1 P.M. (Post Mission)
On June 14th, 2006, I boarded a plane in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and made my way back to Virginia Beach, Virginia. I had left exactly 23 months before. During that time, I served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a difficult period of time for me, as it is for many who choose to serve. And like many, it left me feeling far removed from the teachings of a Church I once loved.From that date to now, the past year has been a whirlwind of activities. For the most part, I’ve accomplished what I knew I needed to do in the first year. I acquired a car in the form of a ‘93 Mustang, got a good job a the Data Support Specialist of Luxford Elementary School, started school at Axia College of University of Phoenix, and moved into my own place.
My work has allowed me many opportunities to experiment and learn new skills and use these skills to develop useful applications. These applications have enhanced academic curriculum and have saved hundreds of hours of valuable planning time for teachers. One such application received newspaper and television mention. It’s the time saved that I’m most proud of. When I hear a teacher speak of the time one of my applications saved them, I know that what I’m doing makes a difference. I plan to continue in my current position into the next school year.
One accomplishment this past year was in an area I’ve never engaged in before. On March 18th, 2006, I completed the Shamrock Half-Marathon here in Virginia Beach. I’m not an athletic person by any stretch; however, I was inspired by the health initiatives ongoing at Luxford and I set out to complete the 13.1 mile course. I did not train like I should have, but I pushed my way through. It was an incredible experience. I’ve never pushed myself as hard as I did that day to complete the course. I plan to do it again this coming March.
Not being active in a church has created something of a void in my life. I’m currently seeking opportunities to engage in worthwhile endeavours. Most recently, I became a shareholder of a group known as the Bladarion Financial Group, a partner with Kiva.org. This group provides micro-loans to entrepreneurs in third world nations to help them become self sufficient. I’m sure I will write more about the people and businesses we fund as time progresses. It’s a great feeling to be a part of something that is making the difference in the life of a person who may not otherwise have the means to support themselves. I, and other shareholders of Bladarion Financial Group, have been blessed with so much. Partnering with Kiva.org is just one way we can share these blessings with others in less than desirable conditions.
Internally, the last year has been a quest for a balanced perspective on life and an acceptance of who I am and what I believe. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a perfect person. I have flaws. I make mistakes; sometimes large ones. However, in each imperfection I hope to gain an increase in understanding about life. I don’t have all the answers. I don’t think anyone does. To make matters worse; the answers I do have are likely to be incorrect. That’s okay. I’m not going to stress about what I don’t know. I refuse to let my life be ruled by the dictates of my imperfections. I refuse to let my emotions hurt me and those around me. I refuse to let the trivialities of life get in the way of being the best person I can possibly be. I look forward to the next year and what I will bring to it.
No responses yet
