This summer was one of the best summers of my life. I mean, I think I say that every summer. And besides the summer of 2012 when I studied abroad in Australia,New Zealand, and Fiji, this summer was one of the bests that I've had.
It was a tough decision if I wanted to go back home to Illinois or stay in Provo for the summer. While going to good old Tville would have been fun, I knew I would be around things that weren't exactly up to my standards. I knew that I needed to stay in Utah even though all my friends were going home or abroad.
I had a strong feeling that I should sign a contract at the Village. Why? Its full of bros and barbies? I gave it a shot because the feeling wouldn't go away. It was a nice place with a single room that I could just have a chill summer to myself in. Little did I know, I would make some of the best friends of my life.
I moved in and immediately knew i would love my roommates. Kristen, short, blonde, pixie cut hair dresser with a bubbly personality who was always down to have fun. Crystel, a nice, Guatemalan, who was super chill and easy to talk to. We had a chill roommate life and never had issues.
I was welcome into my ward right off the bat. Carissa and Alyssa were very friendly and told me i was pretty. I knew we would be friends. haha.
The ward was always hanging out together, whether it was a BBQ or camping trip, they were always down to have fun.
Memorial Day, me and Natalie took a Cali trip to see Stacie. We bonded in that long 9 hours and we learned a lot about each other. Once in Cali, we had a lot of fun. Beach. Hollywood sign hike. Swimming. The life. For real. <3
The start of the fun started with the Mona trip. Thats when the wolfpack began. Bec. Carissa. Me. We did the rope swing, where I almost died. Literally. Its fine. But it was a good time nonetheless. We told stories around the fire for hours and talked and star gazed and camped out.
After that I felt like I was really a part of the crew. Did I mention Bishop Freeze was seriously the best bishop ever? He had such faith and love and was always a part of the fun. He would come to our activities.
The Massive Moab Trip was a fun event. It was my first time actually going jeeping. It was so legit. The wolfpack ended up sleeping under the stars because we didnt bring a tent. Oops. But we cuddled. It was fine. Except I woke up to a squirril on my chest....ick!
I was an EFY counselor in Missouri at Mizzou and it was literally the grestest week of my life. It changed my life. Before that I was thinking a lot about going on a mission and had talked to my bishop and he told me to fast and pray about it. That week I went to EFY and KNEW that I was to go on a mission. I loved teaching the kids and letting them know the importance of the gospel and that it is COOL to be Mormon. My kids were an example to me, even though I was to be an example to them. I think about them everyday still <3 One of my girls, Brittany, just recently got baptized because she said this EFY was different than any other and wanted to change. To hear that was seriously SO rewarding. Im soooo proud of her and glad that I had an impact on her life.
After EFY I started my mission papers. I then went to Illinois for a couple weeks and slacked on them. I didnt do a whole lot there but lay out and do art projects because everyone there is still stuck in High School and just parties all the time. Which is fine. But I dont wanna be a part of that scene anymore. It was super nice though to be home and chill. My friends there will always be my best friends and whenever I come home its like I never left. What we have is like nothing else.
I got back and immediately went on another AMAZING Cali trip with Tara. Beach. John Mayer. Beach. Da Life. I never wanted to leave. Ever.
I went on a Zions trip with some peeps from the ward. It was a crazy hike but super fun. I met some cool people and made lasting friendships.
The last month of summer was a little crazy just because I was homeless for a couple weeks. It was frustrating not having my own home. Luckily Alyssa went to Hawaii and I was able to stay in her apartment while she was gone for the most part.
All in all. This summer was great. From the long work days. To the 7 Peaks adventures. To the late nights. To the BBQs. To the crinkles, it was a great one. Im sad its over but its nice to be back in school and back in the groove of things. I am so glad I stayed in Provo because I know I made right choices here and met people who will be my friends forever. I love the relationships I have here and my life. While sometimes I may think I could be better off somewhere else, I know I'm right where I am supposed to be.
XOXO
Cassie
