Tuesday, August 28, 2018

I know what to do

50mm, 1/200, f2.2 ISO 250

The thoughts rolling through my head-
I want them to lift me,
point me to my goals,
feel my successes,
and have a vision greater than today.

Instead, they are-
shielding me,
protecting me,
keeping me safe.

But safe is boring.
Being unseen is diminishing.
I am ready for more.
Ready for...

"I can"
"I know what to do"
"life is amazing"
"I have beautiful things to offer the world."

I know what to do.

Friday, August 17, 2018

the exit interview

iso400 35mm f2.8 1/160

It was the last day of my mission in the Argentina Rosario Mission.  I sat across the desk from my mission president, Jorge Ventura.  He asked me a question in spanish- "do you know how to find a husband?"  I wasn't sure what he meant or how to respond.  He filled the silence with profound wisdom that I will always be grateful for-

"Hermana Miller, tiene que casarse con alguien que no tiene miedo de trabajar y no tiene miedo de sacrificarse."
Translated: "Sister Miller...marry someone who isn't afraid to work and isn't afraid to sacrifice."

If you know Danny at all, you know that I followed that advice very carefully.  I am so grateful that my girls have him to learn from.  They see him work long days and come home with a smile on his face.  They see him frequently offer to help neighbors and friends.  They see him care of rental property that we have worked hard to obtain.  They have been given the privilege to work there.  They like the money they can earn...but what is even more valuable is the lessons of work and sacrifice they are learning by being at his side.

I will always be grateful for my mission, but especially that wisdom I received on my last day in Argentina.