If You're From Africa, Why Are You White?

I leave tomorrow for Taru, Kenya with Kenya Keys.
I will be living there for a month.
Hopefully.
Let's hope I don't die.

I cannot wait to teach the kids, sing with the villagers, live in the bush, and be changed forever.

I won't have my cell phone, but I would LOVE emails. (Not sure if I can use Facebook, but let's just do emails for now).
Text me if you want my email.

I feel excited, nervous, unprepared, etc. It's weird to feel all of these emotions at the same time. Going into the unknown, especially Africa, is going to be QUITE the experience.

I CAN'T WAIT.
xo.

(pictures from Rinda Hayes, leader of Kenya Keys. Amazing woman)
(Oh, and the Title is from the movie Mean Girls. Kills me.)

LDC.

Let's face it, we all knew this post was coming.
I don't feel like this will be adequately written because of all the thoughts I have. But let's attempt.
My choir, the Latter Day Celebration Choir, the auditioned group at the Orem Institute of Religion (at UVU) has been the best decision I have made in my life thus far.
I transferred from Idaho down to Provo two and a half years ago. (I cannot believe it has been that long.)
I had heard this choir at a devotional and I was moved instantly. In fact, their song brought me tears. In my head, I relished the thought of actually being in this choir. I was new to Provo and I needed something in my life. To be honest, I was lost.
I was taking a class from Br. Lunt (love that man) and I had mentioned a minimal interest in LDC. Automatically his response was: "Sierra Ainge! You HAVE to try out. You have a beautiful voice, I hear you sing in class. Your light will guide you in." I was flattered. So Fall of 2009, I tried out. The worst try out I have ever done in my entire life.
I made it. I'm not sure how. But I did.
The Lord knew this was something I needed in my life. I needed these people.
It was so hard to say goodbye to some of my very best friends as third years. They will be missed. I still have one more year and I will savor it more than anything.

Things I have learned from LDC:
-The Lord places people in your life for a reason. I will not lie, choir people aggravate me. They are loud, opinionated, sometimes obnoxious, but each person has taught me something. I met my Kindred Spirit in this choir. And I would not trade her for anything.
-Forgiveness. This year, especially, has taught me the true meaning on friendship. Of letting go of mistakes that people make. It has taught me that loyalty is a huge aspect of life.
-Hard work. We work SO hard on music and sometimes I feel like that goes unnoticed.
-The Savior loves ME. And everything Br. Eggett has taught me. I started writing down quotes that he has said. He has altered my life with his spiritual guidance exponentially.
-That GOOD choirs truly make a difference. Holy Cow! Every time we sing I am truly amazed of the quality of music we produce. I have never been in this good of choir and never will be (Unless Motab...but let's be honest. Hahaha)
-taught me how to cry, to laugh, to respect and love everyone, to be patient, to be willing, to be confident in my singing and in my life, taught me how to date (ha), how to serve, how to sing with no sleep, how to have true fun.

.....SO many more things. Come back to this in a year and I guarantee this will be written incredibly. My thoughts are jumbled. My emotions and feelings for this choir cannot be put into words. So bear with me.

As my dear friend, and madame president, stated:
LDC taught me how to:
build a stage, plan a talent show, speak in public, testify through song, listen intently, sing through tears, become a leader, delegate to people, rely on others, sing a solo w/ confidence, make a fool out of myself, love more fully, develop deep friendships, cherish every minute.

Thank you for the memories. I love you all.
HERE'S TO ONE MORE AMAZING YEAR.

There’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times its sent away.

Mother's Day and Other Things...

1. Happy Mother's day to good ol Stace. Best mom ever.
Here is proof:
While asking her what she has done for Mother's day she says, "I watched the Lakers lose. That was the best Mother's Day present."
Yep, we must be Ainge's. My mom knows more about basketball than your mom.

2. Lakers lost. My life is complete.
I still want my CELTICS to win. But I will just be happy knowing it's not the Lakers.
Still....GO CELTICS.
(P.S. Did you see Rondo dislocate his elbow...then KEEP PLAYING. Tenacious, Rajon. Love ya.)

3. I leave for Africa in 10 days.
Excitement is a word that cannot even begin to explain my emotions.

That's all for now. Peace and blessings.