Saturday, June 25, 2011

EFY Week Two: Salt Lake City Special Edition

I can't believe two weeks have gone by!  Time sure has flown.  I am trying to take in all these experiences and enjoy every minute :).  Last week we were in Salt Lake City, Utah for a Special Edition of EFY.  It was a CRAZY yet awesome week.  It was the first time that EFY has done a Special session of this kind.  We did a lot of church history sites which included Temple Square, Ensign Peak, This is the Place, Welfare Square and the Humanitarian Center.  We also got to see the Joseph Smith movie in the Legacy Theater and have some really awesome speakers.  I personally was kinda having a hard week.  I was sick at the beginning of the week, but thankfully got better :)  I was also REALLY missing Grandma.  I wanted to call her SO many times.  But I am starting to feel more peace about everything.  So, overall it was a fantastic week!

Some of the highlights included:  Our 14 hour drive from Fresno was LONG.  At one point we thought we'd never get there.  I got to ride with Justin and Jenny and we bonded.  LOVE them :)  We were REALLY slap happy by the end of the drive that everything was making us laugh.  I cried I was laughing so hard.  They gave me dayquil to help me feel better...but I think the meds just made me crazy instead...Lol.




This was one of MANY potty stops on the way.  Jenny stopped at the first place she saw and there was a sign saying "bathrooms around back" so we went and this is what we found.  This lady came out and said "hold your breath ladies!"  So we did....it was NASTY.  Never again.  Jenny then warned some people not to use them. Lol.  So we treated ourselves to some DQ :)  Sorry for covering your face Jenny :)




Justin was such a trooper.  Letting me and Jenny have lots of girl talk and listen to Justin Beiber. 



Salt Lake Temple!  So beautiful.  We were able to take the youth inside and I got to do a session :)







We hiked Ensign Peak on Tuesday and waved our banners over the Salt Lake Valley!



This is the Salt Lake Capitol Building.  I'm totally a dork...but did you know that Legally Blonde 2 was filmed here?  I really wanted to put on a pink suit, walk up the stairs and say "I object!" :)



I pretty much got to play shuttle driver because we had so many activities off campus.  We named our white 12 passenger van "Helga".  Miss you Helga.  We had good times though!



My Aunt Bonnie came for a quick visit on Wednesday night!  It was so good to see her.  LOVE YOU!




The best efy team EVER.



Future General Authority? :)





LOVED all these girls.  I had SO much fun hanging out with them.  They are so sweet and such dolls.  I'll miss you ladies!

Well we are now here in Santa Barbara.  Ryan and I left early yesterday to fly down and get things set up.  I have some great stories about our flight down...but that's a story for the next post :)  We had training today for some new counselors and my biggest goal this weekend is to SLEEP.  I am so excited for next though!  My lil sis is coming AND my roommate's lil sis is coming too.  PLUS some of my girls from last year will be here.  AND who could forget the amazing food at the DLG.  I am getting fluffy already and its only been 2 days.  Yikes.  Someone needs to keep me accountable on how many desserts I have a day.   Here's to another great week!

Love and miss you all!

xoxo
Ashley

Friday, June 17, 2011

EFY Week One: Fresno

What an AMAZING week it has been.  It was hot as ever here, but we had a grand ol' time.  I really am working with such an awesome team.  My counselors were so great as well.  I feel very humbled and blessed to be doing this all summer.  Getting to know the youth throughout the week and see them make changes in their life...there is nothing like witnessing that change in them.  I know that if they can apply the principles learned here into their lives at home, they will soar.  I am so proud of all the youth this week.  Thanks for a fantastic week.  I haven't felt this good and happy in awhile! :)

Some fun moments:
Making great use of our "handcart"



DJ-Lo G!!!  He rocked the house at the Tuesday Night Dance!



Love me some Logan.  Such a great interpretive dancer.



Sister Diamond and I.  We made paddles for Variety Show try-outs!



The best.team.ever.  With our awesome Session Director Brother Diamond!



Rachel and I with our "host" family-we like to call her Grandma :)



Logan and I in Yosemite...no wait, its just the Fresno Airport...



103 grandkids and counting!!!  haha.  Love my co.


Miss all of my friends and family.  Love to you all!

XOXO
Ashley











Monday, June 13, 2011

And so it begins....

I left Orange County on Thursday afternoon and took the train/bus up to Fresno, which is where we begin our first week of EFY.  The last few days have been so fun.  I love my team.  They pretty much rock my socks.  We are staying with "host" families this week because our Fresno EFY is a Stay-at-home session.  Our coordinator Rachel and I are staying with a sweet lady named Sister Bain.  She reminds me of Grandma and has spoiled us with homemade meals the last few days!  The youth arrived this morning, and I can tell its going to be a rockin week.  With everything that's been going on in my life recently, this experience is just what I needed :)  Here's to an awesome summer!