Oh Happy Day!

Today I woke up with an awful cold and felt terrible!
This afternoon I checked my email and finally received word from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf regarding the NIC exam that I took back in November. I felt anxiety! When I opened it I read the following words:

"Congratulations! We are very pleased to inform you that you have passed the NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification interview and performance test."

Oh Happy Day! I am now feeling giddy, relief and a sense of accomplishment! To some of you this may not seem like a big deal but to me this is Huge! It means that I have proven to be a professional-level singed language interpreter! Five years ago I graduated from the University of New Mexico with my bachelors degree in SLI and I took the national written exam (you must pass this before you take the performance exam). Since then I have spent the past four years gaining experience, becoming state certified and even teaching ASL all in pursuit of being prepared enough to take and pass this test. Besides the fact that I spent a whopping $400.00 to take the test and couldn't afford to not pass, I have finally reached a major goal that I set five years ago! I am thrilled!

When I read the letter I ran out and told my kids the good news, to which Lydia replied, "So you won a race!" No, not exactly. I tried to explain that I had passed a really difficult test and was now certified. "So you took first place? Do you get a medal?" I just laughed and said that I wasn't competing against anyone but myself but this good news meant that I do a pretty good job interpreting and it also meant that rather than having to keep taking tests every few years I could just maintain my certification and focus on being home with my kiddos! I told them it allowed me to be a better mommy since they are my most important priority! Luckily Dan's response was much more exciting and he was so proud of me! Then I called my dear friend Telsha who was equally thrilled for me and understands this interpreting journey!

Right now I feel Happy!

The Future is Bright!

Recently one of my closest friends and I spent quite some time discussing her frustrations and major concern about the youth of today. These teens who seem to be growing up with an "entitlement era" meaning they just assume they are entitled to luxaries and life with out having to work for anything. She expressed exasperation at the apathy she has encountered and a fear of the future in which our children will be growing up in their shadows. As valid as this popular opinion may be, I left the conversation wishing I had said more. I wanted to be understanding and just listen and although I agreed with so much of what I heard I think I missed out on the opportunity to represent the other half of this future generation, the better half. Yes, there is much concern in today's world, but that concern does not outweigh or deserve to outshine the immense amount of good that is out there. We have since discussed the other half so let me share with you my observations. Here are just a few of them!

 

I have the blessed opportunity to serve and work with young women in my neighborhood ages 12-18. Over the past year and a half I have really come to know and become amazed by the strength and goodness of these teens. They are bright, they are courageous, hardworking and ambitious. They are beautiful daughters of God and although the world may have forgotten their potential, they have not. They live their life with purpose and trust in God! They are an example to me!
For example:
-One of these amazing young women noticed a girl in need at her high school and anonymously gifted clothing and money to her for Christmas at her own expense and sacrifice. She would never tell anyone of this, a friend of hers who witnessed it told me.
-Some have forgiven a father who abandoned her and a mother who's wrong choices have brought her indescribable pain.
-Another was ridiculed and lost friends for standing up for what was right and living virtuously. It was hard but she did it anyway!
-One has worked her tail off to get good grades, will be graduating with her associates from college simultaneous to her highschool graduation and is doing all she can to put herself through college next year.
-One faces fear every day not knowing the level of stability at home tomorrow.
-One sacrifices social opportunities to help take care of a younger autistic brother and relieve a tired mother.
-Some come to church every week on their own, without parental support or encouragement merely to be an example to siblings or because they know it is true.
-One has given up her comforts and shared her family because she knows that someone else needs them even more than her.
-Most face challenges every day that I didn't even think about when I was in high school eleven years ago.
-All are beautiful, intelligent and kind.
-All are respectful, reliable and committed.
-All are standing as witnesses of God and living what they believe.
-All give me hope in the future of who my daughters will have for leaders.

Our Prophets testify that today's youth have been preserved for such a time as this. That they are a strong and chosen generation. I think when I look at today's youth and my little kiddos I feel a great responsibility as a parent to do my job right so they can do theirs! Our Future is as Bright as Our Faith!

 

A couple months ago we took our Laurel class (ages 16-18) and had a fun photo shoot at the temple. One of our leaders, Teria Brooks, is starting up a photography business and is super talented. I love how she took these pictures of the girls in front of the visitor's center and the temple is reflecting in the background! Below are a couple photos that are special to me. I wish all my Laurels had been in the picture, but it is most of them with Becky Colf (my Laurel advisor) and me! They love my pregnant belly and always rub it for good luck!

 

I Love these Amazing Young Women!