Hello church, friends, and family!  I've been gone for 3 weeks and I'm writing this email as my first official update! I hope all of you are doing well. The adjustment to living back in Kona was quick and smooth despite some lost bags and other minor inconveniences.  Here is what I've been up to: We jumped right into our schedule the day following my arrival. The leadership track has around 100 trackers which is the biggest it has ever been, praise God. The community here is amazing. It has been awesome being surrounded by other youths that are on fire for God. I have made some very close new friends and reconnected with others from last year. Our days have been filled. Breakfast begins at 6 am and I do my quiet time usually after this, then we have an hour of worship and prayer every morning at 8 am. After this we often have 1 on 1 mentorship with older leaders. Our first class goes from 10-12:30, followed by lunch and then another class at 1:30. Afterwards we have contending and intercession. Everyone has work duty which is an allotted time where we serve the campus. My job is preparing and serving food at the cafeteria on weekends. We also have times for small groups and family groups once a week where we spend time and share a meal with a family that lives here serving YWAM. Don't worry though, I've been to the beach a few times already. As for ministry, we have been evangelizing here in Kona. our whole track went all over Kona the 4th of July and evangelized hundreds of people. We saw many salvations and other amazing testimonies. In class we have had several wise speakers pouring into us as upcoming leaders. Every day we have been thrown out of our comfort zone which is the best place to grow.  I met some Hawaiian boys here on the island that I am trying to disciple, which is exactly what my heart has been burning for. I have been learning more and more about leading and what makes a great leader. These character traits have been sticking out to me the most: teachibility, humility, boldness, wisdom and a servant's heart. I have a long way to go! :) I'm very pleased with the program so far. I'm growing every day. God is teaching me so much in classes and in my quiet times. I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be. This next week we are hosting a massive summer camp called Commission Camp. 450 kids will be here from all over the place. I will be room leading a group of 8 highschool boys around 14-16 years old. A great opportunity to begin applying some of the skills that I have been developing as I grow towards leading missions. Please pray for these campers over the next week and that they would encounter the love of God in powerful ways this week. (and for me as I wont be sleeping much haha...) I can't wait to share with you all that will happen.  I miss you all lots. I'm so blessed to have you all as family. Thank you for all your support and care you have poured into me over the years. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers and I hope you all keep me in yours as well. I will send another email out after commission camp including some of the awesome testimonies that God has planned for this upcoming week!  PS: if you know anyone who isn't receiving this email who would like to, share it with them or please send their email to me. My Hawaii number is (808) 217 6453! or email ronenhemphill@gmail.comPlease reach out anytime I'd love to stay connected as much as possible.