The Best Two Years
Monday, 28 January 2013
Email 1/28/13
Well things this week have been crazy! I got transfered to probably
the most beautiful area in the entire United States, right in the heart
of the Columbia Gorge. We are literally a stone's throw away from the
Columbia River. Everyday is kind of crazy with the constantly changing
weather, but it is still beautiful just the same. I love my new
companion Elder Gayler, he is a transfer less than me, but he is willing
to do anything (basically the mission equivelant to the younger
cousins...)! I have so much to tell you, with no time at all! Elder Burk
is in my district...which happens to be the youngest district in the
mission. Combined we have a total of 11 months, 7 transfers, and four
areas. I am pretty sure that every missionary in the zone has more
experience than that! I have been out for 5 months, Elder Gayler 3,
Elder Heldt 3, and Elder Burk 0. It is going to be a blast!
Well it sounds like the flu bug is much worse this year (especially
since no one has the actual flu!) I hope that everyone gets to feeling
better real soon. I will write more in my letter! Promise!
Love,
Elder Hamblin
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Letter 1/21/13
Dear family,
Another week gone by in the life of a missionary. Many events have transpired over the past week and I am trying to catch up with everything that has happened. We have planned a baptism (without the help of the ward mission lead...he is sick), went on exchanges with the zone leaders and prepared for Elder Bergen's flight home. I just cannot believe that everything is flying by so quickly. It feels like I just got to the field yesterday.
As I have mentioned, our first priority was the baptism. I think I have told you just about everything there is to know about the woman we baptized. Her main concern, as it should be, was whether of not this was something that God wanted her to do. As I have studied, fasted and prayed for her to receive her answer I have learned much for myself. I think that we do many things in our life, good and bad, out of devotion to others. We justify all that we do by saying it is coming closer to God, but our desires show us otherwise. She did not want to do anything without professing to herself that this is what God would like her to do.
Once she knew where her true devotion lie, she put herself on date. All she needed was the convincing of herself. Her baptism was well attended by the members of the ward, but not by the people we would have liked to see there. Everything was wonderful. All else throughout the week was slow of missionary work but quick to pass.
I knew with Elder Bergen going home I would be receiving a new companion. I never thought that I too was going to be taken from this wonderful area of Milton-Freewater. I hope I have been able to leave it better than I found it because it has left me better that it found me. I have learned from the main experiences that I have been through here, whether they be good or bad. I have learned from the various types of people found here. I love them all!
As I may have mentioned previously, our mission is expected to increase from 190 missionaries to approximately 250. With the age change many of the will be much younger, thereby more "green" than they ever have. In anticipation for all the new missionaries, the MTC has lowered the time for all missionaries. Because they will not be as prepared in the lessons as they previously have been, we, as a mission have mastered the 42 basic principles found in Preach My Gospel.
President Greer has asked that we outline our studies and "unpack" the principles for the people we have been teaching. We find the main points, look for scriptures to back them up, and think of inspired questions to ask. Will we teach every point or use every scripture? No, but we will be much more prepared, for we will "treasure up the words of life".
I love you all!
Elder Rex Hamblin
Another week gone by in the life of a missionary. Many events have transpired over the past week and I am trying to catch up with everything that has happened. We have planned a baptism (without the help of the ward mission lead...he is sick), went on exchanges with the zone leaders and prepared for Elder Bergen's flight home. I just cannot believe that everything is flying by so quickly. It feels like I just got to the field yesterday.
As I have mentioned, our first priority was the baptism. I think I have told you just about everything there is to know about the woman we baptized. Her main concern, as it should be, was whether of not this was something that God wanted her to do. As I have studied, fasted and prayed for her to receive her answer I have learned much for myself. I think that we do many things in our life, good and bad, out of devotion to others. We justify all that we do by saying it is coming closer to God, but our desires show us otherwise. She did not want to do anything without professing to herself that this is what God would like her to do.
Once she knew where her true devotion lie, she put herself on date. All she needed was the convincing of herself. Her baptism was well attended by the members of the ward, but not by the people we would have liked to see there. Everything was wonderful. All else throughout the week was slow of missionary work but quick to pass.
I knew with Elder Bergen going home I would be receiving a new companion. I never thought that I too was going to be taken from this wonderful area of Milton-Freewater. I hope I have been able to leave it better than I found it because it has left me better that it found me. I have learned from the main experiences that I have been through here, whether they be good or bad. I have learned from the various types of people found here. I love them all!
As I may have mentioned previously, our mission is expected to increase from 190 missionaries to approximately 250. With the age change many of the will be much younger, thereby more "green" than they ever have. In anticipation for all the new missionaries, the MTC has lowered the time for all missionaries. Because they will not be as prepared in the lessons as they previously have been, we, as a mission have mastered the 42 basic principles found in Preach My Gospel.
President Greer has asked that we outline our studies and "unpack" the principles for the people we have been teaching. We find the main points, look for scriptures to back them up, and think of inspired questions to ask. Will we teach every point or use every scripture? No, but we will be much more prepared, for we will "treasure up the words of life".
I love you all!
Elder Rex Hamblin
Monday, 21 January 2013
Email 1/21/13
Well, at least she will actually fit in with everyone else...just
don't tell her that I said that! She will make an amazing missionary,
just as all the missionaries from the Round Valley area will. She will
have to last 8 weeks in the MTC though! (At least they shortened the
time, before she would have been in the MTC for 12 weeks!)
Yep, so it looks like I made it to a computer! We have transfers
coming up this week, and because my companion is going home, I have to
stay with the Walla Walla Elders for a few days. Then I, myself, am
going to get transferred to White Salmon/Stevenson wards (somewhere
close to The Dalles). They are putting two new Elders into
Milton-Freewater. At least we got to baptize one person before we left! I
will write more about the baptism in my letter. I think that my new
companion has been out a transfer less than me, so this is going to be
very interesting!
Tell Rat to stop kissing all the girls in the school (or to stop
faking it ;). He will be fine, much more of a suave cassanova than his
older brother was!
Well, I think that is it for now, if i think of anything else I will try to remember to put it in my letter!
Love,
Elder Hamblin
Friday, 18 January 2013
Letter 1/14/13
Dear Family,
Again another week flies by, and again I write you my weekly epistle. My memory is very elusive, and details are often shaded into a fog of a distant memory. What comes to mind is the usual, standard, and basic workings of the week, and monatany ensues. (Shippa, if you haven't noticed, I am just trying to keep up to your scholarly ambiance.)
But, this week our mission has completely changed its focus. We are still focusing on the main doctrines of the Gospel, but we are shifting our MAIN focus on the "Principles and ordinances of the Gospel" (Articles of Faith 1:4). The main principles of the Gospel are found within THE Doctrine of Christ as missionaries, though, we teach people the 42 basic principles of the Gospel to help them advance in the Doctrine of Christ. WE: Teach them to build FAITH; Invite them to REPENT; lead them into ordinances such as BAPTISM and CONFIRMATION; and encourage them to ENDURE on the path which leads to Eternal life. (These 42 principles are found within the 3rd chapter of "Preach My Gospel").
In reaction to this newfound focus, President Greer has asked that we transform our personal and companionship studies. We first read the principle in PMG and take out the main points contained within it. Then we think of inspired questions that we can ask during our lesson with invistigators. We find scriptures to back up claim and teaching. Finally we come up with concerns or analogies we think the investigator will ask. As the new "study program" begins, there are many advantages. WE begin to prepare ourselves to train the new missionaries coming out and we, in turn, grow further ourselves.
I know you probably would like an "awesome story, or something "Epic", but I really won't think of these things until about a month later. I try to write them in my journal, but it is much worse than the letters I send. I do write every night, but it is more full of thoughts and impressions rather than actual, daily content. I I know I will want to remember everything that happened, but when I try to write it all down it sounds very mundane. I will try to have more next week!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin
Again another week flies by, and again I write you my weekly epistle. My memory is very elusive, and details are often shaded into a fog of a distant memory. What comes to mind is the usual, standard, and basic workings of the week, and monatany ensues. (Shippa, if you haven't noticed, I am just trying to keep up to your scholarly ambiance.)
But, this week our mission has completely changed its focus. We are still focusing on the main doctrines of the Gospel, but we are shifting our MAIN focus on the "Principles and ordinances of the Gospel" (Articles of Faith 1:4). The main principles of the Gospel are found within THE Doctrine of Christ as missionaries, though, we teach people the 42 basic principles of the Gospel to help them advance in the Doctrine of Christ. WE: Teach them to build FAITH; Invite them to REPENT; lead them into ordinances such as BAPTISM and CONFIRMATION; and encourage them to ENDURE on the path which leads to Eternal life. (These 42 principles are found within the 3rd chapter of "Preach My Gospel").
In reaction to this newfound focus, President Greer has asked that we transform our personal and companionship studies. We first read the principle in PMG and take out the main points contained within it. Then we think of inspired questions that we can ask during our lesson with invistigators. We find scriptures to back up claim and teaching. Finally we come up with concerns or analogies we think the investigator will ask. As the new "study program" begins, there are many advantages. WE begin to prepare ourselves to train the new missionaries coming out and we, in turn, grow further ourselves.
I know you probably would like an "awesome story, or something "Epic", but I really won't think of these things until about a month later. I try to write them in my journal, but it is much worse than the letters I send. I do write every night, but it is more full of thoughts and impressions rather than actual, daily content. I I know I will want to remember everything that happened, but when I try to write it all down it sounds very mundane. I will try to have more next week!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Letter 1/07/13
Dear Family,
This week will, once again, be short. I have really got to start these letters earlier in the day. But Basketball is to much fun! (Not saying that I am putting Basketball before you guys, but I just realized how selfish that statement was!) The Holidays have officially come to a close; decorations are put away and the car dealerships' deals have ended. We have been tracting a lot and are beginning to see a lot of success. Our numbers have fallen, and investigators have dropped us, but we are finding more potentials daily.
The other night we only had a couple of minutes between an appointment and helping a less-active, so we decided to put on our battle gear...and knock on some doors. We normally don't find people who won't slam their doors in our faces, but that night every door was very open! We were able to get a referral for the Spanish Elders and found another solid potential investigator!
Then last night, we were able to put our most solid investigator on date for the 19th of this month. Previously she had been baptized in another church, but we were able to let her feel the Spirit prompting her that this is what she needs to do! they have been working with her since August, and she finally committed. Please pray for her!
I love you all!!!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin
This week will, once again, be short. I have really got to start these letters earlier in the day. But Basketball is to much fun! (Not saying that I am putting Basketball before you guys, but I just realized how selfish that statement was!) The Holidays have officially come to a close; decorations are put away and the car dealerships' deals have ended. We have been tracting a lot and are beginning to see a lot of success. Our numbers have fallen, and investigators have dropped us, but we are finding more potentials daily.
The other night we only had a couple of minutes between an appointment and helping a less-active, so we decided to put on our battle gear...and knock on some doors. We normally don't find people who won't slam their doors in our faces, but that night every door was very open! We were able to get a referral for the Spanish Elders and found another solid potential investigator!
Then last night, we were able to put our most solid investigator on date for the 19th of this month. Previously she had been baptized in another church, but we were able to let her feel the Spirit prompting her that this is what she needs to do! they have been working with her since August, and she finally committed. Please pray for her!
I love you all!!!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin
Email 1/14/13
O.K. Brandon can speak espanol. That is much more believable. I
don't have a lot of time, so I will try to fit more in my letter. Riann
looks beautiful! I have some very pretty sisters. I hope that Granny
continues to get better, I pray for her daily!
Rat will get a lot better at basketball...Dad is his teacher. Speaking of Dad,
tell him to go to Uncle Scott, Dad should listen to him! And I only told
Sis. Hamblin to e-mail me because P-days are too precious. She needs
the time, and doesn't need to waste it writing me. She needs the time
elsewhere. I am fine with a weekly e-mail.
Well, we have a baptism coming up on Saturday! I am super excited
because she is finally going through with it! Everything else is flying
by, and so it seeems like I just e-mailed you! Man, where is the time
going?
OH yeah, I bought a "new" suit. We went thrifting and I got a suit that is a perfect fit for $4! It is awesome!
Love,
Elder Hamblin
Monday, 7 January 2013
Email 01/07/13
Devon can't speak Spanish, so this is going to be really
interesting! Plus, he will probably be the biggest thing that most of
those people will ever see, but he will be a great missionary. He is a
great friend. I know that being on a mission in Oregon has helped me
more than I could ever know, and I know that he will serve well and hard
in what ever part of the world he is in!
Well, I am glad that you are keeping me updated on Granny. I know
that she needs the prayers and I hope that she will continue to get
better everyday. I just want to know the news that is going on and the
emotions that everyone is feeling. It helps me realize how people around
here are doing and what they are going through...everyday life. If I
did not get these updates from you or from the family, I would become
less aware of how everyone else feels. I am not the only one that has a
best friend(s) that is about to embark on the greatest journey of his
life (thus far). I am not the only one with a ailing grandmother. I must
go to where the people are so that I may be able to help them see that
Christ is there for them...thick and thin. So, the point of this
mini-tirade is that updates are always a good thing.
Transfers will be the 23rd, but I will most likely be staying. This
is Elder Bergen's last transfer here, so I will stay and cultivate the
area.
We finally put someone on date...that is solid! They have been
working with her since before I even entered into the MTC and she
finally decided to be baptized on the 19th!
Well I have to email Mandy, so hasta...
Love,
Elder Hamblin
Sunday, 6 January 2013
Letter 12/31/12
Dear family,
The year is now at an end, our lives have changed as our chosen paths have brought us to somewhere new. I remember last year spending New Years Eve with the family watching the New York ball drop(or at least tried) . This year I am here in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, prepping to go to bed early. (We have to be in by 6:30, so early bed time!! Many moons have passed. And have been good. "The year is going; let him go. Ring out the false;ring in the true" (hymn 215). May we look upon this year with the counsel from this hymn, and look forward with hope!
It was great to see all of your faces again! I didn't realize how much I was missing until I saw all you guys. It was like coming into a warm house and realizing how cold you are. I know I was excited , but I sometimes don't know how to show good expression. I think that was THE highlight of the week. Not much else happened. We did quite a bit of tracting and got a lot of return appointments, but I love it here. Most of the people are nice and willing to talk with us. I can definitely see how the field is "white and ready to harvest".
W had a miracle this month as a mission. This year we set a goal as a mission to baptize 624 people into the church. At the time of the Elder Pieper conference we had 424 baptisms. Elder Pieper challenged us to buckle down and get to work. We did so and baptized 54 people, 8 more than any month this far. In December we had a special fast to find teach and baptize the elect. We worked our hardest, but failed to get a baptism in Milton-Freewater, but as a mission this month we baptized 81people. That is almost 20 more than President and Sister Greer have ever seen since they have been here! We fell short of our goal, but have been inspired to push the momentum into the new year!
Sorry this is short, but I have a lot to write. I love you all!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
The year is now at an end, our lives have changed as our chosen paths have brought us to somewhere new. I remember last year spending New Years Eve with the family watching the New York ball drop(or at least tried) . This year I am here in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, prepping to go to bed early. (We have to be in by 6:30, so early bed time!! Many moons have passed. And have been good. "The year is going; let him go. Ring out the false;ring in the true" (hymn 215). May we look upon this year with the counsel from this hymn, and look forward with hope!
It was great to see all of your faces again! I didn't realize how much I was missing until I saw all you guys. It was like coming into a warm house and realizing how cold you are. I know I was excited , but I sometimes don't know how to show good expression. I think that was THE highlight of the week. Not much else happened. We did quite a bit of tracting and got a lot of return appointments, but I love it here. Most of the people are nice and willing to talk with us. I can definitely see how the field is "white and ready to harvest".
W had a miracle this month as a mission. This year we set a goal as a mission to baptize 624 people into the church. At the time of the Elder Pieper conference we had 424 baptisms. Elder Pieper challenged us to buckle down and get to work. We did so and baptized 54 people, 8 more than any month this far. In December we had a special fast to find teach and baptize the elect. We worked our hardest, but failed to get a baptism in Milton-Freewater, but as a mission this month we baptized 81people. That is almost 20 more than President and Sister Greer have ever seen since they have been here! We fell short of our goal, but have been inspired to push the momentum into the new year!
Sorry this is short, but I have a lot to write. I love you all!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
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