For Clarification...

A few peeps have asked why Jake's in China, so I'll try to explain. ;) As part of his Masters Program at BYU, he's been able to take a China Megastructures class. I'm probably going to slaughter the explanation of what exactly he's doing for it, but I'll give it a shot. Their group will be/has been doing case studies and structural analysis on several skyscrapers, bridges, dams, etc. Of course they've been able to do some tourist-y things while there too, but anyway. He's having a blast, and says he's learned a lot.


Another question people have been asking--WHY CHINA? Well, as Jake tells me, there are quite a few engineering projects over there that haven't been accomplished anywhere else in the world. Mainly due to labor issues, or I guess lack thereof. People make about $150 a month to work for who knows how many hours a day, living in temporary housing on these construction sites. Jake said the conditions are just awful, but the people are happy because it's better than anything else they could find, and it's better than being homeless and/or jobless. Crazy!


Anyway, that's the gist of it, anyway. I'm excited to see his pictures, I'll make sure you get some of his side of the story when he gets back.

Give it up for the YOUTH!

I just want to give a HUGE shout out to the youth and leaders of our ward tonight! What an awesome surprise that for the combined YM/YW activity they all came over and pulled at least a million weeds, mowed my lawn, weed wacked, the whole nine yards! I am so thankful! They definitely had their work cut out for 'em. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

President Kimball said it best "...The Lord does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other. The righteous life is achieved as we magnify our view of life, and expand our view of others and of our own possibilities. Thus, the more we follow the teachings of the Master, the more enlarged our perspective becomes. We see many more possibilities for service than we would have seen without this magnification. There is great security in spirituality, and we cannot have spirituality without service!"

I'm so glad that Jake has had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to China, but I'll admit it's been stressful at times without him. I've realized how much I rely on him. I've been praying that I can have the energy to get things done while he's away, but I never dreamed that I would be blessed with an increase of not only my energy, but the energy of 30 some-odd youth! The yard has particularly been a source of stress, because that's one of the big things he usually takes care of. I know I wouldn't have been able to get nearly as much done in the yard on my own. I'm pretty sure I'd be out there for days...probably even weeks! I'm even a little embarrassed to say that I don't even know how to start the lawn mower! ;) I'm so glad I have such great people around me that are so willing to serve. It's hard sometimes to admit that you need help, so I'm grateful for people who are in tune with the spirit enough to know that I was in need. :)
I hope those kids and leaders feel the blessings that come from service, and know that they are GREATLY appreciated!!!

Happy Wednesday! :)
PS-I'll take some pics of the yard tomorrow when it's light outside. I should've done before and after, but we'll just do the after. :)