Life in the BYU-Idaho Married Student 9th Ward.... or something to that effect.

I am PRETTY sure that is the correct name of our ward.

But there are a lot of components to that. And it has changed a couple times.

The point is, we live in an apartment complex that is just for married students. And so is the ward. Which means our wonderful ward is all snuggly gathered in buildings 8 through 14.

Which I think is AWESOME.

And so I feel like blogging about it a bit. It won't be clever or witty or even amusing necessarily. Just some simple thoughts :) I figured I should start being okay with less-than-stellar blog posts if I actually am going to have a chance at blogging regularly with all the exciting craziness coming up soon here.

So, let the imperfection and blah-ness acceptance begin!!!

When we first moved in, we were a bit... reclusive.

But over the past year, it has been AMAZING to see how welcoming this ward is. Even though it is quite turbulent due to the fact that each 4 months the old semester ends, the new one starts, and a TON of families move out, and new ones come to take their place... it is pretty darn impressive how tight knit things can get in a short amount of time.

Visiting/home teaching is a pretty big deal here. And it works miracles! It certainly has in my life. Talk about an amazing network for blessings: You receive simple service and friendship FROM others, which inspires you to then be that person FOR others. And the love just FLOWS.

Lately with all the families moving out, we have had so many opportunities to serve! And hopefully more will come as families start moving in this weekend.

As far as callings go, it didn't take too long before our meager musical abilities became known, and we were called as the ward organist and choir pianist (Austin being the first, and I the latter).

Ahahaha that was an interesting moment, seeing as Austin had never actually before even PLAYED the organ. At first it was extremely stressful for him. But now he loves it, and is getting VERY good at it.

I have absolutely love being the choir pianist... even though for a good chunk of time we didn't actually have a conductor. Yeah, that was interesting. But we still managed to have some wonderful experiences :) And NOW, things are really getting pulled together! I am learning new songs left and right, and I am so excited that this coming semesters I am taking piano lessons. I think it will help me magnify my calling.

Well, CALLING(S), actually.

Because I have since also been called as the primary pianist as well as the relief society pianist hahaha Sometimes people will ask if it seems too crazy/stressful. Not at all! I absolutely love it. First of all, the kids in primary are just so darn cute and funny. Not to mention, they really test my skills when it comes time for one of them to signal us to sing faster/slower by holding up the rabbit/tortise signs. Or louder/softer with the lion/mouse signs. OR when they want to sing "head, shoulders, knees, and toes," faster and faster and faster....

Needless to say, it gets interesting :) But I really do love it so much. Not to mention, it helped me to get out of my stage of "I'm not feeling 100%, so maybe I won't go to church today, or maybe I'll leave early." As sad as I am to admit that I was actually IN that stage for quite a long period of time, having a calling for each of the three meetings got me to really stick to BEING there. And now, I am super bummed out if for some reason I don't get to go! Callings truly are inspired by the Lord. He knows what we need. Even if it is in the form of a musical kick in the bum.

We are probably going to be sticking around Rexburg for at least 4 more years. And very likely going to stay in this very same apartment. Seeing the way this ward can become like a family in just one year, I am just so stinkin' excited to stick around and see things grow and evolve and be able to spread the love!

Hmmm... that's all :)