They are people too!

March 1st

I love March. Perhaps, I'm a bit biased. Of course I was born in March and undoubtedly that plays some role in it, but I think the transition in the weather probably plays a role as well. Generally, if my memory serves me correctly, March is usually when the weather starts to turn around and good things usually happen.

Of course we've gotta wrap up February.

February went out with a whimper. That is not to suggest that I didn't enjoy the last few days of February, but rather that nothing spectacular happened. I did have the opportunity to enjoy hanging out with my sister and brother-in-law and we usually have a very good time hanging out together. Luckily, I was able to convince Jacob to cut my hair again and once again I did not have to pay him! We also got to hang out with Jacob's. Nana. Nana is hip and pretty awesome. I was telling her about my call and to my surprise, and I assume everyone else's, she actually guessed that I was being sent to the Caribbean for my mission. She has been the only one to even really be close. She is pretty amazing.

Sunday was excellent as usual. Brother Gorsche and the missionaries spoke in sacrament meeting and all three had excellent talks. We discussed Isaac and Ishmael in Sunday School and in Priesthood we discussed the qualities of work and education. Sunday night, I finished up my research assignment went and got some popcorn and while talking with my roommate came to the realization that I did the assignment completely incorrectly. Oh well! It is a good thing I had plenty of time to get it done correctly.

Today has been decent with not a whole lot to mention. I butchered a case in constitutional law, carried myself well in Torts, and had an overall good time with the people at FHE.


Mission Update
I tried to submit my passport application through the USPS today. No luck apparently I had the wrong birth certificate. I guess the copy I've used to get a driver's license, get back on the cruise ship from Mexico, and other random odds and ends doesn't count as an official birth certificate. Well crap! I guess I will be going to Oklahoma City sometime to request an official birth certificate for the nice price of $15. I've also started drafting my request to the College of Law for a leave of absence and that will hopefully be taken care of here soon.

The reaction of everyone has been the same. First they ask, "Where are the West Indies?" They then state, "I didn't know we even sent missionaries there." They finally wrap up the conversation with, "That is soo cool, I'm jealous." Honestly, that is the standard conversation I've been having. Of course, there is a bit of variety with them sometimes asking if I know any Dutch. I'm still super excited.


They are people too
I was in Wal-Mart earlier today to buy a few odds and ends to tied me through till spring break. As I was waiting to check out in the express lane, I was shocked by the lady in front of me. She was not only inconsiderate of those waiting behind her, but she was rude to the cashier.

I worked for a full year plus a few days at the local Wal-Mart in Vernal while I was in high school. I loved that job and I probably would have stayed there and worked if it wouldn't have been for the fact that I needed to move out to Stansbury and I didn't really want to transfer stores.  Either way, while I worked for Wal-Mart I learned a lot about myself and grew quite a bit.  Perhaps the thing I learned the most was patience. Before my time at Wal-Mart, I would classify myself as an impatient person. Having to wait in line for anything was unbearable. Working those long nights with even longer lines helped me to appreciate time and the patience that allows one to keep plowing ahead. In its entirety, I'd say that the time I spent working for Wal-Mart probably made me a much better person then all the time I spent taking classes at the high school or at Utah State University.

I was always impressed with the women that worked at the Vernal Wal-Mart. I worked with quite a few that were older and probably had no where else to go. One lady in particular that I remember had worked for Wal-Mart for nearly 5-6 years before she transfered to the Vernal store. She worked at the store in order to provide for her family. I got the opportunity to help train her as she worked in the Automotive department at her last store. It is a refreshing reminder of the humility she must have. Especially since she let a 17 year old teach her how to be a cashier.

When this Lady was rude to the cashier earlier today, the only thing I could think was, "Hey! Be nice, she is a person too." Customers seems to forget when their order is late, an item is rung up twice, or they have to wait in line that the cashier is not out to get them. The cashiers are simply trying their best to do their job, to earn their paycheck, and to provide for themselves and their families. So next time when you are in Wal-Mart and the cashier ask you how you are doing, don't dismiss them or mumble a response. Talk to them, enjoy what they have to say, and build a relationship with another human being! Just because someone is wearing a blue vest, a janitor's uniform, or a maid's outfit does not mean they are of a lower status. It just means that they are currently employed.

One Love