Utah

I have been in Utah for the last two weeks and they have been the most wonderful weeks I could ever ask for.

I was able to attend efy with 300 other youth that believed the same things I did. It is really hard for me sometimes when I have to stand alone for what I know to be true but I know I am truly fighting for something worthwhile when I have the privilege to spend a whole week with other people who have the same passion for the gospel that I do. The theme for the week was the Thirteenth Article of Faith:

We believe in being Honest, True, Chaste, Benevolent, and in doing good to all men. Indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul - we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

I have gained such a strong testimony to the truth to these words and what they really mean. Our session director (Brother Kent Hugh) stressed on us to whenever we think of this theme that we need to substitute "we" with "I". I do that now and it makes it so much more intimate and special for me.

I felt so much love at efy that I usually never feel at home and I knew that I wasn't in it alone. The gospel is a beautiful thing, to not exercise it would be to not use AC while it is 105 degrees outside, it wouldn't be sensible. I know that in the future I will look back on the experience I had at efy and it will be one of my major anchors when I feel doubtful or weak.

 i was also able to spend a lot of time with my family and I know that I needed it because I lean on them so much for support and love. they are so special to me and i love them very much. I dont know where I would be if it weren't for the bond that I have with my family.