From The Archives,  From The Heart,  True Life

Beginnings lead to endings and endings lead to beginnings

Hello, blog readers!
Today’s post isn’t going to be a story, sorry! Instead, bear with me as I take you on a journey of my reflections of the last year!
First things first! Here is a list of things that have happened to me this year that were 1st’s:
1) I ended my time as a teenager and moved into the transitional period between teenager-hood and adulthood known as 20.
2) I worked for a home building company where I was actually in the world.

    a) I learned how to turn off a pool.

    b) I learned that realtors know how to schmooze really well and subsequently recieved chocolates. (their tactics didn’t work, but the chocolate was great.)

    c) I realized how grateful I am that my parents taught me the value of a dollar.

    d) I was encouraged to drink beer, because it “makes weddings a lot more fun” but also managed to

hold my own in my defense of not wanting to kill myself. Or compromise my values.
3) I moved into my own apartment

    a) Had roommates for the first time

    b) No longer have my brother near by

    c) Live in a ward where people know me because of me alone, not because I am related to someone.

    d) Have met even more great people

    e) Pay for utilities
4) Been self sufficient (thanks to scholarships and work!)
5) Started work as a TA and have LOVED IT.
6) Got my first migraine. That wasn’t a migraine.

    a) Got my first IV drip

    b) Stayed in a hospital longer than 4 hours because of something not surgically related.

    c) Went to the eye doctor by myself

    d) Discovered an allergy to an antibiotic (that caused my brain fluid to not drain, causing my optic nerves to swell…
And some other stuff!

Looking back on this year, I’ve been through a lot. However, I know that I’ve gotten through it all because I’ve been able to see God’s hand in my life every step of the way. Even when I was seeing double and the pain in my head was more than any other pain I have felt in my entire life COMBINED, I was still able to find happiness. Cool, isn’t it?

Being a TA has given me some of the greatest joys I’ve had. It reminded me of all the good things about being an RA last year, and pushed me farther and harder in my efforts to learn to love all types of people. My conclusion? I really do love people.

Not having my best friend and brother around to be my safety net or to pick me up and do whatever while we procrastinate and forget about the stuff we don’t want to deal with has been really difficult for me. I never realized how hard it would be when I finally was on my own. However, being on my own has taught me a lot about responsibility and a ton about who I am as a person. I do miss my family something terrible, but this experience has been extremely beneficial in my development as a young adult. And it has helped me to appreciate the time I do get to spend with them over the phone and on Skype.

One of the greatest things that has happened this semester particularly has been finding my place in my new ward. I have never felt so loved and supported by a ward than I have this semester! I feel like everyone genuinely cares for everyone else and I know that if I need anything, I can just ask someone in my ward. I will admit to not being as social as I would like (my classes have been difficult.), but I still know that I am loved in spite of my absence from some weekly activities. My visiting teachers, home teachers, and committee members are all examples of reasons why I have felt so included, which has always been a difficult thing for me to feel. My testimony has grown immensely.

There are a few people that I honestly could not have functioned without this semester. Even with all of the craziness that goes on at school, it is still important to have those we love around us to help support and uplift us, and for us to do the same in return. While I wasn’t able to see all of my close friends all the time, their love and support really are the reasons why this semester was not a complete disaster in some respects. Hopefully they know who they are, but I still want to mention them: Mackenzie, Crystal, Alisha, and Viviana. If you ever run into any of these wonderful ladies, consider yourself extremely lucky, because they are going places. And helping others go places. Which is pretty amazing.

I know this isn’t anything super revelatory, but I feel that it needed to be said. To be put out there for the world to scrutinize, or maybe learn something from. I just want everyone to know that I have felt a lot of love this last year and that I want to do better to share my love with others, since I KNOW what a difference it makes. Having people around you that help you to see the beauty (and irony) in life is what counts. Popularity with the masses does not matter. It may have taken me 7/8 years to figure that out, but I know that the real joy lies in being popular with your best friends. And with God.

On one last note, I want to give you a number. 82.
What is that number?

Well, that is the number of people (individuals) I know that have gotten engaged this year since January. I’m hoping we get to 100 before January 1st!! (GET A MOVE ON IT, PEOPLE!!)
Other friends of mine are having babies…
And a few are coming home from missions…
I am starting to feel that I am almost 21. It’s a strange feeling, but it makes sense.

That’s all for me for now. Maybe I’ll write again a different day?
Love to all and Merry Christmas,
Savannah

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