Hermana Abbigail Harper: I'M WAY EXCITED to BATHE in that 60 POUNDS of DEAD SEA SALT....

Ok..... so first and foremost I was indeed transferred! I got the call Wednesday night (that afternoon

Hna Torres called me and we had a nice chat. I love her; she's the best) and Thursday afternoon I was on a bus on my way to Loja! So that's where I'm at. It's way similar to Cuenca, just a little smaller so even a bit more tranquila. It's really pretty. I like it a lot so far :) and it's for sure nice to be in the cold again! The heat in Guayaquil is just ridiculous. So here in Loja it's still a district, not a stake. The church has even been here for like 30 years but I guess they just lack priesthood and tithing. So my branch, rama, is also called Loja. It's pretty small, only 40 people attended on Sunday. I guess there are usually more like 60 or 70 but it's like vacation time right now so a lot of people are out of town. So I haven't even met the branch president yet, but all the members I have met have been super nice so I'm excited to get to know the rama more :)

My comp is Hermana Bytheway and she is awesome! She goes home in 2 weeks though so that's sad :( She's the girl that was in my Chathamtowne ward at BYU! I honestly didn't think we were ever gonna be companions, but I'm way glad that we are cause she's super cool. I'm really excited to work with her for these next few weeks. I'm also way excited to bathe in that 60 pounds of Dead Sea Salt once I get back Mom. haha. Wow, I can't believe all the stuff you've gotten.

Well as far as my skin goes, it's been pretty much the same, but I've only been in Loja for like 4ish days so I'm still hopeful that the change of climate and what not will heal it. President also put me back on Prednisone and I just remembered I think the name sounds familiar because isn't that what you take Dad when you want to taste? So isn't it like a really strong thing? Kinda scared for my future health then cause they've been giving me a lot of it....but oh well, if it works that will be cool. And bathing now hurts a lot less since the water is not hot so hopefully that means it's getting better too :) So physically is like the same but emotionally and mentally being here in Loja with Hermana Bytheway has been great for me. In this short time I have already learned so much from her and my animo has been renovated and I'm really excited to get the working going here in Loja!

We have met a lot of people who have a ton of potential, and a couple even came to church on Sunday. One night we stopped and bought some hamburgers and invited the guy to church not thinking much of it. And to our surprise Sunday morning he comes walking in the door! He stayed for the classes too and really liked it so we are hoping we will be able to progress him this week :) We also had a really cool spiritual experience with an investigator of the elders. She hasn't really been progressing with them as she has problems in her life that she doesn't feel comfortable with confiding in the elders, but within 30 min of knowing us she told us everything. And the only reason we went to visit her is because a member told us that she would probably have a better chance of progressing with hermanas. But we have to get permission from the elders to actually teach her since she's their investigator so we shall see what happens. We already feel so much love for her, and even though she's been investigating the church for like 6 years, I feel like with a loving push from us we could get her to commit to taking the step of baptism :) With the help of the spirit of course. Well I don't have much else to tell as I've been here for mere days but thanks for all the worrying you've done about me. I'm doing better so no need to fret :) Especially Mom, Dad and Grandma. haha Thanks for all the prayers, fasts, and words of love and support. I have the best family and friends ever :) Can't wait to hear about all of the going ons in America next week. Love you all!

Love from Loja,

Hermana Harper