Email 12/31/12

Man does the time fly! It seems like yesterday I was about to open my mission call, now: I am just over 4 months into my mission; Mandy is at the MTC; and Hunter and Nathan are about to embark on the greatest journey of their lives thus far! I know that Mandy, Hunter, and Nathan will all be some of the best missionaries in the entire world, and I only hope to be half as good as they are bound to be.

Well, it was awesome to see everyone and be able to talk almost face to face with you all. I am glad that Christmas was good to you all and I hope that your New Years will be full of positive resolutions!

 

So guess what? This morning I was giving myself a haircut and shaved off almost half my eye-brow! I reminisced of Dad and "The Torpedo." It is not too bad, just half of my eye-brow is gone! This is going to be an interesting couple of weeks! Sorry there is not much content to this e-mail, but I can't think of anything to write. I love you all and think that you are the best!

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

Letter 12/24/12

Dear Family,

As the month and the year wind down to an end, thoughts of the Savior fill our mind and hearts.  The symbolism in all we see, do and feel remind us of the greatest gift given at Christmas time.  Not only the gift of His life, but His example, His knowledge, His perfection were given to us to know how to live.  I read Sister Reeve's talk from the Relief Society Conference and discovered a new truth; Christ was not only given to us as our scapegoat to heaven.  He did not go through theAtonement to say in our time of frief, "That's alright.  Look forward.  Everything will be better tomorrow".  Although He does know what is in store for each of us, that is only a portion of the Atonement.

He was born, He lived, He taught, He blessed, He healed, He served, He turned, He examplified, he sufferen, and He died so He would KNOW how to succor us.  He has been the Remembrance, He is the comforter, and He will be the hope.  When Christ suffered in the Garden, not only did He provide our way back to Heavenly Father, but He needed to gain the knowledge of how each of us were to get back there.  Your path to solace is much different than mine.  Your spiritual need is much different than mine.  Only one knew the peace each of us need to feel everyday.

When we try to help someone, give them comfort, we are exemplifying the Savior.  President Packer taught: "The Lord provides a way for us to pay our debts to Him.  In one sense we ourselves may participate in an Atonement.  When we are willing to restore to others that which we have not taken, or pay a debt that we did not incure, or heal a wound we did not inflict, we are emulating HIS part in the Atonement.  "That is the reason for this Season".

We rejoice in the knowledge that God comforted us TODAY!  We rejoice in the birth of righteousness and glory.  We rejoice because "We have heard on high...what the gladsome tiding be, which inspire our Heavenly song."  We reflect, as Scrooge has done, on Christmas' past; the joy and family today and the hope of the future Christmas' of our lives.

Christmas is the time for gift giving and probably MORE important, gift receiving.  Although nice, secular gifts are not "present" in this analogy, (although they could...) No, these gifts are those of Eternal principle and "exceeding weight of Glory" (2 Cor. 4:17).  On the anthropoligic scale of negative reciprosity, although very positive, we cannot do one action without the other.  As soon as we give of ourselves, we are given His spirit and light.  We MUST accept the gifts given for them to work in our lives.  Let us give and receive more now then we have hitherto been.

I love you all!
Love ,
Elder Rex Hamblin

Letter 12/1012

Dear Family,
After a crazy and hectic week, we  had a crazy and hectic day!  So this week my letter writing time is even shorter, henceforth a shorter letter.  (Sorry mom, but I am still doing my best to get a letter out to you every week!)

Last week was quite insane.  Tuesday, in particular, was crazy in and of itself.  I shall attempt to use my writing powers to help you comprehend the complexities of that day!  When I first got to the mission, I like all missionaries, was to take a specialized training on the Doctrine of Christ.  The training was scheduled late and we had neither the miles nor the ride to get to the Tri-Cities.  Because Elder Olsen and I missed that one, we had to go to this one last week.  (I am glad I'm not in Ms. Greens class anymore).

The training didn't start until one, and it only takes about an hour to get there.  Once we got to  the training Elder Olsen got an interview with President Greer.  Then after the three hour training, we had to book it back to Milton-Freewater so we could drive over to Pendleton.

Elder Olsen is the District Leader, and has to conduct the baptismal interviews.  Such was the case on Tuesday, we drove to pendleton apparently to have an interview.  Once we arrived at the church we met the missionaries and waited for the lady they were teaching.  And waited, and waited, and waited.

After about an hour we decided to go to her house to see why she didn't come.  We drove to her apartment and the other missionaries went in to see her.  Meanwhile Elder Olsen and I started walking down the road, seeing if we could OYM (open your mouth) somebody.  As we started walking, we thought we heard someone yell at us.  We turned, saw no one, and proceeded around the corner.  We walked about 15 yards when we both felt as if we should go back to see who was talking to us.  We took about 5 steps before the man came dashing around the corner chasing after us!  We started talking with him and began talking about his life.  We told him about God's love for us and tears began to swell in his eyes.

Soon the other missionaries came and the four of us started helping this man.  He had to go to a rehab center, so we just left him with our testimonies and the Book of Mormon.  Just within the 15 minute period we were with that man I could see  the change in him.  It is a miracle what a simple prayer and a simple desire will do.

Anyway, as I said today (P-Day_ was again hectic.  The last P-Day of the transfer anyways is.  We usually play basketball in Walla Walla.  Today we did so, then had dinner with the missionaries there, picked up my new companion, and had an intense hand-off.  6 missionary lessons with Elder Olsen, Elder Bergen, myself and 3 sisters.  It was a crazy day!  Sorry this doesn't had a lot of detail, but I love you all!

Merry Christmas!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin

Christmas

This is what we got for Christmas this year!  To see our Elder's Face!

You're looking good Elder Hamblin!

Email 12/18/12

So, I will be able to Skye you and I think that we are going to try from 2-4 our time (so 3-5 AZ time). I think Elder Bergen will go first, so I will probably call around 4 your time. I NEED YOUR INFROMATION! I know that we will be Skyping at a members home, but I don't know any of the information. We are going over later this week to figure all that stuff out, but I need to know your information so I can call you. (You know, like, if you want to see me... You know me I am indifferent either way!)

 

Sorry this is a day late, but we had a temple P-day this week and did not find out until last Wednesday! The last week was crazy with transfers and everything else that was going on, but it was good to be busy. The life of a missionary is always busy even when the times are slow! I love it!

 

Sorry this is so short, but here are your pictures!!!

I am not the photographer in the family, but I hope these pictures are at least bearable! Have a Merry Christmas and we will talk to you soon!

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

  Elder Olsen's Birthday.  I gave him a princess stuff because he  wants to marry a princess.

                                                    My new companion, Elder Bergen

Letter, 12/3/12

Dear Family,

As the Christmas lights begin to send their humble twinkle of light to cast away the enclosing darkness, they also send a shimmering reminder of the simple glory of the season.  The lights bring out the best in people and a humble happiness fills the soul.  The Christmas season is once more upon us and beckons the best out of each of our spirits.  How great are these humble lights!  These secular symbols bring heaven to earth for a short period in our mortal lives.  These were just a few of my thoughts as we strolled the streets of Milton - Freewater, spredding the true joy and happiness that only comes through Christ.

Although slow, this week was exciting and gratifying.  We have been struggling to connect with the bishop here and have exchanged many misunderstandings.  I do not think it was anything personal on either side, just to many miscommunications by both parties.  I think over the course of the past week we were able to see eye-to-eye and overcome some of the challenges that has kept us working in unity.  We had the opportunity to go on "exchanges" with him and really try and work some of the problems.  Brother Walkers saying kept replaying in my head, "No matter how flat the pancake there are always two sides."  I know that seeing both sides to situations is vital for working in unity, but sometimes there seems to be a hepitgonal cure in the place of the two sides!

That is one of the hardest aspects of missionary work - accepting the views of others.  To me, everyone would want the gospel and do everything in their power to accept it.  But in D&C 29:7 it says we are called to gather the elect.  Not everyone is prepared to live the gospel right now and need to willing to keep commitments.  One my zone leaders said, "commitments are the thread in which covenants are woven."  So when we are not "harvesting" we are merely "planting" (President Greer).  That is one lesson I am learning very well up here. 

The growing season in North Eastern Oregon is very long, and the harvesting is longer.  It was not until recently that the producers stopped harvesting!  Throughout the harvest, one practice has continually caught my attention; although there are thousands of apple trees to harvest from, they are still planting trees to harvest from in the future.  These young trees are vital importance for it is from their blossoms that the bees pollinate the elder trees. 

So it is with missionary work although "the field is white already to harvest" we must also continually plant the seed for future missionaries and members.  Once these seeds take root, they are vital additions to our church.  Their strong testimonies strengthen and sweeten our faith.  So, in times of slump, I ask myself, "How important is the planting?" 

The week has been full of planting, but success is always the promise of the worker.  We have literally seen miracles, but we must ask, are we the pharisee or the true learner? Both saw the miracles performed by the Masters hand, but both saw something different. 

Love,
Elder Hamblin

P.S. Shippa, read Ether 12:27 and pay attention FIRST "if/then" promise.  X-reference to 2 Cor. 4:17 and Phil. 4:11.  You will know what to do PLEASE write back what you have learned!

P.S.S- DAD D&C 106:4-5

P.S.S.S- Thank you for the Thanksgiving stuff and music! I just got it today. I love you III

Email 12/3/12

I never told you about Kelton Walker, did I? He would always be over with Aldon when ever I was at Graham's house. Let's just say that a personal four-wheeler is a digression from what he used to do and have! That is sad to hear about the Lindsey's. They are such a good family and I know the ward will miss them. I always did look up to Shad. (Even though, technically, I would be looking down at him.) He si a great young man and I don't know what in the world they could have done to recieve a move to St. Johns!

 

Anyway, this week was awesome. It was still a little slow, but it was still amazing! (I know I have to tell you most of the details now, because once I am done e-mailing we go to Walla Walla to play basketball with the rest of our zone, and I just can not focus enough to write letters...I am still sending them though!) I had the opportunity to go to Pendleton for an exchange with one of the Zone Leaders. (Tell Dad we will have to go to the Pendleton Round-Up some day.) We went to another tiny town, Ukiah, which is right on the boarder of our mission. It was a really long drive and took most of the night. I did not mind, it gave me lots of thinking time. Then later in the week we had the opportunity to go stock wood for a campground that a couple stakes up here own. I was happier than a tornado in a trailer park! It had been a while since I was able to do some work like that!

 

Well, I think that is all the main details of the happenings here in Milton-Freewater. I will add a little more thought in my letter. It is good to hear everyone is doing great and the Round Valley Star is back in function!

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

Letter 11/26/12

Dear Family,
Another year is winding down with a new one looking bright before us.  Thanksgiving is placed perfectly in the holiday calendar.  We have the opportunity to reflect on the blessings which our Father in Heaven has given us  and look forward to the celebration of our Savior's birth and the birth of a new year.  I hope all of Thanksgiving was as rewarding to you all as it was for me.  There is a quote that reads, "You'll find that it's not the happiness that makes people grateful, but rather the gratitude that makes people happy."

This past week had been very slow for the work, but very rewarding for the soul.  Reflection and "considering the blessings" has brought a new gratitude to my soul, ergo, happiness.  I was able to reflect deeply upon life and all the blessings therein.  I was able to recognize miracles which had hitherto been unseen.  I was able to seek happiness.

Alma says, "This is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and the humble seeker of happiness" (Alma 27:18).  This ancient council has once again been brought to our attention as President Uchtdorf says"  "Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness, AND "This happiness comes as we find the abundant blessings in our day-to-day lives.  This practise is much easier said than done, but the reward is so much more in our favour.  Now we have even more to rejoice in, but never neglect the bad.  If we only focus on the bad, we have to change our minds and FIND the good in all we do.

With this re-discovered truth, I was able to have an amazing Thanksgiving.  The family we were going to eat with all got the stomach flu.  So we ate at an older couple's home.  One of their sons was there with his wife, and we had an enjoyable Thanksgiving.  We did play Aggravation afterwards, and Brother Hawks plays like dad...

Sorry this letter is so short!  If anyone wonders why I have not written them back, tell them I do not have any time!

Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin

P.S. Aunt Doris is amazing!

Email 11/25/12

Thanksgiving was amazing! We had planned to go to a member's home, but all their kids and the father got the stomach flu, so they set up another family for us. It turns out that the father of the family that we ate at (Hawks) grew up in Eagar from the first to fourth grade! That was fun as we talked with him for awhile and then we played a game of "Aggrivation." Dad and Brother Hawks will have to play a board-game sometime...just sayin'.

 

Well it is too bad that nobody wanted to stay for Thanksgiving, it always seems like we are the only ones ever to stay in beautiful Eagar. I'm glad to hear that you all were fed well...even if Aunt Blanche was not there... (hey, I thought it was funny). Thank you for the quotes. I write one every night in my journal at the bottom of the page, and now I have more of a selection to choose from. 

Other than Thanksgiving, the week was really slow. I guess everyone wanted to be with their families, which is the most important social unit whether or not they are members of the Church. People around here seem to be very closely associated with their families and they think that their religions are what binds them together. We have been trying hard to help people see that they could be with their families forever, but some people just do not seem to be THAT close with their families.

 

Last Sunday the High Councilman gave a wounderful talk about how the story of the Good Samaritan is related to the Plan of Salvation. That is an awesome scripture study (especially for you and Dad!)

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

Letter 11/24/12

Dear Family,
As the week unfolded and the events played out, the craziness and confusion of the Holiday season began to become evident.  Service filled the past week - everything from moving people out of the ward to pruning bushes at the Senior Center filled many of the spare moments we had.   Exchanges, conferences, and training also made the week full of insanity.  I did have the opportunity to go on an exchange with an Elder from Australia who is 26 years old but came out at the same transfer as I did.

As the week progressed and came to an end, my testimony of the Lord's timing was strengthened. To begin, a month and a half ago Elder Olsen and I were tracking when we ran into lady who was weeding her garden. We stopped and asked if she needed any help. She declined but showed us the rest of her yard and garden. As we left her with a card with out number on it, we also left an invitation for service.  Fast-forward to two weeks ago.  All of our appointments fell through leaving Elder Olsen and I puzzled over what we should do.  He had a strong feeling that we should go and see her.  We acted upon the prompting and went to her house.  When she invited us in, she mentioned that she was just thinking of us and would take us upon the offer to do service for her, but she had lost her number!  "Coincidence...I think not!"  She said she is the president of the Senior Center her in Milton-Freewater, and needed to clean the grounds.  We were more than willing to help! As we labored along side her, she asked our plans for Thanksgiving, we told her that we were eating at a members home, so she invited us for the following Friday (also known as "Black Friday").  We accepted her gracious invitation and she told us that her daughter's family will be there with her.  She also said that her daughter is a member of the church and had a son preparing for a mission! I believe this will be a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel in an environment she will definitely feel comfortable with.

Another assurance to build my testimony of the Lord's timing was the elder Pieper conference.  This General Authority took time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions.  He taught us according to our needs. In preparation for this conference Elder Pieper had us read "Seek Learning By Faith" (Elder Bednar, 2007).  He then expanded on how we need  to become the future with our learning process by: 1. Looking into the future with the assurance of faith that God will be there; 2. Looking into the past to see the evidence God has given us because of our faith; 3. Taking action in the present to "step into the darkness.

As we take these steps in our learning process, we will grow so much more than if someone is teaching us.  Elder Pieper also said we must teach our investigators the same way.  We shout NOT teach them that much; we, instead, should find their questions and then give them the material to find their answers.  This is the way God wants us to teach.

This principle of learning could not have come at a better time for the people we are teaching.  They have many questions, but never seem very satisfied until THEY have found the answer for themselves.  We are only to be conducts through which the spirit flows and gives direction.  As we help realize this, God blesses them and us with an edification of his spirit.

Elder Pieper also said that we should never be down-trodden. God gave us our agency and the ability to change our mind.  If something is going ary in our lives, understand the doctrine behind our doubt, and change your mind.  This simple yet marvlous council reassured me that God cares for us enough to allow us to feel pain and sorrow, but wants us to have the ability to"...make the best out of the way things turn out." (John Wooden).

After the conference, I had the opportunity to learn personally from Elder Pieper in a personal interview.  Although it lasted about 10 minutes, I learned and grew so much from the instruction he gave me.  He told me not to worry (which, for a worry-wart, its hard).  He said that we do not need to know every answer to every question.  The first thing they teach General Authorities is to say, "I don't know...YET!" I am grateful for all of you guys have done for me.  I love you!

Elder Rex Hamblin

P.S. Mr. Tonle beat Chuck Norris in a game of chechers.  In retaliation, Chuck invented racism.

Email 11/19/12

hat must have been an amazing experience in the temple with everyone there for Graham and Hunter. I wish that I could have been there, but then I remember why I am here and what I am doing, and realize that I will get the chance to go through the temple with everyone sometime. I remember that I am called of God to serve the people here in Milton-Freewater. I remember that I accepted the call and everything is alright; I just think of why I am here and what I can do to help everyone come a little closer to Christ.

 

The Elder Pieper conference was amazing! We had a member of the 70 every week in the MTC, but this time it seemed more personal. He wanted to know what was on our minds and answer the questions that we had...any question. He taught us that we must become agents in our learning and not objects. We must act and not be acted upon. We must learn for ourselves before we can truely come to help others. Thank you so much for everything that you all did to be prepared for this mission and all you are doing to help me stay out here in the lovely state of Oregon. You guys are the best! I will go into more detail in my letter, but the whole conference was meant for me (or at least I feel like it).

After the conference, Elder Pieper interviewed ten missionaries, and I had the very humbling experience to be interviewed by him. Like I said, I will go into more detail in my letter, but that was one of the most amazing experiences that I have had.

 

Anyway, Thanksgiving has really snuck upon us this year. We completely forgot all about it until yesterday! We are eating with a family in the ward and are going to do our best to get some proslyting done, but people really love their holidays. We have a couple of investigators that we could see, but they said they would probably be with their families (which, in the long run, is better).

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

Letter 11/12/12

Dear Family,

Although the Elections were not quite "up to par" (marijuana is legal in Washington, not just medical); the world still turns and the salvation of souls must take precedence over everything we must do.  This is our ONLY chance to learn right from wrong; in the next life we will only be able to choose whether or not to accept the Gospel.  When Alma and Amulek contend with Zeezrom, Amulek says that this is the only life we will see corruption, therefore, this is the only time we will be tested.  Only from the pain and suffering in this life (including elections), will we be able to KNOW Eternal happiness in the life to come.

Elder Pieper of the Presidency of the Seventy is coming to the Washington Kennewick Mission this week; and in preparation for this conference President Greer has asked us to read and study "Seek Learning By Faith" by Elder Bednar and Elder Pieper's recent October Ensign article (highly useful for Dad's talk).  This article teaches lessons from the 40 year period that is the Book of Alma.  The article is not just for a society as a whole, but for the individual.

In Elder Bednar's address (although I am only 1/4 of the way through it) has the three basic principles of Faith: Assurance, evidence and action.  As we rely on the evidence of our faith in the past to take action in the present, we gain assurance for the future.  The pattern he then further describes blew my mind to the point where I could see the pieces on the wall!

Anyway, this past week (other then the day the world got DARK...ER)was amazing.  The Bishop (who served in Pinetop) asked us to help with many of the less-actives.  We have been helping everyone come closer to Christ and repenting.  I am still learning and growing every week, and doing my best to help others do the same. 

Again, sorry this letter is so short, but at least it's a letter!  I love you all!

Love, Elder Rex Hamblin

Email 11/13/12

Can you imagine that, Graham in England! Dad must be completely prepping him for the island across the pond. I know that Graham's personality will contrast perfectly with those in England. I actually think I would want to see him out there baptizing all those Brits. Now if we could just get Devon and Brandon....

 

Anyway, how about that dark night last Tuesday? I heard there was some type of "blackout" across the country. Poor people... I am just glad the number of missionaries will sky-rocket over the next four years bringing light to "dark" times! I know that this is the time for more missionaries and the "nights" will only get darker before anything is to get better. There is a Mormon message from Elder Bednar (actually a three "part" series) about light and the Light of Christ. In one of them, he quotes President Packer and says that a true test of our faith is stepping into the darkness trusting that the light will follow. Once we have done so, we will find that the light has shown just a little bit further and we must take another step. "We walk by faith and not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7).

 

I would have given anything to hear Dad and Uncle Scott speak. This week we have Elder Pieper of the Presidency of the 70 speaking to us. I know that he is a Special Witness of Christ and it will be an honor to sit at his feet and listen to his testimony. Yet, there is nothing more powerful in the family than the strong testimony that is borne to one another. Unless the family knows, than it is fruitless to listen to anybody else.

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

 

P.S. Mo. Tab. and anything that makes you think of Christ, brings the Spirit, and uplifts the soul.

 

P.P.S. I have not taken many pictures since the last time I sent you some, but they will come!

Letter 11/5/12

Dear Family,

Arizona has to be the smartest state in the union, not because the people are outright intelligent, (i.e. Hunter, Graham, etc.) but we were smart enough to not institute Daylight Savings. It is just a menace. Everyone up here agrees with me in that we should just rid ourselves of Day Light Savings. Although, in defence, the change in time did get two or three families to church an hour early. Maybe it's not THAT bad.

Well, I have some bad news, the people who committed to baptism have dropped off the map. We have been trying to get back to meet with them, but with no avail. We will continue to attempt to meet with them, but in the meantime I have learned some vital lessons in this whole scenario.

 Elder Holland once gave a talk entitled "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence" (Heb. 10:35). He proceeded to recount the "biblical" story of Moses being sanctified by the Holy Spirit in the procession to meeting God. then the Lord reveals to Moses every particle that has been and will be placed upon this earth and every world. Moses literally talked to God face to face. Moses KNEW God's plan and knew every person to walk this earth. Let's just say it was a supremely spiritual experience. Soon after God departed, Moses was left to ponder the magnitude of the vision of which he had just seen. In these quiet moments, the light was sucked away as Satan came and was loud and boisterous. Coveting further the Father's glory, Lucifer came demanding Moses to worship him. Without hesitation Moses asked "Where is thine glory that I should worship thee?" The earth quaked and moaned as the rocks split and the wind howled. Yet Moses was firm in his testimony, not because he had seen God, but rather the SANCTIFICATION of the SPIRIT. With every spiritual experience, opposition immediately follows.

Sorry this letter is so short. I love you all and hope you all have a great week.

 Love Elder Hamblin

 P.S. Thank you so much for the Halloween stuff. I know you sent it awhile ago, but I just got it today. We'll still use it though!

P.S.S. This really has been a good week, I just ran out of time to tell you it all. There was too much!

Letter 10/29/12

Dear Family,

Well here i am at the end of my first transfer.  Life as a missionary is pretty great (although I think that I have already said that).  The cold is starting to settle in and the rains have begun.  Everyone is pumping up for Halloween and Jack-o-Lanterns guard every entrance to every porch.  Ghost and goblins are beginning to creep in and out of the orchard trees.

This past week was pretty eventful.  It started with an exchange with one of the zone leaders, Elder Thomas.  In our discussions he brought up something that has completely changed my point of view:  "You are what you think you are, and God thinks you're the greatest.  Don't think you know better than Him."  This has changed the way I view others, this has changed the way I view myself; this has changed the way I view God.  God thinks everyone is the greatest and, ultimately, my goal is to help everyone i meet feel that way.  My discourse among the people of Milton-Freewater has become light hearted and my mind has completely expanded to include all walks of life.  I hope you can help this investigator to the Eagar III Ward feel this same way.

As I try to treat everyone this way, especially less-actives, miracles happen.  We are helping one less-active go to the temple, and helping him become involved in the ward is becoming easier now.  That my focus has changed.  Helping him is becoming better (trust me, he has A.D.O.S...Attention Deficit Oh Shiney!)

Later in the week was Elder Olsen's birthday.  I gave him the blond haired, blue eyed girl he is always talking about (Okay, it was Cinderella).  We ate dinner with a convert family he baptized before I got there, and they threw him a little party.  he is a pretty good kid, but I have to keep him out of trouble.

It seems that with every passing second that God gives us miracles.  Either we are the miracle or the miracle is disguised as a missed opportunity.  Elder Olsen and I were tracting down a street when he received a distinct impression to go see the recent convert mentioned above.  As we walked back to the car, a vehicle pulled into a house where we had previously knocked with hollow echos as our greeting.  In an attempt to "open our mouths" (Oyming) we began talking to a woman and her children.  As we kept talking, she said we could come back to share our message.  This happened two or three weeks ago, and when we tried back, no one was home.

Finally this week we got back in touch with her.  She said that she had been praying for help and guidance in her life and in the life of her friends.  She said that since we talked with her she had been reading the Bible and praying!  We are excited because SHE asked US if she could have friends at the next lesson! 

I hope all goes well with this investigator!  Do ALL you can to help him!

Love, Elder Rex Hamblin

P.S.  Tell everyone that I am sorry I can not write them.  There is SO much to do, and no time to do it in!

P.S.S.  I really did write this on P-Day (Monday) But accidentally left it in the notebook...now it is Thursday...and this won't be picked up till Friday...Sorry!

Email 11/5/12

HURRAY FOR HUNTER!!! To bad that he is not going to the best mission in the world, though. That is alright; I think that he will have more fun than a kite in a tornado (or hurricane... depending on the season). It is cool that Mandy and Hunter are in the MTC together. Did I ever tell you that I was in the same building and had a couple classes with McKenzie Shumway? I was also there with Jason Udall and Jordyn Wilkins. That was awesome! Now we just have to wait for Graham, Devon, and Brandon then we will all officially be "called to serve." That is also good news about Cade. Did he like the temple experience? I know he did. He could never stop talking about how much he wanted to go to the temple and go on his mission. They will all love it.

 

Halloween was pretty "sweet" this year. Elder Olsen and I had a party at the recent convert's home. They are the best! They bought us pumkins to carve, cookies to decorate, and a delicious dinner to eat. Then when we left, they made us go "trick-or-treating." People up here are jsut amazing! We had to be in our appartment by 6 o'clock, because being out and knocking on people's doors on Halloween really is not too effective. We bought a HUGE bag of candy to give to anyone that came by, but we only had one trick-or-treater all night. Guess who got most of the candy... I think that he was happy anyway. Now we have a ton of candy left over, and most of the people we teach do not have little children. I am pretty sure that will last me the rest of my mission.

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

 

P.S. Christmas does not start until AFTER Thanksgiving... but I will take the Christmas music though. It really brings in the Spirit!

10/29/12 Email

Fellowshipping  investigators IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF MISSIONARY WORK! Never forget that. These people are making tremendous changes to their lives and need to feel comfortable while doing it. They need some one they can turn to (besides the missionaries) when times get rough and they lack the Spirit of Conversion. These friends need to constantly be nurished by the good word of God. I can not begin to tell you how many people we have lost mainly because we the missionaries have failed in doing all we can to find a person in the ward to help these people make these "alterations in their quilts of life."

 

Tell Coach Workman good job for me. He was a great coach and was literally the glue that held our struggling team together. And since when is Graham going to Boston!?! What hurricane is over there? What is the catagory size? Have each of you figured out the Doctrine of Christ? Sorry, there is just way too much processing in my brain right now.

 

This past week was good, and Wednesday was Elder Olsen's birthday. He is always talking about his blue eyed, blonde haired little girl he is going to have when he is married, so I decided to give him a miniature Cinderella doll for his birthday. I thought it was funny...

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

10/22/12 Letter

Dear Family,
This week has been very good here in the WKM/Milton-Freewater.  We didn't really have a lot of work this last week, but we did just about all we could to be as productive as we have been.  The smell of Fall and the sounds of Football fill the air as we walk and knock here in Milton-Freewater.

Yesterday (Sunday) Elder Olsen and I had almost all of our appointments cancel on us and the decision was made to go tracting.  This was the last resort finding activity, mainly because many people were still in their church  or just getting home from their Sunday worship.  But alas, we decided that we were out of options.  (Fair warning, nothing productive happened.)  As we attempted one of the last houses, all we heard was "come in".  Confused at what to do, we just stood there kicking the dirt.  Finally the door opened just a crack, slammed shut, then opened completely.  The man was disabled and confined to a wheel-chair.  As we stepped into his humble home, two elements over-took me.  1. The size of his television in an otherwise small house.  2.  The over-powering, over-bearning stench of onions.  As we stood there and talked to this man, I believe that the "Spirit" was so strong, I was literally bawling.  It felt as if I could bite into the air and have a mouthful of "The Spirit".  Unfortunately  this man could not feel the power of the real Spirit and we fortunately made it out of the house with our tear-ducts in place!

Anyway, I do not think I have ever cried as hard as I did that day.  It was powerful.

Elder Olsen and I have also been teaching a couple who have also been investigating the 7th Day Adventist Church.  We had been attempting to go and see them, but it seemed as if they wanted to go with the Adventists.  Then one day, Elder Olsen and I were sitting in our car and discussing our plans, when here comes the man and waves us to him.  We went over and began to talk with them.  We found out that they had moved (they were in a bad situation before) and the Adventists had offended them.  They wanted to join our Church! Then the first lesson we officially had with them went so well we invited them to be baptized...and they ACCEPTED!  At the beginning of the lesson they just wanted a church; by the end of the lesson we knew that they wanted THE Church.  their eyes were telling the story their mouths never could.

I have been studying the beginning of Alma this week.  Two points stood out to me as my studies progressed throughout the week.  1.  Our gratitude solely  affect our attitude toward the world.  The more grateful we are, the more we are blessed.  2.  Closely related, as we are gracious for the blessings of God, He doesn't often change our circumstances, but rather He forms our hearts.  Because he transforms our hearts, we are able to find the ways He has provided for us to change our circumstances.  Gratitude=Obedience.  It is really that simple.

Love,
Elder Hamblin

10/22/12

Email from Elder Hamblin:  10/22/12

 

Well it is good to see mandy preparing to go on a mission. It reminds me of someone else that know.... I know that she will have an amazing time and will love every minute that she is out there.

 

The weather is beginning to turn up here. It is going into the "rainy" season then into the snow, that and it is beginning to be brisk outside. On Friday night, it was Mac-High's (the local high school) Homecoming. Supposedly they are not too good at football, but you could hear the cheering all around town! Elder Olsen and I didn't have any appointments, so all we did was walk around on the cool, brisk night and listened to the sounds of the game (nobody was really home and wanted to talk with us). The experience reminded me of any Friday night game with the fans becoming one with the players as the excitement around them unites these two factions into a single, unified purpose.

 

Anyway, right now the work is still slow, but the times are still great! We have had more than a few precarious situations, but each one has ended in a laugh. We are still working on finding people to teach, and keep looking for new and exciting ways to do the same thing in a different way. We have been coming up with some pretty good ideas, but we have yet to implement them. Right now we are: trying to get a less active to the temple (which is hard because he has more guns and other weapons, or "toys," that he can't seem to put down when we teach him); re-activate a less active family; and teach a couple about the church. We are seeing so much progress in these people and want to continue to help everyone that we can!

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

Letter from Elder Hamblin:  10/16/12

Dear Family,
Mother -  HAPPY BIRTHDAY! What are you like 26? I bet you thought I forgot! PSH! NEVER! (Maybe a little bit). Thank you all for the letters ever so much. You all are the best.

The topic for this weeks letter was going to be the Doctrine of Christ; something that members have very little knowledge about. (Truthfully & honestly, I have no idea until I got to the MTC). BUT I figured that I would like you all to study it for PERSONAL STUDY, and find out for yourselves. I know that as you do that then, it will be ingrained better into your minds. (That and I don't want everyone to copy DAD in family scripture study. I want YOUR OWN THOGUHTS)! Christ himsef describes it as a unifier of the Saints. This doctrine, like the atonement, is very simple, yet there is complexity at every level. This is also a big focus in our mission, so it has been constantly on my mind. (May you all "ask the missionaries" over for dinner and have them help...) There are multiple sources for this doctrine. Look for it.

Anyway, I would like to share a miracle Elder Olsen and I had last week. In Milton-Freewater, people are very religiously engaged. This sight reminds me of Palmyra, New York in 1820. Many religions all claiming truth and divinity with belief in Christ (and a sum of money to their church). There is often a split family searching for truth, and strongly affixed according to their religious beliefs.

Missionary work runs in the blood of there various religions, and with these "works" comes much rejection. This truth holds sure for our church; its difference being the only true chruch of the Begotten. The few investigators we had had become lost in the confusion and literal war of wor. The battle chapters from Alma are brought to mind when looking upon this scene (just not as much blood).

With our number dwindling but our optimism unyielding, Elder Olsen and I knew that finding the seekers of truth was going to be hard, "un-impossible." After counseling, praying, and pondering about a "new investigator" goal, we KNEW that we would be able to find five new people, friends, to teach. This goal, set on Wednesday, was one that we knew would help us plan. The Monday and Tuesday preceding the goal set proved to be fruitless in our labor, but we put our faith in God, with an eye single to his glory. By Sunday (the last day for our goal), we had three new investigators, but we still needed two more. Church came and went; appointments fell through; and 7 o'clock rolled around. We planned to teach a less-active at the church. When we got there, we discovered that she had already met with Bishop, and had brought three of her daughters (all old enough, but have not yet been baptized). We taught them and set up a return appointment! We had our five investigators and an extra one, with less then 30 minutes until we had to send in our numbers! As we do our best, focusing on others, our competitive nature crosses over into competitive greatness, but only by the grace of God. Man alone can only be competitive.

My "study" this week actually hit me in Sacrament meeting this fast Sunday. The Sacrament Hymn was #196, and in this sacred hymn a name for Christ is the "Great I AM." This name for the Savior (also found in John 8:58) had my thoughts dwelling on the current "I'm a Mormon" campaign by the church.

In the days of Abram, the letter "H" was used to represent Jehovah (To keep from taking the Lord's name in vain). As the pre-covenanted  Abram (Gen. 16:5) added an "H" to his name to become Abraham, not only did he take upon him the Abrahamic covenant, but he also literally took Christ's Pre-Jeruselam name upon him.

We too can take a part of his name upon us. We not only partake of the Sacrament every week, but we also declare "I'm a Mormon." Associate with Christ by whatever means possible, even in the simplest ways. This inspired message from the Church helps us accomplish that purpose on so many levels, naming one is not adiquate! I Love you all!

Love,
Elder Hamblin

P.S. I finished this Thursday 10-18, and sent it on the 19th! Sorry it is so late! (I've been busy)! Shippa, will you get the new scripture mastery (all 4 sets) for me? Love you!

Elder Hamblin and Elder Olsen

t

                                                         At the Columbia River Temple

10/16/12

Dearest Mother,

Sorry this e-mail is so late. We had to chage our P-Day because we got to go to the Columbia River Temple today! It is one of the most beautiful temples in the world (I think right next to the Snowflake Temple). Anyway, I hope that you like the pictures that I sent you. That is about all that took! I guess I am not the photographer quite like Mandy.

Love,

Elder Hamblin

10/08/12

Dear Family,
How was General Conference?  Wasn't it just amazing!  I thought that it was one of the best overall conferences that i have seen in quite sometime.  (Granted, it really helps being out on a mission!)  I just want to say, CONGRATS to Shippa!  You looked simply beautiful in the pictures mom sent.  i haven't received your letter (except for Ship's) before writing this, so I don't really know what to write about.

Milton-Freewater has been good this week.  The work here is really slowing down, but Elder Olsen & I are really working to find some new people.  We are going to try and work closer with the ward and Bishop Wells.  We are staying optimistic as we look and try some new finding ideas and ask people in the ward for people we can teach.  Things look like they are picking up, so hopefully they do!

The other day Elder Olsen & I were asked by the ward to deliver some newsletters to some hostile less-actives and part-member families.  It was...actually not that bad.  No one pulled a gun on us, so I think everything went well.  We have a car and VERY limited miles, and we are looking for some good bikes, so if we can walk in town, we do it.  On the day we decided to deliver the newsletters, we decided to walk.  The path we decided to take, however was not exactly what we had planned. 

Milton-Freewater is composed of "out-of-town" Milton-Freewater and "in-town" Milton-Freewater.  "In-town" is most of the houses and businesses, and "out-of-town" is all orchards with houses few and far between.  So, Elder Olsen & I planned to deliver all the "in-town" letters moving towards the "out-of-town".  We had 6 letters, and delivered 4 in 30 minutes, and expected to finish the other ones in about 2 hours.  What we didn't realize was that they were RIGHT ON the Washington-Oregon border (about 8 miles from "in-town" Milton-Freewater).  So we started tracting and talking with people along the way and realized we were never going to make it before dinner (which was on the OTHER side of "out-of-town"!)  We tried to book it and ended up calling a member to pick us up.  We got them delivered, but that's about all we did that day!  So now we are more carefully planning our trips. 

Another day (at night, before we went back to the apartment) we decided to try a former investigator's home.  The records said she had progressed really far & did really well, but then fell off the map.  So Elder Olsen & I decided to go talk to her.

Lately I have been re-memorizing the Scripture Masteries, starting with the Old Testament.  The one I was looking over that day was Ezk. 37:15-16.  She said her biggest problem was The Book of Mormon, and we were able to use that to bring her to tears.  It was AWESOME!  Having faith and diligence pays off even when we can't see the end.  "Let the lower lights be burning..."

Love, Elder Hamblin

October 8, 2012

Well, congrats to Shippa! I knew that she was going to do something amazing! She looks quite like the "Princess" (who are always better than Queens, they are always the wicked ones). Anyway, how is everything in Round Valley? You are not keeping your promise very well of informing me of all the scores. I am a little disappointed. What about Rat's last game, what happened? You need to tell me these things! Bytheway, I have not found my charger, and Elder Olsen and I have not been shopping yet today. I will pick one up this afternoon and send you the pictures next week (but first I have to take some pictures!).

What about the big announcement! 18! Looks like Rat won't have to wait too long to start serving his mission as soon as he graduates from high school! What about Shippa, is she planning on serving a mission now that the age was dropped for her? Tell her that it would be the best thing for her, her future husband, and her future children. I think that she will really love to serve a mission now that it will be easier for her to.

Do you want to hear the honest truth about Elder Holland's talk? He had already given that talk at the MTC, but with MUCH MORE gusto. I literally thought that his hair was on fire. I wasn't there for that talk, but I have seen it at least three times now, it is still great though. My favorite talk had to be the Saturday Morning of President Uchtdorf or Elder Packer's talk based from one of my favorite hymns. Some of the people that we are teaching really could use these things, and these talks are just what they needed. I hope I took good enough notes for them so they can be helped.

I am really glad that you are taking Elder Nelson's advice and "aksing the missionaries." Simple testimony and heart felt sincerity coupled with patience and love will never fail you. The pure Doctrine of Christ will also be useful in whatever situation. If you ever need anything else, share again the restoration.

Love,

Elder Hamblin

10/1/12

The Disciple Elder Hamblin's
Epistle to the Hamblin II Family

Hello from the land of no taxes and where it is illegal to pump your own gas...Oregon! (seriously, you can't even get out of your own car, take the cap off, and pump your gas.  Someone has to do it for you).  Anyway, everything is going great here in Milton-Freewater.  Elder Olsen and I are working hard to find people and doing all we can to teach.  We have been having quite a bit of success too.

It was great to hear about Mandy and Cade...too bad they aren't coming to the WKM.  Elder Burk is just extremely blessed.  I know they will love it, but they really, deep down in their hearts, want to be here in the best mission ever.

Well, you all know me very well, and know I don't have a very good memory.  I am really trying to think up something really cool to say, but I can't remember anything, so I think I will tell a story.  The other night Elder Olsen & I were tracting down a street.  No one was home when we came to a HUGE bush in front of a small house.  We were about to walk in the yard when this Horse ran from behind the bush.  It scared me half to death when I realized that horses don't bark and have big teeth.  It was literally the biggest boxer I have ever seen!

Anyway, that was just a story.  "there's a sacrament talk in there somewhere".  Yesterday in church we talked quite a bit about sacrifices.  We sacrifice because we use our FREE agency to submit our will to God's.  (In contrast we use our agency to practice our own will to rebel against God).  This "Sacrifice" of agency includes serving others, studying the scriptures, and "Following the Brethren" (Boyd K. Packer).  God promises us that as we do so, our sacrifice will be swallowed up in the joy of Christ.

My studies this week (aided by Dad's letters) have lead me to expound on the subject of sacrifice.  In Mosiah 18 (my current section of the Book of Mormon) Alma preaches to the followers and subjects of King Noah.  they continually gather together around the waters of Mormon (Just as we gather around the Book of Mormon) to learn about Christ & His doctrine.  They sacrifice time, titles and treasures (otherwise their free agency) in order to learn of Christ.  They meet in the wilderness amongst the beast and heat, away from their plush, comfortable lives.  To many, this would be a "Living (St. Johns)".  Yet, in Verse 30, it states that to those who came to a knowledge of their Redeemer, it was beautiful.  Shippa, remember that scripture I gave you a few weeks back? Share that with the rest of the family as it fits in this section of the letter.

Well, I love you all!  Hope this week is better than a day down in St. Johns!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin

October 1, 2012

Sorry there are no pictures this time... and maybe never again. I think I lost my charger.... I looked everywhere for it this morning and I am going to keep looking this afternoon. I really do have some "good" pictures to send to you, and I really was going to send them this time, but I really can't find that dang charger! SORRY!!!!

 

Anyway, that is great for Mandy and Cade (although they don't get to come to the BEST mission in the world. Their loss).
I know deep in their hearts they want to come to the WKM. They will do great though.

 

I hope you got my letter explaining that I am in Milton-Freewater, Oregon (not Washington). It is about 10 minutes south of Walla Walla though. You know what, I am not sure why they call it "Muddy-Frog Water," I just know that is the nickname of the town. Elder Olsen and I are working really hard, but people are really set in their faiths up here. We are teaching a couple people, but mostly we are helping the ward here find the less active members and trying to reactivate them. That's not going super well either, but we have been tracting and doing other finding efforts and quite a few people told us that we could come back and talk with them! So we stay hopeful! Other than that, that is all we do; we are having a blast though.

I will send a big family letter this week, because I have to write a lot of people, and I think that I will go a little more into detail in that. I am trying to write everyone that writes me (which is really only you all and the occasional letter from someone else, but I am really slow at writing so it takes me all day). I really can't think of anything else to say right now; love you and I hope you all have a great week!

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

 

P.S. Do you all know what the Doctrine of Christ is? A lot of members don't!

September 28, 2012

Dear Mom and Dad,
I am sorry to inform you dad that your mission area is second only to the WKM.  It is the best mission in the world (As Elder Burk will soon find out)!
I have taken your advice and have tried to find the miracles; not only in my companions, but in everyone I meet.  Funny, you know, WKM doesn't just stand for my mission We Know Miracles.  It was just fate that you wrote me and then I went to the "Miracle Mission".  I really wish I could write so much more about Milton-Freewater, Oregon (which is overrun with 7th Day Adventists); and more about how awesome the first few days have been.  I am about 10 min. south of Walla Walla Washington.  Things have been going really well.  Elder Olsen and I are working really hard to help as many as we can.  I just want to help them all.  The town is the size of Round Valley, with about as many different churches as Phoenix.  Many people believe in God, but just not in the right way!  Well, I have a few more letters to write.  I love you!

Love, Elder Hamblin

September 24, 2012

Nathan Burk is just about the luckiest kid in the entire world. The WKM is the best mission in the world! (Tell Dad, Uncle Scott, and everyone else that their missions are nearly as great as this one is!) An sorry to say, but I am NOT in Washington right now; Oregon is the place for me! I won't tell you quite yet where I am serving, I'll leave that for the letter. The town's nick-name though is "Muddy-Frog Water," and there are not even any frogs around here! What the heck!!! It is a nice community about the size of Round Valley with lots of apples, cherries, grapes. There has been a fire somewhere around here because it is very smokey (a lot like Round Valley was last year). I just take it for the baptism by fire for this little town now that I have arrived!

 

Anyway, my trainer is Elder Trevor Olsen from Aroura, CO, and he is doing a pretty amazing job considering who he has to train! Everytime we go up to a door, I about sh...crap my pants. (I really knew what I was saying, I was just making sure that you are still reading.) I think that everyone here is religious somewhat, and so they like to listen to us so they can try to rally us up, but most of them are nice about it. So Elder Olsen and I came up with a plan. We are going to hold a Bible Study and hope to teach people that we believe in the Bible too... just not as "fully" as the Book of Mormon.\

 

It is very unusual for there to be 25 missionaries and 3 sisters coming to a mission, but we do what we can. It was pretty awesome because the plave was the size of a bus and so just about everyone in it was a missionary!

 

You better tell me where everyone is going! Cade should get his call any day now, and I pray extra hard for the WKM to pop up in his call. He would love it up here. Anytime anyone recieves their call let me know. Also I need to know who the Elks(both Varsity and 8th grade) are playing! Losing to Window Rock 42-0 would be way worse than losing to Blue Ridge. It just would.

 

My letters this week will probably be to the whole family because I don't have as much time today. Sorry about that. Did you send those letters to Elder Lopez? He could really use some (except the house he's staying at is a mansion with a bowling alley, indoor/outdoor pool, ...). Well there will be more to come this week and lots of work to do! Love you lots!

 

 

P.S. Tell Elder Burk that WKM really stands for "We Know Miracles."

 

P.P.S. Tell Dad that those names were wrong for Pres. Greer's father. His name is either Dare Slade or Menlo Greer. Pres. Greer would really love to know!

9/17/12

Sorry that my last e-mail didn't make it to you, but I really did send one ... or deleted it ... oops. And sorry I can't send more photos. It will only let me send 25 MB, and these are "big" pictures. Honestly I really only took one other picture. It is a pretty funny one of Elder Shuman, but looks like you are going to have to wait for awhile to get that one!

There was nothing in my last e-mail that was really important anyway. Just some stuff that I can't even remember, so you didn't miss too much.

Today is my last day at the MTC, and I can't wait to get to Washington tomorrow! Maybe I will take some more pictures there... probably not. I just never think to take pictures, and when I do my camera is broken! I have to turn it off and on 3-10 times before it starts to work again.

Changing subjects, I don't think I answered any of your questions in my letter. (I haven't had much time today, packing all day.) My Lithuanian roommates are doing just fine. They are just upset that they were here before us, and we are still leaving before them! They are here for 9 weeks total, and still have 2 to go, so I feel sorry for them. My district is going pretty good, we have been getting pretty laxidazical (a Mr. Ditmore word) in our studies. We are just so excited to leave to our missions! I have been to get them to study and focus on their missions, but with no avail. It seems that I am not the leader that you thought I could be. I just don't have the guts to correct nor the charity to do it with love. I feel sorry for every church leader that has ever served. But it has been a blast! I love all of those missionaries. It is too bad I will never see half of them again. (They are going to the Salt Lake City West Mission.)

Well, I can't think of anything else to write! I hope my "smile" is good enough for a plaque! I don't know if you have already chosen a scripture, but if you haven't I have one marked in the scriptures I left there (the big brown ones). But if you already have a scripture than that is fine! DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT!It's in 3 Nephi, but I can't remember the chapter, but it is after Christ came (not the one in chapter 5). Christ is talking and blessing the Apostles. You'll know it because it has half of the verse marked and then the whole next verse (in blue and in pencil). Just use the marked part. OR use Ether 6:3. That is part of my favorite story. Which ever you chose is fine, but you pick. Again, if you already have a scripture, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT.

Love,
Elder Hamblin

9/10/12

Dear Mom and Dad
Yes, even on my mission I am still sucking up! I am grateful that you keep praying for me and I am grateful for everyone else in our town!  It's pretty much the greatest place in the world.

Everything here is going good.  Just getting ready to head out on the 18th!  I am starting to get N-E-R-V-O-U-S! But also very excited.  we have been teaching a lot, so I feel scared to death because i have no time to study.  Even when I do have time, they make us do something else!

I have been pondering the Economy of Heaven;  this too has meaning concerning "The Word" and "preaching" the word.  A teacher here at the MTC explained the Economy this way; "The more we focus on others, the more we learn about ourselves".  This principle is not only applied into preaching "the Word", but, I would argue, more importantly studying the Word.  For it is easy to study for oneself and salvation and to bring ones own soul to God (D&C 18:15).  But how can we preach without the knowledge of ones needs?  We must follow the admonition of Paul to the Philippians.  Paul says that he can do all things because he knows them.  He can preach to the needs of others because he has been instructed to know them (Phil. 4:11-14).  How did Alma preach? To the needs of the people (Alma 32).  How did he teach these things?  He had known the things he taught.  Elder Kopischke said "We can only teach the things we know" So, how can we teach the word to the people if we know not the needs of those we teach? How did the righteous Nephite armies defeat the enemies that are the Lamanites?  They knew their enemy.  Many references for this, I most recently found one one in Mosiah 10:7, Helaman 6:37, notice where the preaching starts, "Among the more wicked part of them" the Lamanites had been these more wicked parts, henceforth they could teach to their needs.  If you keep reading (As I know you have) the Nephites began to become totally overrun by this wickedness because they used to be righteous.  Both God and Satan start where they know they can hit you the most. 

So how does this fit into the Economy of Heaven?  The more each of these examples knew the needs of whom they teach, the more they could study out their plans in their minds.  This planning lead to further "self revelation" and helped these brethren grow.  Look at Alma the elder.  First a priest so he knew the needs of others.  Next in preparation to be a Prophet, studying for those needs of others.  Finally Alma was a Prophet of God, Fulfilling his needs through serving others.  I hope my words and thoughts shed new light.

I close and express my thanks and let you know how much I love you.  I think I can do this no better than Christ and His words.  John 5:19-20.  Thank you.

Love,
Elder Hamblin

A couple of letters that were mailed home to update everyone.

Dear Family,
Yes I made it to the MTC...no NOT DENVER (com'mon Mom).  I am just writing you to let you know I am here and I am safe.  Ya'll know me, and i wouldn't write unless I had to...And I have to.  Our Branch Pres. Whetter told us we needed to.  I am slow in writing and Elder Shuman & I need to do companion prayer and reading.  Sorry this is so short (as MANY of my letters will be!)

Elder Rex Hamblin
P.S. I was asked to be the District Leader.  I said no :)
PPS OK...I said I would do it.
PPPS  I will leave for Kennewick on the 18th of September


9/3/12
Dear Family,
Ya'll know that I'm not very good at writing, and I never write very much But I am REALLY bored waiting for laundry, so this is like my 3rd, 4th...88th choice.  Just Kidding.  I know I have to write Shippa.  Wait, the $10 is not for Rat, but it is for my Fast Offerings.  (They asked us to give it, but never told us how or where, so please give it to Bishop Gleave.)
Things have been going very well here at the MTC.  I can't remember if I told you who my companion is.  His name is Elder Shuman, originally from Florida, Then moved to Ogden 2 years ago.  Elder Shuman & I are sharing a room with 3 Elders going to Luthiuania.  There are a total of 23 Luthiuanian Active-Missionaries in the entire world, including them! The crazy thing is that Uyrenysis (Elder in Luthuanian) Morgan roomed with Chantz Davis at BYU! (But he is a HUGE Utah fan...?)
Like I already said, everything here at the MTC is going great.  We have been holding class twice a day in 3 hour blocks.  Its a little long, and it's hard to keep focus, but I think it will all come eventually.  We have been learning how to study and how to plan to study.  It has been REALLY helpful when we have been "teaching" investigators.  Everything else has been awesome!
I haven't had much time to study for the investigators, though.  I have had to do a lot as a District Leader and most of my personal study and additional study time has been focused on that (and we get like 2-3 hours a day for personal study time).  This week shouldn't be as bad because I have read most of the stuff I needed to for that.
Well, how's everything in Round Valley?  How is that dominant 8th grade football team fairing?  What about the Varsity?  What news is there from the Hamblin world? Let me know!
Sincerely, Elder Rex Hamblin
PS Getting mail really isn't as exciting as all the RM's make it out to be.

Yay! New post from Elder Hamblin!!1

Here it is:

Hey Mom,

 

Well, everything is going great here! And no I didn't end up in Texas. I wrote you two letters where I go into further detail, but you must have not recieved those yet. I only get 30 minutes on the computers for e-mail, and so this is going to be pretty short. First off, I haven't taken any pictures and I don't think that I will be able to send you them anyway. I have no idea how to download those pictures onto the computer without a USB cord. I don't think I remembered to bring one, so could you look around for one that looks like it came with my camera? I think one came with the case I bought, but I don't remember seeing one.

 

So tell me how the games went this week! That is the only thing (besides your e-mail) that I was looking forward to on my P-day, and now I will have to wait until next week for any news whatsoever! That's alright I guess. It doesn't really matter. It just matters.

Everything here has been great so far. The food is good, no open showers, and yes I love being an Elder. I think the best experience so far has been the overall experience. I am just enjoying life and everything that the MTC has to offer. As I wrote in one of my letters, I was ask to be the district leader. It has been a good experience, but I don't think that I am doing that well. I have been asked to do many things and I see so many things in my district that I need to reprove, but you know how shy I am. It has been really hard for me to get everyone together and "lay down the law." I just hope that I can do better than I have been doing. I have also had a hard time concentrating; there is so much that they expect us to know, but I have had a hard time keeping up with it all. BUT it is the hardest/best/mental/easiest challenge that I have ever been given and, like Mc-D's would say, "I'm lovin' it!"

 

I hope that everything is going great!

 

Elder Hamblin

 

P.S. I can only e-mail my family, so tell everyone else "NO WAY JOSE!" Thank you.

 

P.P.S. The quickest and easiest way to reach me is through "DearElder.com" or .net. I can't remember. I don't know if it costs anything, but anyone can send me mail on it. They will e-mail me the note, and print it out and I will get it in the mail the same day. 1 minute left. LOVE YA'LL!

Customize a photo album

Good Bye Elder Hamblin

Whew!  Rex left on Wednesday morning.  His flight was scheduled to leave at 6:15, but when we arrived at the airport in Show Low, the flight had been cancelled.  So Rex called the number the Church gave him and they told him to let the airline reschedule his flight.  The next flight was at 1:15, so we came back home, did a few chores, and then went back to Show Low.

This time we were ready.  Rex has never flown before, or gone through airport security.  I think he didn't quite know what to expect, but he handled it like a pro and didn't even seem very nervous.  We were so proud of him.

The airline put him on a connecting flight once he got to Phoenix.  He was supposed to fly from Phoenix to Salt Lake, however, the airline put him on a flight from Phoenix to Denver.  I haven't heard Rex's side of things or how he actually made it to Salt Lake, but I'm guessing he is a pretty big grown up now and can make it in this life without his mom.  He made it, Aunt Julie was there to pick him up and take him to the MTC, and he FINALLY arrived, worn and frazzled, at about 8:30 that night.  That was a LONG day for him and I'm sure he was exhausted!

Julie sent me this picture on Wednesday night, just before she took him into the MTC.  He looks tired, but happy.  Since the planes were so messed up and they could see that he had had a day, they let Julie take him in and say good-bye.

Looking forward to all his letters and pictures that I will post here.

Farewell

Rex is amazing! Have I said that before?  He gave his Farewell yesterday and sounded like a Returning Missionary instead of one just going out!  He talked about the Atonement and hit the nail on the head.  Such a big topic, but he did wonderful.

Today he packed.  He has his suit, tie, suspenders :), and shirt all ready for Wednesday morning.  Tomorrow night at 6:00 he gets set apart as a full time missionary.  These are exciting times for sure.

Mandy just submitted her papers today.  Two missionaries at the same time?!  I guess a couple of weeks and we will know where she is going.  Any guess?  Guess now!!!  She is really hoping to go foreign , not mom.

Final ride with Kristen!  Everything's going to be different now.  It's all good!

4 Days till Wednesday

Rex leaves on his Mission to Kennewick, Washington on Wednesday.  We will post all of his letters and emails here.