Have Courage and Be Kind

So it's been a little minute since I last posted in this blog, (2 years counts as a little minute, right?) but I've had some thoughts today that I kind of wanted to share. So, I'm dusting off the blog for what could end up being the only time for two more years so I can share a little bit of Cassie Crane's philosophies on life; for whoever cares to read about them.

A small story for you:

This morning I was the unfortunate recipient of a very nasty text message. It was both incredibly mean and extremely explicit. It was, at least in my opinion, very uncalled for and was a little bit of a shock to read. Now before anyone gets too worked up about this (Mom...) let me assure you that I am totally fine.  This text did not come from someone that I know very well, or whose opinion I really care about at all. Fortunately for me, I have enough self-confidence to not let something like this affect how I feel about myself. I also have enough self-respect to recognize that a person who would say these types of things to me is not someone that I want to associate with, and doesn't deserve to be a part of my life. After reading it, I thought the words would ring in my ears all day long. But here I am, not even 24 hours later, and I honestly can't even remember exactly what it said. That's how little it meant to me, and how easily I was able to - as my best friend T Swift would say - shake it off.

The issue that I had with receiving this text this morning was not that I was offended or hurt by it, but more that it was a very real illustration of the way of our world right now. It honestly blew my mind that someone could say such terrible things to another human being. And, unfortunately, we all know that this isn't a rare occurrence. People can be so awful to each other, and it's something that I really take issue with.

I once heard a quote that said something like "treat everyone as if they are going through a crisis...." and it has definitely stuck with me. That's something that is constantly in the back of my mind. Now, before I get into this too much, let me just assure that I am, in fact, not perfect. I'm sure I have offended plenty of people in my life, and have said more unkind things than I want to admit. But being genuinely kind to everyone that I come in contact with is really important to me, and something that I am always working on. The fact is, everyone we interact with just might be going through a crisis at that time. And who are we to make things even worse for them?

Maybe that person who parked crooked and is taking up three spots in the Target parking lot is an arrogant jerk who doesn't care about inconveniencing other people....or maybe his little girl is really sick and he's in a rush to get back home to her with some medicine and chocolate milk. So maybe don't leave a rude note on his car telling him to learn how to park. Maybe your less-than-friendly waitress is rude and can't be bothered with coming back to refill your drinks....or maybe she is suffering from severe depression and it took everything in her to even get out of bed this morning. So maybe don't stiff her on the tip tonight. Maybe that customer service representative is really clueless and not helpful....or maybe she's going through a divorce and can't fully focus on work right now. So maybe don't freak out on her. Maybe someone just lost their mom, or their job, or even just their car keys. The point is, there's no way for us to know the life and the stories of everyone we interact with, so isn't it better to err on the side of building people up, rather than making things worse for them. Even if someone is having an absolutely fantastic day, why would anyone want to be the person that ruins that for them? With all of the awful things that happen in this world, the least we could do is help each other through it by showing a little more kindness and human decency.



One of President Thomas S. Monson's most recent General Conference addresses is titled "Kindness, Charity, and Love." His talk only lasted 4 minutes and 4 seconds, but he chose to spend that short time encouraging us to be kind and loving to one another.  I think that speaks to how strongly both he, and God, feel about how we treat the people that we interact with. 

"Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes."

This is the mantra that I try to live my life by...... closely followed by "Shake it Off"

Until We Meet Again

I was fortunate enough to grow up very close to my grandparents - both in physical distance, and in my relationship with them. So when I got the call last Sunday that my sweet grandpa had passed away, my mind immediately started to fill with thoughts of him and memories that we had shared together. I have continued to have these thoughts and recollections every day since then. However, when I was given the opportunity to say something about my grandpa at his burial on Monday, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep my emotions in check long enough to speak without falling apart - let alone form any of my memories and feelings into a coherent thought. So despite how many things I could have said, and how much I wanted to pay my respects in that way, I opted out of saying anything. Since then, I have decided that I really would like to share some of my memories and express my feelings about my grandpa, if for no other reason than it feeling therapeutic for me as I cope with his absence. I have always felt more comfortable with writing than with public speaking, so despite my keyboard being blurry from the tears in my eyes, I think that blogging will be the easiest way for me to do this.

My grandpa, Keith Keller Crane, was an incredible man. I so enjoyed listening to friends and family talk about their relationships and interactions with him at his funeral on Monday; and learning more and more about the type of person that he was. He impacted so many people in his lifetime, and had a way of making everyone feel important and loved. From his military service, to his mission, to his family, friends, and neighbors, he touched a lot of people's lives - and mine was definitely one of them. I will forever be grateful to my parents for moving us back to Burley, Idaho, because it allowed me the blessing of having my grandparents be a prominent presence in my childhood. I am lucky to have memories of my grandpa in every setting at every stage of my life. Here are a few things that I remember....

I remember 4-wheeler and motorcycle rides with all of the kids piled on and holding tight. I remember picking cherries, and how impressed he always seemed to be with how many buckets we were able to fill. I remember tumbling rocks and learning about arrowheads. I remember how crafty he was with fixing things in his shop - and how I would play with magnets or the rubber mallet while he worked on actual projects. I remember him constantly trying to convince me that "el nice-o" was real Spanish for when you thought something was nice. I remember him teaching me how to say things in Danish like the tricky code phrase "red porridge with cream on" or how to count to ten. I remember his loud, joyful laugh. I remember spending lots of time at the table with him, eating all of our favorite Grandma treats. I remember him acting upset when Grandma would give me some of "his" ice cream. I remember him being at every birthday party, and always leading the singing of "Happy Birthday" with both arms waving in the air. I remember how impressed he would be anytime I played him a song on the piano - followed by him trying to impress me by playing his famous rendition of "What a funny mule, walking into school." I remember catching squirrels and scaring birds out of the fruit trees. I remember his bone-crushing handshakes that I would always squeal and try to wriggle out of. I remember how much he loved Grandma. I remember the day he came to show his Indian artifacts to my first-grade class, and how proud I was to tell everyone that he was my grandpa. I remember watching picture slides while sitting on the pool table in the basement. I remember his countless stories, and the way I hung to every word - even when I had heard the story a hundred times before. I remember his big hugs and big smiles. I remember him always telling me that I was beautiful, and being proud of me for everything that I did.

I remember the day that I found out about his stroke, and how naively optimistic I had been that he would be out of the hospital and back to life as usual in a week or two. I remember the first time I visited him after his stroke and that optimism quickly fading. I remember crying when I realized that I would never hear him be able to speak clearly enough to tell a story again. I remember feeling heartbroken that my future husband and children would never know him the way that I did. I remember the way that he stayed loving and optimistic despite being unable to communicate clearly or take care of himself. I remember him lighting up every time I went to visit him. I remember the day he almost came back to himself while talking to Grandma on the phone, and spoke more clearly than he had in months. I remember somehow being able to understand what he was trying to say despite him not being able to say actual words. I remember laughing until I was crying at his 90th birthday party when he couldn't finish his food, and then marveled at the way Mitch kept going back for more.  I remember holding his hand and kissing his cheek and always praying that it wouldn't be the last time. I remember how frustrated he was with his situation and how desperately he wanted to move on. I remember learning that he had passed away and feeling so happy for him, despite how sad I was for myself. I remember driving home that night and once again thinking of my future children and how they would miss out on ever knowing my wonderful grandpa. I remember in that instant, having the clearest realization that he was with them now. I remember feeling that he was being introduced to my children at that very moment, and that he was bragging about me to them just like he always seemed to be doing while he was here. I remember the incredible comfort that brought me, and the new appreciation for the Plan of Salvation that I gained that night.

I will forever be grateful for my grandpa and the influence that he was on my life. He always made me feel important and special, and supported me in everything that I did. He taught me so much and I know that I owe so much of who I am today to him. I will also be forever grateful to know that when we say goodbye on earth, we are not saying goodbye forever. I know that I will see my grandpa again soon, and that he will be so much happier and healthier than he was the last time I saw him. He will greet me with a big smile and a big hug, and then will sit me down to tell me, once again, what it was like to be a missionary in Denmark or a serviceman in WWII. I can't wait for that day!

I love you Grandpa.

"In light of what we know about our eternal destiny, is it any wonder that whenever we face the bitter endings of life, they seem unacceptable to us? There seems to be something inside of us that resists endings. Why is this? Because we are made of the stuff of eternity. We are eternal beings, children of the Almighty God, whose name is Endless and who promises eternal blessings without number. Endings are not our destiny. The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions - temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful. How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings."

-Dieter F Uchtdorf

For Lex...

Four weeks ago today, my baby sister handed herself over to The Lord to serve an eighteen month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As unbelievably hard as it is to not be able to see or talk to my best friend every day, I am so incredibly proud of this decision that she has made. She is significantly more mature than most girls her age and her spiritual maturity rivals that of people much older and more experienced than she is. I have no doubt that this is where she is supposed to be and that she will do great things. Though I believe the same things that she does, I am not too prideful to admit that my little sister is a great deal more selfless and brave than I am - which is part of why she is currently on a mission and I'm not. I am, however, embarrassed to admit that I very rarely take the opportunity to talk about the one thing that means the very most to me in my life: my religion. So, in honor of Lexi going out on a limb and sharing her faith with everyone that she comes in contact with for the next eighteen months, I am going to go out on a limb and share a little bit of my faith with whoever happens to be reading this blog post. 

A little over two months ago, I had the opportunity to go through the temple for the first time and receive my endowments. This is a major step for someone in the LDS church and brings with it increased responsibility, knowledge, and blessings. For someone my age who is neither going on a mission nor getting married any time in the near future, this was a little unorthodox. I received very mixed responses from people that I discussed the idea with but, ultimately, I knew that this was a decision that was between my Heavenly Father and myself. And I knew we were on the same page. I can say now that this was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my life, and I will never regret choosing to go when I did. Going through the temple gave me a renewed sense of faith and purpose, and really changed my perspective on a lot of things. 

As with any religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has many different aspects to it. We believe in many doctrines and principles which ultimately all intertwine. It would take me hours and hours to explain in full everything that I believe in and feel strongly about, so I'm not going to do that. Instead I just want to share my testimony of those simple but beautiful things which I know to be true. The greatest of which is that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me more than I will every comprehend. Everything else that I believe follows because of this one truth. Because He loves us, He gave us families to help us through this life. Because He loves us, He created the Plan of Salvation which allows us to be with our families for all eternity - not just this life. Because He loves us, He has given us commandments to live by so that we can return to live with Him. Because He loves us, He sent His son to suffer and die for us so that we could be given the opportunity to repent when we inevitably make mistakes. Because He loves us, He has given us the ability to talk to Him anytime about anything; knowing that we will have His undivided attention. Because He loves us, He has given us scriptures, church leaders, temples, and living prophets to help guide us on our way back to Him. I truly can't comprehend the kind of love that Heavenly Father has for each of His children, but I am so grateful for it. 

I feel so blessed to be a member of this church and to have the faith that I do. With all of the craziness in this world, and all of the controversies happening both in and around the LDS church, I have been so grateful to see my faith be strengthened while the faith of so much of the world is weakening. Within the last few months, I have had countless moments and experiences that have cemented in my mind even more that this life has a purpose, and that we have not been left alone to make it through and find that purpose. Our Heavenly Father loves us without measure and without condition, and He wants nothing more than to see us succeed. What a blessing!

"Beyond comprehension, brothers and sisters, is the love of God for us. Because of this love, He sent His son, who loved us enough to give His life for us, that we might have eternal life. As we come to understand this incomparable gift, our hearts will be filled with love for our Eternal Father, for our Savior, and for all mankind."

-President Thomas S Monson

Hey You Kids....

As some of you probably know, my current job involves a whole lot of interaction with high school kids. I spend around an hour a day, almost every day, in the middle of the high school lunch scene....and it sure is entertaining. High schoolers are definitely a different breed of people. I have a lot of fun talking to these kids every day and watching and listening to them interact with each other but, I would be lying if I said I didn't want to just shake them sometimes. I am, by no means, an expert on anything, but I do think that I have learned a LOT in the almost four years since I graduated from high school. I definitely have a different perspective on things than I used to. I've started finding myself feeling like a mom or a guidance counselor who wants to just sit these kids down and tell them what's really important in life. So, with all that said, here is a list of 50 things I would tell high school Cassie and/or tell the kids that I interact with every day if I knew they wouldn't look at me like I'm a crazy person.

1. If someone tries to give you advice, don't look at them like they are a crazy person.
2. Be confident in who you are. The way you are.
3. There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness. So get your nose out of the air and slow down on the selfies.
4. There are much more important things to do in life than be the Homecoming queen....or even the Valedictorian.
5. Make friends with your teachers.
6. Take school seriously, but don't make yourself miserable.
7. Incessant swearing is not cool and will actually be a turn-off to most future admissions departments, professors, employers, and really anyone important.
8. Your parents do,  in fact, know what they are talking about.
9. Don't judge people before you know them. Just don't.
10. The number of people you kiss, date, etc. is not a competition. Don't treat it like one.
11. Your social status in high school will mean nothing after graduation.
12. Spend lots of time with your family.
13. Never ever let anyone else dictate your happiness.
14. Go to football games.
15. Don't be afraid to spend time by yourself.
16. You will never be so superior to someone that you no longer have to be nice.
17. If you haven't already, learn proper spelling and grammar. It's arguably the most important thing you will learn in school.
18. Get involved and be well-rounded.
19. Thank your parents for all the little things they do for you.
20. You won't get what you don't ask for. (and it's better to ask for yourself than having your friend ask for you)
21. Find something to believe in.
22. The brand of your clothes, the people you hang out with, the model of your car, and the number of  "likes" you get on Facebook do not make you any better or any worse than anyone else.
23. Don't be a drama queen.
24. Don't change yourself for anyone.
25. Wear clothes that fit you.
26. Choose to see the good in everyone.
27. Ask people about themselves and then LISTEN.
28. Don't burn bridges.
29. Be present.
30. Say "please" and "thank you."
31. Embrace your weirdness.
32. Boys are dumb. Girls are crazy. Don't let members of the opposite sex get to you too much.
33. Go to the movies with your mom.
34. Stand up for what you believe in - no matter how uncool.
35. Live in the moment, but look toward the future.
36. Go on a road trip with your friends.
37. Stop saying rude things about other people.
38. Sometimes it's fine to build a blanket fort and watch a Disney movie with your friends.
39. Do good things without the motivation of recognition.
40. Be real.
41. Read for pleasure.
42. Drugs, sex, alcohol. No, no, no.
43. Don't spend too much money on your sparkly jeans. People don't really wear them after high school.
44. Enjoying yourself at the expense of someone else is not fine.
45. Good hygiene is soooo important.
46. Watch "Boy Meets World" and listen to everything that Mr. Feeny says.
47. Overachieve.
48. It's fine if you don't care what other people think of you, but if people think you're rude then you should probably start caring.
49. Don't hate on your hometown.
50. Remember that high school doesn't last forever, so enjoy it while you can!

Follow Your Arrow

Okay, so things are about to get a little soap box-y right now. But that's what blogs are for sometimes, right? Also, I tend to get frustrated with myself for not having an opinion on things....so this is me having an opinion. 

Watch this video, then read.

So, I really like this song. It's a little weird, and I certainly don't condone some of the things that it talks about, (smoking joints, girl-on-girl kissing, etc.) but I just love what it's getting at. Essentially, you're always going to be wrong. You're never going to please everyone. So quit trying to make society happy, and just make yourself happy. People have this terrible habit of picking at other people's lives and telling them everything they are doing wrong, and what they should be doing instead. People also have a terrible habit of listening to the opinions of everyone else, and trying to live a life that will make society happy. Well, the truth is, that's impossible. You are never going to live a life that makes all of society happy; so why make yourself miserable trying?

I have seen lots of blogs and articles lately about this very thing: telling people what they should be doing with their lives right now. For example: I've seen lots of people talking about how getting married at a young age is the absolute worst plan - how those marriages are doomed to failure and people use marrying young as a cop-out to avoid finding their own place in the world blah, blah, blah. I have also seen lots of counters to this point of view - how marriage is the greatest thing that has every happened to them, and they are so glad to be with someone every day who loves them  unconditionally, and people who don't have that are just sad and bitter blah, blah, blah. Both of these bother me. If you find the person you love when you are 19 and decide to marry them - great! If you decide you want to focus on other things for a while before settling down - also great! I think people on both sides of this argument need to be a little more sensitive. Telling people who married young that they ruined their lives and are bound to get divorced is - obviously - incredibly rude. And untrue. And people can't really go back in time and change those decisions even if they wanted to. So that's not fine. But going on about how wonderful marriage is, and how nice it is to have someone who loves you and takes care of you all the time - thus making that the correct life decision - is also a little insensitive. I don't want to make a blanket statement saying that everyone wants to get married eventually, but I'm sure that a lot of those people who are focusing on finding their place in the world right now would not complain if someone showed up who wanted to love them forever unconditionally. But, just like married people can't time travel, single people can't decide to get married one day and just have that happen. So let's just let people make their own decisions based on what works best for them, and stop fighting about which way is right. Mmmmk?

The marriage thing is just one example, but it's definitely not the only one. I'm in an interesting place in my life right now where, depending on who you ask, there's lots of different things that I "should" be doing. Getting a graduate degree, getting married, having babies, going on a mission, travelling, working my way up the corporate ladder, etc., etc., etc. Obviously, I can't do all of these things at the same time so, to one part of society or another, I'm always going to be wrong. This can be really frustrating. But I have realized that it just doesn't matter. I'm going to do what makes me happy, and not worry about whether or not the rest of the world approves. Maybe it's selfish, but I don't think the point of my life should be to please everyone else. And yes, if someday I get married and have children, then I will adjust my priorities to make decisions for my life that will make my whole family happy - not just me. But for now, I'm following my own arrow and living my life for me.  

For Good

Well I'm back in America. And it's great. It really is. I love this country, my new job, my nice apartment, and being so close to my family and friends. But I would be lying if I said I didn't miss Uganda like crazy. I left a piece of my heart there, and it just aches a little bit. Before I even left I was already figuring out ways to get back to Uganda as soon as possible. I know I can't stay away for too long.

People keep asking me what it was about Africa that I loved so much, and when I think about it it's kind of an interesting question. What was it about Uganda that grabbed me and made me never want to leave? Well it certainly wasn't the mosquitoes, or the cold bucket showers, or the smell of burning garbage, or the life-threatening boda rides, or the lack of M&M's, or the ridiculously crowded taxis, or the way no one believes in standing in line at the supermarket, or creepy old men whistling at me, or being called "mzungu" all day every day. And yet, somehow, it was all of those things. And a lot more. It was the absolutely breathtaking beauty that we were completely surrounded by. It was the delicious chapatis and cassava fries. It was the way women would carry their babies tied onto their backs, and the way children's faces would light up when we waved to them. It was getting the boda driver to crack a smile when we both knew that he was trying to rip me off. It was the joy of getting a pedicure for $2.00 or a necklace for $0.80. It was the thrill of being somewhere so insanely different than anywhere I have ever been, and quickly becoming comfortable in that place. It was the incredible feeling of knowing that I was spending my time doing anything I could to help other people; and recognizing that they were really helping me in so many more ways than I was helping them.

All of these things made me love my summer in Uganda more than I can even tell you, but what really made Uganda so special was the people. The wonderful, wonderful people. Both those that I knew and those that I didn't. I have never felt so loved and appreciated as these people made me feel. I have also never felt so undeserving of that love and appreciation. Ugandans have the most incredible work ethic. I was continually blown away by the work that their women and small children would do that I could never dream of doing - or want to do. I have also never seen a happier group of people than I did in Uganda this summer. Most of these people have very little and work very hard, but they are still so full of joy. They don't complain, they just praise God for what they have. Americans could definitely take a lesson from these great people. I could not believe how amazing these people were, and yet we were the ones who got treated like royalty. They just have the biggest hearts and I can't stand the idea of never seeing some of them again.

So, the simple answer to the question "What was it about Uganda that you loved so much?":
Absolutely everything. But mostly the people.

This might seem cheesy, but while I was riding in the taxi on my last day in Uganda, hating every mile that took me further from Mbale and closer to the airport, this song came on my ipod. And it perfectly epitomized the way I feel about the people that I met this summer and my time spent in Uganda. Thank you "Wicked" for getting it just right.

I've heard it said, 

That people come into our lives 

For a reason

Bringing something we must learn.

And we are lead to those

 Who help us most to grow if we let them. 

And we help them in return. 

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

 Because I knew you.

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes the sun,

Like a stream that meets a boulder

Halfway through the wood.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better

But because I knew you.

I have been changed for good. 

It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime.

So, let me say before we part:

So much of me

Is made of what I learned from you.

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart.

And now whatever way our stories end

I'll know you have rewritten mine

By being my friend. 

Because I knew you

I have been changed....

For good.

Sometimes Uganda feels like a dream. Like it never actually happened. As soon as I got home, my whole summer and the people I met there felt worlds away. I worried that I would forget. That I would get back into normal life as a very blessed American and forget all about the experiences that I had in Africa. But I know now that that's not going to happen. Uganda left a handprint on my heart; and it's not going anywhere. I may be back to living life as usual, but Africa is never far from my mind. I know that these people and this experience came into my life for a reason, and it absolutely changed me for good. 

The Final Countdown

Wow, it's been a while. Sorry about that. Things have been so busy here! (and I have had computer troubles, so I opt to just stay off my computer rather than fight with it) Things have also been great here. There's probably a lot that I should catch you up on, but I just want to talk about this week.

This week is my last one here, which is totally crazy. I leave Mbale on Tuesday! Can you believe that? I sure can't. It feels like I just got here, but at the same time feels like I have been here forever. Weird. But I really can't believe it's really almost time for me to go home. I definitely have some mixed emotions that come with that reality. This week has been full of goodbyes, which really are no fun. Especially when I can't be sure if I will ever see any of these people again. That really breaks my heart.

Despite the tearful goodbyes, it has still been a great week. Friday was incredible. The whole team traveled up to Bududa for a farewell/grand opening party at PDI. That was easily my favorite day of this whole summer. Elizabeth made us a HUGE delicious lunch (definitely sad that I will never eat at the Zaale's again....they are the best cooks!). After lunch, all of the PDI nursery school students got dressed up in brand new school uniforms, and marched with us down the road to their new school. The kids carried their school chairs on their heads to move them from their old school (the Zaale's backyard) to their brand new school! That was so fun to see! They also sang the whole way there. So cute!

When we got to the turn-off where the school is, and I saw our brand new sign there to greet us, the reality of we had accomplished finally hit me. We had really done it. Besides the countless hours of planning and stressing, I had co-directed a huge fundraising effort, managed large amounts of money, bought all kinds of building materials, and worked for three days hauling mud to build walls. And now here it was. A finished school and more smiling faces than I could even count. There was a lot of stress and frustration that went into this project the last three months, but seeing it all come together so perfectly in the end was better than I ever could have dreamed. I started this summer with a huge fear that I would leave and feel that I hadn't really helped anyone all that much. This fear was definitely alleviated on Friday. I am beyond happy to be able to say that I played a part in providing a wonderful new school for some wonderful children. And after the grand opening celebration we had, I know that the work that we put into this school really is appreciated.

We make a great team!

Once we arrived at the school. The students and their parents gathered around outside while David welcomed everyone. He then invited his wife (a city counsel person), one of the directors of PDI, Hannah, and I up to the front to do the ceremonial ribbon cutting of our brand new school. I can't even describe that feeling to you. I felt beyond honored. You can bet there were tears.

After the ribbon cutting, everyone filed into the school for the program. The students came in and sang and danced for us, and they were absolutely wonderful. The songs also made me cry. They were so sweet! One song's chorus was "And we love you. We really love you. We shall never, never forget you." Yeah. Too precious. Cue the waterfalls. They were adorable. After they sang, David gave a little thank-you speech, as well as some other PDI officials. They were all so appreciative. I wish I had written some of it down, but I was a little too caught up in the moment. I think we have videos though. The whole thing was just really really nice. I was beyond happy. Such a great feeling!

My other favorite part of this week was today. Sunday. No shock there. This Sunday was especially great because my two favorite piano students, Dinah and Solomon, played in sacrament meeting! They have been working hard all summer, and a couple weeks ago Sam and I made the executive decision that they were ready to play in sacrament meeting. When I told them this, they were pretty unsure but agreed to do it anyway. I was a little nervous that I was pushing them into something that they didn't really want to do, until Solomon bore his testimony last Sunday. He told the entire congregation that he had been learning the piano and that his dream of playing in church was finally coming true. That was just the greatest thing I've ever heard! We picked out songs for them and they practiced harder than they have all summer! I was blown away by the progress that they made in just a few days. By the time today came around, I wasn't the least bit nervous for them.

Dinah played "Choose the Right" for the opening song, and didn't miss a single note in all three verses! Then Solomon played "In Humility Our Savior" for the sacrament song. He also played it perfectly. And had a cute little grin on his face the whole time he was playing. I could not stop smiling. Also crying. I felt like the proudest parent. After sacrament, I hugged and hugged them, and they asked me to help them pick songs to play next week. That was so great to hear! I am so happy that the Mbale branch now has some very capable piano players to take over after Sam has left. And they are so happy to do it! Solomon and I picked out a song for him to play next week, and he said it looked hard but that it would be fine because the one he played today looked hard at the beginning too. Ahhh he is so great! This experience has given me such a great appreciation for my own sweet piano teacher, and I now understand -at least a little bit- what it's like to be a proud parent or teacher. It's just the best feeling.

Love them!

If it wasn't good enough, here is a little excerpt from a note that Dinah wrote me after church. "I had been playing the piano since I was 9 years. Oh it was a long time ago, but when you came I just loved playing the piano. It was also the first time I played in sacrament meeting. Am so grateful and I still call you 'my best piano teacher'." She is the sweetest. HATE that I have to leave these incredible people. But I'm glad for the small differences I have been able to make in their lives, and the HUGE differences they have made in my life. I am beyond grateful for their wonderful examples. I am so blessed to have been able to spend this time with these great people. But, it's not goodbye yet! I still have two days here!

Oh, also, we sang "A Child's Prayer" with the Primary kids in Sacrament meeting today. It was wonderful. And primary was wonderful. And I am so so sad to leave these cute kids!!