Welcome to BYU

  

            Well, within the past week, I have been making the move to BYU-Provo. This has been the most difficult as well as the most exciting week of my life! I teared up and broke down multiple times with my parents. Our family is incredibly close and saying goodbye to my sisters and then my parents was so hard. I worried about roommates, classes, church, everything. I had so many insecurities and wondered was really such a good idea! I didn’t sleep in the dorm until Saturday night because I wanted to enjoy every last minute with my parents.

            Brad and Laura Henderson came down to visit and they brought me two baskets of fun stuff for my dorm. They are too sweet their support means the world to me. Natalie and Tony Blevins, RJay and Sheree Henderson and their kids, and my Grandma Kathy Henderson came down to visit as well. We had a blast at Trafalga and I’m so grateful for a loving family that truly wants the best for me.

            I’ve just been so nervous this week and I asked my dad for a father’s blessing Saturday night. It was perfect because just before Brad, Laura, my parents and I walked the campus and found my classes. There is an incredible spirit on campus that quieted so many of my fears and helped me to feel confident. Later that night I received my blessing and I will never forget how strong that Spirit was. All of my insecurities vanished for the time being and I knew BYU was where I’m supposed to be. My Father in Heaven counseled me multiple times throughout the blessing to smile and share my joy and warmth with all of those around me because I would never know who really needed it. It was also revealed to me that I have been given multiple spiritual gifts and it’s my job to discover how to use them to bless the lives of those around me. My Heavenly Father told me how proud of me He was so far and it was said multiple times that I’m one of His choice spirits. Interestingly, most of my blessing centered on serving others, blessing the lives of those around me and little on school. Although my education is incredibly important, and I will be studying all the time, I need to make sure I jump in and serve as often as I can. I know that I am here for a purpose and that the Lord has a plan for me. I’ve made it a goal this year to make my life about other people rather than myself and to truly seek out Christ.

            Sunday morning all of the roommates and I went to church together and it was literally amazing. Our bishopric loves us so much and they gave some truly inspiring talks. It was dead silent in sacrament and the Spirit was so strong. A boy named Conner Simmons gave the Sunday School; he spoke about a sure foundation and the power that comes from having one. I was impressed by his testimony and the different perspectives he shared. I’m excited for my calling in the ward; I’m ready to get involved! My roommates are adorable and I feel like I truly lucked out! They are Jennie Moon, Miquela Stokes, Emma Jones, Tamsyn Randall, and Linsie Wong. We get along really well and yesterday we spent the afternoon painting letters for our dorm room. I’m so grateful my mom had the idea because it got us all talking! I’m excited for this semester even though I’m a little nervous about balancing everything. I know though that as long as I live the commandments, rely on the strength of my Father, and have faith, everything will work out.