Letter 5/20/13

Dear Family,
Life has been such a roller coaster this past transfer!  it's ups and down then it ends all before you can truly enjoy the ride.  Sometimes you scream with excitement, other times you scream for terror, and then there are those times when your stomach just can't seem to hold itself.  When the ride comes to a halt, you realize that you have been screaming (and hopefully not up-chucking) on the person right next to you, your companion.  I have been so blessed by the Lord to never have a "bad" companion, and Elder Wilmott is no different.  He is older, but has such a love for the gospel that i wish one day I can obtain.

Anyway, the week was wonderful.  I had an exchange in The Dalles on Monday and Tuesday with Elder Peterson from the sunny state of California, Los Angeles in particular.  He is our Zone Leader here in The Dalles Zone and has had such a marvelous influence over every missionary here.  (As a side note, my "father" Elder Olsen is coming to The Dalles to serve as a Zone Leader with him.  Too bad I won't be here!)  Anyway, after P-day we went out and knocked some doors.  Elder Peterson is quick with words and wiht the Spirit; we found 3 new investigators in 3 hours!  It was a miracle.

Then Elder Wilmott and I went back to work in our area.  Despite our best efforts we have seen quite a sudden drop in the work here over the past few weeks.  It has been a unique challenge, but one that was needed.  We were able to learn much about each other and how to keep motivated while we see something fail.  BUT when it all came down to it, we figured out the solution.

As a missionary, we have a purpose; This "statement" can be found on pg. 1 of Preach My Gospel.  Not only is this a mission statement, no pun intended,  but also a profound expression of love once we truly encompass this into our lives.  Quite simply it is how the Doctrine of Christ meets the action necessary in order for us to show our love for people.  Once we learn why we love, the how becomes easy.

Anyway, these are some of my thoughts this week.  I sign out from White Salmon/Stevenson.  A literal home away from home.

Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin