Settling In.

We have now been living in the beautiful town of Manti for over three weeks. I love it here! The spirit is so strong here, its impossible to escape (not that I would want to). My favorite part is when we are driving back from Ephraim at night and the temple is all light up. I don't think I could ever describe anything more beautiful. That long drive back home is just so peaceful, I love that you can see it from so far away. Its like it pulls you in. How great it is to be in a town where the temple is a beacon to the whole town. I am truly in love. Speaking of love, I have regrettably fallen deeply in love with Miller's Doughnuts. They are so good and it is so hard not to eat one when you smell them ALL day. I am getting soooo out of shape. But its time to get healthy again. I plan to go running at least every other night and... no matter how hard it is... resist the temptation to eat a custard filled chocolate bismark doughnut each morning.

I am LOVING my job at the school. Its amazing the difference you can have when you are working with the kids one-on-one. They gave me a key to the school! I feel so old and so much closer to my goal of someday become a teacher. I get to the school earlier than the other teachers (7:00) so that I can tutor this little girl named "Ashley" before school starts. Its really hard to get up that early but this is something I really believe in and enjoy. I love getting there early and setting up my stuff and my treat basket and reading and getting ready for the day. I can't wait to someday have a classroom of my OWN! I am so grateful for this experience because it give me a closer look at the school system and more importantly the KIDS! Oh how I love children. Every day before I leave I go either play a little four square or some jump rope just to see their smiling faces. Who wouldn't want to be around children all day!? Its the best job in the world! 

As you can tell by the pictures, Jackie's parents came to visit. They stayed the whole week and it was really fun. We always went on little walks around the neighborhood scoping out houses for Adam and Jessica (Jackie's older sister). We actually ate REAL food. (The kind that me and jackie can't afford!) It was scrumptious and I'm glad that jackie got to see her family. I know she misses them often. I just love this town! I don't think I could say it enough. I love the smell the sounds the people and my roommate! It is so much different from being at home. Im always HAPPY. And there is no bad things going on at home or around me. Mmm. Its just peaceful. I might stay here forever.