year of graduate school

* ran a marathon

* hiked the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim with my dad and brothers

* visited Africa (GHANA) and learned about international development

* lived in, worked in, and EXPLORED Washington D.C. :)

* was in the temple together with my WHOLE FAMILY! :)

* gained an adorable nephew and a neat sister-in-law

* heard firsthand about missionary work in Samoa

* learned a whole bunch of really great things.....from fundraising and social entrepreneurship to change management and how the federal government works

* learned about myself.....gaining confidence in myself and abilities in new situations and places (Ghana, GAO, Logan), strengthening my testimony and faith in Heavenly Father and His plan, deepening friendships and relationships, and seeing the importance of humility, gratitude, and dependence on the Lord

* read some great books (my favorites: "Team of Rivals" and "Three Cups of Tea")

* traveled to Ghana, both sides of the Grand Canyon (by foot), ALL over Washington DC (mostly by foot), Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Boston, Eugene, Portland, Florence, Bend, Logan, St. George

* learned to be a better leader, follower, and pianist with opportunities to serve

Akwaaba!

You are welcome.....to Ghana!

Here are a few pictures of my adventures in Ghana. We spent time in Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Takoradi, and Ho. It was a wonderful experience! I learned so much:

- be happy (smile and wave)

- love others (we are ALL brothers and sisters)

- live simply and work hard

- have faith, be faithful

- be positive, always look for the good

- don't worry or stress or complain

- be grateful! (for family, work, education, beautiful world, EVERYTHING)

- people are important; things aren't!

- be open with others, be yourself, reach out to others!

- be kind and respectful

- consider the lilies of the field (3 Ne. 13:19-34)

- "I Believe in Christ"....He came to earth to live among the people to know how to help them perfectly. He lived, served, loved, and never complained.

- the Atonement is the great equalizer (2 Ne. 26)

- singing "Teach Me to Walk in the Light" to orphans near Ho was a powerful experience in feeling Heavenly Father's love for His children

- the gospel blesses the world in spiritual and temporal ways

- gratitude for the priesthood, prophets, temples, covenants, and restoration

- importance of remembering

- be united!

- importance of recognizing and sharing God's love <3 div="div">

Here are a few videos of the group enjoying the culture and making some music! :)

I'm going to Ghana...

...at the end of April for two weeks with an MPA study abroad group. I will take a class next semester about international development management. The second half of the semester we will focus on a few specific projects we will be implementing in Ghana. We will work with Empowered Playgrounds (http://www.empowerplaygrounds.org/main/) and do a couple of projects for the Church in Ghana. It should be an amazing experience! :)