Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Over
I have missed my blogging terribly but it has been due to my three week EFY marathon here in Logan, Utah.
I am now done with EFY for the summer. Pictures will come soon by the way.
I can't begin to describe my feelings about this job I have had for just 5 short weeks this summer.
I have been sleep deprived and I have worn really ugly polos but I can't deny that this was the right thing for me to do. I feel like I just served 5 mini missions as each week brought different trials, joys and experiences.
I have taught the Gospel, seen change in the youth I have known for only 5 days at a time, cried during the EFY medley, rejoiced in hearing pure testimonies being borne, felt the spirit during devotionals, learned a great deal about relationships with my "co-co-ships" (aka my co-counselors), and last but not least, perfected the EFY peanut butter and jelly dance. Okay, that last one does not remind me of my mission.
I am so grateful I was able to do this for the summer. I have wanted to be a counselor since I was an EFY participant at 14. My dreams finally came true ten years later at 24. I am such a nerd. I know that's what you're all thinking.
What a glorious learning experience!
Now I know with a greater surety that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Now I know with a greater surety that it is vital that I meet and marry the right person. Holy cow, some of these co-counselors and I would have a hard time being married (although I still love them dearly!). Now I know with a greater surety that Jesus Christ and His atonement is the means where we can change and become better individuals in all aspects of life. Now I know with a greater surety that I love teaching and that I always want to be involved with the youth of the church or out of the church. Now I know with a greater surety that getting more than 6 hours of sleep every night is vital to my general well being.
And I will even admit that I am starting to like Miley Cyrus...ahh...what has EFY done to me?
Next up, D.C.
I am now done with EFY for the summer. Pictures will come soon by the way.
I can't begin to describe my feelings about this job I have had for just 5 short weeks this summer.
I have been sleep deprived and I have worn really ugly polos but I can't deny that this was the right thing for me to do. I feel like I just served 5 mini missions as each week brought different trials, joys and experiences.
I have taught the Gospel, seen change in the youth I have known for only 5 days at a time, cried during the EFY medley, rejoiced in hearing pure testimonies being borne, felt the spirit during devotionals, learned a great deal about relationships with my "co-co-ships" (aka my co-counselors), and last but not least, perfected the EFY peanut butter and jelly dance. Okay, that last one does not remind me of my mission.
I am so grateful I was able to do this for the summer. I have wanted to be a counselor since I was an EFY participant at 14. My dreams finally came true ten years later at 24. I am such a nerd. I know that's what you're all thinking.
What a glorious learning experience!
Now I know with a greater surety that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Now I know with a greater surety that it is vital that I meet and marry the right person. Holy cow, some of these co-counselors and I would have a hard time being married (although I still love them dearly!). Now I know with a greater surety that Jesus Christ and His atonement is the means where we can change and become better individuals in all aspects of life. Now I know with a greater surety that I love teaching and that I always want to be involved with the youth of the church or out of the church. Now I know with a greater surety that getting more than 6 hours of sleep every night is vital to my general well being.
And I will even admit that I am starting to like Miley Cyrus...ahh...what has EFY done to me?
Next up, D.C.
Friday, July 17, 2009
My self-esteem at EFY goes up at least ten degrees...
Here's why...
Boys of all ages consistently flirt with me. It's almost like flirting is part of the job description. I get paid to flirt. Not too shabby.
Boys take my tray when I am done eating at the "Junc" (aka The Junction, which is the ghetto cafeteria here...really, fake eggs?bleh.)
Boys tell me that I look pretty everyday...even though I often feel frumpy. I mean, how good can you look in a neon green and salmon pink polo?
Girls comment on my accessorizing abilities and flats.
Both boys and girls want to give me a high-five, hug, or a "pound it" every time they see me
The youth laugh and applaud when I interpret dance to "The Little Mermaid" and other Disney songs.
The guy counselors always want to talk to me and we have inside jokes. Really, I am desired by someone my own age? Shocker.
I am always called "Susie Baer" by everyone...and it's very endearing. Except when you say it like I am five years old...not so cool.
And most importantly...the Spirit is strong and gives me the extra comfort, confidence, and knowledge that God loves me.
I love EFY.
Boys of all ages consistently flirt with me. It's almost like flirting is part of the job description. I get paid to flirt. Not too shabby.
Boys take my tray when I am done eating at the "Junc" (aka The Junction, which is the ghetto cafeteria here...really, fake eggs?bleh.)
Boys tell me that I look pretty everyday...even though I often feel frumpy. I mean, how good can you look in a neon green and salmon pink polo?
Girls comment on my accessorizing abilities and flats.
Both boys and girls want to give me a high-five, hug, or a "pound it" every time they see me
The youth laugh and applaud when I interpret dance to "The Little Mermaid" and other Disney songs.
The guy counselors always want to talk to me and we have inside jokes. Really, I am desired by someone my own age? Shocker.
I am always called "Susie Baer" by everyone...and it's very endearing. Except when you say it like I am five years old...not so cool.
And most importantly...the Spirit is strong and gives me the extra comfort, confidence, and knowledge that God loves me.
I love EFY.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I love to teach. Period.
There isn't much to this post besides the fact that I love teaching.
I love it.
Yes, very much.
I really really love teaching.
It invigorates my mind and seriously makes me giddy. Who knew that lesson plans could be so much fun??!
I am a teaching nerd so I think it's safe to say that I am in the right profession.
Now if I could only get a job...
I love it.
Yes, very much.
I really really love teaching.
It invigorates my mind and seriously makes me giddy. Who knew that lesson plans could be so much fun??!
I am a teaching nerd so I think it's safe to say that I am in the right profession.
Now if I could only get a job...
Start Recruiting Them
This past week I did EFY again up in Logan. Hence, why I have been MIA for a little while (and it will kind of continue as I am going up for 2 more weeks!). Pictures will eventually come.
I learned a lot this past week. The girls in the group were not very unified. Although I loved them all individually, some were not very welcoming and kind to others. This really weighed on my sensitive heart. If there is not peace, I cannot function until some solution has been made. I had to confront various girls this week about their attitude and participation in the group. I could have gone about this in a very negative way. I could have tried to force them to get along with one another and be friends. I could have scolded them for not showing charity towards the other girls in the group. I was tempted to do both of these things but I know from past experience that you cannot change other people. You have to allow them to change on their own.
So I did some recruiting this week. I think it was pretty effective. I discussed with these young women their talents and gifts. I expressed my appreciation for their unique personalities. I told them my love and concern for them and the rest of the group. I invited them to use their strengths as a springboard towards group unity. Rather than reprimanding them for their weaknesses and "clickiness," I asked them to be aware of the other girls. I recruited them to sit by the group during lunch. I recruited them to take another girl under their wing. I recruited them to find other people to talk to during morning scripture study. I recruited them to give the boys and girls a chance.
There weren't any amazing miracles. But I do think the group dynamics did change for the better. I learned this very important lesson this week. If we recognize in others their altruistic qualities and other strengths, we can recruit them to join our cause for good. In turn, they can be made aware of others without the pressure from outside influences.
Anyway, there it is. If we show forth an increase of love and concern, people will respond.
I learned a lot this past week. The girls in the group were not very unified. Although I loved them all individually, some were not very welcoming and kind to others. This really weighed on my sensitive heart. If there is not peace, I cannot function until some solution has been made. I had to confront various girls this week about their attitude and participation in the group. I could have gone about this in a very negative way. I could have tried to force them to get along with one another and be friends. I could have scolded them for not showing charity towards the other girls in the group. I was tempted to do both of these things but I know from past experience that you cannot change other people. You have to allow them to change on their own.
So I did some recruiting this week. I think it was pretty effective. I discussed with these young women their talents and gifts. I expressed my appreciation for their unique personalities. I told them my love and concern for them and the rest of the group. I invited them to use their strengths as a springboard towards group unity. Rather than reprimanding them for their weaknesses and "clickiness," I asked them to be aware of the other girls. I recruited them to sit by the group during lunch. I recruited them to take another girl under their wing. I recruited them to find other people to talk to during morning scripture study. I recruited them to give the boys and girls a chance.
There weren't any amazing miracles. But I do think the group dynamics did change for the better. I learned this very important lesson this week. If we recognize in others their altruistic qualities and other strengths, we can recruit them to join our cause for good. In turn, they can be made aware of others without the pressure from outside influences.
Anyway, there it is. If we show forth an increase of love and concern, people will respond.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
A huge leap of faith
I've been blessed with many opportunities in my life where I've had to take a leap of faith.
I went to NYC at 19 years old where I lived with the Newman family and worked in Manhattan. I then returned the next summer and did it again. After I came back the second time, I left for London, England a couple of months later to study abroad with other BYU students. A month after returning from England, I embarked on my 18 month mission to Canada. A little over a year after returning from Canada I left for Washington DC to student teach.
For me, all of these opportunities have been really scary to face. Every time I leave home, I have no idea what the outcome will be. I don't know if I will make friends, enjoy what I am doing there, and whether or not I will like the new place that I live in. Yet, every time I have come back with sincere appreciation that I left in the first place. My leap of faith in every situation has been difficult, yet, each time I leave, I realize more and more that leaving was what the Lord wanted me to do. And my faith is strengthened.
I go into these details because I am about the make a declaration of my greatest leap of faith thus far.
Many of you already know this, but I want to make it public anyway.
I am moving back to this place...Hooray!
Some of you may wonder the following:
Does Susie have a job back there?
Does Susie have a place to live?
Does Susie have a man she's returning to?
Does Susie have any connections?
The answers are the following:
No
No
No
Some
Hence, why this is a huge leap of faith; greater than all of my other leaps of faith in the past. No one has set up a working position for me. No one is taking me all over Europe with my ticket in their hand. No one has already set up an apartment. No one is telling me where to go and who to live with for the next six weeks.
I have to find this all on my own. Yes, I am a grown up now.
I have no idea how this will all work out--no idea in my mind how everything will come together.
But I do know that it will work out. How? Lets refer to scripture shall we...
D&C 8: 2..."For behold I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost; which shall come upon you and dwell in your heart."
In my mind, thoughts have come to me about Washington DC. So many thoughts that I can't get them out of my head. In my heart, feelings about DC will not leave me. I feel happy every time I think about moving. I feel excited. I feel at peace.
These thoughts and feelings are simple in nature, but without a doubt they come from the spirit. I went to the temple yesterday and my answer was confirmed. This is what I'm supposed to do. I have no clue how all of this will come together. But I know it will. I have that trust and that faith in God that He will make it right.
And lets be honest, every time I have taken a leap of faith, I have come out of it saying it was one of the best decisions for my happiness and growth.
I am already 4 for 4 in my leap of faith streak.
God will make it 5 for 5.
I went to NYC at 19 years old where I lived with the Newman family and worked in Manhattan. I then returned the next summer and did it again. After I came back the second time, I left for London, England a couple of months later to study abroad with other BYU students. A month after returning from England, I embarked on my 18 month mission to Canada. A little over a year after returning from Canada I left for Washington DC to student teach.
For me, all of these opportunities have been really scary to face. Every time I leave home, I have no idea what the outcome will be. I don't know if I will make friends, enjoy what I am doing there, and whether or not I will like the new place that I live in. Yet, every time I have come back with sincere appreciation that I left in the first place. My leap of faith in every situation has been difficult, yet, each time I leave, I realize more and more that leaving was what the Lord wanted me to do. And my faith is strengthened.
I go into these details because I am about the make a declaration of my greatest leap of faith thus far.
Many of you already know this, but I want to make it public anyway.
I am moving back to this place...Hooray!
Some of you may wonder the following:
Does Susie have a job back there?
Does Susie have a place to live?
Does Susie have a man she's returning to?
Does Susie have any connections?
The answers are the following:
No
No
No
Some
Hence, why this is a huge leap of faith; greater than all of my other leaps of faith in the past. No one has set up a working position for me. No one is taking me all over Europe with my ticket in their hand. No one has already set up an apartment. No one is telling me where to go and who to live with for the next six weeks.
I have to find this all on my own. Yes, I am a grown up now.
I have no idea how this will all work out--no idea in my mind how everything will come together.
But I do know that it will work out. How? Lets refer to scripture shall we...
D&C 8: 2..."For behold I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost; which shall come upon you and dwell in your heart."
In my mind, thoughts have come to me about Washington DC. So many thoughts that I can't get them out of my head. In my heart, feelings about DC will not leave me. I feel happy every time I think about moving. I feel excited. I feel at peace.
These thoughts and feelings are simple in nature, but without a doubt they come from the spirit. I went to the temple yesterday and my answer was confirmed. This is what I'm supposed to do. I have no clue how all of this will come together. But I know it will. I have that trust and that faith in God that He will make it right.
And lets be honest, every time I have taken a leap of faith, I have come out of it saying it was one of the best decisions for my happiness and growth.
I am already 4 for 4 in my leap of faith streak.
God will make it 5 for 5.
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