Pondering on how we arrived to this small apartment in a very big city.

Since the new year arrived we have been off to a busy start with my work and ken's studies, we haven't had a break. But now as the snow is falling faster I have finally found a quiet night to reflect on the past year that brought us to this amazing big city and all of the adventures in between.

Last year we celebrated Christmas with the Okoren Clan (the BEST gift of all- Ken's acceptance call to NYU Medical School. This was especially sweet as he had been stranded in NYC during the week of Hurricane Sandy but came home in love with the people who opened their homes to him, a complete stranger in the city.)

We enjoyed the beauty of our final winter in Utah. Now being away I realize how blessed we were to live there.

We Graduated from BYU! April 26, 2013 (our 1 year anniversary)

We enjoyed more beauty at the Havasupai Reservation with our friends Anne and Spencer. The waterfalls were amazing as was the kind man who gave us a lift after our car broke down...

We spent some time with the Okorens Celebrating Karina's high school graduation and Prom

We traveled around the world in a trip that included; Peru, Spain, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. (The actual details on this will hopefully follow soon)

After selling most of our possessions and cars, we moved to NYC.

We found our place in St Cyril's Church, a Slovene Catholic Church in the East Village. We joined the local branch of the organization and even helped organize a wonderful Martinovanje celebration for the Slovenes of NY, the Ambassador and friends. 6 geese were cooked and more potica and slovene wine was consumed than I thought possible! After the dinner we were able to meet with the Secretary of Defense for Slovenia. Although he did not answer any of my questions 1) I understood 90% of what he said- IN SLOVENE! and 2) only had to nudge my husband awake once (he doesn't speak slovene but still sat through a 2 hour political meeting-MAJOR POINTS!) and 3) I realized how important education and a focus on opportunities for the younger generation is in building a countries wealth and prosperity. When there are no opportunities for growth, the youth will go where they can find them.

We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving with Ty and Bre in Virginia.

And played a lot in the city. We enjoyed the window displays, went ice skating more than once, rode old fashion subway cars, walked through central park, fought through tourists to visit The Tree more than once, and spent a few nights reenacting scenes from ELF.

We then flew down to Illinois for a wonderful week with the Prices. Their love and generocity astounds me. I am grateful for such wonderful examples from our parents of pure service and devotion to God. They inspire me.

Thanksgiving Week!

*Last Years Thanksgiving Kids table*


This year I am grateful for a loving husband, a few jobs, the opportunity to live in NYC, my friends, and family who are always so kind to chat with me on the phone even when I forget the time difference, and for prayer.  I hope everyone's day is full of family and food!

Love, Cam

How to Travel Through India

10 Tips to help you enjoy your adventures in India

1. Always have toilet paper on you- in a pocket, purse or backpack- girls especially take heed.

2. Most people are good- just not those who work in tourism, so be careful and wise.

3. Do not buy street food if you are on a tight schedule- or have a toilet very close by.

4. Be direct and honest with shop keepers, drivers, etc. Pay what you think it is worth and expect what you pay for. In the same note remember that the scarf and shoes you are buying might actually be supporting that family so don't be stingy. 

5. Be nice even when others are not in turn nice to you. A smile helps. 

6. Eat lots of good food- just make sure it is a place full of other people. This often means it is good and well prepared. Also drink lots of water. Don't get dehydrated because you don't like the bathroom situation.

7. Research your transportation options then don't be fooled. If people say- oh that is closed or they moved offices don't believe them until you have gone as far as you can. Oh and if people are blocking from a building and leading you towards another- this probably means they are tricking you.

8. Spend time with locals via couchsurfing, or other social websites to help you meet people who can show you the area or culture through a different more authentic lens.

9. Learn and follow local customs. This often leads to greater respect and more enjoyable exchanges.

10. Take time in solitude -This is the home land of buddha and many remarkable meditation practices. It may seem hard to find peace and solitude but you can. Take time in nature, an ashram or even special yoga retreats. Balance the chaos of India with internal peace.