Youth Conference: Part Two

So, I got home from Youth Conference yesterday. It was pretty fun. I spent the last half of it hanging out with my friend Sal7. He has a beautiful voice. I understand his Arabic.

You know what, though? That may be less of a comment about his enunciation as one about my language skills.

We went to Mount Nebo - the place where Moses was transfigured, the place where John the baptist was imprisoned, the castle where he was beheaded, and the traditional spot on the River Jordan where Christ was baptized.

The highlight for me was being able to translate the speakers' talks from English into French for two French girls who came from the Cairo Branch. The best part of this was when I bore my testimony in three languages - Arabic, French, and English, without a separate translator.

I met Brother Akiki from the branch in Lebanon. He is my hero. He used to be a photography teacher at the American University of Beirut. He went to Saudi for business one time, showed me his visa. There is no such thing as tourism in Saudi. I talked to him at great length about the future and making difficult decisions. He gave me advice which is now my mantra: "NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF."

I figured out that all guys are animals, and decided to distance myself from them for the next long time.

I love my Arabic Mom. She is amazing. AMAZING. She has taught me so much. She has helped me appreciate my real mom. She is one of my life-long heroes, as well.

One of my Arabic sisters might get engaged in the next few weeks!!!!!

A'eed Sa'eed! Happy Easter!

Youth Conference, Part One

Oh man.

My life here...it just gets more and more...it's like...

Okay, so I speak three languages. And the three languages I happen to speak also happen to all be useful to me here. English, French, Arabic, I speak them all every day.

But I despite my tongue, I don't have the words.

I wish there were just one plan for my life, that was extremely obvious. I wish it were obvious which path I am supposed to lead. I know that there is no ONE right thing, but I absolutely wish there were. At least I have my faith, and my priorities straight. But I'm still really...

Right now I am in Sal7's internet cafe. It is called, "The Iron Rod." There are people reunited here from Cairo, Lebanon, Amman, and Al-Husn. The largest number is from Cairo, but the largest number of Arabs is from Al-Husn. The name of the conference is, "RESTORE". I can't believe how much faith people here have.

The meeting was conducted in English and translated both into Arabic and French. There are two French girls here.

Most of the American adults work for various embassies. Their kids are extremely impessive; they know a lot more than I did when I was their age.

GO MORMONS!