here am I: EFY 2015 + photo dump

EFY this year was absolutely amazing. This being my second year, I wasn't as nervous going into it. Mostly just full of excitement.

I went to the 2nd session of San Antonio this year, just like last year. Because of this, I saw a lot of familiar faces, including some people from my company last year. I even saw my old counselor, Tabetha! I went with my brother, and also my friend Sierra who was my roommate. It was her first year of EFY, even though she's older than me. Oh, AND I ACHIEVED ALL MY GOALS! I branched out, participated in the musical program, AND I bore my testimony.

There were some awesome highlights of EFY. This is going to be a really long post, so I apologize. I wish I could write about all of them:

1. The classes taught by amazing teachers. I prayed before EFY and during EFY that I would know which classes I needed to go to in order to hear the message God wanted me to hear. It was easy at first, going to whichever class I felt strongly about. I didn't know any of the teachers, so it wasn't like I felt any biased judgement. However, there were these two teachers who ended up being my favorite; Brother Young and Brother Butler. Brother Butler ended up being such a hilarious teacher, that his classes actually filled up to the point where people weren't allowed to go in anymore. This happened to me once, where I got turned away and had to go somewhere else. It got to the point where it was Wednesday, during the panel discussion. After this, it was going to be the last class of the week. Brother Butler had just spoken, and as always, he had captivated the crowd with his bubbly personality. I kept trying to rationalize in my head, "You can go to his class, I mean it will be your last chance. You already went to like three of Brother Young's classes." However, I kept getting this feeling that I had to go to Brother Young's class on "Never a Bad Day to Share Your Testimony." Finally, I went to Brother Young's class, and oh my gosh, I don't regret it. That class spoke to me. He also promised that if we shared our testimony, it would grow. For most of the lesson, I took fervent notes and just laughed along with his jokes. But then it got towards the end, when he shared a story on his best friend Tod who was not a member but spent his whole life basically indirectly asking Brother Young to share it with him. He always went over to his house, changed the radio station to more appropriate music when Brother Young got in the car, etc. They were such good friends that Tod even asked Brother Young to speak at his wedding. It was all wonderful, and the entire class was waiting for the moment when he would tell us how Tod was baptized. But then, it all changed. "One day I got a call from Tod's mom. She told me Tod had just died in a car crash, and asked if I could speak at his funeral." A hush fell over the class. And then, he told us his third reason why we should bear our testimonies; "So you can have their gratitude here and their everlasting and eternal appreciation in the world to come." His friend Tod had been waiting for him, and now it was too late. Brother Young then said something that broke my heart, "I know what Tod will tell me when I see him on the other side. 'You knew the whole time. Why didn't you tell me?'" It hit me then, that because Brother Young hadn't given his friend Tod a Book of Mormon in the 20+ years they knew each other, Tod couldn't be sealed to his family. He couldn't have the highest celestial glory. I didn't want that to be the case with ANY of my friends. I couldn't look at Brother Young's face after that until the class was over. I was afraid I would just start crying. I got up, my heart numb and a tear on my face, and got in line to take a picture with him. Sierra and I ended up being the last in the line. After the picture, he looked us in the eyes and said, "I don't tell this to a lot of people. You girls are sweethearts. Don't settle. Do you know what that means? Don't settle for anyone less than you deserve. There is a worthy Priesthood holder out there for you. You girls are worth it." I started crying and said, "Something told me to come to this class." He smiled and said, "I'm glad." We thanked him for the great class and left for Musical Program rehearsal, as tears stained my cheeks.

Sierra and I with Brother Young after his class

2. Musical program. I participated again this year, and I even tried out for a speaking part and got it. It was great singing with everyone, and it really brought the spirit. I got to cut in lunch, too! We spent every ounce of free time before Thursday to prepare for the program, and when it came around, I was so nervous. I am so bad in front of a crowd. My stomach was so upset that I couldn't eat, and most of my friends kept telling me I was going to puke when I got up, except for my friend Richard. He was very reassuring. I can always count on him to make me feel better! Ugh I was so nervous, though. And I didn't even have a solo! All I was doing was reading a script! I felt so weak sitting in my seat. I prayed over and over that my stomach would calm down, but it wasn't. Finally, when we got up to get on stage, my butterflies went away and I felt better. The songs were so powerful, especially when we sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." It was great. Then, on Friday, when I actually had a FREE free time because no musical program, I wandered around lonely the entire time because I couldn't find anyone. Until I ran into (figuratively AND literally) a guy I had met earlier in the week who I hung out with and talked to for a while. Good times...

(if you are wondering why I am so upset about the mayonnaise, it's because I was super nervous about my speaking part in the musical program, which was right after dinner. And I was upset that not only had they run out of mayonnaise for my fries, but also SOFT, CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!!! To say the least, I had a massive case of butterflies in my stomach.)

3. Meeting the people there. I realized there that we aren't that different than others. We are all sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. I got so close to some of the people there, which is crazy considering I was only with them for less than a week. And I decided that when I'm older, I'm not going to settle for anything less than a worthy Priesthood holder. I learned that not all boys are like the ones at school. They can be nice and respectful, and show emotion. The guys at EFY compliment the girls all the time, and it is SINCERE. I don't think I've ever danced every slow song at a dance before, either. Actually, usually I'm only asked a couple times. I truly felt beautiful at EFY, even though I wore t-shirts and it was blazing hot. I also developed a super strong love for and a sense of honoring those with the priesthood. When the guys sang their part in the EFY medley...it was so powerful. I got a glimpse of the eternal perspective of things.

My company before the dance on Friday! Last day :(

4. Thursday. Holy smokes. I think it was my favorite day. We had a Young Women group activity in the morning where we studied The Family: A Proclamation to the World. I gained a bigger understanding of my role here on earth, and that as daughters of God, we are naturally meant to be beautiful and magnificent. I am unique, and an individual with a destiny beyond my comprehension. I have a divine role. I have unlimited ability. I can shape lives and make a difference. I am confident. Unstoppable. I have an influence. A mother's work is God's work, and He trusts us to raise HIS children. God is our Father, and I'm His little girl. I also learned that it is so, so important to love others. If you want to love someone, you'll serve them. And if you serve someone, it's because you love them. It goes hand-in-hand. I also learned during the session director morning side that we are all miracles, sent straight from heaven. He had to let us go, but we are all individually one of His many miracles. At the fireside, even more things stuck out to me. Whatever God asks us to do, He believes we can do it. I gained a better understanding of the Atonement, and exactly how much Jesus Christ loves me. The number #55 has a new meaning to me; hope. 

I'd like to share my testimony, which was strengthened immensely thanks to EFY. I know that Jesus Christ lives, that he is the Son of Almighty God, and that Mary is His mortal mother. I know that He bled from every pore and suffered for ALL of our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane so that we may be able to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. That act of pure love and selflessness, in itself, testifies to me of the love Jesus had for all of us. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, and I have felt and recognized the blessings and comfort that come from reading and studying the scriptures, especially this past week. I know that Jesus loves me, and I know He loves all of us. He is there for us, to help us bear up our burdens. He will not leave us comfortless. Singing in the Musical Program, learning about the Atonement, and singing the EFY medley with everyone that day at EFY, the love Jesus has for all of his brothers and sisters hit me with such an assurance. I know He is there for us.

I love EFY. I learned so many great things this year, met so many amazing people, and changed a lot. It really has been a blessing to go to EFY. It has helped me better understand myself, and stand up for what I believe in. I truly love what I believe in. This church gives me happiness. The importance of studying the scriptures, ACTUALLY studying them, and praying, came to my realization. I changed this week, but it will only matter if I continue to change and remember the things I learned. I want to be a difference maker. 

So thank you to those who made my EFY experience the best it could be. Thank you to those who are my friends, and who love me for who I am. You make a difference to me.

Richard, me, and my roommate Sierra

Sierra and I playing "pterodactyl"

never postpone a prompting

EFY is finally almost here, and I am beyond excited. I keep checking my list over and over, and yet I still find myself afraid that I may have forgotten something. However, I know I am going to have a great time.

Today was Fast Sunday, and I fasted for EFY. Specifically, that I would be prepared and ready to receive the message God wants me to receive, and that my mind and heart would be open to these things. I'm feeling really good about it. The lesson in Young Women's today really touched me, too. It was mostly about Sabbath Day Observance, but they also touched on a few other things. One of my teachers mentioned a lesson she had a few weeks ago on acting on promptings, and how if we have a thought, we should ask ourselves if at this time, we would normally be having this "thought." She then shared a story about reacting to a prompting after having this lesson.

It was 11pm, and she was climbing into bed, exhausted, when she had the thought to reach out to one of her old friends in California and send her a text. Her first thought was, "Oh, I will call her tomorrow." However, she remembered what she had learned, and in that moment she asked herself if this was something she would normally have thought about. The answer obviously being "no", she got out of bed and texted her friend a short, yet sweet, message.

Almost immediately, her friend, (that she hadn't talked to in forever) responded with gratitude. The friend thanked her for reaching out, and explained that she was having a really bad night, but knowing someone was there for her really helped her. I really liked that story, and I want to start asking myself that question. Is this a thought I would normally be having? 

I know that we are God's instruments. If we have a prompting to do something, or say something, it is an answer to someone else's prayer. In the words of President Thomas S. Monson...

7 ways to prepare yourself for EFY

efy: an acronym for Especially For Youth. Words cannot fully begin to explain how amazing EFY is. In order to have the full effect, you would have to have gone before to understand. It is seriously one of the best things I have ever done, and it is a highlight of my summer. It is basically a week-long "camp", except there is no actual camping. Instead, about 500-600 LDS (Mormon) youth from across the country come and stay on a college campus during the summer. A few of the things that EFY wants people to accomplish are learning more about the gospel, meeting new friends, and overall just having a really fun time.

This summer is going to be my second time attending EFY. Last summer, I attended the 2nd session in San Antonio, Texas. I was a scared (although I tried not to show it), awkward 14-year-old who had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, however, my first year I had a roommate I actually knew! We had requested to be roommates together, and she was a major influence in my wonderful experience there. It was seriously one of the most spiritual, fun, amazing weeks of my life. No joke, I learned so much. However, thinking back, I think it could have been better if I had been more prepared. Keep reading if you're going to attend EFY, too. I'm going to focus on the things that YOU can change about your EFY experience. No, you have no control over what counselor you get, or who is in your company. But you do control some things.

1. Be nice to everyone, and be ready to make friends. It is hands-down one of the easiest ways to make friends, and people definitely notice. I personally like being around people that are nice, and I can bet that a whole lot of other people do, too. It is so weird, but everyone at EFY is just amazing to be around. It is actually pretty refreshing. We all share the same standards, so you don't have to be scared of someone ridiculing you for your beliefs. There are SO many people at EFY, too. Most of them don't know anyone in their company, so we are all basically in the same boat.

2. If you end up having a C.O.W. (who am I kidding, when), don't let that stop you from making other friends. For those of you who aren't familiar with EFY lingo, a C.O.W. stands for Crush Of (the) Week. It is almost inevitable that you will have one. There are a ton of amazing people at EFY who are righteous, friendly, talented, etc. However, I knew a girl last year who had a C.O.W. who she was desperately trying to catch the attention of all week. If he was doing something during free time, she was there. Everywhere. It eventually got to the point where she hadn't really made any other friends, nor had she hung out with a whole lot of other people.

3. Sacrifice some free time to be in the Musical Program! I can easily say it is one of the best things to participate in. It enhanced my experience 10 fold. Something about sharing music with others that really touches the heart...the spirit just really hits you. I know it might be tempting to go hang out with other people, but I think it is worth consideration at least. You don't even have to attend all the practices. Last year I got away with just going on the last day. Oh, AND you get to skip in the lunch line. And who doesn't like getting food first?

4. Be prepared spiritually. I'll be honest with you, last year around this same time I wasn't that good at reading my scriptures everyday, and sometimes I found Sunday School boring. Part of me thought that EFY was going to be like Sunday School except longer. The same awkward silence when the teacher asks a question and no one responds. I was so wrong, though. The teachers there let the spirit speak through them, and the teachers have such a creative, new way to look at principles. I always took a lot of notes.

5. If you feel it is right, bear your testimony on Thursday. There is a reason why the counselors at EFY call Thursday "Pay-Day." One of the reasons has to do with hearing the youth in their company bear their testimony on how EFY has strengthened them. Also, as a girl, I think it's pretty stinkin' cute when a guy has the courage to go up there and truly admit his feelings. Especially his righteous feelings. Even if you don't think there is anything you can say that "stands out" or whatever, I can GUARANTEE to you that out of all the people in that room, someone will find something in your testimony that speaks to them. Just be sincere.

6. Participate. Bring your manual, don't leave it on your bed. Open your scriptures. Take notes. Those teachers say a lot of stuff. A lot of GOOD stuff, too. Participating will help your testimony grow, too. It happened to me last year. I'm looking forward to it happening again.

7. Put God first. God has a plan for you at EFY, even if you don't think He does. I was on the EFY website and I came across a really great video, and there is a really good concept in there. Click here for the video. Basically, when we put God first, we get the "2-for-1" deal. However, if we don't put Him first, we don't get the deal and only get the thing we are focusing on. It's as simple as that. So if we put Him first in both our attitude and mind, and go into EFY wanting to learn what it is He wants us to learn, and serve those He wants us to serve, He will bless us and try to fulfill our desires and wants. He knows what we want, whether it be to meet cute boys (or girls), make a new best friend, or just have a really great time. When we only think of ourselves, we may get what we want, but not the 2-for-1 deal.

Be ready to escape the confinement of your comfort zone a bit, just to have some fun. 

Pray for your company, your counselors, your teachers. Read your scriptures and pray that you will be ready to receive revelation and blessings that can come at EFY. 

SMILE! A smile is one of the greatest accessories. It brightens up a face, and is really attractive on anyone. 

Expect to have a great time, and you will :) 

(Sorry for the long post, props to you if you actually read it all.)

Don't be like this counselor I caught sleeping on the job. On a ping pong table. 

on the horizon: new blog, packing, and EFY!

Hey! I guess now is as good a time as any to introduce myself. I'm Eden, and this is my blog; Worth Saving. Now you may be asking yourself, "Why that title?"

It came from an EFY lesson I learned last year from a wonderful teacher named Sister Alissa Smith. She spoke about how the worth of souls is great, and a few things that specifically stuck out to me were, "God is pleading and begging us to realize we are worth something. We are worth something." That being said, I hope to help others realize that we are ALL worth something in the sight of our Heavenly Father, and he loves all of us. Jesus Christ thought we were all worth saving, and that is why he died for us, so we can be saved through repentance. I'll be writing about experiences of mine, or my thoughts on some things. It is my belief that all the experiences people go through are worth saving. After all, it is those experiences that make up who you are. Hopefully, these stories and experiences of mine are worth something to you, too!

So next Monday I will be having the amazing opportunity to attend San Antonio 02 session of EFY, just like last year. I am SOOOO excited. Words cannot begin to express how much I am looking forward to this chance to go again. Last year was my first year, and it was great. I wish I had written it down, but I plan to have a detailed post about my experience this year. I've found myself spending the last few days reading up on a ton of EFY experiences online, watching Variety Show videos on YouTube, and just continuing to get myself even more excited than I was before. I'm not quite sure yet if I will survive the week. The wait just might kill me. I came up with a few goals for myself, too.

First, be social and branch out. I know a good amount of people going to the same session as me this year (specifically around five), which technically means I could spend the entire week cozy with a circle of familiar friends. However, I am planning on not doing that. I want to branch out and meet as many new people as I can, and build (hopefully) long-lasting friendships. My goal is to help everyone I can feel loved and welcomed. Last year, it was my first year and I was somewhat on the shy side. In only a year, I've blossomed and somewhat cracked the shell of insecurity. I like meeting new people and making new friends!

Second, participate in the Musical Program! Last year, I didn't even try doing any of the extra-curricular type things, like the Musical Program and Variety Show. I just wandered along in a fog-like state. It wasn't until my friend Brayden, who I had met at a Youth Conference earlier that year, told me I should start coming to the practices. So on Wednesday during my free time, a day before the program, I started attending practices. I was too late to audition for any solos, duets, speaking parts, or bearing my testimony, but that was okay. I was still shy and probably would not have tried out anyways. Thankfully, I knew a lot of the songs already, so I was pretty okay with only going to one or two practices. I am SO thankful that Brayden pressured me into participating in the program (even though I later found out he only did it to get candy, which is the reward for recruiting others). It was such a spiritual experience being able to perform in front of all those people and feel the spirit radiating throughout the room. It brought tears to my eyes, which happens a lot when I listen to spiritual music. I want to do that again this year, and I have even recruited a few of my friends! I'm thinking of even trying out for a speaking part. People tell me I have a soothing speaking voice...

Third, bear my testimony!! I didn't bear my testimony last year. I was far too timid to share it in front of all those people, and not only did I feel like my testimony was not adequate enough, but I didn't get any spiritual promptings to get up there. And yet, still, I found myself regretting it afterwards. Throughout the year, I've born my testimony more and more. Not a whole lot, but it's an improvement. It all started after I heard somewhere that testimonies only grow from bearing them. Also, here is one of the quotes that I found last year, which contribute to why I share my testimony more. "Your story is the key that can unlock someone else's prison. Share your testimony." I can't seem to remember who said that, though. Anyways, my hope is always that I might share something that will touch someone else's heart, even if it is in the smallest way. I've found that for me, bearing my testimony on the Savior is when I feel the strongest. I'm looking forward to having the chance to go up and bear my testimony, but I'm scared. My legs tend to shake uncontrollably when I get up to speak, and my heart swells and starts beating like crazy. I always have to pray beforehand for comfort.

Anyways, there are a TON of things I am looking forward to this EFY. Meeting new people, the amazing classes, Musical Program, the college food, building my testimony, and further understanding who I am. Be prepared for more EFY posts even before I've gone. I'm that excited.

Last year at EFY with my former roommate, Bryn (glasses)