Dear Family,

I'm doing so well, and am so happy to be a missionary. I didn't know that I could love the scriptures as much as I do. I'm constantly studying God's word and the Korean language. There's rarely a minute that I'm not learning something. Lately, our district has been doing a good job of speaking Korean to each other conversationally. The only way to really learn a language is through practical application. Although I'm beginning to get mildly comfortable with speaking Korean to my teachers and friends, I know I'm in for an awakening once I get to Korea. That being said, I'm so thrilled to have the chance to struggle and let the spirit guide me in my teaching and hard work. I'm beginning to get a little antsy here in the MTC. I know that there's always room to become a better missionary, but I really, really want to get to Korea. The living conditions here are good. Also, thank you much for the package I got today. I gobbled up both musubi in a matter of minutes. Thanks for keeping me filled in with the family. I miss everyone so much, but there's no where else I'd rather be than on my mission. God gave me this opportunity to serve for a reason, and I've got to make the best of it. For God, for the people at home who helped to get me out here, and for the families and individuals of Busan, I must give it my all. 

We've taken to spending our gym time playing sand volleyball at 6:30 AM. That's been a whole lot of fun. I'm really crummy at volleyball though. 

If I could give any of my siblings advice it's to be grateful for what you've been given. God gives us so much, we just have to choose to see it. Also, do your best to study the scriptures and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. This week, I read the gospel according to John. My heart broke as I read about Peter denying his knowledge of Christ. At this point Christ had lost his spiritual brother Lucifer, had been cast out and abuse by people who were supposed to be his kinsmen, and now the individuals closest to him had left him abandoned. His apostles, his brothers, had left him alone. I found myself at the verge of tears as I came to realize that despite the transgressions that had been committed against him, Jesus still had the love to forgive us and finish his work. At the heart of this gospel, there's love. We're given a testimony and a witness by the spirit in order for us to turn outwards, love others, and serve wholeheartedly. This mission has nothing to do with me. 

Spencer: I'm glad to hear you're doing alright. I miss you a ton too, dude. I can personally testify that Patriarchal blessings are from God and have specific relevance to us. Also regarding feeling mildly alienated from our friends. Dude, that's one of the reasons I left. I love my friends, but sometimes we have to make decisions that will allow us to progress. If you keep doing the right thing, others will take notice.

Brooke: Way to share the gospel. It's so important that we're aware of our beliefs that way when it comes time to share the gospel, we'll be ready. Do your best to study the scriptures. I'm sure you're familiar with the stories and concepts of this gospel, but when you study the scriptures your understanding grows tenfold. Also, be a careful dater and don't get a boyfriend or I'll punch him in the head all the way from South Korea.

Eliza: I hope you know your sisters look up to you. You've honestly been blessed with a lot of talents, and I hope you can recognize what the Lord gives you. Katie wrote me a letter about how pretty and talented you are and that it bums her out when you don't recognize that. I feel like you're one of the smartest individuals I've come in contact with. That being said, don't let anger, frustration, or self doubt get the best of you. I used to have a hard time believing it before, but those crummy thoughts come directly from the adversary. Because you're a child of god, you have the ability to tell satan to get away from you. Do what you can to grow close to the gospel, Eliza. The teachings of this church will have your back in times of need.

Katie: You're so talented! I'm happy to hear that you're developing your talents. I would also say that you should add reading the scriptures to your list of books. They're the most true books I've ever read. Also, I wake up at 6:30 every morning. I spend about five hours studying and six hours in class. It's very busy, but that's the only way we'll be ready to teach about the gospel in the Korean language.

Lilly: I'm sorry to hear about your bad day. Don't let it get you down. You should say a prayer when you are feeling sad! Ask heavenly father to help you to not cry, but be strong and handle your problems. Also, how is ballroom? Who is your partner? is it...Rudy? Hahaha, I'm just kidding. Keep me filled in with the fun things that you do. You're also becoming a very talented writer.

Mom: I want you to know that I'm thankful for you. Your efforts to raise me to be a good person weren't in vain. Also, I keep my clothes hung up and my room clean. I know I was not great at that at home, but the values you've instilled me with have stuck. For example I try to put others needs before mine and I also snack on chalk when I get a minute. I hope you get some sleep soon. It's kind of been a struggle for me to fall asleep as well. Not to the same extent as you though. Also, thanks for keeping me filled in on the little things. I was not at all surprised to hear about smashing an egg between his fingers. He's the same kid who broke a flip phone in half with a small amount of effort. He's a strong dude.

Dad: Thanks for the musubi! I'm so glad that you're going to the temple. Yet again, I'm so thankful that you were such a good example of a priesthood holder to me as I grew up. I really enjoy your letters that you send me daily. It's funny, isn't it? The Lord doesn't change our trials, but rather makes us aware of ways to handle them. Prayer, temple attendance and gratitude are soooo important. Thanks for raising me, Pops.

Tanika: How are you doing? You probably get to see Spencer a whole lot more now that I've had to put a cease to our custody battle. In all seriousness, I'm glad to hear your doing well. I think you serve as a good example to Spencer, but more importantly the others around you. I don't know why, but I feel prompted to encourage you to share the gospel with your family. If you feel prompted to do the same, go right ahead and do so. The spirit will never dupe you into doing something you shouldn't.

Telles Family: A NEW BABY OH MY GOODNESS! That's so exciting! Please send pictures when the child comes! Also, I'm doing very well. I'm glad to hear that all of you kids are actively engaged with school and other hobbies. Make sure you find time to read scriptures and pray too. I know I say it a lot, but really, these two things will help you so much with whatever you're struggling with. Learn that lesson while you're young!

Mylroie family (my spelling is atrocious, I know): I'm glad to hear that you're all doing good as well! I don't think the MTC is doing anything for Halloween, but the idea of a residence hall trick-or-treat nigh has been kicked around. Also, West, I'm super jealous that you have the new SSB. I played quite a bit of SSB 64 before I left on my mission. Just ask Spencer about how often I beat him. I'm sure he'd love to tell you all about it. Also, I will try to remember the Top Hat of Truth lyrics about Mary Todd. If not, I'll just write another one before the devotional.

Also, Aunt Alayna and Ronnie, how is Steph doing? I'm sad I missed your visit. Hanging out during the fall with your family is always such a blast. Also, Ronnie, are you going to date Sawyer? I see that you have yet to respond to that question? I hope this paragraph gets posted to my blog.

Anyway, That's about all for the week. God lives. Jesus is our brother, and he loves us. Because he loves us, we should love on another. I know that by doing so, our self satisfaction will grow. We'll be filled with the spirit and we can come to know God and his will. Pray often, study the scriptures and the Lord will allow our challenges to become simple. I bear you my humble testimony in Christ's name, Amen.

From,
Elder Samuel Loa Tuinei