Sentimentalities and Conclusions.

This year's been a wonderful year, especially in terms of travel. I started out exactly year ago at this time by visiting California for the first time. It was my first time at the Pacific Ocean, Disneyland and Hollywood. The trip was absolute perfection and I'm so happy I got to do it with these wonderful people:

Tower of Terror: Best Ride at Disneyland

And then I came back and moved into the best ward of my life. Had a great school year involving my favorite roommates, new friends all around, several road trips to Goblin Valley and St. George, loads of fun in Provo. I felt contentment with my major, happiness with who I am, and excitement about where I'm going in my life. Then, school ended and with it brought the ultimate college road trip: Hawaii. 

I don't know if I ever blogged about Hawaii, but we did so many fun things. We snorkeled, ate food from the Gods, spent many hours tanning & swimming in the ocean, cliff jumped, hiked like crazy, and became better friends than ever before. Making the decision to spend $250 on a plane ticket to get there was probably the best spontaneous decision I've ever made. 

Just when I thought summer couldn't get any better, I left for this study abroad. It was the most life changing, eye opening, and spiritual growing thing I've ever experienced. I met friends who changed me and influenced my thinking, I met professors who enlightened my mind, I met locals who broadened my views of humanity, and I met church members who inspired me to be more devoted. As I'm sitting here remembering my trip, my heart aches and yearns to go back. All my life, I hope I can cherish the memories of this trip and remember the six weeks where I fell in love with the UK.

On the beautiful coasts of Ireland

Our group in Wales

Visiting church history sites

Our lovely group at Stonehenge

Jane Austen's house

Our primary class!

Our grandma from our London ward, Emma. 

My main girls and myself at Stonehenge. 

All in all, this last year has easily been the best year of my life. I have met so many people that have changed who I am. I consider myself a lucky and blessed girl to be able to do all of these things and visit all of these wonderful places. I know that when I look back on my college years, I will count these experiences as some of the most influential and shaping experiences of my life.

PS...don't worry, I haven't forgotten to blog about Scotland. That post is coming next.