First names, pants, and boys.

It's been a year.

There are very few people who still call me "Sister Hamilton." I'm really good at wearing pants (see my first post after I got home...pants were a struggle for awhile). And boys. Well, that's still a struggle.

Sister Hamilton's journal - March 21, 2015
Quarantine. ...Because of the meningitis outbreak on campus, we all have to stay in our apartments for the next week! We can't even go to church, and we had to cancel all of our appointments. They are bringing us a pill that will kill the bacteria if its in us. ... I'll get the pill and then they'll let me go home. ... It's like my mission just ended without warning. 

My heart broke that day. It was really hard. I cried. A lot. But I also recorded in my journal some really cool answers to prayers I got that day. God is so good.

We ended up getting permission to go to church as long as we didn't touch anyone (but let's be real...it was my last day in the field so there was plenty of hugging). And that's the last time I saw Tabsie.

Exactly a year after that last Sunday, I drove to Brigham City to see Tabatha and Drew sealed for time & eternity. My heart. Gosh, I don't even know how to write about how I felt on Tuesday. It was perfect.

Tabatha got baptized my last transfer, and Drew was my ward mission leader. They started dating soon after her baptism and were married last summer. He is the best fellowshipper <3 I love them.

It was fun to see some other Eugene people at the sealing, too! They still call me Sister Hamilton sometimes, and I love them for that.

I still hold to the comment I made in last year's blog post:

It was the best 18 months of my life. But this is going to be the best 18 months of my life, too. I figure as long as you are exactly where the Lord wants you to be, every 18 months can be the best. So here's to the next 18 months and whatever they might bring.

Life is Good

Last night (let's be real it was 1 a.m,) This morning, I laid in bed and wrote the perfect blog post expressing all my thoughts and feelings perfectly. Unfortunately, I only wrote it in my head. I considered getting out of bed and actually writing it down. It's not like I was sleeping (I was on a life-is-too-good-to-sleep high) so I gave it true consideration. But then the so-called "logical" part of me decided it was ridiculous to blog at 1 a.m. on a Thursday. No body should be awake at 1 a.m. on a Thursday. I decided I would just commit the whole post to memory. I'm sure you can guess just how well that worked now that it is 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

So instead of the eloquently drafted 1 a.m. version, you get this.
I love my life and here are a few reasons why:

1. Lauren is going on a mission. HOW THE HECK DO I EXPRESS MY FEELINGS ON THIS? It just makes me want to explode with happiness because I can tell that she is about to explode with happiness. Lauren has made a big impact on my life. A big impact on my testimony. She's on my list of heroes. Do you think if I beg her enough she'll do a guest post on my blog? *fingers crossed*
2. Heavenly Father reminded me how small and simple things can bring about great things. A friend from Eugene reached out and wants to get involved with the ward there. It's the best feeling. I love nothing more than when He let's me catch a glimpse of His love for someone.
3. My roommates are the greatest.
4. I accidentally got assigned two sets of home teachers. I'm pretty sure it's karma for being a brat about home teaching pre-mish.  (...it's a long story).
5. FaceTime with the nephews is quite possibly my favorite thing. They even let me play hide 'n seek with them. Technology. Love it.
6. My ward. I like them. Sometimes they like to play the "Will-Lisa-fit-in-this?" game. I'm good at fitting in smallish suitcases, in case you wondered. 
7. I eat chocolate chip pancakes at least once a day. How can you not love your life when you eat chocolate chip pancakes daily? Just don't tell my boss. She's trying to turn me vegan.
8. TedTalks. I'm obsessed. 
9. The BYU Library...I love that place. I have to pass it twice a day, and I stop in often. There are SO MANY books to read.
10. Sweatpants. Because every good life needs a little comfy.

Reunion: They Were All in PANTS.

I walked into the gym, not sure what to expect. It had rained all day (fitting for the day of an Oregon mission reunion, don't you think?) so they moved the reunion inside. I was happy about that, because the outside plan was sports. Now all I'd have to do is stand around and make conversation and eat snacks. I could do that. Still, when we pulled into the parking lot I said a little prayer that I could be brave. Sometimes I turn shy, but that's not how I had been on the mission and it's not how I wanted to be now, here with all my favorite returned missionaries. As I entered the room, I heard someone running full force...at me. Sister Adair pulled back last minute (deciding tackling me to the ground may be a bit extreme) and wrapped me in a hug. And there it was: the answer to my prayer. I could be brave now. When you feel loved and safe, you can do anything.

I love these people. Even when they wear pants, although I do miss the skirts and tags.

Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the pick-me-up-and-spin-me-around hugs. Thank you for the love. Thank you for the high compliment, P Young. Thank you.