For my secret service I had the Spectacular Spencer!

I had an awesome time doing my project for you. You are an amazing cousin and i'm so blessed to have you in my life. Even though we don't talk all the time, I think about you and Hannah a lot and all the fun times we had in our diaper days:) Then I also think about all the things I miss out on now, being so far away from you guys... I just want you to know that I love you so much.

So, for my service to you, I hiked supposedly 15 miles, which actually turned out to be 17.2 miles with all of the youth in my stake. On November 4, we hiked from Konawaena High School, all the way to the Kona Temple. It took us 9 hours. Not too bad if I say so myself:) It was an amazing experience that I had with my friends and leaders. 

We all got T-shirts and back packs that said "Always In Your Sights: Temple Trek 2013". That was the theme, to always look towards the temple and take advantage of the blessings we can get from it. The temple is an amazing place and I have felt its powers affect my life and the lives of others.

During all that walking, I circulated around. I talked to different people and met so many new friends. I got to talk to some old friends also. It helped me realize that we are the youth of Zion. We are here to build the Lords church. To perform miracles and bless others lives. And we do that when we are united through the gospel. Knitted through the spirit of Christ. We are the next generation to do the Lord work.

On the way from the school to the temple, we stopped several times to listen to devotionals and talks. The last stop before arriving to the temple was at a local beach. Everyone was so tired, sweaty, and hot. When I got there, I lied on the ground and our stake president started talking to us and telling us how proud he was. I was so tiered, that I fell asleep on the ground! Right in the middle of his talk! I was even towards the front, surrounded by my friends. Drooling. It was kinda embarrassing haha. 

Finally, we got to the temple. The spirit was so strong with everyone as we sat at the entrance to that holy place. We ended our journey there.

That trek was a challenge for everyone, including me. Through the blisters, the sore feet, sore legs, dehydration, sickness, whooziness, hunger, pain, and all sorts of affliction, we managed to return to the temple together. It was very hard. Harder for some, but that's why we had each other, to help us along our long journey. To support our spirit brothers and sisters.

And that was my service to you my beloved cousin:) 

I love you Spencer!

Merry Christmas/Mele Kalikimaka