tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58704866387957468972024-03-13T22:35:07.695-07:00Hermana KariElle ThalmanOctober 2011 - April 2013. California Oakland/San Francisco Mission at the Oakland Temple Visitors' Center Speaking Spanish.KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-62229366531286542522014-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:002014-01-06T09:17:48.997-08:00Well, it isn't like anyone reads this blog site anyway. Why would you? It's so boring! Too many words and an overload of pictures you don't care about.<br />
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I simply want to give a brief summary of my mission now that I've come home.<br />
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I left to the Provo MTC a month after turning 21, October 2011, and came home earlier this year in March, 2013. I served a full-time, honorable mission. My goal one of these days to write about each day I spent as a missionary before my mind totally gives out on me.<br />
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I had so many experiences! Looking back I wish I had written them down as each day passed. It's kind of funny because you don't realize you've changed until you're staring at your old self and asking, "who are you?" and your old self responds, "wow. you look amazing! I'm proud of you". That's how I feel now that I'm back.<br />
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My mission means everything to me. I learned that I am a daughter of God. He loves me. He wants me to be happy.<br />
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"I do not boast of my own strength but in the greatness of my God". I don't know everything but I know enough. He can be trusted and I <i>must </i>trust Him. I want to be happy, now I know how. Before I was just guessing.<br />
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Never will I forget the love I have felt from my Heavenly Father. Never will I forget the love I have felt for His children. Sometimes, I caught a glimpse of them through His eyes... it's beautiful. He loves us so much. He wants us to be happy and has shown us the way.<br />
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The hard part is for us to follow the simple truths He has outlined.<br />
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Pray always</div>
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Study the scriptures</div>
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Keep His commandments</div>
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I spent 3/4 of my time with the Hispanic people in San Leandro, Concord and Oakland, California. 1/4 of my time was spent in learning Spanish in the MTC and serving in the Oakland Temple Visitors' Center giving tours to curious walk ins. </div>
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I love the Spanish people. I love their culture, their language, their food (oooh, how I love the food!) and their kindness. I hope to work with them in the future. I study Spanish now at BYU and hope to become a financial advisor someday. I also plan on going to hair school too. It's an interesting plan, I know, but I know it'll all work out! </div>
KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-11959933559588457312011-10-18T02:09:00.000-07:002011-10-18T02:09:00.196-07:00ONE DAY LEFTHoly creation. The day is fast approaching. What happened to my 3 months to prepare?? Ah yes, it was spent with friends and family, playing games and watching movies, singing songs and going shopping, taking walks and having chats.<br />
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Thanks to all who came out to my farewell party! It was a wonderful time indeed.<br />
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<br />
Also, thanks to everyone who has been so helpful in preparing me for this new adventure! Namely, my parents; thanks for teaching me how to get along with others and how to treat people with respect, Mom and Dad. To my siblings, thanks for helping me to be patient and loving no matter what the situation is! To my extended family, thank you for being supportive and excited for me to take on a challenge that many of us are unfamiliar with - it really is unchartered territory so thank you for being behind me on this. I cannot and never will forget the many friends and leaders who have also been superb listeners as I've ranted and raved about my life. Thank you for taking the time to listen!<br />
<br />
I will miss being home but I know the Lord will protect you in your daily adventures. I love you all and cannot wait to hear how you're doing. See you in a short, 18 months!KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-13050055015793509662011-10-14T10:48:00.001-07:002011-10-14T10:48:13.814-07:00Christmas in the MTC!In addition to getting that email this morning about my MTC mailbox, I called in to find out when I would be leaving for CA. Sarah, a very nice girl from the Travel Department looked up my mission, my name and said, "You'll be flying out on December 28," then hung up.<br />
<br />
DECEMBER 28!!!<br />
<br />
I'll be in the MTC for Christmas! My mom is excited because supposedly all the General Authorities visit the missionaries on the 25th, which, by the way, is on Sunday this year.<br />
<br />
Being on Sunday probably isn't a big deal, or even a little deal, but it's still interesting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3184682445_0be1f550a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3184682445_0be1f550a8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Anyway, I'll be in Oakland when the Temple looks like this!! Sweet!<br />
<br />
<br />
My farewell party is tomorrow and we have been cleaning the house in preparation. It's Fall Break so my sisters have been put to work as well as any friends who come over. I think it deterred quite a few people from stopping by to say hello. At least until tomorrow.KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-44766102715421987792011-10-14T09:27:00.001-07:002011-10-14T10:37:47.616-07:005 Days Before<table cellpadding="0" class="Bs nH iY" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; width: 1074px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="Bu" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="nH if" style="padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="nH"><div class="nH hx" style="color: black; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 4px;"><div class="nH"><div class="h7 ie nH oy8Mbf" style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="Bk" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(226, 226, 226); border-bottom-left-radius: 7px 7px; border-bottom-right-radius: 7px 7px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-left-radius: 7px 7px; border-top-right-radius: 7px 7px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; position: relative; width: 825px;"><div class="G3 G2" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-bottom-left-radius: 7px 7px; border-bottom-right-radius: 7px 7px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-left-radius: 7px 7px; border-top-right-radius: 7px 7px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-top: 3px;"><div><div id=":n7"><div class="HprMsc mNrSre"><div class="gs"><div class="ii gt" id=":n5" style="font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative; z-index: 2;"><div id=":n6"><i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dear Sister KariElle Thalman ,<br />
<br />
Congratulations on your call to serve! We are excited about your arrival at the Provo </i><br />
<i>Missionary Training Center next week and are grateful for your decision to serve the </i><br />
<i>Lord. We would like to share some important information about your stay at the MTC.<br />
<br />
This will be your MTC mailing address:<br />
<br />
Sister KariElle Thalman<br />
MTC Mailbox # 248<br />
CA-OAK 1228<br />
2005 N 900 E<br />
Provo, UT 84604-1793<br />
<br />
Please share this address with those who may want to write or send packages to </i><br />
<i>you while you are in the MTC. Please pay particular attention to the following items:<br />
<br />
1. Your service begins the day you check into the MTC. Remind your family that </i><br />
<i>complete separation from loved ones is part of the sacrifice that families and </i><br />
<i>missionaries contribute to the work. For this reason, you should ask your family </i><br />
<i>and friends not to attempt to see or visit with you while you are at the MTC, not </i><br />
<i>even during your temple walks or at other places near the MTC.<br />
2. All missionary mail must come through the US Mail or commercial delivery </i><br />
<i>services. These services should not be used to send pizzas, fast foods, ice-cream, </i><br />
<i>or any items that will spoil if they are not refrigerated within 24 hours. Missionaries </i><br />
<i>are not called out of class to receive packages, nor do they have access to a refrigerator. </i><br />
<i>For security reasons, we cannot accept any items delivered by hand.<br />
3. Communication with family can be done through your missionary email account on </i><br />
<i>your weekly Preparation Day. Communication to you from friends should be through </i><br />
<i>letters mailed to the above address. We cannot accept telephone calls for missionaries.<br />
4. Families and friends should not visit missionaries as they depart to their field of labor, </i><br />
<i>whether at the MTC or at the airport.<br />
<br />
Please do not reply to this email. If you need to communicate with the MTC, </i><br />
<i>please call 801-422-2602.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Provo MTC Presidency</i></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-57214076012676778022011-10-13T09:18:00.000-07:002011-10-13T13:08:34.642-07:00The HelpI know I'm a few months behind in watching this movie but my tardiness does not take away from how incredible it was!! HOLY COW I was bawling by the end of it.<br />
<br />
The way white people treated their colored help is disgusting. Aside from people who's behavior is disrespectful I decided that the second worst behavior to have, in my opinion, is being spineless. Stand up for what's right! It's hard when there are so many people who will belittle you in the moment but over time, what you choose to say or not to say will be remembered.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After playing laser tag for our brother's 10th birthday party me and my sisters went to see The Help</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was talking with Edison, my sister, about how interesting time is. She's about to turn 17 and I'm 21; neither of us are in the second quarter of our lives yet and look at how big our decisions are! Great things are ahead of us - we have nothing but time and happiness to make the most of.<br />
<br />
In one week I'll be leaving for the MTC. It doesn't feel real to me. How did it come up so fast? I'm pretty sure I have all my stuff ready to go. I have 10 pairs of tights, 7 skirts, 20+ tops and 5 shoes to interchange for the next 18 months. Good thing I'm not big into jewelry because I just picked up a years supply of make-up too; I go through mascara like no ones business and my supply of deodorant is impressive (not that you needed to know that).<br />
<br />
What an exciting opportunity for me to go on a mission! I love this gospel and truly believe that it changes lives but I'm still nervous. People go and come back all the time - I'm not scared of dying or anything. Strange foods are eaten and digested regardless of what it tastes like - I'll be in California so I doubt I'll be eating spider eggs. I've been around Spanish my whole life - I'm anxious and happy to learn the language. I guess what I'm trying to prove is that I don't know what it is that makes me antsy about leaving. Maybe it's because I'm one of the first one to go out of my family and girl friends? No, that's not it. I've always been a Pave The Way type of person. I guess it must be that I'm not clear on what to expect - other than the best time of my life up to this point.<br />
<br />
In a way, I'm jealous that boys, for their whole lives, are taught and expected to serve a mission. It seems like they have so much more time to get pumped for this major, life changing experience. Girls are taught to respect ourselves and encourage spirituality so that the boys will get on their missions haha. It's a two player game, for sure.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm excited and nervous and also indifferent because I know that it'll be the experience I want it to be. Now it's time for me to pack my suitcases so I can get out of this beautiful 90 degree weather and off to Provo for some temps at 40 and below!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwCwWgG98wuwwHLG0XL77JW3R7iIJ_XcB9gNB3vQA2-5H5oXKGChB90E3MA4hhsmo5bMDHElUmBbpOGHk1v1c2DM5gMSXHqD-VLlvDFyENDIzNHINhA6C_9sVVo7TFEkFGKDmm9vV4zeU/s1600/IMG_4718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwCwWgG98wuwwHLG0XL77JW3R7iIJ_XcB9gNB3vQA2-5H5oXKGChB90E3MA4hhsmo5bMDHElUmBbpOGHk1v1c2DM5gMSXHqD-VLlvDFyENDIzNHINhA6C_9sVVo7TFEkFGKDmm9vV4zeU/s320/IMG_4718.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mission plaque photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-71954548974336232132011-10-07T01:10:00.001-07:002016-06-13T21:22:39.612-07:00FencesToday was wonderful. The past few weeks have been surprisingly wonderful actually. I've spent a lot of quality time with my family and have deepened relationships with a quite few new friends (if you know me, which I assume you do, then you know how much I love my friends). I ALSO LOVE MY FAMILY so don't think this next thought lessens the love I have for them. With this amazing group of people I've been hanging out with lately we take time to think about other people and do activities for them <i>just because</i>. It's amazing!! If you know how much I love my family and how much I love my friends then you also know how much I love service. I feel like it's a great opportunity to help others feel good while at the same time creating better friendships with the people you're serving with. It's totally win-win; I love winning.<br />
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<br />
My farewell talk is this coming Sunday and I'm talking about Love. I'll probably throw in a few things that I heard from conference and a few tid bits of gold nuggets from my buddies (if you have any suggestions/comments please feel free to let me know). One of my most recent favorite ideas is that we need Love to become more like Christ and Heavenly Father. They love everyone and we need to obtain and work on that characteristic in order to become God-like someday. How cool, right!? If we all had love for each other then there wouldn't be so many horrible things in the world.<br />
<br />
I went over to my buddy's house to sing a song for his grandparents - it was the best. In addition to being super loving grandparents, these two are so in love you could feel it from the front lawn. They are also incredibly spiritual. After we sang, his grandma sat us down and started talking to us about fences. At first I was thinking, "hrm. this is interesting", but after a few seconds I was so wrapped up in what she was saying I could have cried. I didn't - but almost did. She made me miss my grandmas. Anyway, Nonies wisdom, like I mentioned, was about fences. To every decision there is first a fence that either blocks us or lets us in. So true!!! It got me thinking, what are my fences? Do I have fences? Have I crossed some and gone through doors I shouldn't have? Are there some fences in place that need mending? Before she finished her pep talk I decided "yes" to all the above. In my effort to re-establish my fences, making sure they're thick, barb wired and electric like some of them should be, I'm going to write them down.<br />
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<i>Fences for Myself</i><br />
Don't make fun of people or their ideas, even in teasing; it's rude.<br />
Always say please and thank you, don't forget to be respectful.<br />
Stay out of a guys room! Bad things can happen when you're in there alone.<br />
The same potentially bad things can happen if no one is home - go outside.<br />
Don't kiss every boy who comes along. Kisses are not pretzels! That's just asking for heart ache.<br />
Be nice! When you're kind people are usually more welcoming.<br />
If you think it might hurt someone's feelings, it's probably best not to say it.<br />
Stay away from places with drinking and smoking - staying away makes it easy to say no.<br />
If you don't want to cuss/talk nasty then don't put that language in your head so listen to good music.<br />
Don't try on clothes that aren't modest because it just makes it harder not to buy/wear.<br />
Say 'I Love You' to the people you love or they might never know; don't over use the phrase till it becomes meaningless.<br />
Eat your veggies and drink LOTS of water to avoid being unhealthy.<br />
Listen to other people before talking about yourself - it makes for better relationships.<br />
Don't worry about what you can't control so you're faith in God doesn't dwindle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFMuZTaKkWwzaodqgO05wSaXefxh6qAOkfa8gPsTdfctEYKdywSWU9nhdxX8xreRslnZJoKeqjOBt3HuYfTTLNY1hFOXlFY-5LxadUmLrnGNUiR5AsV1Bf8O3eythIi09DzekgsWm_VaN/s1600/37615_1524520991220_1180490092_1454080_6636915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFMuZTaKkWwzaodqgO05wSaXefxh6qAOkfa8gPsTdfctEYKdywSWU9nhdxX8xreRslnZJoKeqjOBt3HuYfTTLNY1hFOXlFY-5LxadUmLrnGNUiR5AsV1Bf8O3eythIi09DzekgsWm_VaN/s320/37615_1524520991220_1180490092_1454080_6636915_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">By the way, the photos are from a shoot I did last summer with my Jennie Rae.</span></div>
KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-4064613839171015592011-10-02T19:08:00.000-07:002011-10-02T19:08:18.961-07:00October 19 1:10 PM<a href="http://www.mtc.byu.edu/miss-whattoknow.htm#when">Go to this website</a> to see other cool, helpful and interesting things to know before going into the MTC. The best thing I grabbed from going to this is MY ENTRY TIME. That will be vital to starting my mission off on the right foot haha.KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-85548628901215240602011-09-27T00:24:00.000-07:002011-09-27T00:41:34.082-07:00journal entries and quotes ive keptWhen I first thought about going on a mission I was 18. I remember praying, maybe in preparation to receive my Patriarchal Blessing or maybe after, as to whether or not I should serve a mission (I wish I had written in my journal back then because I don't remember!). However, for the sake of my story I'll say that I had prayed for an answer to this question before getting my Blessing and then prayed again for some sort of confirmation afterwards.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDopgp_1fn3O48w4g0BDag62TR86YlcWduG2oJki5qdZJyl2PtmKP-s-ZikrjC4w7Oy5JBgv9nyFqwsLw14DtZGRAsMeSxLSvWbEYv7CnU2Cc2lzlpQvlywqLeVj9Dg14awkwz9_i4s1I-/s1600/kari+june+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDopgp_1fn3O48w4g0BDag62TR86YlcWduG2oJki5qdZJyl2PtmKP-s-ZikrjC4w7Oy5JBgv9nyFqwsLw14DtZGRAsMeSxLSvWbEYv7CnU2Cc2lzlpQvlywqLeVj9Dg14awkwz9_i4s1I-/s320/kari+june+08.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">the summer before I turned 18</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnh2UnYl-UnhAlOmewejeO0NqhCV_M4V3ueCs0DIW03ugguVCG4NpaqLkNy9EUOPGHwsHDas9cafBW81VfWu-lE0K2mQ7SJBUmf6VxCbuexpAYi6YcANuq-zeNNDbJKQ-T-QJJ0Xv875B/s1600/kari+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnh2UnYl-UnhAlOmewejeO0NqhCV_M4V3ueCs0DIW03ugguVCG4NpaqLkNy9EUOPGHwsHDas9cafBW81VfWu-lE0K2mQ7SJBUmf6VxCbuexpAYi6YcANuq-zeNNDbJKQ-T-QJJ0Xv875B/s320/kari+08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In my Blessing, God told me something along the lines of how I would want to serving others as a missionary and that I would be someone who could find others wanting to learn about our church - but I feel like that could be interpreted in many ways. I prayed the hardest, most sincere prayer of my life to know whether I should serve and I distinctly remember feeling like someone sucker-punched me in the gut and my heart was burning and I literally couldn't breath. That was when I knew I would most likely, probably, was maybe supposed to go on a mission ;D. Obviously, the Spirit knew and was telling my spirit; it just took a little longer for me to get the message.<br />
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Ever since that prayer I knew deep down that I would go and that Heavenly Father wanted me to go and yet I still hemmed and hawed about it (if you've ever read the book <u>Who Stole My Cheese?</u> you'll understand that reference) for years. I've always loved the spirit of missionaries and their smiles and the way their hearts touch the people they speak with. All my life I've just wanted to be around them<i> all the time</i>! It wasn't until last November, 2 years after receiving my Patriarchal Blessing, that I really opened my heart to what Heavenly Father wanted me to do. I was in a New Testament class and our individual projects were to pick something we wanted to study about from The Gospels and work on it all semester. My FOL husband from that previous summer had just gotten home from his mission and allwwayysss talked about the Atonement. I decided that I wanted to learn more about it so my project for myself was to write in my journal every night and reflect on how I had seen the blessings of the Atonement in my day. Doing this helped me to see so many blessings and meet so many good people; it helped me to love others more, appreciate my leaders more, respect myself more, sincerely adore my roommates more and be grateful to my family more.<br />
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There were definitely times when I felt down and had no desire to think about the good stuff that happened during the day but I'm so happy I did. Not only did my grade depend on it but being focussed on Christ's eternal mission helped me realize that I needed to go on a mission. It's all I thought about, all I talked about, all I heard about, all I saw from class discussion, etc. IT WAS EVERYWHERE. If you're someone I spoke with about going on a mission last Fall then you are a huge help to getting me out into the field! So thanks =].<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3JpH8FaWEG_vznLl6AjtjCNu0s6q0AMgDc3K_WMQdf1xX7hJn_-gwRArkdzZhydGMamzsTrDLoVr0ABs5a0pl0xAtyNZMZsAHkUWmhBidqHCdw7BOmu7QpJF5b2iDMoct7Oud2rgAu6-/s1600/scottporter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3JpH8FaWEG_vznLl6AjtjCNu0s6q0AMgDc3K_WMQdf1xX7hJn_-gwRArkdzZhydGMamzsTrDLoVr0ABs5a0pl0xAtyNZMZsAHkUWmhBidqHCdw7BOmu7QpJF5b2iDMoct7Oud2rgAu6-/s320/scottporter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pappa Scott</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg6I1LFnxZlgSY6p2ZhI2QznvXP39dFzHVxCmFi8FfzekvYJ24T4zlGoZ7CoQhLHDLcgcaapqley1S3bAmsKJfsSXQfIdnTs67DROQE-zpebBIoDtTfs3ktgrn_vnbjh3Ivg8tBmoRWOB/s1600/philis%2526dougie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg6I1LFnxZlgSY6p2ZhI2QznvXP39dFzHVxCmFi8FfzekvYJ24T4zlGoZ7CoQhLHDLcgcaapqley1S3bAmsKJfsSXQfIdnTs67DROQE-zpebBIoDtTfs3ktgrn_vnbjh3Ivg8tBmoRWOB/s320/philis%2526dougie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Phil best friend & Dougie fresh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dL5sdLQl5uRgMZZmHzR71vp5RqOHUZVN9TaEAreeI3R_10DXnJhNEpheeYiM2UqjVY81i-v1MtSSRoH0FuludZo0fSAMOi0p7_W7ceRWb4iQeaYd3LTmcvDAElesPKuSXv1wMiM9jcZG/s1600/cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dL5sdLQl5uRgMZZmHzR71vp5RqOHUZVN9TaEAreeI3R_10DXnJhNEpheeYiM2UqjVY81i-v1MtSSRoH0FuludZo0fSAMOi0p7_W7ceRWb4iQeaYd3LTmcvDAElesPKuSXv1wMiM9jcZG/s320/cousins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Carr cousins Chad and Scott</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYzP9f_hx8X7Y1FW6ab6amPbAgSieIenLfM2o4By0nrWCCn4LkqxD7GdtMmw5IoOrDgc-vzGhrQO0x6jIxOgORnWSF2tZYRBkDcXYQlQBkjzJlrjIMDefngB61HZLjfflxCPDmaH-IKjt/s1600/hardworkingfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYzP9f_hx8X7Y1FW6ab6amPbAgSieIenLfM2o4By0nrWCCn4LkqxD7GdtMmw5IoOrDgc-vzGhrQO0x6jIxOgORnWSF2tZYRBkDcXYQlQBkjzJlrjIMDefngB61HZLjfflxCPDmaH-IKjt/s320/hardworkingfeet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">BYUSA girls Mary, Bekah, Brittanie & Sarah</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15EXrnTGnFpDJFJB8_gqUynL0EIpYnEoD_NLrPwHMC1cikxBdgWjyYbFToASkEW09MhSfv-KOohQDeQO1Vaj7-qBN21D9AWhdacEbbACpCJoSm5PMFNG3Cj0z6bokBlDH9PPW5fDYkgRH/s1600/matty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15EXrnTGnFpDJFJB8_gqUynL0EIpYnEoD_NLrPwHMC1cikxBdgWjyYbFToASkEW09MhSfv-KOohQDeQO1Vaj7-qBN21D9AWhdacEbbACpCJoSm5PMFNG3Cj0z6bokBlDH9PPW5fDYkgRH/s320/matty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Matt - went through every stage of pre-mish and now we'll both be getting home at the same time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mg70Bprxb2wRxZDfwP1CYAMzp0H1iFs-tRDiQImLErjiIgD4uJny0bHAGjltKwCd5ydl1SBQwoSQ7NzB0GFP5w3XUHr97LB-yTCd82WRs4ZJZFoj3TpTYxQ9e8pWc822TYoAvkOIp5Ki/s1600/chelsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mg70Bprxb2wRxZDfwP1CYAMzp0H1iFs-tRDiQImLErjiIgD4uJny0bHAGjltKwCd5ydl1SBQwoSQ7NzB0GFP5w3XUHr97LB-yTCd82WRs4ZJZFoj3TpTYxQ9e8pWc822TYoAvkOIp5Ki/s320/chelsea.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chelsea - my best friend for eternity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxpLJykan9l9C0nGlZbqBjRCiGFvBRK2JI9NfyBy3iHz5jIZevMb71ISFQWRSxW2Npb2mwk5OjBW6AFfHmKizNX-ej8Cpf3-UO3y7ROMGBIQ8LneboRHohmBboXgDkhx7o9DXp5cGcP-5/s1600/jennieraeee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxpLJykan9l9C0nGlZbqBjRCiGFvBRK2JI9NfyBy3iHz5jIZevMb71ISFQWRSxW2Npb2mwk5OjBW6AFfHmKizNX-ej8Cpf3-UO3y7ROMGBIQ8LneboRHohmBboXgDkhx7o9DXp5cGcP-5/s320/jennieraeee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jennie Rae. So much love comes from this one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-S5U4bJRJULwO3QIAeOEUlmeEtohIX14dGDTm21AtZryO_uFzNE3UJvGHJ0hbJj-MsHxRWcqiZLxrImiPrWiS2-2Grl7zHUxqc4CgqmWkC8W0aFWZpWF5sByYrl-OO0wBmPM061mCOIro/s1600/the+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-S5U4bJRJULwO3QIAeOEUlmeEtohIX14dGDTm21AtZryO_uFzNE3UJvGHJ0hbJj-MsHxRWcqiZLxrImiPrWiS2-2Grl7zHUxqc4CgqmWkC8W0aFWZpWF5sByYrl-OO0wBmPM061mCOIro/s320/the+girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hot Buns, Quaker Cakes & Hot Momma</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Se7LST9p7WsrYsxyG-BVB3TRXpOO8OjODgxAszvyV4VFP5R8BnnwTlDxd8tLEswgCVxukbceq1omPClgsXqGtxUy0s79TI1QgPBbxzkTCHDAeGKF03jZED75W7sOMxu2fHLICSDs2YSf/s1600/presidency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Se7LST9p7WsrYsxyG-BVB3TRXpOO8OjODgxAszvyV4VFP5R8BnnwTlDxd8tLEswgCVxukbceq1omPClgsXqGtxUy0s79TI1QgPBbxzkTCHDAeGKF03jZED75W7sOMxu2fHLICSDs2YSf/s320/presidency.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My family away from my Family<br />
<br />
</div>Ok, back to my story. One day, during class a week or so before Thanksgiving, my New Testament teacher asked us what we were most grateful for. A lot of kids said "my moms cooking!" or "BYU football! yeaaa" or "my wife/husband", the generic answers of course. I kind of tuned out until the spirit prompted to zone back in and listen. Just when I did this a boy from the back of the room, with his humble answer, said "I'm grateful for the chance to serve a mission" and my whole world was flipped. I had that same feeling again, the one where I couldn't really move and my lungs felt stuck. While there are tons of other factors that go into my final decision this was the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak. I knew, right then and there that God was doing <i>everything</i> in His power to knock some sense into me and tell me to go on a mission.<br />
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I promised soon after this experience to not let Satan or his doubt get to me and that no matter what I would go on this mission. I'm so excited to go and can't wait to share with others a piece of my life I love so much. I talk to a lot of people at work about my mission. Most of our clients are retired and wonder why it's nearly October and I'm not at school. I reassure them that I'm not a bum, college drop out but that I'm serving a mission for my church and 99% of the time they're impressed. One of the guys I spoke with today was telling me about his job working in San Francisco and Oakland helping people with their work skills so they can get jobs and earn money to move away from the slums. I thought that was pretty cool and incredibly selfless of him to leave retirement to do this type of work. I told him how his job is similar to that of my mission in how we're both trying to help people become better and know there is more to the world than all the bad things that happen.<br />
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During family scripture study (we read Helaman ch 8 tonight) I found an old quote I've had in my scriptures since forever. It went along so perfectly with my conversation with the old man today that I just had to post it. It's all about why I'm going on a mission.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature." (Conference Report, Oct 1985)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-TpW5uV9Pg_6cfdElFFLNKasa-t4o-9jXueBH1xY5h3vm_N9Kb3qgh8hyphenhyphen6Tku6DpZ5K1c5xzeM6mjQvpZEp7Rv5Jn2zzyhyphenhyphenFUUEDIIEIu47gpOEU8i1RPXB-QatAjjnFOY4djFtiCirq/s1600/oakland+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-TpW5uV9Pg_6cfdElFFLNKasa-t4o-9jXueBH1xY5h3vm_N9Kb3qgh8hyphenhyphen6Tku6DpZ5K1c5xzeM6mjQvpZEp7Rv5Jn2zzyhyphenhyphenFUUEDIIEIu47gpOEU8i1RPXB-QatAjjnFOY4djFtiCirq/s400/oakland+temple.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">While I think it's way good for missionaries and non-missionaries a-like to have a numerical goal of helping people change, it's important to remember that WE aren't the ones who do the changing - the Spirit does that; Christ changes them. They come to Him and He leads them home. That's what we're all about, isn't it? Jogging our way through the Finish Line of life and into our Father's arms, at last making our way Home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktl9Rfb4aj8Ohd_qlff4G5cwujFVK2vlAwuGRyC-CxNnm6_zJzC5ELZEbfEwFEH4rwY6f9i4FUJaphmjJoRR_MvEeSgfTsfeli7h_D3DDGjoYcH4vYLSZO8Cyldx_mnh21kHIFtguonwi/s1600/oct+conferene+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktl9Rfb4aj8Ohd_qlff4G5cwujFVK2vlAwuGRyC-CxNnm6_zJzC5ELZEbfEwFEH4rwY6f9i4FUJaphmjJoRR_MvEeSgfTsfeli7h_D3DDGjoYcH4vYLSZO8Cyldx_mnh21kHIFtguonwi/s400/oct+conferene+2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2010 Conference with <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the most important people</span></i> in my life</div></div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-16005407999398614202011-09-24T20:00:00.000-07:002011-09-24T20:15:04.830-07:0025 before the MTC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSUGvYXICc_V1vHY2ZKu59UxmAhDXVa7qtbn5ltIvqZ5KQxIzYmodDnuqMcK5UNcEZQrqe65ix3MCa5Gv63SYVMB9ubBpzN_e47d5JGoadkiP3Aoy-6n9_elW4ee8TM-YC2v52y_baAIB/s1600/Photo+152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSUGvYXICc_V1vHY2ZKu59UxmAhDXVa7qtbn5ltIvqZ5KQxIzYmodDnuqMcK5UNcEZQrqe65ix3MCa5Gv63SYVMB9ubBpzN_e47d5JGoadkiP3Aoy-6n9_elW4ee8TM-YC2v52y_baAIB/s320/Photo+152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Before going out as a family to Olive Garden for my 21st Birthday dinner! We had such a good time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zGDmKgdkjiuCXegEFmv73uU1sEPzHUd8TeKCV5p2K3ExQKUhOix5IpUP_T5HBBKBqpyYbykFRykaGN1RFRNM6bWZ7ZOs6xiFYaBbG_Qk_as5_CZnEXZgYQHdbUbuDhquxCO6CfKkpGMV/s1600/Photo+436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zGDmKgdkjiuCXegEFmv73uU1sEPzHUd8TeKCV5p2K3ExQKUhOix5IpUP_T5HBBKBqpyYbykFRykaGN1RFRNM6bWZ7ZOs6xiFYaBbG_Qk_as5_CZnEXZgYQHdbUbuDhquxCO6CfKkpGMV/s320/Photo+436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New glasses! I ordered them special because I wanted them red and plastic. If I'm going to be working a lot then I'll be tired a lot. Sometimes when I'm tired, my contacts won't stay in and I want some cute frames so my necessity can be an accessory. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65O1VmQncJ9TpE1O4S38VJY3DAzKIvk3YdtlcnYpTWF-clwrHWBTmHGaLuqKRhQ5Roe2UV2EG_RF8-XFCFNn59ATXvR8jqJC4udkV41HnVHxBLe8ALq15clJUW_HJp1SjrXgR8D0BM61C/s1600/Photo+386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65O1VmQncJ9TpE1O4S38VJY3DAzKIvk3YdtlcnYpTWF-clwrHWBTmHGaLuqKRhQ5Roe2UV2EG_RF8-XFCFNn59ATXvR8jqJC4udkV41HnVHxBLe8ALq15clJUW_HJp1SjrXgR8D0BM61C/s320/Photo+386.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">New hair! Well, new-old hair. This is my natural, muted chocolate color; the new color should help me not worry about my roots showing and save time by not coloring it and save money by not having someone do it. Missionaries are all about Saving ;D</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEP6YskTZ72HNH9YeeIQVKWlEl9bStVAqdyp-0Gnkm8ko3YTUrvO6paBbIVHva37b7JCA-OIciCDeYtaTvqJGHFGAuRlXbFVOU_wD3JKm44lrf3m37kXJAsOwMPjM1kMIeq6tMDqaDgPMg/s1600/Photo+461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEP6YskTZ72HNH9YeeIQVKWlEl9bStVAqdyp-0Gnkm8ko3YTUrvO6paBbIVHva37b7JCA-OIciCDeYtaTvqJGHFGAuRlXbFVOU_wD3JKm44lrf3m37kXJAsOwMPjM1kMIeq6tMDqaDgPMg/s320/Photo+461.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">New running shoes! Reebok Realflex. I was so excited for how cute these were and for how SO SOOOO comfortable they were that I got a little crazy with taking pictures of them haha.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The last few majors things I need to do are get a rain jacket, update my driver's license and finally, to pack.</div></div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-76130058981736222082011-09-24T18:43:00.000-07:002011-09-25T21:50:24.757-07:00Forget Me Not<b></b><br />
<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfH7UuLTlg7TG8OSm47sppifjdAoIpxrLV9KjldlntBnggjEnpqo6AZ47TSucXTcDmTbZswayc9mH2eVSCpCJnZi2NlbOspAxjUZouqECAFh4vU4Lsq-OhBFZRJ44NLt9bi8HV8GjN3I1/s1600/heart_shaped_forget_me_not_flowers_postcard-p239706806051717736qibm_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfH7UuLTlg7TG8OSm47sppifjdAoIpxrLV9KjldlntBnggjEnpqo6AZ47TSucXTcDmTbZswayc9mH2eVSCpCJnZi2NlbOspAxjUZouqECAFh4vU4Lsq-OhBFZRJ44NLt9bi8HV8GjN3I1/s400/heart_shaped_forget_me_not_flowers_postcard-p239706806051717736qibm_400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div></div>Forget not to be patient with myself </b><br />
<div>- God is aware that we are not perfect. He is also aware that the people <i>we think</i> are perfect are not. =]</div><div>- It's part of my mortal experience that I have weaknesses. He wants me to become perfect and if I stay on His path, one day, I will.</div><div>- I need to stop punishing myself for being weak and to be understanding of my own shortcomings like I am of others.</div><div>- My journey toward perfection is long but I can find wonder and delight in even the tiniest steps.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and foolish sacrifice</b></div><div>- Every sacrifice is different to people.</div><div>- There are many good things to do but I cannot do all of them.</div><div>- Keep an eternal perspective.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Forget not to be happy now</b></div><div>- I need to not worry about finding a "golden ticket", it doesn't hold the key to my happiness.</div><div>- There's nothing wrong with me wanting virtuous things, but I should NOT put my happiness on hold by waiting for my golden ticket to appear! Focussing on this will only make me grumpy, angry, and upset.</div><div>- I need to see the blessings that <i>are</i> around me and not stress over what I lack.</div><div>- This isn't to say I should abandon hope but I shouldn't close my eyes and hearts to the simple, elegant, beautiful moments of the day.</div><div>- The happiest people are those who wildly pursue the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Forget not the WHY of the gospel</b></div><div>- Sometimes I overlook the vital aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ.</div><div>- Sometimes I see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must somehow fit in our busy schedule.</div><div>- The Gospel is not an obligation, it is a pathway leading to happiness in this life and glorious fulfillment in the life to come.</div><div>- When I remember "why", the Gospel becomes a joy and a delight, precious and sweet.</div><div>- Let us not walk with our eyes down! Seek out the majesty, beauty and joy of the Why of the Gospel! It sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into magnificence.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Forget not that the Lord loves me</b></div><div>- I know that I have never been forgotten.</div><div>- I know that I never will be forgotten.</div><div>- I am not forgotten.</div><div>- No matter how dark my days may seem, how insignificant I feel, Heavenly Father has not forgotten me!</div><div>- I am the daughter of His kingdom.</div><div>- Even when I feel lonely and make mistakes, His love can heal any hurt and soften any sorrow</div><div>- I am closer to Heaven than I know.</div><div>- I need to treasure the gift of service, seek out and help others who need my help and the Lord's.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Remember the Forget Me Nots. Be patient and compassionate with myself. Don't wait for a "golden ticket". Always, always remember that God loves me. Be happy with who I am! Look forward to bringing joy and the Gospel message to families in the future who need Heavenly Father's love in their lives!</div><div><br />
</div><div>-- Notes from Dieter F Uchtdorf's talk in the General Relief Society Broadcast, September 24, 2011.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKq_qj79d_P-LxQTSThkapIHXKl6YvHnB1fmSjCie0PsEVDAspVMtr0ZkRynM249wz8fhdhbowrNLUQQHiofdYueftLIW1nsQFbh-2YTzxFB-R1KZZUCeK40u-24ggxdpjMbEJNYMpx5f/s1600/Elder-Dieter-F-Uchtdorf-mormon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKq_qj79d_P-LxQTSThkapIHXKl6YvHnB1fmSjCie0PsEVDAspVMtr0ZkRynM249wz8fhdhbowrNLUQQHiofdYueftLIW1nsQFbh-2YTzxFB-R1KZZUCeK40u-24ggxdpjMbEJNYMpx5f/s320/Elder-Dieter-F-Uchtdorf-mormon.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHDmL2t_g14mOfb6cJI9U_0lKi90fvP4z0-n66swTIJzvarNwQ9-PC24eta-9FW-GuGu62fYYfunqmoMITxPoEpMJFQPG-g6u0Af13qpBz2UQE5cLEGJ97tLzJqCUVRo1azEmxvigmKou/s1600/Pres+Monson+and+Elder+Uchtdorf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHDmL2t_g14mOfb6cJI9U_0lKi90fvP4z0-n66swTIJzvarNwQ9-PC24eta-9FW-GuGu62fYYfunqmoMITxPoEpMJFQPG-g6u0Af13qpBz2UQE5cLEGJ97tLzJqCUVRo1azEmxvigmKou/s320/Pres+Monson+and+Elder+Uchtdorf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-35491639333496042992011-09-13T18:27:00.000-07:002011-09-21T10:33:15.561-07:00El Libro de Mormon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMnPWc-BRJb7EefMB9O7Zl1zNcl4XVuR0tjTy6QoUveFKYGk1fJAm6ryrGNoqMEbR4sGqOKwYthZ97pacf02ecDcCnIp_eQCaOS5jtf2g2PRTtCkRud0c0510FSwRhTLsrxzyn4lncF2V/s1600/Photo+377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMnPWc-BRJb7EefMB9O7Zl1zNcl4XVuR0tjTy6QoUveFKYGk1fJAm6ryrGNoqMEbR4sGqOKwYthZ97pacf02ecDcCnIp_eQCaOS5jtf2g2PRTtCkRud0c0510FSwRhTLsrxzyn4lncF2V/s320/Photo+377.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>¡Hoy es 13/9/2011 y tengo mi Libro de Mormon, Santa Biblia y himnos!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm not sure how to conjugate "all this stuff came today in the mail" so I'm going with that. =D</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Only after I ordered my spanish scriptures did I find out that I'll get some at the MTC; rather than send them back, my sisters can use them to read in spanish during family study. They speak better spanish than I do anyway.</b></div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-12437384175834816462011-09-11T14:26:00.000-07:002011-09-11T14:26:56.112-07:00love love loveeeeethings i love:<br />
<ol><li>my family</li>
<li>joseph smith</li>
<li>my non-mormon friends</li>
<li>my mormon friends</li>
<li>the book of mormon</li>
<li>the book of enos </li>
<li>journals</li>
<li>candid pictures</li>
<li>pillows</li>
<li>chap-stick</li>
<li>air conditioning </li>
<li>comfy shoes</li>
<li>long skirts</li>
<li>the temple</li>
<li>piano music</li>
<li>my cousins</li>
<li>weddings</li>
<li>glasses</li>
<li>sweatshirts</li>
<li>toothbrushes</li>
<li>hair combs</li>
<li>teachers</li>
<li>primary kids</li>
<li>elders</li>
<li>sisters</li>
<li>old couples</li>
<li>adventures</li>
<li>families</li>
<li>honesty</li>
<li>my best friend</li>
<li>whoever my future husband is</li>
<li>my siblings</li>
<li>getting my hair colored</li>
<li>massages</li>
<li>giving massages</li>
<li>singing</li>
<li>more singing</li>
<li>the rain</li>
<li>playing catch with my brother</li>
<li>jamming with my sister</li>
<li>shopping with my other sister</li>
<li>talking with my mom</li>
<li>venting to my dad</li>
<li>having FHE (even when we argue haha)</li>
<li>feel good movies</li>
</ol><div>the list goes on and im sure ill think of more later...</div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-31092992139428002472011-09-08T22:00:00.000-07:002011-10-12T23:00:37.019-07:00journalingUnfortunately, the journals from my childhood do not take heed to 1 Nephi 6:6. They're mostly about boys.<br />
<br />
I think that a lot of guys need to follow the example of Lehi and his kids from 1 Nephi 7:1, too.<br />
<br />
1 Nephi 7:4 is total proof that people are 10x more attractive when they have the Spirit.KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-51878055719831795732011-09-07T23:41:00.000-07:002011-09-08T00:01:11.402-07:00Proverbs 31: 25-26I think it's healthy to have ups and downs. It's during those down times when you realize just how good those ups are. I'm pulling myself out of a down time and realizing that life really is a good thing. It just is! I have a beautiful family, I'm healthy and live in a safe place, I have very supportive friends and the Gospel. In the eternal scheme of things, the little stuff just is not important, you know?<br />
<br />
Parable to life: fishing stinks. Right now, however, pre-mish and all, I am not in the mood to fish but seem to be in the middle of a school of them! Whhhyyyyy does this happen?? I'll tell you. Satan is a master at his job. He knows there is nothing better for someone my age than to be on a mission so he hits you with temptation of every kind. Even good guys are a bad thing right now.<br />
<br />
Words of wisdom: "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">the one thing i always remembered and helped me the most was when my bro said " when you are at the end of your mission flying home on the plane thinking back...be able to say i have no regrets and i worked hard every single day of my mission"</span><br />
<br />
This will be me. I refuse to let one day go by where I wasn't trying my hardest. Some people say to just relax and wait till the MTC to prepare but, that's dumb I think. Why would I waste my time when I have so much of it?<br />
<br />
I am in NO WAY perfect at perfectly trying to be good. I mess up all the time. But I want to be better. I want to be a virtuous woman. I seriously want to be lovely and of good report in all things haha. So with that, I am going to end my self reflection time and close with this: Life is beautiful and not to be wasted by being a fool.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">St. George Temple on the way home from school</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkZnvwsfUCSTUp4UpIq8EU5h8kJv9j1N_EZ626MRm4H1LZpOwIZRDEpbanwr_lsC4JaBA_UqTaGyM8ZYOnZuYOjDgP5Ajkl9-8Ad9VQQ1xijqopSZHOWGCTc40w_IyKK1AOf5O__2rpui/s1600/st+george+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkZnvwsfUCSTUp4UpIq8EU5h8kJv9j1N_EZ626MRm4H1LZpOwIZRDEpbanwr_lsC4JaBA_UqTaGyM8ZYOnZuYOjDgP5Ajkl9-8Ad9VQQ1xijqopSZHOWGCTc40w_IyKK1AOf5O__2rpui/s320/st+george+temple.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Idaho Falls Temple wedding w/ Emily</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdETHdFsXMro-apkvX1PBVNUe-QV2bNkupf1TjVeeaNc53o8FIcTExeS1QShVHEQIbScvOz8aXO1VXpRsyP3fWz6J3uw_i9aLH1PeWDTiMcT7WcZTOT5jApDYxmEl1EyAdNEJcVgEsgNa/s1600/313877_2381337896708_1348518234_2814447_1455954_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdETHdFsXMro-apkvX1PBVNUe-QV2bNkupf1TjVeeaNc53o8FIcTExeS1QShVHEQIbScvOz8aXO1VXpRsyP3fWz6J3uw_i9aLH1PeWDTiMcT7WcZTOT5jApDYxmEl1EyAdNEJcVgEsgNa/s320/313877_2381337896708_1348518234_2814447_1455954_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">San Diego Temple wedding w/ Sarah</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaKiUReQh-8-nII30t3WmMBIH6ic7sNOAjx1F0V9t6IE_5rTrHUA1rtPTh1FOFPegXVP-6K0w4Ih4mBnZvPm6KH-CYp0HqOgQvU4llXvHL4O4Tg9Qo5kZN4T-wQqQppopOq3Gd85ZhBzM/s1600/309212_2352176087681_1348518234_2776114_6677281_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaKiUReQh-8-nII30t3WmMBIH6ic7sNOAjx1F0V9t6IE_5rTrHUA1rtPTh1FOFPegXVP-6K0w4Ih4mBnZvPm6KH-CYp0HqOgQvU4llXvHL4O4Tg9Qo5kZN4T-wQqQppopOq3Gd85ZhBzM/s320/309212_2352176087681_1348518234_2776114_6677281_n.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mesa Temple wedding w/ Lacey and my sister Edison<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVitwjBjkHv9mG_rdm4nLKO-fEvdLtkGmMAwv9J-XHKkCS5tPEkPnk6svt4t2CG2Z0Z-kW8dx_a-9ZFVEQS_JrEsu86-AH4ISf5Hu9SczRS-Kutv6-ISeIjlRXS-V2xplEoAozdzHVZij2/s1600/47a1d724b3127cce98548b281da600000035100AbtXDdizbsmmA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVitwjBjkHv9mG_rdm4nLKO-fEvdLtkGmMAwv9J-XHKkCS5tPEkPnk6svt4t2CG2Z0Z-kW8dx_a-9ZFVEQS_JrEsu86-AH4ISf5Hu9SczRS-Kutv6-ISeIjlRXS-V2xplEoAozdzHVZij2/s320/47a1d724b3127cce98548b281da600000035100AbtXDdizbsmmA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-36432662930296916382011-08-29T20:36:00.000-07:002011-09-03T10:21:01.229-07:00My Missionary WebsiteI broke down today and gave in to peer pressure. I signed up for <i>DearElder.com</i>.<br />
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I really REALLY want people to write me letters by hand so to avoid getting emails all the time I figured having this blog would be the best way to keep people updated without providing an easy way to send me notes. I really REALLY want people to write me though haha, so I made an account for my mission and honestly I'm kind of excited about it! You'll be able to see all my letters in one spot, view all my pictures together, write on my mission board (kind of like a facebook wall) and see the blogs of other people in my mission.<br />
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It'll be a lot easier for my mom to keep track of too, I think. She's the best. Please write to my house and tell her what a good mom she is. One, she'll smile and think "how nice and thoughtful!" and two, you'll get majjjoorrrr mom points.<br />
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Go check it out. It won't really be updated till I leave but it's up and running. The link is posted to the right and is the first one under "WWW". Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.missionsite.net/sisterkariellethalman/main">just click here and ill make it easy for you</a>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-60814749627830832162011-08-28T16:06:00.000-07:002011-09-08T00:23:24.961-07:00EL TEMPLO!!!!Sooo I'm at the SLC airport for the last time before heading back here for the MTC. It really isn't a huge deal especially because I feel like I know this place like the back of my hand. Flights <i>to</i> and <i>from</i> Phoenix area always in Gate B and the Arizona people are all over this joint. It isn't hard to tell who is from AZ. It's just a feeling. And the outfit of course. Haha usually the girls aren't too modest and the boys are in cut offs and vans so catching a non-mormon in this area is pretty easy.<br />
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I'm here because one of my good friends just had her wedding in Idaho Falls so I flew here to take the shuttle up there and have spent the weekend in Provo with my old roommates. They are such good people! I love Provo and the college atmosphere. It almost makes me want to stay for Junior year with my girls and live with them but I know that a mission is what I need to do. BYU will still be here when I get back even if all my friends are married... I hope they do get married though because after this month it's pretty much all I think about haha. How can I not think about it when I've been to three weddings this month?! I was able sit in on two of them and the ceremony is BEAUTIFUL. It's definitely a sweet spirit in those rooms, for sure.<br />
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I went to the Mesa temple for the first time on Friday, August 5 and I honestly don't know how to describe it. You'll just have to do what you need to do and get in there to experience it for yourself! My Stake President helped me to understand the temple a little more while he interviewed me for my recommend. He explained that the temple is for everyone. It's for you and for me and for anyone who wants to go! Before you can go inside though, you have to be willing to make certain sacrifices - things you promise <u>to do</u> and things you promise <u>not to do</u>. Honestly, it's that simple. I'm glad I've done what I needed to and that I havn't done what I'm not supposed to do so that I can be worthy to go in the temple. =D I've only been once but I'm anxious to get back.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZHlYYpKMpcFB_6FnNG-KZfG9e6V2CQ_oPA6KSf46SiMZb5hvyad3_pooZtbfNvJxSj-gQs4zJQZGH56eKUbpttev2B536r3I_TlNH44ZFLLT-Xso9xcRHJN9bQdiN_CyLpmSdMSH37ko/s1600/DSCN5212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZHlYYpKMpcFB_6FnNG-KZfG9e6V2CQ_oPA6KSf46SiMZb5hvyad3_pooZtbfNvJxSj-gQs4zJQZGH56eKUbpttev2B536r3I_TlNH44ZFLLT-Xso9xcRHJN9bQdiN_CyLpmSdMSH37ko/s320/DSCN5212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBlmA1DcFBghNmO-gVjnN6latoZO2WP241tjzEfSG7D0tyHFeSj3Z_PNiGXb7gllLdHG8kXnNj71aWWGtjJ64qxve38MXzw5nhZuVDVGgI6tVkuP5O0i_cm58XERHfr7w9t74CqB3c6Kn/s1600/DSCN5215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBlmA1DcFBghNmO-gVjnN6latoZO2WP241tjzEfSG7D0tyHFeSj3Z_PNiGXb7gllLdHG8kXnNj71aWWGtjJ64qxve38MXzw5nhZuVDVGgI6tVkuP5O0i_cm58XERHfr7w9t74CqB3c6Kn/s320/DSCN5215.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Another thing that makes me happy about this whole temple thing is that I don't have to buy any new clothes! I'm proud of myself for being modest enough that my old clothes are still wearable even after going through the temple. It's a good feeling.KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-80919878035795999472011-08-01T19:42:00.000-07:002011-08-03T01:09:35.301-07:00Keeping Up w/ Pen PalsI've noticed something in my pen-pal letters to friends serving missions. It seems like the first few months they're cool and normal, loving their mission but more in the mind set of 'HOLY COW, WHAT AM I DOING?!! THIS IS SWEEEET!!' After the 9-12 month mark however, the letters start to change. They become spiritual manifestations of how true the gospel is, expressions on the beauty of the atonement, testimonies of faith and prayer, witnesses of miracles.<br />
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If I could link every missionary letter to my mission blog I would. Most of them are emails though and have no link so I can't share them. P-day is the day I can be spiritually fed by my friends; how many people do you know that lift your spirits on a weekly basis? I look forward to Mondays becuase that's the day when moms all over the world post the weekly email of their little missionary to the WWW for anyone and everyone to read. They are so great! Both the moms and the missionaries.<br />
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When I first started college and the boys started leaving for the MTC I was totally naiive and of course, completely boy crazy. I promised to write every boy I knew <i>every week</i>! That was dumb haha. While that would have been nice and all, I definitely didn't keep it up. I'm lucky if I send one letter every few months to one of my freshman buddies. It isn't from a lack of time though. Some of these missionaries are so full of the gospel that I don't know what to say that wouldn't be a waste of time or just plain silly. It's a tough job being a pen pal. My guess is that for all those Elders and Sisters out there who wonder why their friends stop writing mid-mission is that it isn't becuase their friends have forgotten them but because their friends aren't on the same level, thats all.<br />
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So, why write about this on my mission blog? I want you to know that no matter what I will always be myself no matter what stage of MissionaryMode I'm in. When I hit that switch where my letters become super churchy instead of/including "oh my goshhh! this is awesome!!!" then tell me!! I want to know. I think it'll be cool to become someone who writes uplifting letters like so many of my friends have become. I anticipate 'the switch' but I hope you'll still write me even and especially when it happens. =DKariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-46317933148062370452011-07-27T18:52:00.000-07:002011-08-24T21:33:20.014-07:00Letters to GodI used to think YSA was incredibly lame. How dumb of me. I love it! It's one of the things I most look forward to each week. Last night some buddies and I decided to go over to a friend's house afterwards and my incredibly impressive new friend talked about how cool the spirit is. We both agree that someone with the spirit is 10x more attractive than someone without it. He was telling me about how he prays to Heavenly Father at night and then writes a letter to God. The next morning he reads his letter, prays, and then does his best to answer his own prayers. After doing this for a while he felt like he knew what God was trying to say to him as he prayed and his letters became conversations. Now, it's his favorite.<br />
IT IS AMAZING how <i>good</i> it felt to talk about cool, inspirational, uplifting things like prayer and journaling in my little car for 20 minutes. I love how my new friend completely opened my heart to better understanding the wonderful blessing of the spirit in my life. If it wasn't for YSA we wouldn't be buddies and I wouldn't be trying this new way of communicating with my Father in heaven. So far I really like it. I challenge you to try it too. Lets all be pen pals with our Dad!KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-54827024712686568722011-07-18T12:25:00.001-07:002011-07-18T19:13:30.037-07:00totally pooped and lovin itive decided that being in provo is expensive. college is expensive. being a reckless driver is expensive. accidentally ramming your mascara into the shoulder of your new white shirt is expensive. buying breakfast for you and your sister is expensive. not working for an entire week is expensive. ive thought this before and i will always think this, but why cant we just live on the barter system?? for example, you wash my clothes and ill give your kid voice lessons. easy, right!? i think so.<br />
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im in utah for the week visiting my friends and taking my cute sister audrey to YASE camp. it's nice to see my friends and have the opportunity to sing with my music buddies, chill with my chill buddies and play with my active buddies. i really reallllyyy want to be at work though. i feel so un-useful right now. im glad that ill have a full schedule when i get back home and especially when ill be in california. i like being busy and when im not busy its odd. what am i supposed to do? i have no money and no way of earning money when im by myself on vacation. for the past year ive been busy busy and i cant wait to go have another adventure!!<br />
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i need some service in my life i think. it keeps my mind off myself and encourages some heart growth so i dont forget to love other people.<br />
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heres SOME of the highlights of my life since last summer. lots of service and spending time with people i love. theres no way i could upload <i>every</i> happy moment ive had in the past 12 months though. you can go check out my old blog if you want to catch up on a majority of it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U_5816hrNyitWKzgQoyrZvJzQan0sYKfhMkhe6vWOSt8S9TXm4BoCXQRrJDeholsLApDCZF2FXtuW41rADLdrwrZuG-3ySDZTeyvKO0kktPnru8oe-ylrqJ4T8mZiNnZkl-V2VudIIRy/s1600/DSC03596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U_5816hrNyitWKzgQoyrZvJzQan0sYKfhMkhe6vWOSt8S9TXm4BoCXQRrJDeholsLApDCZF2FXtuW41rADLdrwrZuG-3ySDZTeyvKO0kktPnru8oe-ylrqJ4T8mZiNnZkl-V2VudIIRy/s320/DSC03596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> FOL family - camp councelor/mom<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dirfmJymWA7UggYqALPXy-ASk_67Q9JFjJWYeYpOGGHYio0k75w7dERz8ZJqAXHmxMsPWIgJtlEtxZGDjsBZp2JspNICij3cpkRii_-M6d5RwoCp-e2sBp_5-pF_Py3Irdew1bpbONC5/s1600/luf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dirfmJymWA7UggYqALPXy-ASk_67Q9JFjJWYeYpOGGHYio0k75w7dERz8ZJqAXHmxMsPWIgJtlEtxZGDjsBZp2JspNICij3cpkRii_-M6d5RwoCp-e2sBp_5-pF_Py3Irdew1bpbONC5/s320/luf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>20th birthday dinner at pf changs with the girls </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDqU0gndGFG0aClph-Jk_M2qK7WxlpraCHCDuu8i1AltMM2CCYcFUejN1dZEvFHao6LMl9F5dDnSqVqY7lNzTUwPy1OrNxTtIGYNFmmeUNSZKtt02PIWsZpARSblSGUW1sG_9A3xddmwz/s1600/DSC04268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDqU0gndGFG0aClph-Jk_M2qK7WxlpraCHCDuu8i1AltMM2CCYcFUejN1dZEvFHao6LMl9F5dDnSqVqY7lNzTUwPy1OrNxTtIGYNFmmeUNSZKtt02PIWsZpARSblSGUW1sG_9A3xddmwz/s320/DSC04268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> byusa retreats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5O5RRTma_H6erMsakVFAX8Sl8gQf60LIXYOVRsve3-yoGXt2IZ8MPBruTMYfgi9H9VI3EeBvfV3qMGk4nkb1QtQYOBuDGTKczz_VlhKkFlj4nCs2J4n0pc_6MOjLm2Wz-B-5iHDBeEgh/s1600/DSC04346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5O5RRTma_H6erMsakVFAX8Sl8gQf60LIXYOVRsve3-yoGXt2IZ8MPBruTMYfgi9H9VI3EeBvfV3qMGk4nkb1QtQYOBuDGTKczz_VlhKkFlj4nCs2J4n0pc_6MOjLm2Wz-B-5iHDBeEgh/s320/DSC04346.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> supporting my roommates in their sports games</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJUe3TQD7ZWMV7_JESKK3ktaEnerZhjdR3_bDAYokWc7vrQ6kfx1JEh3uECSmTW_-Diu1TeTllmfUqovJiZ_v9q9tJeh0859gYVFhkdhXM8tTBYhvH8CGHvkmBjjH921Kj9CeBU3JJPVg/s1600/DSC04422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJUe3TQD7ZWMV7_JESKK3ktaEnerZhjdR3_bDAYokWc7vrQ6kfx1JEh3uECSmTW_-Diu1TeTllmfUqovJiZ_v9q9tJeh0859gYVFhkdhXM8tTBYhvH8CGHvkmBjjH921Kj9CeBU3JJPVg/s320/DSC04422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> nap time in the office (that couch is amazing)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0nLwaHO9uCClfbcc0JXUGET9Wpk93DNSKNkv78c83x_k_J_zvGLFNtGNGLtGbFQby79KEYWxMYtE19tDliCe_byANyM7PxMAfYk2JxhICPaoLWgSqnAtcbXNuT85GFCvAD8liKxX9vo1/s1600/DSC05050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0nLwaHO9uCClfbcc0JXUGET9Wpk93DNSKNkv78c83x_k_J_zvGLFNtGNGLtGbFQby79KEYWxMYtE19tDliCe_byANyM7PxMAfYk2JxhICPaoLWgSqnAtcbXNuT85GFCvAD8liKxX9vo1/s320/DSC05050.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> temple trips with my bestie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs75LPucqsUnDhK1H9a-GqkPv8quW4LQcdH4pPCccnXfal5SolCcbIDvirU9GRa27KSX9hl8699bSzqXxAfmI4TOgOpMW8c-l6MdD0jkzjvKEWfZIKVFSSEHLwqMla_5BXrm6fw8_LgZBZ/s1600/DSC05150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs75LPucqsUnDhK1H9a-GqkPv8quW4LQcdH4pPCccnXfal5SolCcbIDvirU9GRa27KSX9hl8699bSzqXxAfmI4TOgOpMW8c-l6MdD0jkzjvKEWfZIKVFSSEHLwqMla_5BXrm6fw8_LgZBZ/s320/DSC05150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">friends' birthday parties </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c9GcR75tcSKnxJ8rK0A87fRx61j48tual8XuWa-XyxpetemOYyyKRZ1s_ECjMEMYy5jSgFOZCFfoTi-P5z32bloVWppkB8w7QFeJrxc-eh7Y7YkqOeAkZUHCNZqGloT4l7cYUEExHLEf/s1600/DSC05261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c9GcR75tcSKnxJ8rK0A87fRx61j48tual8XuWa-XyxpetemOYyyKRZ1s_ECjMEMYy5jSgFOZCFfoTi-P5z32bloVWppkB8w7QFeJrxc-eh7Y7YkqOeAkZUHCNZqGloT4l7cYUEExHLEf/s320/DSC05261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> jamming with the bishop</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fDx_tkkT3EI97puQhLX2HfhOMWCNNkueQo1J_EQikwQ4IzCn12Pv9bFLeWN_fDdYO5CLRGdDrPk0Y7GEO_tbflLabbJsRcUrmODDXulBeACpompFvwx9JepGjkF8Ky3YT_ilqrxWhAZ1/s1600/DSC05564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fDx_tkkT3EI97puQhLX2HfhOMWCNNkueQo1J_EQikwQ4IzCn12Pv9bFLeWN_fDdYO5CLRGdDrPk0Y7GEO_tbflLabbJsRcUrmODDXulBeACpompFvwx9JepGjkF8Ky3YT_ilqrxWhAZ1/s320/DSC05564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">presidency meetings with BYU admin<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiJwmaO9mHva_um40NNhKR0LcPnoKo-Kc1AVU20EHrw4_t2C7zoiegUO2LBC-MD2p4H4i6mjTLfi-V96xocr3oU9MCWuiYpcscBzMqyTSK_gippKrlX-C-vbK4adQWS1yMH_91dhwPpIx/s1600/jennieeee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiJwmaO9mHva_um40NNhKR0LcPnoKo-Kc1AVU20EHrw4_t2C7zoiegUO2LBC-MD2p4H4i6mjTLfi-V96xocr3oU9MCWuiYpcscBzMqyTSK_gippKrlX-C-vbK4adQWS1yMH_91dhwPpIx/s320/jennieeee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>laughing w/ sweet sweet jennie rae</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMzdWaqpXQ0RxrOc_SoKr3Zg7pqMIv-0i3eco2kn8ltsppzgszaw_uNWfULxCoAYC0FlucR6GxEWE4YG0-vX6-seU3ms1CnianlZh3icI4giOVE7TaM794XWpOhKLP_4ALTfDDHgzwZO5/s1600/Photo+289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMzdWaqpXQ0RxrOc_SoKr3Zg7pqMIv-0i3eco2kn8ltsppzgszaw_uNWfULxCoAYC0FlucR6GxEWE4YG0-vX6-seU3ms1CnianlZh3icI4giOVE7TaM794XWpOhKLP_4ALTfDDHgzwZO5/s320/Photo+289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> mission call!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrfZUfP6kfkdWF-aZyams7JEHR1f87GrKMtQzI-nxclgC3nEQBn18yFh3JhdNbJlDCeZTadFVvvTYl6frfr0ISSnBveBUq_bWA2gN_TzLwRmlhfocq7zmYLo_YDUqxQREmVdgiJCdcNqj/s1600/DSC06056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrfZUfP6kfkdWF-aZyams7JEHR1f87GrKMtQzI-nxclgC3nEQBn18yFh3JhdNbJlDCeZTadFVvvTYl6frfr0ISSnBveBUq_bWA2gN_TzLwRmlhfocq7zmYLo_YDUqxQREmVdgiJCdcNqj/s320/DSC06056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">family vacation to the east coast</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(ps: i purposely failed to include stuff from school. like actually doing homework and papers. ick. rest asured that they were a HUGE part of my life though. just not the part that needs to be photographed haha)</div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-4251442650687199442011-07-11T22:14:00.000-07:002011-07-11T22:17:18.750-07:00my eternal family<a href="http://youtu.be/yYHT-TF4KO4">When I Get Where Im Going</a><br />
I love this song by Brad Paisley. It makes me feel good to know that I can be with my family forever! Death doesn't stop us from loving those who have gone on and shouldn't prevent us from doing our best to be worthy to be with them again some day.KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-67616611918197323622011-06-26T21:00:00.000-07:002011-06-28T01:02:54.922-07:00Missionary Online Recommendation System<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE6_GkYvU_g4RweckBun_rI-lfHCNg8tGBpv-cXRNX0KPNwHMX_diGw3uzv1s7GJs1mh1OXQZWZ_vU2brDBVYte5krHnY4fHMOQWuotlrWGwgQZkhx9PAOxYnp21nsl1zX33xXECfA6jr/s1600/mission+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE6_GkYvU_g4RweckBun_rI-lfHCNg8tGBpv-cXRNX0KPNwHMX_diGw3uzv1s7GJs1mh1OXQZWZ_vU2brDBVYte5krHnY4fHMOQWuotlrWGwgQZkhx9PAOxYnp21nsl1zX33xXECfA6jr/s640/mission+site.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>this is what i was looking at for a whole 10 days as i waited for my mission call. i thought that id be able to see exactly where my papers were in their progress but all ive seen is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Recommendation has been submitted</span></span>. then, this last friday, my envelope was in the mail box! i love suspense and there wasn't any of it! haha but now i have 3.5 months to prepare and anticipate to serve a mission in spanish. in california. with raiders fans. and As fans. and giants fans. and only 60 min or so from jimmer and the kings. right across from the bay. overlooking the ocean alllll day. going in the temple whenever i want.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYxdTDpMWPnnbMEKe2Ire1VTkV3HKRTrVys04pHwSA2hQTrxPu6EuAoTMW4_x1Oh89Z3uM6-5C2cbwi8CyDG5uU3r1yc_Xljt-LugJBILpxE2Q_8862jambKFx21wEXegS_G1pahSmNKe/s1600/Photo+287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYxdTDpMWPnnbMEKe2Ire1VTkV3HKRTrVys04pHwSA2hQTrxPu6EuAoTMW4_x1Oh89Z3uM6-5C2cbwi8CyDG5uU3r1yc_Xljt-LugJBILpxE2Q_8862jambKFx21wEXegS_G1pahSmNKe/s400/Photo+287.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">oh the excitement of anticipation!!!!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, also, I went to mission prep tonight and it was just me and colton. he's leaving for his mission in a month and is going to argentina. we had the lesson of what a testimony consists of and it was pretty neat. First you bear your testimony on a subject and then your companion bears their testimony about it and then brings up a different topic and bears their testimony and then it bounces back to you. it goes on like that until you stop apparently haha. the topics of what the basic testimony are 1) God lives 2) Jesus is our Savior 3) Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and translated the Book of Mormon 4) Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet today 5) the LDS church is the only fully restored church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. its pretty cool stuff to learn about.</div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-18607838896130615432011-06-25T00:38:00.001-07:002011-06-25T08:53:08.304-07:00California Oakland/San Francisco Mission, Oakland Temple Visitors' Center, Spanish Speaking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0Fh94Tf4itl3yK-egcHTWVw4ldM1xPePxtHuaxdN49wdHy8d29xy9hothOtaPL28Z7PjM2p9NoKzcpG3g2SyraOmaPnU1WzpMMNytE96H6Cur1v0cqoAqyria0C9lvr4BQQMrHz8uDBk/s1600/Official+Letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0Fh94Tf4itl3yK-egcHTWVw4ldM1xPePxtHuaxdN49wdHy8d29xy9hothOtaPL28Z7PjM2p9NoKzcpG3g2SyraOmaPnU1WzpMMNytE96H6Cur1v0cqoAqyria0C9lvr4BQQMrHz8uDBk/s640/Official+Letter.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRxtOx9XbH_EaWKr8NCylFrykV3JI2WbJ_YjYvfUwDL2BZ7jy2B7ENx1taqKpys5p3kv2I6rPGX4SLfVb_WQA8YZ_xj8kHY2qjjWVmQc7SoK4rtztjy3KOjiUPlHiR8ZETktUuaFVirsD/s1600/oakland+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRxtOx9XbH_EaWKr8NCylFrykV3JI2WbJ_YjYvfUwDL2BZ7jy2B7ENx1taqKpys5p3kv2I6rPGX4SLfVb_WQA8YZ_xj8kHY2qjjWVmQc7SoK4rtztjy3KOjiUPlHiR8ZETktUuaFVirsD/s640/oakland+temple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How fitting. I've been more excited about going to the temple since my first interview with Bishop Munoa than serving an actual mission. Heavenly Father knows me so well! Not only is He letting me serve at THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TEMPLE IN THE WORLD but He's letting me learn Spanish too! I would have been happy anywhere but He and I both knew deep down that I would be disappointed if I didn't go somewhere Spanish speaking. He is too good to me. Plus it's California, where it's sunny always - just one of the many things that makes me happy. I am so incredibly blessed with a beautiful, supportive family who are just as excited as I am to serve a mission. I'm thankful for their love and constant encouragement. Everything I am I owe to them, especially my mom and dad. <i>Thanks for teaching me how to love others and smile at everyone Mom and Dad. You're the greatest exa</i><i>mples I could ever ask for. I probably requested you in the pre-existence so thanks for accepting the challenge.</i></div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-68783174544727995992011-06-15T22:38:00.000-07:002011-06-16T21:28:48.923-07:00Fear not, little flock<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">ONE</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First and most important, my mission papers were officially submitted to Salt Lake yesterday. This means the countdown started YESTERDAY!!! Woa, right? It's just completely insane how quickly my life is changing. I thought I'd never have the paperwork done and now they're being looked at and pondered about. Craazzyyyy... </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I only hope that my call comes before June 28 when my family leaves for Boston. We'll be gone for two weeks and my letter could just be sitting in our mailbox that whole time. Lonely, afraid, confused as to why no one has opened it... I just don't know if I could do that.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">TWO</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A second, and third, and well fourth cool thing is that my family and I had the chance to go to the groundbreaking of the Phoenix, AZ Temple. That was pretty cool. We turned some dirt and felt the spirit.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfjzUBQTDJwZKMDzwOwCd0S42wWPPdg_uHcQfYUpBrhq9mq85wEMaeDpBWsEtRCA7-GLxlLMLG68iV9S447T2OrzM9l2APE1kpm8MtJvJvip22uZgLzztryvstziIsDNpT253Op6Vb-sm/s1600/DSC05965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfjzUBQTDJwZKMDzwOwCd0S42wWPPdg_uHcQfYUpBrhq9mq85wEMaeDpBWsEtRCA7-GLxlLMLG68iV9S447T2OrzM9l2APE1kpm8MtJvJvip22uZgLzztryvstziIsDNpT253Op6Vb-sm/s320/DSC05965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVelSrDoDbGtodnTMp5dc7LHCEcpFyuxc70o9BRgrzbzFdURLyf8aAUXrEYR7d5fxTiIoHHBfwmZeaSGuD7mOX6nxpcBxuXK70JL7Pp54uC7PCyC5f2Z7pDKbfCWZ9Oc6z8CshxyRUcr0Z/s1600/DSC05964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVelSrDoDbGtodnTMp5dc7LHCEcpFyuxc70o9BRgrzbzFdURLyf8aAUXrEYR7d5fxTiIoHHBfwmZeaSGuD7mOX6nxpcBxuXK70JL7Pp54uC7PCyC5f2Z7pDKbfCWZ9Oc6z8CshxyRUcr0Z/s320/DSC05964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">THREE</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me and my madre went shopping over the weekend and we got a few new skirts for me. Two are super long, Sister skirts! And they don't make me look Amish or Mennonite! Woo-hoo! I also bought a new skirt today. It's not long though. Modest and super cute but not mid-calf length, you know? Maybe I can still wear them depending on where I go. We'll see!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">FOUR</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I teach the 14-15 year old Sunday School class at church now that I'm home. It's fun to chat with them, have kids appreciate my outfits, and use colored chalk. =D Last week we went over the signs of Christ's second coming and used one of my all time favorite scriptures to be comforted </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/6?lang=eng"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DC 6:34</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. It's good stuff for sure.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">PS: YSA is so, sooo much fun.</span>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-85919662118873737912011-06-02T23:34:00.000-07:002011-07-31T22:07:18.158-07:00It Is FinishedDONE!!!! I AM TOTALLY DONE WITH MY PAPERS! I finally got that stinken picture taken and now it all comes down to my Bishop interview followed by my Stake President Interview and then the papers are off to SLC!! Here is the official photo that I had to send in for my application.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJ1Zp9Vt-T1FRtiOZ8iZaOdVpyIckBdL8tAt72wgcEe9CoLJauiCSSkwM_J_gVgirgQfBOLy9MP9D6aqfvPxqklRlxrxnJODRP3SEGkzlsGnCUbGvl8xojEI6TyZjGtSH6sHD4obk6pMI/s1600/IMG_4647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJ1Zp9Vt-T1FRtiOZ8iZaOdVpyIckBdL8tAt72wgcEe9CoLJauiCSSkwM_J_gVgirgQfBOLy9MP9D6aqfvPxqklRlxrxnJODRP3SEGkzlsGnCUbGvl8xojEI6TyZjGtSH6sHD4obk6pMI/s320/IMG_4647.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>It's way cuter when it's not cropped but I guess they aren't kidding when they say they want a head shot. For once I don't mind that my hair is so short otherwise it wouldn't have fit in the picture! I'm pretty sure I was thinking "Spain" when I smiled for this...<br />
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I'm lucky that my mom is so good at taking photos without ANY HELP AT ALL! She knows where good lighting is (these doesn't have any photoshop), how to tilt your head just enough so it looks good and what to focus on as the shutter clicks. I'm no professional but I'm proud of her ability to take good photos. Some of her other favorites include:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AwNmzJqIjblbS1V6FV0mT1Y7xOpNFqSeynYHQ1rwTyfivFi8cmzKRXpNjS893gvGJXbSHu5PRn0Zf5FW50-q_QBYh3ynVBWLLKVp_1H0X45fZT933GJL8LbqVqIB91aiAsnwb_ABOY0k/s1600/IMG_4664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AwNmzJqIjblbS1V6FV0mT1Y7xOpNFqSeynYHQ1rwTyfivFi8cmzKRXpNjS893gvGJXbSHu5PRn0Zf5FW50-q_QBYh3ynVBWLLKVp_1H0X45fZT933GJL8LbqVqIB91aiAsnwb_ABOY0k/s200/IMG_4664.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXX6RtR7kD0pSG6bBWx9un_N9d6Afje0ZUiAWvlOhofcB9YqiQ6_sSxfj22CoevDSFg0yfWWgS7pFnoPRvhoy0YD6C5xNlVjlxzRVmbPNiPr9CeW31NBYWa62KIOgqJLDZg2qgG-pNvLK/s1600/IMG_4665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXX6RtR7kD0pSG6bBWx9un_N9d6Afje0ZUiAWvlOhofcB9YqiQ6_sSxfj22CoevDSFg0yfWWgS7pFnoPRvhoy0YD6C5xNlVjlxzRVmbPNiPr9CeW31NBYWa62KIOgqJLDZg2qgG-pNvLK/s200/IMG_4665.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j826uKmMH0OSA3eMK9WmUZ17Mcj7_uH85yitMw_jy3YdKVf3PV7k92s1ZEzB7mlMMg73FQfLAzg5IuWH8FyZUjQhyphenhyphenA_sIgwD81YokTcK9DJH7RQMCxzg1pT8lpGnAmz7WWdmO8DdRroJ/s1600/IMG_4671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j826uKmMH0OSA3eMK9WmUZ17Mcj7_uH85yitMw_jy3YdKVf3PV7k92s1ZEzB7mlMMg73FQfLAzg5IuWH8FyZUjQhyphenhyphenA_sIgwD81YokTcK9DJH7RQMCxzg1pT8lpGnAmz7WWdmO8DdRroJ/s200/IMG_4671.JPG" width="168" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoGtelOKuvHkc8ZZ3Ba0K_MmWdUDl6NK40Yl4-nfYGRYMMYSlRgb41H2lbhj8vTI0GNIJdnt7CPNQMVTH6MHOf3NtN7PUqygAEnrRfaWG6fsZp0M0tZhlG1TIvw0n4be20RZDLROHcUlE/s1600/IMG_4654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoGtelOKuvHkc8ZZ3Ba0K_MmWdUDl6NK40Yl4-nfYGRYMMYSlRgb41H2lbhj8vTI0GNIJdnt7CPNQMVTH6MHOf3NtN7PUqygAEnrRfaWG6fsZp0M0tZhlG1TIvw0n4be20RZDLROHcUlE/s200/IMG_4654.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, she doesn't really like the last one but I wanted her to document how shiny my hair was today haha. The second to last one was about to be the official picture but then my dad voted for the one you see at the top. "Your bangs hide your eyes. Your picture needs to show how open you are to people and being half hidden doesn't help. Plus your cheeks are too shiny in the others and that's not realistic." He didn't say those words <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> but something similar. Good point pops. Years of asking for his opinion has finally paid off and he now gives quality feedback. Apparently he <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">has</span> been listening to my comments about make up and hair for the past 20 years. I'm pretty sure he doesn't listen too well when I talk about clothes though. He is a boy after all. The best Dad ever, but still.</div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870486638795746897.post-87233037831364579982011-05-30T23:30:00.000-07:002011-06-18T09:20:08.782-07:00finishing up them papersI had my physical earlier this week and now all that's left is to have my stake president interview then have my bishop send the information off to SLC! I guess that within the last few months Sister physicals have become a little more in depth than they used to be and for that reason alone I'm glad I had a female doctor. I was in and out of the Student Health Center within 30 minutes. I was anxious at how long the process would take but it was sooooo easy. Surprisingly easy. So, if you're reading this and wondering if you'll make it through your physical don't worry about it. It's all good!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another exciting thing I got to check off my Missionary To-Do List is that I got my passport! You don't need to have one in order to send your papers but since I want to go out of the country pretty bad I figure that if I have a passport already my chances of going foreign are that much better. I set my appointment to get it all sorted out a month ago and it came in the mail last week! Hooray for items checked off!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOpYD94LpIby7Komv51jA8FDZO7voc_DSsd1BvCrb5XTLHXXcYu-PYHIMwXbVXasq9ZRET68TNqEl09aP56uXHxMEl88MM9q9hG-c5LWb4ogMEY8XN3FBQQtJV2-qNDUSDZ9CjmF8nXuR/s1600/Photo+306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOpYD94LpIby7Komv51jA8FDZO7voc_DSsd1BvCrb5XTLHXXcYu-PYHIMwXbVXasq9ZRET68TNqEl09aP56uXHxMEl88MM9q9hG-c5LWb4ogMEY8XN3FBQQtJV2-qNDUSDZ9CjmF8nXuR/s320/Photo+306.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesPXiRalRKufokybhu-jQgmOgXO4153zdqkFfTW_U1O_6wcpw7Hyk3uH9qJD4nxzawuEuJuUoPjJdi8kMoFjsjDZEq62rks00ibviyG1cGpONyYNtklObt4dcjdxANAC8Ab0h15FLgALb/s1600/Photo+318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesPXiRalRKufokybhu-jQgmOgXO4153zdqkFfTW_U1O_6wcpw7Hyk3uH9qJD4nxzawuEuJuUoPjJdi8kMoFjsjDZEq62rks00ibviyG1cGpONyYNtklObt4dcjdxANAC8Ab0h15FLgALb/s320/Photo+318.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[obviously my computer skills are lacking because idk how to flip my pictures to 'readable']</span></div>It's kind of weird to think that in just a few months I could be anywhere in the world with a name tag on. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Anywhere!</span> One of the nice things is that the temple is everywhere and so is the Spirit! That means wherever I go will be for a reason and good things will come of it. I went to the Mesa Temple this morning to sit and contemplate my life. There wasn't much contemplating and it was kind of chilly so I didn't sit too long but I felt good watching the sun come up behind the palm trees to shine on a House of the Lord. Unfortunately, my camera phone skills are horrible and I failed to capture just how beautiful the moment was. Trust me though, a tear or two was shed as I hummed A Child's Prayer to myself (and to the occasional elderly couple out for their morning speed walk). It was beautiful and I cannot wait to go in there!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2mVZcgv1GHQK3X9__jDTi8EA9g3uZzTI29rdouMjshVKGMT13oUA7wYhbuYnbyW8dAmMHIJJgMaNJzr-PqwRKUfq2umW_jtZAjYF00xnpdk-G5cy7Tf5SpOFmKjpryaPN3aUmtgmkfeu/s1600/mesa+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2mVZcgv1GHQK3X9__jDTi8EA9g3uZzTI29rdouMjshVKGMT13oUA7wYhbuYnbyW8dAmMHIJJgMaNJzr-PqwRKUfq2umW_jtZAjYF00xnpdk-G5cy7Tf5SpOFmKjpryaPN3aUmtgmkfeu/s640/mesa+temple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>KariElle Thalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15653282033310633326noreply@blogger.com1