My Favorite Place...

 A couple weeks ago in relief society we were asked to stand up and introduce ourselves and tell everyone what our very favorite place is and why.  I have a lot of favorite places so it took me a bit to decide but when it was my turn, I stood and talked about how Lake Powell is my favorite place.  I love being in the sun, boating and just spending time with my sweet family.  There are also so many fun, carefree memories attached to that place that just bring a smile to my face.  There were a few more gals to go after me, but I was struck by the last girl to stand up. she stood, got a huge smile on her face and said,  "My favorite place is the temple." Of all the places she's been, of all the things she's done, of all the things she's seen, she chose the temple.  And not any specific temple at that, she just loved the temple-any temple. My heart soared! I couldn't agree with her more.  Forget Lake Powell, MY FAVORITE PLACE IS THE TEMPLE TOO!!!!!! These last few months I have made it a goal to go every week and it has been monumental!  I love that the instant I step inside, I'm blanketed with peace, I love that I can leave the world behind for a few short hours, I love the whiteness and beauty inside, I love the elderly folk that smile and wink at me, thanking me for my service, I love that I think of others while I'm there and what I can do to help, a love that my family became forever there, and that my future family will become forever there,  but most of all, I love that it truly is the Lord's house and I've never felt closer to him than when I'm walking those halls!

before getting my endowments out at the Jordan River temple

 I was never a huge fan of the Provo temple because it looked super old school 70's style.  But since I live in Provo, this is where I usually go and it has become so flippin beautiful to me!  It's honestly one of my very favorites!

My Name is Rachel Pitts and my favorite place in the entire world is the temple!!!

I wonder...

What a wonderful weekend I had to reflect on my dear sweet Momma!  I can't believe it's been 13 years since I lost her.  I often wonder what life would be like if she was still here, what I would be like if I had a mom all growing up, if losing my mom at such a young age has affected my outlook on life, or my relationships with people.  I wonder what she's doing right now, if she can see me and is pleased with the direction my life is going.  I wonder if I'm anything like her.  If I look like her, act like her, smile like her, laugh like her, love like her.  I sometimes wonder, "What would mom do?"  "What would mom say?" "How would mom act?" If there's one thing I do know, even after 13 years she's still a HUGE part of my life!  And will always be! I love you momma and rejoice in thought of the day that we will reunite, throw our arms around each other and never never never let go!

Saturday we got to do the Race for the Cure which was a walk and fund raiser for breast cancer

my sweet dad and step mom (walking it for my mom and her beloved aunt who passed away from breast cancer as well)

me and my cute sisters thinking about our sweet mommy

This is a pic I drew of my mom about a year ago for one of my classes.  It doesn't look a ton like her and doesn't do her justice, but it reminds me of her.  I have it hanging by my bedroom door so I am reminded of her everyday!

My name is Rachel Pitts... and I love my mom!!!

It's time for AFRICA

Why am I so in love with Africa?  Two words... Waka Waka!  Oops, that was a lie. Truth...Samuel Kerungo.  On my mission, I met and taught one of the most remarkable people I've ever come across.  Samuel Kerungo from Kenya.  Words can't describe the magnificence of his presence and his character.  I could go on and on all day about the love and adoration I have for this man and how my life has been changed just by knowing him.  But to sum it all up, within the first 10 minutes of knowing Sam, I promised myself I WILL go to Africa.  Two years later, my mind is still set!  There have been many other contributers to motivate and excite me about it, but Mr. Kerungo started it all!   I decided it's time for Africa.  Not sure what country, not sure what service group to go with, not sure(nor do I care) how much it costs, pretty sure it will be in the fall, nonetheless... My Name is Rachel Pitts and I'M GOING TO AFRICA!!!!!!!

The Sam and his two cute sisters




by the way, did I mention I can dance like an African?  Please don't watch any more than 30 seconds of this, it's a little ridiculous!