Larissa & Winslow

In January, 2008 Larissa, Mallory and I left freezing Utah and flew to New Zealand for a study abroad.  (Mallory and I also left our fiances.  I don't think they were too happy about that.) All three of us were placed with the Andertons as a host family.  We could not have been more blessed.  The Andertons not only opened their home but also their hearts to us.  We were 5 "free women" living together.  We went on little adventures exploring NZ.  We laughed A LOT, ate WAY too much ice cream, dried our laundry on the line, shared clothes, stories, and even some tears.  I think I speak for all of us when I say that our lives were forever changed for the good by our experience in New Zealand.  I am grateful for the opportunity I had to learn from each of these great women and for the lasting impressions they have had on my heart. 

At the end of our study abroad Larissa, Mallory, and I packed our bags and headed back to the US.  Mallory and I finished planing our weddings and each of us married great guys! :)

Larissa...well here is where her story gets interesting.  You see, while we were in NZ she met a boy named Jason, they fell in love, and after much skyping, emailing and months of very long distance dating they got married!  After the wedding she left her beloved Arizona to live with him in NZ. 

I know, things like that only happen in fairy tales right?  Well, it happened to Larissa.  And I'm so glad it did.

After living in NZ for 2 years she and her husband have moved back to the US.  I was so happy to catch up with her and Jason!  They are such a great couple.  Perfect for each other!

Miss you Larissa.  Thanks for a good time!  And for sharing with us the wonderful "treasures" of La Posada.

(and yes...it looks like I'm an amputee in this picture.)