Passport & Paperwork

Yippeeee!! I finally got my passport in the mail! It only took forever because of some difficulties with my birth certificate (dumb difficulties if I might add) but it came in the mail last week and I finally got an email confirming to start my travel documents! Not only that but I am so close to making my first payment! Much of which is coming from donations (THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED SO FAR!!! It means the world to me and it will mean the world to the children I am helping over there!) If you would like to make a contribution go check out the "wanna help?" tab or you can simply go to: http://www.gofundme.com/volunteerlithuania seriously--anything helps and it will mean the world to me! I cannot wait to go help children in another country learn english! It will help them in ways they could ever imagine! But for now I am also trying to find jobs while I am home and save up my money! This is getting more real every day. It will not only impact those children's lives but my life as well! I will keep you all updated once more stuff happens :) 

YOLO- You Only Lithuania Once

HELLO THERE! As some of you may know, I recently got accepted into the ILP volunteer abroad program where they send volunteers to six countries throughout the world, one which is to Vilnius, Lithuania to teach children English. Now you're probably having a couple thoughts, I'll get to those don't worry. Now let's get to answering your thoughts. 

Let's hit the first one you're probably having which is, what IS "ILP"? Well, ILP stands for International Language Program. They are a non-profit organization that started in Provo, Utah in 1992. They currently are based in Orem, Utah. They send volunteers to six countries throughout the world, one which is to Vilnius, Lithuania (hey that's where I'm going!!) to teach children English.  Their motto is to change the world, one child at a time. They believe that every child can make a difference and that every child deserves the chance to achieve their true potential. How awesome is that?! Awesome, I know. 

Now you're probably thinking... "but why did you choose to do this? You're not majoring in teaching are you?" No, I am not majoring in teaching. However, I have always believed in the potential and power that children have to change the world. With the right knowledge, skills, and resources, children have the opportunity to accomplish anything they set their minds to.  Unfortunately, not all children in this world are given that opportunity and that is why I have chosen to participate in the International Language Program (ILP) during Fall Semester of 2015. I have also always wanted to travel to another country, and I get to do that with this program at an extremely great price! Not only that but, I have always wanted to do some volunteer service and this is a great opportunity for me to give back, learn from the children, learn about myself and have fun volunteering abroad! 

Ok now you're probably thinking "Lithuan-what?! Where's that?!" Lithuania is a tiny country right below Lativa, above Poland and Belarus. It is so tiny and you really have to squint looking at it on a map! But I mean... look how beautiful it is:

Palanga

Neris River

Balsys Lake

Hill Crosses

Curonian Spit

Trakai Castle

Old Town, Vilnius

 I am excited for this amazing adventure and can't wait to share my journey getting there and my actual journey there with all of you! I am grateful for my parents for letting me apply to this program and for not only them but all of you for supporting me getting there! August needs to hurry and get here! 

xoxo,

Madison

 (click here to donate to my expenses)  

Winter Semester 2015: CHECK!

I cannot believe I am already done with my 4th semester of school. How am I getting so old? Sometimes I feel as though I just graduated High School but... I didn't. Not only am I done with another semester, but its now April???? Time is speeding by and I'm trying to make the most out of everything! Lots of stuff has happened since I last updated you all.. well kind of.

Winter Semester was one for the books. I moved into a new apartment but also new apartment COMPLEX. I lived at the Willows. #WILLHOESOF202 ...kidding. I always wanted to start that hashtag but it never really happened... It is seriously the best place ever! Nicest managers and GREAT location to campus. Not only that, but I lived with my bff/#1girl/person Natalie Fisher. It was the best. She is seriously one of the funniest people I know. Now that the semester is over, I'm gonna be sad not being just a room apart from each other. Luckily we only live 15 min away from each other while we are home!! 

Not only did I live with one of my best friends, my roommates were the BEST. Even though I barely hung out with one of them because she was engaged (and now married!! Congrats!!) she was still super nice! I got insanely lucky with them. No roommates will ever, ever compare to those girls. 

I did so many things! I mean, this whole school year was a blast but this winter semester we went hiking to the hot springs, went on multiple spur of the moment photoshoots, hiked R Mountain, ate way too many fries and a little too much fry sauce, hung out a Zeeks probably more than we should've, worked out, and random dance parties (ok that was just once...with Natalie... but it was still hilarious). 

With the coming of April and end of Winter Semester, brings CONFERENCE! It was amazing. I kid you not. If you have not watched them, I urge you to watch/listen/read to them NOW. Go to https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2015/04?cid=HP_SU_4-5-2015_dPTH_fGC_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng AND DO IT. It will change your life and just fill your heart with goodness/warm fuzzies. But okay, seriously. Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, M. Russell Ballard, Elder Nelson and Elder Bednar were some of my FAVORITE talks! I have been setting a goal for myself to listen to at least one talk a day and it has made a huge impact on my day! I loooooove it! I challenge you to do the same :)

Side note: Ian got transferred to a new area! Yay!! :)

Now I'm home, hopefully getting a nanny job starting May with this wonderful family, and other babysitting jobs to make lots of money to pay towards Lithuania! I'm glad to be home and done with another semester! I will for sure miss Rexburg, until I see you again in 2016!!!!

Hikes Hikes Hikes

Lately this weather in Rexburg has been a dream. Really. I mean except this past weekend where it was 40 mph and even up to 60 mph winds! Hey that's okay because last weekend was a BLAST.

Natalie and I go on "Friday night dates" literally almost every Friday. I don't know what I'd do with out her and our dates. Since the weather was great, we decided to take advantage of it and go hike "R" mountain. We decided to invite good ol' Tucker but he ended up making us lost, then had to leave because of a stinkin' dodgeball tournament. We ended up taking an hour to get there when it only takes 20 minutes... but hey it was still fun!

Then Saturday was the best. Natalie has had this idea for weeks to go to "Goldbug Hot springs". She has the best ideas, really. These hot springs were in the middle of mountains!! IT WAS GORGEOUS. I still can't get over it. The hike was apparently 3 miles but it really only took us a little over an hour... it was gorgeous and so so sooo worth it. I highly recommend to anyone who is looking for something fun to do. It's in Salmon, Idaho so if you live in Rexburg that is about a 2.5 hour drive away. BUT ITS WORTH IT! We went with our guy friends, Tucker, Zandy and Taxx. They are hilarious and I am glad I'm friends with them all. Let's just let the pictures speak for themselves shall we?

I love the adventures I go on with Natalie and "the boys". But, mainly Natalie because they are all her ideas. She is the bestest best friend I could ever ask for because there is truly never a dull moment with her!

We are required to forgive ALL

This is sometimes a hard concept for others to accept. I am very guilty of this. Many of times, when someone wrongs us, does not apologize, we do not have the desire to forgive them. However, we are require to forgive all men. 

I was reading in the New Testament about the parable of the Servant and the King. Matthew 18:23-35. The servant owed this King, a very large debt, that would take him so incredibly long to pay off. So long, that it is actually impossible to repay the King. The servant begged for him to have patience and said he would pay it off. The king was overcome with compassion and forgave him. Then the fellow servant owed, the servant a smaller debt, but a debt nonetheless. However, the Servant was not overcome with compassion when the fellow servant asked for his patience. The Servant then casted him into prison. The King had found out what he did, and said "why did you not have compassion for your fellow servant when I had compassion for you?" Then, it says "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you. if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses." Basically what that verse is saying is, we need to forgive everyone for their sins/wrong doings and have compassion for them just like our Heavenly Father has compassion for us. 

Our Heavenly Father died for us. He died for us, for us sins, so that when we commit sin, anything, we are forgiven. We have the atonement to be able to repent for these wrong doings. Does he put a limit on this atonement? No. it is infinite. We are always forgiven, we are given patience to "repay him". But in reality, our debt is un-payable to the Savior. So, our Heavenly Father has required for us to forgive everyone. It might by hard, but I have a firm testimony that when we forgive someone, even if they have not apologized, we will be overcome with compassion, charity, kindness, peace, for them and for our Heavenly Father. We will be so much happier when we have forgiven them. In D&C 64:11 it says, "And ye ought to say in your hearts- let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee for according to thy deeds." We cannot judge someone for their actions. ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE. This is huge! I have had so many people in my life, judge me for my actions, for my choices, for so much in my life. But, do I strike back with anger? No. I know that it is not their place to judge me. It is only my Savior, who will judge me and reward me according to my deeds. We must remember not to judge someone for what they are doing. It is not our place. 

I have a firm testimony of this and I know that my Savior lives. I know that he paid a debt that we could never pay. He died on the cross for our sins, so that we can be forgiven. He went through this process so that when we commit sin, anything, we are NEVER alone. We are never alone in this crazy thing we call life. With God, ALL things are possible. I know in my heart, that through this Gospel I am finding happiness, I have found a purpose in life. Through my Savior, I know who I am. I am beautiful daughter of a King. I hope that if you do not know who you are, who you are meant to be, that you know you are a child of God. I hope that one day you will come to know who created you. I hope you find your worth. The worth of your soul is SO incredibly great in the sight of God. I know that this Gospel is the word of God. I love my Savior. I hope you learn not to hold grudges, to love all. Even though it is hard sometimes to do, you will be rewarded for it. It is for YOUR benefit. Not for anyone else but yourself. I promise, you will be much, much happier. 

ONE MONTH LEFT

This is a happy post, for all you summer lover's out there, and haters of school because.. ITS OFFICIALLY ONE MONTH LEFT OF THE SEMESTER!!!!!!!

I am so flipping excited. This semester seems like a blur honestly.. I was thinking about it the other night and the thought came to me "what did I do this semester?!" I mean I guess every semester flies by but this one seems especially fast. I can't wait to be home, because I start my training for Lithuania, (If you didn't know I'm volunteering next fall semester read more about it here) and I start working (oh shoot dang, gotta find a job first!) to save for it! Also, going home means it's summer time for me! I'm just really excited to go home if you can't tell. Not that I do not love my roommates but, school can just be so exhausting!

On the bright side (no pun intended), the weather has been GORGEOUS lately. It was in the high 50's today and supposed to be in the high 60's next week. Spring Time is finally approaching! Too bad most of my clothing is black or gray. But do you know what else that means? People are happier, because it's sunnier. Funny how the sun can change our mood so much. However, that means I need to focus harder on these last weeks of school so I can rock these last test's I have. Anatomy and Physiology is kicking my butt as always, but I'm gonna kick it's butt next week on my exam! I guess this was a pointless post, but hey this is my blog and I write what I want. These things are always so awkward at the end so...

Wish me luck as I try to survive these last 4 weeks of the semester!!!!!!

xoxo

hello, MARCH!

Well, as they say, another one bites the dust. How is it already March?! These month's are flying by. I only have 6 more weeks left of this semester. I am so ready to be done with school!! I will miss my roommates so much though. I got insanely lucky this semester, they are all SO great. Seriously, all are my best friends. But, enough about them. A lot has happened this month! Well, not really at the same time... I feel as though, I woke up one morning, it was February 1st, now it's March 2nd!

February started out not so great, with a sad loss for my wonderful Seahawks in the SuperBowl

So much has happened that I'm trying to think back on it, and my brain can't handle it! I'm feeling old. But lets make a list shall we? (Because I know you all secretly really care!)

F E B R U A R Y:

-Valentines Day (YAY FOR LOVE AND PIZZA!)

-PIZZA... what is life, without that glorious food?

-Donating Plasma! Yes I'm selling my body for money.. No I am not a SLUT!!!

-StuDYING

-Chinese New Year aka just another excuse to eat Chinese Food

-I dyed my hair! Yippe for a new look!!!!

-Photoshoots because my bff is a photographer and always needs a model ;)

-reading! I just bought a new book called the Happiness Project

Top 10 things I've learned this month:

1. You cannot please everyone. 

2. You are trying the best that you can and THAT is enough!

3. Let it go

4. Quit Nagging

5. Be Yourself

6. Lighten Up

7. Not everyone will like you

8. Stand Up for what you believe in

9. Respect Others

10. There is only LOVE.

I hope to make March a lucky one (get it?) and try to be nicer. Try a little harder, to be a little better. I'm trying to be more like my, Heavenly Father and treat others as if I only see the light in them. I can't wait to see what March will bring! 

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

ITS MY FAVORITE MONTH.

Okay, now you're probably wondering why it's my favorite month and why January isn't my favorite. Correction. January is one of my favorites. I have a lot of favorite things but we can get to those later (that's for another time, another blog post that I probably won't end up writing).

Also, its the month of love. I love, love. Who doesn't love a good Nicholas Sparks movie, about a two love birds who fall in love in High School, grow apart, get back together, he reads her their love story, yes I'm talking about the Notebook. February is filled of pink candies [sweet tart lollipops yes my weakness], red hearts and "Valentines".

January is honestly the worst and best month, lets be real here. Best: I was born, HELLO. (kidding..kind of but hey its my birthday month!) New Years Eve and New Years Resolutions (New Year, New Me! YOLO). Worst: ITS. THE. SLOWEST. MONTH. I have been at school for what... a month now (feels like years) but a month down, two more months to go! **cue tswift dance moves that make you feel extremely uncomfortable but also make you laugh**

You're probably not wondering what I did this month, but I'm going to tell you anyways because this is MY blog and if you weren't wanting to know about my life then why the heck are ya reading?! But please stay I promise I'll post funny things!!!!!!

J A N U A R Y :

-back in Rexburg!!!!! *cue ugly crying face*

-Winter 2015 #willhoesof202 (I don't use that even though, I feel like I'm going to start because why not)

-Fitness Classes 

-BYU Vocal Point.. aka BYU Makeoutwithme Point

-Running lots and lots of running (I have workout every single day of the semester *CUE AIR FIVE*)

-Elder Nelson gave a devotional! 

-Pizza (because what is my life without pizza in it?)

-New friends

-NATALIE RENTED PUPPIES FOR MY BIRTHDAY

-Red Robin

-Kiwi Loco

-Netflix... I started Grey's Anatomy. I highly recommend it but say goodbye to your social life now 

-Paradise Doughnuts [ WE GOT 4 DOZEN FOR $6 GO AT MIDNIGHT YOU WON'T REGRET IT]

5 things I learned from this month: 

1. Run. I mean it. Not like run away, I mean, go on a run. It clears your head. You might want to die while doing it but, after? You will feel amazing.

2. Never let anyone tell you not to order pizza. YOU DON'T NEED THAT NEGATIVITY IN YOUR LIFE.

3. Homework comes first. I promise you. You might have less of a social life but it'll be worth in when you see those beautiful grades. Plus, you might be less stressed out.

4. Stop comparing yourself. Especially your body image. It is so hard to not, but seriously, you need to love yourself more because you are beautiful and no one else is like you. We may not be perfect, but if we were, what fun would life be? 

5. Never regret staying in, watching Netflix and laying in your pajamas after a hot shower. It's okay to be a homebody. Its okay to not go out every night. Give yourself a break. You can thank me later.

I can't wait for this month of L O V E and for celebration!!! I hope you have fun reading my posts as much as I have fun writing them. 

THANKS FOR READING

xoxo

I'm 20!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Wow! I can't believe I'm 20! It is crazy! No longer a teenager and starting a new decade of my life! I had a great day. I am surrounded with wonderful people in my life who made this day so great! It was filled with laughs and just good memories. 

To start off my birthday right, last night my roommates and I had a big sleepover in the living room. Natalie and I brought our beds out, and then Peyton and Melissa slept on the couch. Then in the morning I got to email Ian (as usual) but it was so great because it was my birthday! He is the sweetest and funniest guy ever. I am insanely lucky to be in love with my best friend! Then, my roommates decided to make me breakfast! But while they were getting ready to cook, we hear a knock on the door. I'm confused as ever because I'm in PJ's not expecting...ANYONE. I answer the door and its some lady who I don't know...She just walks right in and Natalie, Peyton and Melissa are just like "Oh hi!!" Well... the lady had a bag with her. She sets the bag down and pops out two Pomeranian puppies!!!!!! There is this new business in Rexburg called "Pups4Play" where you can rent puppies for an hour or more and that was my present from Natalie! It was the best! We got two dogs for an hour and it was perfect. I am obsessed with dogs and it was just so much fun. I'm a big dog person but these dogs were ADORABLE. Then, later that day Natalie and I went and did a mini photoshoot for her film class! I am so excited to see how those photos turned out!!! After that we drove to Idaho Falls to meet up with the boys, at Red Robin to celebrate my birthday AND Carlin's birthday! (We have the same birthday! Crazy right?!) We enjoyed a delicious meal and then came back to my apartment, had cake and ice cream and played catch phrase. Hannah and Garrett stopped by also to give me some treats, a balloon and a birthday drawing :) It was so cute and so thoughtful of them! 

I had an amazing fun filled day that I will never forget! I have amazing friends, roommates and a best friend. Natalie surprised me with so many cute things, and a great birthday present! I am so grateful for her in my life! I don't know what I would do without her. 

Its crazy to think I am 20 years old but I can't wait to see what this year of my life has in store for me!!! 

HAPPY 2015!!!

Happy New Year everyone!!! I can't believe it's another year! 2014 was great, I learned a lot about myself that I wouldn't trade for the world and a lot of great things happened too! Ian left on his mission to the Czech Republic (only one year left!!!!!), I finished my first year of college, I finished my first semester of my sophomore year in college, I made so many new friends this past year and had many adventures. I've grown as a person, developed my talents (I learned how to sew and crochet!!!), gained knowledge, I've learned to love from over 5,000 miles apart and I'm strengthening my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I am ready for another great year! I have a lot of New Year Resolutions that I wanted to share with you:

1. GET INTO SHAPE! I know that is the most common one, but I kind of started slacking this past semester and I really want to kick into gear. I want to just be better at it!

2. Eat Healthier. I want to fuel my body with good things, because I love my body!

3. Don't doubt myself. I think this is big, because we need to have confidence in ourselves especially with everything we do. I need to stop doubting myself of my capabilities and what I know.

4. Learn how to say no. I sometimes don't want to say "No" to my friends if they ask me to hang out or if someone asks me to do something because I do not want to hurt their feelings but, really my feelings and my school grades come first.

5. STOP OVER-THINKING. This is huge for me! I overthink so much where it could literally kill me (ok not really kill me but you get what I mean). I need to STOP over-thinking. When I do, I need to clear my head of all negative thoughts. Negative thoughts do not come from our Heavenly Father, they come from Satan, who will do anything in his power to see us unhappy.

6. Love myself more. I have a hard time complimenting myself and I tend to  pick at all the negative aspects I see about myself. I need to stop doing that. I need to remind myself that I am a beautiful daughter of God and he loves me.

7. Be kinder. I am a "sassy" person. There is no doubt about it, but sometimes it can come off across very rude and I need to stop! I am not a mean person, I hate being mean actually! I need to be better at being kinder and maybe a little less sassy ;)

Happy New Year everyone! Lets make 2015 GREAT!

xoxo