Opera

This weekend I had the good fortune to score some Opera tickets from a friend of mine who sings for the Munich Stadt Oper in Munich, Germany.
The girls! We had some silly boys come, but they somehow escaped the camera!


From left to right-Angela (the Opera singer!), Isabelle, Me, Melanie

I went with a group of YSA's, and we had an absolute blast! he evening began with a great dinner at an Italian restaurant near Marienplatz, where you can order whatever you want on a pizza, pasta, or salad, and they make it in front of you, then you can add fresh herbs from pots right on the table. It was really cool! After that, we made our way to the Munich Opera house, which is an absolutely beautiful place, inside and out.


The inside of the opera house!

We had great seats for the Opera, which was called Jenufa, a Czech opera that happens to be really sad and depressing. If you ever want to be horrified, saddened, and ultimately leave feeling contemplative and sober, go and see Jenufa. It was actually not too bad, and the music was beautiful, and performed by a wonderful orchestra. My friend did very well in her role, and had an amazing voice. All in all, it was a fantastic experience, and one that I hope to repeat several more times before I go back to the states. After the performance, we got a backstage tour from Angela, my Opera friend, and went out for ice cream at Haagen Daas. Best night ever!

Heeding the Prophet's Council

As I watched Conference this weekend, a particular talk stood out to me. It was Elder Bednar's address from the Saturday evening session (I think). He spoke about the need for every member of the church to bear their testimony as often as possible to everyone around them. So, as it has been several years since I have borne my testimony in Sacrament meeting, I decided I would make a concerted effort to stand up next fast Sunday and proclaim that I know that My Redeemer lives. I know he died for my sins, and rose again on the third day to break the bonds of death, and continues to plead for me with my Heavenly Father, even when I make mistakes (which I do frequently). I know that Joseph Smith knelt down in a grove and asked for guidance, and spoke to the Father and the Son face to face, and that The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true and living church on the planet today. I know that I can be forgiven, and that if I make and keep sacred covenants, I can return to live with my Heavenly Father. I know that if I can hold to the rod, and heed all the counsel of the Prophets and Apostles, I will be very blessed, and I will never go wanting for any righteous desire. And I know that He loves me! I love all of you so much, friends and Family, and I hope that as time goes on, I can show my love for you and for my Father in Heaven through my actions.

So much better!

I have been feeling so much better lately, that I remember why I am here, what I want to accomplish, and that I need to have patience! Being sick really made me homesick, but now I'm all better, and I am ready to tackle whatever life throws my way!