I went to Rio and Sao Paulo for work in March, but as the fates would have it, I ended up in Rio for the same weekend that my amazing French cousin and an old friend from the states who had lived in Brazil for years were all in Rio.

My friend and I headed to a secluded beach outside of the city. We swam in the cool ocean, sunbathed, and had dinner at sunset in a national park. The following day, my cousin and I headed up to a waterfall in an urban park and then strolled through the Rio Botanical Garden.

Together, we talked about love, life, and what we were all here for. I thought of Stacey throughout the travels, seeing butterflies and beautiful flowers everywhere, but honestly, I thought of her most while just talking with my friends and family. She was so great at connecting with people, listening, and remembering what mattered most. I was glad to do the same, with people I really loved.

While I’ve been living in India for three years, with Stacey with me every day, I had a really special experience in Kolkata — my last of Delhi’s major metros to visit — in their botanical gardens. I went to see a giant sacred banyan tree, where I thought I lot about our roots and what makes us strong, and on my way out, I saw a huge flock bright yellow butterflies! I couldn’t catch them on camera, but I’m sharing a few of my other images of India, and that moment!

Devon and Steve traveled to Ghana for 4 days. We visited a local hospital and a remote village which were the recipients of fresh drinking water wells provided by funds from Devon sweet 16. Stacey was with us all the time!