Alii everyone I love with all my heart!

Well transfers have come in… I have been released as Zone Leader and will be heading to Meyuns with Elder Ititaake!

I have been called to be the District Leader for the Koror District, which consists of Elder Ititaake, the Sister Missionary’s and I. (Ha-ha! So, I am the Relief Society President Now) I am so excited!

I am very grateful for my time in Airai, and the opportunity to serve the people there. I love them so much and am going to miss. I am excited for this new adventure! My hero “TM” is in my area! I am so excited to work more closely with him now.

In exciting news “J” has quit smoking and has been living the “Word of Wisdom”. He is scheduled for baptism this coming Saturday. YES! I love him so much, and am excited for him. He has come such a long way and has overcome so much. He truly is an example to me.

The rest of the week was good. This past Monday we had a farewell party for “R”. She is moving to Hawaii. The party was a lot of fun, and we ate some very good BBQ at Toby’s Beach!

Recently, I have been studying a lot about how the Lord requires a heart and a willing mind.

I think sometimes I only have a willing mind about some things… It seems like, I do something because I know it is what I am supposed to do. But deep down, I do not really want to do it.

I have learned over the course of my mission, that it is important that we do not just do things because we are told to, but because we WANT to. Especially, when it comes to the Gospel and God’s commandments.

It is not enough to just give a willing mind when it comes to living the Gospel. Because you will not have the power, strength, and pure motivation to do so. Without which, you will almost always fail. However, when you combine a willing mind, with your heart, you will unlock the power, and gain the pure desire to do whatsoever the Lord God sees fit for you to do.

How can one give his heart to the Lord one might ask? The best answer I have found is to be humble. We must put our agency on the alter and sacrifice it to the Lord, and be willing to do all that he asks. We must humble ourselves and seek to build a relationship with our Father in Heaven. We must pray often, and ask for him to reveal to us the purpose behind, what He has asked us to do. Then, ask him to help us see the blessings that will come from being obedient to His council.

I know that we have a Father in Heaven. He is not some figment of the imagination, or some un- embodied spirit or force in the universe. He is a person with a body of flesh and bone and he loves us.

Only good can come from following Him, and being willing to submit to His will. The Lord has said; “whosoever, shall save his life, shall lose it. But whosoever will lose his life, for my names sake shall find it.” My Goal in this mortal life is that every day I may humble myself, and give the Lord my whole heart and a willing mind, so that my life can reflect that of His. That all those I will meet in my life will be able to feel His love for them through me. That I may help others bare their trials, just as He bares mine, and makes them seem light.

Brothers and Sisters, may we all give our whole heart and a willing mind, to our Father in Heaven; so that he may guide and assist us, in sailing through the troubled seas, of this our day of probation. That one day we may be with Him again, in glory to joy with Him for eternity, in the mansions he has prepared for us. This is my hope and prayer.

I love the Savior. I know that He lives. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve Him. I have made a lot of mistakes, and yet I regret none of them, because it is because of my mistakes that I am who I am today.

I love you all and I hope you have a great week. Stay strong!

Love,

Elder Rupp