A Brigham Young University Student Journal
by Joshua Cox Music has been part of my life as long as I can remember. Growing up in the Cox family felt like a constant musical stage. No matter the time of day, there was almost always somebody singing or practicing an instrument in …
by Emily Smith
I couldn’t imagine a life without my siblings. Although they weren’t my best friends from my early stages of life, I have come to love and appreciate them for the people they are. Unfortunately, there are children who grow up without sibling support in foster homes across the United States. Lynn Price, a former foster child, has changed this for many children. In a New York Times article she stated, “I realized that my sister and I had no memories of when we were kids. There were no memories of birthday parties, sharing clothes, helping each other with homework, or talking about boys. I thought about the kids who will miss out on something that is so critical to their growth and feelings of unconditional love.”
Reading her account moved me to understand why she took action. My sister and I shared closets, stealing each other’s clothes; this often resulted in yelling at each other when we got home from school and had realized that one of us had taken the other’s favorite shirt and unwittingly spilled something on it. These confrontations were all part of the bonding experience; although we hated each other sometimes, we could not stop loving each other. The experience of growing up together usually ensures a lifelong connection of friendship between siblings.
To help establish that connection between siblings who aren’t able grow up together, Price founded “Camp To Belong” in 1995, which reunites siblings who have been separated in foster care. Statistics show that 75 percent of children placed in foster care are separated from their siblings. “Camp To Belong” is described as “an international non-profit organization dedicated to reuniting siblings placed in separate foster homes and other out-of-home care for events of fun, emotional empowerment and sibling connection.” There are currently nine of these camps that reunite foster siblings. During this week, siblings are able to get to know each other; they make crafts and are given gift cards to buy each other birthday presents. They also ask each other questions about favorite sports and hobbies.
Many of us are lucky enough that we don’t have to ask those questions. We are able to grow up with our siblings in the same household with our parents. For those who aren’t as fortunate, Lynn Price has created an amazing organization to benefit the relationships of siblings. Too often I take my siblings for granted; reading about “Camp to Belong” gave me perspective and a deeper gratitude for the experiences I shared with my siblings.
You can read Lynn Price’s autobiography here: http://www.lynnprice.com/biography.html
New York Times article:
Or visit Camp to Belong’s official website: http://camptobelong.org/
by Tanya Cumberland “Why don’t you call Aunt Samantha ‘mom’?” The question caught me off guard, and I looked down at my step-cousin in surprise. His Aunt Samantha was my stepmother; that’s why I didn’t call her “mom.” Still, I was worried about being tactful …
by AmberLee Hansen As I was walking across campus the other day huddled in my coat against the recent fall chill, I saw grounds crew putting Christmas lights up on the trees in the JFSB quad. I smiled. Some people think that November is too …
by Brittany Bruner
During General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I always look forward to the announcement of new temples for the Church, but it has never been a very personal experience for me. This Conference weekend, as I sat listening to President Thomas S. Monson announce the new temple sites for the Church, my heart almost stopped as he announced that the Provo Tabernacle would be built into a temple.
I experienced pure excitement at this unexpected announcement; never before had a temple been announced that would be built in such close proximity to where I grew up. I have attended church meetings in that building since I was very small. I remember hopping down Center Street with my sister, trying to avoid the cracks, as we made our way to the building. My whole family was able to fit on one row on the balcony. I marveled at the structure of the building—the carefully crafted stained glass, the polished wood, and the intricately designed pillars. Christmastime was my favorite time to go and my love for my family and my church grew as we sanghymns praising the birth of Christ as soft flakes of snow glittered outside.
There is a feeling of peace on that sacred land, and having the Tabernacle as a temple will be such an incredible blessing. It was in this building that I had the opportunity to hear from many Church leaders. My knowledge of the gospel has been strengthened there on so many different occasions. The fact that this building will now be available for individuals to be sealed to their families for time and all eternity is such a great blessing. It is amazing to me that despite the effects of a devastating fire, a beautiful, historic building is able to be built to further the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to bring families together.