I didn’t write last week since my journey home had only begun. A week ago was spent rushing to finish my project. We demoed it, and it went rather well. I then rushed to get packed up and ready to go, while also training the person that is taking over my project. It was a little crazy, but I got finished.
I then headed home. At first everything was good, but around Yakima my car started to act up. At about 2500 RPM it would feel like the engine was misfiring. Any faster or slower and it was fine. Strange. It wasn’t a big problem, and so I kept going.
Unfortunately, right in the mountains before La Grande, OR my engine really started struggling. I ended up having to pull over and stay in La Grande for the night. Luckily it let me have internet, and I was able to talk to Emily. She had been traveling, and so I hadn’t been able to talk to her for a little too long, so at least there was that.
On Saturday I got up and tried to find a shop to look at my car. Unfortunately, none of them had time. I checked my fluid levels, and topped them off. All my lights were off, so I tried going again, but when I got to the freeway I started having the same problems. In the end I turned around and spent the weekend in La Grande.
It wasn’t actually too bad. I really dislike just sitting in a room, but not much I could do. At least, like I mentioned, it meant me and Emily could talk. All the time I get to talk to her is precious since she is so far away. Church was also really good. The ward was very friendly and the lessons were good.
On Monday I finally managed to get my car fixed. It turned out to be a 14 dollar part, that cost 215 dollars in labor. Go car! Sometimes I feel like my car is going to be the death of my savings account. The rest of the drive to Weiser, ID was smooth. I was in Weiser to visit my grandma. It was good to spend sometime with here. I got to help her do some stuff in the yard. Overall, it was great to just spend some time with her.
On Tuesday morning I drove the rest of the way home. It all went pretty well. I even got to stop and see my dad on the way home. I was glad to spend time with him as well. I finished my trip in rush hour. When I got to Orem I made us some hamburgers. They were so yummy. I cooked the cheese in the middle of two patties that I had folded into one.
On Wednesday and Thursday I started repacking all of my stuff and getting back into work. It all went pretty well. I still have far too much stuff, but I am slowly paring it down and getting it organized.
Thursday night I went with Rob up to the cabin. I helped him with some repairs and cleanup over the weekend. I also did some work. It is really nice that there is Wi-Fi up at the cabin.
I also really enjoyed watching conference this weekend. I felt that I learned a lot. What stood out to me the most was the importance of standing for the Lord in all places and at all times. Too often I find myself a quite party to activities I should stand up against. I am certainly going to try to do better after this conference.
I also like the emphasis on families. I love how Elder Oaks was about as straightforward as can be. He made it very clear what was right and what wrong. I love it. If parents would turn away from their selfish desires, families across the world would be better for it!
I can’t wait until I have a chance to review conference again. It was truly a great session. I am glad that the Lord has given us prophets and apostles to lead us in our day and time.
