Well, where has the week gone? This is crazy and life just needs to slow down, but I do enjoy all that is going on in the world. Well, at least the world of Longview, WA. People are just people and as hilarious and funny as ever. Did I ever tell you that Longview is the meth capitol of the US? It has a major port and so many of the oversea drugs come through here and almost everyone thinks that they are a scientist and can make their own "stuff." I mean this in the nicest way possible, but we were talking to a member of the ward and they describe it something like this: "I am pretty sure that Longview and Kelso put the tooth fairy out of business, nobody has any teeth!" which, for the most part, is true. I know that it sounds a bit "sketchy, but it is great. We are able to find some people who are sincere about changing their lives and want better for themselves. Everyone wants to change so much but they feel like they are content where they are at. If they only knew! I just wish I could take away their agency just enough for the to accept the gospel, but then I guess I would be just like Satan. I often feel like Alma right before he goes to the apostate Zoramites. He not only loves and prays for those he is going to labor with, but also those he is going to labor for. I think Alma's supplication in Alma 31 is a perfect example of how I feel about the people here. I know that they know better.
"Preach My Gospel" tells us that every single, solitary person we meet at the door or talk with on the street know some gospel principle. How could they not? They have already learned the plan and chose to come here. Our job as missionaries and as members is to find what they KNOW and then teach them the rest. I find this to be an exciting challenge that requires the Spirit to be closely associated with our inner feelings. We must act on what we feel and see what God has in store.
Well, enough of my rambling. I am leaving the wonderful Longview 3rd ward. I always tell myself that I could never love a ward or an area as much as my last, but I have proven myself wrong again. I love this ward, the people of Longview, and my companion Elder Ewell. We have had way too much fun together, but we have also set forth to have spiritual experiences everyday. I think that this has brought us closer than ever before. But, I do find solace in my next area. I will be serving in the Alameda Ward in Portland. That, I guess, might not be too exciting, but the next part is. I am going to kill my dad! I know this sounds weird, but do you remember my trainer, Elder Olsen? Well, he is serving down in Portland right now and I get to be with him for his last transfer. I am very excited. I love that man!
Well, I love you all!
Love,
Elder Hamblin
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