339. Today I am grateful for my Mom

Today is my mom’s birthday and so I think it would be a good opportunity to share my gratitude for my mom. I am grateful that she brought me into this world, I am grateful for the opportunities we have to talk, for her support in the choices I have made and for the relationship we have.   

338. Today I am grateful that there are still people I know in the Fraser Valley YSA branch

In my younger YSA years there was a Surrey YSA branch that I attended until it was dissolved and then I went back to my home ward for a bit for before moving out to Edmonton. Now the Surrey and Abbotsford stake YSA’s are combined to form the Fraser Valley YSA branch which I attended today. They meet in the old Langley building close to the temple. Over the years most of the people I know from my time in YSA in that area are married, have moved or are no longer in YSA so it was really nice to see people today that I knew and catch up with.  

337. Today I am grateful to spend time with siblings in Vancouver

I spent the afternoon and evening with my brother and little sister in Vancouver today where we hung out until the Celebration of lights firework show. It was fun spending some time with them!   

336. Today I am grateful for a Vacation!

I don’t think I have ever needed a vacation more than I do now. I am grateful to be able to take 2 weeks off to spend with my family in BC and Utah.

335. Today I am grateful for an invitation to see George Canyon

Each evening during Capital Ex there is a free outdoor concert, well you pay the gate admission to get in to the fair. The only concert I was interested in seeing was George Canyon but everyone I had talked to about seeing it either already had plans or weren’t interested in seeing it so I figured I probably wouldn’t end up going because I didn’t want to go on my own. Then a few days ago someone was like, “hey, you like country music right? ... Do you want to see George Canyon with me?” Yeah! I was happy that I had someone to go with and it was a great concert!

334. Today I am grateful for the opportunity I had to be an EFY counselor

As I hear of people going off to EFY as a participant or counselor it brings back fond memories I have as both a participant and a counselor. However, I would say that being a counselor was one of the best things I have experienced. EFY is a BYU run summer camp that holds week-long sessions during the summer throughout North America and in a few other countries. They are mainly held at university campuses, with overnight sessions the youth and counselors stay in dorms. The program focuses on spiritual learning and growth but also encourages having fun and making new friends. As a counselor I felt privileged to be a part of that process and still keep in touch with several of the youth I had in my group. Some are married now, some have returned from missions or are currently on missions and some are in university. It is wonderful to see the progress each has made!

333. Today I am grateful for the Mormon pioneers

Today is a day recognized by Utahan’s and Mormons as Pioneer Day; a day to recognize the journey the Mormon pioneers made across the plains until they settled in the Salt Lake Valley. It`s a day to recognize Freedom and the opportunity for them to practice their religion in peace. I have met many people who are descended from these pioneers and it`s wonderful to hear them share family stories of sacrifice and perseverance. Although, I am not a descendent of these pioneers I do honour them and am grateful for the sacrifices they made so that I can practice the religion I love.

As a youth I had the opportunity to participate in a pioneer trek and it was a wonderful experience to get a small taste of what it was like to be a pioneer and pull or push a cart with all of our stuff in it. We dressed in pioneer clothing and slept under tarps. It was a cool experience but I am glad I am living at tis time in history.

I should add that my ancestors were pretty awesome people too and overcame other challenges of their time and also made sacrifices so that I can be where I am today.