I’m told that when Matt drove home and they saw that my car was not in the garage, Grant said, “YES!,” and then he got out of the car and held his hands up in the air and yelled “FREEDOM!”
Um.
Whatever. He’ll appreciate me when he’s 24 and I don’t tell the girl he’s dating that he used to wipe boogers on the wall. A lot.
EFY went well. I think I’m getting more used to the nerves since I didn’t throw up this time and I only took 3 Excedrin Tension Headache capsules in the two days I taught. And I didn’t even worry about the evaluation forms they were filling out about my classes. I had some great experiences and can say that I know some of the youth were able to feel the Spirit and learn new things and set new goals. So I felt good about that. One thing that I love about EFY is that it renews my faith in the youth. They are good and they love the gospel. They want it. We never give them as much credit as we should. I have always loved this quote from J. Reuben Clark and I try to let it guide the way I teach:
“The youth of the Church are hungry for things of the Spirit; they are eager to learn the gospel, and they want it straight, undiluted. … they want to gain testimonies of their truth; they are not now doubters but inquirers, seekers after truth. … You do not have to sneak up behind this spiritually experienced youth and whisper religion in his ears; you can come right out, face to face, and talk with him.”
Anyway, they’re great, and spending time with them made me feel good. And of course, sharing my testimony a lot always makes me feel good.
Natalie missed me. She gave me a hug today and said she was glad I’m back. She told me later she thought I went to jail.
???
Thank goodness my children don’t do evaluation forms. There’s just not enough Excedrin for that.
Diapers and Divinity 
I’m so glad you had an amazing time.
That last sentence is why you’re a genius writer! You pulled your whole post together with one sentence!
I’m glad you had such a good experience. I would love to hear you talk. As a speaker or just as a regular person sitting across the table from me. 🙂
I’m so excited that you got to go and do this. I’ve thought so many times about applying to be a teacher… there a few sessions out here on the east coast I could do. But I always seem to be in the the throws of birthing or nursing or some other similar activity. A time and a season, I tell myself… maybe next summer even!
I love the youth, and think you’re right. They really do want to be good. The world is hard and awful and scary, but there are still great kids in it, trying so very hard. I’m so glad you were able to encourage the ones you were with. I’m sure you were awesome.
Jail? That’s awesome. 🙂 Glad you had a good time and that you could keep your cookies this time. Next time, you won’t even need the Excedrin.
I’m glad that there are opportunities for the youth to be in a place outside of home and the church building where their faith is strengthened and where they are in the company of other young people with similar testimonies. Thanks for being a part of that opportunity!
I’m glad everything went so well for you! I’m cracking up at your kids and their freedom while you were in jail. Too funny.
I’ve heard a million stories from teenagers about EFY but never from a teacher. Glad it went well 😀
What did you teach about? I’m teaching 14-17 year olds in Sunday School and it makes me nervous every time. It’s a challenge for me, since I feel a little more qualified to communicate with toddlers. Mostly I just do my best and hope hope hope something is getting through.
It’s funny how you always kind of hope things go well at home without you, but not too well, so you can be assured that your role is still important. At least that’s how I am. I love knowing that I was missed.
You know, the one thing I did love about EFY (when I attended, back in the Stone Age) was the speakers. They were amazing. And apparently, they still are. 😉 I’m so glad they get to enjoy your enthusiasm and testimony and sense of humor the way I did when I was a student.
I’m glad you weren’t in jail. 🙂
That quote should be required reading for anyone who interacts with the youth. At ALL. Brilliant.
So glad it was such a positive experience for you!
So my brother-in-law just bought a brand new Camaro, and my boys are obsessed now with racecars. The other day in the car, I heard one twin tell my husband to sell the minivan so we could buy a racecar, too. CPod said, “No, our family has six people, and you can only fit 5 (if three of them have no legs) in a Camaro.” So then I hear the other twin say, “That’s okay. We can get a racecar when Mommy dies.”
Yeah. And I was RIGHT THERE to hear it! There’s not enough Excedrin for that, either!
First, I gotta say, InkMom’s comment had me laughing out loud! And I have always loved that statement from J Reuben Clark. I’d love to put it on a postcard to my kids’ SS teachers and say, “See? You really DO need to prepare a lesson! No more Blackboard Jeopardy, you ding dong!”
Sounds like things went great. I, too, would like to know what you taught. Post your notes, please.
I’m glad you had such a great experience!
How was jail?
Jail?? HAHAH! That cracked me up.
Three cheers for not throwing up! Or maybe for excedrin…hmm…
Funny how Grant shouted freedom and Natalie thought you were in jail. Like opposites 🙂