Rexburg: my home away from home

If you were to ask me if I loved Rexburg, I'd tell you no. Most of the time when I'm at school, I complain about it a lot.. maybe its the terrible weather, or even the fact that I hate how small it is. But if you were to ask me tonight if I miss it.. I'd say heck yeah!

I think, I don't miss the town itself... I miss the things about it. It's funny how true the statement is, you don't realize how important something is until you don't have it anymore, or something along those lines. I'm really trying to be more appreciative of the things I have in my life and one of those things, is my lovely tiny home away from home: Rexburg, ID

I think the things I miss most are:

-The school

Now you're probably thinking I miss the school work, heck no I don't! But I miss the atmosphere of the campus. The feeling of safety I have as I walk to and from my classes. The importance of intertwining the gospel and our education. The religion classes. The small class sizes. Whenever you walk past someone, I can guarantee that 8 times out of 10 someone will either: smile, wave, or say hello to you. Now, if that does not make your day a tiny bit better, you need to wake up on the right side of the bed. However, don't get me wrong, sometimes it really caught me off guard or annoyed me when someone said "HELLO" at 8 am in the morning when I'm still half asleep walking to class. I really miss how beautiful the campus is during Fall. The colors of the trees and just everything.. so breath taking! Not only that, but YOU CAN LITERALLY SEE THE TEMPLE FROM ANYWHERE ON CAMPUS. Oh, and the school gym, it was free and who doesn't love that?

-my roommates/friends:

I got insanely lucky with my roommates Winter semester. How is it not fun to live with some of your best friends? You always have someone to hang out with. Granted, I was taking killer classes last semester so I really didn't socialize as much as I could've but, I still had a good time. I loved living with Natalie in the Willows. I loved all of my roommates and I miss them every day. Also, how great is it that you live so close to all your friends? I mean, all our guy friends lived a 5 min drive away and 15 min walk! We literally went to Zeek's so much, ate way too many fries, had too much ice cream, drive in movies, friday dates with Natalie, donated plasma, random photoshoots, and one time, we literally order 4 PIZZAS ON ACCIDENT! Ok, lemme tell you how it was on accident. So, I was walking home from giving plasma and of course I was starving. So I ordered Natalie and I a pizza. I called her and she told me she ordered a pizza. Then, I found out Taxx and Zander each ordered a pizza. We had four flipping pizzas. It was so funny.


Now, I still don't really LOVE Rexburg, but I had a great year there last year. I think I'm slowly starting to like it more. I am trying to really appreciate it and love it for what it has to offer! Sometimes you got to make the best out of what you have. Be grateful. It really is an amazing school, and place if you have the right mindset. Be appreciative for the little things in life, even the little town of Rexburg, ID.

ROOMMATES FALL 2014

BEST ROOMMATES EVER (WINTER 2015)

Girls Trip

So, this past week, I went to San Juan Island (the main one) with Natalie, her mom (Jen), and her mom's friend (Susan)! It was a fun little get away for three days. It felt too short though.

If you have never been to the San Juan Island, I highly recommend it. We stayed in Friday Harbor at the Earth Box Hotel and Spa. The whole time I was there, I felt like I was in a Nicholas Sparks movie. Just ask Natalie, I kept saying that the whole entire time. You have to take a ferry ride over but, who doesn't have a thing for ferry boats? ;) (if you didn't get my reference to Grey's Anatomy and the ever so yummy Derek Shepherd...I'm sorry)

We got into Friday Harbor and it was gorgeous weather. Seriously, perfect. Not too hot, and not too cold. Luckily where we were staying, had free bike rentals! They were cruisers and so we had to take them out. Nat and I went and biked along the pier until dinner. It was a gorgeous view as always. We ate at this restaurant called Vinnys. SO DELICIOUS. I highly recommend it, if you got there! You need to make a reservation though. Little pricy too. We also had yummy dessert there afterwards. I mean, I was kind of going cheap and got a salad BUT IT WAS A GREAT CESAR SALAD. I also tried some of Susan & Jen's meals too (we all shared little bits of our food the whole trip) and it was delicious.

 The next day, was gorgeous as well! Well, in the morning it was a little nasty weather. Overcast, of course. For breakfast we ate at this bakery in town called Bakery San Juan and it had seriously, DELICIOUS. Huge cinnamon rolls (didn't snap a pic for ya my bad) and great muffins. Then for Lunch, we ate at Cast and Skooner. Again, DELICIOUS. I had a chicken cesar salad which was the best one I've ever had in my life. I eat salads a lot don't I? Well, just wait till I talk about the burger I had for dinner. Then, Natalie and I had our massages (at different times of course lol) It was so wonderful. I want another one, asap. So, we were supposed to go Kayaking and instead it got cancelled so we went and explored Roche Harbor. SUCH A CUTE LITTLE TOWN!! Again, I felt like I was in a Nicholas Sparks movie. We went & ate at McMillian's... BEST FOOD I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. I hope you are writing all these places to eat down, because they are all so good. I had incredibly delicious food for these past three days. I had a mouthwatering good burger. Best burger I've had in my life. It had bacon, cheese, SWEET POTATO FRIES, some different sauces and just ah, my mouth is watering just thinking about it again. Side note: you'd think it would taste weird with the sweet potato fries... yeah it did NOT. The beef was also kobe beef... wow oh wow, I miss that burger. We also ate the most delicious chocolate cake. I kid you not. I didn't get a picture because we all devoured it. Anyways, if I could, I would go back there next time I am on San Juan Island. Then after dinner we went to the light house, and it was beautiful.

The next day was another day of exploring. We went to two places called the English Camp and American camp. Both with gorgeous views. We also visited an alpaca farm. It was hilarious. Natalie is truly an alpaca whisperer. We went to a Lavender Farm as well. We also visited this guy's house who built a real life replica of spongebob's house. It was really random but, AWESOME. Well, we didn't visit HIS house, SpongeBob's house was right outside his driveway. It was amazing how he made that! Not only that, but we saw a bald eagle when we were at the American Camp!! What What!! #MERICA Oh, we ate breakfast at Lime Kiln Resturant (they make doughnuts freshly made every day and wow SO GOOD) and then had lunch/dinner at Tina's Tacos. 

Overall, I had a fantastic 3 days at San Juan Island. Fantastic Food, Massage, Amazing Views and learned so much about the history behind the Island! Well, behind Roche Harbor, and the camps! I hope you enjoyed my vacation through my post ;)  I'm glad I got to have this fun little vacation with Natalie before she leaves for Africa on Monday for 6 weeks. If you ever go to the San Juan Island, visit those places I ate at, and went to! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!! Ps: BIG THANKS TO JEN FISHER! You the best for planning this all!!!

xoxo

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!!!!