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
The Best Two Years
Friday, 28 September 2012
Monday, 24 September 2012
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."
Monday, 17 September 2012
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
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
Sunday, 16 September 2012
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
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
Saturday, 8 September 2012
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.
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.
Monday, 3 September 2012
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!
Sunday, 2 September 2012
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.
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.
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