The Never Ending Joys of being a Latter-Day Saint

After Conference weekend, I have decided to delete all of the things from my life that waste my valuable time. I have deleted my account on Myyearbook.com because it was not a very good place to start with and I was wasting too much time on it. I have kept off the wireless capabilities on my Ipod so I can't get notifications to check my Facebook and I have deleted all of the music that did not bring me joy and peace. My time has been used in more of an uplifting way. I have finished more homework than usual, I have read my scriptures more, and I have felt more at peace.

Last night, I went to Institute class. I was one of three. It was one of the most inspired classes I have ever been in and I loved it so much!! Sister Valentina wanted me to email my parents to tell them how we used my family pictures to teach about family. I had brought my pictures of my family with me to show her because I heard it was a friendship thing to show pictures of your family. I picked out my favorites to show her of each family member and she used them to show the happiness in our smiles. She saw the pictures of my parents smiling and she said, "Now I know why you are always happy and willing to do everything." I love Sister Valentina and my family! I know they are there for me wherever I go and whatever I do. This church has brought so many blessings into my life! I love it with all of my heart!!

This morning, I woke up an hour late, didn't get in the shower til 15 minutes before I was supposed to leave, my clothes were wet, and I had an early morning class to teach. While I waited for the bathroom, I read my scriptures. It was the best 20 minutes of my day. I received new revelations through what I have read over 100 times and I was able to feel that there was something more for me to be doing. As I went to catch the bus, it was right there and only left after I got on. When I had to transfer buses, the other bus was there waiting for me. I got on and it left. I know that my Heavenly Father has blessed me for reading my scriptures and for trying to be what I need to be.

Tomorrow night, I am going to FHE. Even if I am the only one from my group of teachers or if I am the only ILP girl. I am tired of only doing things if others are! I am going to be all I can be and do all I can do! I will be a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I love this church and all it has done for me and in my behalf!! There is nothing that could make me happier than making sure I am able to enter the temple to take out my endowments and make a covenant with the Lord and my future companion. I say "companion" because he will be more than my husband... He will be my best friend. His dreams will be my dreams, his heart my heart, his mind my mind, and his desires will be my desires. We will be one. Even when the time comes that we grow old and our hair turns white, he will be by my side, faithful to the end.

Temple and Conference-Best Weekend EVER!!

This last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to the meeting house by the Kiev Temple (where all of our Branch meetings will be held from now on) to watch General Conference with my new branch. I loved hearing all of the Prophets, Apostles and members of different Quorums of the church!! I love General Conference every year, and being right next to the temple made it even more memorable....

TRUTH MOMENT: I met an amazing missionary that I totally have a crush on that just BARELY got here around the same time we did!! WOW!! A baby missionary!! I would have to wait 2 years, but I think he would kind of be worth it... well, I only knew him for 4 hours, but he was SOO funny and cute!! We were making fun of each other back and forth with the mini Powell children and he talked to me the entire 2 hour break!! Even during Conference, he would look around and look at me til I looked at him then either smile or make a funny face at me... :D So cute!! Lol! Oh, Elder Shepherd... what am I ever going to do with you??? NOTHING!! Cause I may never see him again... SAD FISH!!! :( Oh well, that's what happens when neither of you can date!!

But after the Saturday Afternoon session, I went to a temple session and did baptisms for the dead!! How exciting is that? I want to end every Conference Saturday night with a session at the temple!!! I loved how amazing it felt to be there and be baptized in Russian!! Okay, so Russian, Korean, and English down.... a lot of other languages left to go!!! Lets see if I can do it!! :D China next? Maybe!!

We went to the Sunday afternoon session the next day on Sunday, October 9, 2011. I was so filled with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost as I listened to the leaders of our wonderful church!!

I just want to say that I know, with all of my heart that this is the true and everlasting church of our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ, who gave all he had for us. I know that they love me and want me to be happy. I could feel that while listening to the man whom They have trusted their members with. President Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet of our church today and he is a loving, kind and incredible man!! I am lucky to be able to listen to him twice or more a year!! I love him dearly and I want to leave my testimony with you that I know my Redeemer lives and that everything happens for a reason. I am here in Kiev for a reason! I don't know what that reason is yet, but I know I am here on purpose!!

My Grandpa was in Poland

Bringing the past forward and the moving the present out of sight

This is a little late for I was in Poland last week, but it is still the same meaning!! I was so excited to go to Poland because it is the home of my grandpa, Albert George "Slim" Urbanik. I miss him so much for he died three years ago. I remember the day. I was woken up at 5 am by my mom and she said,"It's Grandpa." and I knew he was gone. I went to school, trying to stay strong. I heard someone complaining about how they shouldn't be at school today  because their dog died two days ago. I kept my mouth shut. The only 2 people I told were my best friends; Josh Bone and Amanda Meyer. Finally, after lunch, I couldn't take it anymore. I started crying and my eyes couldn't stop. Josh hugged me while I cried and I called my mom. I had to go... I cry every time I think about my grandpa, but the tears quickly fade as I remember that he is in a better place.
My grandpa was with me in Poland. He was my constant companion and I could feel him there, telling me how proud he was of me. I went to Poland FOR him and I had the time of my life!! I guess remembering him keeps him not only in my thoughts and my heart but keeps him here with me. I have decided to do everything for him and make him proud.