Week 9

This week has been so good, definitely the best week so far here in the field. Ive been able to take a step back and just relax, which has been nice. I think living right on the ocean helps, my first area and the missionaries im with truly has been such a blessing. Getting to stand outside on the ocean, and look at the stars with almost no light pollution every night, really puts things into perspective of what this journey of life really is. Things here have started to feel more normal, sometimes I I'll be walking and just be like dang i really live in kiribati. The people here are like nothing I've ever seen, they are so funny. yesterday I was laughing so hard, I think its the hardest I've laughed in years. What a blessing to have just gotten here being so far away from everything i know, and getting to feel such joy. 

Its hard to pick out distinct things that have happened because there is so much but I'll try. First no one lives in houses, its all pavilion type things and the people just sleep on a piece of wood elevated off the ground its crazy. First week here me and my comp gave a blessing to a lady that fell out of a hammock, she was so sweet and was trying to talk to us but was in so much pain it broke my heart. Unfortunately a few days after the blessing she passed away. There has been a lot of death here, which has been hard to see, especially with family being absolutely everything to these people. But the positivity and the smile that these people have on their faces no matter what is so admirable, I can't comprehend how Incredible they are. The members in our area are the absolute best, ive become close with lots of them, and they adore missionaries here. We have been teaching a cute kid that's about to be baptized, his dad used to be the branch president, but has word of wisdom issues, and thinks he is ready to baptize his kid which has been a complicated situation, but we are figuring it out. We've also been meeting with a guy who was a in a gang, I shared about him a little bit ago so I wont go into detail but he is the best. I went on a exchange with one of the zone leaders, it was such a great day, had so many teaching opportunities and the spirit was so strong the whole day.

I love you so much mom, I wouldn't be out here if it wasn't for your perfect example, and the spirit that shines through you. 

Here is some photos:)

the sunset is my front yard!

The hatchet is this guy we cut palm trees to build a little house.

And then that's a soccer goal btw haha