Way Back When

This photo was on the top of the Drudge Report today - on Romney's European tour, he's picked up an endorsement from Lech Walesa. When I saw it, my first thought was "it's kind of crazy that I've met both of those men."

Over 6 years ago. I had an amazing opportunity to go to a reception and meet Lech Walesa in NYC when I worked at ISI. With the help of an interpreter the man was even a little bit of a flirt (in a charming, not creepy way). I met Romney a couple of different times at receptions in DC. There were some perks to my job that were really fun.

Yesterday I shot from the hip giving one final lesson for the youth at church. The Public Affairs Team for the area was doing a fifth Sunday lesson about media and guidelines, and the bishopric thought one was arranged for the youth, as well. Somehow, that didn't happen. About 10 minutes before the third hour I was caught in the hall about the problem, and I volunteered to throw something together. Because of my background in Communications Theory, Media Studies, a Comms Teaching stint, and  personal experience, all I needed was a little help from LDS.org (social media guidelines - or something of that nature). And I think I kept those youth pretty involved and attentive. It was fun, and I loved it. It reminded me how much I love teaching--especially something that I'm passionate about. I think media and technology is wonderful, but the dangers it poses are undeniable--I take issue with video games and overuse of social media, but my real gripe with with pornography and the how evil and invasive it is.

Tying this all together, because there was a link when I started. . . I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I've had in my life - that have helped me become the person that I am. Some of my experiences in my 20s were what I would consider far from ideal (having to do with relationships), but I got though some pain and heartbreak and learned at the same time. I never would have chosen those things, but I wouldn't give them up now. I wanted to be married younger - but I didn't meet the right person until I was 27 (and I didn't know he was the right person until I was 28). I'm glad I waited and that it all worked out for my good.

Next month it's been 5 years. And Rob and I have done a lot in those 5 years. In a few weeks, we'll move for the fifth time (that thought makes me tired). I hope I get more opportunities to share what I've learned and be an continual instrument for good--having opportunities to teach and help serve other people.