Ecuador memories...

So I was going through all my pictures this morning and I couldn't help but look through the album when Gabe and I went to Ecuador.  I love looking at the pictures and it reminds me how much I love and adore those sweet little angels down in Ecuador.  These cute little orphan children taught me so much about life.  They taught me that you don't need much to be happy.  They taught me how to truly love.  They taught me how to be selfless and care about others.  They taught me that a smile is easy to give, costs nothing, and can change lives.  They taught me that miracles still happen.  They taught me that angels truly surround us.  They taught me that Heavenly Father loves His children.  They taught to live life to the fullest and to love with everything I've got. I've been able to travel to Ecuador twice.  The first was a couple years ago when I lived there for three months and worked in the orphanages, and the second was with Gabe... 

It was a little over a year ago in May that a few of my friends (who had gone with me the first time) , Gabe, his little bro Roman, and I made the trip down to Ecuador.  Gabe and I had just barely started dating and for me, it was the best thing that could have ever happened to be able  to go back to Ecuador together... for a few reasons.  First of all because I loved these kids and the city of Cuenca so much and I wanted to share that with someone I really cared about.  Second, because Gabe loves South America, its history, its culture, and I got to see him speak and interact with the people, which was so cool!  Gabe served a mission in Venezuela and speaks awesome Spanish.  It was so fun to actually unerstand a full conversation with the people (after Gabe translated of course) and have him translate to some of the people my gratitude and thanks for taking care of these amazing children.    And last but not least.... It was in Cuenca that I really fell head over heels in love with my cute husband.  It was so fun to be with the kids together, to throw a party for the kids, walk the streets of cuenca together, and see him interact with the kids I love so much.  He was so awesome and brought down so many clothes and things to donate to the kids.  They loved him so much, especially the little boys.  The volunteers that go down to Ecuador are mostly girls, so when the little boys get to hang out with a guy (that speaks spanish) they are so happy!  And Gabe's brother Roman went down to so it was double the fun!  It was an awesome trip. And I can't wait to go back to South America with Gabe.. (hopefully Venezuela next, I would love to meet the people that he served)   

Anywho... I'm so glad I stumbled through these photos today... so many awesome memories!!!!