I'd rather be picking berries

As I sit here in the living room, trying to finish up the last project for a class I have neglected the entire semester, I can hear some neighboring childfolk outside.

"We have to pick berries... for our survival."
"I have this special seasoning that will turn 6 berries into 12. Then we will squish them."
"No, there's not enough time."
"What do you mean there's not enough time? There's nothing to do."
"We have to find water. Nobody can survive without water."
"I'm going on a quest for rock"
"I'm going on a quest for something to do."
"HEY! cherries!"
"Wanna have a cherry war? Grab as many as you can. And lots of hard ones."

Sounds like they will survive. I must admit I badly wish I was outside with them. Cherry war and all. Soon enough I myself will be frolicking in divine weather and 'picking berries... for my survival." Summer is calling....

But as for now, I'll be here. Typing away the last of my school days...

A Dream Coming True...

Dearest Family and Friends,
I am excited to share with you that this summer I will be fulfilling one of my long time dreams! Ever since I was 12 I have wanted to go on an international humanitarian trip. I have been more seriously looking into this type of thing for the past five years, and I am finally making it happen.
As many of you know, I have already been able to fill part of this goal with my involvement with the Kaiizen Foundation, on a few quick, but extremely meaningful, weekend trips down to orphanages in Mexico.
These trips in no way quenched my thirst, but only deepened my love for humanitarian work. Also, ever since I decided to go into dental hygiene, I decided that I would someday use my skills as a hygienist to bless the lives of others as much as I can. Now that I am graduating this year, I can wait no longer!
At the end of July, I will be traveling to Santa Lucia, Honduras for a two week humanitarian trip in which I will be able to serve with an organization called Shoulder to Shoulder. There I will be serving in the dental clinic and providing services and education to needy members of the community. I couldn't be more excited about it!

Amazingly, I have already been able to take care of airfare, but I need help raising the $900 trip fee. This covers expenses and supplies while I am volunteering. And here's where I need your help!
First of all, if you are in a position to do so, I am asking for any amount of donation you would like to contribute. Every little bit helps! (**For tax purposes, if you write a check directly to the organization, it is considered a charitable contribution and you will receive a tax receipt**)
Secondly, I would also love to help you out anyway I can in return for helping me. If you have any odd jobs that need tackling, I am up for hire! I will have some free time during the month of May while I am waiting on my dental hygiene license.
And lastly, if you have any other great fundraising ideas, I would love to hear your advice.

Thank you so much to all of you for supporting me and being a part of my life!!

Much love,
Colette

You can contact me through email if you have any questions, etc... colettehinchcliff@gmail.com
or just go ahead and call me!

Here's to You

I'm not sure how I got so lucky, but I've got, hands down, some of the greatest people ever in my life. I'm definitely feeling the love. :)

Prime example: Late last night when I found out I needed to be completely moved/cleaned/gone from my apartment by 5pm TODAY, two of these wonders showed up at midnight to help me clean. Did they have work early today? Yes. Should they have been sleeping at midnight? Definitely. Did they help me clean anyway? Yeah. :)

Also, I am so in love with all of you who made my day fabulous yesterday. I so love birthdays cause you get to talk to lots of people you love.

Oh! I like you people so much!! Really, I have such a love for you in my heart. Thank you thank you dear friends!

Be of Good Cheer!

Happy Sunday to all!
And what a sunny, blessed day it is.

I just wanted to express my gratitude and my belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel so much joy I can hardly contain it!

This weekend, we as latter-day saints had the opportunity to participate in General Conference in which we were able to listen to the words and wisdom of the apostles of God. I always look forward to this time of year because no matter what is going on in my life, I know that Conference will bring me peace. This conference was no exception. So many of the words and thoughts touched my heart and have brought me a peace I have not felt for weeks. I feel strengthened and motivated to press forward and continue improving!

Here are some of the thoughts/scriptures I particularly loved:

"God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

"In this life we cannot do great things, only small things with great love." -Mother Teresa

"You are never lost when you can see the temple."

And so many others....

God be with you till we meet again!!


*If you missed it, don't worry! You can hear/read/watch any of the talks online at www.lds.org

you'll want to watch this one...

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1905356

What the...?

My little brother showed me this pic today. Apparently it's a real book. Don't ask me how he found it.
This is so weird, I can't stop laughing. Every time I look at it I crack up. Either it's really that funny, or it's just really that late...

Just wanted to share the joy.