Monday, February 29, 2016

How's it going!? We're all good here in Villa Graciela ll. Hermana Balderrama and I had a solid week, and two of our investigator's accepted baptismal dates! We work well together, and we go to bed super tired every night, which is a good thing.
It was funny because we were teaching a family where the Dad's less active, and he was showing us pictures of his baptism. He was talking and he's says, "And here's Elder Bednar, the elder who baptized me. He and his Dad came to our house to visit us last year." My comp and I were like " What!? Are you serious? Elder Bednar came here to your house?" And he really did, the Dad has pictures and everything. It's just sort of ironic because my comp and I thought it as so cool, and they didn't even know that it was an Apostle who came to their house. They just thought it was weird that he had security with him haha.
It was sad to hear that Mamita, and older woman that we visited all the time in Tiquipaya (I think I sent pictures) passed away this past week. The week after I left Hna Lopardo called me so I could talk to them in the hospital, so at least I could speak with them a little.
Overall, I'm grateful for the plan that God has for us, and the hope and peace that comes when we understand our purpose here. We visited a lot of inactive families this week, and it's sad to see what happens when people lose perspective of what God wants for them. However, I am grateful that I'm here in Bolivia, and I can help these people come to know the plan and the love that our Savior has for them!
Glad to hear you had a good week! Love you all!!
Hermana Rupp


Monday, February 22, 2016

This was a good week. Hermana Balderrama and I worked super hard, and we saw results. If there's one thing that I've learned in the mission, there's nothing that work doesn't cure. Even if you walk all day and no one wants to listen you, you can at least go to bed knowing that you're doing what you're supposed to, and that you can qualify for all the blessings the Lord has for you and your area.
Luckily, people- or at least some of them haha- wanted to listen to us. We found some great investigators that have a lot of potential. And the girl who has a baby and went to Church last week, is progressing super well. She's actually reading her Book of Mormon! Not much to report, but overall I really like Villa Graciela. I'm super glad to be here, and I know that we're gonna have a good transfer.
Have an awesome week. Send my love especially to the Cotto family. Love you all!
Hermana Rupp

Monday, February 15, 2016

My first week in Villa Graciela II has been good. I knew that it would be difficult to leave Tiquipaya, especially after so much time there, so I prayed really hard that I could adjust quickly here. And I can definitely see that that prayer was answered. Our first day here I felt so good. There were some rough moments, but I felt comfortable and excited with each person we met. It also helps that I can speak Spanish, so it isn't nearly as hard as when I arrived inTiquipaya haha.
I'm really impressed with the ward here. The members really help us. Especially the Bishop. We get a lot of references, and the people are very willing to go with us to visit them.
For example, yesterday a member brought a girl who is living in her home to Church. She has no family other than her baby (she's only 16), which is sad, but I think she's really prepared. She said we could come by after church, and the first lesson went really well.
We have a couple other investigators that are really good, such as one boy who is waiting for permission from his Dad to be baptized, but the problem is we are lacking in quantity. We need more people to teach, and I think we've got to work a little harder to find them. But, overall, I'm excited to be here! The area has got a lot of potential, my companion is nice, and life is good.
I hope you are all doing great! Love hearing from you. Love you all!
Hermana Rupp


Monday, February 8, 2016

This week was a little slow. It rained a ton, and hardly anyone was in their house. Our investigator, who was supposed to be baptized this Saturday, didn't get permission from her parents, so that was disappointing. But, they told us they would discuss it, so I think they just need a little more time.
Which is a little bit of a bummer for me, because I got transfered!! Well, I don't leave until tomorrow, but I will be serving in Villa Graciela with Hermana Balderama, who is from Santa Cruz, Bolivia. My area is on the outskirts of the other side of Cochabamba, and it sounds like Tiquipaya, only drier and more hills. I've met my new companion once, and she seems like a really good missionary. So, although I won't be here for the baptism, I'm excited! It's really sad to leave, but at the same time I feel good.
This weekend is Carnaval (a.k.a everyone drinks and gets into water fights), so we have to return to our houses at 6 today, and we can only leave tomorrow to go to our new areas. I still have to pack and clean everything, so maybe it's a blessing haha.
Overall, I'm excited for this next transfer, and I'll give you more details next week!! Love you!
Hermana Rupp

Monday, February 1, 2016

This week was awesome. Friday we went to visit our investigator who was supposed to be baptized in December. We had put this Saturday, the 30th, as her baptismal date, but didn't know if she wanted to.  She said, "My baptism is tomorrow, right?" "Can it maybe be at 5pm?" I bet our faces were hilarious because we were so surprised haha.
We had to sort of scramble to get everything ready, but we did, and she was baptized the next day!! It was such a miracle. I know that it was the hand of the Lord, and that He is truly preparing the people here.
Today, we are going to talk with the parents of another investigator. Her baptism is planned for this Thursday, but we still need their permission. She's ready, and I have full faith that the Spirit will guide us as talk with her family.
Overall, it has been an incredible week. Transfers are this week and I'll probably leave, but I feel good. I know the Lord will send me where He wants.
I hope your week is great, and I love you!
Love Hermana Rupp