Tadj

This spring our family went into uncharted territory for just over 2 months. We welcomed a relative of Daniel's (his brother-in-law's nephew) into our home for a reset on his life. Tadj (pronounced like badge but with a T) came to us from Highland, Utah and spent from the middle of March until the end of school.

Tadj had never been around animals and was just a number at his high school. In Nebraska he found himself. He wasn't just a number but a name in the small Hyannis high school, he stood out being from Japanese decent. He learned about ranch life- cattle, horses, dogs, cats. The circle of life. And his testimony grew as he overcame his fears.

Tadj was able to go to Junior Prom, bump our YM in the branch to 2, and ride horses and help with calving daily. He connected with animals and loved to be out with them.

Looking back this was one of the most trying things for our family- but as Tadj left our home to return to Utah, we knew it had been the right choice. He had come to reply on himself and the lord, and was ready to go back and blossom even more in Utah. And if living our simple life with us for 2 months helped someone prosper in their life, it was worth all of it in the end.

Cinch was heart broken when Tadj left. But I'm not sure who cried more Tadj or Cinch. Tadj gave us a glimpse into having a teenager and also what values and traditions to keep continuing with our little family.