My Hero

Garrett Elbert, who will forever by my adopted little brother



Through the years, we have all changed, grown, and come far in life. But no one has become a greater example in my life than this kid.
We met and became quick friends in 2006 when we grew a common dream to serve in Guatemala. Many people helped with the endeavor, but Garrett let it change his life.

I will never forget the plane ride home from our first time down here and the conversations that took place. Realizing how much he'd been through, and how he got to where he was. To be able to have just had the once in a lifetime experiences we had just had and knowing without a doubt that Heavenly Father's hand was in all we do. In the smiles we put on children's faces, the embraces from grateful mothers, and the bright light burning from our hearts when we realized our potential to serve those around us. How can anyone deny Him? I am so grateful for Him crossing our paths, and letting me meet my little brother and great friend.

Since that experience I have seen him grow so much! I have never met someone with such a pure heart and desire to give everything he has to serve those around him. He has made the decision to serve an LDS mission and I couldn't be more proud of him!

Love ya Bestie!

Heaven on Earth:

Guatemala

Today my heart has been burning more than ever with love for these people. They have truly become my own.






I have had the opportunity to spend time amongst them for the past two summers and it is the best thing I have done with my life thus far.



I LOVE GUATEMALA! The cobblestone streets, tanned faces, brown eyes, homemade tortillas, misty greenery, rain downpours, cilantro, giggling kids, and so much more. It is my home away from home. I can't get enough of it.

This picture depicts my favorite memory in Guatemala.

I had just arrived at a Guatemalan Orphanage. I swooped up a young girl in my arms and was amazed at her health condition; she was light, too light. She was malnourished, beaten, bruised, and left for dead. I carefully spun her around and watched in awe as she threw her head back to giggle. I remember being hit with the realization that she was in my care; I was helping her to laugh, to feel loved. I had walked into her life and left her better than I found her. I knew that I could make a difference; no feeling can replace or come close to that of service.
This picture was the first time she smiled.

Since last August I have been aching to be there again and I am so grateful for my upcoming opportunity. Through many prayers and miracles I have been blessed with the upcoming opportunity to help with their first EFY as a Health Counselor. I couldn't be more thrilled! :)

I would like to bare testimony of Heavenly Father's hands in our lives. There have been so many miracles in my life and my experience with this wonderful place has been one of the most impactful. They are my brothers and sisters. And my heart is ALWAYS with them.

Yo Soy Chapin

Brinsay!

I literally would not have made it through the past year without this girl! She is my right hand woman. :) She has become my sister friend and so much more.


Through all the grueling ups and downs of the Paramedic program Britt has been there for me and I couldn't be more grateful. We've been on the rollercoaster together. She can always put a smile on my face and ease the workload with fun adventures!

Haha, we are so alike in some ways and in others we couldn't be more different. Yet people mix us up all the time, so we are officially called 'Brinsay'.

We have had some amazing memories over the year, and she is one thing I will miss most about BYU-Idaho. But she is a friend I'll keep for life. :) She will be an amazing medic and I am so proud of her for working so hard despite all the hardships in life.

Thanks for savin my life B! :)

"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies."

On September 6th 2007 Parker Scott Jeppesen changed my life :)

Since it happened a little over two years ago, it's been on my mind this week and I wanted to take the chance to focus on the blessings that have come into my life because of that day.


On September 3rd 2007 I was putting in my two weeks notice at Lee's Marketplace to move up to BYU-Idaho for my first semester. I knew of Park but had never really spent any time with him. He was starting work and still training. I remember taking my till to the checkstand next to him and feeling an 'emotional breath of fresh air' for lack of better words just being around him and laughing. He asked how to ring up pistachios and the rest was history :) It was like coming home. We all became quick friends and in a short period of time I cared for the Bristol boys as my own family.

It never mattered what we were 'doing', it was about the company and the memories. Mark Soffe became the older brother I never had (to this day I believe he gives the best hugs in the world), Mckay Nuttall could put a smile on your face no matter the situation, James Rohwer is one of the hardest workers I've ever met, and Parker taught me what it is to be pure in heart and to always look forward in life with a smile on your face.

I have never met a person with such a big heart, ability to include ANYONE, and to find the joy in every moment. I remember being sad during my first semester of college for missing Lauren's first date and dance. Without me having to say two words, He was on my porch with the comrades and baseball bats in tow, showing her date who was boss. :) It meant so much more to me than he will ever know.

Since that day he has only continued to amaze me. He is now serving an LDS mission in Hong Kong and I couldn't be more proud of him. He is constantly finding ways to improve in his life, create memories, and lift those around him. He never stops to think of himself. He is constantly moving forward and doing as he is asked. I am proud of him for being obedient in every aspect, big or small, for showing and feeling respect for those around him, and for always giving more than is required.

He is such an example to me and always will be. I will forever be grateful for the Bristol boy who changed my life. :)

Oh Remember Remember

I have been contemplating areas in my life I'd like to improve on, and one of them continual optimism. To be able to see the hand of the Lord in every moment of every day.

Today I'd like to focus on my Mom.



While writing this and looking through pictures, It made me sad to realize how few there are of just the two of us, but this defines her. She's the one with the camera. The one silently doing her work, never taking credit, and always thinking of others.

I owe every sense of service I have to her. She has drilled into my mind and soul a sense of propriety, respect for those around me, and a love for laughing.

It is in her arms I think of when I hear the word comfort, even as a 20 year old. She will always be my safe haven, my shoulder to cry on, and the first person I call with good news.
I miss being able to lay on her bed when I come home and discuss life and its happenings. I miss her Gardenia lotion. I miss the twinkle in her eye and her teasing. I miss her ease for making any stranger feel at home. I even miss flopping around in the pool with her at water aerobics. :)

I want her to know that I love her, am proud of her, look up to and admire her, and am proud to be part of her lineage, her daughter.

I love you mommy :)