Honduras

Honduras
Dec 28th - Jan 5th, 2012 & 2013

As I landed in Honduras and began to interact with the beautiful Honduranian people, my thoughts turned quickly to the words of the prophet Joseph Smith, (paraphrased here) "Once your life has truly been touched by the Lord, you will not be content to bless the life of your family alone, but desire to roam the face of the earth blessing the lives of all His children." Returning home from Uganda a year and a half ago, my heart was heavy and I struggled re-acclimating to my life in a developed country. The words of the prophet comforted me then, as they do now embarking on this adventure. I know that one of my great callings in this life is to serve others and I am so very thankful to the Lord for this opportunity. Service to God is our greatest calling, and I know that when I am in the service of others, I am only in the service of my God. I know that in being here that the Lord will leverage my efforts to do the greatest good and bless lives. Even the smallest things and actions will be leverage for the greatest good.

As I accepted full-time employment, I was scared that the opportunities to do humanitarian work were a part of the past for a while. Earlier this fall, I prayed for several weeks for opportunities to serve others. While I was blessed with many opportunities to serve those around me, I pleaded with the Lord that I would have the opportunity to do more and travel internationally again. When Laura emailed me about this trip, I knew that, once again, my prayer had been answered. I am so thankful to again be among the Lords most humble and simple people. I am eager to do what I can to serve and make the lives of these people better. I pray that my strength will be adequate and that my heart & mind will be open to the teachings of the Lord while I am here among this beautiful people. Stay tuned for more updates from my first time in Central America!

Opportunities to Serve

Tonight I visited my roommate in the hospital. He is an older gentleman and was the only child in his family. He lost his parents over 15 years ago and has no family remaining. As I sat there and visited with him, I was overwhelmed with gratitude of family and friendship. I am so grateful for my beautiful family and the love and support they constantly give me. I am grateful for friends who are always there for me. Tonight, I have been inspired to do more and be more. I have decided to reach out to the local FFA chapter and as well the adult education programs here in Greeley and hope to find new opportunities to serve my fellow men. God has blessed me with a great love for people, I can't wait to serve Him through others!

Tender Mercy

Tonight I was the last one to leave the Bush School. I walked outside and the birds were chirping and the stars were beautiful! It was a beautiful moment of reflection and ever grateful to a loving Heavenly Father for the life He has blessed me with. Here's to the next 44 days and on to the next adventure!

Ottawa, eh!

The capital city of Canada is Ottawa. It is located in the province of Ontario along the Rideau River. We left there there this morning. We're currently on the train to Montreal. We had so much fun! We were able to meet with great organizations and people during our stay. We meet with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and many other members of parliament, including the entire war council yesterday in a secure room. Here are a few pictures of the area.

Montreal

We made it to Montreal yesterday! It is a beautiful city. I got to spend the afternoon with Mikey (Elder Stewart). He took me to his university (McGill) and I got to go see Faby and meet their daughter Emma! They live in a nice condo in a suburb of Montreal. AND I we shared a plate of the real deal poutine! On the train this morning heading to Ottawa. More pictures to come!

Cinch Daniel Dalton

I got the most precious voicemail from Cinch tonight. I cannot wait to live only 3 hours from my favorite nephew! Only 3 more months!

Some pics from the trip to Port O Connor

Port O Connor, Texas

The beach house is located in a small fishing town called Port O'Connor, Texas. We arrived late last night and were not able to see much, but I woke early and took a little walk around the community. It is the house is located on the inner coastal canal and all the homes are on stints. Once I woke everyone else with my beautiful singing, we went and enjoyed breakfast at Josie's, what a gut buster. We enjoyed breakfast tacos and great company with the locals.

Seadrift, Texas

Our great friend, Tarah Goulding, invited us down to her parents beach house this weekend, and we had the most amazing Texas Cajun food last night! We had fresh oyster shots, shrimp, crawfish, crab, red potatoes, and sausage. It's was a great whole-in-the-wall place with locals galore.

Feliz Cumpleaños

Wow! It is hard to believe I am this old, but 27 years ago I was brought into this world in the loving arms a beautiful family. As I went to bed last night, I was overwhelmed with this thought. I am so grateful for the family that loves me and calls me their own. I miss them all so very much, but, as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. I love my family very much! Thank you Mom and Dad for raising us in Hansel Valley and for the many opportunities you have provided to each of us. Thank you Sara and Ted for finding each other and loving each other. Thank you Sonny and Kallee for being back home and for making the Flying M Ranch top quality. Thank you Bud for the many conversations we now have and for our friendship that has matured over the years.

To help me celebrate, my friends here in College Station threw me a birthday ~Fiesta~

                                                      

Special thanks to Courtney and Kate for their mad party planning skills. No tornado could stop us :) !

Here's to the next 27 years! May I be blessed to find a wife and share my life with her ;)