Merry Christmas!

So, seeing as dad put a link to my blog on our Christmas card I figured it would be a good idea to do a brief recap of my life...for all of those who haven't diligently followed my blog or sadly, have never seen it before.

This has been quite the year. So much has happened, I really don't know where to begin. Last January I was living at Liberty Square and having a blast. School has been such a blessing and I still can't believe I am a student at BYU. You would think that after 2 and a half years (scary huh!?) that I would actually be used to it. In November-ish of 2007 I got accepted into the Guadalajara Intensive Spanish study abroad program. In February of 2008 I finally found out that I was accepted into the Special Education Program. Two of the greatest experiences of my life.

I spent 2 months of this last summer with 30 other BYU students and an amazing director and her family in Guadalajara, Mexico. That is actually why I began this whole blog, so if you are really interested or want to see all my hundreds of pictures, take a look around. I loved Mexico. Oh my goodness, I really loved it. I was thinking, speaking, and singing in Spanish. We spent 3 hours every morning in class and then another 3 hours doing service. I worked in an orphanage and learned what it really was to feel Christlike love for another person. I lived with the most amazing family in all of Mexico and they loved me and my roommate. They taught us a lot about their culture and made sure we ate only the best true Mexican food Yolanda could make. Guillermo loved that I was proud of the small Argentine heritage I have and would always talk to me in a true castellano accent. We visited all the major sites and even got to go to an Atlas futbol game. I also was able to have mini missionary experiences and caught just a small glimpse of the joy and the hard work that comes with missionary work. As I said before, Mexico was wonderful and I loved it. I loved what I learned not only about the culture but about myself.

During the rest of the summer I worked, worked, worked and made lots of new friends. I was social and let mom talk me into a hair cut. Yes, a real hair cut, not just some type of trim. It's been fun but I am waiting for it to be long again.

I am back at BYU and I just finished my first semester in the special ed program. I am more than half way done with my college career and I don't even believe it. I could talk about how much I am loving this program, but that would take up too much time. If you just check out my previous blog, I just about summed it up.

Well, I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I love this season and I hope we all remember our Savior, not only just during Christmas, but throughout the year. I know I have been blessed greatly in this last year and I also know that it has been one of the most trying years I have had, but I would do it all again and not change a thing. I love you all.

Another semester ends

It seems the further along I get in school, the faster it starts to go and it just isn't fair. The further you go, the more fun it is. School is finally enjoyable. Sure, I stress - but that is just part of who I am and I never said that what I was doing is was easy. But, I would leave class knowing that I am supposed to be a special ed teacher and that is an indescribable feeling.

One of my favorite professors left us all in tears as she showed us this music video. I had never seen it before and I am not a fan of country music in any way, but this video (although super cheesy at times) has the greatest message. I can't wait to help my students reach their potential and encourage them to go for their dreams.

There is such a special spirit about these amazing kids. There is no doubt that they are filled with the light of Christ. Brandon, the sweet boy in this video, smiles at the beginning and he has your heart from that moment on. Now, I am not doing this to make all of you who see this want to go into Special Education - but I want you to just catch a glimpse of the love and happiness that comes with working next to them.

Spirit of the Holidays

I know this is more than a week late - but my Thanksgiving was wonderful. It was probably my most relaxing break yet and I spent most of my time at home. We had both Wilsons and Thorkelsons at the house for Thanksgiving dinner...meaning our house was almost overflowing and we loved every minute of it. Grandpa makes the best bread and stuffing while the Thorkelsons have the best jello and yummy sweet potatoes. Two of my cousins have recently had babies and everyone was waiting for a turn with Emily or Evrick. Really just a special holiday.
And after all Thanksgiving festivities everyone prepares for Christmas. I was driving through San Marcos just the next day and I saw houses already covered in their lights and blow up santas. Christmas is my favorite. There is that special spirit and the Christmas music - oh how I love Christmas music. I remember one year Porter was obsessed with The Little Drummer Boy, but only Harry Connick's version. We played it everytime he got in the car with me.

11 days until Christmas Break!