Letters

10/28/13 

 Dear Family, 

 I am currently in traffic, so if my handwriting goes bad, I am sorry. I hope what I ahve to write today will be of some use to you. Or at least enjoyable to you!

 I will begin with a story of one of our investigators of whom I have been telling you about, Jacklyn. We had two appointments set up with her this week, but she was sick for the 1st one. Our other appointment was set for Friday night at the church. Fridays are always busy, and due to several fortunate events, we ended up arriving a few minutes late. When we arrived with our member who came with us as fellowship, we found the building open (as the ward was setting up for the ward party the following evening). We found Jacklyn in the building, writing on the Relief Society chalkboard. She greeted us with a big smile, telling us she had already introduced herself to everyone setting up. When we all got settled in and started talking, Elder Olsen and I looked up at the board to see what she was writing. She drew out the ENTIRE Plan of Happiness; that is what we had planned to teach her! She began to describe to us what was to happen in each "phase" of His plan, and why it was so important. To me, this is proof of the charge that the Lord will hasten his work. 

 As a leader I get to see many missionaries on a personal level. How prepared are many of these young men and women! We are witnessing miracles on a much more personal level YET at a grander scale. I hope that each of you will do all you can to assist in the work! 

 Love you all!

 Love Elder Hamblin 

 11/4/13 

Dear Family,

 This past week has been particularly good, not only because we have seen the last Halloween of my mission, but because i was able to see the happy power of families. Those who have not quite recognized the sustaining power we feel and obtain only through families. Elder Perry stated a conference or two ago that the happiest we can be in this life WILL be found in a family unit bound by a legal marriage. Being sealed forever only adds to the happiness we are able to feel. There, I think I have exhausted that point! I was just overjoyed to see all the families out and about. This experience has been the source of my contemplations this week; how much the family plays an intricate role in our lives. Whether our family experiences have been good or bad, we learn MOST from the family setting. We learn what leads to unhappiness and what leads to happiness (even though other's vision may sometimes be obscured, and (in most cases) accountability in some degree, some lessons may be planned, others may be impromptu. What we learn in and from our families determines who we are and what we do. If we look deep enough, we can always find SOMETHING that relates back to our family life! 

 As I was pondering this relation between families, us, and God, my mind was turned (oddly enough) to revelation and reverence. As I saw these families on Halloween night and pondered what I saw, I realize that the parents who took their children out had the "Revelation" of Quality, wholesome recreational activities and their effect on the children. They, the parents, had the "reverence" to show their fellow Portlandians their family pride. Wow, I just re-read back through all of that and realized that it makes no sense. I'm sorry that you have to read all of that, but I am just exhausted! 

 Well, I love you all and hope you have a good night! (oops...I meant week!) 

 Love, Elder Hamblin