I know that the commandments will bless us.

 I know that missionary work is sooo
important. It's one of the ways we show that we have faith in Him and
in His second coming. I know that it's our duty to prepare the world
and to "gather Israel".
Yep, the island situation is an interesting one. It's crazy how big an
influence america has on the world and on opportunity.
That's funny about the potty training ;) that pretty much sums up our
childhoods. ;) Haha, you'd love Kiribati. They aren't yet accustomed
to the enjoyment of luxury ;) Their life revolves around fishing and
coconut collecting. Nonetheless, they have found some use to some of
these newfangled American things we call luxuries ;) frugality is
second nature to i-Kiribati.
That's awesome to hear about how Scott is growing in service. Service
brings such a joy. We should look for ways we can help others,
especially with the gifts we've been given.
Richard is doing good, teaching him has been a little different,
because most the information he already knows. And so we're trying to
build his faith by committing him to commandments. He's not yet ready
to pray the way we do, and so hopefully he'll react to the spirit that
comes into his life as he follows commandments.
As far as church here, we're a branch right now. With about 60 active
attendants. Our youth is very small right now, because everyone is
attending school at Tarawa. Here's pretty much how it goes: people
finally start arriving and church starts about 40 minutes late (which
sounds pathetic but for some reason that's just how Kiribati works,
something to do with how they used to tell time by the location of the
sun, and so literally every gathering starts exactly 30 minutes to 1
hour after the stated time), we have sacrament, me and my companion
bless it, the bishop and I pass it, and then we move on to the talks.
There are rarely any announcements. 2 speakers speak, I've heard of
branches in Kiribati where the elders speak literally every week, but
here it's only occasionally. After that, we move on to sunday school
(held in the chapel for the adults) or the youth and primary classes
(which are held in the maneaba(big grass hut with grass mats layering
the ground) right outside the chapel). The bishop teaches Sunday
school because he's fluent in english and he's able to read the
manuals, and those with callings teach the others. Then we split into
elders quorum and relief society. There are actually many faithful
members here. Sometimes it's tough because communication is so
limited, but the bishop and his counselors, many of the Elders quorum,
and many of the relief society women are very willing to sacrifice,
and have a strong faith in Christ.
I know that this church is true, and I know that the Lord is watching
over all of His children. I know that when we pray in faith and
sincerity, He will hear and answer us. I know that the spirit
testifies of truth, and that we need study the scriptures and the
words of the living prophet continually. I know that the commandments
will bless us. I hope you all have a great week, thanks for all the
good stories and experiences you've shared about your lives back home.
It's good to hear that everything is going good!