Best Friends Forever!

Being a part of the military, and especially living overseas, opens many doors for finding, cultivating, and keeping friends, and that would be "bff" or best friends forever. We were in the Navy, and yes, I say we, because the job of Navy wife is the hardest, or so it said on the commissary (grocery store) bags, for 6 years. As soon as Nick graduated from the University of Arizona Law School we began his law career at the San Diego Naval Base, then Newport, Rhode Island War College and Officer Training School, next the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Naval Base (a whole other blog), and lastly Rota, Spain Naval Base which was shared with the Spanish Navy. I still keep in touch with a few from Cuba and many from Spain. And it's not only because of being military, but military and members of an organized faith such as my faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that keeps us close.

Terry Christensen, Jeanie Peck, Linda, Sue VerHoef, Sidney Smith, Monica White

We were all young families, it has been 24 years ago, when we lived in southern Spain. Some, whose families were complete, and others who continued having children after we moved on. The group has grown exponentially! Or in other words there's a whole lot more of us now! What you are seeing here are just a few of the many families that moved in, moved out, and were a part of the Rota Branch. One had moved to the Azores before we left, and the others were there for another couple of years. Six of us got together in Utah for our 2nd reunion since we moved stateside in 1986.

Here's a few of the ever growing group. Parents, kids, grandkids! The oldest child in the group, a young teenager then is now in her 40's. Gulp, am I getting old, too?

Life has truly taken us on different roads since those days. Each has traveled the road of pain and disappointment, the road of sorrow, as well as the road of happiness and joy. I find it quite wonderful that all these roads led us back together for a respite or rest stop, even an oasis, just long enough for us to reconnect, share, hug, increase our feelings of love for each other, and to gird up our loins for the next adventurous road.

Nick and Linda, Sue VerHoef, Sidney Smith
Gary and Monica White, Jeanie Peck, Terry and Nyle Christensen, Michael Smith

Life is Good

I'm in Utah for my nephew, Adam's wedding, a Gent (my side) family reunion, hugging Keira, visiting Jorgen and Amy, another reunion of friends we knew while stationed in Spain and another wedding (the daughter of one of the families from Spain).

Keira Jacalynn, 3 months

Adam and Maile, July 23, 2010

Jorgen, Grandpa, Keira, and Amy

My heart is full to overflowing with feelings of gratitude and love for all the good that exists in my life. Yet I know if it weren't for the bad I would not understand or appreciate the good.

Warriors of Light

HERE WE GO!!! Twenty-six 4th Year YW (15 year olds), six YCLs (Youth Camp Leader, 16-17 year olds), two adult leaders (older than the girls), and five Priesthood Leaders (we've never had this many) pose at the beginning of our two day, 12 mile backpacking hike on the Butterfly Trail, Mt. Lemmon. We are fresh, clean, and eager to hit the trail. At lease some of the group was! As I began my hike up the road I remembered what I was in for over the next couple of days. Pain, dirt, little sleep, more pain, more dirt, and less sleep were to be my companions! I asked myself, "and why am I doing this?"

Even days before the hike began I felt some doubt because of nose bleeds I kept having. They were gushers and I just couldn't see being out there on the trail dripping blood all over. I asked my home teacher for a priesthood blessing of healing, did some research on the whys and what to dos about nose bleeds so I did feel more confident after arming myself with faith and with knowledge.

The first day was grueling! We had back packs that kept breaking (hand me downs from "big brother scout"), bad shoes, twisted ankles, blisters, fatigue, and other stuff to slow us down. It took 7 hours from the time we left until the last group of hikers made it to the campsite, which was only 6 miles. As I hiked into our campsite I thought to myself, "Nah, not going to do this again."

The first night I gave up my tent and my sleeping pad to a girl that struggled the entire time. She kept getting leg cramps, threw up a lot, and had to rest an unbelievable amount of time. It was decided that the next morning she would have to hike with the Priesthood leader, who carried his pack and her pack most of the way, the one mile trail to the main highway and go back to Camp Zion. Another girl felt she, too, was to sick to hike the last 6 miles with the rest of us, and so hiked out with them. But when she got back to camp her YW leader let her rest a bit, hydrate, and then they hiked back out of camp and met us later on the trail. Impressive!

The whole group woke up the second day not really sure they could make it to the end. There were tears and there was fear. I had similar thoughts, too, especially when it came to putting that back pack back on. It hurt! We had a little pep talk about praying for strength that our burdens would be made lighter. I know it worked for me and many of the girls.

A few of us got up at 4:45 the second morning and hiked up Mt. Bigelow to watch the sunrise. WOW!

My co-leader, Kristen Mitchell, thought the Tarzan yell should be our signature cheer! Where I got the energy, I don't know!

We arrived at our second night's camp spot much quicker than the first night which gave us several hours of recovery time. The girls were cheerful and grateful. I was still thinking they can do the hike without me next year.

The last morning was my turn to lead the devotional. I chose to talk to the girls about having the courage to stand for truth and righteousness, and specifically talk about the Family Proclamation. I had had a dream the month before that I needed to talk to them about families being under attack and how they can help by their example of righteous living. As I listened during the hike to the young women share stories of their families, many of whom come from non-traditional and somewhat dysfunctional families I knew there was purpose in that dream.

We all walked into camp amidst cheers, tears, and love. I was relieved of the burden of my back pack by a sweet sister and led to a foot bath, back rub, and refreshing ice cold drink. Ah, it felt so good. But I'm still thinking that I just can't do this another year--a whole lot of work, I'm tired, and it's too hard! I went to take a much needed shower to wash off the grunge. I began to feel something stirring in my heart. I argued, "No, I'm too old, I can't do this!" I got dressed and the feeling persisted. I kept arguing, but finally I felt a strong prompting that this is where I'm supposed to be, teaching girls that they (we) can do hard things.

I told the Stake leaders if they want me back I will lead next year's 4th year hike. I have already started planning and preparing!

The Hymns

Last Saturday I drove to Mesa to attend the 9:30 session at the temple; my daughter-in-law joined me which was wonderful to share that experience with her. On the way up I listened to one of my books on CD, but told myself that as I got closer to the Temple I should put in a Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD to prepare me for service and sacred instruction. Just as I drove onto the 202 "How Firm a Foundation" began playing.

A flood of glorious memories washed over me, and the water works began. It wasn't the song necessarily, but thinking about all of the beloved hymns I sang as a child in church with my family. The hymns are powerful spiritual giants who lift, inspire, and invite the listener and singer to desire only what is good in life. I love to sing and to listen to the hymns.