Taellor Stearns, 19, from Ozark, Missouri, dedicated her life to serving others and sharing her faith with children in need. She felt a strong calling from God, which led her and her family to move from their home in Ozark to Ciudad Sandino, Managua, Nicaragua, in 2013 as full-time missionaries with Project H.O.P.E. Inc. The Stearns family helped build homes, ran several ministries, and ministered to people living in difficult and dangerous conditions, including children in orphanages and people living in landfills.

Taellor's heart always led her to care for children who were often neglected and unloved, ensuring they felt the love of Christ through her actions. She graduated from Ozark High School a semester early in 2013 to embark on her mission work sooner, a testament to her deep commitment to her calling. Taellor's impact on those around her was profound, and her beaming smile brought light to the darkest corners.

On June 14, 2014, while resting in a hammock tied to a tree, Taellor tragically lost her life when the tree gave way. Despite the sudden and heartbreaking end to her mission, her loved ones focus on the remarkable life she lived and the lasting impact she made. Taellor's life was a true testament to her faith, her love for others, and her unwavering dedication to serving those in need.

Hundreds of people in Nicaragua, many of whom walked miles to attend her funeral, gathered to pay their respects to the young woman who gave selflessly to their community. Taellor's life and legacy continue to inspire others, and she will be remembered for the love she shared with the children and families in Nicaragua.

Taellor is survived by her loving parents, Travis and Tammy Stearns, and her two brothers. Her mother, Tammy, reflected on her daughter's unwavering faith and sense of purpose in a Facebook post, saying, "You know when you are in a place doing what you were created to do? Tae knew that ... lived that."

A memorial service was held in Springfield, Missouri, at Pursuit Church, where attendees brought crayons and coloring books to be donated to the children Taellor had worked with in Nicaragua. Though her life was tragically cut short, Taellor's light and legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.