September 23, 2012

Dear Hamblin Bunch,
         How ya'll doin? I miss you all ya know? And, to prove how much I truly miss you all. I have sent a letter to all you hooligans. A personal letter written by the hand of yours truly and you should all love it. They're personalized for each of you so enjoy.
       This week we DID have the double baptism. I was not too thrilled that Jessica's parents didn't show up but that's okay she got support from the primary. There are just somethings you cannot control ya know? I am learning that hard lesson this week and dealing with the choices others have made.
            Later today we are gonna teach Sister O. She is the mother of the 3 girls in the picture where they have charcoal on their faces. The game in that picture was they all had to put a thread through the eye on a needle while their older brother and my companion put their hands over one of their eyes. When they all got it through they took their hands off and they had wiped the charcoal on their faces! HILARIOUS! They loved it! Anyways, Sister O. is a less active that was baptized into the church because her husband was. She never prayed about the Book of Mormon. So, a year or so she left the church and went back to what she knew. In the middle of our lesson about the Atonement, she bursts out with a question, "Elder's I don't believe the Book of Mormon to be true. Why did Joseph Smith have so many wives?" Ugh So we finished our lesson to her kids about the atonement making a promise that we would come back a different day to answer that question and some others she had. Pray for us and pray for her heart to be softened.
         Now what about you folks:
                    Dear Mom,
           Thanks for the update on the family. That was really helpful. You're right.  August Rush never gets old and Brother Watts always has horrible kids in his class. He's just unlucky that way ya know?
           It's a bummer that the fridge broke and the tires needed to be replaced on the Sequoia and Camry. I am sorry that I am a bother in a way. I'm sorry those unfortunate things happened like in a row! BUT, you and Devree have a surprise souvenir now that I am pretty sure you will love! I am still deciding on whether or not to send it in the final package or try and smuggle it home. We'll see. Just know that its AWESOME and you should love it! I am excited for Devree, but I am also shocked that she is growing up so fast! It's crazy! You can read more about my opinion in my letter to her later. Just know that I am praying for you all and hopefully you can get help with the mission fund. I think I have money left in the account if you really have to use it. I don't know how much of a help it would be but just so you know.
         JUSTIN'S MARRIED! AH! That was fast ya know?            
 Substituting, something I don't want to do....ever. I don't know how you do it! You are inspiration to other people Mom when It comes to patience! I mean, you raised me! and SHAY! You have to be a master at patience by now! I love you Mom. You were the one keeping us boys in check when I was home. Keeping us on task and setting us up for success. If I didn't know what I should be doing you were always there to remind me that I was neglecting the dishwasher and the vacuum and the broom! Thanks for showing me the value of Hard Work. I will continue to pray for you all and for now more tires to be replaced and a brand spankin new fridge! Love you all! Elder Hamblin
            Dear Devree,
                    You are growing up SOOOOO stinkin fast! Living on your own, having a big calling like gospel doctrine, Dating and causing me heart murmurs! You are just a big girl now aren't you. (sniff sniff) It's hard to see you go! (sob sob) I don't know what I will do without you there in the house! I bet that it is still loud at the house even though you and me are gone. We usually didn't make the most noise. he he :D I love ya little sis and you make sure that boy doesn't come over to your house without a friend. Heck make sure YOU have a room mate in the house to! GOSH I sound like a worried father alright! I know! The stress just means that I love you! Stay safe and stay happy!
                      Hey, I want to go see Spider-man as well! Did you give him a good night kiss? DID HE TOTALLY MAKE OUT WITH YOU? You should totally let me come on ALL your dates with you and be your annoying 3rd wheel! JK I love ya sis! I would have loved to see Mo Tab with you LIVE! I like doing anything with you ya know! Even if we were just sitting on the back porch talking about life I would be happy! Hey, so, don't leave out any details on the next date. You two should be like totally holding hands by now! I miss ya sis! Hey, your movie was Dude looks like a lady! JK it was that movie where Amanda Vine turns into a dude. I can't remember the title for the life of me! She's the Man! There we go! Pulling the chick flicks out on me! Okay here we go sis.
"I let them slip through my fingers!"
"They popped right out of the snow, like daises!"
"I don't do that tongue thing."
 "Yep, this cricket's a lucky one!"   Try that on for size! LOVE,    Big Bro Elder Hamblin P.S. nice picture of the Popcorn on the the blog. Didn't think that was possible!
               Dear Shay,
                       SO the big soccer game went good! You didn't win at all but you had fun right? Don't feel bad Truckee and Sparks are ridiculously large schools with a lot of people to choose from. You are pretty fit now so I've heard. You can probably out run me now! But I can probably out walk you! JK hows school goin bro! Are you keeping your grades up and being a good kid? Of course you are! Well, yes we definitely have to play some hide-and-go-seek in the dark when I get home! Hopefully Dad can get those toots under control! I miss just playing with my bros ya know? You and Dane are going to be a major part in my coming home video that will be aired on Facebook when I get home. It's gonna be epic! WE are gonna party all night long! I don't care if there's school! Well, we will probably have to get you to bed before you have to wake up for seminary! Heck, I am probably your ride TO seminary when I get back. You wanna run in the mornings with me and Dad? By the sound of it, it sounds like you are already for me and Dad's marathon we are about to go on! You keep running and playing your heart out okay Shay? I love ya. Keep putting all you have into everything you do. Keep that passion. It will carry you farther than others who aren't as committed as you are! I love you Shay take care! Love, Big Brudda Elder Hamblin
              Dear Dane,
                      Sorry about Dad, he stinks. He can't really help it. Mabey you could give him some Beano for Christams? Just a thought! Then you won't have to find him with your nose during hide and go seek! I miss ya bro. Hows the Baritone coming along? Are you getting pretty good at it. How big is your arm? You gotta have some real muscles to carry that monster of an instrument! Don't worry I don't plan on picking any fights with you two when I get home!
                    Dane, your like whole email was like about Dad farting. Did anything exciting happen to you this week other than Dads gas!? JK I love you Dane and I laughed so hard at your email that I think the new sisters in our zone think I'm weird! You are one funny little dude sometimes! Circus Maximus sounds like loads of fun! YOUR ON! Love your Brudda Elder Hamblin
               Dear Dad,
                      You stink! Ha ha:D You made the headline of the letter this week pops. I laughed pretty hard at the part where you said, "I love the way you drive." OF course you love the way I drive. YOU TAUGHT ME! he he I love the way you drive to Dad. I am happy that you think I am a successful person even though I don't sometimes. You and Mom love me no matter what and that means a lot to me for sure! I know I am always loved in my house by those who live there and that's comforting. Unlike the mission where sometimes you got to do all you can it seems to make things work and to be a good friend to your companion. I don't know. It's different on a mission pops. It's hard. I try not to complain to much to you all. You and Mom know exactly how I feel when the ups are way up and the downs can get quite down. I've been learning the hard way sometimes that the cost of putting your heart into the work is sometimes a gamble. You can put everything you have into the work and love the people sincerely and then get heavily disappointed when they use their agency to do something stupid or not do something they should be doing. On the other hand. When they make a good decision and they do the right thing the joy swallows up the frustration and the pain of helping them get there. Missionary work in the end is really a joyful work and VERY rewarding. The Good ALWAYS out weighs the Bad. I believe that now!
                     Dad, I love ya and I hope my letter didn't come of weird to you. I know you love me and are not judging me or anything. I know you just want my to be happy and optimistic. I am don't worry, just know that missionaries don't have amazing spiritual experiences every single minute of every single day. Sometimes they get grinded. sometimes they get thrown into the firey furnace that is supposed to develop them into the person that God wants them to be. If you read your letter you might feel the sadness of a bad day or week but know that I still love the people and that I am trying to serve them with ALL my heart. and meanwhile say a piece for all you too! I love ya love Elder Hamblin

           Dear family, t
                  da pictures are of the baptizm the one with just people in white out side the church from left to right it goes Ericson Jennifer Jessica and ME! the other picture just has Bishop Pulido in it! with Elder Rocaberte behind me I think. I got one of the Callabao on our street and also Ortiz charcoal faces and our last Zone. Good missionaries. I love them all! Well  I love you all and wish you the best of the best! Love Elder Hamblin

On Mon, Sep 24, 2012 at 2:58 PM, Noble Hamblin <noble.hamblin@myldsmail.net> wrote:
     Dear Hamblin Bunch,
         How ya'll doin? I miss you all ya know. And, to prove how much I truly miss you all. I have sent a letter to all you hoolagans. A personal letter written by the hand of your's truly and you should all love it. They're personalized for each of you so enjoy.
       This week we DID have the double baptism. I was not to thrilled that Jessica's parents didn't show up but thats okay she got support from the primary. There are just somethings you cannot control ya know. I am learning that hard lesson this week and dealing with the choices others have made.
            Later today we are gonna teach Sister Ortiz. She is the mother of the 3 girls in the picture where they have charcoal on their faces. The game in that picture was they all had to put a thread threw the eye on a needle while their older brother and my companion put their hands over one of their eyes. When they all got it through they took their hands off and they had wiped the charcoal on their faces! HALARIOUS! They loved it! Anyways, Sister Ortiz is a less active that was baptized into the church because her husband was. She never prayed about the Book of Mormon. So, a year or so she left the church and went back to what she knew. In the middle of our lesson about the Atonement, she bursts out with a question, "Elder's I don't believe the Book of Mormon to be true. Why did Joseph Smith have so many wives?" Ugh So we finished our lesson to her kids about the atonement making a promise that we would come back a different day to answer that question and some others she had. Pray for us and pray for her heart to be softened.
         Now what about you folks:
                    Dear Mom,
           Thanks for the update on the famliy. That was really helpful. You're right August Rush never gets old and Brother Watts always has horrible kids in his class. He's just unlucky that way ya know?
           It's a bummer that the fridge broke and the tires needed to be replaced on the Sequoia. I am sorry that I am a bother in a way. I'm sorry those unfortunate things happened like in a row! BUT, you and Devree have a surprise souvenir now that I am pretty sure you will love! I am still deciding on whether or not to send it in the final package or try and smuggle it home. We'll see. Just know that its AWESOME and you should love it! I am excited for Devree, but I am also shocked that she is growing up so fast! It's crazy! You can read more about my opinion in my letter to her later. Just know that I am praying for you all and Hopefully the Ward can help with the mission fund. I think I have money left in the account if you really have to use it. I don't know how much of a help it would be but just so you know. 
         JUSTIN'S MARRIED! AH! That was fast ya know!
             Substituting, something I don't want to do....ever. I don't know how you do it! You are an inspiration to other people Mom when it comes to patience! I mean, you raised me! and SHAY! You have to be a master at patience by now! I love you Mom. You were the one keeping us boys in check when I was home. Keeping us on task and setting us up for success. If I didn't know what I should be doing you were always there to remind me that I was neglecting the dishwasher and the vacuum and the broom! Thanks for showing me the value of Hard Work. I will continue to pray for you all and for more tires to be replaced and a fixed fridge! Love you all! Elder Hamblin
            Dear Devree,
                    You are growing up SOOOOO stinkin fast! Living on your own, having a big calling like gospel doctrine, Dating and causing me heart murmurs! You are just a big girl now aren't you? (sniff sniff) It's hard to see you go! (sob sob) I don't know what I will do without you there in the house! I bet that it is still loud at the house even though you and me are gone. We usually didn't make the most noise. he he :D I love ya little sis and you make sure that boy doesn't come over to your house without a friend. Heck make sure YOU have a roommate in the house too! GOSH I sound like a worried father alright! I know! The stress just means that I love you! Stay safe and stay happy!
                      Hey, I want to go see Spider-man as well! Did you give him a good night kiss? DID HE TOTALLY MAKE OUT WITH YOU? You should totally let me come on ALL your dates with you and be your annoying 3rd wheel! JK I love ya sis! I would have loved to see Mo Tab with you LIVE! I like doing anything with you ya know? Even if we were just sitting on the back porch talking about life I would be happy! Hey, so, don't leave out any details on the next date. You two should be like totally holding hands by now! I miss ya sis! Hey, your movie was Dude looks like a lady! JK it was that movie where Amanda Bynes turns into a dude. I can't remember the title for the life of me! She's the Man! There we go! Pulling the chick flicks out on me! Okay here we go sis.
"I let them slip through my fingers!"
"They popped right out of the snow, like daises!"
"I don't do that tongue thing."
 "Yep, this cricket's a lucky one!"   Try that on for size! LOVE,    Big Bro Elder Hamblin P.S. nice picture of the Popcorn on the the blog. Didn't think that was possible!
               Dear Shay,
                       SO the big soccer game went good! You didn't win at all but you had fun right? Don't feel bad Truckee and Sparks are ridiculously large schools with a lot of people to choose from. You are pretty fit now so I've heard. You can probably out run me now! But I can probably out walk you! JK hows school goin bro? Are you keeping your grades up and being a good kid? Of course you are! Well, yes we definitely have to play some hide-and-go-seek in the dark when I get home! Hopefully Dad can get those toots under control! I miss just playing with my bros ya know? You and Dane are going to be a major part in my coming home video that will be aired on Facebook when I get home. It's gonna be epic! WE are gonna party all night long! I don't care if there's school! Well, we will probably have to get you to bed before you have to wake up for seminary! Heck, I am probably your ride TO seminary when I get back. You wanna run in the mornings with me and Dad? By the sound of it, it sounds like you are already for me and Dad's marathon we are about to go on! You keep running and playing your heart out okay Shay? I love ya. Keep putting all you have into everything you do. Keep that passion. It will carry you farther than others who aren't as committed as you are! I love you Shay take care! Love, Big Brudda Elder Hamblin
              Dear Dane,
                      Sorry about Dad, he stinks. He can't really help it. Mabe you could give him some Beano for Christams? Just a thought! Then you won't have to find him with your nose during hide and go seek! I miss ya bro. Hows the Baritone coming along? Are you getting pretty good at it. How big is your arm? You gotta have some real muscles to carry that monster of an instrument! Don't worry I don't plan on picking any fights with you two when I get home!
                    Dane, your whole email was about Dad farting. Did anything exciting happen to you this week other than Dads gas!? JK I love you Dane and I laughed so hard at your email that I think the new sisters in our zone think I'm weird! You are one funny little dude sometimes! Circus Maximus sounds like loads of fun! YOU'RE ON! Love your Brudda Elder Hamblin
               Dear Dad,
                      You stink! Ha ha:D You made the headline of the letter this week pops. I laughed pretty hard at the part where you said, "I love the way you drive." OF course you love the way I drive. YOU TAUGHT ME! he he I love the way you drive too Dad. I am happy that you think I am a successful person even though I don't sometimes. You and Mom love me no matter what and that means a lot to me for sure! I know I am always loved in my house by those who live there and that's comforting. Unlike the mission where sometimes you got to do all you can it seems to make things work and to be a good friend to your companion. I don't know. It's different on a mission pops. It's hard. I try not to complain too much to you all. You and Mom know exactly how I feel when the ups are way up and the downs can get quite down. I've been learning the hard way sometimes that the cost of putting your heart into the work is sometimes a gamble. You can put everything you have into the work and love the people sincerely and then get heavily disappointed when they use their agency to do something stupid or not do something they should be doing. On the other hand. When they make a good decision and they do the right thing, the joy swallows up the frustration and the pain of helping them get there. Missionary work in the end is really a joyful work and VERY rewarding. The Good ALWAYS out weighs the Bad. I believe that now!
                     Dad, I love ya and I hope my letter didn't come off weird to you. I know you love me and are not judging me or anything. I know you just want my to be happy and optimistic. I am.  Don't worry.  Just know that missionaries don't have amazing spiritual experiences every single minute of every single day. Sometimes they get ground down.  Sometimes they get thrown into the fiery furnace that is supposed to develop them into the person that God wants them to be. If you read your letter you might feel the sadness of a bad day or week but know that I still love the people and that I am trying to serve them with ALL my heart. and meanwhile say a piece for all you too! I love ya love Elder Hamblin

           Dear family,
                 Da pictures are of the baptism the one with just people in white outside the church from left to right it goes Ericson, Jennifer, Jessica and ME! The other picture just has Bishop Pulido in it! with Elder Rocaberte behind me I think. I got one of the Callabao on our street and also Ortiz charcoal faces and our last Zone. Good missionaries. I love them all! Well  I love you all and wish you the best of the best! Love Elder Hamblin

September 16, 2012

DEAR Family, I love you all did you know that!?!?!?!? I wanted to let you know that we will be having a double Baptism next Saturday and you are ALL INVITED! Shay, I'll be really sad if you don't come next Saturday on the 22nd! Please pray for Jessica. Pray for her to be emotionaly and spiritualy ready for her baptism and pray for her less active Tatay and Nanay to come to church and her baptism. It just won't be the same if they aren't there! Please Pray for Jennifer as well. She has her very active older brother supporting her so that's good. Pray that she won't be super shy and that she will feel confident about her preparation and feel ready to be baptized! I love these two girls. They have gone through alot to be ready to be baptized and don't worry I'll take pictures! Anyways, life is good. Life is good and things are going along great! I just realized that the river you cross to get to my area is absolutely disgusting! I have seen kids play in it and people take baths in it along with others dumping old coconut husks in it and people fish in it and use its water to wash their clothes! GREAT RIGHT? TOTALLY PWEDE! no :) its nasty and weird. Dear Devree, I am sorry that things aren't going well for you at college. I am way ahead of you on the praying for you. I do that almost every night! So don't freak out. Take it one day at a time. Give yourself a break and watch a movie when you get a chance! I hope you get a job soon at the library. Good luck on the video things. That sounds super high tech. I hope that you can find yourself a good camera or just use your laptop if it has a camera! Try that! Just know that I have and am and will pray for you. Don't worry, you'll get a handle on this whole college thing and then you can help your newbie cousins and me when I start. It'll be great! And don't worry about the roomates. It's a bummer no one has a car but mabey thats a good thing. Mabey this is a trial for your legs to get stronger. Man, you won't look like anything I think you looked like when I get back! I think that you will get into your class no problem. DON'T WORRY I'M PRAYING FOR YOU!!!! Thanks for the link to all the jokes. I liked it alot. SO did Elder Allen right next to me. Here's one of my favorites: "I always wanted to learn how to juggle, but I just don’t have the balls to do it." Sorry its one of the naughty ones but I laughed pretty hard at it! Your movie was a long shot. I don't know if this is right but I am gonna guess Rat Race. Am I right? Here's my quote: "What made the red man red!" or "Once you go home you can NEVER come back!" or "I'M A COD FISH!" I hope you will be doing at least a little better when you get this letter. I miss you Devs! Love ya! Dear Mom, Woodbadge sounds good. I want to see those pictures on the blog or in your email! I'm glad you learned alot. I am currently having problems with ignoramous less actives that just like playing that age old game of stump the missionaries with pointless questions. I don't like playing that game. I get angry easily when someone is poking and proding me with a question just to see if they can prove me wrong. It's frustrating at the least. So you haven't been substituting have you? Well I hope that the Watts class is fine and that you don't have too many creeps in it! I already feel sorry for my children and their children and I hope the world gets better soon but right now it seems that we are just producing worse parents and therefore the kids are worse and become worse parents. It's not a great path to be on. I hope I am grown up enough when I come home to be able to be a good papa. I hope my kids like me and I'm not a push over. Sometimes I worry about how my tolerance level with little kids is like super low lately. The kids here bite and spit on me and my companion and the parents aren't shy or embarresed at all about that. They just laugh and shrug it off. They're more like little animals than human beings. Thank you for spanking me Mom and Dad. I deserved it and am better because of it. Thanks for being good parents to us the kids. You da bomb. Thanks for the inspirational thought from Brother Erickson. I love that guy. Full of love and smiles all of the time. I wish that it was that easy to find a new investigator like that all the time! We are trying to find new investigators to help cycle out the old ones! Thanks for the love. I love the love. I feel the prayers working and my Saviors help as well strengthening me. Stay strong Mom. Love, Elder Hamblin Dear Dane, You went to High Balocity.....WITHOUT ME!!!! How could you? Well things are good here in the Philippines. Things are going well. We are super busy with the work out saving peoples souls and battling demons with swords and such! Walking in the rain a lot. It's great! How are you doing bro? Is school treating you well? No F's yet on the report card!? Don't worry Dane you'll do fine! I love how you want to get good grades. That will definetly help you out through school. It's a good motive for you! How's Dad's training coming along on the old school video games. I always loved that thing. You know what I had to do to get that thing to work? I had to scrub battery acid off the battery cartridge and do a lot of tweaking to get it to work! I'm glad that you are enjoying it. Mabe you are thinking about a different thing then I am anyways. Im glad you are enjoying it! I am also glad you are thinking about becoming an author and writing books. I hope that you get to the big times! Thanks for emailing me! Love, Big Bro Hamblin Dear Shay, I can't believe you, you player you! Playing chicken with the girl soccer team. The next thing you know they are gonna want to kiss on ya bro! WATCH OUT! They can be very tricky! You think you are safe and then the next thing you know you are trapped in a corner with girls trying to kiss you! Trust me, it's not a fun experience! It's really awkward that's for sure! SO your question about white girls. In my whole mission so far I have seen like a total of like mabe 5 white girls in my 1 and 1/2 years here! There are NO white girls in the bukid my man! I am going to go home and go nuts! I feel awkward just talking to American sister missionaries. I can't imagine how awkward I will be when I get home. I will definitely need to get my game on again. Try not to be shy around white girls! UGH! I don't want to think about it! I'm sweating already! Haha! I love you bro but watch out for that foreign exchange student! They're foreign and tricky! I love you bro and take care. Love BIG BRO. HAMBLIN Dear Papa, Don't worry too much there pops. I am hanging in there. I wrote you guys some letters as well and I think some of them may be a little down...and trunky. I'll still send them to you all cause there are good parts. I noticed that as well in my attitude and self confidence. I was pretty down on myself lately. I don't hide my emotions very well. What can I say. I have come to that conclusion. There is just so much to do and not enough time to do it somedays. I made a big progress on cleaning the house today which is great because its easier for me to think when things are clean, ya know? And ya know what, you're right! I have done hard things. More than I have to right home about. I will tell you all about the other stuff when I get home, but yes, I have done hard things Dad. I have seen miracles and I have helped people find the path back to Heavenly Father. I have done good things. I have grown and laughed and suffered and mourned with these people. I am currently helping out my good friend in the mission get over feelings of self doubt and such. I hope to be able to keep him from going home! This is another reason why I am a little stressed latey. Please Pray for me Pops. I am going through the whole look back faze right now. Looking back to see what I can do with the future. I am trying to be an upbeat and happy person but sometimes its hard. I will continue to try and laugh off the little things and look for the good! My glass is half full............. of pickle juice. No just pray that I will not lose the missionary spirit when I need it the most! I need the extra prayers. How are you all doing right now? How's work going? No near Death Experiences? Thanks for keeping an eye out for me Pops. I hope to be able to be a happier more fun, full of the spirit, kind of missionary! Thanks for the advice. Sorry there is no pictures pops. I haven't been taking alot of pictures. It's hard when your companion isn't being that happy that you're there. I think that he wants me to be transferred. I still am hoping to get one last cycle here before I move on! I'll send pictures of me smiling next time! I love you DAD! I LOVE YOU ALL!! STAY HAPPY AND SAFE AND SUCH!!!! LOVE, ELDER HAMBLIN PHILIPPINES CAUAYAN MISSION

September 10th, 2012

Dear Noble,

   Dear Family,
               Things are going good in the Philippines! Life is good. It's a little hot sometimes. The rainy season is about to start so Dad, keep your ears and eyes open. I may get stranded on a roof in my torn up dress pants eating a roasted bird. Great stuff. You could make a movie. Call it The Other Side......OF HELL! Just Kidding. Sorry for the strong language. The people here are just as warm and friendly as the Tongans at times. Depends on who you talk to. I love you all and business is as usual. Missionary work. I don't know this week didn't have much to report on! I have been busy about. Getting chased by dogs and getting thrown out of houses ya know. But people have their agency and If I try to shove the message down their throats that isn't the Lord’s way, that’s Satan's way. bummer huh? Anyways, Let’s talk about you all.
            Dear Mom,
                 My investigators are doing fine and we are trying to do the best that we can to help them come unto Christ. I wish that our Less Actives would come back to church. We are having a little success with a family down the road from the church who is less active. HOW can someone who lives but a mere yards away from the only true church of Christ fall away into apostasy? Because of pride and because of stubbornness. Basically because of the natural man. We got one tatay that is doing alright. He comes to church and sometimes get's there before we do. He reads his scriptures and says his prayers. The problem is he still drinks with his friends. He feels that because of all the good he has done that God should just heal his poor knees so that he can run again. God hasn't done that yet so in his logic, God has no love for him anymore. I know, I don't understand it. Please pray for this recent convert to understand the miracle of healing and to find the courage to follow the word of wisdom.
                Please pray for Jessica and Jennifer along with Reynel and Elizabeth the recent converts and also the Balagbagan Family. I won't get to specific with who is who here just please keep their names in your thoughts and prayers. I try my best but in the end it is up to them to decide to change and be better.
             Mom, as you can see it is hard when you put so much trust and love and time into someone and then see them go turn completely around and not do the right thing. To deny the Holy Ghost and fall into past sins. It is a heart breaker. I think it may be hard for me to really trust and love people after this is all over. I just have such high hopes for them and they let me down, but more importantly their families and the Lord down. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions on a mission. You can't be a robot and teach without feeling or compassion and you can't get so completely invested in these people that may or may not let you down or not live up to the Lords expectations. You have to find the balance. I love my investigators but they frustrate me. The two Jennifer and Jessica that are rounding up close to their baptismal dates are really stressing me out between getting Jessica ready for the interview mixed with Jennifer not really showing forth her desire and her testimony I am stressed. Stress only means that you love them and care for them and want them to succeed. I guess you would know how that feels huh Mom?
                  Bagh, enough of my complaining. How are you doing? What have you been up to lately? Are you substituting still? Life must be moving fast with wood badge coming up soon. Take lots of pictures for me. I hope you like my pictures this time! I love it when you update the blog. Just next time, tell Dane to put a shirt on! I love you Mom.                                                       Love,   Elder Hamblin

            Dear Devree,
                     Oh college. I wish I could give you some hints or tips but really, I don't have much experience in that department. It's like you trying to tell me what I should do if my investigator that doesn't come to church. It's uncharted territory for me. You are ahead of the game Devree. I wish you the best to your burning legs. I can't wait to watch movies with you on your kindle fire. I hope that all is well....well besides the legs. Be a good girl and make friends with the people that have cars. That’s my wisdom for you this week. It's all about the people you know! So, I hope that you really hit it off with the cute boys that can sing with great personalities. Make sure they treat you right. (or I'll have to...) How's the classes? How's your roomates. How’s Life? Did you get a job at the library yet? I hope you do! I think you would just LOVE that job.
               Your movie was Mulan number 1! I love that movie and I used to have it memorized. That is one line that is truly unique to Mulan. Okay here is mine:
 "It was made of your mother’s breast plate, part of a matching set. Keeps her close."
 "Thank you, you useless reptile."
 "We're Vikings, it’s an occupational hazard."  GUESS THAT!
         I love you Devs. Hang in there. School is gonna be a blast! TELL ME EVERYTHING! :D Love you,,   Elder      Hamblin  
  
         Dear Dane,
                Man, you are getting to be one chubby boy. Did you know that? I hope that means that in High School you are gonna get HUGE! I bet Shay is huge and has a deep voice right? I hope all is well with you and you are trying your hardest at school and such. I find it kinda weird and troubling that you want to rob people and to do those kind of things. I hope that you’re not serious about robbing old rich people. That’s dangerous you know. They have canes! Ha ha :D I love you and your twisted mind Dane. I could use a little more of that in my life! Life is good in the Philippines. I still don't have a toilet seat. I'm kinda bitter about that. I could try harder to find one, but, I have other things I would rather do with my time other that look for toilet seats to buy. ANYWAYS, I am very happy for you and your accomplishments. Your picture of you two on the tramp in the rain was hilarious! I wish I could have been there for it. Ya know, to jump on the tramp with you guys in the rain. Rain doesn't really annoy me anymore. I like it now! Anyways I love you and I hope that you two are being good boys for mom while I am gone. I love you! Love Elder Hambz

            Dear Shay,
                    You and those women. Follow the advice of your Mother, DON'T KISS HER! Whatever you do! Soccer Dances women. It's the best isn't it! I miss those days. Enjoy it while you’re young Shay. Sooner or later you will get old and hairy like me and the lady's won't like you anymore. JUST KIDDING! I am DANG popular here. More popular than I was at home. I like the extra attention for a while. but really it gets really boring being popular all the time. Little teenage girls screaming while you walk down the road and people pointing at me. It just seems to get old after a while. How many times does a father have to try to marry you off to their daughters before it just gets old? Anyways, the drones of a guapo missionary you don't need to hear. Hey, how’s soccer going this week. Are you gonna get to play next game? Ask Mom to take lots of pictures for me! I love you and want you to be happy in whatever you decide to do you know.
                   P.S. DON"T KISS KAYLEE! But I do want to see pictures man! he he :D Love ya Bro. Talk to you next time. Love, Elder Hambz
     
          Dear Dad,
               Make sure you don't stress Mom out too much at woodbadge. I hope her back doesn't get messed up from sleeping on the ground. Bring the air mattress. Or the trailer. Ya bring the trailer. She could get cold. I hope that all goes well for her. I hope it's all worth it in the end. I hope that you both learn a lot and take a bunch of awesome pictures. I wish you the best on your trip!
              I loved your little bit about the LA driving flashbacks. Another mini movie popped into my head. Mom, in the passenger seat me driving and her failing at trying to hit her imaginary brake in the passenger seat. HA :D You got to love how Mom hates my driving because YOU taught me how to drive. Also that YOU teach everyone how to drive because it stresses out Mom to much! HA! A never ending circle of torment for our dear Mother. I hope she doesn't have nightmares about tail lights!
                I try not to be trunky as well. I had one bad personal study where I just ended up looking at your picture on the wall of the famliy and planning my home coming talk of epicness. I hope the topic isn't about the pool of Bethesda. I hated that as my out going talk. Although I did get the chance to study up about the pool of Bethesda. Anyways, I try not to be trunky as well. Just wait till Mom realizes where I am at now in my mission. Next email should be fun! Thanks for the PDF document and such. I hope to copy it over to a flash drive or maybe to our computer someday! Thanks! Love Elder Hamblin
                      I hope you all like the pictures. There’s me and my prized adobo I made with the careful watchful eye of Elder Rocaberte close by and me riding a koliglig. We saw a chicken being killed and took some pictures and a video. I also have the sticky frog on our door pic, and the BAWAL GUMAWA DITO NG SASAKYAN! (don't fix vehicles here) and a bunch of guys fixing their vehicle there! Nice how everyone follows the rules very closely here! I hope you like the pictures. Love you. LOVE
                                                                   ELDER HAMBLIN
                                                       PHILIPPINES CAUAYAN MISSION        
  P.S. Pray for me....and my companion.     :D Love ya.                                                                                                      

September 2, 2012

Okay! So, how are you all!?!?!?!? How's the Hamblin Bunch? I miss you guys SOOOOOOOO MUCH!

It's a bummer that I wasn't able to come to the wedding or the Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I wish I could have been there. I miss all you all sooooo much. (oh wait, I already said that..... IT'S TRUE YA KNOW!"

Not too much has happened this week. I have been working on removing the forest of vines that just appeared out of nowhere in our yard. You think things grow fast in Nevada?  Try the Philippines. I swear I pick some off the fence one day and when I wake up the fence is covered in vines again! YAHHAYAHAYAH! I don't like it. Anyways cleaning up the apartment washing clothes the usual. I didn't eat anything too out of the ordinary. We killed a bunch of maggots with boiling water. (great Idea coming from my brilliant companion.) It worked well. Killed them all after putting them in a Jacuzzi! "Build me a Jacuzzi!" It was nasty! Well, now time for your lovely questions.

Dear Dane,

SO, I think almost everyone related to me has made the mistake that will brand you for life. You dropped cards in a pool! How could you commit such a heinous crime!? You are probably going to be out lawed in all the state of California from now until the end of time. You bad bad boy. At least you got permission to go in and get them all out. That would have been fun. It's crazy ya know. Seeing you grow up and such. I know It's gonna be hard to recognize you all when I get back! I hope that your voice starts changing when I get back so that I can make fun of you every day. I know I am gonna make fun of Shay's deep voice when I get back too! So how are you doing Dane? Well ya know besides being outlawed and such. How's school going? You've got to be busy now with band and practicing your new instrument. I hope that one day you get to play the tuba! You are all growing up sooooo darn fast! It's CRAZY! Well, I love you Dane and I loved the pictures of you two goof balls next to the Candy. I like Moms little note, "The HUGE NeRds between the nerds." HA HA! WHAT NERDS! I love you Dane, See ya soon......ish.! Love Elder Hamblin

Dear SHAY, :)

When you talked about how I would hold my breath when we watched The Princes Bride I got a huge flash back! I had forgotten about that. I kinda had to chuckle to myself about it! It brought a big smile to my face. Thanks Shay, I needed that. The Sundaes and Mint ice cream and chocolate sounds AWESOME. It also sounds super unhealthy. The banana split now there's something healthy. At least you have a banana in there! How are you doing Shay?

I liked the pictures of Locey's braces and how they matched the purple ties! It was a very purpley wedding! I hope you enjoyed talking with Locey until like 1am. That must have been fun. I would have loved to chew the fat with Kolten. I miss him and Locey and Spencer and all the crazy cousins! I miss you too bro. I wish that you could be here to see what I see. Like for example, last week I saw this guy. He was absolutely absurd looking. He had a speedo on with one of those silly umbrella hats on! He was trying not to get his head wet, but the rest of his body was fine to get wet? He was trying to get his garbage can into his house. I had to laugh at him and wave. He waved back. He's got to be crazy! I love the Philippines. It's always crazy here. Something weird is going on 24/7! I love it! and so would you if you were here to see it with me. I think I would just take you to the good parts and that's it! Like Banaue Rice Terraces. Look that up on Google images. It's pretty cool! Well, Love ya little bro. Love Elder Hamblin

Dear Devree,

Devree, to my everlasting shame....I cheated. Your movie was Kindergarten Cop? I don't even think I have SEEN that movie! Any ways, While I was on google, I looked up pictures of the Kindle Fire....THAT IS SOOOO DARN COOL! YOU ARE SOOOO DARN SPOILED! It's like a little Ipad! IT LOOKS SOOOO COOL! Can I play with it when I get home?

Ah Devree, I miss ya! You know whats funny about Dr. Pepper?  It's really rare here in the Philippines. Sometimes President Carlos likes to spoil us with it when we come for special meetings. I've kinda just been so so about it when other missionaries are addicted to it. We got one gas station here that sells it and because of that everyone wants to buy one! I just laughed at the whole diet Dr. Pepper thing cause right now, I don't get to be choosy! Oh well. I got your movie by cheating but this one may be a dead give away for you! Okay here we go:

".....and with some luck there marriage may result in lower TAXES!"

"I will fry your back legs in butter!"

"No more mister nice guy yes surey!" KAy guess that!

Devs I got to say I am pretty envious of the Kindle Fire. I can't wait to see you, (and it) when I get home! I miss ya little sis and just "feeding off of each others funny." Your gonna have to sit down and watch all the movies on your list with me and be really patient when I ask you what's gonna happen every three minutes! There's gonna be popcorn and such as well. I am gonna just throw a slumber party for all my family every night for like a week when I get back! (Please don't put Breaking Dawn part 1 or part 2 on the list. I've heard its nothing but porn the 1st part.) JK It's probably got its redeeming qualities in some way or another. I guess...ack! Oh well enough about me being trunky. The wedding looked cool. I love the pictures on the blog. I hope that it wasn't too cold in those sleeveless dresses. tee hee! :D I think that I would have to be the best man for Kolten. If there are such things in a temple marriage. I don't know! I've never been to one before! I love you Devs and your Kindle Fire. Love, Your Envious Brother, Elder Hamblin

Dear Mama,

So, everyone decided to hop on the missionary train did they!? I guess I was the first "Preacher" of them all you know! I hope that they all find happiness in there own different ways. They are all going to live the gospel in the best way they know how. I pray that they will all live their religions. If every man would live his religion and not put it on like his suit coat just for Sundays then the world would be a much better place. I am confident of that. The Philippines would be GREAT! Along with America!

I'm sorry that there are no pictures this time. I forgot my converters and such. I haven't been taking too many pictures lately. It is the rainy season after all! I hope that you are doing fine though! Please don't stress too much about the cards in the pool. I think they'll forget about it sooner or later.

Wow, It is a small world isn't it? You know EVERYONE IN THE WHOLE WORLD! Okay not EVERYONE but my Mom sure does know a LOT of people. You and Devree have been all over the United States haven't you? Devree will be VERY happy working in the Library. That will be really cool. I think that she will have lots of fun reading books and stuff. I hope that it works out. Reading about all your food you guys ate was really hard to bear cause we haven't had lunch quite yet! I hope we leave the internet shop soon. I am STARVING! We finished off fasting the other night and I almost ate a whole cow at our dinner appointment. ALOT of adobo went down my stomach. You have to know how hard it is to think on a empty stomach and then try to fill that empty stomach with rice. It hard.

Reynel is coming to church. He's active and is passing the sacrament now. It was great to see some one I helped bring the gospel to bless and pass the sacrament. It was a big mile stone for me. I almost cried. Elizabeth is doing good. She's almost done with her little pamphlet for primary girls. I think its Faith in God. She is a hard worker. Almost memorized her Articles of Faith. Pretty cool huh!? Those are the Recent Converts. Keep praying for the Malgapos to come to church. That would be great. I miss my old investigators and recent converts sometimes. Sometimes I write to the past members in past areas. It's nice to hear from them every now and then. The members here are great. I am blessing little girls and Old Men to get better. I love this work. It's a rewarding work as well as a hard work. But its all worth it! I love you Mom. Stay strong! Love, Your hungry son, Elder Hamblin

Dear Papa,

No near death experiences? Wow, impressive and disappointing at the same time! WAIT hold the PHONES!!!! You did drive through China town and QUOTE: "We went in circles for about 20 minutes until we finally got to where we wanted to go. Then once we got there, there were bums burning garbage in a garbage can and graffiti everywhere and we were too afraid to stop so we kept driving out of the city." Okay that sounds more like normal! I would of loved to beat up angry bums with you pops! You are my hero ya know! I have been thinking about when you me and Manny had our, "Manly bonding moment" where we shot off fireworks and got the cops called on us. You were completely calm even though the cops were there and the angry dude using the F word every five seconds! "You were gonna burn down my F*@#$# PINE TREES!!" You were calm. You didn't get angry you were not afraid you were calm and dignified when you talked to the cop. I admire that. I try to tap into my own storage of patience and strength to be still and not act in a way that I may regret in the future. I hope to be able to be as patient as you are with me! Thanks for being a good example.

Tell all the people that want to know when I'm getting home that I'll be home before you know it! I think that it will really be too fast this last leg of the journey. I hope to stay focused and always on track. Pray that I will be able to lose myself in the work. I went to a members house to teach their less active sister and they were watching Batman Arises. That was the hardest I ever had to focus. I gathered the courage to tell them to shut it off and then we had one of the best lessons that I have ever taught. I was given the words when I needed them. I hope that they got the point and that the less active sister understands what she is doing wrong and gains the courage to do what's right!

            I love you Dad and I love all that you do. I am sorry that I did not send pictures this round I hope that you will find it somewhere in your heart to forgive me for that. I will try to send a lot more to you next time around. Love you Dad. Love Elder Hamblin

I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH AND MISS YOU ALL! Don't cry yourselves to sleep just because I'm not there to eat all of your cold cereal. I love you all and wish you the best.

LOVE, ELDER HAMBLIN!!!!