next stop -

So where on this planet paints a picture like this?

(And you get to see it after starting a hike at 2:30 AM - just my kind of morning activity)

And gives you this front-porch view?

And has this unique floor-plan?

Okay, okay the floor-plan gives it away

My next home: the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies

Located on Mt. Scopus
Near Augusta Victoria Hospital
Jerusalem, 91196 Israel

I get to walk where Jesus walked and where He will walk again.

My plane for Tel Aviv departs the SLC Intl. airport on Tuesday, January 4. I have reached this point through too much mercy, particularly from my family and, of course, the Lord. I was at a crossroads last April, needing to know what turn to take next in this uphill path I am treading. It has been so humbling to see Him working in my life. One year ago I could have never imagined being destined for Israel. This adventure was was never apart of my college dreams, but when do our personal plans, so finite in perspective, ever really include the very best for us?

I haven't even left, and already these words hold a deeper meaning for me:

"Come, follow me."

Luke 18:22

updates continued...

And then sweetest Ellie Rae entered our lives! Born June 23, Annie and Adam welcomed their fourth little baby. Annie is incredible to me. Mother of four, jack-of-all-trades and master of all, best friend, confidant. I am so lucky to be a sister of each of these girls (we just need Talli! Talli rocks. That's all. We lucked out, getting a SIL that is just like us).

Just a couple of months later at cousin Jenna's wedding, the summer ending soon. Here are all of the sibs, minus Adam. I really can't say it enough - my brothers and sisters are the greatest of people. Remember that feeling of inadequacy upon sitting in one of your first real college classes - that realization of, "Wow, I am sitting among the best..."? Such is the story with my siblings.

Enter Jimmyville 31 (more formerly known as Liberty Square Apts, Jamestown 31). Fall semester starts and I get to live with these wonderful girls. It has been so fun. People often say, "Whoa - you live with five other girls?" when I tell them about my current living arrangements, and yes! I do, and I love it. These girls are some of my best friends. Thanks be to our humble start together - the cabin trip, all adorned in our very best plaid.

These wins came because...

...this race was run! Of course the Swiss Days 5K was enjoyed by most of the family. Such a fun tradition, running through the little city all together. My cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents mean a lot to me. Little things like this keep us together, too. Viva la Gublers!

the best of fall

So lucky were we to watch one of Nick's winning games. Can you believe he is soon to be a high school graduate? I used to tell people when we were little, "We are almost twins - just eighteen months apart," with a very confident nod. Nick rocks, what more can I say? He is smart, true, determined - not to mention tall and huge. I don't think of him as my little brother anymore, really; just another best friend.

October saw me running the Las Vegas Ragnar with "Team Q" - thanks to Elise, Qualtrics, and all of my Ragnar besties for making those 195 miles incredible. I heart Ragnar.

Fall cannot be without our family's most favorite, semi-annual holiday, General Conference.

I tell you, my roommates are way too much fun. This is our medal ceremony for the 1st Annual Roommate Olympics, which consisted of an arm wrestle, starring contest, flexibility test, and a foot race. The results: Kayla - bronze; Cassie - silver; me- gold. $20 worth of Bajio Bucks between the three of us. Yeah, baby.

The contestants, with so much late-night, silly charm.

And here we reach a stopping point - but not for long. The best is yet to be...in just 96 hours I am going home for Thanksgiving. Christmas will be just around the corner, and then I'll board a plane. So where is this next venture taking place?

Stay tuned.

Its total revealing deserves an entire post.