Anything but Normal

Have you ever come to a point in your life when you thought, "yes... I am a normal person!" ? Me either ;) But I never have thought that I was beyond the norm of what we call 'special'. However, I do have a story for you:
Once upon a time, I went with my sister to a hairstylist where she got her hair cut and colored and I got myself a nice little trim. At the end of our visit, we got in the car, and I began looking in the mirror at my bangs. Now, I had been onto something for many months now, but it wasn't until this moment that it became completely obvious to me. I have a crooked nose. Yes. Yes, I do. To be frank, I think this is quite funny! So in the moment, I began making a 'big deal' about it with my older sister, and we laughed about it much. Eventually we got home, and I felt the need the tell my mother about this. Here is the best part: Lo and behold, my own mother had noticed this long before me!!! (and I mean YEARS before me.) AND she never told me!!! What a life I live :)
I could have handled this in two ways: I could have become totally self-conscious about myself and my funny nose, and from then on acted completely (truly-- not pretending) awkward when taking pictures. OR, I could find the true humor in this and make it my best attribute ;) Okay, not really-- it could never be my best attribute. But I have chosen the later of the two options. I have accepted the fact that, yes, my nose is crooked! So what?! What if in the future a potential husband notices it and then dumps me? So what?! That would just prove how shallow he is, and I would move on to someone better that would love me and my nose :D
So as you go forth in life and become aware of little funny things that are not normal with you (who knows, you may be perfect;), do not fret! You are not alone! But all-in-all, we are all beautiful. Our bodies are wonderful creations given to us by the Almighty God, even our Father in Heaven. None of us, NONE of us have the right to go around putting down others for their flaws. It is our duty to lift others up, and recognize the beauty that everyone has.
You are beautiful. Have a beautiful day!

Hope Enough For Two

This is the video I have been trying to post for MONTHS! Finally, I just ended up creating a youtube account (under the influence of friends ;) and put the video on there so I could link it here, ha. What a process! I hope you like it :)

Virgin Snow

Looking out at the vastness of white

Snow had fallen throughout the night

Footprints in the virgin snow

From whom they come I do not know

(portion from Virgin Snow by Jim O'Donnell)

Once Upon A Mexico

Over Christmas Break, I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Mexico with a group called Builders Without Borders to build homes for members of the church in Tecate. I went along with my father, younger brother, and younger sister. I went to Mexico a couple years ago to do the exact same thing, so I was extremely excited to go back!!!
There is a family in Mexico that I became very close with the last time I went to Mexico (I helped build their home), and the family actually came to help us build homes this time!!! I was so, so, so happy :) The person that I am closest with in the family is named Francisco. Francisco and I ... we are so close :) While building homes, I would help Francisco with his English (which is coming along super great!) and he would help me with my Spanish in return (which still has a looooooong ways to go!)
Our group was able to build 3 homes, repair a few roofs, visit a couple orphanages, help at a food shelter, and do other types of service for the people in Tecate as well as Tijuana. I love the people there. They are always so kind, and I could feel the spirit so strong with every member of the Church that I came in contact with. I pray that I will be able to continue going back to Mexico to do this type of service for as long as possible! Worth every penny for the travel and building expenses. Life changing experience.
So here are only a few of the pictures that I took when in Mexico. Out of the 333 pictures I took, these may not be the best ones, but they protray enough of the trip to satisfy me :) Enjoy!

I Have A Life

It has been a while, yeah? From Christmas to building homes in Mexico, and from dancing a lot to having fun as an RA, my life has been pretty fun.... and full :) For weeks I have been telling myself, "Rachel, today is the day that you will finally catch up on your blog!" Did it happen? No. Do I regret it? Strangely, no. Due to my "slacking" when it comes to posting on my blog, I have been able to use that time to do other things that I enjoy. I will continue to blog, but I have decided that it really isn't going to be something I stress over... I may get in a habit of blogging daily... weekly.... monthly... but I'm not going to stress over it like I used to.
Anyway, I hope that whoever actually reads my blog will continue to read it and comment, because it is nice to know that people care :) I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!!! You're wonderful :)