The Right Place: First Days

I love blogs. Most importantly, though, I love new blogs and the very first post. I feel like it is the starting point for every post thereon out. It has to be good. It has to be meaningful. So, this is my good, meaningful post. (No pressure)

Oftentimes, the first thing I mention when introducing myself to a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that I was baptized on September 1, 2008, a mere five months ago. Honestly, I feel like I was preparing my whole life for the day I could call myself LDS and these past five months seem like years. You know when you know you belong somewhere? I belong here. At this university, in this church, even in this class.

I came out here to BYU as an 18-year-old non-member who had no background in religion besides one voluntary year of Early Morning Seminary in the Old Testament with LDS friends.

My first religion class at BYU was Book of Mormon and I was entirely overwhelmed. Funny thing is, that overwhelming feeling was nothing compared to the complete fear I had on the first day of New Testament. Take a look at my notes, really. There was no sign of understanding on my face if you happened to catch a glimpse. I wasn't even able to catch my breath.

I'm not going to lie, Galatians? Didn't know how to spell it. Ephesians? What language are you speaking? I was lost.

Two or so weeks later and you can even see my understanding of class lectures improve by looking at my notes. First few days you could see 15 lines shooting out from one word, now it's actually comprehensible.

It's weird how the confusion I had during my first day in New Testament class was similar to the confusion I had during my first day at Seminary or at church or even during my first missionary lesson. And look at how those turned out: I received my one year achievement award for Seminary and I now am a member of the Church. Maybe I'll succeed in New Testament too?

Why not toss in some pictures for fun: