Saint Sinner Posted July 20, 2015 Posted July 20, 2015 (edited) So I haven't posted here in 6 years. And looking at my last posts, I'm not a fan of that guy. To those who had the displeasure of engaging me at the time, I apologize.I've been out of the US since late 2009. I needed time not to find myself but figure myself out.Though I am not active, my membership is still intact. I honestly haven't had much to do with Christianity except for the occasional run ins with missionaries (non-LDS included) during service projects and humanitarian aid. However, looking at the general discussions forum: Holy cow! I have missed a lot. I don't even know where to begin to get an update and I fear a cliffnotes version would turn out to be a full dissertation.In friendship,Jacob Edited July 20, 2015 by Saint Sinner
Storm Rider Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Welcome back to the Board. Good to have you back. Life happens; sometimes it is not pretty and sometimes it is idyllic. Living overseas is enjoyable. I just returned to the US this past month; it is a different place to be and does not have a lot in common with the country that is in my memories. I know I liked the country in my mind, but I am still trying to put things together to determine what the US is at present. Living overseas one can see how the US is perceived and acts more easily than when you get lost within its borders with the rat race of life. The last few decades it has shown up as a country of corrupt politicians, misguided foreign policy and military actions, and has not really improved. I don't see how things are going to improve. I guess I am a bit disenchanted at present. The progress of the Church is a debatable issue. Somehow the objective of being disciples of Christ has become disconnected in the minds of some members who focus exclusively on church history and social positions. There are those who take a social agenda and ignore or exclude all that the Church does or teach in favor of their golden calf. Obviously, these individuals fall away. Then there are others who humbly strive to take one more step. They are sinners that realize that all is not well in the world and yet try to disciples of Christ. That is about a good a summary as I can provide. I look forward to hearing from you. 2
Saint Sinner Posted July 21, 2015 Author Posted July 21, 2015 (edited) Having been on five continents and in more than 20 countries has given me perspective. I have seen the joys and hardships of various walks of life has both destroyed and recreated how I viewed myself and the world around me. 14 months ago in Syria was devastating. Eight months in Finland was rejuvenating. I plan to stay at least a year. After that, I'll see where I go next. I'm currently in SLC and staying with a long time friend who is active in the Church and has a family. Having been back only little more than a week has been a culture shock of sorts.Admittedly, I am concerned, as somewhat an outsider, about the conflicts the Church has faced. And I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of two great apostles whom I admired as a child and teenager.Thank you for the warm welcome. Edited July 21, 2015 by Saint Sinner
Mars Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 welcome back on my mission in france i once met a canadian guy who had been traveling with only a pack on his back. he had been everywhere - and i mean everywhere. part of me was really jealous of him. i hope your experiences give you what you need.
Saint Sinner Posted July 21, 2015 Author Posted July 21, 2015 welcome back on my mission in france i once met a canadian guy who had been traveling with only a pack on his back. he had been everywhere - and i mean everywhere. part of me was really jealous of him. i hope your experiences give you what you need.Probably more than I needed but I'm grateful nonetheless. I think Somalia and Congo were two of the most difficult.
Mars Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 i'd like to visit congo one day. the stories you must have... very jealous.
Guest Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Having been on five continents and in more than 20 countries has given me perspective. I have seen the joys and hardships of various walks of life has both destroyed and recreated how I viewed myself and the world around me. 14 months ago in Syria was devastating. Eight months in Finland was rejuvenating. I plan to stay at least a year. After that, I'll see where I go next. I'm currently in SLC and staying with a long time friend who is active in the Church and has a family. Having been back only little more than a week has been a culture shock of sorts.Admittedly, I am concerned, as somewhat an outsider, about the conflicts the Church has faced. And I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of two great apostles whom I admired as a child and teenager.Thank you for the warm welcome.Welcome back, it is possible to have doubts and questions and still believe and return to full fellowship in the Church. Never fear doing the right thing, and never forgive returning to what you once loved so. I have a friend that I sometimes do not see for years at a time, but when I do we pick up as if we spoke yesterday. The Church is the same way, like a friend where time matters not. Yes the two Apostles who have passed were great men, because their service to mankind and the Church made them mighty men of God. Hope you are back to stay...but wherever you go, God and the Church are there and waiting. Again welcome back and welcome home. The Church (the Faith) and all your brothers and sister wait with open arms to receive you again.
Saint Sinner Posted July 21, 2015 Author Posted July 21, 2015 Why were you awandering, if you don't mind sharing?The best way to put it was that I was unconscious. I wasn't self aware and I wasn't aware of the world around me. I was a narcissistic, self entitled and bitter jerk. I despised the Church because of its social teachings and policy. I felt personally victimized (Did I mention narcissistic?). I needed to grow up and overcome the facade my life had become. Making sense of existing and thriving and embracing all that comes from being human and developing relationships became priority. Leaving behind all I knew seemed the only remedy. Breaking down preconceived social, religious, political and familial ideologies was necessary to get to where I'm at. The world became a lot scarier outside Spanish Fork, UT. And it was amazing. I've laughed, wept, become angry, and empathized with people I'd probably never give a second thought to.Sorry to ramble. I hope that answers your question and makes sense. 1
Tacenda Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 The best way to put it was that I was unconscious. I wasn't self aware and I wasn't aware of the world around me. I was a narcissistic, self entitled and bitter jerk. I despised the Church because of its social teachings and policy. I felt personally victimized (Did I mention narcissistic?). I needed to grow up and overcome the facade my life had become. Making sense of existing and thriving and embracing all that comes from being human and developing relationships became priority. Leaving behind all I knew seemed the only remedy. Breaking down preconceived social, religious, political and familial ideologies was necessary to get to where I'm at. The world became a lot scarier outside Spanish Fork, UT. And it was amazing. I've laughed, wept, become angry, and empathized with people I'd probably never give a second thought to.Sorry to ramble. I hope that answers your question and makes sense.Please go on....tell more of this experience. Btw, I feel your previous pain. I would love the opportunity to get out of Dodge just once. Living in a different country and making a difference for someone on top of that, sounds wonderful. I feel so unneeded ever since my FC. I've even asked the RS and Compassionate Leader for service opportunities. But to no avail, I just find little ways to help if I can find them. Anyway, glad to have you back!
Saint Sinner Posted July 21, 2015 Author Posted July 21, 2015 I don't know where to start. I have 37 journals chronicling my six years away.
Tacenda Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 I don't know where to start. I have 37 journals chronicling my six years away.That's ok, whenever the urge strikes you to share, if at all, sounds good.
Meadowchik Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Welcome. I've been living abroad since 2008, but nowhere very exotic. My husband got hired overseas. It's still an eye-opener, though!
Avatar4321 Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Wish I could have done something like that.What are your plans now?
Storm Rider Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Having been on five continents and in more than 20 countries has given me perspective. I have seen the joys and hardships of various walks of life has both destroyed and recreated how I viewed myself and the world around me. 14 months ago in Syria was devastating. Eight months in Finland was rejuvenating. I plan to stay at least a year. After that, I'll see where I go next. I'm currently in SLC and staying with a long time friend who is active in the Church and has a family. Having been back only little more than a week has been a culture shock of sorts.Admittedly, I am concerned, as somewhat an outsider, about the conflicts the Church has faced. And I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of two great apostles whom I admired as a child and teenager.Thank you for the warm welcome. Finland, and specifically the people, is/are some of the best there is. In my travels I loved Helsinki and surrounding communities as well as the interior of Finland. Regardless of where I was in Finland the people were great. Enjoy your time there.
Saint Sinner Posted July 22, 2015 Author Posted July 22, 2015 Wish I could have done something like that.What are your plans now?I plan to be here a year at the least. Due to my travels I'm not sure this is my home. The social issues are overwhelming. Outside 3rd world countries, I've not seen such animosity on "either" side since coming back. I confess my disappointment over trial matters without judgement.
Saint Sinner Posted July 22, 2015 Author Posted July 22, 2015 (edited) Finland, and specifically the people, is/are some of the best there is. In my travels I loved Helsinki and surrounding communities as well as the interior of Finland. Regardless of where I was in Finland the people were great. Enjoy your time there.Finland is at the top of the list of places to move back to. Free healthcare, free university and no ridiculous taxes. Then there's the wonderful people. I miss them greatly. Edited July 22, 2015 by Saint Sinner
Saint Sinner Posted July 22, 2015 Author Posted July 22, 2015 I'm having trouble posting here. Not any technical issues but being so far removed from the Church and faith community, I feel as though I have nothing to contribute. Having read through several threads, I keep asking myself if I have any real thoughts on the various topics. I thought having a history with this board and the Church that I'd have something to say.But in fun...I am admitting that I love the new Taylor Swift album. I'll retain my mancard as I jam out to "Shake it Off".
Avatar4321 Posted July 22, 2015 Posted July 22, 2015 Feel free to just read and comment as you want or question as you want
Saint Sinner Posted July 22, 2015 Author Posted July 22, 2015 Thanks. I'll try to be as objective as possible.
Tacenda Posted July 22, 2015 Posted July 22, 2015 Thanks. I'll try to be as objective as possible.Start topics you're interested in. I think the sky is almost the limit on this board.
Calm Posted July 22, 2015 Posted July 22, 2015 Thanks. I'll try to be as objective as possible.No reason you need to, no one else does, claims to the contrary. 1
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