Since Brennan has been home all Summer and leaving for college, mom wants to make sure he learn to cook as many dishes as he can. So he was cooking about 3 dinners per week for everyone. And even grandma requested that he cooked her a meal before he leaves for college
FSY At the University of Maryland with the Washington D.C Stake for the First and Last Time.
FSY (For The Strength of Youth) was a totally amazing week to say the LEAST. Arriving at the Turleys house at around 11:30 on Monday, August 1st, Sister Turley, Davis and Ava, carpooled Michael, Cameron, Caroline and I to UMD. Upon arrival, we signed in and went to get our assigned roommates and dorms for the week. An issue arose when the request for dorming between Michael/Cameron and Ava/Caroline was unsuccessful, even though they thought they had confirmed it beforehand. Davis and I, seeing this opportunity, decided to also try to appeal for a shared dorm. With the assistance of very helpful volunteers, we were all able to dorm with our requested people. Albeit the dorms went well, another issue arose when we got to the dorms. “Companies,” which is the term used to describe the grouping system at camp, were determined based on age and roommates. Unfortunately enough, the 4 of us boys were all in different companies. However, roommates were supposed to be in the same company.
After some sorting out, Michael decided to join his original company (which was assigned to him before the roommate swap) and Cameron, Davis and I were placed in another company, all around 14-15 (Davis and Cameron’s age. The company was 12 boys and 10 girls, totaling 22 people and making us one of the largest companies. I was at first put off by their ages, since they were relatively rowdy and did not seem like a good crowd– but little did I know that this was the beginning to an amazing journey. It was then that I met my guy counselor Ben (as we had both a girl and a boy counselor). As I got to know Ben, I came to meet one of the most uplifting and positive people I have ever met. He was extremely outgoing, and through the week taught the company some simple sign language which we had tons of fun with. During discussions, he would make sure everyone was heard, and was super enthusiastic when he received other people’s insights of their experiences with the Holy Ghost. His appreciation and willingness to help whenever he could inspired me throughout the week to participate in group discussions and class activities. For a quick summary of what we did, the first day was getting to know the company, more of an orientation. We had a little bit of scripture study and mostly stuck with our companies.
On the second day, they let us choose classes to attend and we would walk around different buildings on campus. Davis and Ava’s uncle was actually teaching one of the classes and it was fun to see Ava teasing Brother Dudley (their uncle) with embarrassing facts during class. Tuesday was also the first dance. In regards to slow dancing, I mustered enough courage to ask one girl to dance, which is all I managed to really achieve.
For the third day, Wednesday, they continued having the open class sessions where we were free to choose what we wanted to learn. We also had things such as gospel study, music programs and a variety show mixed in, ending the day (every day) with R&R, a reflect and review of what we learned. Nearing the end of Wednesday, Davis accidentally fractured his ankle while performing martial arts and needed crutches. That was a rollercoaster that ended blessedly well, considering the circumstances.
Thursday was formal dress, so we went to mostly devotionals and at night we had a testimony meeting. Then Friday morning was my sweet 16th, and it really went quite fast at FSY. My company made me a card and sang for me, and people whom I know from Kentlands bought me a “Ramen Fury” game which was really kind. Maddy McQueen also made sure that Brother Cottle, in charge of announcing birthdays, singled me out and made sure everyone knew I was eligible to date. (In the guide for church youth, youth are strongly encouraged to hold off from dating until age 16.) Unfortunately, I was actually unable to attend the surprise which they had planned for me that night, since I got trapped in the Easton dorms with Davis due to a heavy thunderstorm. Everything eventually worked out, and then there was the Friday dance after dinner. This time, with some more confidence, I challenged myself to dance with someone every slow dance that night. I ended up dancing 8 times! It was honestly inspiring for myself to be able to muster up so much confidence. Ben also made a bet with us that if everyone slow danced, he would go on a date with our girl counselor, Hailey.
During the whole trip, many of the company members had been shipping the two together. We were able to win the bet, and they did go on a date. After a very emotional farewell Friday night, Saturday morning rolled around and we left campus at around 7 AM in the morning. As a side note, another one of the best parts of FSY was the food. During our mealtimes, we would eat at the UMD Cafeteria, and were allowed to eat as much as we desired. And the food was good. There was an Asian Cuisine, a Grill, Breakfast food, Pizza bar, Pasta stand and more. Throughout the week, I essentially had 3 buffets per day. I was stuffing myself since I knew this would be one of the rare occasions where food would be abundant. And pepsi. Probably too much Pepsi. Unfortunately, even though I was so determined to eat a lot to gain weight, I did not gain a single pound when I got home… which was disappointing, to be frank. Overall, FSY was a spiritual rush. I felt the spirit guiding me the whole week and I was blessed with such kind people. I am hoping to go next year with the Seneca Stake*.
*FSY usually occurs every other year for a stake, but since we swapped from the Washington D.C Stake to the Seneca Stake recently, our Kentlands Ward was able to attend this years FSY with the Washington D.C stake and will be able to go with Seneca in 2023!
