Kaden - Life Update

 Hey Everyone,

Sorry I haven't written for a couple of weeks. It's been crazy, as you know. Preparations for the reception in Vernal went fairly smoothly, and the reception itself turned out really well. The turnout was good, and it was just overall really nice. 

Christine and I have been trying to get into a routine that works for us, especially with different schedules than we are used to, and it has been a little tricky to balance classes, homework, jobs, and other things we have on our plate. We are just doing our best to figure it out though, and hopefully we can figure out what works best. I might try getting out of bed a little earlier to get more done before class in the morning, but that is incredibly hard for me since I have all the motivation in the world the night before, but when the alarm actually goes off, I just want to stay warm and comfy. 

Christine and I have been extended a calling in our new ward. They want us to be on the temple committee. So we will help plan ward temple nights, and also organize temple cleaning. I will admit I am not exactly excited about it, because the week of cleaning will most likely demand our attention every night, which will not leave us much time for homework. We'll just have to really plan ahead and hopefully get ahead on our homework. It will work out fine I'm sure. I've never actually cleaned the temple before, so it will be a new experience. 

Wish us luck as we work to balance our life, reduce stress, and maximize efficiency. We wish the same upon you. Have a great week! 

P.S. It's been stormy here in Cedar City the last couple of days, with lots of wind and some rain too. Apparently the mountains are getting a lot of snow, so that's good. 

--

Kadan Westra

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadanwestra/

******************** 

Mon. Feb. 5, 2019

Kadan,

Thank you so much for writing. We do love hearing from you.

Yesterday morning I was listening to a BYU Speeches podcast as I was getting ready for church. It was really good and addresses your situation perfectly, so I think it would be very helpful if and Christine you can listen to it or read it..

It was Jeffrey R. Holland speaking to college-age young adults and young marrieds about all the pressures of homework, working, discouragement, depression, despair, and self-doubt. A good dose of humor too! "For Times of Trouble" - Jeffrey R. Holland

When I was young like you, I used to think that someday I would have enough time that I would be able to be on top of everything. Now, in my 70's, I find that is not true and probably never will be. And I think that is part of God's plan. He helps us enough at every stage of life to barely keep our heads above water, but still feel pressed to our limits----------and that forces us to make choices and priorities-----which in turn demonstrates to God what we truly value. Hope that doesn't discourage you when I say that!:-)

Good luck on your new calling. I will send you my blessings/promises list for doing FH and Temple Work.

We pray for all our family daily. 

love, Grandma