The Flat

Clint and I at the Bowling Alley

I began my freshman year for my undergrad away from home.  For many people that's a great way to start out your college career.  For me, however, it wasn't what I wanted.  I ended up moving back home, but almost all of my friends had moved away for school.  I found myself pretty lonely.  I was thrilled when they moved back for the summer-but as soon as August hit, my friends again began disappearing as they moved back to school or went away on LDS missions.  I had joined a singles ward, but had not made too many close friends there.  I desired a group of friends that I could bond with, laugh with, cry in front of, and feel comfortable being myself.  Then November came.  I met this guy in my singles ward, and he took me to a place he called "The Flat" to meet his friends.  Upon first meeting his friends I wasn't sure what I thought.  But I would occasionally go and hang out with them when I was invited by the guy who had first befriended me from the singles ward.  They seemed like a nice enough group-but they were all guys, and I didn't know if they'd want to be my friend.  Over the next few weeks, I began to find myself wanting to go to The Flat on my own.

Two of the Flattigans-Scott, Clint, and Me at a Real Soccer Game in Utah

Scott, Jason and Clint carving pumpkins

     As time progressed, I began to spend more and more time over there.  They brought out a side of me that I hadn't even known I'd had!  I learned more about myself when I was around them than I ever could have otherwise.  They were a great group of gentlemen, and they cared for nothing more than to have a good time and be happy.  They'll probably read this and tease me for being so cheesy-but I don't care.  I love them all the same.  We did a lot of things together, that, prior to meeting them, I had no desire to do.  Some of these included eating at Rock Creek Pizza, going bowling weekly, and playing video games.  That's right-video games.  But my favorite thing to do with them was just sit and talk.  I'm sure they'd much rather be fighting zombies and bowling turkeys than sitting and talking with their friend girl, but that time I spent with them has had a huge impact on my life and a huge impact on my heart. 
Spending time with them helped me to recognize my strengths and build on my weaknesses.  I love those boys.  Before I keep going, I'll introduce them so it doesn't get confusing looking at all these pictures!



Ammon and Jason were both living at The Flat when I first met them.    Jason has always been able to tell me how it is.  And though he's been really blunt with me at times-his honesty has helped me grow and mature.  I can always count on Jason to make me laugh!  He pulls these bizarre maneuvers when we bowl together. 
Jason went through the temple right after I left-I'm so happy for him!  The blessings that he will receive for the temple work he has done are incredible!  He is such a wonderful example to me-"Be thou an example of the Believers."  He's a believer alright!  I have seen Jason's Faith in Jesus Christ grow so much this past year.  The challenges in life he has overcome are many-but he continues to do so with faith and diligence.  He's a hard worker-he may appear stern at times, but only because he is always looking at things from a greater perspective. 
 




Ammon--oh Ammon!  I love that man.  From his beard to his bowling skills-I love him!  He taught me how to play a game called Little Big Planet (or something) and has just been my buddy.  I've always felt badly, because one of the first times I hung out with Ammon alone, I ended up leaving early to go hang out with some other friends of mine.  Those other friends were incredibly shallow, and poor for my self-esteem.  The spirit was not present, and I will always wish that I had spent that weekend night hanging out with Ammon.   
"The end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart," (1 Tim. 1:5)  Ammon has always had such a pure heart.  I have recognized in him so many qualities that I hope I can find in future friends, and in future friends on my mission.  

Clint moved into the flat during this last summer.  He's one of the most likable people I've ever met.  He was always there to give me counsel and advice.  Countless times he's been there to guide and comfort me.
Clint is very selfless.  If I were to ever ask him for anything, he'd be right there to help me, support me and uplift me.  I often think of the scripture in Doctine and Covenants:
 "Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."
Clint has always stood in his office of being my support and my friend.  I'm grateful for his love, and miss his always positive attitude. 

Scott playing a video game at The Flat

Scott is the Flattigan that introduced me to them all, and took me bowling with them for the first time.  (I've since bought my own bowling shoes, and look forward to bowling with my dear Flattigans again in 2012!)  Scott has been a good friend to me.  Though we've had disagreements, he's always been able to be a firm believer in Christ.  I know his faith is build on a solid foundation.  Christ told us in 3 Nephi 18:24   "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up."  Scott has been a strong and faithful Latter Day Saint.  He has tried diligently to hold up the light of Christ.  He served a mission in Italy-and even one of the members he befriended there told him he "needed to be a doctor-a doctor of the soul!"  Scott is a giving person-and shares the light of Christ with many.  I am blessed to have been able to learn about and love each of these men.                                                                                    

Playing games at the Flat (Note the Pirate Flag!)

My testimony changed a lot while I was with them.  They became my solid crutch that I could lean on when life became difficult.  I remember many specific times that I came there just to cry.  They never asked what was wrong-never pried.  They cared enough to give me a place that I could be emotional-like girls are- and let my frustrations out.  So many times they've cheered me up.  All it took were a few gummy worms and a video game or movie.  Sometimes they'd take me out to eat, or go shopping with me.  They shared their inside jokes with me and included me in every aspect of their lives.  They were true friends who helped me bloom.

When I decided to serve a mission, they were among the first I told.  They were excited-and a little shocked.  During the long 4 months leading up to my mission, they coached me through every doubt I had.  Time and time again they helped me to realize that I was truly a daughter of God.