I first met Rachel when she was born. She completed our family with her tiny little bald head and adorable features. Although I don't remember much of that time, the photos are adorable. She has always been such a great little sister. We hardly ever fought as kids and I loved cheering her on in all her accomplishments. I have always been very attached to my sister and I have loved the memories over the years. The best gift she ever gave me is my nephews! Although the boys have replaced her in the ranking system, Rachel has been the best person in my life. I am always amazed by all that she can do! She lifts up so many people, makes everyone always feel welcome, and is a rockstar mom and wife. She shows so much love and patience to me and so many around her. I am proud to call her my sister!

Kandice and I met when I was 7 years old at the local skate rink. Our homeschool group would go quite often. I was a huge fan of Princess Bride and I saw Kandice and her long blonde hair and it reminded my 7-year-old self of Princess Buttercup. Then I found out she had HORSES! I begged my mom to become friends with her mom so I could see the horses and thus began our beautiful friendship that has lasted over 20 years! Kandice has been a constant person in my who points me to God and loved me through so many hard times! I am so blessed to have such a sweet, positive soul in my life and our time together just kept getting better and better with the addition of her husband Sergio, and now soon-to-be sweet, baby boy!

When I first met Laura in college, I couldn't stand her... but she wouldn't leave. After years of her begging to be my friend I relented. Just kidding... kinda. I truly didn't like her at first but I don't know why. I met her at the Tyler Junior College BSM while serving pancakes. It wasn't until we both transferred over to UT Tyler did we finally started growing closer. We bonded over our love for coffee, Harry Potter, and all-around silliness. We lead various Bible studies together. We found a funny friendship. Half the time if you overheard our conversations we would sound like an old married couple who were constantly mad at each other. Under all our silliness there is a true love for each other. Our passion for missions and service bonded us together in college. We have always supported each other in all our endeavors and I truly don't know how I could have gotten through adulthood without her and her constant accountability.

During my first week of classes after I transferred to UT Tyler I sat next to two girls in our education class. She invited me to attend a weekly Bible study with her at the BSM. I loved being a part of a friend group with Mariah, she was so funny and loud and naturally made people feel welcomed and loved. After a mission trip, Mariah and I decided it would be fun if we could live together so the next semester we moved in with our other two friends, Melissa and Mariana. They all made my senior year of college a blast, as stressful as it was. Once out of college, we still kept in touch and would attend a Bible study together, then we would chat on the phone for hours. After a few years of looking for a better place to live and searching for roommates, I convinced Mariah to move back to Tyler with me and we would get a house. Over those two years, we bonded even more. I love all of our late talks, getting to survive the "lockdowns" together then the fun snow days. It was a great time of growth and getting to watch as Mariah met and fell in love with her husband Ryan. I truly am a better person because of my friendship with Mariah!

He is like chocolate and peanut butter... only worse. -Tristan