oh what a day [or week]

One could say that this was an emotionally draining week before it even started and just proceeded to get worse as it went on. I am glad to say that even though Sunday was a rough day, I'm really glad I was able to go to the fireside given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson. He gave an amazing talk on "Living Well Day by Day" and it was exactly what I needed. Some things that stuck out to me:

• Live each individual day fully and well.
• Carefully consider the goals we make--remind ourselves at the beginning of each day to keep that resolution just for that day; then it will become a habit.
• Be careful to not be discouraged and lose hope as we strive to become more like Christ.
• Hope is an anchor to the souls of men.
• Don't lose hope.
• The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones as we strive to become more like Him.
• "Rejoice in one more day, one more step towards eternal life".
• Seek God daily.

Maura and my mom came to Provo on Tuesday and I was so glad I got to spend so much time with them. Maura got to say bye to all of her friends and it was so sweet to see how many people would miss her while she was gone on her mission. Tuesday night, all of the siblings here and Mom went to dinner and just hung out at Ian and Katie's for a while which was nice to just be together. 

After work Wednesday morning, we went to Cafe Rio for lunch before dropping Maura off at the MTC to go off to RUSSIA and as good as it was, I don't think anyone was really that hungry, especially Maura. We said our tearful goodbyes to Maura and sent her off into the building. It was so weird to watch her go, knowing I won't see her for a year and a half, but I am so excited for her! The people of Russia aren't going to know what hit them, in a really good way. The hardest part for me is that Maura has been my best friend here at school and so it seems like there is this big, gaping hole in my life. Before we were even out of the MTC parking lot, I was already reaching for my phone to text her something funny that had just happened. That's going to be a huge struggle, not having her right there with me in the library, or at her townhouse, or eating with me. So thank you Dear Elder for being so readily available for me. Everyone write Mojay! Her mailbox number is 170.