Then all that was promised the saints will be given and they will be crowned with the angels of heaven.

Last Saturday was the semi annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Since I've been a member of the church, I've seen roughly 16-17 conferences but this one stands out. Last conference, in April, I was living in Las Vegas and we had some people over to our house, eating snacks, and watching it from the comfort of my big brown couches (which I miss terribly). This time, the FIRST session of conference started live at 5pm on Saturday. The last session plays pretty late our time so they played it the next day in the morning. It was a very surreal feeling sitting on a pew in London next to my Australian roommate and thinking about all my loved ones back in the states hearing the same words at the same moment. (Left: My new roommate Sophie and Lucille, a girl in my ward)

I'll share one of my favorites. I really enjoyed Uchtdorf's talk in the Relief Society broadcast. I think his talk was beautiful if just for the fact that he was delicately speaking to the women of the church. One thing I really liked that he mentioned was to not let the fear of failure paralyze you. I thought about some of the personal failures in my life. I've had failed classes in my undergrad, relationships, and many other things. From those experiences I have grown and tried to not repeat mistakes but I've also learned to make excuses as to why I'm not being better. At times when I could have been stronger and fought through, I've become comfortable and complacent.


It reminds me of something my grandpa said to me when we were riding bikes in Ireland. We rented bikes and I got a street type bike while he got a mountain one. I didn't know where we would be riding so I wasn't bothered about the kind of bike I got. While we were riding, he saw a path off the trail that looked like it may be cool. I said, "Yeah that looks cool but there's quite a bit of mud up there and my tires are kinda crappy... they aren't like yours..." He said, "Umm... is that an excuse?" as he started to ride up the trail. If you know my grandpa, he's REALLY outgoing and competitive. I was kinda miffed for a second thinking, Hey! I have a legit excuse! I don't wanna get hurt! Then I realized that was pretty dumb and that I would miss out if I didn't go. I started up the path, mud flying, way behind my grandpa, until my tires were so covered in mud that I couldn't pedal anymore and started toppling over. My grandpa turned around to see me struggling and we laughed. I have wondered since that day how many excuses I let in the way of doing cool things... hmmm...

After conference on Saturday night about 20 of us went to Wagamama's. It's Japanese food and pretty tasty... a little different though. It was fun chillin with everyone after. I really like the people in my ward. Everyone has their own cool story about why they're in London and for the most part, everyone is friendly. (Left: Mike and Hayley)

That night, I met a guy who just moved to London. His name is Josh Everett. He's in London getting his masters in anthropology. He's really weird and quirky but super cool. After dinner a bunch of us went over to a friend's house to watch a movie. On the way, Josh and I chatted about music and I got really excited cause I think I found someone to go to gigs with! He has good taste too. He just needs to learn that Minus the Bear is better than Botch. =)

On Monday Josh and I met up after work and we went to the National Gallery but we were there for only 15 minutes before it closed. We decided to walk to FHE from Trafalgar Square which was kinda far and we didn't really know the way... but we wandered. At one point, Josh pointed out some gaurds as we approached Buckingham Palace. I got really excited cause they were the gaurds with the big fuzzy hats! I wanted to take some pictures but then I didn't know if I was allowed! I was pretty sure they weren't allowed to talk either... so I walked up to one of the gaurds and quietly asked, "Am I allowed to take a picture with you?" He was staring straight ahead but he looked at me and oh so slightly nodded his head. I wanted to do something scandalous to make him crack but settled on some goofball pose.

I love London. I will be home in EXACTLY 2 months from today... I can't believe it. I seriously don't want to sleep anymore (I hardly do actually). I want to do something fun every single day/minute/second I'm here. I love it. I'll come back someday... I don't know when... but I will...