General Conference

Yesterday and today I had the opportunity to go to General conference. Even though I live in Utah, this was the first time I was actually able to see it live, not only once, but twice, thanks to Addison and Jeff.  Oh man, it was so great:) I definitely want to go to the live sessions as often as I can from now on. It was such a privilege to be in the same room as our Prophet Thomas S. Monson and the council of the 12 apostles. So many wonderful things were said, and I learned so much. I really loved all talks, but the one that stuck out to me the very most was given by Quentin L. Cook.  He spoke on keeping a clear and eternal perspective, despite so much heartache and tragedy in the world. He mentioned that though this world can seem unfair, Jesus Christ understands, and compensates for all that unfairness.  Though the 2nd act in life (the 1st act being the pre-mortal existence) can seem depressing and hard, there is a 3rd act. And this is where we will be able to look through a clearer lens of eternity and better understand difficult things we can't fully understand here, and now. I'm so grateful for our Apostles and Prophets who guide us, direct us and leave us with feelings of great hope in a world that can seem unstable.

"It's better to look up!"- Thomas S. Monson

East Coasting

A few weeks ago, I returned home from yet another "trip of a lifetime". I went with 25 other students from BYU- Idaho on a tour back East. We saw so many historic sites, and a whole lot of LDS church sites.  Everyday was packed full of adventure and travel ( just the way I like it!). We left from the Salt Lake Airport, and flew to NYC, and from there we flew to Washington DC. We then took a long bus ride to Virginia where we started our tour with visits to Williamsburg  and Jamestown. We also visited Washington DC, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Chicago,  Ohio,  Missouri, and Illinois. Of all those great places, I'd have to say DC and Chicago were my favorites:) I also really enjoyed New York. The best thing about spending time in New York is that we got to spend some personal time in the Sacred Grove where Joseph Smith, our first Prophet, had the first vision of God the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ.  The time in that grove was a wonderful escape from the hussle and bussle of traveling .

"Don't be a wimp! Let the cow suck your fingers!"

Yesterday I felt like I did something that helped me to feel like I was truly living in Idaho. Kyle and I went to his cousin's dairy farm out in the boonies.  I think I can honestly say that yesterday was one of my favorite days I've spent out here in the country. First we went in and played with the new born baby calfs. They were so cute! And so much more friendly than I'd expected cows to be. They chased us around and snuggled up next to us,  just like a dog would do. I loved it. Then we went on to feed the chickens in the coop. The smell was so strong though that we could only stay in for a few minutes.  After we'd played at the farm for a while, we took a walk down to a beautiful little waterfall that was only a few minutes walk from the farm. Yesterday, was such. a fun. day.

Dorm Reunion

Spring 2011

Winter 2010

On Sunday night, we had a reunion with the girls we neighbored with in the dorms! In January of 2010, I began school here at BYU- Idaho. I lived in Apartment 312 in Lamprecht Hall.  The girls in 311 and 313 became our best friends. We had many, many late nights of "girls forum" and eating cookie dough on kitchen floors. BYU- Idaho would not be the same without these girls! I am so grateful for them, and I am so grateful we're all still as close as we are one year later!

The Western Wall

Before I move on to current life events, I want to share with you my favorite place in the entire world. The Western Wall.  This little place in the Old City of Jerusalem is the most sacred place on Earth to the Jewish people. This wall is the closest they can get to being back at  Solomon's Temple. Hundreds of Jews come here everyday to worship and leave their prayers in the cracks of the wall. We've had the opportunity to come here several times while we studied in Jerusalem. To see the dedication these people have to their faith is beyond inspiring.

O' Jerusalem...

Last January I began the adventure of a lifetime.  I decided in July of 2010 to apply for the BYU- Jerusalem center, and was accepted in August. I lived there in Jerusalem, on Mt. Scopus for a little less than 4 months. There, I took classes in ancient and modern Near East, Arabic, and classes on the Old and New Testament. I explored what feels like ALL of Israel. I lived with about 80 of the most incredible people I've ever been privileged to meet. I was blessed to walk around some of the same areas our Savior, Jesus Christ walked. We also took trips to Egypt, and Jordan while staying there. Words cannot adequately express what it was like to be there. It's something that needs to be felt. I definitely plan on returning to Jerusalem within the next... mmm... 20 years. I've only been home for a few weeks, but already I would give anything to go back there. I left a piece of my heart in the Holy Land forever.

Beginning the blogging

I guess it's time I jump on this blogging bandwagon. I've fought against it for quite sometime, but I knew this day would be coming soon. So welcome to my blog!  I'm looking forward to getting some snippets, and happenings  of my life posted on here. Just to give a quick background, my name's Keri and I'm studying international studies with an emphasis on health science here at BYU- Idaho, in Rexburg. I just returned last month from a life changing study abroad at the BYU-Jerusalem center in Israel. I'm the youngest of four siblings and grew up in Bountiful, Utah. Now, let's get to the more exciting posts:)