Mexico 2008

Okay so I just recently returned from a trip that truely caused me to check my life again. This year we went to Mexico to build houses and teach valuable skills to the members in Tijuana. This trip always causes you to reflect and think and be humbled and think about all sorts of things that are in your life that make you "happy" and you can go to Mexico and see how happy these people are without the things that we have. I cannot even explain to you in words how I felt. This is probably due to many things the first of these being that everybody has a different experince and that there are not wors out there to desribe the feelings that we felt. The evaluation of what happen is easy to do however and that is what I am going to do. I am going to give a day by day summary of what happened while we down there(including inside jokes and stuff like that so bear with me if it doesn't make too much sense)

Day 1: Friday November 21st 2008
We meet at my parents house to head to Primm Nevada for the evening. But prior to this I was sent on some errands and I forgot a bunch of stuff of course in me style. So I was teased about for a good chunck of the way down there. My sister tried to do a rubiks cube with a little bit of help from our twin neighbors. We had some great fun cracking jokes about each other over the two way radios. We drove into Cedar City and picked up our last passenger and stopped for a bite to eat at the group favorite Panda Express. Then after dinner we drove into Primm Nevada the rest of the way about three hours. When we got to Primm we dealt with the most frustrating hotel desk staff that you could ever imagine working with. I do not think they had a clue what was happening. We waited no lie for a good 45 minutes to have a room key with a very short line only the six cars that drove down with us. It is obvious that they do not make their money from the amazing customer service but from the casinos. Whatever I finally got to my room and I was thrilled to fall asleep then I remembered that I had to wait up for my bed buddy so I watched October Sky on USA and remembered how much I like that movie so I finished and then went to bed a while after Ashley had arrived.

Day 2: Saturday November 22nd 2008
Okay so we set the goal to be up and ready to leave at 8 AM the good news is that we left at 8:30 so we did very well. Then we go a caravaning away and into the great state of California. We do california only stopping in San Diego and a Chevron with a Subway for lunch prior to crossing the border into Mexico and not being sure about the quality or cleanliness of the food we are eating. So we (the cars without trailers) alll get together in Sunny D and head off to Florido Mexico and Cucapah. Well we had no trailers so no problem crossing. Those with trailers on the other hand had to stop to avoid what happened to us two years ago being almost being deported or arrested. So they did it the right way and paid all of the taxes and all of that. We on the other hand were to drive straight to the stake center. Well we got lost and ended up needing an extra half hour or so to get there. We got there with the help of the missionaries which we fortunate to have found and they gave us directions to the nearby church and there we got the neccesary help to get us back to the right place. So we ended up pulling into the church the same time as those with trailers did. Which was my parents car and boy were we glad to see that stake center which is like a refuge from the world in an area of filth. We spent saturday night setting up and getting ready for the week which was very eventful.

Day 3: Sunday November 23rd 2008
This is a long day for not working. Okay so before I left I volunteered to sing in a quartet and I was really excited about it and then they changed it to a group and I was like cool and then they are like you are going to sing in Spanish instead and I was like, "umm, I do not speak spanish so I obviously do not sing in spanish." They were like we do not care so I sang a small group part in How Firm a Foundation. For some reason I had a difficult time holding back the tears while singing this song even though I did not speak in the language I was singing in. I felt the spirit communicate to me soo strongly that I just knew the church was true everywhere and that is what I am reminded of every year when we go and sing in Sacrament Meeting. The gospel is true in every language and in every country. We did the singing thing twice and then a bunch of us headed to the cultural hall to eat lunch and just relax. Well we ate lunch and then the job bosses headed off to survey what was ahead of them for the week. Then we played games and slept and stuff like that cause hello we had to be up fairly early so that we could move all of our beds and stuff like that. Then we did a fireside later in the evening where I got to play with the primary kids and help them make a craft and color pictures and sing primary songs in English and Spanish. Then we finally had our nightly meeting and got to go to bed and it was wonderful until one of our roomies started to snore pretty badly. But I was tired enough it did not matter.

Day 4: Monday November 24th 2008
Okay so this day I got a little bit sickish and it was suggested that I do not go on the job so it is me and a bunch of older ladies staying home and sorting A TON of fabric. But we did a lot of stuff and sorted out the fabric, toys, sewing machines, and clothing. I still did a lot of good but I would have rather been out on a job. But that evening when those went on the job got back and I realized how much they had done that day they even got to the insulation. I was amazed and realized that they can still do it all without me there. I was super happy for them but kinda sad cause that is my favorite thing to do. If it wasn't I would not have gone obviously. But that night we quited some stuff and had our first evening of real Mexican Food in the words of Britney Jones, "Soo GUUUD" Then we went to bed and the snoring finally kept me and Katie from sleeping so we hauled a comforter and our blankets into the hallway in the church and crashed out there.

Day 5: Tuesday November 25th 2008
This day I finally got to work on the job. This was the day that we go to do all of the exciting things that I missed out on the day before while sorting through the ton of fabric scraps. Well this day I got to do all sorts of things that I had never been allowed to do before. This day I got build and install a wall. Yeah I did. I used the anchoring gun and nail gun and got it all in place like it should have been. I also got to assemble some bunkbeds and install them. I built shelves and wired a home. I even attached the outlet to the wiring and switches. I helped do a little bit of plumbing and insulation also that day. I later came home and helped a large number of sisters learn to quilt and sew. The ones that I had enjoyed teaching the most were these three young women two laurels and a beehive. Two of these girls were the daughters of the relieif society president and they learned and worked so quickly. What was even better was that they helped us to accomplish what we were hoping to accomplish and that was teach a few who could then turn around and teach some others. This is what these Young Women did. They were able to teach some of the older sisters and other young women how to quilt and sew and all of that stuff. Although I hated the amount of noise and the choas I really did love how well recieved and worthwhile this activity was.

Day 6: Wedensday November 26th 2008
Okay so it rained and rained and rained this day. So instead of going to a project were I wass not neccesarilly needed too much I stayed back and helped to quilt. Or if you are Bradley we chose to "quilt". Well this day we probably tied and finished fifty quilts. Becuase this night was chosen as a continuation of the previous nights activity we had to get it ready to go and closer to be being done and that is what we did. We tied enough quilts that the sisters could get them done that evening or at least so that there would be a bigger percentage fo them done. We then worked on getting the other humanitarian projects together for that evening. Once we got everything ready I started to do other stuff. As the quilting was drawing to a close I decided I should probably head outside and take a shower. Well I had forgotten my flip-flops at home and to avoid being seen in my towel and swimming suit by the members there that evening I chose to change outside. Well I left my clothes on a chair right outside the shower tarp opening. Well I hopped in the shower in only slightly cloudy weather and hopped out in a full on rainstorm. Well I got out of the shower and discovered that my clothes had become completely soaked and I had already taken off my swimming suit and there was no way that I was going to try to pull on a soaking wet suit so I wrap up in my towel and run back inside to get dry clothes. Well as I am running I discover that the tile outside of the building is a bit slippery fortunately I did not slip or else I would have run into some serious problems exposing my naked glory to all those members inside the church. That was Wedensday.

Day 7: Thursday Novemeber 27th 2008 Thanksgiving Day
Okay so it rained again and I yet again made the decision to stay home and work on finishing quilts. The men however went and framed up our other project which is a salon addition on a home. They got up two walls and started to paper and insulate them. This is fantastic. This day however we did not have sisters coming to help us that evening with the quilting. I hand basted a lot of batting in. I tied and pinned quilts on frames. I even stiched one shut. This day was a long one also full of quilting and other stuff. Along with the quilting I got to play a few games with the other ones that stayed back. We played a fun game called the name game. I will have to teach some people how it goes sometime. But we played it and my brother cheated and then I worked on more quilting and cleaning up cause I knew we had to leave the next day. So I spent the day cleaning up and packing up and all of that good stuff. So I quilted, cleaned, and packed. Well that evening the ward members surprised with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner including four different types of turkey and Mexican Mashed Potatoes. It was SOO GOOUD!! Then I played run away from the light with little Karlita, the relief society presidents daughter. She is adorable. Then we had our final meeting and to tell you the truth it was quite disappointing as always to leave but it still felt so good to know what we did.

Day 8: Friday November 28th 2008 Black Friday
Okay so this morning we sent our powerhouse men out really early to finish the salon with roof and walls. Then we all got together and headed to see the projects done and dedicate the homes that we built. This is always a super spiritual experience and I am soo glad for it even though I did not understand what was said in the prayers I do understand that Heavenly Father is pleased with our work and I am so thankful for that. Then we said our final goodbyes to the Roja's and Christian and packed up and headed for the border. This is where the story become very interesting. My car was the second car through. My parents who had been right there with us the whole time were about 45 minutes behind us in the end of it all. Drug Smuggling is a big issue in Tijuana and I think that the US Border Patrol thinks that my dad is a drug smuggler. Whatever. Well we eventually all get rendevoused together again and we are playing another game called Hiyah or chopp you. I am not sure actually. So we play this until my parents get there. Then we head on our merry way into Barstow California where we enjoy our first annual tradition of Tommy's Burger. Then from their we head into Primm Nevada where we enjoy our second tradition of riding the Desperado at Buffalo Bills. Then we head off to bed. My beddine had food poisoning poor thing. Not from Tommy's but most likely leftover food in Mexico, she did not caravan with us so she did not eat there I am fairly sure. Then nighty night.

Day 9 Saturday November 29th 2008
Okay so we woke up ate at the buffet. Not too good either. Then we loaded up and drove home. The whole while I was texting and working on putting together a temple trip that I was in charge of. I am glad that I have good friends that were willing to help me. I got it all put together and showed up to the temple about 15 minutes behind my ward. We made it home from Primm in great time. We left there at about 11:30 Utah time and I was heading to the temple by 5:35 Utah time. That is proof that my prayers are answered. I had an enjoyable evening followed by a long, deep, good, nights sleep in my bed.

That was the trip I will post pictures eventually.

sTuPiD tHiNgS

Okay so we have all heard the common adage that stupid is as Stupid does. Well over the past few days I felt like I have been bombarded with an overly high amount of stupid. Here are some of the things that I have witnessed.

1. Well I am waiting for a missionary as many of you know. Well during this waiting I am daily confronted with overwhelming amounts of stupidity from all around me. I always get stupid questions and comments directed at me. The best of which usually include reminding me of how long two years is and that I am going to get bored. Another favorite I get is why wait when you can get what you want right now. That is just ridiculous I do not want that I want BRent and that is why I think waiter haters are like stupid is and for sure like stupid does.
2. Favorite Stupid Quote of the Right Now: "My Second Cousin's dogs mother's, sister's, missionary relationship didn't work out, so don't get your hopes up." Said to a girl by a family member about why she shouldn't wait.
3. Favorite Stupid Pick Up line as of Now: "I see that you have a firm testimony and a nice set of Scriptures" What does that mean? Please somebody tell me!!!

Stupid is as Stupid does,

Jordo

Rainstorms and a good friend

Okay so this may or may not upset some people but what other choice do I have. So I walk to Ward Prayer no matter how far usually. I like to walk and some nights I even need to walk to get over some stuff that I am dealing with at the time. Well tonight was one of those nights. I decided to walk to ward prayer and that is where it all began.

I was having a conversation with my mom previously to this walk and was still a little bit frustrated by the whole thing and that it just wasn't fair and I was upset so I walked. While walking I started thinking about this conversation I had just had with my mom and I started to analyze what was happening and I had realized that I was maybe being a little selfish but then I started to justify it and then I tried to talk myself out of it and now I am in a trap of not knowing what to do. I am not sure if I was right to feel upset and offended that this was ruining my plans and that I still want to do this with my family and that it is not fair to split my family onto a million different projects. I am now just upset cause I can't have what I want in this trip it has already been altered despite my choice in a way I wish it hadn't been and now adding this to it. I just feel that we are overly accommodating for this other family and that I am being deprived of the experience that I want. Why must I feel that I am being shortchanged in this whole thing. I know that my attitude is not all Christlike and this is what is bothering me so much. I just can't help but look forward to the whole week that we get to spend together when we get down there. I love that we get to do so much and that we can learn so much about each other but I also really like looking forward to the experience of getting reacquainted with my family and that stuff. I love the close knit relationship that we develop over this weak long period. This reason is why I am so upset that this may be happening. It is not so much that I care about the projects as it is that I care about the bonding and growing and service opportunities with my family.
I am being selfish about the opportunities out there but I am also already sacrificing so much to go. The other family is being selfish too and it got me even more upset when my mom was all like you are acting just like her(the mom in the other family) and I was like you know what me it is not about the projects it is about the bonding and growing and serving. I know I am not acting very Christlike right now and I need your prayers to help me get over this and deal with the possibility that I may hate every minute of this trip but will still have a good attitude and do everything that I need to do while I am down there and somehow bless the lives of others and maybe even bless my life as well.
This is were I cry and struggle getting through stuff because I know that I am wrong for feeling this way and then I feel worse for feeling so bad about it. I am such a horrible person cause I feel this way.

So after ward prayer I am leaving and I of course choose to walk due to the events stated above. Well as I was walking out of ward prayer I run into a girl who I know quite well and I was mildly surprised that she was willing to talk so we started to talk and I was just expressing my concerns and feelings to her and she reminded me of the plan in everything. But she did not help on one major point cause she said that I was not being selfish by being wanting to go down there to get closer to my family and to work side by side with them.

I need input and advice was I or was I not being selfish??

Is selfishness about family a not so Christlike attribute even though it is after all family??

Am I really as bad as I make myself seem??



I am now going to cry some more okay??

As confused as always,
Jordo

The verdict

Okay so I have made a decison about DC. Here it goes. I am going to go to DC for the next 24 hours and if I get any sort of negative feelings about it or I start to feel at dispeace I will change my mind and see what happens. I know that both decisions are good and that I will be happy to make the right one. I also know that Heavenly Father will direct me in a way that is correct and good. So for now and the next 24 hours I am going to DC and not looking back but I will still make some phone calls home and stuff

Things that I have decided about...

Okay so I have not yet made a decision about whether I am going to go to DC or stay here with the love of my life. I have started to make a pro/con list in my head but I can only get so far doing that and then it goes to what is not a good choice for my life. I am not person who is known for making the best decisions for myself. Example to prove this is my Sr.Year in High School. But back to what is happening right now. The only slight improvement that I have made is that I have bought a proffesional almost congressional suit. Is that a sign that I am leaning towards this decision more than staying home with BRent.

I was so excited for the opportunity to go to Washington DC and then I got it and now I am scared. I do not know what I am going to do about it now that I have it.

I am just going to give you all update about what is going down in my life.

To be or not to be that is the question

Okay so this post has nothing to do with Hamlet or even Shakespeare. This post is strictly intended to inform you all of the decision that I am going to be making sooner than later. As many of you know I was offered a position as an intern on Senator Harry Reid's staff. This postion would be highly beneficial to me in my future and in my major. I also really love Washington. But the problem is that I would be leaving shortly after, like one week, after BRent gets home. That is the conflict that I am having within myself. I do not what I am to do anymore.

Then I go to ask a friend for her advice and all she can say is does the Bishop know that you are considering leaving. And I kept telling her that I have not because I have not given a definite answer yet. She is like you need to and then low and behold he shows up behind me. Then I am like okay I get no other decision than to tell you so I am like I am most likely going to Washington DC. This dear friend of mine just doesn't understand that I do not go to people that are wiser than me and tell them what I am thinking. I go to wiser and people and tell them what is going to happen or what I am going to do.

Oh well that is just a sidenote of the story. Back to the story. BRent gets home December 30th in case you had forgotten and I would be responsible to report to Washington DC on January 7th and that would give us less than a week together plus I would miss his homecoming talk. I am so torn between two very good decisions. Another thing that adds difficulty to this is that I am really bad at discerning the spirit and I am afraid that I will misinterpret it and suddenly realize that I told BRent that I am gone and then have it be a bad decision. I just cannot get over the fact that I may or may not be making the best choice for me. I LOVE BRENT!! I REALLY WANT TO GO TO DC!!! I really want and love both ideas but I am afraid that I cannot make the right decision on my own that is why I am asking you to help me and to give me some advice on what you think I should do.

PLEASE HELP A GIRL OUT!!!

Luv Jordo