BYUI and Beyond

The semester is almost done and over with so I decided I should make some blog post.

It's weird but good at the same time.

I came to BYUI in September scared and with some tiny testimony that I had to build on my own because inactivity was all around me and that was the last thing I ever wanted.

I moved over 1000 miles away from everything I had ever known and that excited me and scared me all at the same time.

I thought oh this is gonna be easy. Yeah well I was wrong.

I also had the next two years planned out. First do a semester of school. Then serve a mission. After I come home get married in the temple. Simple enough right?

Heavenly Father laughed at my face and decided that other things were in store for me. I started going to the temple regularly and just praying constantly if everything that I was doing was right.

I hit a rough patch in my faith when I was told that I wasn't meant to serve a mission. I had spent the last two years preparing. I even took a mission prep class. Getting the answer no was probably the most difficult thing to hear.

I did eventually come to terms with it. It is hard especially when some of your close friends are going on missions and you are stuck where you are at.

I have really discovered my purpose of being here. Of course it is to get an education. I love being a communication major. It is challenging but I love writing and learning about the styles and being challenged.

I needed to become closer to Christ. Coming from an inactive family it is so hard. I love my family more than words but having that be an constant argument really puts a damper on how you see things.

I would envy families who all go to church together and are all active. Heck, I still do a point.

I have learned I don't need my family to build my own testimony. I love this gospel more than words. It has saved my life many years ago and I will forever be grateful for it.

I realized that someday when I settle down with my own family that they will have the gospel and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that we will go as a family. They will know that their parents love them and want them to feel the same joy that they do when they live the teachings of the Church.

This semester has not been easy. I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to throw in the towel and be like bye BYUI im done. I will never forget the blessing I got right before I came out here. The words, "He is your constant companion. He has a plan for you."

I'm probably only sane because of the wonderful friends I have made in the last couple of months and the couple friendships that I have strengthened recently.

I love BYUI and I am thankful to attend this university.  It has given me a new outlook on life and the future ahead. It has brought me much closer to my Father in Heaven and I am so grateful for it.

Never Give Up!

-Kyrsten