Oh my gosh! I'm so happy! Got more emails from Josh today. Aaaaand he thanked me for the stuff I sent him for Valentine's Day...aaannnd he said he's been THINKING A LOT about me... annnddd yay :) :)
He's the best thing to ever happen to me. Ever.
Te amo mi novio <3
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
I know everyone expects me to be depressed today that Josh is gone, but what made me wake up happy was I had a text from my mom, "Happy Valentine's Day". I realized that Valentine's day isn't ONLY for couples who are in love and all that romantic stuff. It's also a good today to remind you of everyone in your life that you've been blessed with and that you love. I love my mom, and I know she loves me. I thought it was so cute to get that text, it shows she's thinking of me and knows I must be missing Josh. Of course I miss him, but it's not like I'm going to lay in bed with a box of chocolates I bought myself as I stare at his pictures. Nah. I'm going to spend the day with people I care about. So, Happy Valentine's day everyone!
And yes, Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Josh. ily :)
And yes, Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Josh. ily :)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sledding.
Sean (Chung - NOT my ex boyfriend) and Larrin took us sledding at Rock Canyon Park today. It was so much fun, and that was my first time ever going sledding :) Although....I wish Josh could've been there...it would've made it a thousand times better. *Sigh* I miss him. I can't wait to play in the snow with him. It's just little moments like that I'm waiting for..it'll make these next two years allll worth it.
For pictures either go to my facebook or to my Xanga Blog. There's also a couple of videos - HILARIOUS!
For pictures either go to my facebook or to my Xanga Blog. There's also a couple of videos - HILARIOUS!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Talk on Missionaries & Girlfriends
Missionaries and Girlfriends
Taken from a fireside by Vaughn Featherstone
Question: Is it good for a fellow to leave a girl behind?
Answer: Is it good for the sun to shine?
Have you ever heard of mission calls telling all missionaries to get rid of all girlfriends? Do you think that you could be a better missionary if she were there to help you? I think you could. Most of my best missionaries during the three years that I served left a girl behind. You notice that I said "girl" and not "girls." There isn't time for more than one.
Of course the first duty is to the Lord's work, which you have been called to do; second is to your family, and third is to the girlfriend. This you should always remember.
I always interviewed all missionaries as they entered the field and one of the questions I asked was, "Do you have a girlfriend at home?" If the answer was yes, I would say, "Can I have her name and address, and would it be all right if I wrote her a letter?" Of course this would scare the poor fellow to death--then I would bring the color back to his face by telling him I only wanted to write her a letter and tell her how lucky she was to have the opportunity to share this mission for the next 24 months with one of the Lord's chosen servants. If she is faithful, her testimony would become stronger in the gospel because of it... along with a little more advice that I will touch on later.
Young men, do not ask a returned missionary for advice on this subject. For if he has been "jilted," should we say, he's giving out poor advice. Pray about this together, and if you feel that you can do a better job, then go ahead. There's nothing wrong with it. It is better to have support than to go out there wishing that you had it. This is more frustrating than worrying about a "Dear John," and believe me, there won't be one of those right in the beginning. The Lord always answers prayers to those who honor Him.
Have an understanding with your parents so they can encourage her and make your girl happy by showing they have faith in her and love her. Let her parents know your plans, and in most cases they will stand by her when she gets lonely. If you show them respect, as well as the girl, they will be behind you all the way.
Write her once a week or more. You can almost always write two letters a week on P-Days. There is plenty of time if they're not books. Tell her about your mission and experiences, let her live your mission with you through your letters, and send her a snapshot once in a while. Yes, you could let her make a scrapbook for you. Mom is not going to have time and both of them would love that.
Remember that behind every successful man, there is a good woman. So why shouldn't it be good to leave a girlfriend behind if you feel that she is special? Forget that old story of "24 months is a long time." I have known girls to wait two or three years. Also forget the story that you will change a lot. You will only if you make yourself scarce in letters, etc. You will only change in the fact that you will be more mature and have a greater testimony and mind.
Now girls, make sure that you do things that will help you grow along with the missionary. Study the gospel; stay active in the church, pray often--morning, noon, and night. Watch out for those lonely returned jilted missionaries. You're not in a hurry to get married.
Write happy letters every week. Let him know that you still care. He will be looking for those letters if he is really busy during the week and on P-Days. Yes, you could send him a snapshot of yourself. He would love that. So what if you don't take good pictures--anything will look good to him. You will be busy getting the education you need, perhaps working in and out of the church, maybe learning to sew and all those lovely things, or learning to cook fancy things, but most of all, just learning the basics of life.
If the occasion arises, and you feel as if you want to accept a date now and then, it's okay, but again... Beware of those jilted returned missionaries. They are dynamite. Stay close to your parents.
Oh yes, there isn't any harm in leaving a girlfriend at home, if you're both determined to fulfill the mission together. It will not be the big job you think, but a happy 24 months in both of your lives. When you are both back together again, it won't be long before you are sure of each other because of your pure maturity. I can say these things because it happened to me, and I know of many others who have experienced the same great thing.
Taken from a fireside by Vaughn Featherstone
Question: Is it good for a fellow to leave a girl behind?
Answer: Is it good for the sun to shine?
Have you ever heard of mission calls telling all missionaries to get rid of all girlfriends? Do you think that you could be a better missionary if she were there to help you? I think you could. Most of my best missionaries during the three years that I served left a girl behind. You notice that I said "girl" and not "girls." There isn't time for more than one.
Of course the first duty is to the Lord's work, which you have been called to do; second is to your family, and third is to the girlfriend. This you should always remember.
I always interviewed all missionaries as they entered the field and one of the questions I asked was, "Do you have a girlfriend at home?" If the answer was yes, I would say, "Can I have her name and address, and would it be all right if I wrote her a letter?" Of course this would scare the poor fellow to death--then I would bring the color back to his face by telling him I only wanted to write her a letter and tell her how lucky she was to have the opportunity to share this mission for the next 24 months with one of the Lord's chosen servants. If she is faithful, her testimony would become stronger in the gospel because of it... along with a little more advice that I will touch on later.
Young men, do not ask a returned missionary for advice on this subject. For if he has been "jilted," should we say, he's giving out poor advice. Pray about this together, and if you feel that you can do a better job, then go ahead. There's nothing wrong with it. It is better to have support than to go out there wishing that you had it. This is more frustrating than worrying about a "Dear John," and believe me, there won't be one of those right in the beginning. The Lord always answers prayers to those who honor Him.
Have an understanding with your parents so they can encourage her and make your girl happy by showing they have faith in her and love her. Let her parents know your plans, and in most cases they will stand by her when she gets lonely. If you show them respect, as well as the girl, they will be behind you all the way.
Write her once a week or more. You can almost always write two letters a week on P-Days. There is plenty of time if they're not books. Tell her about your mission and experiences, let her live your mission with you through your letters, and send her a snapshot once in a while. Yes, you could let her make a scrapbook for you. Mom is not going to have time and both of them would love that.
Remember that behind every successful man, there is a good woman. So why shouldn't it be good to leave a girlfriend behind if you feel that she is special? Forget that old story of "24 months is a long time." I have known girls to wait two or three years. Also forget the story that you will change a lot. You will only if you make yourself scarce in letters, etc. You will only change in the fact that you will be more mature and have a greater testimony and mind.
Now girls, make sure that you do things that will help you grow along with the missionary. Study the gospel; stay active in the church, pray often--morning, noon, and night. Watch out for those lonely returned jilted missionaries. You're not in a hurry to get married.
Write happy letters every week. Let him know that you still care. He will be looking for those letters if he is really busy during the week and on P-Days. Yes, you could send him a snapshot of yourself. He would love that. So what if you don't take good pictures--anything will look good to him. You will be busy getting the education you need, perhaps working in and out of the church, maybe learning to sew and all those lovely things, or learning to cook fancy things, but most of all, just learning the basics of life.
If the occasion arises, and you feel as if you want to accept a date now and then, it's okay, but again... Beware of those jilted returned missionaries. They are dynamite. Stay close to your parents.
Oh yes, there isn't any harm in leaving a girlfriend at home, if you're both determined to fulfill the mission together. It will not be the big job you think, but a happy 24 months in both of your lives. When you are both back together again, it won't be long before you are sure of each other because of your pure maturity. I can say these things because it happened to me, and I know of many others who have experienced the same great thing.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Mission President's Letter & Pics
FLORIDA TAMPA MISSION
13153 NORTH DALE MABRY HIGHWAY
SUITE 109
TAMPA FL 33618-2410
Phone 813-961-7400
Brother & Sister Thomas L. Graham
263 Mahimahi Place
Honolulu, Hl 96821
Dear Brother & Sister Graham,
Just a short note to inform you that Elder Graham arrived in Tampa safe and in good spirits. He met his new companion, we enjoyed a meal with the office missionaries and then we had a personal interview. The following morning an orientation meeting was held where he was given further training.
Elder Graham's companion is Elder Thompson. They will be serving in the Tampa area. It is wonderful to finally have Elder Graham with us in the Florida Tampa Mission. We have been anxiously waiting his arrival ever since we learned of his delay. As the oldest of your two children, you must be very proud to have him in the mission field. He seems ready and anxious to serve. I am also pleased to know that he knows ASL. Recently we have had several people join the church in the mission where ASL was their primary language.
Sister Colton and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve along side your missionary. May the Lord bless you and your family as your son serves in this portion of the Lord's vineyard.
Best Wishes,
Kent W. Colton
President Florida Tampa Mission
Friday, February 6, 2009
Finally in the Mission Field.
Josh left for the mish field on Wednesday, February 4 at about 9:55 AM. I was an emotional wreck the day before when I told him goodbye, but like always, God blessed me with amazing friends and family who have been my support from the very beginning. How I would survive without any of them, I don't even know! Jaso has been supporting me. Phill talked to me on the phone when I was balling my eyes out. I wanted to call Jaso but I didn't want to bother her and wake her up with my stupid emo-ness. :/ It would've been 6 am Hawaii time. And then I got text messages and emails from Josh's mom that were so sweet and comforting. Gosh, she's the nicest kindest purest heartest little Asian lady I know, and I can't wait for her to be my mother-in-law! Haha.
I know I'm not supposed to be counting. But he's been out 80 days now. Honestly, it's still going by slowly but I feel relieved that he's finally gone from the MTC. No more pain with the knowledge that he's so close to me yet so far. I don't have to see him and wish I could say goodbye with more than just a handshake or a "missionary hug". When he was on the plane going to Florida, I thought...the next time he'll be on a plane is when he's coming home. :) I cried so much the day I said goodbye because he told me "I love you" for the first time in two months. So he's sacrificing a lot to put the Lord first in EVERYTHING that he does. He asked me to only write once a month because he said he's been thinking about me to much and letting me distract him. He said that I wasn't necessarily doing anything to distract him but just the fact that he loved me and stuff distracted him. Oh my gosh, which reminds me. He had a dream that I died! I can't believe I completely forgot that, I mean it was the reason for him making the decisions he did (like me only writing once a month). He woke up and he really thought it happened and was very depressed. And then he thought, if something did happen on his mission (HEAVEN FORBID!!), would he be able to handle it with just his relationship with the Lord? So, I guess he's trying to strengthen his relationship with God even more by focusing on Him more than on me. I commend him for all he's done, it just hurts sometimes. I miss him. :/
He amazes me more and more every single day. I told my mom, "I feel sooo lucky that Josh chose me."
Her answer: "You are. He's great. Be worthy of him."
That's my motivation for the next two years.
I know I'm not supposed to be counting. But he's been out 80 days now. Honestly, it's still going by slowly but I feel relieved that he's finally gone from the MTC. No more pain with the knowledge that he's so close to me yet so far. I don't have to see him and wish I could say goodbye with more than just a handshake or a "missionary hug". When he was on the plane going to Florida, I thought...the next time he'll be on a plane is when he's coming home. :) I cried so much the day I said goodbye because he told me "I love you" for the first time in two months. So he's sacrificing a lot to put the Lord first in EVERYTHING that he does. He asked me to only write once a month because he said he's been thinking about me to much and letting me distract him. He said that I wasn't necessarily doing anything to distract him but just the fact that he loved me and stuff distracted him. Oh my gosh, which reminds me. He had a dream that I died! I can't believe I completely forgot that, I mean it was the reason for him making the decisions he did (like me only writing once a month). He woke up and he really thought it happened and was very depressed. And then he thought, if something did happen on his mission (HEAVEN FORBID!!), would he be able to handle it with just his relationship with the Lord? So, I guess he's trying to strengthen his relationship with God even more by focusing on Him more than on me. I commend him for all he's done, it just hurts sometimes. I miss him. :/
He amazes me more and more every single day. I told my mom, "I feel sooo lucky that Josh chose me."
Her answer: "You are. He's great. Be worthy of him."
That's my motivation for the next two years.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Countdown.
Hmm. I'm considering taking down the countdown clock. Or changing it to only weeks or something. It kinda freaks me out when I look at it everyday and it looks as if I'm making no progress. I was thinking about it when I was running today (that's a really good time to do a lot of deep thinking, when you're working out) and I was like "I only have to suffer through one more Christmas without him! I can TOTALLY do this!" I guess it was those endorphins that got to me. :) I was in a pretty optimistic mood.
I'm exhausted. Good night world. Good night Josh. I can't wait to fall asleep in your arms every night.
I'm exhausted. Good night world. Good night Josh. I can't wait to fall asleep in your arms every night.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Ready.
I cried kind of a lot this weekend and I've been having a lot of ups and downs. Josh finally got his flight plans on Saturday. He leaves on Wednesday, February 4 at 9:55 AM and arrives in Florida at 4:10 PM (I don't know if that's the next day or what). Even though I keep crying, and even though the fact that I actually won't see his smile or hear his voice for 21 and a half months finally sank in, I'm ready.
I love you Josh. And I wish I could tell you that...
I love you Josh. And I wish I could tell you that...
Friday, January 30, 2009
Lucky
This song is so fitting for my situation, it's kinda scary. But I love it and it makes me sad at the same time. Gahhh I miss him....
Lucky
by Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat
Do you hear me, I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
Lucky
by Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat
Do you hear me, I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
Thursday, January 29, 2009
My Epiphany.
So today I saw him at work, the usual. I mean some MG's may say I'm lucky that I even still get to see him a couple times a week...but at the same time it's hard you know? I mean..I don't know why it surprised me (because he's so amazing, I should've apprehended this) but he's just SO focused on being a missionary. It finally slapped me in the face this morning after I read the letter he handed me: I'm second best. God is his number one priority. I am no longer baby girl, I am no longer babaga, I am no longer ari his love. I'm just a friend - for now. And I realized that it's taken me two and a half months to finally accept this fact that I didn't want to be true. I just love him so much, sometimes I feel like I'm suffocating because I can't express that I love him in the same ways that I'm used to. Telling him, calling him, text messaging him, hugging him, being held by him...no. I'm going to have to take this to a whole other level of "loving him". It's not the same. True, he's changed, but you know what? I truly believe it's for the better. By him putting the Lord first, he'll be greatly blessed on his mission and after. Now it's up to me to determine if we'll work out or not. Can I handle not getting so much love and affection anymore for two whole years? Will I be able to conciously and proactively put the Lord first in everything I do? The great news is that it's possible, I can do it. I can't afford to underestimate the difficulty of doing that, or the importance of me putting the Lord first. If I don't do that, how am I ever going to survive these next two years? I believe that Heavenly Father wanted Josh to stay at the MTC longer not only for his sake and for those he associates himself with at the MTC (he mentioned he's helped a lot of guys out in there), but also for my sake. If Josh left on January 20th, which is when he was supposed to leave, I totally would NOT have been ready. It took me until this morning to realize my role in this whole ordeal! I cannot be the same Ari that I've been for him before his mission. I can possess the same love I've had for him from the start (which grows more and more with each passing day, as crazy as that sounds)...but I must show it differently. I have to learn to deal with not being able to say it, or to be able to hear it from him. Before he left he said, "I love you Ari...I really do...never forget that." At the time I felt so sure that I could heed his advice. But it's easier said than done! I think that if I focus harder on developing and strengthening my relationship with Christ, the waiting process will just come easier along with it. I love Joshua Kamalama Graham. And you know what else? I love my Savior, Jesus Christ even more. And I know he loves me too. Both of them. :) And now...I can honestly say..I finally feel at peace.
Josh, I'm ready. Go out into the field and serve!
Give 'em Heaven, Elder! Make us (including God) proud. <3
Josh, I'm ready. Go out into the field and serve!
Give 'em Heaven, Elder! Make us (including God) proud. <3
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