10. You meet some seriously rad people.
Not even joking. You really do meet some of the coolest people EVER. I've made some of my very best friends from EFY and strengthened relationships with old friends as well. There's something very real and empowering being around peers your age that share the same standards as you and aren't afraid to show it.
Spirit Squad a.k.a. Stand in the Light from this year. :)
These people are thee best.
And don't even get me started on the awesome counselors! They are truly inspired and have the best spirit about them. And hilarious. I want to be them when I grow up. I've never had a counselor I haven't loved.
Madi!! Seriously, she is the best. I'm forever grateful to have had her this past year.
Billy Willy. We're purdy kewl.
9. The classes are the best thing EVER.
I know it's crazy to think, but I love going to class!...EFY class that is. They take seminary teachers from all over to come and teach lessons for two days. Best part is you get to choose the topic of the class you go to and it's just fantastic. Inspiration is definitely there and the greatest thing is that everyone gets their prayers answered in different ways.
8. You get to be fool.
You really do though! You get to be yourself and nothing less. How awesome is that?!
Here's our daily shrubbery picture. You're welcome. Also, I love these people for taking these pictures with me. They're pretty rad.
Day one! Mustache!
Day two! Unibrow!
Day three! Our attempt at a fu man shu!
Day four! Mustache! We ran out of ideas...
Day five! Mustaches...but I feel like it's fine!
7. It's Especially for You!
The whole EFY stands for "Especially for Youth". Which it really is. EFY has all been so worth it in my eyes. Inspiration is so real and the gospel is too. I'm so grateful for the EFY program and all it's helped me do and learn.
6. It's really all fun and games.
A lot of people have asked me if EFY is like my "bible camp". In some ways, yes it can be. I feel comfort from the spirit all week long. But it's also such a great time. We play games, have awesome dances, talk, and tease. It's great. And sometimes the boys in your company are so stinking awesome that they make the girls a music video...
5. You're constantly surrounded by GOOD.
There's really no way you can be upset or unhappy at EFY. You're just surrounded by such great people with positive attitudes, you can't go wrong.
4. THE DANCES ARE THE BEST.
Oh my gosh. Them dances though. They are such a party. And you learn so many crazy, weird, fun line dances that it all just turns out great. And you make a fool of yourself getting into the dancing but I feel like it's fine because nobody else is really looking or paying attention because they're doing the same.
3. You find yourself.
For me at least, it's put into perspective who I am and the person I want to be to others. Post EFY, I want to be a better person and apply all the things I've learned to help me achieve that.
2. You grow closer to your Heavenly Father and Savior.
Let me tell ya'll a story, my first year of EFY I had a testimony. Quite small to be honest. Growing up in the church, it's very easy to just go through the motions and do what you're told to.--Go to church, read your scriptures, say your prayers...--However when you're consistently encouraged for a week to find out the "why" of that, you start to find if this is really what you want to believe in. And for me, I didn't really know what I wanted. I had felt the spirit and knew that the church was true, but I just didn't have that burning testimony of it quite yet. But that changed my first year of EFY.
On Thursdays at EFY, is kind of a big deal. It's what I like to call the "spirit day". Everyone dresses in their Sunday best, you have the musical program, a fireside with the session director, and testimony meeting. Everything became suddenly real on the joy I was feeling my first year. I'll be honest in saying that I don't remember a whole lot about that whole day in general. Although, one thing I do remember for sure. I remember the love I KNEW my Father in Heaven had for me. That He is SO real and knows the things we face. I saw a happiness I hadn't known before and a light that I felt like couldn't leave me ever again. I won't forget that overwhelming, and lasting happiness. I like to say that's when I truly became "converted" and a real member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It felt very real and true, and still does.
But I knew that our Heavenly Father loved and loves me. Although this year, I wanted to truly know that He knows and loves all of His children. And as I said a silent prayer in my heart to someday understand just a fraction of that, I knew that same night that when it was confirmed to me that Heavenly Father loves all His children in different ways. God loves His children SO much. It's crazy to think that out of the billions of people in this world, our Father in Heaven knows us so personally and individually. It's so real.
1. You leave a different person.
I feel like post-EFY depression is very real. It's hard to come from consistently feeling the happiness of the Gospel for 5 days and then going back to "real-life" as I like to call it. However, it's all necessary, and part of the whole experience. I can't wait to apply what I've learned and become a better person. Thanks EFY. It's been real.
~Mostly Marissa~
And just some pictures because that's how I roll...
Jakes all day er' day! Or at least the first two nights. Thanks T-Kitty.
Look at this babe. Just too adorable. Kari's hot stuff too.
Running away after I made her go tickle Josh's feet.
She's a brave soul. *Hunger Games salute* Her dad's feet are smelly.
Pre EFY shenanigans.
OooOooOOOoooo EFY. (Day one of the challenge)
I heart these girls. West Haven-ites unite!
Some of my group of girls! Love.
Here's some of the compannnyyyyyy.
Hey look. You can't even handle all the Asian. Ft. Chris and Tanner
We is kewl.
Facetiming the family isn't ever really norm.
ONE. JOB.
This was Cody's one job. However, I do heart miss Kylie. She's basically the greatest. Follow her awesome Instagram page @standing_forever_in_holyplaces
Mother of all air fresheners. I saw this in the parking lot of Betos.
Betoooossss. Kelci tested, Chris approved.
Hehehehehehehe I forgot I put that in Tanner's handbook.
Our sick Slytherin banner for the game show.
Look how awesome these humans are.
Our boyz.
Kenna is just the cutest.
Squady-squad.
Just some selfie prep for the variety show.
Word. I was laughing after trying to grab Billy's water bottle.
Kelci had to test out the selfie stick waters.
When we were trapped in our room so the guys could secretly make the video for us.
This freaked me out a bit.
Some of my favorite thugs.
Selfie stickin'.
I heart these crazy gals.
These girls. Excuse my extreme awkwardness. "You're too tall to be in front" has never been told to me...however, I don't mind.
Just some ballet with Billy.
Our boyz.
"Grab the bicep!"
Oh man Mal. (Or Mal Mann. ;)) I absolutely adore this girl. I'm so glad we were able to be in the same group and get to know each other better! Senior-and junior- year here we come!
These gorgeous ladies are just fantastic.
Noelle, Noelle! I looooovvvee Noelle!
Just seeing who will catch on with our selfiin'. Look at them selfieceptions!
Meet Idaho. A.k.a. Braden with an E.
Oh miss Megan. I'm glad she goes to smelly old Weber so I can see her at games!
Savaaaannnaaaahhhh!!! Why must you live in Texas?!
My Asian persuasion squad. They weren't in my company, but just as equally as awesome.
Post EFY shenanigans.
We is kewl. PC: Mal
Because it was weird not seeing each other within a 16 hour span, we templed it up!
Last minute movie going. And by last minute, I mean last minute. Like Marissa has 10 minutes to look somewhat presentable. But meh. All worth it! Inside Out was most certainly worth it. It hits you right in them feels. I even shed a whole tear.
Have a great week friends! God is good. Life is good.
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