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When the morning came for us to leave, emotions were high, tension was tangible, and we each frustratedly expressed a desire not to go at all.

We had tried to pack the night before, and we had done a pretty good job. I had neatly folded the clothes to fit into both of the suitcases, but it was a chore trying to understand what all both kids needed. The drive to the airport was a brief moment of respite, but then we initially missed our particular exit to the correct parking lot, there were no luggage carts, the agent at the ticket counter was radiating a strong energy that he did not want to be there, and once we were finally through security and sitting at the gate, our plane was 3 hours late leaving, delaying our connection by 4 hours and having us arrive in Salt Lake City around 11 or 12 at night.

Thankfully, we were finally able to relax as we drove through the valley. Lexi was feeling quite the sense of nostalgia, and I was in awe of the distant mountains that filled the horizon on all sides. Lexi and her stepmom talked the whole way, and I was grateful to hear their stories, though they also came with some difficult realizations of the trauma long past, especially as we visited an old stomping ground. Still, it was eye-opening to me in the best of ways.

Thursday dawned, and Lexi and I woke late after a long day before. She asked me what we had planned, and, expecting to hear me say it's a hangout day, was taken aback as I informed her today was the entire reason we had flown out. The event had stressed her out so much, her mind had put it out, and the event still weighed heavy on her. We spent the day at her aunt and uncle's house, visited with her brother, sister-in-law, nephew, cousins, grandma, and others, and managed to squeeze in a short, sweet, and peaceful temple trip before we had to head to the convention center for a presentation.

When it was time for us to head out, 11 of us piled into Lexi's aunt's van, and we made our way downtown with a combination of anticipation and trepidation. We parked at the Church History Museum, and walked across the street to the convention center, where they held a 1-hour presentation with speakers from the Museum, others involved in the curation process, as well as one of the artists from South America. I'm sure the speakers said good things; however, I was not privy to much since as soon as we arrived, the kids began their usual over-stimulating practices of crying, screeching, and generally not wanting to sit still. I wore Malakai so he hopefully would fall asleep, and myself, Lexi's mom, and her stepmom took turns corralling Alanna as she kept herself busy making her way up and down the steps on the side of the meeting hall.

After the presentation had ended, we all were invited to finally see the exhibit across the street. If we weren't already overstimulated, this pushed the cake off the counter. Inside the museum were more people than I'm pretty sure was safe, they had drinks and hors d'oeuvres off to one side, and it was so loud with conversation it was hard to hear the one you were trying to have if you so dared. Still it was worth it to make it up the stairs to the exhibit and see the artwork. There were many inspiring pieces, and it was a surprise to enter the exhibit, turn right, and immediately see Lexi's piece! I do like where it got positioned, even if Lexi had a hard time with all of the publicity and attention. Lots of photos were taken and lots of praise was given. Let's not forget, her mother is one the subjects. I wonder how she feels knowing her face is in the museum! She told me later that as she was walking around, she was recognized by a young man as being from the painting. I honestly think that is a testament to Lexi's ability to capture one's likeness, for her to be instantly recognized like that.

Lexi eventually got a small chance to breathe, and was able to talk one on one with a service missionary at the museum, as well as the museum director. She had a chance to really tell the story of the painting, why she painted it to represent those who are often overlooked, why she added her mom as the model, and even how she related to the subject on a personal level. It was a moment that she finally got to tell part of her story to someone who knew how important the story is to the artwork. This moment didn't last long though, as more people crowded through the hall, and family and friends made their ways home, so too did we need to escape.

The days following were a blur of visits, having a nice easter egg hunt in the park for Alanna, swimming with family, and seeing Lexi's cousin Tanner for a wonderful visit. Alanna had fun with Grandma and Grandpa at a children's museum of sorts as Lexi and I were able to revisit the museum without a crowd and get a decent look at the exhibit. Friday and Saturday came and went without a chance for us to do a double-take, and it was back on the plane to head home. All in all, it was a good trip, but full of complicated situations and complex emotions. Lets just say, next time, I'd rather drive!

If you get the chance, please visit the webpage for The Least of These | 13th International Art Competition, and vote for Lexi's artwork for the Visitors' Choice Award!

Did you ever get the feeling that you are witnessing a big moment in history? Maybe not world history, or national history, but even just personal history. The winds of change are blowing, and will we be blown about in chaos, stand immovable, or use the wind to go further? With the trip for our family out to Utah, to see Lexi's painting in the Church History Museum, we are hopeful to see some big changes in our life together. Her dad and step-mom, who lives out there, have been a couple of her biggest supporters. I like how much effort they have put into promoting Lexi to friends, family, colleagues, and even complete strangers, all from their own desire to see Lexi succeed. They've sent letters, emails, and other correspondence to just about everyone they can, asking them to attend the 13 International Art Competition ceremony and open house to vote for Lexi's piece in hopes of winning People's Choice. I'm flabbergasted, elated, and slightly amused at the efforts her family has made, despite how it makes Lexi feel so uncomfortable.

So many times, people have praised her efforts, and she remains humble, to the point of redirecting the praise to Heavenly Father and The Holy Spirit rather than her own talent. Truth be told, she did practice her talent for years, receiving a formal education, and well over 10,000 hours of practice. While her proficiency in painting is very high, she has yet to consider herself a master, and maybe she'll never believe herself to be one. She's been told many times that her talent is envied over, and while it is easy to be envious of her, she is quick to point out the training she has received, the practice she has put in, and the pain she has had to endure to get where she is. She very much believes that anyone can paint and create wonderful things as long as they are dedicated and passionate about it. Though, I must agree with her, personal experiences are each everyone's own, and no matter what could be learned from them, there is no reason to be envious of them. Pain is pain, and many personal insights are gained through painful experiences that Lexi or I would never wish upon others.

As we embark on this next leg of our journey, both figuratively and literally, we are hopeful to see changes for our good, and will trust in the Lord to embolden our efforts and to see us through. Be on the lookout for more blog and video content in the coming weeks detailing our experiences in Utah.

I remain,

Matthew C.

This is but one of many small things that I know from which will come great things. We hope this new site on FineArtStudioOnline will help to push our art and other creations into the public view, and be a light unto the world in these dark times.