The Five Year Flop

When I graduated from high school, my five year plan was pretty simple. The ten year needed some work, but the five year plan was secured with all the necessary nuts and bolts. For the next three years, I would attend BYU-Idaho, submit my mission papers, serve a full time mission, come back incredibly awkward, but productive, and graduate with my Bachelors in Political Science the following year. That was it. Whatever came after that was life, including obtaining my Masters, internships, travel, and that milestone called marriage.

I could not have been more surprised with the hand I was dealt.

Starting out, it didn't quite register that in college you have to go to class, do your homework, study for tests and the library was not just for social networking. My flagrant disregard for any and, at times, all of these things during my first semester, earned me a ruined GPA, a semester on suspension, and the title of the typical Freshman Party Princess. If I could have earned a degree on my talent for hosting parties from togas to thugs, I would have been halfway through my Bachelors that semester alone. 

After that however, I shaped up to good standing within one semester. Lesson learned the hard way.

Time quickly came for the papers to go in, and the birthday doomed to title me an adult forever raced near. I was up at school and very anxious. After submitting my papers three times, and a surprise text from my roommate letting me know my call was in the mail on the way to my house, a celebratory cry sesh was held right in the middle of my shopping trip to Broulims. The chilled lettuce and cheeses celebrated as much as leafy greens and dairy products should, and the weekend couldn't have been farther away.

Opening the call to my dream mission, Cochabamba, Bolivia could not have been more perfect. The deafening cheers from my friends and family, live, on Skype and by phone only incresed the flow of tears streaming down my face. These are the types of moments I hold closest to my heart. Perfect moments in time. 

I was to leave May 2nd 2012, and leave I did. After only two and a half weeks of MTC Spanish prep, and 6 flights later, I was in the most beautiful area in my mission. Tarija was my "birth place", and my "Mom", or fist companion/trainer, was amazing. It was here however, that one of the most tragic things happened to me. I became incredibly ill. 

We thought it was the typical adjustment for a while, until my smptoms were very untypical. I was diagnoses with Salmonella and E-coli in Tarija, and once my transfer ended, I was shipped to Cochabamba to receive better medical attention under the eye of my wonderful Mission President and his loving wife. 

After much bloodwork, lab work, x-rays, an ultra sound, experiments, chamomille tea, special diets, over 9 different anti-biotics-two of which were generation 4 anti-biotics, visits to hospitals and specialists, it was decided halfway through my second transfer that I was to go home to receive even better medical treatment. Here, I continued with the studies earning me a colonoscopy, endoscopy and biopsies of my stomach and intestines, a breath test, CT scans, more blood work, labs, samples to research groups, anti-biotics and now, a second ultra sound, and breath test have been scheduled for late February. 

All in all, I have found eating to be quite the un-pleasurable experience. My entire abdomen hurts constantly and I have asked my Doctor to order me a new digestive tract. He just laughs, but I don't think he knows it's not a joke. haha

Unfortunately, I need a medical clearance or a diagnosis, whichever of the two comes first, before I can continue serving a mission. Whether in the States or back to my beloved Bolivia, that is up to the Lord when the time comes. I told Him once that I would serve where EVER he called me, and that is still the case to this day.

One of my good friends Alex Street once expressed to me a sentiment, that I echo, when he returned home from his mission. He said, "The only thing I know now, is that I know nothing." The gospel is such a magnificent gift given to us, to guide us, protect us, teach us, and inspire us. It is so much bigger than anything we could ever comprehend. The infinite love and compassion our Savior has for me, for you, for every single person who has or will live on this earth is incomprehensible, and the Atonement was just for us.

      John 3:16-17 " 16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

Serving a mission is a blessing and a calling above any experience you could ever hope for. The feelings of gratitude, love, compassion and the opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters on this Earth is incredibly humbling in the best way. I truly know, and can testify, that the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true, because I have felt Him in my everyday life. I have read His word, I have preached His gospel and I have served His people. I have a testimony that is a gift more precious than any worldly aspiration could ever fulfill. Serving a mission, being of service to your fellow men, brings a joy above all other in this life.


Now, referring back to my five year plan, I have about one more year left until my high school five year reunion. What do I have to report? That no matter what you plan, life will always throw you a curve ball. It is what you do with that curve ball that is the difference between a home run, and an out at first. Things didn't turn out how I wanted them to at all...they turned out better. I have been pulled, stretched, put through the ringer and back, but I have grown from my trials, and I truly can say I am grateful for them. Not only do I have so much more room to sympathize, but I can empathize as well. If all that this has done is given you a read for a spare moment, so be it, but if I have maybe managed to make you smile and feel a little something, then my heart is full. (:

Yours,

Kammy J

Memorial Day Weekend? Mission Accomplished.

What in the world am I supposed to blog about now? Technically, this is supposed to be providing me a break from the 4 essays, 10 math assignments, study guides for 2 tests, and mission prep homework. Whewwwwwww it's going to be a long day. I'm campin' out in the BYUICenter til they kick me out, because someone decided the Benson shouldn't be open today. It's a nice change of pace, but not as good as my secret study hideouts.

This weekend was left to my favoritest roommate Kristin & I up here in the land of the potatoes. Who spends Memorial Day weekend in Utah? Not us apparently. Friday I kicked off the weekend by going on a date with my 1st roommate ever Keri. (: 1st time since the both of us have been together in Rexburg again. A little bit of the 'Yo quiero TacoBell!' jazz just like old times, then we chillaxed overlooking the city as we reminisced. Grabbing some helado from the DQ on our way back home, we decided it was time for pj's and made plans for gym time in the morning. Once back in my apt, Kristin and I decided it was time for some dancing. Teaching her how to drop it low topped the night's adventures. (:

Waking up Saturday morning was a little confusing, considering I had just woken up from a dream where Keri was hammering pictures & paintings to my apartment walls. I reached for my phone realizing it was well past the 10 am when Ker and I had decided to hit the gym. 5 texts and 27 missed phone calls blazed my screen as I blinked away the sleep. "Oh Ker.", I said and shot her a text saying I was up now. Come to find out, Kristin had been away to play practice, and Eryn had locked the door, therefore Keri could not come jump on me to get me out of bed. Being quite the persistent sleeper, I had slept through: an hour of abuse to the front door, the doorbell ringing so many times a nun would have sworn, and the misuse of college textbooks for hammering devices against the conjoining wall from my bedroom and the neighbors. Therefore explaining my dream of my new wall decor.

Finally awake and up for the day, Kristin was now back home and Keri was just getting back
from the gym. (She had given up and left before I woke up) We decided to arrange an adventure, but couldn't decide on what to do. Kristin had decided to take a nap due to the fact she wasn't feeling well, and Keri went back to her place to get ready. I decided I should probably pick out an outfit for the day, and was just about to start on the mess of hair on top of my head when my phone starts ringing. Ker had decided to call me mysteriously and in a slow, enticing voice stated I needed to be ready in 20 minutes and to not ask questions. I was to meet her at her car in the parking lot. Hanging up, I laughed and hurried to finish getting ready.

Not saying anything as to what our adventure was to entail, we picked up a pizza and started driving towards the temple, but to my surprise, turned left. Having never adventured this direction before, I was starting to get intrigued. We drove out clear past civilization, listening to music & loving the 2 lane back roads. Finally arriving to a stretch of land where only fields meet, we stopped, put down the back seats and popped the hatch back of her car. We crawled into the back, ate our pizza and reveled in the sound of silence. Neither one of us wanted to break the peaceful silence, other than for our expressions of gratitude for a place like this on earth. Leaning back on the back seats, we both fell asleep for a quick nap out in the middle of no where. Waking up a bit later, we both come to find that the sun had conveniently tanned my legs where my pants and shoes were not covering. I had been wearing my jeans rolled up and my loafers so the tan left behind gives the illusion that I'm wearing a pair of those old grandpa socks where the top of the toes have been cut off.....I know, I know. Don't be jealous. They look great in a skirt.

Deciding it was time for some G's Dairy's Delights, we headed back towards life. Upon arriving to the dairy, Keri decided on bright pink bubble gum ice cream, and I chose a more conservative snickerdoodle scoop. We then went out to sit on the curb to eat our treats, and talked about the effects of swallowing bubble gum.

Finishing our ice cream, we start heading back to home and decided we should be semi-productive and finish some homework for the following week. Picking up our books, we head over to the Benson to find a nook to study. Keri introduced me to a new area, and we set up shop. Sitting on over-sized wooden stools, and at a huge wooden table. I felt like a troll studying in the woods on top of a wooden tree stump. The Wi-Fi however, was GREAT.

Agreeing upon going to the gym after our attempts to study, hours later we finally get there. (Yes, this was Keri's 2nd time to the gym.) MMMmmm the work out was delicious though. I walked out drenched and looking like I had been beaten up by the Hart, while Keri waltzed out dabbing at the mist on her forehead. She worked out yes, but somehow always manages to look amazing even after vigorous activity...

Arriving back home once again, I arrange for a chess game with a new boy Tim (our friend) had brought over just before we had left for the gym. His name is Tyler and we had talked about our love of the game and how we should play often. This was after we tried to determine his nationality, and discovered that he spoke Tex-Mex. What? Anyway, back to the story. So he came back over and we played a grueling game of chess to whip me back into shape. After putting up a good fight, Tyler won, but not without losing a couple of treasured pieces. Now being both physically and mentally exhausted, we decided to call it a night.

I wandered back over to Ker's after he left, with Krisitn already being asleep in bed, and watched 500 Days of Summer. Taylor and I then watched a trailer for The Graduate, and learned the whole story in 4 minutes. Feeling like we now could connect the story to the movie clip shown in the movie, I went back home and went to bed.

Good morning Sunday! Kristin came and woke me up with the delicious news that chocolate chip pancakes were to greet me as soon as I got out of bed. Ker came over and we 3 had a marvelous breakfast. Complete with my delectable hot chocolate.

I will now hit fast forward [>>] *I curled Kristin's hair for church* [>>] *Ker & Krist picked out my outfit* [>>] *We all look HOTTT* [>>] *Church* [>>] *Made dinner of BBQ Chicken & Italian Herb Rice (mmmMMM!)* [>>] *Made brownies* [>>] *Went Stadium Singing for Kristin's 1st time* [STOP]

Sooooooo Ker, Krist and I, (the GOOD KKK) decided we should invite friends over to partake of the amazing hot chocolate and play games after singing. Inviting the friends Ker knew who were there, and the friends I had met thanks to Eryn, we had set ourselves up for a night of fun. Krist and I rushed home to tidy up from making brownies. Just as I was setting the pot of water down to boil, the crowds walked in. Ending up with a total of 8 boys, & 6 girls, a game of Apples to Apples, and multiple of The PIT, our night was nothing short of riotous fun. (: As curfew started to draw closer, numbers began to be exchanged. Kerbear, starting to recite her phone number to a boy next to her, was stopped by the rest of them, and asked to repeat it again as they all whipped out their phones. She definitely swept that night. (: But of course, it's my gorgeous redheaded roommate. Taylor then came over after all the people had left, and gave all of us french tipped manicures. Now I can't stop looking at my fingers!

Once everyone left, and Kristin and I were at last all alone on our apt, we decided to put on my favorite movie, The Italian Job. We ended up talking straight through it! Talking about the future can be time consuming. Deciding we needed another one to put us to sleep, we put on The Proposal and Krist quickly fades away. Becoming more aware of the uncanny resemblance Ryan Reynolds has to an old friend McKord, I knew it was time for me to go to bed.

I believe this leads to me right now. Krist and I both woke up relaxed but as of course, tired. We made some peanut butter and honey covered toast and checked the disappointing results of my g-mail inbox. Knowing the internet was not good enough to support the files I need for homework, I decided to head over to the Benson, but someone decided.......WHEW! I finally came full circle!

Now that I've successfully novel blogged my weekend away, HOMEWORK, HO! Maybe I'll blog again sometime soon. Cross your fingers it isn't so lengthy next time!

Sprinklers, Summer & College

One of the most difficult things in life is going to college in the middle of summer. There are not enough hours in a day to finish all of the homework to be done, movies to be watched, sun to soak up, softball to be played, dances to be danced & classes to attend. My life has been completely consumed by the books. Softball and stomp have become my hours of stress relief! However, to play my sport for this school is worth 40+ hours a week of homework. I honestly cannot remember the last time I was so completely and utterly happy!
I play for the the BYU-Idaho Competitive Softball team, and we're named (ironically) the THUNDER. I love my team, and everyone has talent for the sport. Our first official game of the season was last Friday, the 20th, and we hit it off (literally) with a win! 1st time up to bat in 3 years, and I hit a double! (I ended up scoring a run, and then hit a single to which I eventually got home as well!) Providing 2 runs for our team, I felt pretty satisfied with myself. Oh yeah! I also performed an incredibly humiliating belly flop while diving back to 3rd on the 2nd time around the bags. It's always good to get a little dirt on the jersey. (:
I also made the BYU-Idaho Collegiate Dance team. I am performing in a stomp number, and could not be happier! Similar to the dances performed in the movie Stomp the Yard, it is a dance where body percussion is the only music. The beats we have put together so far are pretty sick, and I can't get the rhythms out of my head! Our first practice was on Friday as well, and I have the bruises on my thighs to prove it. Life cannot get much better than this. (:
I am pretty much living the vida loca out here, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I miss my familia a lot, and wish I could see them more often. The smell of sprinklers and fresh cut grass from my window makes me homesick. July will be here pretty quick though. I just gotta keep my head down and in my studies.
Well, I have officially run out of things to say today, and who knows when I'll be able to post next. Hello to another awesome week of chaos. Cross your fingers for me!

Conforming with the Comformists...

Well, here goes. The first official post I have ever made in my life. On my blog. Soooo what do I say? I have a math test tomorrow and I haven't even looked at my material. Kristin is the best. I don't like watching the sad parts in Charley. I like peanut butter bars. I love my hair wavy. I don't like jell-o with carrots. I don't speak Chinese. I have a bruise on my knee from sliding into 3rd base. I love the color purple. I like letters with upside down stamps. I have never been chased by a goose. My last name is Johnson...and I end my first official post.