When Wandering is Over

Last Wednesday, 6 March 13, I went home so I could get my passport application in for my mission. It was a beautiful day and I got to spend some time with my mother. While in Ogden I went for a run, something I  haven't done in ages. There's nothing special about the particular route I chose, it was the go to run I usually do when I want to get a few miles in. Though I run the same way often, I never tire of my turn around spot.
When I run this way I always stop at a trailhead, as I have been told time and time again not to go running on trails alone. This particular trailhead is on a hill that overlooks much of North Ogden and out to the Salt Lake; it is pictured below (with filters from Instagram).

As I looked over the city and continued my run home I thought of how much I love Ogden. I'm so grateful for the experiences I had growing up there and for the people I came into contact with in my school and in my church. A lot of the time Ogden gets a bad reputation for not being as good as other cities in Utah, and truth be told, it is very different from most of Utah. Nonetheless, I love Ogden. Had I grown up anywhere else, I wouldn't be who I am today. Further, I'm grateful that my life hasn't always been rosy. I know that without the trying times in my life I wouldn't have my testimony of the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; something that now is an even greater part of my life. 

Now, I don't live in Ogden anymore- yes my family is still there and I claim it as my hometown, however because I don't reside there permanently nor do I have plans to live there permanently in the near future it isn't truly mine, any longer. I don't know where my life will lead me or where I will raise my children, but one thing is certain; I will live in Ogden again. When all wandering is over, perhaps not until my husband has passed away (not that i'm assuming he'll be first to go, but women in my family do tend to live long) I will return to my childhood, for deep down I belong to Ogden and Ogden to me. The city has forever been engrained into who I am. 

There is beauty everywhere, even in the most unlikely places. I will miss my home when I am away on my mission but I know I will also grow to love and appreciate it even more while in Peru. 

Wander as you will, but remember where you come from and how you've been moulded into the very person you are now. 

With best wishes and love,

Carolina