The Blessings of Mexican Literature

One of my least favorite classes this semester is SPA 429, Mexican Literature, NOT to be confused with my favorite class this semester, SPA 485, Mexican-American Literature. Although it is not stimulating and I really just browse Pinterest the entire hour and fifteen minutes, I have witnessed two blessings tied to that class, JUST THIS WEEK. Who knows what blessings may come in the remaining months of the semester!

1. El Huevo (The egg)

On Tuesday we began our class with the most dreaded phrase: POP QUIZ. The quiz was on a certain literary work called "La repuesta a Sor Filotea", which I DID read, but in July for a different class. So, of course I didn't waste my time and read all million pages again, and relied on my almost perfect memory to see me through. Our professor announced that there would only be one question because the purpose was to make sure that we were actually reading: What does Sor Juana hold in her hand as she discusses how she was able to learn philosophy from her kitchen? Ummmmmmmmmm....? My mind totally drew a blank. I could remember that scene and what she was talking about what couldn't remember what she was holding. So I thought and thought and thought, and kept thinking egg, but not with an A-Ha assurance, just a, hmmm maybe it was an egg kind of thought. Well, that thought kept coming and I ending up putting, un huevo, an egg, as my answer. After all of the papers were collected our professor announced that the correct answer was indeed an egg. Without holding back I said yesssssssss and did a little victory dance, while my fellow classmates all groaned and discussed what their incorrect answers were. After my little party for one another thought came to my mind, it was actually a quote that is found in the missionary manual, Preach My Gospel, and was something I had read often when I was a missionary. I don't remember what it says exactly but basically the Holy Ghost cannot remind me of something I haven't studied. If I had not read that assignment already over the summer the Holy Ghost would not have reminded me, "Hey...the answer is egg". BUT because I had read it, the Holy Ghost was able to remind me and teach me that Heavenly Father is not only concerned with our spiritual needs but also our earthly needs, such as needing to graduate. Man, it was such a cool experience! 

2. "Do you interpret?"

As I was leaving class today I was talking to another student about what spanish ward she attends and which one I attend, it was nice to realize there was another member in my class. This sister commented, "Oh you go to a spanish branch? That is why your spanish is so good." Oh well, if you insist....I guess my spanish is pretty good... :D Another student was behind us and overheard and asked me, "Hey do you interpret anywhere?" and I said, well in church I translate from spanish to english for a few people who don't speak spanish in my congregation, but other than that, nooooo. She proceeded to tell me that she works for a company that contracts interpreters and that she would bring me a card next week because she thought I might enjoy working there. I seriously almost started crying. I felt so aware that my Heavenly Father is guiding my steps and is putting me in places to find a good job after I graduate. I still am really nervous about finding someone good enough that we can maybe move into a house, get another car for Abe, put Abe through college...it's a lot of responsibility but I want to be able to do it. I know that I will be blessed with a good job and that many opportunities will present themselves and I will have to choose. Which is the hardest thing for me, I am not a good decision-maker haha. What a great day, I am feeling a-maz-ing. 

I love spanish....just saying. haha.

Adventures in Family Home Evening...

Family Home Evening...or Noche de Hogar, as we call it in our very bilingual home :), has been something that we have had to learn and adjust to doing since entering the world of wedded bliss. Abraham and I were both baptized into the church when we were 18, therefore we have no idea what Family Home Evening looks like in real life. We know how its SUPPOSED to look, and have a somewhat unrealistic idea of what it is...but FHE on a weekly basis, with all its imperfections and variations? No clue. I am so grateful that in Relief Society we talked about what kind of things can go on during FHE and we made these super cute things to put FHE "assignments" on....

This has actually really helped us to REMEMBER to have FHE on monday, because we are so busy and usually after work and school is over all we want to do is lay in bed and watch Cake Boss. We have talked several times about how important it is that we get this routine down BEFORE we have kids, so that we can be ready when that time comes and all you-know-what breaks lose haha (think about how crazy our kids will be...THAT is why we are starting to prepare now). Even though we don't have any kids yet, and who knows when we will feel prompted to attempt parenthood, so don't ask if we are pregnant, it has been a huge blessing to set aside time every week to put our focus on what is most important. Sometimes FHE seems to be the ONLY time where we gets to focus on our companionship and our goals, etc.

This week we had a GREAT lesson, conducted by my wonderful husband, on being "one". He started it out with a goooood 'ol companionship inventory, just like we had to do as missionaries once upon a time. We started by talking about what habits each of us has that just bug the heck out of the other one, or what things we think need to improve on in our marriage. Thank goodness we ended it with the positives: what things we just love about each other and what things we are doing right in our marriage. If you don't do this with your spouse I highly suggest it. We have done it a few times, and it has been a huge blessing to our relationship.

He ended the lesson quoting a talk by Elder Holland called "Standing Together for the Cause of Christ". In the article Elder Holland talks about the unity between the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost and says that they are, "one in spirit, one in strength, one in purpose, one in voice, one in glory, one in will, one in goodness, and one in grace." I wasn't quite sure where Abe was going with this until he said, "We should be this united." Wow. I had never thought that before, that the unity between husband and wife should be similar to the unity that exists within the Godhead. That quote hasn't left my thoughts since this monday, and I have been constantly pondering how we can be that united. Time will certainly be a huge factor, because we are no where near that kind of unity, but the important thing is that we have a goal and we are working towards it. 

Gosh, my husband is amazing. What a great lesson. Our family nights are getting better and better every week. BUT if you have any ideas on what we can do for FHE as a newlywed childless couple, PLEASE let me know :) We our open to suggestions.