Learning to Lean

Hey guys, sorry it's been a while since the last update! As most of you family and friends know, I've been having a bit of traumatic tooth troubles. For those of you who I don't talk to daily, I've had lots of tooth pain ever since I got here but kept ignoring it. Well, it finally got to the point that I couldn't stand it anymore and the painkillers weren't really helping, so we had no choice but to go to a dentist here in Germany. Ah! It turns out that yes, I needed a root canal and it had to be done immediately.

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm petrified of the dentist and can't go without serious doses of anesthetics beforehand even in my own country, let alone here in Germany. Regardless, this had to be done. Trying to have faith, I decided that if I could go paragliding, surely I could handle a root canal! After Grandma Penny helped me realize this, I kept telling myself that people get this procedure done every day and are just fine, but still, my irrational fears kept returning.

Emily was so sweet and thoughtul though; she found someone who could give me a blessing before going in. It was such an amazing experience to be able to obtain such comfort through that. One thing that was said that really stood out to me was that even though those I'm closest to aren't here, I can still lean on them and they can still bring me comfort through all of their prayers and faith. I felt so much strength and knew I would be able to do it!

Once I got there, everything just sort of fell into place. My iPod, which was broken, started working just in time (and it worked just for the hour I was in the dentist chair--crazy!) Cute Em gave me a shoulder rub and got me relaxed, and the yellow walls made me feel a little sunnier (Clearly, I was trying to look for the good in the situation! haha)! After a few attempts (as usual) of numbing me up, I was finally ready to go and it all went just fine! I was so relieved.

Over the course of the last few days, I've developed a little infection, but I'm sure it's no biggie! I'm talking ultra-strong antibiotics and lots of pain meds, so I'm happy as can be!!!! ;) I'm sure it'll get better from here on out and things are just gonna be okay!

I feel so blessed to not only have family here with me who has been so kind and understanding, but also to have such amazing family and friends in other parts of the world who've given me the strength I've needed. Thank you soo much, everybody, for your prayers, fasts, and faith. I love you and know that through Heavenly Father and those I love, I'll be able to get through this one! Above all, thanks for teaching me that sometimes it's okay to lean on others, that that is what family and friends are for. Hopefully, I'll be able to return the favor someday. xo

Paragliding Over the Swiss Alps

"Something has changed within me.

Something is not the same.

I'm through with playing by the rules

Of someone else's game.

Too late for second-guessing.

Too late to go back to sleep.
It's time to trust my instincts,

Close my eyes: and leap!"

All my life, I've been totally complacent with following the rules, with accepting that I'm just an average girl who happens to be very passionate about lots of things. I would never do anything crazy, I would always be on my very best behavior, and let's be honest...

I am a straight up rule-follower.

The last day we were in the Switzerland, Natalie (Em's sister who has been with us) decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and sign up to go paragliding. 6,000 feet above the ground.

Of course, the moment I heard she was going, I was a little jealous for two reasons:

1) That she is the type of person who can just spontaneously decide to do something like this.

2) That she can afford it!

She then proceeded to invite me to go along with her, but like always, my decision was already made. There is no way. I, me, play-by-the-rules Ali Monsen could never do something like that.

Then I got thinking, and something totally dawned on me! I had this crazy epiphany that maybe these "rules" I've been following aren't even rules. Maybe they are merely my own benighted ideas. Maybe they are limitations that I have made for my own self... think about it! No one can limit me unless I let them, no circumstance can be too much for me unless I let it be, right?!

Well those days are over!! That is NOT who I want to be! I am only gonna be 18 and in the Swiss Alps once, and I wasn't about to pass this one up. I was soofreakingscared. I told Nat and Emily that I really truly knew I was going to die. I had written up letters to my family and closest friends in case I didn't make it...

But I was going to do this.

"I'm through accepting limits

'Cause someone says they're so.

Some things I cannot change

But till I try, I'll never know!"

We got up to the top of the mountain

and met our pilots/flying partners. My guy was named Ulli, he grew up in the Alps and had been flying for 25 years. I told him that if I died, my dad would hunt him down. He said, "Don't worry, Ali. You will be just fine. Just don't stop running when we take off. Run as fast as you can down the mountain, and do not hinder. GO FOR IT!"

I trusted Ulli; I had no choice but to trust him because it was too late to go back now!

We started to run. We ran faster and faster. My heart was a ticking bomb about to burst. Tears of complete fright streamed down, across my face, and into Ulli's.

And then it happened.

We majestically lifted off the ground and into the air! My tears of horror and fear suddenly turned into tears of overwhelming emotion rushing through my body. I was literally speechless. It was the first time in my life that I truly couldn't speak no matter how hard I tried. I was in awe at the beauty and at my own courage. It was almost a spiritual, ambrosial experience, unlike anything I've ever done. Ulli was a little worried because I wasn't responding to his questions, but after a little while, words came back to me and I had FUN!!!

The ride lasted about 20 minutes and I have to say...

I am so glad I didn't pass this one up.

Never again will I accept limits or take the time/chances I have for granted.

No matter what age or stage we are in at this point in our lives, may we remember to never limit ourselves, to live life to the fullest, and to defy gravity.

Mountains of Faith

Well, we made it! We are here in Switzerland and are absolutely loving the Swiss Alps. It is so weird to think that just five days ago, I was back home in Sandy, Utah! It is a different world here. I feel so foreign and outlandish as everywhere I turn, a new language is being spoken. It has been really neat and interesting for me to meet so many people from lands I didn't even know existed. Although everyone has such different stories and backgrounds, everyone here seems to be happy and content about where they're at in life right now. There is something about this mystic place that it magically inspiring. It makes me believe that there IS some good in our confusing and shaken-up world. There IS a little bit of peace, and there CAN be joy found all around us.

Upon arrival, we were surrounded by gargantuan waterfalls. Everywhere we look, there is a new one to see; there are broad ones, narrow ones, enormous ones, and trickling ones. Even from sitting out on our little balcony in the apartment, I can count five within my view. Yesterday, Emily's sister Natalie and I took Emma Claire up to one of the biggest within walking distance. We hiked up a long, pathway, went through a "mysterious, solve-a-mystery tunnel" (quote by Claire), and up the slick stairway to the most beautiful waterfall of all! We were right underneath it and were getting soaked! Claire loved the adventure, and we had a blast too!

Today was absolutely incredible. We took a hike that pretty much took all day. We had to take two cable cars to get there, and we were almost to the very tip top of the Alps! Claire was complaining that her ears kept popping, but once we got there, everything was ok. This hike was unlike any I'd ever been on. First of all, with how many people are here in the Alps, you'd think there'd be lots of other hikers all around you, but that was certainly not the case. I guess there are just soo many different things to do, see, and experience here, so no one is ever on the same trail. These mountains are HUGE!!! At one point, I literally had to pinch myself to make sure I was actually experiencing what I thought I was. We turned around a corner and this whole GREEN valley opened up! Everything was so open and green and beautiful! Random cows and sheep are just hangin' out wherever they feel so inclined to! The wildflowers were gorgeous, and there are fun little stops around every corner for kids to stop and take a break. There were things like old churches to explore and learn about, playgrounds, and restaurants overlooking the unbelievable view. Claire, Nat, and I especially enjoyed a little, secluded zip-line, all set up and ready-to-go for us.

It has been so wonderful in Switzerland so far. It is a new beauty I've yet to experience, even in Utah's famous Rocky Mountains. Although I'm a bit homesick and miss all of you family and friends, there is so much more I know I need to explore and experience. Every once in a while, I catch myself having some fear or even doubting my own capabilities, but with all of the support, prayers, and the fascination of this new world around me, I know I could

NEVER STOP BELIEVING!

P.S. Uploading those pics took FOREVER, and I just ate an ENTIRE German chocolate bar during this blogging session (Whoopsies! Good thing we'll be hikin' tomorrow!), so I hope ya'll like these pics! ;o

Here at last!

I am finally here in Germany, and it is soo worth the long, lonely flights. Everything is so green and alive here in a different way than it is in Utah. It is a whole new world. My eyes are already being opened to the beauty of experiencing new things I'm not accustomed to, and it is only the first day!

As my sweet daddy took me to the airport yesterday for my flight to Chicago, I was undeniably emotional! I tried to hide my tears with my sunglasses, but there's no foolin' daddy-o. He simply said to me, "You know, Ali, you're gonna have to take off those glasses in a few seconds anyways..."! All I could do was nod in agreement. I still don't know why I was crying... I was so excited and ready for this! Deep down inside though, I was nervous and wasn't sure if I was ready to do this, to go out into the real world (literally). I knew that from the moment he left, everything was up to me. I was adult-Ali now. I had made this choice, and now I would follow through with it.

Sure enough, I was able to calm my ridiculous self down, and I got on the flight to Chicago just fine. I daydreamed of running into a special someone there but of course knew it would never happen! Once in Chi-Town, I occupied myself with a book recommended by my fabulous motha', some tunes from my iPod, and a nasty burrito from an overpriced Mexican joint. After calling every member of my family one last time, it was time to board. But this time... I was ready!

The chica I sat next to on the plane seemed super nice! She smiled, said hello, and sat down next to me. I introduced myself to her and asked how she was doing. She smiled, laughed, and that was all. I didn't understand why on Earth the girl didn't respond!!!? How rude she was being! It wasn't until the flight attendant asked what she'd like for dinner and the girl answered in German, that I realized I am a complete idiot! lol

Other than that though, the flight went smoothly (except for the turbulance in the middle of the night). I tried to sleep but ended up just walking around to stretch out the legs and back. I swear, sometimes I feel like a ninety year-old granny. After they fed us a frozen breakfast roll (it still had the frost on it) in the morning, we landed in Germany! Hooray!!! I, so adultlike, got off the plane, strolled over to customs/baggage claim, and all went well! I even had time to exchange $10 for Euros and call Em before she got there!

Emily was so wonderful and made me feel at home from the moment I set foot in her beautiful home! It has been an awesome first day spent with the kids. Claire and I have already gone bug-catching, painted nails, and gone to the park. She even gave my "cinnamon skin" (as she calls it) an eyeshadow makeover! ;) We leave for Switzerland this Sunday. No more sad or scared Ali here. Just excited-and-eager-to-see-the-world-Ali, so bring on the day, baby! Bring it on!

Awakening

Isn't it interesting how every once in awhile, we have an experience that takes us by surprise?

Most of the time for me, it is something that seems like it's "no big deal" to anyone else.

No one really stops to think, or even notice, that a simple every-day happening

could change your entire outlook on life.

For me, it was some car keys.

About two weeks ago, I haphhazardly locked my keys in my car again. Yes, again.

You'd think it wouldn't be a big deal, right? Just go grab your spiffy little set of spares.

Wrong-o.

I locked my spare set in there too.

From prior experience, I knew calling a locksmith would be wayyy out of my price range, so I was determined to try every last alternative before doing so.

I started with the good ol' fashioned hanger trick...

...didn't work so well.

I then shamefully attempted the tennis ball trick (Haven't heard of it? Look at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNaSTipOYy8 ).

After two hours of unsuccessfully trying to break into my own car, I was flustered and ready to give up. I needed to take a breather, calm down a bit, so I went inside and hopped onto my facebook page. I decided to see if anyone had any other ideas for me (since my padre was out of town and couldn't help even if I DARED tell him). To my surprise, so many people responded and offered to help me! But there was one person who was particularly prominent. This is a person who I haven't seen, heard from, or even really though about in over a year. He lived in my old neighborhood and even when we lived there, we didn't really talk. He is extremely busy with school, work, and his lovely new wife, and yet his exact words to me were:

"What is your address? I'll be there in a sec."

I was astounded, grateful, and touched that someone who didn't even know me, a silly high school girl who stupidly locked both sets of keys into her car, would be willing to put his busy life on hold and come to my rescue. Not knowing what to think, I gave him my address and he was there within twenty minutes.

Now this guy is GOOD. If anyone can get into a car, it is him. He tried, and he tried, and he tried. The poor fella tried for another two extensive hours, and after we both realized it wasn't gonna happen, he went on his way.

After all of his time and effort, he didn't expect anything in return,

he didn't even want any dinner.

All he wanted was to show a little love, to give a little bit.

I called my mom, who was at Relief Society, to profess my capitulation. I was content because I knew we had given it our all. But of course, the other women heard about my predicament and they too, were determined to help.

All of the sudden, random cars started pulling up to my driveway. More and more came piling into the circle. Wanna make a stab at who these Heaven-sent gems might be?!

They were all the husbands of the Relief Society women

(What better way to welcome me in, right?!).

Almost more embarrassed than I had ever been (j/k embarrassing moments really are my forte), I didn't know how to react. Here were all of these people who, yet again, didn't really know me. But you know what?

They didn't care. They heard that someone needed help and wanted to give a little bit.

While everyone was prodding and prying at my door, my sweet bishop showed up. He too, is so busy with life! Besides raising his family and taking care of ward business every single night, he has two jobs! But here he was, ready to help me with something that was MY mistake in the first place. Being the generous and giving man he is, he called Triple A for us. He sat and hung out for awhile, played some ball with the twins, and made sure everything was okay till they got to our house. Eventually, they got there and....

Presto! The problem is solved!

But here's the true question: Was the locked door really the problem?

Lately I have been so focused on all of the silly/temporal things in life. My energy and attention have been absorbed into insignificant things like placing well at dance competitions, getting my daily work-out(s) in, or preventing that A- grade at all costs.

So let's be honest...

The real problem was me.

While it is important to constantly be doing our best in all aspects of our lives, it is more important to recognize what truly matters. Heavenly Father doesn't care whether or not I get first place at my comp, if I gain a pound or two, or even if I get an A- on my report card.

He loves us all no matter what. He cares that we're doing our best in life and are on the right path spiritiually. Ultimately, He cares that we serve His children, that we give just a little back to Him, in comparison to what He's blessed us with.

I am now back on track and can hopefully focus more on what really matters in life.

May we all remember to just "give a little bit" each day because that is what will truly make us happy. It just took some keys and a whole lot of wonderful people to help me remember that! ;)