hike, notes, chocolate, sickness, love, & oatmeal.

I have quite the list of things that need to be said, I need to get better at blogging more frequently. Anyway.. where to begin.

let's start here: 

okay, I LOVE hiking.. I forget how much I really love it until I get out and hike again. I was seriously the happiest ever. Ecuador is SO green, it made me long for Oregon though. We were up pretty high and although it was quite humid I felt like I could finally breathe. Unfortunately Quito has pretty polluted air so it was nice to get out into the beautiful serenity.

Seriously, take a look at this beauty. It was marvelous, not to mention I was in good company. So that always makes it a good time. I wore my good running shoes and it was really muddy and I tried really hard to not have them get soaking wet I did really really well until.....

We got to this waterfall, I had dry feet and then everyone started jumping in. The water was literally pouring down & freezing cold. I lost my breath, it was totally awesome and something I can cross off my list of things I've never done. nice.

alas, we made it to one of the most beautiful things I have ever laid eyes on. It was so so so so pretty. I couldn't help but just be reminded of how much Heavenly Father loves us to be SO blessed. Nature is amazing and such a testimony.

So, I love these girls. I can't even begin to express how much I care about each and every one of them. I now have ten new sisters. They are my heart, and I love spending life with them. Heavenly Father knew how much we needed each other and he brought us together in the most perfect way. love. love. love.

I spent yesterday morning with the lovely children in "girls house." I so love them, they make me incredibly happy. Meet Natali, she's hyper, happy, and searching for love. She probably said "Senorita, mirame!" A thousand times, I didn't mind one bit though. We made picture frames and she came up and showed me how she put her name & mine on her picture frame. PRECIOUS. Seriously, made my week.

They are some of the most precious things ever. So happy & full of life.

Next on the agenda,

I'm pretty sure I've expressed my dire live for notes,

 I love writing them and I absolutely LOVE receiving them. 

This is Trina, last night we worked night shift together. I worked the first half while she slept, and then we switched. When I woke up this morning to go get my bag I found a note folded and strategically placed in my bag. I pulled it out and she had written two pages of exactly what I needed to hear. It was by far one of the most sincere and loving notes I have ever received. I literally sat in the room and started to cry, it was amazing and probably inspired because I needed to hear what she said. That piece of paper is now probably one of my most prized possessions. love her. 

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So, I never thought this moment would happen but, I GOT SICK. Well, I am sick. I'm not sure what it is but being in Ecuador and being sick are no bueno. Last night I was longing for my mama, and comfort. I just kept praying that I would stop fevering (cause I was holding a screaming baby all night long) I was feeling kind of down. Then once baby samuel decided to take a snooze, I pulled out the Gospel Principals book. I studied the first five lessons, and I learned so much. I also instantly felt better, I truly believe that if we turn our thoughts to the Savior during time of distress, sickness, and heartache he will make you feel physically better. I decided to go to church this morning despite the feeling in my stomach of someone grabbing both sides of it and twisting as hard as they can and I was so happy I did. There were a few Americans there, and it was nice to speak English. I was excited. I just love church.

want to know what else I love? 

dove chocolate, oatmeal, harry potter, and twilight.
Those have currently been on my obsession list. I hope all is well with you guys,
sorry again for such a long post.