When Emma was first born, I was called into the Young Women’s Program at church. I loved it, but was grateful to have the younger girls because, honestly, I wasn’t that much older than the Laurels. It’s hard to respect someone as a leader when they see you at their level. I especially feared chaperoning stake dances and that I’d be asked to dance by one of the young men. Not that I thought anyone would, but I was just nervous to hurt someone’s feelings.
Now, 12 years later, at the point when Emma is just on the verge of entering the Young Women’s Program, I was called back in. I was scared she’d be upset because I’m sure she feels I’m always around, being homeschooled. But, rather, she was really excited. I’m loving getting to know the girls and am just amazed at their maturity, gratitude for their leaders, and overall acceptance. I have some wonderful women working with me and I know we’re going to have a great time.
One of the perks of being a leader in the Young Women’s Program is that you have the opportunity to work on your Young Womanhood Recognition again. I did receive mine as a youth, but now the program has changed and there are new medallions. So, I’m committing myself to working along with the girls and earning it.
I am just starting on my first value project, which is a 10 hour project. I found a wonderful idea online of using General Conference weekend to work on this. I shared it with the girls and we all committed to doing it. First of all, you need to make or decorate a special notebook to take notes in during Conference. I just spent about 1 1/2 hours doing that . . . designing the cover and back in Photoshop and then putting the book together. I love how it turned out.
Front
Back
It’s not perfect, but I have a cute book to take notes in. After watching 8 hours of Conference this weekend, I’ll be up to 9 1/2 hours – add 1/2 hour of writing in my journal afterward and that’s 10 hours. It’s amazing how quickly it all goes!
I’m so grateful for the Church and knowing it helps us become better people. I can’t wait to hear the messages from this weekend and learn and grow!
What a GREAT idea for a value project!
Becca, it’s like reading my thoughts written better than I could express them! I was recently called into Young Women’s and, thankfully, am over the Beehives … and yes, I have already been mistaken as a young woman. At least it wasn’t at a stake dance!
Your general conference notebook looks great. I also decided to re-earn my recognition award, but haven’t started yet. Good luck! And have fun!
You are so awesome!! I remember doing all those projects and loving it…that is so fun you get to do it again. You are such a great example and I’m sure the YM love having you. Great journal too!!
That will be SO fun Becca. You will do great in YW! I love the notebook you made too – I might have to copy?! 🙂