A Day to go Down in History

Today has finally come, and hope has filled my heart.  I know that discussing politics is something that can get people in trouble, but I feel the need to express some of my feelings.  For those who know me best, you know that I am a very compassionate person, I take "helping others" very seriously, especially those in need.  I am dedicating my professional life to being a social worker, not for the incredible pay, but because I want to help others better their lives.  Barack Obama, the (now) 44th President of the United States of America has been sworn into office and hope is on the way.  These last years I have lost nearly all of my patriotism and can honestly say that I was no longer proud to be an American.  America to me was all about greed, self-gain, and the dollar.  Corruption is everywhere, and the founding fathers would be ashamed to call themselves Americans in the current state of this country.  A country that they fought for, that was founded on morals and the pursuit of happiness.  Sadly, money has been mistaken for happiness.  This country was built on the principle of people helping people.  Jobs being created so that there was enough for everyone.  Programs and systems put in place for those who were unable to take care of themselves.  Friends and families working hard to take care of one another. But somewhere along the way money became God.  Serving the all-mighty dollar is all that matters.

But today finally happened, a man who cares about others, the less fortunate, and serving this country, not for capitol gain, but because it is his purpose, his obligation, has been put in a position to help more people than he could've ever imagined.  Hope fills my heart, hope for a better future for my son, for my mother, for this country, and hope for the entire world.  

I am in no way saying that I expect every promise to be kept, or that this country will be completely fixed in 4 years, but I am saying that hope is everything.  Hope, is the only reason that has kept me going.  

When I was a missionary serving in Arkansas, life became very difficult for me.  I was very ill, and was ready to give up.  The Lord, My Mission President (Randall Peterson) and I came to the conclusion that for my own health, I needed to go home. (One of the most difficult decision's of my entire life). When President Peterson met me at the airport in Tulsa, we had a very long and deep discussion about hope.  During our conversation he said something that I will never forget.  "Our Lord and Savior, has made Hope a permanent way of life."  "No matter how difficult life is, or how lonely this world becomes, we WILL always have HOPE."  "The Savior has made that possible." 

So you see, the hope that was brought today means everything, a hope for a better world, better life, and peace.  People helping people is the way, service of others is what Christ has dedicated his entire existence to, and at least to me, so far, that is what this President has said he will do.  Let us Hope that he follows through on that promise.

Year in Review

Happy New Year! Last night while I was at work and things had finally settled down, I began pondering what 2009 might hold for our family, then I began to think about 2008 and just how busy and crazy it was.  It was the epitome of a transition period for Lainie and I.  Let's review.

We began the year in Salt Lake, Lainie working for Dr. Aoki, me selling spas for Dolphin Pools while going to the University of Utah.  We had only been married 6 months.

-Lainie gets a great Job offer in Logan. We decide that it (as difficult as it may be) is in the best interest of our family to take the job.

-Late January we move to Logan (with the great help of friends and family) A little 2 bed apartment near USU campus.

-Lainie begins her job for Canyon View Orthopedics and loves it, I end up working for Qwest and hate it.

-In late February while at a baby blessing, Lainie and I are both prompted (simultaniously) that there is a child waiting for us.

-Early March, We are Pregnant!

-April, I have an emergency appendectomy and we also take off to Disney World with the Bambrough family. I also finally quit the job at Qwest that I hated. (no amount of money and benefits is worth working for that company)

-May, I get a Job with Logan River Academy as a youth counselor, and start my career at USU.

-July, We find out we are having a BOY!

-August, another semester, and thoughts of buying a house.

-September, Fantastic trip to Jackson Hole, and House hunting begins.

-October, Bought our wonderful new house, and move in.

-November, play the waiting game, celebrate Thanksgiving and move in. (officially)

-December, Gavin arrives and our lives are forever changed.

It was a very difficult year, but with the trials came enormous eternal rewards!

We are interested to find out what 2009 brings, hopefully it will be a few more rewards without quite as much stress!