Coming To The End and Still Going Strong

Yes, it's been 2 years since we started our mission at BYU-Idaho in the Business Dept. Wide-eyed and bushy tailed, we met all the people in the Business Department, Administration and other faculty and employees wondering what in the world we would be doing the next 2 years.
Well, just this past week we hit that 2 year mark and can hardly believe that much time has passed. What's scary is that we probably don't have that many "2 years" left in our lives so before we know it, not only our mission but our lives will be over - sobering thought! However, we are looking forward to some great new experiences as we extend our mission time at least another 18 months.
Bob has been working harder than I ever remember seeing him work - and it's all volunteer. I think there is a message there somewhere. He's also never been any happier so why spoil a good thing? He's still needed and these are our "mission years" so we just as well stay put. We are so comfortable in our home and this lovely valley and feeling more at home all the time.
When we came to Rexburg I said all I needed was a fireplace and a garage and I could be happy here. Well, I have both plus much more.

Here are some of the perks of living in Rexburg:

• Everything we really need is within 5 minutes of our home.
• We can run a whole list of errands in half an hour
• It is rarely too hot
• We attend lots of plays, concerts, opera's etc. that we never would attend in Mesa
• After an event we can be home, say our prayers and be in bed within 20 minutes.
• A traffic jam is when there are two cars in front of you at a stop light.
• I only have to dust once a week - but still don't do it.
• The fields out our window and over the whole valley are green as far as you can see - or golden - or white.
• We don't have to mow or trim our lawn.
• We wouldn't have to shovel our driveway except that right after it gets shoveled, the wind blows all the snow right back onto it.
• We can come home for lunch but rarely even take lunch.
• I don't enjoy shopping so rarely have to do it - too much trouble to go to Idaho Falls.
• Layering clothes is tons of fun and makes for a great look.
• I have my first boot shoes and love wearing them - both a brown and a black pair.
• Major perk! Now Sam and Nancy live right through the field and we see them almost daily
• Bob has a ski, golf and fishing partner - not me, fortunate for him.
• Our social life has definitely improved. We now belong to a dinner group and go out with friends.
• We get lots of guests (especially in the summer) which makes for the development of stronger relationships with family and friends.
• We are able to visit family during school breaks and for special occasions
• When we are with family, we are able to give our full attention and visa verse.
• The surrounding areas are gorgeous and very accessible - Yellowstone, Island Park, Grand Targee & Jackson Hole.
• Rivers are everywhere.
• The wind blows like crazy but not ALL the time, just occasionally.
• It's just so fun being with my honey, sharing so much together.

Perks and challenges of working at BYU-Idaho

• Working with people who are amazingly kind, generous, thoughtful and humble.
• Feeling valued and needed
• Receiving challenging assignments with full license and responsibility which truly challenges our every talent and requires us to stretch further than we thought possible but also develops our faith and gives us a great sense of satisfaction.
• Attending classes and discussions on how to become more effective educators
• Meeting and hosting great men and women from the business world whose values are in tact and want to give back.
• Helping foreign students understand and accomplish necessary tasks.
• Feeling and experiencing the spirit of revelation that permeates this campus
• Enjoying unity and mutual support void of the competition and pride of the world.
• Being surrounded by dedicated, exemplary young people who demonstrate such courage, commitment and faith.
• Watching and sharing as young people go through all the stages of this time of life - arriving as freshmen, dating, courting, marrying and having their babies.
• Helping with graduation - such a time of celebration as they finally complete their goal, pack up their "junk" and head out for a real job.
• Having our opinions matter to those who seek our council in business, dating or life
• Knowing we can fill in the gap occasionally where family is not available.
• Enjoying the enthusiasm and spontaneity of young people.
• Sharing visits and activities with others in our age range who have no family close.
• Listening to and building testimonies and spiritual insights into life's purpose
• Seeing how effectively gospel principles when lived, bless lives and bear fruit
• Watching leaders who have real vision, practice faith in those they lead.

It's a rich life and we are most grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord. I will be leaving the daily assignments and take on projects for the administration which I can do out of my home along with more regular homemaking tasks. I've been surprised at how much I have missed the blessing of being a homemaker, wife and mother. I hope to be able to take on some family history, home organization and supportive tasks as I continue to serve and support Bob's service.

Today I was set apart as second counselor (Education) in the home ward Relief Society. This opens up a whole life that I have missed lately,as I get to know the people around me in my neighborhood and ward, building peer friendships and enjoying families again. How I will enjoy the "task" of developing a relationship with every sister in the ward. The sisters I will serve with are each people I feel overwhelmingly blessed to be able to associate with - what fun it will be!

As this New Year began the scripture came to my mind so strong, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for them that love him". 1 Cor 2:9. I can surely attest to that fact. How I do love the Lord and am daily grateful for the full, rich and satisfying life he has given to me.