my twelve

coming to ecuador, i didn't think i'd ever get too caught up in the life in the house. i was planning on focusing on the work and the kids i spend my days with. but coming here, and living in this house for twelve weeks, i didn't gain just 12 roommates, i gained 12 best friends. i love these girls so much. they have been such a blessing. it's unbelievable how well we all get along. there are no cliques, there's hardly any contention, i don't dread a shift with anybody, and i literally love every single one of them with my whole heart. even i couldn't have picked a better group for me to serve with. we're all here for the same reason, and i think that's a big part of why we get along so well. we left all of our drama and problems at home to focus on the work we're doing here. and it has made a huge difference, i can tell.

emily is such an example. i can feel her love for the gospel and her family whenever i talk to her, and when her face lights up when she tells me about her life. she's a great leader and has one of the kindest hearts i've met. i wish i was more like her. i love her.

trina is kind and helpful. i had my first night shift with her and we got to know each other. she's funny and makes me happy when i'm sad. she's not outspoken, but you still can know how much she loves life and the people in hers. i love her.

beth ann was probably one of the last of our group i got to know, and that's unfortunate. she is such a great person. and a fabulous listener. sometimes i talk her ear off, but she doesn't even mind, and listens intently to every thing i say. she's trying so hard to learn all that she can and i think that's a really redeeming quality. i love her.

caitlin is the most phenomenal cook. she makes us delicious things all the time and shares so willingly. we feel very similarly about so many things in life and it makes talking to and being with her effortless. she's a sweetheart. i love her.

kayla isn't afraid to be different. she has taught me that first impressions aren't always correct. she is one of the funniest, and most outgoing people i have ever met. she has this love and passion for life and people that is admirable. 5 of her siblings are adopted so she has the most interesting outlook on this experience. she keeps me entertained, and is the life of our group. i love her.

angela really is an angel. she only got here 2 weeks ago, but she has never hesitated to jump in and go to work. she is mature beyond her age and really has a grasp on life and what she wants from it. she is kind, funny, and a truly beautiful person. i love her.

macie is the other one who got here just two weeks ago. she is loud, bold, and completely herself. she too is eager to learn and immerse herself in everything ecuador. i'm so jealous of her confidence and the way she carries herself. she changes the feeling when she walks into a room. and she brings paper, glue and markers for us to make valentine's day decorations at night shift. i love her.

ariel is my actual roommate. she is incredible. she knows who she is and what she wants out of life. she sees the good in everybody and doesn't treat anybody less than they they deserve. she has a way with words and always knows what to say. she makes me feel good about myself when i'm bummin' and really does have a heart of gold. i love her.

cassie is my heart. i have found a best friend in her. i have never gotten so close to someone so fast. i feel like i've known her my whole life and it's only been six weeks. she is the least judgmental person i know, and the easiest to talk to. we have a ridiculous amount of things in common, and i know she'll be in my life for a long time. she has her priorities figured out and is living her life in such an honorable way. i love her.

abby is undoubtedly the nicest person i've known. i haven't once heard a nasty word leave her mouth. she has nothing but wonderful things to say to and about people. she is funny without even trying and she brightens my every day. i'm a better person because she's in my life. i love her.

brianne has the voice of an angel. i tell her all the time that i want her to sing to me forever and i think she thinks i'm a freak, but i mean it. in a not creepy way, of course. she is always happy, which makes me happy. i love working with her and watching her grow and learn during our time here. i love her.

i never expected coming to ecuador would lead me to making life-long friends, but it has. i mean it when i say i want these girls to be mine forever. they each have something incredible to offer and have helped me grow and change in the most positive way. now that i know them, i can't imagine my life without my 12 in it. i love them.

everybody, minus me and brianne, plus amber and chantelle. and amber, well i talked about her over here.