Not the winner, but definately the looker!

So tonight I participated in Extraordinary Idol...I didn't win but made a close second. The cool thing...they had a photographer just for the occasion and so I got a picture taken looking lovely. Gotta love the braids--eight hours of pure entertainment! Everyone absolutely loved my hair. It is also funny because most of them think that it is my real hair, but instead I have six whole packages of extensions.

I'm home, busy and disengaged

Well my fine friends...I did arrive safely home after something like 48 hours of flights and sitting around in airports. I went to bed at midnight on Sunday evening and Monday morning got up for 8:00 class--no rest for the wicked. I don't even think that I was more than 5 minutes late! Monday evening I talked with my intended and decided that we weren't really intended for each other after all. Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with homework and scheduling and book buying and such. Oh, I also happen to be in a competition at work...we are doing a spin off of American Idol and I am one of the finalists. Thursday I perform and hopefully win! I've been drumming up supporters so that they will cast their votes in my behalf. (Just like American Idol the winner will be selected by cell phone poll) Yep, so that's what's keeping me busy at the moment and hopefully out of trouble, but I can't always guarantee. Love you all!! Wish me luck!

PICTURES OF AFRICA

I know you all have been dying to see how things really are here in Africa. Here are a couple of pictures from our trip to Swaziland and Kroeger Park. The animals were just feet from the road!!






This is a picture of the safari vehicle with all of us in it. It gets pretty cold with the wind blowing on you. Shown here are: Maggie, Becca, Brady's hand and hat,Yours truly, Brian, Professor, Mrs. Professor, Amy, Karen, Paul, Elyssa, Yvonne, Jackie (hiding behind a piece of paper)


The huts in the native Swazi village. The floors are made with cow dung--gives new meaning to freshly polished floors!


Also a picture by the beautiful waterfall that everyone swam in. The water was bone chilling cold! I am the one taking this picture, so that's why you don't see my beautiful self. I also hate to make them feel bad in comparison, so graciously didn't insist upon being photographed.

The last week in Africa!

Well, I am just so excited! This trip has been awesome! I have now
finished the course work and all of the other students in the program have
left for South Africa to go exploring. I am staying for a couple of days
with the two senior sister missionaries here in Maputo. They don't speak
Portuguese, so I can be of help to them as they would like to get to know
some of their neighbors and such. It is also cool because I get to feel
like a missionary again for a couple of days. On Friday I will be taking a
bus to Johannesburg and will be able to attend the temple there on
Saturday before catching my flight to London and back home.

It was kind of sad to say goodbye to everyone. Sunday, was especially
special. The Primary children sang in sacrament meeting and the spirit
that they brought was almost palpable. It was so beautiful! I was sad to
have to say goodbye to all of those cute faces. They are so like little
sponges and they learn so fast and just soak up all the love you have to
give them, much like everyone I've met here.

On Saturday we went to this beautiful beach where a river meets the ocean.
It was spectacular!! I feel like I'm in paradise.

I am also very excited to start summer semester. I am taking chinese 101,
techniques of teaching (portuguese), choral, piano lessons, and voice
lessons. I love school!!!

Anyhow, I am so excited to talk to you all and all of that. I love you!

ellen

Safari Revisited

So, my friend Becca also has a blog and while reading her account on our
trip thought it was good enough to share:

Kingdoms and the Animal Kingdom...


Oh my goodness I don't even know where to start!! We spent this last week
traveling with Professor Williams and his wife and daughters and 2
daughters-in-law to South Africa. And Swaziland, which is a small Kingdom
inside of South Africa, and then Kruger Park, which is a wildlife reserve,
where we got to see many creatures from the animal kingdom, up close and
personal.

First of all, Swaziland was beautiful. It really looks like southern
California but there are only black people. We rode a Greyhound bus to
Nelspruit, South Africa and then we rented vans (like the one we rented in
Portugal) and drove to Swaziland. We had some unfortunate events including
long lines at the Mozambican border (we were in three countries in one
day!! talk about stamps in the passport!!) and 2 flat tires at the same
time on the same van. That was due to the awesome potholes on the road to
Swaziland. Great experience. But we were riding in comfort. Because the
vans we were in are the same size as the ones they use as mini buses here
that could fit 15 people, but they cram in 25...not joking. It is a sight
to behold. And we only had 8 in ours, so we felt like royalty. That
feeling only increased when we arrived at our destination which was a
lodge with little cabins. Each room slept 2 people and had a bathroom with
a shower and flushing toilet!!! Need I say more? But the luxury doesn't
end there. Walking out behind our cabins reminded us of the movie dirty
dancing except that there was just a pool instead of the lake. But there
was the side walk with the lodge at the top all lit up with little white
lights. And when we got there (after more than 12 hours of traveling) we
went straight to the restaurant where the proceeded to serve us the most
delicious 3 course meal...my mouth is watering just thinking about it. I
slept better that night than I have since I got to Africa. It's amazing
what a comfortable bed and bathroom can do for a girl!

The next day we got up early and continued with the royalty treatment with
breakfast...so scrumptious. We spent that day in a little cultural village
learning about the Swaziland traditions and swimming in a waterfall and
then buying souvenirs. There is so much more I want to include but I just
don't have time! I love the culture here and our group is just so much
fun. Everything we do is great. That night when we got back we played the
IPOD game, which is stinkin hilarious and we must play it when I get back
with our whole family. We were all falling off of our chairs with
laughter. But the next day we headed out for Kruger park. Which was
everything you ever imagined Africa to be and more. We camped in these
little tents and we went out on an African Safari at night and early in
the morning to see all the animals. I felt like I was on the Indian Jones
ride at Disneyland!! We saw giraffes, rhinos, monkeys galore, hippos,
lions, zebras....and the list goes on. I now understand what inspires
people to make those National Geographic documentaries, I could have sat
and watched those animals forever.

Well, my time is almost up and I'm sorry I don't have pictures to post.
Maybe next week. I hope everyone is doing great.

AFRICAN SAFARI

Well, we just got back from what may have been the most exciting trip of
my life! We saw so many animals! It felt like we were on Jurassic park
or Jumanji or something with all the animals running around. It was
great! We saw zebras, elephants, ardvark, lions, hippos, leopards,
monkeys, water buffalo, and many more, we counted about 30 different
things that we saw. It was just so much fun and so unreal as well. Once
in a while I would giggle to myself and think... I'm in Africa!.... it
was fun! We also got to see a traditional village in Swaziland and watch
some dancing and stuff. Basically it was great and I have some great
pictures of the animals and us swimming under a freezing waterfall. Not
to be missed, love you all! I'm so excited to see you Samuel!!!

ellen

Hello

Well, just to let you all know I'm still alive and having the time of my
life. We get to go this week to Swaziland and go on safari!!! I'm really
excited and promise that I will try to keep out of the way of angry or
hungry animals! I love you all!!

ellen

here in africa

Well, it has been a hectic week here in Africa, we are always doing something, and when there is a free moment, it is the perfect time for a much needed nap. I have tried all week to get on the internet, but the computers were all down and it just seemed like all of my efforts were not going to ever pay off. Anyhow, I am still alive here in Mozambique Africa and am quite enjoying myself. We got to take a very stuffed minivan ride to the district of Changalane one hour out of Maputo where we are staying and we attended a big parade kind of thing and then the president of Mozambique, Gabuzo, spoke. It was quite an expirience and we also got to see some traditional dancing and things like that. I have also had the opportunity to teach about AIDS prevention in some schools and in the communities. We are getting to be kind of experts. We also taught the school of teachers how to do country dancing which was really fun and exciting. They absolutely loved it and taught us a couple of their dances.


Here we are with our neighbors at Changalane, very patriotic with our flags and all, and we did sing their national anthem a couple of times.

On Sunday we got to teach the Primary. Elyssa and I are basically totally in charge, and it was so much fun to sing and just to be around these darling children. There are also a couple of kids who speak english and they are really excited that we're here to explain things to them once in
a while. I love the fact that I am able to have missionary experiences as well where I work and just in general in the community. Africa is a beautiful place and i am really enjoying learning about the culture, literature, and just getting to know the people. I love you all and will write again in a couple of weeks probably, when I can get to the internet again. Kisses!

ALSO NOTE MY FRIENDS' BLOG: www.hayniesisterssummeradventures.blogspot.com with photos and everything

ellen

Re: Africa

My dear family,

Well, things are going very well, we have kind of gotten into a schedule. I work at an AIDS prevention and testing center until noon every day of the week and then in the afternoon we have classes. We have a cook who prepares our meals for us and so I will probably come back with another couple of pounds in remembrance of Africa. Sometimes we are doing stuff
and so we don't get around to our class until after dinner, but it is really awesome. I really like the classes, they are edifying and fun at the same time. It is also very nice because we are really needed here and so everywhere we go there is a lot to do. For example we performed in a
presentation put on by the students at the college and I will be the Primary chorister at church. It will be a lot of fun to help the kids learn, and I do so love the songs! It is a good feeling to be needed and useful to someone. On Saturdays we do cultural things like going into town and seeing the sites. We are very careful, and it is great to have Professor Williams around who knows a lot of people and knows where everything is. It is such a great opportunity. I do so love the people here, they are just people, and I love people! Yep, and that's all for today...Love you all and hope you're doing well!

ellen

Here we are with one of the authors Malangatana at his studio/home.

I'm in Africa!!!!

So, after a whole lot of traveling and not sleeping I made it to Mozambique, Africa. I have got to talk to a lot of people and am really going to have a great learning experience. I also am learning some cool songs and traditional dances. Fun stuff! I get to work in an AIDS clinic and help do teaching and prevention as well as testing, and whatever else I can teach them. It is great! Love you all and see you soon!

ellen

a note

on my way to mozambique...I love Portugal and have been having a great
time! I'm still alive!

ellen

I'm home!

Well, I made it to Portugal safe and sound and this morning as I was in the train going north, as soon as we got into familiar territory it really felt like I was home. It was a good feeling. I do so love this beautiful country! Last night I sang in a fado club. It was really fun and the guy who plays the funky portuguese guitar said that any time I was in Lisbon I would have to come sing with them. It was nice because I also met a very nice couple from the united states and they picked up my tab...and so it was an excellent night because I got to sing fado with the backup band and I didn't even have to pay a cent. I was blessed all along my trip, it looks like someone would like me to return safe and sound, so thanks for all of your prayers, because they are helping. Well, sure do love you all!

ellen

Other exciting news!!!

Well, I leave for Africa in two days...but even more exciting that that...I went and got myself engaged. Hyrum from Arizona has asked me and even more crazy...I said yes! So, it won't be until December that we tie the knot, so hopefully you all have time to meet him. Clear your calenders before Christmas.

ANOTHER BABY

Yes, once more I am an aunt...that bring the count to 16. Ten beautiful girls and six handsome boys. Martha and Blair, along with Keturah, Alaina, Marah, and Charles are pleased to welcome SARAH to the world. She weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long! Beautiful baby!

Yet Another Baby...this one a surprise

Yesterday the 11th Deann and Zac had their fourth girl, after an emergency C-section. Monet Isabela is doing really well for being in what was her predicted 34th week. Hopefully she'll return to her Mom tomorrow (great birthday present for Mom). Everyone's healthy and we just can't wait to see her cute little face.

NEW BABY!

Here are some great pictures of my newest nephew born Saturday, March 31 at 11:something. He weighed 9 lbs 5 oz and was almost 22 inches long. He's sure a cute kid! Also note the adoring older brothers Joseph and Caleb.

this week

Well, have had a great week and am just loving everything that I'm doing.
I'm not doing anything too exiting...but am keeping out of trouble. I
went to a temple wedding on Saturday, that was a beautiful ceremony! I
had never attended one before, live so to speak, and I really enjoyed it.
It made me realize that it's worth whatever wait that there may be. This
weekend I am going to be pretty busy with the service project, but we'll
see if we can't arrange a little time and find a date, just a date, not an
eternal mate, unless he just happens to show up...Sempre as ordens!

Samuel, eles me mandaram a coisa para o scholarship de Shining Mountain
entao vou submeter isso ja, se posso. Tambem um dia destes vamos receber
a informacao sobre os taxes e depois posso submeter todo o resto das tuas
coisas. Tambem uma coisa fixe...acho que podes receber um SMART grant
porque a tua area e precisada ou qualquer coisa assim. Entao, vamos ver.
Bom trabalho o meu irmaozinho. Te amo e sou muito orgulhosa tambem. Es
um grande homen!! Continuacao!

ellen

Yipee!!

Good news!!(no, I'm not getting married and don't have a boyfriend--sorry)

After weeks of holding my breath and being on good behavior (you all know
how hard that is for me) I made it into the Masters of Portuguese program
at BYU!!

I start in September with the masters classes and it will take about two
years, so I should be graduating in April of 2009. My acceptance is of
course contingent on my completing the courses in which I am currently
enrolled and in which I will be enrolled during the spring and summer
semesters. So, with the 16 credit exam (testing out of the lower division
credits) I will gain more than 46 credits of portugues in a nine month
period. No wonder I feel tired!

Also, in connection with the portuguese department, in order to attain my
goal, I will be attending a study abroad/internship in Moçambique Africa
(country just north of South Africa, just west of Madagascar) I will be
teaching English and AIDS prevention among other things as well as taking
9 credit hours. I leave 26th of April right after winter finals and get
back 24th of June, just before the summer semester. No rest for the
wicked!! It will only be 80º there as we are going during their winter,
so I won't have to swim in the India Ocean every day, maybe only every
other ;)

And I think that is the only exciting news that I have....I love my
classes and love work and am envolved in church (I am chairing a committee
that is in charge of a 400-600 person service project on March 24, should
be fun). Hope everything is going well with all of you! Drop me a line
anytime! (if I don't respond right away be assured that I will soon)

Film of Life

A very thought provoking, introspective clip that you're sure to enjoy.


<http://www.thedashmovie.com/> http://www.thedashmovie.com/

[Fwd: Hello Aunti]

Dear Aunt Ellen,

h aw was your mishin and who did you trch i am going to
have a flamly ronyronly and you and your flamly will came
to and my moms flamly will to i hop you will came the
and it is the nunbrs the 14 42 36 54 that is it.
Love
Naomi

Dear Aunt Ellen,

Listen to your family and always help your dad when he calls you. Any
time you want to visit Aunt Hillary just go there. Anytime you want to
visit me again you can. And whatever you want to do you can do it by
yourself. poiujhhyui .,';lkop=-098iuytrewqasdfghnm,nnb
;lkjjhgfdssaqwwertyuiop[';,.nmnbhyuuiiop[ouuyy0098765432ddsfdghuhjmkk,kkk
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jkhiyyyyy7tt64eeertdjghhjhjhmjkjhkjkjhjhbgg;lhnj;mkklkkj.kjkljkl.j,;kpjo
joipipoujyouhiiulikkhklklukhuhjjhjjbjkkjhghhftrghghghjkjkkl

Love,
Rachel