Ungil tutau, everyone I love with all my heart!

This week I am not going to split up my letter because everything I have to say I want everyone to hear! ….. or read in this case because it is an email. Awkward….

Anyway…

First off, thank you all for all of the birthday wishes! I literally cried so much!

A few of my favorite things from my birthday are:

  • The sweet letter I got from Sister Smith wishing me a Happy Birthday. In the letter she apologized for not getting me anything but I just want to tell her that her incredible letters that she sends me and the knowledge I have knowing that she is out on a mission for the Lord and changing lives is more than I could ever ask for my birthday. The comfort and strength it brings me knowing that she is on a mission is the best birthday present I could ever ask for!
  • MY BATMAN TIE CLIP AND SUPER HERO SHIRTS! ALWAYS THE BEST. I LOVE SUPER HEROES! It made me feel like I was having my 9th birthday instead of my 19th.
  • My East High shirt! I love it; although I was expecting to find Aleisha and Calvin tucked away in that box coming to see me for a super-secret surprise visit! I love them!
  • Ashley’s awesome book! I seriously love that thing so much it made me cry. Thank you so much!
  • Finally, the thing that made me cry the most. The sweet letter My Beloved Grandfather wrote for me when I was only 2 years old. I had no Idea these letters existed. As I read that letter I was overcome with the spirit and I could not hold the tears in. I felt my Grandfather’s true love for me and for the Gospel. I know Grandpa was only in my life for a short time, but I love him with all my heart. I know he is always with me on the other side of the veil. Continually watching over me and helping me. As I read that letter I thought back to the picture of Grandpa and I walking and holding hands. It brings me so much comfort to know that nothing has changed since then. I know Grandpa is still walking with me every day, and holding my hand while he guides me through life, and keeps me safe. I love Grandpa, and I love this Gospel as much as he does. I know that through this Gospel I will see him again. (sorry mom for making you cry)
  • Oh and of course I loved the pictures of my little turd Robin! SHE IS SO BIG.

Even though we celebrated my birthday an ocean apart, I still felt like you were here with me. I could feel your love for me and for that I am truly grateful. Thank you for making this birthday one to remember.

I loved general conference so much this past weekend. Yes, we get it pretty late here but it was worth the wait.

The talks were so good and I have never enjoyed them so much! I learned and received so many answers to questions that I have been having. I know that these men are called of God, and that Thomas S. Monson is a true Prophet of God.

I am so thankful for the bravery Joseph Smith had to ask our Heavenly Father which was his true church. Because of him we now get to have this amazing Gospel and we get to go back and live with God again. I am so thankful for this and I know that this is Christ’s true church.

President Zarbock also came to visit for a zone conference. It was so good. President Zarbock is so inspired and he has really made we want to work even harder than I have been working. I also may train next transfer so that would be way cool! we will see.

Genesis, is also doing amazing he came to all of general conference this weekend, including priesthood! He loved it so much. Genesis, is so ready to be baptized. He has not chewed or smoked in days. all that is left for him to do is to get his marriage paper. It cost $17 dollars and he does not have any money so we are really working with him to try and find that money this week so he can be baptized on Saturday. He has such strong faith and I love him so much and I know with the help of the Lord he will be baptized this weekend.

Today for “P” day we are going to go and play pool and ping pong at PCC (the local community college) with some of the member’s and investigators that are there. it should be fun!

I am also going on exchanges tonight with my BFF Elder Bush! So I will be with him in his area all day tomorrow. It is going to be a blast! Oh and Elder Bush wanted me to tell you… “Mom, that if you really love him you would send him a Robin tie clip.” Because out here in Palau I am Batman, and he is my Robin. (He was pretty jealous of my batman tie clip!) haha Elder Bush is simply the best!

Well that should about do it. I know that this church is true and I love serving the people of Palau!

I love you all so much and hope you have an amazing week!

Talk to you soon!

Love, Elder Rupp