Tiffany

You know the people you meet and automatically think to yourself, "Uh yes! I want to be their friend!" That was my thought the first time I met Tiffany.

A lot of people don't know this, but I work at an orthodontist office as an assistant (absolutely LOVE it). I'm one of those ladies who wear scrubs and mess with people's braces occasionally pinching them, poking them, and maybe even dropping a tool on them.. But just as a side note people! We do NOT do it on purpose and honestly every time it happens we want to go into the back room and cry! WE ARE SORRY! Anyway. Off topic. Tiffany.

I met Tiffany working there and my thoughts were, well, as I said above. To explain Tiffany she's the tall, tan blonde that everyone envy's, yes, but that's not all. She's also one of the nicest, most caring, personable and loyal people you will ever meet and yesterday (Saturday August 23) I was able to witness her baptism and congratulate her as one of the newest members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints.

There is no greater joy than seeing your friends make the decision to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints. To be able to watch them change for the better and see the light that glows in their eyes is beyond rewarding. The church is TRUE my friends! It is the only thing in this life that is going to bring true happiness! The Book of Mormon is true! Everyone should read it. There is something for every single person on this earth in that book and it's great because you can mark the living daylights out of it! I have a strong testimony of prayer. I know that our Father in Heaven does know, love and hear each one of us personally. I love the gospel. It is very real. Joseph Smith did see God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ. President Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet on the earth today. He is the mouthpiece of the Lord. I love him and every member of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, Seventy and so forth. Honestly, I wish I had all the right words to explain the truth and light of this gospel; to be able to explain to everyone exactly what I feel so they can feel the same. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints and I am so, so grateful.

I am also incredibly grateful for Tiffany and the example that she is to me. For the way she helps me grow. A true friend is someone who helps you become a better person and that is something Tiffany does for me. I love her, and the fact that every time I hear her name I sing to myself, "And I said what about breakfast at Tiffany's?" I challenge everyone to strive to be the kind of friend that makes those around you want to be better. You're a fantastic friend, Tiff. Thank you.

Just TWO

Today marks two weeks until my departure for Uganda. In two weeks from this moment I will be on an airplane. In two weeks I will begin what will be the start of the biggest life changing event in my nineteen years of living. I am beyond excited. I'm like a child anxiously awaiting the arrival of Christmas. I want it here and I want it NOW!

I recently found a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley that explains my decision to go on a three month humanitarian trip to perfection:

You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others.

When I found this quote I was overwhelmed with peace and joy. I am good. The people of Africa need my good and I need theirs. This quote isn't just for me - it can be applied to all of us. We must take the good we have and share it with others to make this world a better place. 

I am so so grateful that I am receiving this opportunity to go and serve those who have not been as blessed as I. And I am so grateful for all the people who have donated their money to make this trip possible. It is going to be a real life-changer and I plan and look forward to sharing it with you all! I hope everyone is getting as excited as I am!  

TWO WEEKS PEOPLE... two weeks.

Much love. 

-Amanda 

*These photos were recently taken by my dear friend Suzanne who is currently in Uganda. I am so in love.

My Oversea Sister

One thing all people should know about me is I'm hungry for adventure. I love traveling-- especially when it's outside the country.

 The summer before my senior year (2 summers ago) I was given the opportunity to represent my city on an exchange to Japan where I went and was taught about their culture. During my stay, I was able to stay with a host family. This family was different than I had pictured in my mind. The household was made up of a dad (Norio), mom (Tomoko), grandma (Kazuyo) and four daughters (Shuu, Suzuka, Momo, & Yua) which I felt was really big for a Japanese family. I loved every moment spent with them and when the time came to come back to America I bawled.. To say the least.

Well. Every year for the last four years my family has hosted a Japanese student and this year it it someone very dear to my heart.

It has been two summers now since I have seen Momo and when I found out she was coming on the exchange this year I took matters into my own hands and made sure she would be staying in my home. Words cannot describe the joy I felt when I was able to see my little oversea sister again. 

Momo is 14 and going into the eighth grade. She tells me that she likes to eat many foods. She said she loves America-- the scenery being her favorite-- and doesn't really miss Japan. She really doesn't speak much English so we go back and forth using the translators on our phones. Thank goodness for technology! She is very cute and I love her to death.

I don't know how many people have had the opportunity staying with a family who speaks a completely different language than you, but it's such a hard/fun/exciting experience all at the same time! I can remember being in Japan and listening so intently when they would speak to each other! It was hard for me to believe the gibberish coming out of their mouths could be understood by another person! I would sit and watch the family communicate with each other in awe. To be honest, it makes me determined to learn as many languages as I can! Now I get to sit in my living room and smile as I talk to my family because I know just how Momo feels! It is so cute to try and communicate with each other and it's amazing that although two people speak a completely different language there is always a way to communicate with one another (a lot of hand gestures are involved).

I love Momo and the whole Matuyama family very much. I am grateful that Momo came to America and I cannot wait to see the rest of her family again someday. Hopefully soon.

"Booty"

Within the last month I have taken a job as a nighttime custodian. Five weeks ago, if you would've told me a custodial job was up for grabs I would've laughed and not wasted a second thought on it, buuuut after humbling myself and realizing that I am nothing but a poor college student I took the job. 'Cause desperate times call for desperate measures, right?

Every night from 9pm-midnight I am cleaning a number of bathrooms. At first I was certain this was going to be the hardest thing I have ever done, but it has turned out to be one of the most fun jobs I have ever had! A lot of that thanks goes to my little partner, Betsy..

Betsy is 4 feet and 11 inches of spunk, whit and Latin attitude. She has one of the greatest personalities I have ever met and not a night goes by where we are not laughing our heads off. One of the many great things about Betsy, that I cherish, is the way she calls everyone "beauty," but with her Latin accent it comes across as "booty." Who can't help themselves but laugh when they're being called "booty" every few seconds! It's literally the greatest! "Talk to me, booty." "It's okay booty." "It's early, booty." I love her very dearly. She's my little piece of Equador and my beauty. 

Whether we're jamming out to Latin hip hop songs, teaching each other our native languages, or basically laying on the toilet seats we're supposed to be cleaning with blood shot eyes because we are too exhausted to move on, we are never not having fun. Just keep in mind every night as you're lucky enough to be going to bed between 9 and midnight, Betsy and I are up cleaning toilets.. Annnd maybe say a prayer for us!

The Countdown is ON!

According to my T-0 App there are officially 36 days 17 hours 18 minutes and 35 seconds until my life changing adventure begins. The fundraising is underway and the anticipation is on. My feelings are a strange concoction of excitement and stomach quenching nerves. I can feel the love for the people I haven't even served yet growing inside me. It is just about safe to say I'm ready for September 2nd!