The Year in Review

Happy New Year to one and all!

Didn't this year go by fast? I can't believe it's over already. 

I remember having a roommate talk once and someone asked, "In the past 20 years, which year has been the best?" It didn't take me too long to think about it. 2011 has probably been the best year of my life. I guess there are a lot of reasons. 2010 was good, but some crazy things happened that last semester of school before Jerusalem. My little nephew Jeffrey was born almost 3 months premature. That was stressful! The school work seemed more difficult (my sewing class took over my life)....there seemed to be a lot going on. 

But then I started the new year of 2011 off with a bang! I had a feeling it would be a good year, going to Jerusalem and all. I remember driving to the airport at 5:00 in the morning with what felt like a beehive in my stomach. "What am I about to do?!" I asked myself. "I'm going to live in the Middle East for the next 4 months!" Most of that fear subsided once I got to the airport and started socializing with my soon-to-be best friends. 

Jerusalem made my year. It changed my life in so many ways. Not only was I able to add 3 new countries to my list and see incredible things, but I gained such a strong and sweet testimony of the Savior. I had experiences that are difficult to describe to people who haven't been there. I made 80 new best friends. And I got to see the pyramids. I can never express how grateful I am for Jerusalem.

Though the summer started off rather difficult (not being in Jerusalem and all), it ended up being really wonderful. I developed some really great friendships in my single's branch, and I was able to have some great missionary experiences at the restaurant I worked at. I really did actually enjoy that summer job. 

And of course, this last semester has been one of the best. I absolutely love my roommates. Faith, Jamie, and Ashling went to Jerusalem with me, so of course we loved each other. But Brooke and Nicolle were just as wonderful! We all fit together so well, like the puzzle that we completed before the end of the semester. And I love my ward! Though I was a little apprehensive about the grades I was going to get it actually turned out pretty well! 

All in all, it was such a good year. And to top it all off, Baby Jeffrey is the cutest things in the world and he is doing so well, and we have two new babies on the way! Yayyyy! 

So, here's to 2012. Some say it's the end of the world, but I say let it be the beginning of a great new adventure and a brand new start to life. Take every opportunity you can to learn more, love more, and be the best person you can be. 

Here are some pictures to sum up my year.

Jerusalem

Egypt!

Camel ride in Egypt! 

On top of Sinai (My 20th Birthday!)

Galilee

Petra, Jordan

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

The Joseph Smith Farm, Palmyra, New York

The Brooklyn Bridge, New York

Jamie and I at the Ensign Ranch Branch Campout

Sunrise on Mt. Timpangos, Utah

Success at the Red Rock Relay!

Disney Princess roommates dressed up for Halloween

My adorable nephew Jeffrey over Thanksgiving.

All in all, I'd say I'm a pretty lucky and blessed girl.