Believe. Hope. Endure.

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

~13th Article of Faith

It was exactly 4:10 p.m. when Sierra arrived home from the EFY program in Buena Vista, Virginia. Her sisters ran, (not walked) right up to her and gave her a huge bear hug. That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I see them give each other hugs all the time, but this one was different. It lasted for about four minutes (yes... I timed it), and Sierra didn't let go until I broke up their hug. We both had tears in our eyes. I felt the spirit so strong, and I knew that she experienced something that was meaningful, true, and spiritual that she will remember for the rest of her life.

We immediately sat down on the couch and I asked her how her entire week went. I wanted details. She was just as anxious to tell me about her week as I was excited to hear about it. We all sat in the living room as if we were having a Family home evening. She told us everything she did on each day. She didn't miss watching television. Although they had wifi in the building, she was only on FB to request or add friends. She loved feasting on the words of the Lord, and learning for five days without any distractions of the world.

"This was nothing compared to girls camp, or youth conference," Sierra said. The EFY program is a reinforcement to the things she is already learning in the church. Although I know she lives the standards of being a virtuous daughter of God, this was something that she felt she really needed to attend to help her understand more of her purpose in this life, and what she needs to do to further build her testimony and knowledge of the Lord. Sierra is a wonderful daughter, but there is always room for growth. She never wants to be set in a comfort zone. I think with all the moving around we've done for the past sixteen years, I don't believe we've reached real comfort...yet. I know that she's learned a lot this past week, and from the experiences she shared with me gives me more assurance that this was supposed to be the year to attend, and that she was there for a reason...to help a new friend learn how to forgive others.

The first day was a meet and greet and she immediately fell in love with everyone in her company. "This is my other family," she said. She learned everyones names within 24 hours! She definitely takes after me when in comes to retention. She even had an escort that was to be with her and pretty much participate in attending classes together. His name is Carter Evans. They literally became really good friends. She really enjoyed him as her escort and is grateful for the special friendship that evolved between them.

Here they are, waiting to be called up for the Variety Show, a talent production in which they both auditioned, and made it through! (He played the drums, and was part of his drumline for high school.)

Evidentally at EFY, some of these teens choose what you call a C.O.W. which stands for crush of the week. Carter happened to choose Sierra, and she chose him as her C.O.W. You have to attend EFY in order to understand this! Apparently he saw something in her that he was attracted to, and they were inseparable all week.

Like I said...she immediatley fell in love with her company...particularly her roommates, and so did I when I met them. I knew she'd be in good hands as she went off to EFY.

She was excited to see other friends from our stake as well as creating memories with her 'other family'.

Ali & Sierra

Sierra, JuJu, Eleanor, & Josh

Sierra & Brittany

Sierra and Carter

This is the hill they had to walk up every day to their dorms which are way down below.

 A little bit of morning yoga.

 Sierra and one of her roommates both participated in the talent show and performed in front of 400 plus people! She sang Dream by Priscilla Ahn. I saw a video of her performance and it truly was amazing! There were a few people that told her she looked and played like Alicia Keys. 

They had two dances that week and Sierra had the time of her life. In this picture, they are doing the EFY dance. See...there's also fun while trying to endure!

Smite the Earth was the name they came up for their company. They took it from the Doctrine and Covenants 110:14-15

It was bittersweet for her to come home. It was almost like experiencing pioneer trek...you miss your 'trek family', but are grateful to be home with your eternal family. That is something, a goal that we are all reaching for here on earth. To become an eternal family and to strive hard to live like Christ, and to have that Christlike communication. 

To all the youth who are reading this...Stay strong, don't ever let your guard down, always stay true to yourself, love yourself, love others, forgive yourself, forgive others, but most of all, always stand close with the Lord, and follow his example. If you do... you will be blessed beyond measure.