Arizona, Africa, Provo, and People I Love

Well, I had my "strategy session" for South Africa yesterday and I am definitely going! The people in charge are genuinely awesome and I really like talking to them. It was more of a discussion than anything and they said that they felt really good about me from the very first meeting. I wish the girl in charge were actually going to Africa with us because I can tell she would become a great friend. There are about 5 people going and we'll be leaving the first week in September. This means that I will be staying in Provo for Spring and taking a prep class and working like crazy at catering. Then I'll move back to the dorms for EFY and have about a month at home before I flee the country. I'm planning on putting my missionary papers in right when I get home and setting my availability date for the beginning of February so I can be back in time for a Fall semester. It's working out exactly as I had always planned except Africa instead of Europe. It makes me a little sad to not be studying abroad there, but my brother and I will backpack across Europe when we get back from our missions at the same time.
I can't believe I only have two weeks of school left in this semester. Honestly, where did sophomore year go? Pretty soon I'll be eighty and asking where my life went. I will miss this ward and, yes, even Glenwood. I will especially miss living with my girls. It's been the best with them but I think I have reached the limit of learning opportunities and it's time for something new. They will be my best friends for the rest of my life! I have truly learned so much this year and am really beginning to figure myself and life out, or as much a possible.
I have a really short break after finals, only 5 days, and will have to move into a new apartment and go on a camping trip in that time before I start Spring. I still haven't found housing yet. I think Marilyn and I may just move in somewhere random and make entirely new friends for Spring. It's such a short time period, a month and a half, but it has so much potential for fun because that's when all the real partying at BYU goes on. Almost everyone I know is staying, so it will be a blast!
I went home to Arizona this last weekend for Kim's baptism. It was a really short but incredible visit and the three days went by way to fast. I'll go back soon enough for my best friend Addie's wedding in two months, which is really bizarre, but hey, marriage happens. We got baptized together, she was supposed to wait for me so we could have a dual wedding! Naw, I'm glad I escaped that one. Kim's baptism was perfect and Dad's blessing was exactly what her family needed to hear. He told her that she was from a great nation and a great family and that she needed to remember that her family is the most important thing in her life. Her mom was crying so I think it really touched her. I really hope that eventually they will take an interest in the church! I love them so much, like second parents. It's so incredible that Kim is finally a member of the church. I really have hoped and prayed for this for ten years! It's a little surreal. Now she is an example to me! It was really indescribable to be there and see her bear her testimony in person. She is such an awesome person and now we can truly grow in the gospel together.
On Friday I kidnapped Ben and his girlfriend, Elizabeth, from school and went to lunch with them, so I finally met the elusive Elizabeth. She's still intimidated, but I could tell underneath it all she's a cool girl, and she makes Ben happy, so I can't argue. If I could only talk to three people for the rest of my life, I think Ben would be one of them. He really is the coolest guy. I also got to spend time with my Grandma Johnson, one of my favorite women in this world, at the Grand Canyon. She's really what I hope to turn out like, a true lady. And of course I always love seeing my Mom and Dad. My family is really made up of my favorite people in the whole world! It was interesting to spend time at NAU and see what a real college is like. I kind of miss the real world and I think I would have had a great experience at NAU if I hadn't chosen BYU. I wouldn't change it though, I love being here, but it's cool to see that the world is full of alternatives. I think I am more obedient when I'm not surrounded by LDS people because I have to be. In Provo I take things for granted so it's easy to be casual and let things slide. It's easier to be good in the big things, and harder in the little things.
The three days in Arizona went by way too fast. I really do hate the valley, but no matter what, I think Northern Arizona will always feel like home to me. It was the prettiest I've ever seen it because of all the rain. The desert was in bloom and the rivers had water for the first time in years. Ben, Kim, and I went to Slide Rock and just laid in the sun next to the water. It was a great moment with two of my favorite people. It's times like that that makes me glad to be alive.
Life is such an incredible thing, isn't it?