First impressions of Utah

I flew into Utah on Thursday. Not much has changed since we moved last year...or since I arrived to BYU as a freshman. But something else has changed. I no longer view this place as home. It's a very familiar place, but now it's only a temporary stop. 

This is the longest time I've been away from Utah in the last seven years. Being away this long has enabled me to see that this is not real life. Living here gives the illusion of real life - you go to school, you work, you date and get married, start a family, etc., but in actuality, you're just in a big bubble. 

As comfortable and easy life in the bubble can be...I kind of like stepping outside my comfort zone and having to stretch myself. In California, I have had a lot of people ask me questions about my religion and beliefs. It really keeps me on my toes. I have to constantly be thinking about my faith, what I believe, and why I believe it. It helps me want to live my faith more fully.

Don't get me wrong, I have loved my time at BYU and it has been really nice to be back on campus. The library is incredible and I have appreciated all the resources here that are helping me finish up my thesis. People here are so friendly and it's so nice to see loved ones again. The mountains are stunning and the sunsets are gorgeous. But...I am really happy that we have moved on. Life outside the bubble is real. And I like real life much better.