TESTIMONY THROUGH STUDY

Favorite class of fall semester 2010: human anatomy, hands down. As stressful and time-consuming as it is, I can't help but love it. It has seriously changed my life.

I don't look at people the same way anymore, and that includes myself. When I see a person, I don't see a face; I see muscles, bones, ligaments, arteries, you name it.

In an odd way, this class has been a HUGE testimony builder for me. While sitting in class, I've often found myself quoting Albert Einstein in my head: "The more I study the universe, the more I believe in a higher power." For me, the more I study the human body, the more I KNOW a higher power exists.

I once heard an interesting analogy somewhere relating the creation of humanity to a watch on a beach. It goes something like this: pretend you were walking on a beach and you came upon a watch lying in the sand. You wonder how the watch got there. Someone explains to you that over an exorbitant amount of years, the combination of waves crashing upon the shore and natural elements caused the formation of the working watch. What would you think?

My thoughts: No way. That's impossible. There has to be something more ...

And there is. The human body is EXTRAORDINARY. It's difficult to believe that a watch, which works simply with only a few gears, would be created out of chance; imagine comparing that to the human body. As I sit here and type this, my hair is growing, my food is digesting, my heart is beating on its own, among thousands of other processes that must happen quickly and in perfect sync with each other. After everything that we're made of, after all of the systems and processes that must come together to form us as an organism, we're here. Not only are we here, though. We're here and we WORK. We SURVIVE. We THINK. We ACT. We CARE. We LOVE.

Sure, some could still manage to argue that our bodies are here by chance, that we were made "naturally" and without intelligent design. But what about our souls, our consciences, our minds that lead us to explore, to question, and to cause our bodies to act? What is that essence of life that gives rise to our sense of right and wrong and the attribute of consequence? Where did it come from?

I know.

Do you?

Midterm Madness

Let me first begin by apologizing if this post seems to be out-of-whack. Midterms have come up on me faster than a grizzly on an obese, unsuspecting hiker, and I may or may not be going crazy in response. My mind is going a million miles a minute, and just when I think I'm finished studying, something else manages to be added to my to-do list. Don't get me wrong, I love school. Really, I do. I feel my knowledge increasing more than it ever has before, and it's honestly one of the most gratifying feelings I've ever experienced. However, on the flip side, I thoroughly enjoy breaks. I can't explain to you just how comforting it is to know that while my family will be spending a week basking in the glory that is Disneyland, I get to spend hours on end in a lab with formaldehyde-drenched body parts as my mind implodes from memorization overload.

Despite the fact that my mental capacity could deplete at any moment, I am seriously having the time of my life. I feel like I've grown more this semester than any other period of my education, and I think it's fair to say that I owe most of that progression to my time spent in Haiti. Ever since I've come back from there I've felt more motivated, more confident, and more ready to take on the hard work that's ahead of me. It's ironic to me that I'm in the midst of the toughest and most demanding class schedule I've had the privilege of encountering, and yet my grades are the best they've ever been. As I look back on my freshman year, I realize that I had no idea of what I was doing. Doing well in school was at the top of my priority list, but the hard work required to do such a thing wasn't. Even though I managed to do pretty well with my studies, I know I could have done better.

So where does that leave me now? Long story short, I'm a pre-med sophomore at BYU majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in International Development. I'm living the college lifestyle and loving whatever comes my way. Doing well in school is still at the top of my priority list, but this time the hard work required to do it is there, too. I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do with my life, but then again, life has a clever way of throwing things at you that you're not prepared for (like two weeks ago when I got called to be a Sunday School teacher).

Bottom line: COME WHAT MAY AND LOVE IT!

I Want Names.

This school year started out in a momentous way.

When I say "momentous way," I mainly mean that Tim, Peter, and I went to the John Mayer concert at the USANA Ampitheater on August 31st. Owl City opened, but yeah, not nearly as good as the man himself.

MY. MIND. WAS. BLOWN.

"Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" - John Mayer

Quick P.S.: A guy named David Ryan Harris is touring with Mayer. He had a moment to perform all by himself during the set, and let me tell you, he was A-MAY-ZING. Check out his song "For You" here. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Haiti: The Two Weeks That Changed My Life

Some of you may be curious as to why it has taken me so long to report on the fairly recent experience I had in Haiti. I mean, I've been home for nearly a month and haven't typed a word on this thing. Most people would imagine that such an experience would be reported on almost immediately, but I've found this to be difficult for me. Why? Well the fact of the matter is that I've needed this time to reflect on everything I witnessed and everything I felt, to take everything into account and process how it changed me as a person. Indeed, it did change me. I've only had a handful of events in my life that I can say truly changed my life, but this one by far has had the biggest effect on me. It wasn't in the seemingly big things that I found the largest causes of change in me, either. It was in the small moments, the quiet, unseen, and inconspicuous actions that sculpted the epitome of my experience in Haiti. It was in the quick and selfless instants that, had I not been observant of my surroundings, could have gone by in the blink of an eye, not to be absorbed by those who could continue to tell the tale.

[This little cutie is Akon. No, that's not his real name, but it suit him well. He went everywhere with us. Every time I look at this picture I get a huge grin on my face as I remember him and all the shenanigans he would try to pull.]

Before I went to Haiti, I made the assumption that I would ease into the culture, into the poverty-stricken lifestyle that permeates the country. Haiti, however, had other plans for me. My first gut-wrenching feeling hit me as I stepped out of the airport and into the busy environment that is Port-au-Prince, seeing young boys and girls scurrying along the other side of a chain link fence, begging for money. My heart sank. Already? I'm seeing it already? I thought to myself. I sat in stunned silence as we drove the rough road from Port-au-Prince to Léogâne (lay-oh-gone). I've been in third-world countries before, but never had I seen anything like this. Tent cities were strewn out in before open places. People weaved in and out of cars selling plastic bags full of water to the tune of honking taptaps and moto taxis. Smells that I had never perceived before permeated the van, and I sure as heck didn't want to know what they came from. It hit me like a ton of bricks: this was where I was going to live for the next two weeks of my young adult life.

[BIENVENUE A LEOGANE, or WELCOME TO LEOGANE. That's a taptap in the foreground.]

My daily schedule went a little like this:

5:45 AM: Wake up [to the crowing of a very annoying rooster that lived on a large garbage pile just outside our house]
6:30 AM: English class
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM: Split to different projects [i.e. orphanages, hospital, square-foot gardening, hygiene classes, etc.]
1:00 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Split to different projects
7:00 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM: Group meeting
10:00 PM: Sleep time
1:00 AM: Wake up to a dog fight going on just outside the house or a large truck passing by.

[We would walk past this sign every day when going to and from different projects, especially the hospital. I risked my life to take this thing!]

There's no doubt that all of the projects were great and had a lot to contribute to helping the Haitian people become more self-sufficient, but everyone had their favorites. During my first week I spent a lot of time at the Hopital Sainte Croix (oh-pee-tall san-qwah), just a few blocks from our house. The hospital was equipped for out-patient services, but they were in the process of preparing themselves for in-patient services, and that's where we offered to help. We painted many of their rooms and fixed some spots in the ceiling where water dripped through. It was a great project, and I was sad to see it come to an end when we finished what we could. I miss walking through the busy waiting room in the morning and saying bonjour to complete strangers. I also met a few different people there who had an amazing impact on my experience as a whole, namely Gladdys, the hospital administrator, and Erlantz, the community health director of Léogâne. They are people who are truly dedicated to serving their fellow countrymen through the talents and abilities they've worked hard to develop throughout their lives.

[Outside of the Hopital Sainte Croix.]

One of my other favorite projects was English class. It was amazing to watch the confidence of the people grow as they learned to speak the most influential language in the world. I think it's fair to say that, as a volunteer, the main question on your mind is whether or not you're actually making a difference to the people who you're trying to serve. I distinctly remember the moment when all of my doubts pertaining to that very question went away. One morning I was helping the intermediate English class, holding mock interviews in small groups, about four Haitians to every volunteer. We went through the hour, making small talk, practicing all the English we could, and getting to know each other. After the class was over, one of the men in my group named Joseph came up to me. He shook my hand and simply said thanks for everything that we were doing, for the time we were taking out of our own lives to help them. I mustered a simple, "You're welcome," and continued on my way. It was then that I realized he wasn't the one that should have been saying thank you, but rather that I should have been saying thank you to him. The Haitian people are some of the most wonderful people I've ever had the privilege of being with, and just being with them instilled an amazing desire for me to become better.

[English class. About 20 people showed up the first time Sustain Haiti taught an English class. In a manner of weeks over 150 people were attending regularly.]

[Some of my English class buddies.]

My two weeks in Haiti provided me with a feeling of love that I had never before experienced. My most distinct memory of this emotion occurred when we were paying a visit at the "Field Tent" orphanage. A young girl named Maureen and I instantly made a connection. I held her in my arms and rubbed her back as we watched some of the other volunteers play soccer with the orphan boys. After a time I looked at her to see that she was sound asleep. My heart swelled and I had an idea of what my mother must feel for her own children. It was in that moment that I realized the greater love that exists in the world. My new distinction of this love was reiterated as I visited the "Mormon Orphanage" the following week. I sat in as the children were served their food for the day, nothing more than some broth with fried rolls of flour and rice. I was taught an important lesson as I watched a young orphan boy share his sustenance with another small girl. Despite the little he had, he gave of his food so openly, without even batting an eye. It was in this small moment that I realized I had been missing giving that love in my own life, that innocent, humble, unpretentious love that comes through in the quiet instances that connect people at a deeper level. I promised myself, then and there, to become better.

[Maureen and me at the "Field Tent" orphanage. I asked Beth to take a picture shortly after she fell asleep.]

[This boy and girl taught me one of the most important lessons I've ever learned. I MUST BECOME BETTER. I'll never forget them.]

I knew when I signed up with Sustain Haiti that I was in for something special, but it wasn't special; it was EXTRAORDINARY. Sustain Haiti had the opportunity to partner with differing NGO's (Non-Governmental Organization) on various projects, but I have a deep belief that none of them had the same experience or affect on the people of Leogane like Sustain Haiti. Sound cocky? It's not cockiness, it's confidence. Confidence in our projects, confidence in our volunteers, and confidence that we made, will make, and continue to make a difference. Where does this confidence come from? It's simple, really ...

Love.

Good Luck, Elder Buxton!!!

This last weekend was one for the record books! Friday morning Kennie and I hopped in Giuseppe (AKA my red Honda CR-V) and headed south for good ol' St. Geezy from P-Town. Unfortunately, we weren't more than five minutes past Nephi when I saw the blazing lights of the po-po pull up right behind me. BUSTED. My mind scrambled as I tried to compose myself. I won't reveal just how much I was going over the speed limit; instead we'll just say that the fuzz was pretty lenient in giving me a ticket for only going ten over.

Finally in George, Kennie, Jennie, and I reunited at the Olive Garden and spent some time adventuring around. After cruising the 'Vard and making a new friend in a Mexican pedestrian who seemed interested in our bumpin' Justin Bieber tunes, we made our way to Kaylee's new place of employment, Krave. A quick surprise and we were out of there, headed to my house for some down time until we later spent the night escapading with Kaylee.

Saturday morning came. After some deliberating, it was decided that we would leave George early so that we could get to Vegas in time to watch the United States vs. England World Cup game. Kennie and I set out for Vegas and got to Matt's a few minutes before the game started.

Note to self: never use Google Maps ever again. We got to the right place, but it took us about a half hour longer than it should have.

After witnessing the US pull a tie against England and eating a very satisfying meal of chips and salsa, Kennie, Matt, and I hopped in my car and drove out to Red Rock Canyon in search of some wild burros. It wasn't too long before we discovered some and promptly made our way out to the field to greet them, much to the attest of Kennie who at one point yelled, "They're charging!" Luckily, they didn't charge and we were able to get pictorial proof of our contact. Two things could possibly be happening in the picture above:

1) I'm impersonating a wild burro. If that's the case, then I'd say I'm pretty spot-on.

2) The excitement of being in such close proximity to such primitive creatures caused me to I have to sneeze really, really badly.

Later we met up with Jennie and her brothers, Adam and Ryan, and their friend Nate, fresh off the EFY scene. Although the Strip probably isn't someplace you'd want to go right after a week of intense spiritual enlightenment, or after any week for that matter, Matt was a great guide and drove us there so that we could see the fountains at the Bellaggio and whatnot. I mean, you can't be a visitor in Vegas and not go to the Strip, right?

Adventures at the Strip said and done, the gang piled back in the van and headed off to Jeff's open house. Full of good food, great friends, an awesome dance after-party, and lots and lots of laughter, the party was an absolute blast. Highlights included dance lessons from a five-year-old, the coining of the future Millennium High School (Home of the Falcons), and attempted mastering of the raptor run and roar.

(Right here I'd like to give a special shout-out to the amazing Doxey family. It's not every day that you meet a family so willing to allow six hoodlums to come and crash at their house on such short notice. Thank you so so SO much for all of your generosity and kindness! You guys are the best!)

And then came the moment we had all been waiting for! Elder Jeff Buxton, pre-missionary extraordinaire, gave his farewell address. Without a hint of nervousness, Jeff spoke like a pro and gave us all the more reason to realize just how blessed the people of Scotland are going to be to have him in their midst.

So, Elder Buxton, as you embark on the adventure known as the best two years, I want to just thank you for being such an amazing example to everyone around you. You are going to do extraordinary things as an extraordinary missionary! And remember, it's not goodbye, only so long for now!

God be with you 'til we meet again! :]

Pupusas, Anyone?

This last Saturday was eventful, to say the least. It all began with "light" cleaning checks, which basically entails a little tidying up here and there around the apartment and shutting your bedroom door so that the landlord can't see the messy abyss that lies within. After cleaning checks, Alyse, Anna, and I hit up the Relief Society picnic at Kiwanis Park. We met a few of the girls and did the usual for any RS activity: talked.

After laps at the RB pool, Alyse and I participated in a friendly little game called "Melonball" in the Regency pool. Basically what you do is get a watermelon, grease it up with Crisco, and then play water polo. Instead of throwing the melon into a net, you just hold it and touch the opposite side of the pool. It was so much fun! I don't know who thought of that game, but they are brilliant and should be given their own show on ESPN.

All those crazy shenanigans said and done, Alyse and I went to the home of our awesome friends AJ and Nate Morris for pupusas. You may ask, what's a pupusa? Put simply, it's paradise in food form. If I ever go on a mission, my one request is to go somewhere in which pupusas are a food staple.

Note to my roommates: GIRD YOUR LOINS! Pupusas are going to be a regular meal in the Regency 107 household come this fall!

Nate and Jacob taught Alyse and me the art of making pupusas. This was my first one! Not too shabby?

My first pupusa and me. How precious :]

Nate, Jacob, and me reveling in pupusa splendor.

Isaac and I threw it down on the Wii after going buck-wild on batches of pupusas. I'm convinced that he would be the Michael Jordan of Mario Kart if it were an official sport. The picture above is of us playing Rainbow Road upside-down. And yes, he kicked my butt.

BYU Jerusalem

Someone once asked me, "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?" At that moment the obvious answer for me was the bathroom; I'd just spent my afternoon hydrating for a tennis match the next day and I had to pee like Seabiscuit. Potty thoughts aside, I think I answered with Spain or New Zealand or something like that.

Months later I was perusing a website sponsored by BYU and stumbled upon some information about the BYU Jerusalem Center. It hit me: if I could go anywhere in the world, it would be Jerusalem, hands down. Ever since then it has been a dream of mine to attend the BYU Jerusalem Center and I am excited to say that this November I can apply to be a student there next spring and summer! If you want a better idea of why I want to go there so bad, just click here.

Rumor has it that it's very difficult to get in; they only accept about 80 students a semester.

Bottom line: CROSS YOUR FINGERS FOR ME! I'M GOING TO NEED ALL THE LUCK I CAN MUSTER!

Please and thank you.

Sincerely,

Andee Gempeler

P.S. Along with thoughts, prayers, and blessings of good fortune, money donations are now being accepted. Contact Andee Gempeler for further info. Cash and checks only, please.