EFY for Leah

We were able to take Leah to EFY this year.  She asked Emily if she wanted to go as well.  We left Sunday morning.  It was so fun to talk and be with these two all the way down.  I had decided this year, since I didn't want to leave Blake alone that I would travel down and drop off, then travel down again and pick up.  Natalie and I had so much fun together.  

We got in late Sunday night.  Check into our hotel and found somewhere to eat.  Then we went for a walk along the river and looked at the temple.

The next morning we got ready and drove the girls to Rexburg.  They got all checked in and found the place they would be staying.

We meet their roommates for the week and some of the moms.  All the girls instantly felt close and it was nice.  We had gotten them snacks for the week before checking in.  So a quick lunch and we left them to meet with their councilor and have a blast.

Leah loved every minute of it.  She had many fun people in her company.  They have been keeping in contact so far.

She absolutely LOVED the speakers.  Leah took so many notes and learned so much.  She enjoyed all the activities and the down time with her roommates at night.

She wasn't quite as talkative as Cora had been when we picked her up, but they were also pretty tired.  She tried out for the variety show and just missed getting in.  But I was glad she took a chance.  Also they sang in the EFY choir.  It was another amazing, testimony building experience for her. She continues to tell us stories when things pop into her head and when she gets a text from the group chat set up by all of them.  Friday, Natalie and I drove back down.  Time went quickly.  We had over 36 hours in a car together and never ran out of things to say.  Early Saturday morning we picked up Leah and Emily.  We were so happy to see them.  We drove straight to the temple and had them to baptisms before we left.  One of their friends came with them, and they passed many on the way out.  It meant a later start for us, but I love ending with a temple visit.

After was another quick stop to buy snacks for the way home and breakfast for the girls, back home we came.

We loved hearing their experiences and all about the fun they had.  Both really want to go again next year.  :/  We will have to see.  About 3/4 into the trip, they both crashed.

I am so glad we were able to have Leah experience this.  It is a wonderful opportunity and such a faith building experience.  Leah has said many times that she is so glad she got this boost before starting high school in a few weeks.  She continues to read her journal from EFY and study the scriptures as she was challenged.  It will be good for her to keep these good habits up.