Email 7/28/14

Well hello there everyone! This week has been full of ups and downs, but you now sometimes the ups out number the downs. Everything here in Gresham is going great! Elder Twitchell and I have been adjusting to the two new Elders in our apartment, Elder Santo and Elder Smith. They are wonderful missionaries full of energy and love to work with people. They have come home every night now with a new story to tell or a new burn to show;) I think that this will be a wonderful transfer.

The summer heat is here in Oregon and we are seeing many new people open up. Last night I was reading through one of my old journals and I found a quote that I had put in there from good ol' Dad; he said: "People don't view the world as it is but rather as they perceive it to be." It seems that  when the summer is here, people here in the great NW seem to soak deep in the rays of the sun helping them feel better. This in turns helps them see the world a little different, a little better. I love to talk to people that are already happy, they just seem to be more receptive. Sorry I don't have too much more to say than that. I love you all and hope that you are all doing well!

Love,

Elder Hamblin 

Email 7/21/14

Well hello there! This past week was a little slower than many of the previous ones, but I still had a ball with Elder Twitchell. We got our transfer news this past week, Elder Twitchell and I will be staying together (thank goodness) but unfortunately Elder Burk and his companion, Elder Goldman, are being transferred. That is too bad because I thought that I would be able to finish my mission with a great childhood friend, but God doesn't do random so I think that it will be for the best. We are getting two new Elders in are area, and I don't know either one of them very well. It is a little sad to see everyone move on and try and get to know everyone coming in. Frustrating, but fun. 

Other than the transfer news there hasn't been a whole lot of excitement. Many of our investigators have been going through many trails and have not been able to meet with us. It is a sad sight to see what many of the people have to go through. I know that each and every trial that we have was designed for each individual personality, but I am grateful that I do not have to go through what many of these people struggle with. I hope and pray that we have taught these people enough and allowed them to feel the Spirit enough to help them see that the gospel is the answer. It scares me to death to think that I may have neglected my duty somewhere and these people will not be able at this time to be comforted by the gospel which brings so much hope to we who have it. I know that these people will accept the gospel eventually, but I in my mortal minds want to force it on them now! However I realize that it might be extremely counterproductive considering all the other trials they are being put through. One trail at a time. One focus at a time. We are here simply to motivate and provide another option.

I love you all and hope that you have a great week (especially you Ship:)!

Love,

Elder Hamblin

Email7/14/14

Well hello there! Things here in Gresham are just as good as ever. We are having more fun than a scout in the middle of a knife throwing competition. Fun. Elder Twitchell is the man, he is pretty blunt, but it is fun to be with him nonetheless. He is a very simple and clear teacher of the gospel, which makes him very harmonious to work with. The people here in Gresham simply need simplicity in their lives and Elder Twitchell is the right man for the job. I love serving with the guy.

This week was above normal. President Taylor has asked us to focus a little more on the sheep here in our pastures who were once a part of this fold but now find themselves apart from us. We have been focusing our efforts around this inspiration and have seen quite a few miracles already unfold from our obedience. Many of the less-active members that I have attempted to contact in the past were simply unwilling to meet with us and change their ways. A simple invite into their homes was almost never extended as we would stand at the door and talk. This past week, however, an open-door policy has seemed to rest in the hearts of those we were set out to find. Many have invited us back and were ever kind to us. Now we will have to wait and see what will happen to these future faithful members.

Other than that we have been doing well. The great NW is a great place to be this time of year--there are many fresh berries along the roadsides and just as many people out and about to talk to! I love you all and hope that you have a fantastic week!

Love,

Elder Hamblin

7/07/14

Well Hello there! This week was alright. It definitely didn't feel like the build-up to the 4th of July, there just weren't that many people that had the flag up in their yard, no one was talking about it, and (of course) there was no lining up of chairs on the main street for a small town parade. Just not the same, however it was still fun. On the 4th the stake put on a breakfast and had a flag raising. It was good to see that the members of the Church know what is means to be patriotic! That evening we went with some members to a BBQ and some fireworks. Just a normal day other than that. My birthday was fun; the Elders here took care of me pretty well. They bought me a cake and some funky glasses and sang me "Happy Birthday." Then they told one of our investigators (who is very well known for throwing parties) and we went to her home for dinner last night where she made carrot cake cheesecake. MMMMMMMmmmmmmmm.

Other than that we had a pretty good week. It was a little slower, but that just means that we can work a little harder! There is just so much to do here, we are just trying all of our options. We have already seen so many miracles just from being here, and we are excited to see what will happen next! I love you all!

Elder Hamblin

P.S. Mom, thank you so much for being the wonderful person that you are! I love you for all that you do! I got the paperwork for BYU-I, and I need my I-number for that, but I don't know what it is. Could you get that for me? Thanks!