love, love, love this book

A couple months ago, I searched Mormon in the search engine of Amazon to see what books would come up. The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance, a memoir, by Elna Baker was one of the first ones to show up. It had good reviews, but because I had never heard anyone talk about it, I wouldn't order it. I tried to find it at the Provo Library, but it already had 20 holds on it. Yesterday, as I was waiting for my eye exam at Costco (my eyes are at an all time worst, with a -9 in each eye, fantastic), I was looking through the books and happened to stumble upon it. I was excited, but thought it could also be lame. It was only $9 so I got it. I am so glad I did! I could not put this book down.

I wish I could paste parts of it on here. I appreciate this memoir for it's honesty. The author knows how to write and how to tell a story. She is hilarious and you are guaranteed to laugh out loud as you read about her life as a single Mormon in New York and possibly tear up a few times (I did). She is frank and there is "colorful" language and racy material, so don't expect because this is written by a Mormon, it will be all unicorns and rainbows. It is genuine and it is refreshing that she does not sugarcoat her struggles with faith and love. That is why I love her and this book. I highly recommend this memoir and I think any woman would enjoy reading this, not just Mormons. I promise you will enjoy reading this, it's too funny not to enjoy!

"The Church is true wherever you go."

I just talked to my Dad today who has been traveling a lot lately to Ghana for work. He said he was in the Accra Ghana Temple the other day and I thought that was so cool. He was there with people who spoke many different languages, but they were all taking part in the same ordinances that happen everyday and in almost every part of the world. He made a statement that I knew, but struck me differently when he said it 7,000 miles away, "The Church is true wherever you go."

I cannot stop thinking about the summer I had a chance to go to Europe with my parents and sis with the soccer team and then going to the BYU Jerusalem Center. After getting back from these amazing places, it almost feels like they were a dream, but those memories have stuck with me more than any other experiences.

While in Florence, we went to Church and I am so grateful that taking part in Sacrament there is no different than if I was taking it at Church in Utah or anywhere. Even though I couldn't understand everything while listening to the members' testimonies during the meeting, I felt the spirit and I know what they were saying was true. I had another experience like this in Jordan while with students from the Jerusalem Center and I just cannot wait for the day when all the world has the opportunity to learn and choose whether or not to accept what I know is true. I am so grateful to have the Church in my life, my whole life and that I have been taught the same, true, constant gospel as other millions across the world.

Accra Ghana Temple

Elder Holland's Testimony of The Book of Mormon

I am so thankful, fortunate, happy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to have the knowledge of the Gospel. I know Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that The Book of Mormon is true. It brings me closer to Christ and gives me peace.

sister kelli hansen

matt's sister, kelli, has been called to serve a mission in the Marshall Islands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. we love you kelli and we know you will be an amazing missionary! even if matt doesn't write you, i will.

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