Once a daddy's girl always a daddy's girl...

Flashbacks of daddy daughter days as a little girl have been memories I've reminisced this week. Being the little girl who was always proud of who her dad was has been an honor i've held my entire life. I was the girl that before I looked at coach on the sideline for his direction I was searching the stands for my dad's thumbs up. My dad has not just been a "provider" for me until I left the house, he has continually been my idol, role model, and the person that I wanted to replicate for my husband and father of my children. In my eyes he was perfect growing up and continues to be the perfect father for me. It is through him I have learned the meaning of compassion. His willingness to serve each of his five children. His steadfastness in the church in all aspects. His involvement and volunteer time in the community. Most importantly his compassion shown toward my mother. He has been the main example in my life of what christlike love really resembles.
 It is through him that I have learned about ambition.  He exemplifies success in all areas of life and it is not something that is just handed to him. He is driven. His strive in achieving goals is admirable in the fact that he paves a way for many to follow. He is a natural leader and respected advocate in all he does. He has achieved a lot in his life and I know it is because of his endless drive.
It is through him I have learned sarcasm. YES... that's right, anyone who knows my dad knows he is nothing short of sarcasm, quick witted, and the life of the party. Sadly.. or not so sadly it is something we have all inherited. A man of many laughs despite the situation. Even when lying in a hospital bed drugged on morphine he will be the first to crack a joke.
It is through him that I have learned and continue to learn about the gospel. As a young girl to me there was no one who knew more about the gospel in my life than my dad. Not that he could quote any scripture off the top of his head or had a gospel reference for everything... it was more than that. He has a way of sharing eloquently the gospel in a "non-preachy" way. He makes things clear with his understanding of our savior Jesus Christ's work on this earth through his teachings and his every day actions. It is because of my dad's strength, faith, and testimony through moments of doubt I have had I could never doubt long, He has a way to make me always solidify my faith.
Most importantly, it is through my dad that I have learned what it truly means to ENDURE. This life can be so defeating at times. My dad doesn't settle for just coasting in this life. No. He endures. He strives and he is one that does indeed change the world for the better.  You can tell he has an impact on all those around him from the second he walks in the room. People of all calibers look up to him. They want to know him, they want to be part of anything he is part of. He leaves a footprint everywhere he goes. It is through his endurance in this life that he continues to be a stand out to all he knows, all he meets, and all he crosses paths with.
I've had a lot to think about this week in tribute to my dad. Starting the second I ran into the ER that morning the only thing that went through my head is how are we here right now? My dad is invincible. My dad is the epitome of strength. It wasn't real in my head, but yet so real and so excruciating in my heart. I was still the same daddy's little girl looking for her dad in the stands. I was not about to lose you.  Seeing the worry in everyone's eyes especially moms was too much to handle. How? how? how? Is the only thing that was on replay in my mind. How did this happen? How would life go on without him? How come it is happening now? How are we even here right now? Nothing made sense. When told over and over again that you about died, or the timing was so crucial, and how massive this heart attack was I think we were all in denial and in utter shock. A new perspective has been found for all of us this week. Other than already knowing you are the anchor to this family... it is the life lesson of how precious this life truly is. Some struggles simply knock us straight on our ass... to be frank! We have learned that particularly this month and this week. However we have also learned that family is everything. They are there despite all our own shortcomings. They are sometimes our biggest annoyances.  But it is through family, the gospel, and most importantly our savior Jesus Christ that we endure. 
Wouldn't want anyone else in this life to teach me how to ride a bike, shoot a basketball, dance with me at my wedding than my amazing dad. I love you. And I'm beyond grateful we have you here today to wish you a happy fathers day.
Love Always,
your daughter.

"A father's calling is eternal and it's importance transcends time." - Ezra Taft Benson 

Father of Mine

I imagine being held in your arms the day I was born

And somehow knowing  you would be there for every smile and every heart mourn.

You were my hero from the second my eyes saw you;

Nothing has ever proven to be more true.

There is no man to compare or compete,

With the greatness you hold, you are the elite.

No greater exemplary advocate to both counsel and to guide.

Always showing others compassion, ambition, and stride.

Not a day passes here nor' there

That your presence impacts people everywhere

If I could have a few words to say or even just one line...

It will always be I love you, sweet Father of Mine.

-Alex Robison 2016

Final Year at BYU

Since 1994, at the age of four I have been going to some form of school.  Starting off as a preschooler clear up to being a super senior at BYU.  I officially feel like a cougar!! However, I think I feel like a cougar regarding age rather than school pride ha.  I have been to several different schools, been enrolled in classes ranging from human biology, prehistoric life, pilates,  public speaking, to my final class of family processes.  I have moved houses and apartments nearly 5 times in the last 4 years.  My life has been everything but stable... I have spent my last two summers half way across the world either in the land of the Massai Tribes and with the king of the Jungle the lion himself in Tanzania, Africa.  Or up in the rice patties and jungle villages of Chiang Rai, Thailand.  Needless to say my life the last 4 years has been nothing but a new journey full of surprises every year.  Well, this next year I believe will be my biggest one yet.  I will be graduating BYU in December and not sure if I'm ready for the mystery of what lies ahead.

If there is one thing I have learned over the last several years it is to be open to what life throws at you.  Sometimes it is challenging and feels unbearable but down the road (possibly years down the road) you will look back and understand those were the moments that placed you where you needed to be today. Three years ago I moved to Provo to start my bachelors degree I remember asking myself everyday, "what are you doing here?" Nothing made sense and my vision was completely blurred and distorted by confusion and a pessimistic attitude... I seemed to be there for a while.. but sure enough year after year I was lead to where I am today, and that is a state of unstability, confusion, and at times still pessimism.  However, I look back and can pick out a 101 reasons of why I went through what I went through.. I was blessed to meet some incredible people, gain an education that has led me to what I love and look forward to doing in the future.  I have laughed a lot, cried a lot, got some A's and even got a C or two. I have moved apartments several times a year, traveled the world, and traveled the magical town of Provo haha.  I have embarked on a special journey.  A journey unlike any other, because it is my journey.  I have learned to LOVE what LIFE hands you.  I can't wait to see what the future holds, because I feel it is exactly what I'll need... Here's to putting faith in life's mysteries!

The End of an Amazing Journey...

Well I am in shock my summer in Thailand is over... Very bittersweet. These past ten days have been spent traveling all over Thailand. First, we spent a few days in Chiang Mai. Then we took a ten hour bus ride to Bangkok. While we were there we saw the huge city by taking a river-boat tour, it was awesome!! Our final stop was down south to the beautiful island off of Phuket, ko phi phi!! I have never seen such a tropic, picturesque phenomenon... The huge cascading limestone cliffs, the vivacious turquoise water (Chrystal clear), white sandy beaches, and our very own secluded private beach. While we were there we sat on the beach, snorkeled, and soaked up the tropic sun waves. I honestly felt like I was in what could only be described as the ultimate paradise. The fish we saw while snorkeling were the bright neon rainbow fish, it reminded me of one of my favorite childhood books :)
All in all it was the most ideally-perfect way to end this journey! I have has the time of my life in the "land of smiles" which couldn't be a more fitting name for Thailand... Can't wait to return home to family and friends, but will forever be impacted by this once in a life time adventure!!!

"life's a journey, not a destination."


"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived."

7 Weeks Come and Gone!!!

Well I had my final week teaching English at the mirror foundation!! Bittersweet for sure... I feel ready to be coming home, but at the same time I have met some of thee most amazing people. I have been blessed to work with some of the mirror staff over the last five weeks and have really gotten to know them really well. This week I learned the greatest lesson of all from this whole summer... And that is to strive to have a pure, giving heart in all that I do. Some of the staff members have traveled half way across the world and made Chiang Rai Thailand their new-permanent home. All out of the motif that they wanted to give and keep giving... And their impact and great influence leaves me speechless. I felt impacted and influenced by the culture just in 7 weeks, I can only imagine what one year, five years, a decade can do to change several lives.

We were able to go to some of our favorite places for our last week. We enjoyed the temple, hospital, and a few of the primary schools. It was a great week to end on... And now we are off to the islands can not wait!!!


“To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.” ― Bessie Anderson

Thailand peeps :)

So I have officially been here 5 weeks!! So crazy to think about... The longer I'm here the more I fall in love with the incredible people. I have never been happier and felt so blessed to be here. I catch myself at moments sitting there in silence with a huge smile on my face... Feeling nothing but blessed and grateful for this experience! Don't get me wrong I'm still human haha, there are times mainly the moments I realize I have to go to the bathroom (which means squatter time) that I find myself asking "what are you doing to yourself?!" All in all though I feel blessed to be here...
We are lucky enough to be teaching at a variety of places... A few primary schools, a few temples, some child care villages, an orphanage, and volunteering at the hospital. They each offer such phenomenal experiences and many memories are made every time I am in the presence of the people I teach. I enjoy the presence of the students at the primary schools and their eager attitudes to learn English. The monks are such happy people with kindest hearts I have ever met. The village children are adorable and always happy to see "white people." the place that melts my heart the most is when we attend the hospital. We go there once a week to make crafts with some of the children there. All of them are terminally ill with cancer or other various diseases. Although heart wrenching I feel blessed to spend time with these special children!!

Chiang Rai The Beautiful

So we have already been here a month crazy to think we are halfway done with this journey!! We have seen some beautiful places here in Chiang Rai... The white temple was breath taking, the waterfalls, and the black house had some unique beauty to it. All in all it is a gorgeous place and I am blessed to be seeing it!! I have met some amazing people and am frequently in awe at how humble and happy the people of Thailand are!! Liz and I work hard during the week and on the weekend spoil ourselves to 3 dollar foot massages and ice cream that we can find in town...
I was lucky enough to have my birthday here... It was truly a birthday I won't forget. I woke up to my good friends here singing happy birthday and wearing the party hats my sister packed. When I walked out for breakfast my leader here at mirror foundation had a birthday cake for me as well as a card from all the volunteers!! One of my favorite surprises was the package of notes my family sent... I am truly a blessed girl!! The night ended with a trip into town for a grilled cheese sandwich dinner and a performance by some "lady boys" dressed up in scandalous outfits lip singing to female pop artists haha. Like I said a memorable day :)

Staying Among the Villagers!!!

So our home stay experience was quite the event!! We drove two hours through the straight up jungle... When we arrived at the school we were so excited to teach.... Well who would have ever guessed that it was three holidays in a row the three days that we were supposed to teach... So we got in a lot of reading time while gazing at the beautiful view from our patio.

Then we were lucky enough to get to stay with a family in the village!! Let's just say we weren't as lucky as the other girls with our homestay in the village. Liz and I got a family that acted like they didn't really want us, speak no English, and thought everything That came out of my mouth was hilarious... I was trying to communicate through hand signals and eventually became
The laughing stock of the village... There was a little three-year old girl who was adorable and kept sitting on our laps... She had her fists clenched and we wondered what was in it.. Come to find out it was dead moths! She came up with the game to throw dead moths and beetles on us through out the night. Let us not forget stoner grandma! She was in the back corner smoking and making her own homemade cigarettes. Haha, and the village gathered in the room Liz and I were supposed to sleep in to watch Thai soap operas for three hours. All in all it will be an experience I forever cherish and remember!

After our week in the village we were given the opportunity to go on an Elephant ride!! Seriously one of my favorite memories I've ever had. I even got to sit on the head and steer it. We trekked through the river and through local villages.

All in all we are having some amazing moments!! The good and the bad moments are what makes it so memorable, and I feel so blessed.