Highlights of the Transfer.

Yesterday, we got the sad news that Hermana Dryden and Elder Jorquera will be leaving Oakcrest! We were all at a members house celebrating one of their kids birthday when we got the call. After that, we all just sat around the table and cried. This has been the most amazing six weeks of my mission. Serving with these four missionaries has been the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Oakcrest will not be the same without them! 

I am so grateful that I have been able to spend the last six weeks with Dryden. I think that sometimes we got along TOO well haha. She taught me a lot, especially to love the people (even more than I already do). Her love for them radiates. She will be missed so much not only by me, but every person that has had the chance to meet her! 

Spending time with Jorquera has also been the best thing I could ever ask for! One of the most important things that I learned from him is that being a missionary is so much more than just teaching lessons. He changed my entire perspective on missionary work!

This transfer has only had highlights. I don't think that I have ever laughed so hard or smiled so much!

Some of the best moments include: 

- Getting stuck in a ditch. I don't think that a lot of people would have handled that well, but Dryden and I were taking pictures, laughing.. just making the best out of the situation. No matter what our situation, we can choose to be happy! 

- Teaching English classes. It is such a cool thing seeing people try so hard and then succeed! 

- Pranking the elders ALL OF THE TIME. We found all sorts of ways to get them and they were so kind and made sure to return the love!

- Spending Christmas in the country, then having a crazy New Years Eve party with the coolest Mexicans ever. Holidays away from home couldn't be any better than what I experienced in Tomball. 

- The Belasco family having a total change of heart. They went from telling us one day that they didn't have any desire to change their church, then decided to come to our church the next Sunday. Since then, they have invited us back every day except for one within the last four days! 

- Literally being forced to speak in Spanish. With Dryden and I being at about the same level, I have had to learn to depend on my Heavenly Father a lot more. I have been so blessed with the ability to say what I need to, when I need to! 

-  Working with Eduardo (the reactived, inactive). He has such a firm testimony of the gospel and I was able to learn a lot from him. Watching him grow and change was something I will never forget! 

- Eating such weird things that I got sick (That actually happened yesterday).  We literally eat whatever and whenever. It's the best. Being sick without your mom is quite the experience! I am so grateful for my mama, especially after last night! 

The list could seriously go on forever!  I am so happy for this time that I have had serving here this transfer with these four great people! I so excited to see what this new transfer will bring! 

Love,

Hermana Rupp