FINALLY... an update

ECUADOR:

I promised a couple of people that I would blog about my trip to Ecuador. I have been home for about two weeks now, so its about time! To put is simply, Ecuador was an amazing experience. Being there broke my heart and made me so thankful for everything that I have. It made me realize that since I am so blessed I have a responsibility to help others in any way that I can. While I was there, we took shifts at 4-5 different orphanages, as if we were workers there because they don't have enough workers. I played with the kids, fed them, and changed their diapers. The first shift I took, we walked into a big room with about 15 cribs and little toddlers in each of them. The minute they saw us, they got so excited and couldn't wait for us to hold them. They didn't even know me yet, but they were so excited to be held and to be loved. I remember holding a little baby and looking into her eyes and just about breaking out into tears, thinking that this precious baby doesn't have a home or a family that loves her. Being in Ecuador, I definitely brushed up on my Spanish skills, and I am now determined to learn Spanish. In Ecuador, the orphanages are packed with kids. There were about 4 newborn babies, and one was found in a dumpster. Its so heartbreaking. If you are not from Ecuador, it cost $30,000 to adopt. The kids there are so cute. If I could, I would adopt a couple of my favorites:) Is that bad to say?

One of the days I was there we were able to fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador and go to the temple. We were able to do baptisms and between our group we did about 450 baptisms and confirmations. The temple president came and talked to us, I felt the Spirit so strongly. The church is true and the same no matter where in the world you go:

This is baby Emily. She was an orphan in the hospital who was only born with half of her brain, because of hospital expenses and such, she is probably not going to make it much longer.
Beautiful Catholic Cathedral in Cuenca, Ecuador.
The kids are so anxious to be loved

One of the days we went on a gorgeous hike in the Andes Mountains to some breathtaking waterfalls. Coldest water ever! :)

One of my best friends Bergen and I went to Ecuador together, this is a picture overlooking the city of Cuenca where we stayed. I am so glad me and Bergen were able to go together, we had so much fun together! We had quite the experiences both crazy and uplifting.

Finally a blog update for my life:

I sure wish that I was better at blogging! But here goes anyway, it sure has been a fun summer so far! I have done a lot of fun and amazing things, and I still have some left to do. I love taking pictures, so my summer has been well documented. I have also worked a lot this summer, I love my job. I work at Stucky Chiropractic and I am the receptionist. It is such a great job!

Well today was my friend Chase's mission farewell. He is the last of my friends to go on his mission because he has a late birthday. Chase lives across the street from me and he has four brothers and no sisters, so he always calls me, "sis." He's going to the Dominican Republic, I'll miss him!

Cache Valley is such a beautiful place and I feel so privileged to live here. I will always consider it home no matter where I go. This summer I have gone four wheeling and on a bunch of hikes. Every time I'm up in the Mountains and I see how beautiful it is, I am so grateful for nature. It helps me to clear my head and to feel the Spirit. I don't see how you could see the beautiful things in this world and not believe there is a God.

I also have such great friends. There comes a time in life when you realize the people who really matter, who will always be there for you and that you can rely on. I am so thankful for my friends who I can trust and who help to build me up in so many ways.

Preston Valley Trail:

Crimson Trail:

This past week for my friend Haddie's birthday, her dad flew us in his plane to San Diego. We left on Wednesday morning and got back on Thursday night, so it was short and sweet. We stayed in her beach house, swam at the beach, went out on the boat, and road beach bikes to breakfast. It was so much fun!

I have been known to take a lot of jumping pictures in my time, so its kind of my trademark now. "Madi, lets take a jumping picture!" haha I don't mind