Home

Since September 14th, I've made Rexburg, Idaho my home. I'm not unfamiliar with making other places my home. Flagstaff, Washington, now Rexburg. Mesa and the surrounding valley holds many people that I love dearly, but it's no longer home. I'm okay with that. But...let me tell you why.

This semester has been full of ups and down. At one point I was failing a class (something that has never happened before, and caused me great amounts of stress.). I had spent the previous 10 1/2 months building up my relationship with my family, only to move hundreds of miles away and to feel completely isolated from them. That was really hard to deal with at first. I was surrounded by strangers - it wasn't like going to Flagstaff, where I had my sister, Mesa High peeps, and one of my best friends from high school all around me. I've had my own set of struggles this semesters. Trials of all sorts. But, Heavenly Father gave me the tools to make this place home.

He sent me friends and roommates. People who have put up with my moodiness, sass, sarcasm, awkwardness, my brusque, sometimes harsh behavior and attitude. And they have loved me despite it. They see the good in me. They've supported me as I've shared secrets about myself, my struggles, and insecurities. They've uplifted me out of my funks. They've made me literally fall to the floor in laughter. They've caused me to step out of my comfort zone and stretch a little bit more. Their love has inspired me to be more selfless. Through their example, I have come closer to my Savior.

They have made Rexburg home for me.

From that very first day, I knew there was something special about apartment 106. Then, our first Sunday, we all gathered around to have dinner as roommates, and have never stopped having moments and occasions like that. They made me feel at home.

In my hardest times, when I felt incredible frustration and confusion, my roommates actions and responses echo the words of the beautiful song by Phillip Phillps. "Settle down it'll all be clear. Don't pay no mind to the demons, they fill you with fear. The trouble - it might drag you down, if you're lost you can always be found. Just know you're not alone; 'cause I'm gonna make this place your home."

Rexburg has become home. And it's only because of those blessed people in my life these past few months who have made it so. I had to say goodbye to one of them this afternoon. It was bittersweet, as she will be submitting her papers for a mission soon, so I know the reason why she's not returning is for one of the best of reasons, But bitter because she's helped to make this place home. And it's the same separating with everyone of my roommates. They've helped to create a home for me.

Home is where the heart is. The heart is where the love is. And I've been blessed to feel such immense love this semester. I would be in remiss for not saying so.