Belated Letter

A couple days ago I got a note from an old friend of mine in the mail. We've known each other since our early elementary days. On the front was a sticky note saying that she had written the note a long time ago, and thought I might enjoy it. It read:

"Ashley:

I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful example you are to me. You are always smiling, have a positive attitude, are so outgoing, and there to cheer up anyone who isn't feeling so great. You are the type of person I hope to be like someday. I appreciate your Savior-like example. Thanks again,

Amanda Nicoll" [now Kelsch]

The note was dated Dec 29, 2000- when we were 14. I had so many thoughts going through my head. First, it seemed perfectly Amanda-like to be thoughtful enough to write something so sweet. Secondly I thought how I felt very un-outgoing. (This is the girl who had heart palpitations every time I had to order at a drive-thru window). And thirdly I thought that Heavenly Father must have known that I might need that note more when I was 24 years old, then 14.

Thanks, Mana, you are the person I hope to be like someday.

Dear Georgia...

Dear Georgia,

It has been a year ago this month that I left your red soil and planted my feet at home. However, when I did so, it was difficult to tell whether I had just arrived at home, or just left. I often still think of you, miss you, and pray for you. I feel that I have a wealth of overdue gratitude I owe you...

To Miss Elizabeth, who stood behind the first door I knocked on, may God bless you for your kindness to one very frightened missionary. To Aldora, what must surely be the smallest area in missionary history, may you become the ward that President hoped for. To patient companions, who became lifelong friends, may you continue to teach and love me as you have done so much already. To the lady in Jackson who made me my first Pecan pie, may you ever bless this earth with something as Heavenly as that. To Ward Mission Leaders and Bishoprics, who invited me into their PEC's and heralded our work regardless of how great or small, may you continue to show faith in incompetent missionaries. To members in every area, who came on last minute team-ups to face only dodged appointments and still went away smiling, may you be blessed with success for your efforts. To the dear Tingen family, who didn't murder me when I broke their vacuum, may the flowers we planted continue to be the only ones left blooming. To the Sharpsburg ward, who made a green missionary feel like I walked on water, continue to feel the fire of missionary work. To my dear friend Janae, who wrote me religiously for 18 1/2 months, may you continue to inspire and bless those who know you as you've done me. To Angela and Tasha, with whom I had the chance to share many sacred moments, may you remember how much the Lord needs you, and you need Him. To miracles, which appeared on a most consistent and almost daily basis, may you continue to help missionaries remember why they serve. To Bro. Morris, a most prepared, God-fearing, and ever-generous man, may you always help me feel like I'm your granddaughter. To the seven compassionate people, who are a small representation of all Georgians, continue to offer the girls in skirts a ride in the rain. To Cedartown, where I could only serve for six precious weeks, continue to have the lasting impression on missionaries which you have had on me. To the less-active woman who taught me how to get the honey from a honeysuckle, may you continue to show kindness to the full-time missionaries and recognize the happiness missing in your life. To the Jonesboro stake, where I spent about 14 months of my mission, may you continue to grow and prosper. To the Christlike Perdue family, with whom I spent so much time but who are not yet baptized, may you feel the Spirit's urge prompting you to realize the need for Priesthood authority. To the city of Rome, who taught me more about the Lord's Atonement than any other experience, continue to be a teaching ground to young sisters and elders. To the talented McNeals who took a leap of faith in baptism, continue to feel the same excitement over the Book of Mormon that you once did. To the many, many people, who showed me by love, example, and charity what it truly means to be a Christian, may you be part of the prophecy's fulfillment, for a million members in the South.

And to the beautiful red soil, upon which I will always long to walk, may you continue to be as sacred to me as any holy ground.

With tender love and fondness,

Sister Rodgers

Oh, and to the man with the pet squirrels, may you find it in your heart to release the helpless rodents.

Quote of the Day

Sam (to John): "Are you Mormon?"

[no answer]

Sam: "Do you believe in Joseph Smith?"

John: "Yes"

Sam: "Then you're Mormon."

I love teaching in Utah.

Another related quote happened last week while we were talking about migration:

Me: "So how do you think our ancestors got here?"

class: "On a boat!"

Student: "Maybe they walked on the water!"

Trey: (very emphatically) Not uh!!!! Only Jesus can walk on water! Only Jesus!!! :)

AFRICA!!

I think its a life-long dream come true!

However, I believe this post should have more to do with Heavenly Father's love, and less to do with Africa. When I was home last Christmas break, I was reading Pres. Monson's biography. I was impressed by all that this great man has accomplished. Married with a family, he was bishop at 22, Stake President at 26, and a mission president about 10 years later. It caused some serious reflection on my own life. Single, 24, financially stable, and with few responsibilities, what was I doing? (the answer: nothing :) ) My prayers began to seek a way that I could serve, to do something useful or to be used in some way. I had no idea where to begin. Shortly after I returned to school, a friend that I teach with, Sarah, told me that she had applied to go to Africa with a group called HELP International. They go every summer and conduct a variety of projects, headed by a project lead and assisted by a team of young people. Many of their projects are educational and focus on teacher-training in the schools. After hearing that, I was hooked. I applied, and was just accepted today. I feel grateful for such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And I am especially grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who hears the prayers of His children.

I am going to Mbale, Uganda, and leave in early June.

All donations accepted :)

"Cain't Get a Man with a Gun..."

Who am I kidding? I can't get one without a gun either! But here are a few pictures of our day off on Monday. I went shooting with a couple friends in the ward (Eve and Darrell) and slept, went sledding, avoided schoolwork at all costs, and went to lunch with the roomies. :) Couldn't think of a better day off!

Me, Eve, Darrell

This is a picture of Darrell's roommate. The night before he had creamed me at the game sequence, so he sent Darrell off with his picture so I could use it for target practice and get out all my frustrations. I did.

I'm dangerous. (literally)

If I look like I don't know what I'm doing, its because I don't.

I'm excited. (Yes, Carol Ann, that's your vest...)

(And no, Cade, I'm not going to marry someone who could be your shooting buddy... )

The last time I went shooting, it ended in 6 stitches, so I'd say this one was an overall success! Thanks Eve and Darrell for letting me come!

I Dream of Georgia...

Today was a great day. My last companion who was still in the field got home this week. Sister Gardner and I went to hear her speak and she did a great job. Hearing her talk about GA and sharing some experiences that happened while I was with her, made me miss being a missionary! It had its own challenges for sure, but it was nice to have only one thing to be concerned with: sharing the gospel.

Sister Gardner is the one on the right, and Sister Aylett is in the middle.

Why Blog?

I have always thought of blogging as a married person thing. I never really thought I would start one until later down the road, but I've come to the conclusion that there are better reasons to have one, than not. Here are 3 of them:

1) The number one reason for starting my blog is because I think it will help me to stay in touch with my family. Living a state away, I want a way to feel connected and keep them updated on what I'm doing. (I'm also sure I'll look at their blogs more often if I have one :)) Here's one to you guys!

2) I like to write. Its a little known fact, really. But when I was in 3rd grade, Miss Pew read part of my squiggle story aloud and said I was a good writer. I think that left an impression.

3) People often ask me what latest funny thing my 1st grade students have said or done. I've started keeping a google document so I can remember them. A blog seemed like a great way to share some of those things (with names changed, of course). Hence, the title of the blog.

I apologize in advance for the lack of pictures you will see here. I know blogs aren't very interesting without pictures, but I don't take very many. I'll do my best! Thank you all for your love and care. I know that my life is filled with many compassionate individuals who mean a lot to me.