Happy Father’s Day Dad!

Almost two years ago I was given a “before school” Priesthood blessing from my dad. In this blessing he said all the normal things you would expect to hear in a blessing except for one line. He told me, “You will experience many different cultures. Remember that everyone is a child of God.” At this time I was 16 going into my junior year of high school with no plans to experience any new cultures. Many miracles, struggles, and divine direction have led me to where I am right now. Two years later writing this on a hard, thin mattress in an Indian hotel with two of the best roommates ever journaling right next to me (Hannah and Maddie hi ily). Raj just came in and told us to wait for another 30 mins to go to bed because we’re getting Indian ice cream. I’m so grateful for my dad. I could write a whole blog post about why I love him and how he inspires me, but instead I will write about India because that’s what he probably wants to hear about.

India. You must go with unconditional love or not at all. You must find joy and beauty in everything and every moment. You must (literally) dance in the rain. Watch the lightning storms. Pet the stray dogs (Bryson). Savor your food. Savor all the Doterra oils/drops that Carrie gives you. Enjoy your bucket shower at the end of a hot day spent running around with children. Most importantly you must look into other people’s eyes and realize we’re not so different after all.

I am not the same girl I was June 8th. Sorry guys, the girl who gets off the plane will not be the same girl who you sent off. India breaks you. Breaks you in the way you need to be broken. It breaks apart your ignorance, ego, world views, and more. You come together never quite the same. I remember sitting on the plane realizing that I would never again be the person I was in that moment. At some point in your life you have to do something outside of everything you know. That’s been India. I am in love with India.

I love teaching the kids. It’s so rewarding to hear them remember things you’ve taught them. I hear them quote the book that I read them every day. Amrita is a favorite of mine. She’s one of the older girls and has the sweetest smile. She finds every chance to hold my hand or have me lift her up. She kisses me cheek and calls me “Dee Dee” which means sister. The girls love to hold my hand, it’s become a little crazy and makes me wish I had more than 2 hands for holding. I love teaching. I love playing games and watching them learn new things. Our school is one of the highest ones up a huge mountain. The mountain has lots of orchards and small farms despite it being very steep (think Timberlakes). As our bus driver drives us up it’s common to see wheat laid out in the road to be run over as a way to separate it. While we teach and play outside with the kids local women will watch us. Some of them are mothers of kids we teach. The women are so strong and beautiful. Sheryl and I both observed how strong their countenance is. The let me take pictures of them a few days ago and I’ll treasure those forever. I’ve seen so much and I’ll tell you all about it more in later posts or in real life. I’m journaling a lot.

I love India with all my heart, but I do miss Levi. I miss him so much. Tell Warren his sister loves him (and Moses, but I’m more Moses’s aunt). I brought a softball to massage my muscles with. I am almost out of snacks lol. I love the peanut butter bob packed for me and I kept the note in my journal. Mom I saw your comment and I love you!!! Please show this to Julia and tell her to show dad, Chloe, Joel and everyone. Also dad if you’re reading this, Happy Father’s Day! COMMENT we read all the comments after dinner every night! And I got a blessing from my friend Logan before I left. Logan thank you and I have a list of things to tell you about. Chloe I miss youuuuuuuuuuuu! Joel bowl I miss you and I can’t wait to facetime and tell you about everything. I love you guys!

6 Responses to “Happy Father’s Day Dad!”

1. Gena, on June 15th, 2019 at 7:52 pm Said:

   Beautiful!

2. McKell Scanlan, on June 16th, 2019 at 5:48 am Said:

   Beautiful post!

3. Carolyn Light, on June 16th, 2019 at 3:14 pm Said:

   I’m so happy you’re enjoying this experience! I love reading your post. We miss you too and I can’t wait to hear even more details about your wonderful journey. Much love and prayers for you!

4. (: :), on June 16th, 2019 at 3:32 pm Said:

   Deadass looks litty

5. Ben Light, on June 16th, 2019 at 3:51 pm Said:

   Nat thank you for the Father’s Day wishes and make an old man cry! Your eyes are being opened to the beautiful world we live in and our brothers and sisters that inhabit it. You are coming to understand for yourself that Loving and Servicing others are truly the most important aspects of this life. That is God’s plan. That is the foundation of his Gospel.
   Always remember that you are a “Light” and always be a light to those around you. You are not only showing love and service to your brothers and sisters in India, you are inspiring them. We all have individuals that inspire us and we pattern our behaviors after. Let your light shine and continue to love the people of India. Your character will continue to grow to a new potential. I love you! Bob loves you! Juls, Levi and Warn loves you! We miss you and can’t wait to hear about all your amazing experiences. Always remember who you are, where you are going and how you are going to get there.
   – Your Proud Dad

6. Chloe Smith, on June 16th, 2019 at 4:37 pm Said:

   I miss you Nat!!!! Your pictures are amazing. I think you should send them to Nat Geo 😉 Im so glad that you got to go on this trip. Now we have India and Africa in common. I miss you still so make sure and come home eventually and I can’t wait to hear all about it. I love you beautiful queen