Thanksgiving Email -November 27th, 2011

Elder Hamblin in San Mariano with one of the Lago Family kids.


The Lago Family in San Mariano.


Elder Cujamban in front of the Christmas Tree in the Mission Home in Cauayan City.


Elder Hamblin in front of the Christmas Tree in the Mission Home in Cauayan City.


Halloween in San Mariano.


A picture of the Corn Planting.

Hey don't worry about it guys! I just got to the internet shop early because we were printing out some photos for a family who is applying for a free house from the government! They are the Lago family who are members and they are so cute! Their 5 year-old daughter’s name is Lovely! HA! Anyway I was just giving you all a hard time! Relax! But I think emailing in the morning would be a good thing for us in the future so that there isn't soooooo many children playing on the computers making the internet slow! HA! It’s great to get your email! You are always so good about this you know? The other reason that I sent you an email was to make sure you guys didn't get a miss send so that when me and Elder Cajumban came back to actually email, you would know that there might have been a miss send and resend the email so I could get it by then! SO relax my beloved family you are the best and always have written me every week. I love you sooooo much!
SO now for the cool stuff! I would like to give a shout out to Elder Lundy’s mother! THANKS for the prayers for Devree! If you're reading this on the blog (and I know you are) I would like to tell you your son is the BOMB and he’s got a strong testimony that inspired me to be a better missionary! Thank you for giving birth to him so we could learn from him here in the Cauayan Mission!
2nd order of business is for Devree! Devree I was listening to the Veggi-Tales CD on the Song "The pirates who don't do anything!", and it got to the part when they all say, "and I've never been to Boston in the fall!" and I thought of you and realized, YOU HAVE BEEN TO BOSTON IN THE FALL!!!!!!! HAAAAAAA I had to LOL when I realized that and thought you might get a chuckle out of it too!
Another Shout out to Sis. Remington! Sis. Remington you are an amazing person and I loved your Dear Elder you sent me. They are always a treat! I love ya and I sent you a letter so whatever you read 1st just know 0ur WHOLE family appreciates you and all you continue to do for us. You’re awesome! Keep it up!
Now back to the immediate family again! :) Guys I’ve got some news. I don't know if it’s good or bad yet so I will just call it news for now! The thing is, President Carlos pulled me aside at our last Zone meeting and talked to me about my next calling. He said, "Elder Hamblin you have been called to be a trainer for a new missionary coming in next cycle." Yes the rumors are true. I will be training a brand new missionary coming from the MANILA MTC! My heart skipped a beat. He went on to tell me this is a very important calling and my time with my anak (child) will leave a lasting impression on him for the rest of his mission! I am being trusted with training the future warrior of the Cauayan Mission! I have a lot of weight on my shoulders right now so please pray for me! I will need all the help I can get! I received training from the Assistants to the President and of course President and Sister Carlos, to know what I must do. I just need to put my hand in the Lord’s and hold my breath until Transfer meeting when I meet him! Next email is going to be a fun one! So I’m gonna be a wee bit stressed in the upcoming emails so just bear with me! I love you all and I will do my best as a missionary and a brother and a son! I love ya guys!
Some other weird cool things that happened this week are we got to eat all of Sister Carlos' leftovers from Thanksgiving which were delicious and they had their house all decorated for Christmas and we took pictures! O I love visiting the Mission home! Pres. Carlos treated all the Trainers to free lunch all you can eat rice with chicken yummmm!
I got the PACKAGE already and it was awesome..well kinda! you see I had to wait till we got home from District meeting to open it and after that long wait I open it to find some colossal berry crunch, CANDY, Elder Cajumbans journal, (he loves it by the way) and a bunch of wrapped presents that I can't open until CHRISTMAS! AHHHHHHHHHHH! I watched E. Cajumban open his carefully not to rip the wrapping paper. (he wants to save it for something?!?!) I put the rest of the presents on my desk and started writing a letter to Sis. Remington. Every now and then my eyes would slowly glide back over to the presents but then I would focus on writing and then back to the presents. Needless to say after about 5 minutes I was absolutely about to LOSE MY MIND! Sooooooooo I gathered the packages up and put them in my suitcase and zipped it shut. Out of sight out of mind. The suitcase will not be touched until after Christmas! WHoooo talk about self control! I really almost lost my marbles there! Well now to answer questions and tell you how awesome you all are!

Dear Mom,
I'm glad you all liked the Early Christmas Letters! I can't wait to see the Krices again! I miss all my cousins but especially Kolten I haven’t seen him in like FOREVER! Tammie and rock band is not a great mix. No offense Aunt Tammie but I think drumming is not your strong suit ya know? Of course Dad wants to buy a Motorcycle. He is a GUY! Is REAL STEEL the one where they build robots? I don't know. I only remember a trailer with Hugh Jackman and Robots! Plus the "steel" in Real Steel I just added 2 + 2 ya know? Sounds like a blast. I’m gonna watch movies till my eye balls rot when I get home!
I love it when you write about your lessons in church. They sound amazing! Today, Pres. Carlos' letter was about studying in Luke for preparation for CHRISTMAS! DID YOU KNOW that there are just enough Chapters in Luke that if you start on Dec 1st and read a chapter a day you will end on Dec 25th and know all about Jesus Christ’s life?!?!?!? I think I will take his challenge. You should do it too. It would be a great way to appreciate Jesus and get ready for his birthday! Don't worry I will send anything you send to Elder Cajumban to him when it comes! I love you!!!!! Elder Hamblin


Dear Dane,
Are you still alive after the quad flip sounds like it was a ton of fun. It’s cool what you said about the Turkey Skeleton! I want to see the Picture! Sounds cool. I ate the meat off a Chickens neck today! You have a pen pal too? I think that will be fun even if he lives in Sutro! I love ya Dane and don't eat too much Turkey! Love ya Elder Hamblin


Dear Shay,
Riding motorcycles is the BOMB isn't it? I loved riding the blue ones! The jumps with the, "Various degrees of awesomeness" sound pretty awesome! We need to revisit them when I get back! Also I wish I could have eaten with you guys! All I got was the cold leftovers of Sis. Carlos' Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving isn't very big here. They don't really celebrate it much! But CHRISTMAS! O man they are already getting ready! It’s gonna be awesome! I'm glad you liked the letter (and the sword) and you are going down in Warcraft when I get home. You and the rest of the pathetic human race! ORK'S RULE!
Love ya big brother ELDER HAMBLIN!

Dear Lovely Sister Devree,
Ya I miss Kolten too! I miss all the Rice’s! Dad is the Mister Fix it you know. He took out my stitches too I think! The ones in my head were taken out by a nurse and look what she did! She made me bleed so now I have a big slit on my head that looks like a "Insert Quarter Here" slot! Of course I didn't see Beastly I’m a missionary for heaven SAKES! I am stoked to see all the movies on your list when I get home! They sound amazing! Congrats on the Honor Choir! That isn’t easy you know? I love how you put all you got into everything you do Devrs. I wish I could really put my heart into some things like you do! It’s hard for me to get passionate about some things! Like tracting in the rain, I still hate it as much as I did when I started doing it!
Your movie was "Never Been Kissed" and it is the biggest chick flick I have probably ever seen. I am not proud of myself because it is a chick movie and knowing the line without cheating means deep down I am a wee bit girly! I can do Chick flicks, which means pound for pound I am the best at movie lines! HOOT HOOT! It’s alright that you cheated. That was a wee bit rough. I thought about quoting the part where he quotes Shrek but that would just confuse you more! So missy here’s my movie! Get ready to have your mind blown!

"What’s he doing out there? Oh, he’s just giving them the what it means to be a man speech."

"It appears that they were trying to fly the plane thru the barn house upside down!"

"We found their will, it says, "Everything goes to the kid. Just bury us in the stupid garden with the dang lion!"

Have fun with that one! I think it isn't too hard and I'm pretty sure you can get it! The last line is the give away! It is a classic!
Oh I just saw the blog THE POMPEI EXHIBIT LOOKS AMAZING! I almost pee'ed my pants when I saw the helmet! O how I wish I could of been there to see the movies. Just think when the world gets destroyed. Imagine what our great great great great great great great grand children will dig up and find out about us. If the 2nd coming doesn't come 1st! I love the blog. It’s awesome. I saw your cheese ball turkey! Nice work little sis. It looks actually like a turkey! Shay looks huge and matured! Dane is still being Dane though! Well..... take care! I love ya! Elder Hamblin


Dear Papa,
Dad I laughed out loud when I read the "Shang hai Koko" part and the "No poppie nooooooooo!" The memories are soooo fresh it’s kinda scary. I think they are enhanced by the fact that I hold onto those memories to keep me sane in a way. It’s what makes me smile as I cross the river in the rain to get punted from a set lesson and I realize now that true happiness really doesn't make you happy for that moment only. If something makes you TRULY happy, you can think about it at anytime and smile and the same happiness comes back in a flood of emotions. That is true happiness. Not beating a video game or eating delicious food, but making memories with your family. I guess that precious truth is one thing I am thankful for this thanksgiving.
Spencer got a truck for his 16th birthday? Really what a surprise? All kids from California get a car for their birthday! gosh. I guess I can't complain. I got a car too well..... kinda! I love little red! HA that’s funny it’s a Toyota too! What a small world it is you know? I guess those cars do run forever. :)
I can't wait to see all these movies when I get home. I’m gonna pop popcorn and just watch them all while you are all at school or work then when you come home we can play games and share stories. I miss talking to people in English. Tagalog is still hard to express myself in! I think I will check out the whole Skype thing too and see what I can do about finding an internet shop that is legit and can support Skype. I think we found one with fast enough internet here that will do the trick. Just pray that there are no brown outs! Thanks for the number info. Now I think I can start emailing my letters to President so we don't kill as many trees!
Dad, I’m not gonna lie, you are probably a little biased when it come to me being the awesome person I am! But in truth I am very happy about making you and Mom proud. Really in the end is what I want for you the most, to have a knowledge that your children will be successful adults in the future to come! We just want to make you guys happy! I am glad you are receiving the blessings from me being on a mission and are enjoying the love of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving goes almost un-noticed here but Christmas should be amazing. They already are getting the lights up. I'll try to take some pictures for you guys!
You all have to know that I love you all soooooo much and that I hold the upmost respect for all that you do! I love each and every one of you and I am thankful that you are all a part of my family and I can't wait to see you all on Christmas! LOVE
ELDER HAMBLIN

PHILIPPINES
CAUAYAN MISSION

November 20th, 2011

Note: Click On Picture To Enlarge.

I took some pics of us doing the Mag tanim or planting of corn! We started off this beautiful P-Day going to Kataging and it was raining and we found the "Tower of Tae" It was very very interesting! We got to where our investigators were planting and jumped right in. Drop the corn sweep the dirt over with your foot REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT!


IT was fun but it did get a little hot and all the old nanays(mothers) were being over motherly to me. You can't go there. You'll get muddy! I ended up taking off my flipflops and going bare foot anyway! One person on a different hill asked one of the nanays(mothers) we were working with why I was there. She answered "Exported Siya!"(Exported he is!) I think this will help out with teaching here in Kataging and with opening the people’s hearts to the message!

Muddy Feet

Muddy feet after going bare foot while helping the people of Kataging plant their corn.




Alright! Devree’s still up and kickin and looks like she tried to pick a fight with Taylor Lautner after he'd changed into a Werewolf! I saw a trailer for Breaking Dawn and I thought of you little sis! I miss you! I'm not gonna lie... you looked pretty beat up after the Surgery! But everything sounds like it went according to plan and you've got beautiful nerves! Okay I got some real cool stuff to talk to you guys about! Here’s my week! So of course it’s raining and the river is still pretty big and we were out tracting in the Mud when we saw the coolest thing EVER! We round the corner to find a trikey full of pigs. There had to be at least 5 pigs stuffed in there and they didn't look super comfortable! I took plenty of pictures so enjoy! Also a couple Sundays ago Monty Pacuio fought in a boxing match and of course won. He is a national hero! Everyone watches this man fight. He sings he dances and he’s a congressman too I think! Let me give you an example: When this man fights, Crime stops in Manilla City. The whole Philippines seems to slow down to a crawl and things are put on hold and business' shut down! He’s kinda a big deal!

Next is a little bit about our favorite member, Bro. Pete: Brother Pete fought in the Vietnam war and has served our country well. He’s TALL, white and he’s got a big belly. He married his beautiful Philippino Wife and moved here decades ago. He drives a Harley Davidson and is a loaded veteran! He feeds the missionaries all the time and sells us Carribau belts, blow guns and pearls for DIRT CHEAP! (Mom I got the hook ups so you just say when!) We are really lucky to have him! He has cheated death multiple time and laughs at what we call pain. The man was shot at, beat almost to death with rebar, got a piece of metal shot into his leg, and just recently was hit by a semi truck while ridding his motorcycle! (He walked away with bruises and a really nasty road rash on his arm. The man has laughed at death in the face! But more than his accidents,, more than Vietnam more than being shot and tortured and more than being beat almost to death with rebar and left for dead, he says the most painful thing he has ever gone thru was a kidney stone. HE said that he would take it all again rather than endure the painful experience of a Kidney Stone again. The MAN IS NUTS! He is a hero, a living legend and an absolute mountain of a man. I salute him. GO BROTHER PETE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also I took some pics of us doing the Mag tanim or planting of corn! We started off this beautiful P-Day going to Kataging and it was raining and we found the "Tower of Tae" It was very very interesting! We got to where our investigators were planting and jumped right in. Drop the corn sweep the dirt over with your foot REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT! IT was fun but it did get a little hot and all the old nanays were being over motherly to me. You can't go there. You'll get muddy! I ended up taking of my flipflops and going bare foot anyway! One person on a different hill asked one of the nanays we were working with why I was there. She answered "Exported Siya!" I think this will help out with teaching here in Kataging and with opening the people’s hearts to the message! Uncle Ky would have loved to watch them at their work! 1st they got the old Tatay’s with the Callabou or wildabeast and the plows they pull it thru the ground and make rows then a dude with a bucket of fertilizer follows after them and spreads the fertilizer by throwing it in a wave like motion then comes us the planters! We have a bucket or bag of corn that has been coated in certain chemicals to help it grow faster and it turns your hands pink! We drop down a piece of corn for every step you make! Then cover it all with the dirt in the row! It was great and we had fun and a mud war afterwards! One of the investigators families fed us! IT was great! So overall it’s been a great P-Day so far! Good things are going on!
Now time for your question! Dear Mom, It’s soooooo good to hear that Devree’s doing okay! She did look like she got in a fight! Sounds like she'll be just fine! We haven't been able to talk to Joan’s parents yet. They've been hiding from us! I think she’s gonna wait till she’s done with school then get baptized and you know always preparing to go to the Temple! SO continue to pray for a change of heart with her parents! BUT guess what?!!! WE found like 4 families that really like the lessons. They look promising! I can't remember the names off the top of my head but that’s okay! Just keep praying that they will accept our message! They are awesome! The ward there sounded interesting and I know Devree has the 2 greatest parents in the world and is the 1st to have a week long Daddy & Mommy/Daughter date! Lucky duck! I know the boys love me and want me to play Warcraft with them until the wee hours of the morning when I get home! Tell them I miss them and I’m gonna whip them in any video game they choose when I get home! I love ya!!!!!!1!!!! Love Elder Hamblin
Dear Devree, Buhay ka na ba? Sounds like you’re still kickin! And you have beautiful nerves! You know it’s not everyday someone gives you a comment like that! I love you Devree! I was given up into some mighty prayers each morning and night for the Doctors to be skilled in their trade and that the surgery would go smoothly and absolutely flawless! Prayer works! God listens! HE CARES ABOUT OUR FAMILY AND YOU! You special girl you! I love you! I find myself typing that reflexively so if you get a lot of I love you's don't be surprised! I love you! Devree I am so glad to hear that you are a o kay and that you're up and kicking! You are not even gonna look like my sister when I get home! You'll probably have a handsome man wrapped around your little finger when I get home! Make sure he treats you right missy! Your after the surgery picture and the caption was really funny! "IS THAT ALL YOU GOT!" I love you guy’s humor! I love you! I am really shocked that you ate all that food! You are amazing you know that. I think I have seen you laugh at death in the face multiple times and you are pretty positive about it all! Not too many girls are tough enough to go through what you went through! WAY TO GO! KEEP IT UP! NEVER LET GO! YOU ARE THE BEST AT BEING YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your movie was "10 things I hate about you!" I love that movie "The poop hath hitteth the fanneth! You really do love that movie don't you? Okay for me! "Light up the Darkness" "Daddy look a butterfly!" "Subject 206 shows now side affects to the new drug." "This is his legacy this is his Legend" You probably don't remember this movie ask Shay he might know! Devree keep on holding on and keep on pushing on! I love you and pray for you every night! I love ya! Elder Hamblin Dear Dad, I looked at the blog and your pics were awesome and I loved all the comments! You are truly masipag with the blog and all, so thank you! I think you will enjoy my pictures also! They should bring you a smile! The deal with that retired accountant and the card for the museum was awesome, and a great blessing from what I could see! I love looking at the blog! I have a little more time at the computer shop now that the whole "Letters to President" thing has gone electronic! Now thinking of that, I need you guys to send me my record number and my confirmation date......... please! I really need it to log into my account on the LDS.org website! Thanks! Also you didn't reply about the Skype deal so if you find some time when you get home that would be great if you could set an account up for us! Sorry I’m kinda needy this email! Thank you sooooooo much for praying for us to teach families! I needed that! We now have a couple of families that look like really good potentials! We just need to teach them the gospel! The ward is finally getting up of their pwets and doing something about all their less actives and helping us, by being fellowshippers! Things are changing and its all good things and were excited for future San Mariano! Sadly we think Elder Cajumban could be transferred next month so we are making preparations for that! Things are good! We are good and the work is great! I am seeing the fruits of our labors and the people appreciate us! I am the White American with black hair and green eyes that works and in the bukid and loves kids! I am a missionary! I love you all and I hope you all got home safe and sound and Devree’s face heals up nice and quick! Before you know it she’ll be smiling from ear to ear! I LOVE YOU ALL AND CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR FROM THE BOYS NEXT WEEK LOVE!!!!!!!! ELDER HAMBLIN PHILIPPINES CAUAYAN MISSION
***
BONUS MATERIAL:::::::::::::) If you can handle the madness there are more pictures for you to view and marvel at here in Elder Hamblin’s bonus material! Enjoy the mayhem and chaos in these tantalizing and mind blowing photos of me my companion and my area! Feast your eyes on the inconceivable! There was a picture I sent with two dudes sawing a piece of wood in half they made a saw out of bamboo and of course the metal part. They were happy to pose for me! These people are soooooo photogenic and love to look at photos of themselves or anyone for that matter! Ingat you crazy people! :) Elder Hamblin

November 14th, 2011

Today We Are Flying to Boston
for Devree's Surgery
***

Please enjoy this cute comic strip about bilingual missionaries. We will post Noble's letter as soon as we can. LOVE YOU ALL!!!

(Click on the Comic Strip once to make it large enough to read.)

WHooooooo weeeeeee you guys are busy of course as usual! Love the stories and Devree is driving the Camry! It was hard for me to get a hold on how the Camry Shifts because it’s a little more touchy than Little Red! I miss driving cars......
So some cool things that happened to me today. We did have the Baptisms and they were great. We went to the Stake Center for Stake Conference where a member of the 70 came and talked to the Philippino members about REAL growth and being converted to the gospel of the Church not the Church activities. We all got a ride in Bishops Jeepney and I got sunburned riding on the back all the way there and back because it was soooo full of our investigators and members who needed a ride. I just got back from Save More (The equivalent to Walmart here) and bought some more pancake batter and some Tostitos tortilla chips that cost a fortune but they’re delicious! Also got some cereal and quote "REAL COWS MILK" so funny that they emphasize the Real part! Also got some more Pancit Canton. (That’s like Top Ramen here Dad) and some more Alcohol for cuts and washing my face at night. I get really oily here for some reason! I think it’s from eating WAY too much peanut butter oh well! (O dear they've started lighting fireworks off outside!)
SHOUT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to Grandma Rice. THANK YOU for the letter I loved reading it and I know it was you for sure because of the squiggly way you write because of arthritis and such. THANK YOU for keeping me up to date on where you guys move on your Perpetual Family Reunion. I love you and hope that you and Grandpa love the heat of Las Vegas and that you will settle in nicely! Love ya, Elder Hamblin

Dear Mom,
TWO PACKAGES! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST! Yes we Baptized Kenneth and Mark John both 14 years old and they bore some kickin testimonies at the end! Mark John went into the water, straight as a board and it was hard for Elder Cajumban to get him under but he did it! He’s tall for a Philippino! I will send pictures if this computer isn't crawling with Viruses we were forced to move to a different computer shop because of the masses of kids that were swarming there! The kids next to me are super loud and like playing online games with their friends and just yelling a lot. It’s NO PICNIC! The Drunken child has got to be around 7 or 8 years old. Not too old! He’s funny. I’m glad you all enjoyed the Pictures! Our investigators are doing alright though we did have a heart breaker happen. Joan one of our newest investigators has a testimony of Joseph Smith and came to the Stake Conference last Sunday and she is basically a stud! The heart breaker was that last Sunday her parents just threw the hammer down on all church activities. They gave her a decision. College or Church but she can’t have both? She tried to explain to them that church doesn't interfere with her School activities but they wouldn't listen. She was crying when she told us the story. She’s devastated mostly because she can't go to the temple as soon as she had hoped. I think after college she’s gonna leave the house and can decide for herself but for now we’re frozen. She’s fasting for them to have a change of heart. The Fathers drunk almost every night we try to teach her and will never sit in on our lessons. Pray for us pray for her she needs all the help she can get. We are studying and preparing for an attempt with the parents. Mano e mano me and Elder Cajumban alone without Joan there and we will see if we can try to shed some light on the situation so that they will understand the situation more. Pray for us we will need it! Other than that there was nothing too big or major this week. Things are still moving along here and I try to speak more Tagalog with strangers and my companion and not being lazy by just speaking English to him. Mom, sorry that was long your message sounded like you are still plugging along just fine. Group discussions are always better for lessons as long as they don't end up as a debate. I hate it when that happens in Priesthood. NO SPITIT! TALAGA! The Bikers for Christ Club sounded pretty funny I think they will appreciate the service. Way to go Mom! You know Charity is the Pure Love of Christ! Don't worry about the money. I’m praying for you guys every night! I love you and make sure my Sister makes it out of the surgery room in one piece okay? I Love ya take care! Elder Hamblin
Dear Shay,
Love ya.......that’s it I just love ya. Keep up the good work and I hope the Puss in Boots movie wasn't too lame. Ingat Ka Kapatid

Dear Dane,
I hope the Retainer isn't hurting your teeth too much! How’s school treating you? Way to look on the bright side with the penny. I would have fun dropping the penny down the spinny thing at Mc Donalds! I like the way you think! It’s good that you are working hard for your money and the Evans will always be there for you to do some work! They have been a large supporter of my video game funds. I love ya little bro. Elder Hamblin

Dear Devree,
You grow up sooooo fast already driving the car and running over school kids and such! I'm proud of you. Driving can be pretty scary at 1st and I didn't like the highway at all. Now I love it! I still don't like the Freeway it’s physically exhausting for me to drive on the freeway still because I’m a defective driver and I don't like being boxed in! Yuck I get the chills just thinking about it! Pancit Canton is like Top Ramen and it’s pretty fast and easy to make! Comes in a couple flavors original HOT HOT HOT and Calamansi. Tastes pretty good if you mix’em!

Mrs.? is a crazy woman sometimes and I think that she drinks a little too much coffee for her own good or maybe that’s just her personality! It’s cool how you got the teachers on your side and Mr. Rohrer never plays favorites even if you’re his teachers pet but he’s crazy so don't pay him any attention. The lock down sounded cool though! It really doesn't surprise me that Mike the bus driver reads my blog and is keeping tabs on me. He's always been like a guardian angel you know? Always there when you need him. Good old Mike if your reading this Mike, Thanks for the side job and Extra Money for "Nobles Mission Fund" you’re the best keep rocking the street in you big yellow limousine! Stay cool!
Your movie Devrs was “Finding Nemo”, not surprising, that being like one of your most favorite movies of all time! Here’s mine!
"Q-tip Q-tip throw it away throw it away makin the pizza!"
"He didn't show you the inhaler did he? He chucked it down right before he kissed me!" Guess that!
I love ya little Sis. I pray for you and your operation to go smoothly and perfectly every night! Love ya Elder Hamblin

Dear Papa,
The cargo ship package sounds pretty darn cool but it sounds a wee bit risky so good call on sticking to the usual for the Christmas Packages! I can't wait till they get here! SO Devree is having a hard time adjusting. You know that’s fast for her. I even disliked driving on the highway at 1st I still hate the Freeway! I hope she adjusts well. She will in time and you’re just the perfect teacher for her. Just wait till Shay starts to drive, it will be the exact opposite! I bet my bottom dollar (or 20 Peso Bill) on that! The people here are okay. The flooding wasn't too bad but some of them had to move to higher ground. Other than that no big damage and they are all doing fine! I hope that everything goes a-o-kay with the packages and the Surgery. I pray for you all every night! Are you getting paid extra for the (mandatory extra jobs) yet? I love ya pops and don't stress too much over this all. I know how you like to keep it all inside! Stay calm and know the Lord is watching over you and me and everything’s gonna be alright. Enjoy the Pictures I sent some of my Pangit Pancakes and some scenery photos too. Also the Baptism photos and Scrabble. We found the Scrabble board and played before going to bed. E. Cajumban whooped my pants off! LOVE YA ALLL SOOOOOOOO MUCH. TAKE CARE! Elder Hamblin!
OH! By the way. Our mission president says it’s a okay if you want to skype on Christmas. You are the computer Expert so in your free time see if you can set up Skype on Moms computer (If I remember correctly she has a camera on it.) Then I can see and talk to you all on Christmas. I think that would be way better and of course cheaper than the phone card thing! I love you take care and I hope everything works out okay Love Ya! ELDER HAMBLIN
(Your most favorite 3rd world missionary)

November 7th, 2011

Noble has been amazed at how much rain they saw this week. He said the sun came out just once all week so they could dry their laundry.


Now you know what Noble's shoes and pants look like during the rainy season!!!


You are looking at the Mag-Laba scars on Noble's fingers. Mag-Laba is the Tagalog word for clothes washing by hand.

Fisherman from San Mariano.

Look at the size of that FISH. Wow!!!

Dear Mom,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

I'm sorry I didn't say it last email! I wrote it in my planner too! Sorry you know how I can be an absentminded prof. sometimes! Sounds like you had TONS of fun! You got the clothes, the boots, the fun, the whole kit-and-kabutle! Dane gets excited over the strangest things! Retainer sounds like fun and its great he only has to wear it at night later! I just looked at the blog and the pictures are amazing you guys got snow! O how I miss snow! If I could I would roll around in it! Here it has been raining on and off for about a week. I have never seen this kinda rain my whole life! It seems relentless and never ending. Just today this glorious P-day the sun poked its head out from the clouds so we could dry our laundry! Whew so much rain! I loved the picture of the Banana Split! (Banana Split Blog) It looks amazing! Remember if your stressed just eat desserts because desserts is stressed spelled backwards! I've been using my extra blades for my shaver and it looks like I’m getting close to half way done with my mission! Isn't that crazy I’m 4 months away from half way! Elder Cajumban’s half way mark is like next week! Oh! Before I forget E. Cajumban would really like a copy of The Pocket Reference book For Missionaries by: Adrian Parker Call Jr. for Christmas he read my copy and fell in love with all the amazing scripture references in it! It really is useful for missionary work! Your talk sounded a lot better than ours. This last Sunday they practiced blessing/naming children? Things are a little different here! Sister Carlos gave each of us a print out of all the things the prophet asked us to do this last Conference so that if anyone asks, “What is he saying today?” we won't get caught off our guard. Do YOU know what the Prophet wants us to do Today? Ask yourselves this question every now and then just to remind yourselves the words of the prophet! A little spiritual thought from Elder Hamblin! On another note, The river is HUGE now from all the rain and they charge us 10 pesos instead of 7 pesos to get across the river by boat now! It’s BIG but it’s hard to see with pictures! Mom I love ya and Happy Birthday! LOVE YOUR BIGGEST CHILD! ELDER HAMBLIN! Oh and Tell Uncle Ky sorry I’m a city boy! And the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs picture is HILARIOUS!

Dear Shay,

You and women for Heaven sakes you’re gonna give your parents a heart attack! Don't you know they’re bad for your health and your wallet!/!?!?!!!

JK Sounds like tons of fun! Right now Shay we have lots of investigators but no Baptisms just quite yet. We got two investigators who will be baptized next Saturday though and they look promising. Kenneth is a 14 year old girl 1 of the 2 that will be baptized soon. She was really happy when we came and gave her cupcakes and candles to blown them out! She was sad also, because we showed up but her Mom didn't for her birthday. Her Mom works long hours and comes home really late. They live in a little Wooden house by the river that constantly gets flooded so they don't have to many possessions. Life is rough for her. Pray for her please! I miss Dad’s famous Pineapple upside-down cake! OOOOOOO I’m soo jealous! We have to make that when I get home and go camping and swimming the whole bit! Also brain ball sounds like fun I’m sure Dad will be game for that if you help out by explaining the rules and such! Take Care you crazy Teenager you! Looooooooooooooove Elder Hamblin

Dear Dane,

Liking the new Braces man! They’re blue right! Wow you lucky dog you! I hope you follow the rules and take good care of them right? Of course I’m right I’m your big brother! So the retainer is giving you some pain don't worry I think that’s normal! You look good with a retainer! Very Handsome! So You’re playing Peggle without me I see how it is you big 5th grader you! We got to play Peggle when I get back! Love you little bro Elder Hamblin

Dear Devree,

Applying for BYU Hawaii and creative writing seem pretty stressful but I think you can do it! You've always had just a little more on your plate than the average girl. (Well figuratively speaking) The Missionaries sound amazing like we all are! Making dinner for them is really a great blessing. I wish we got more dinner appointments mostly it’s just rice eggs pancit canton and tuna yummmm! As soon as possible tell me everything that goes down with the surgery. We’re praying for you! Your movie was Rugrats in Paris but you accidentally gave it away by writing the title in the 1st part of your message! Silly goose! Okay here’s mine and I’ve got a few for you so see if you can guessssss this!

"and you gotta gotta try a little TENDERNESS! Chicks love that romantic crap!"

or

" If you like pinacalodas and getting caught in the rain"

or

"now ill take this knife and jab it through your hear keep your eyes on me boys cause im about to STAAAAAAAAART!

or

"GIVE'M THE CHAIR!"

or

" please keep off of the grass shine your shoes wipe your........face!"

Or my personal favorite.... "NOT THE GUM DROP BUTTONS! Tell me where she is! Alright I'll tell you do you know the muffin man? The Muffin Man? The Muffin Man. Yes I know the muffin man who live on Druey lane? Well Shes married to the Muffin Man. THE MUFFIN MAN? THE MUFFIN MAN!!!!!!"

The last one is a dead give away but I had to put it in!

LOVE YOU LITTLE SISTER! Elder Hamblin

Dear Dad,

I love the Snowman tie in November. It totally screams you! "I was thinking about the snow not Thanksgiving!" You're hilarious Dad! I really do miss the Snow. That campout at the Corn maze always is cold! That is Really cold! Why does it always seem like the nonmember friends come ridiculously unprepared! Jackson and the Warm coat problem and kids without sleeping bags what is this world coming to. Chastise Isaac for me and give him a lesson about Charity the pure love of Christ for me too! Despite the Cold and the wet sock and the slushies you got to know that I want to be right beside you when you do it! Mostly because I wish I could feel cold again but I have yet to feel that experience here yet. I’m sorry I didn't send you the picture with the scars I’ll try to send it this time. It’s a picture of my fingers after rubbing my clothes together over and over again. My fingers and hands have gotten tougher since I started washing my clothes by hand. That’s always cool! I really would love to go be your assistant scoutmaster anytime so when I get back to the states hit me up bro! Handbook-wise the Missionary handbook is the guide that the 1st presidency and the apostle all agree on and all missionaries should abide by its rules. That being said I have seen missionaries who use it as a guide line pirate-wise, and not as a set rules for someone to go by. I don't even follow it completely. I go to youtube and down load Disney songs for my extra SD card you gave me and play it through the DVD player they gave us all. Speaking of other Websites (MOM look away from the computer) Diablo 3 coming out next year Pops just a heads up! JK Me and Elder Cajumban are always striving to be good examples to other missionaries here in the Philippines!
That pig really was looking pretty darn scary Dad! It was big too! I’m such a city boy! Thanks for your message about Christmas and the little bit about your mission! I think that will really help in the month to come. I also liked the bit about the Package don't forget the pocket reference book for Elder Cajumban I think that would make his Christmas REAL special! THERE last picture in the batch you can see my little scars from Mag-laba. Last but not least I want to leave with you a text we got from one of the members here. This really made our Day after Tracting in the rain.

"So a bunch of ugly people are riding in a bus when the bus stops and on steps a beautiful fairy! She agrees to grant them each one wish so the 1st person wishes to be beautiful so she grants the wish. Poof. She’s beautiful. The 2nd person makes the same wish, and so does the 3^rd and 4^th, and so on and so forth. She gets to the last person on the bus and asks him what his wish would be. Laughing while he makes the last wish he says: "Gawin mo ulit silang pangit....." (Make them return to being ugly….) ISN'T THAT HILARIOUS!!!!!!! Philippino Humor is interesting here but still pretty funny! Well Ingat Tay (Short for Tatay)(Take care father) Mahal KITA(I love you) MAHAL Ko Kayo! (I love you!) Elder Hamblin