There is purpose in all things.

Today marks one year of the day my life starting changing for the better.
Maybe I shouldn't say my life. Maybe I should say, "I".
Today marks one year of the day I started changing for the better.

There was a time in my life (A good portion of it, actually) that I spent afraid.
Afraid of anything and everything from how I was going to get into a car, to how I am going to make it in life. But I changed, or rather learned, and this is Why:

One year ago today, I made the decision to get up and to do something I had only imagined of doing. One year ago today, I got on a plane to New Zealand.

I thought I didn't know why or how I could do it. And it took me all 5 1/2 months and some time after to figure out how and why I was able to do it. But I know now.

I was supposed to go. I needed to learn how to TRUST.

I learned so much. So much. From my tine in a different country, away from family, with people I didn't know, and places that were completely new to me.
And I feel so incredibly blessed.
Looking back on all that I have accomplished this year, I am so full of gratitude.
Who ever thought I could do the things I am doing now? (I know I didn't.)

But now I know! I know I can do hard things!
And it is all thanks to my Father in Heaven.

I heard a quote a while back that states, "To worry is to Lack Faith". I really love this. It has effected me in a way that has made me think when my first reaction is to be afraid.
Instead of becoming afraid I think, "I got on the plane!"
"I went to a foreign country, I can do this!"
I talked to people I didn't know!
I earned my own money to pay for the things I needed!

"I MADE IT down from the Mermaid Pools!!!"
I can do anything. I can do anything with he who gives me strength.
His hand is in all things. I am so grateful to know that.

Please don't be afraid.
There is purpose in all things.

H.O.M.E

On the 18th of April 2017 I landed in Los Angeles California.
On the 20th of April I was reunited with my family.

I am so happy to be home.

April 14th

Just before catching our bus back to Auckland, we stopped for some bacon and egg meat pies to go!

We had a day full of ups and downs, but in the end, we felt so very blessed.

The Night Market!!

Kasia took me to the night markets where we had Incredibly delicious food!!

Banana Mango Smoothie : ) 

Um... YUM!!!

Pork dumplings, Chop suey, Rice, Pork and onions, Spring roll, and Teriyaki chicken!!

So good!!

And for dessert....churros!!

Afterwards we watched the new Beauty and the Beast at the theater!

We had such a fun night!!!

Malo aupito Kasia. I had so much fun spending time with you. Ofa Atu ❤💕

Cyclone Cook

 You can't really tell in this picture, but I am soaked! Not a dry thing on me : )
I spent this morning running around in the poring rain trying to find a friends work building.
What fun!!

We are on the train headed to Hamilton to spend a few days at the temple.

 Our Temple apartment : )
We stayed with Zandria, Kasia and Kaleys friend from BYU Hawaii. Her mom payed for our apartment. They are the cutest.

 We got to try Passion fruit for the first time!
Who knew it looked like this?
It was like, Yum!

 Feijoa's!!

 Spontaneous trip to Pack N' Save for some lollies!!

 Tim Tam slams coming up!!

 For most all of our trip it rained buckets, but on the Morning of April 14th, the sun was shining. We awoke to a Beautiful day!

Last Trip to Mt. Eden!!

Chris took us to Mt. Eden on Monday.

Probably the last time we will get to go before we fly out.

The view is incredible.

I think this is one of my favorite places to visit.

Tawharanui Regional Park

Such a Beautiful day for a hike.

Pasifika Festival

Every year for the past 25 years Auckland has been having this Pasifika Festival at Western Springs Park. It is so fun. I think everyone would really enjoy it.

The park is transformed into 11 villages, each representing a different pacific island. It is so cool!!

I thought this was fun. They are home made wind chimes/decorations made out of fizzy bottles. : )

They had Otai with Ice cream in it. How did we not think of that??

Yum: Cut a watermelon in half and scoop ice cream on top.

One of the highlights of our afternoon... Three Wise Cousins!! We got to watch this movie while we were in Tonga. And loved it! It is such a hoot!!

Fesuiai (Tavita), Neil (Adam), and Vito Vito (Mose)

When we first stood together to take the picture, Mose grabbed a chair to stand on, so funny : ) 

Mose just dropped his sucker...

Just another day in Aoteroa : )