Paraguay - Hiking and Waterfalls

The second weekend they went hiking, repelling, saw a bat cave, and swam in waterfalls. She said the sights were just amazing.

Paraguay - Soccer Game

They were able to go to a soccer game while in Asuncion. It was a really big deal that they were allowed to go and able to get tickets. Taylor loves soccer, so it was a highlight for her.

Paraguay - The Kids

Hands down her favorite part of the trip - the kids. They stole a little piece of her heart and she can't talk about them without getting emotional. They have really hard lives and she loved giving them the toys, treats, clothes, and supplies they brought. It tore her up that the little 12 year old girls she gave all her clothes to had to hatch an elaborate plan of how she was going to sneak them home without getting mugged by someone along the way. She waited until the street was clear, left her little baby brother with Taylor, and sprinted home. She made it and returned to the work site wearing a pair of shoes Taylor had just given her. Tender experiences she will never forget and a change in perspective we all need in our lives.

Paraguay - The Church Youth

Part of the HEFY experience is spending time with the local youth group. They go to church with them and have activities almost every night. It was a strange coincidence that the Pope was in Asuncion at the same time, so crowds and activities were a little crazy. It's always fun that many of these kids stay in touch on Facebook after the trip is over. It's awesome to see how the gospel is the same no matter the circumstances or people.

Goodbye To Our Dog Zoey

It was with heavy hearts that we said goodbye to our dog Zoey. She was part of our family for 10 years and we loved her dearly. We are grateful that we have a good vet who helped us decide it was time. I just can't imagine life without a dog. They symbolize so much about love and comfort to me. Zoey could always tell when you were upset and would walk up with her ears back and nuzzle you with her nose. She would always try to sneak under any blanket and eventually try to push you off the couch. She would cause lots of trouble... but that face, oh that face. We already miss you Zoey. Thanks for blessing our lives and bringing us joy.

*Hudson sat and stared at the door the whole day after she was gone. He cried and whined and wouldn't leave. It broke my heart.