It's about time

There is a very different concept of time here in Mbale, Africa. Typically you can expect to add one to two hours on any given time and even then there is no set time.

 It can become rather frustrating at times when we are trying to set up meetings and are teaching at multiple locations on a daily basis. But we are the visitors here, therefore we can not change culture.

 Usually I am the one who sticks to a plan and likes to have a set schedule, but I have learned that it's much easier to go with the flow.

Sometimes that means sleeping on top of a mountain and hiking down at the wee hours in the morning. Other times it means that we don't eat until late hours at night. And most of the time it means our schedule is usually not a schedule.

But it is all part of the adventure. I have learned so much from the people here in Africa and I am so happy and thankful to be here. 

And I hope during my time I can be

Positively Contagious 

Simplicity

Here I am in Africa, and I think it's safe to say I never want to come home.

I love the food, the boda rides (rather crazy motorcycle rides), the people, the weather, the dirt, the trickle of a shower, the animals, my team, jammed packed taxi rides (minus the barfing people next to me), late night talks,and the power outages.

You name it I think it has been experienced in the few short days I have been here, but I wouldn't change a second of my experience so far.

Don't get me wrong America is great but the culture, the people, the way of life...I can't get enough! I think my favorite part has been the change in pace.

 It seems as though American culture is becoming more concerned with instant gratification. In some ways it is helpful knowing that you can see the so called "fruits of your labors" a majority of the time. But in some ways I think we may feel entitled to having more, receiving more, and expecting more.

 

It's refreshing being here in Africa and living the  life of the people here. There is no hustle and bustle, comparison, or desire for more. It may not be very clean, it may not have the conveniences that i'm used to, I may stand out quite a bit...well a lot.

 But,  It's the way life should be. Simple. 

 So for now, I think I'll just stay here and enjoy it while I can

 and try to be...

Positively Contagious

Ok, I'll go to Africa

I think we all have those moments when we wish we could just see into future and know exactly what we are supposed to do and when we are supposed to do it. Although it would be helpful at times, our lives would not be as spontaneous or exciting as they can and should be.
Like... at the age of twenty-two deciding…. surprise I'm going to Africa for a month!
 It doesn't feel real yet, but in three short weeks I will be getting on a plane and flying to Uganda. I don't know what to expect really.
All I know is that my new best friends name is going to be dirt, mosquitos are going to be in heaven when I get off the plane, I will definitely stand out in more ways then one, and I am going to be that obnoxious girl with the camera.
I don't know what it is about traveling, but it has opened my eyes to a whole new world that I did not know existed. Not only am I able to see and experiences other cultures but I am able to truly find myself. Are there other ways to do some soul searching, of course. But I have found the quickest (and most expensive) way for me personally is by traveling.
My heart breaks when I see:
The families in China who are limited on the number of children they are allowed to have.
Young families in the Philippines living in a single cement box as their home
Mothers in Mexico who plead to trade anything so they have enough money to feed their children that night
Holocaust Memorials in Germany where people were torn from their families and treated worse then animals
I can't fathom what I am about to see in Uganda, but this time I plan on making a difference. Along with service oriented projects based on the needs of the town, I will be able to teach classes. Classes on what I love most, family. I am going to teach those wonderful people about the importance of family. Their unique, and vital roles in the family and how to encompass all of them within the family unit. I will teach them ways to rely and support each other no matter what the circumstance.
The family is being attacked from every angle and if I can help others to understand its importance then I feel like I am making some sort of a difference.
It may seem kind of strange, but for me it works. I think there is an internal drive in each of us. There is a longing to help or make a difference. It may take some time to find but it's there I promise.
So try to find it, what drives you?
Where ever you have to go, even if it's Africa.

 I hope we can each find a way to be….

Positively Contagious 



Want more details on the organization I will be going with click here

The fear of perfection

I have a guilty pleasure of watching little kids movies. This plus the fact I live next to my (almost) nieces/nephews means I have seen the movie Frozen two times over the time span of one month. I have had a few thoughts on my mind lately and funny thing is the song "Let it go"from the movie helped me combine a lot of what I have been thinking.

Besides my closest friends, nobody really knew what was happening with my family behind closed doors during my high school years. I didn't want people to see how hurt I was internally. I didn't want them to see how badly I wanted to just give up. I wanted to just take my mom and brothers and run away, far away. I didn't want them to "see me cry" and did my very best to hide any emotion and "not to feel" the pain of the reality we were living. I tried to "be perfect" in any way that I could.

But eventually it was time to open up that door and not "worry about what other people would say". Everyone has their challenges, and this was mine, and I could no longer pretend.

As I went away to college I was no longer living with the fears of control, manipulation, and hatred. I now had internal fears and a rather long list of them.

But here is a shortened version:

You will never be…

pretty enough

smart enough

strong enough

successful

a good daughter

a good friend

a good sibling

able to move forward

simply enough

and ultimately worthy of being loved.

Over years I have studied, both spiritually and secularly, traveled, developed lasting relationships, and with lots of re-programing I know that I am enough. I "slammed that once opened door" and don't plan on opening it to anyone who makes me feel that way... ever again.

 I now have a deeper appreciation for things that I could have possibly taken for granted. I have a stronger desire to have a successful marriage. I want to defend and protect the sacredness of the family. I want to help other people realize their potential during their challenging times. I want to be a positive influence to those I come in contact with. I want to live a happy life. I want to be happy and find joy in the little things in life.

  I look at my life now see that as I "let go" of those things that "once controlled me" I was able to "rise above". I did not let my experiences define me. I was able to learn and grow from them and am stronger now then I ever have been.

"Here I stand, the past is in the past" and the only direction I plan on going is forward.

Who would have thought Disney movies would help me put my thoughts into words.

But regardless I hope in doing so I can be…

Positively Contagious 

Possibilities

Well it's finally here the year 2014,never thought the day would come!

To be quite honest I thought it would have ended in 2009 when someone who will not be named became president. But shockingly enough we are still alive and for that I am thankful.

Twenty-Thirteen, as it is sometimes called, was a good year to me.

I did things I had never done before... and probably wouldn't ever do again...like go on a 12 mile hike in Canada to the top of a literal mountain

But I also did things that I would do again in a heart beat…paddle boarding in wet suits, yes please 

Live with the most spontaneous people you will ever meet…take me back 

Go to Hawaii for my best friends wedding... duh 

Send this gem of a friend on a mission…maybe not my first choice but I do love pen palls 

Travel to England, Austria, Germany, France, the Chez Republic, and Italy….i'd get on a plane tomorrow 

Be in another best fiends wedding…wouldn't miss it! 

Live with my Grandparents for a few months…wouldn't trade it for the world 

Go to Disneyland with my favorite people…any day

It has been a year of joy, opportunities I never thought possible, and experiences I wouldn't ever want to forget. 

But i'm ready for the new year. I may not know what lies ahead, but i'm ready for what ever life throws at me. I know the beginning of the year will start out with a bang as I get to be in more weddings (my cousin get's married in two days) and go to Africa (28 days in counting). But aside from that all I have are goals and possibilities. Maybe i'll...

Graduate from college 

Run a marathon 

Write a book 

Get in shape 

Get a boyfriend…maybe

Try new recipes 

Go back to Hawaii 

Do the Dirty Dash again 

Get to reunite with my best friends 

What ever the new year throws at me, i'm ready. 

Hello 2014! 

And of course i'll remember to be…

Positively Contagious 

A not so white Christmas

The typical Christmas for my family is located in California while the rest of my extended family is in Utah all having a party without us. But guess who party crashed this year….this girl!! I love everything about the Christmas season: Lights, baking cookies (over eating cookies), gift wrapping, gift giving, tree decorating, picture taking, memory creating. The list really could go on and on and that would make for a rather boring entry. 

It's hard to believe Christmas has already come and gone and another year is beginning. Call me cheesy, but the spirit of Christmas has seemed to linger a little longer this year. I was able to experience Christmas with all of my favorite people in Utah and then headed to California to the "Happiest place on Earth".

We ate bags of cotton candy while we raced through Cars land

lost our voices on California screamin (the name suits the ride well)  and lost our stomachs multiple times on Tower of Terror.

Among the pure joy I couldn't help but think about the little phrase that describes Disneyland so well. What is true happiness, what makes me happy, and how do I carry that happiness with me.

                                      

 Again I could make a list, but lets be honest that's the quickest way to loose people's interest...if I haven't already. Ultimately I came to the conclusion that our happiness depends on our attitude. Extremely profound and very creative I know. But it's true. 

Life is not always going to be easy and there are going to be times when we just want to be angry, annoyed, or frustrated. Which, granted, is sometimes healthy and necessary. But at the end of the day there is always something to be thankful for. I have come to realize this lately in my own life. No matter what happens during the day, I can find one thing that makes me happy, that brings a smile to my face, and helps me realize that I can be truly happy. 

The Holiday season can become overly hectic. As we take a step back all that matters is being with those you love and creating memories that last a life time. And above all remembering the true meaning of Christmas. To celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ and the perfect life he lived and who made this Christmas season possible.

So, make your own "happiest place on earth" where ever you go and what ever you do 

and in doing so you will be….

Positively Contagious 

Microwavable Lemons

I really can't complain..Utah has been good to me.

I get to live close to family

 I get to go to Temple Square with friends,which is  probably one of my favorite things in the entire world 

I have the lovely opportunity to wear a jacket thicker then a cardigan. Although I may look happy, I hate the snow... not only hate but "loath entirely" (tis' the season for Grinch quotes)

I get to live by the mountains and see picture perfect sunsets every night

I get to go on cousin dates to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in real life which is way better then on TV 

And last but not least, I get the experience of living with grandparents.

 I love these sweet grandparents of mine. They are the most kind, tender hearted, loving, generous people you will ever meet. However, after being alive for eighty-eight years, they pretty much have life all figured out, all down to the little things.

Let me give you a little glimpse into our lives here in the Brewerton home and how I am slowly discovering where many of my strong character traits come from.

There is a typical routine I go through before I leave for work in the morning, and laundry is always included. At first I went about doing laundry the way I typically do; sort into colors, change the warm/cold settings, add some detergent, softener, and throw in the little plastic detergent cup. I went about this for quite some time but one morning my grandpa beat me to the laundry room.

Time out, side story. Many of you know I have an internal alarm that goes off around 10pm. When that time hits, Courtney has a one track mind and it always includes going to bed (turns out I get that one from the G-pa). "Early to bed, early to rise" is his life motto. And sometimes that includes vacuuming…at 6am when everyone else is still asleep…there is such thing as too early Grandpa.

Now, back to the laundry…he was rather prompt this particular morning. I was surprised to find a load already done when I went in to start my morning routine. I could tell he was concerned so I asked what was wrong. All he did was hold up the plastic cup and I knew. Apparently left it in the washing machine from the last load I did. He just said, plastic doesn't need to get washed and I am to rinse it out and set it on the paper towel next to the detergent when I am done (where I get my weird habits). Point well made Grandpa. We haven't had laundry issues since that day don't worry.

Usually good ole' Grannie and I have a few hours of bonding time before I have to go to work. Most of the time it consists of making cookies. This week in the span of five days I think we made three batches of cookies…do you know how much butter that is!? Now let me give you a little background. My poor grandma can barley walk even with a walker and for some reason refuses to use it….go figure. Making cookies is hard enough and in the process, she suddenly gets the urge to address her christmas card envelopes, unload the dishwasher, and make fruit salad. Um…please tell me how any of those things fit together (my occasional ability to multi-task). As I scramble going from one activity to another she watches me like a hawk making sure I do things correctly. Let me remind you, I have been here for a good two months so I have a pretty good idea of how things go around here. As I make the fruit salad (she is still insistent on walking me through step by step, grandma its FRUIT SALAD) I don't microwave the lemon and she was not thrilled with that decision. Apparently it helps get the juice out? Last time I checked lemons have juice with or without a microwave so I did it my way. But her eighty years outshine my twenty-two (the lovely stubborn quality on both ends) and I eventually asked for forgiveness and promised to do it her way next time.

I have to admit, it has taken a lot of getting used to, and I have had many frustrating moments. But as time goes on, I learn to adapt, just as my grandparents do. Let's be honest, it's a whole new experience for both of us.

I really do love my grandparents so much and am so thankful for their examples. I wouldn't give up this time for anything and I know that I will look back and cherish these moments I have had to spend with them.

So for now, I laugh at the little things, adapt to their habits (as weird as they may be), and learn as much as I can from them.

Because in all reality they are just being….

Positively Contagious