November 25, 2012 Happy Thanksgiving!

Okay, Hamblin Famliy!!!!
  I hope you know I missed you all and your Thanksgiving FEAST! GOSH!  (they are playing the freakin sexy lady song right now as I sit in the computer shop. I'm gonna hurt someone.) This has been a fantastic week for me. We don't have any money to buy a turkey. I don't even know where I'd find one. I had a merienda on Thanksgiving. They had real peanut butter on bread! (no jelly but that's normal here.) We had a hamburger for Thanksgiving at a restaurant called Jolliebees that tasted interesting. I didn't have a great Thanksgiving. I have high hopes that our Christmas will be much better. Elder Galang will be home for Christmas. I on the other hand will not be. I sometimes wish I could trade spots with him. He wishes he could trade spots with me and stay in the mission for another couple of months.
       I am very, excited to see that Shay killed that Turkey in one chop. What a manly man! I'm proud of ya! I loved Danes picture of him holding up the turkey feet and saying I'm a T-Rex! I miss my family's sense of humor and AMERICA'S sense of humor. (We are WAY funnier than the Philippines in my opinion.) I will be honest with you all that I did know about Pitch Perfect and Hotel Transylvania before you wrote me about it! It's kind of a funny story. I'm in the palanky market buying what I got to buy to survive. Eggs. One tray. We buy a ridiculous amount of eggs and the lady like normal wraps it up in a news paper and ties it up for me to carry home. Just like normal...I get home unpack the stuff. As I unwrap the eggs I unfold a corner and I see a picture of a little vampire girl with a smile and naturally the animation looks normal like its from America. I begin to read that Hotel Transylvania had just come out and was a number one hit for families and I knew that Adam Sandlar played the voice of Dracula that's it. I also saw an ad for Pitch Perfect and I almost pee'd my pants laughing when I read, "Get ready to get Pitch Slapped!" HA! I am not trunky I just stumbled upon that piece of newspaper by accident. I miss movies. A lot. Members are all talking about Twilight part 2 and I knew Devree would be all, THIS IS THE BEST ONE YET! Cause she's in love with Jacob and Edward like Bella is. I keep my ear out for news and I catch a couple of things. You have no idea how hard it is for me not to hop on Youtube right now and see the trailer. It's like I'm getting clean from using drugs and I'm having youtube withdrawals right now. That and Mario. I just love Mario. I can hear the music in my head. AHHAHAHAHAHHAAHHH! I know you will all take care of me when I get home. I know you will feed me tons of food and love me and laugh and play cards with me cause you're my family and you love me. I miss you all. I wish I could be there for Christmas SOOOOO BAD! But I can't and I can't do anything about it so Shay you're gonna have to suck it up! Dane don't cry. I almost cried when I saw the Missionary bear sitting at the table ready to eat the turkey for me. I miss eating as a family. I guess I've always been a family man you know? I like being with my family and doing fun things with you all. You know I will be ready and willing to do just about whatever you all want to do when I get home! I miss you all and wish you a happy thanksgiving. Give my lovins to the Evans as well. Madsen is HUGE! I saw the pics on the blog! Well, that was a long introduction but now I guess I will answer your questions.
            
           Dear Dane,
         You are super cute with your T-Rex hands and you make me laugh with your different sense of humor. You are the light in the family. I always have to listen to what Dane has to say cause every now and then you say something that is SUPER funny and get everyone laughing and talking. No wonder the world loves you and your personality. I am thankful for Dane and for all that you do for me. Thanks for everything Dane, Love Elder Hamblin
  
        Dear Shay,
     No package yet. I didn't even know you guys had sent one yet! I am very excited for my gift this Christmas. I hope that all goes well with you and Dane earning money for the things you both want. You two are really lucky to have parents who love you and love what you do. Be grateful that Mom keeps you on task and Dad supports your righteous decisions. There are a lot of members here who are the only members of the church in their whole family and that is really hard. SO, be grateful for that. I'm grateful I was born in a country that other people wish to go to. That's a definite plus. Love you bro and have a very Merry Christmas! Love Elder Hamblin P.S. I can hear the Christmas music already and the town hall already has lights on it to make sure you get our house decorated and fast! love ya!
     
      Dear Devree,
    Your movie was Galaxy Quest I love that movie. I love the quote you chose as well. The super nerdy guy trying to explain to his parent about a spaceship falling into earth atmosphere at mach 15 which is indeed very unstable. Love that movie. I love you! I miss you as well. I am glad you and Laura got back to Dayton safe and sound and hopefully there will be no more car troubles on the way back to Idaho! I really wish I could be there to drive you both back. I don't know a ton about cars but I know a bit! I just wish I could help that's all.
   Your Thanksgiving sounded awesome. I wish I could have gone and seen Pitch Perfect with you. I miss going to movies with my family along with eating with you all. I know Dad and Mom are going to be ready to fatten me up when I get home! Don't laugh too hard at me if I can't eat it without rice. Or if I have to use a fork and a spoon. I'll try to be an American again. It's hard, okay!?
    Okay, my turn this is getting harder and harder just to let you know! Here we go:
  "Twins, in a bunk bed!"
  "I don't care if its been said I love scarin kids in bed!"
  "We scare because we care!"
  "Oh googely bear!"
  "You and me, me and you, both of us together!!!!" 
 Try that on for size! I can't wait to see these new movies just to let you know!
      Love,
    Elder Hamblin
P.S. Their is a Iron Man 3 out apparently. That definitely made me trunky.   :D   

         Dear Mom,
    I loved how you explained in full detail on the blog and in you letter exactly what you ate. I almost got full just reading it. NOT! I miss Mama's cookin. FOR SURE! I know you'll take good care of me when I get back though so that's no problem. You know I remember saying that those things can just wait. What If they can't!? President told us in the letter/email thing that there could be a possibility with the new missionaries coming in and all that I could be going home a week or 2 early so that would be weird. He'll let us know for sure if it's so but if not that's fine. Either way I hope to finish 2 years. I don't know.  We'll see. The time is far spent and there is little remaining. HA! Did you get a hold of my grades yet? She emailed me back and said all was good. Well I hope you were able to get the grades and all. I'm sorry Grandma is still losing it. I'll pray for her and Grandpa.
      Well, Manny has found the woman of his dreams. I have sent a ton of letters to him that he just hasn't got yet. He probably thinks I hate him and his package. I wish I could just talk to him face to face! But that will have to wait. Tell him I love him for me will ya? I want to meet his girlfriend too! She seems nice.
         I have to talk at a funeral later on at 5pm today. I don't even know who died really but they want me to talk, so I will talk. Being a missionary means the ward can volunteer you to do whatever they want you to do without your permission here, in the glorious Philippines. Sweet right? As you can tell I'm not excited for this but it gives me another opportunity to preach the gospel to a large mixed audience of members, family members and drunk/gambling people tonight. It should be fun. Well, have a great day Mom. Love, Elder Hamblin

         Dear Dad,
     The Turkey feet in the backyard tree sound great.  I praise you for presenting them proudly. (I would have hung them above the front door if I were you but the tree is good too!) I would have loved to have been there for the whole Thanksgiving Festivities. I think that Shay is super lucky to be the one to deliver the killing blow to your turkey. Lucky dog. I would of loved to be there to scare/chase Dane around the farm with a severed Turkey head! Ah, alas, I am here in the Philippines teaching people and helping them come unto Christ. I don't know. It's fun and all and when I am in the work I am really into the work and not thinking about home and stuff. I am really happy. But when I am washing clothes or trying to read the Book of Mormon in Tagalog and such I just think too much about you all. I miss a world that just makes sense you know?
     I can't wait to see all the movies you have written on the list. Whatever you do, don't send the list to me right now! I'm definitely excited for all the fun you have planned for me when I rejoin my family. When I'm back in the states. I should make a song:
        When I'm back in the states I won't wear holey socks
        I'll swim in Lake Tahoe and jump off the rocks
        I'll tell me sweet sister her smile looks grand
        And Tell me little brother that he needs a real tan
   Maybe it will be an old western or a country song. I'm still working on it. (I just made that up on the spot! :)
       I miss you all and wish you all the best.
   ENJOY the pictures of the Rats and the Eels one of our investigators found in his rice field! His dog brought the rats home and he caught the eels. They ate them for dinner that night. Nice. Maybe if I'm lucky they'll invite me over for dinner next time! Well I love you. Take care and remember to always be good examples to your friends!

              Love,
                                                 
              ELDER HAMBLIN

                                                         PHILIPPINES CAUAYAN MISSION

November 18th, 2012

These three are of Nanay Ulep in the back, Little Raymond, and my amazing comp Elder Galang on the path that leads to the Torres house in the bukid! Nice right!

Listen up breaking news: I FOUND BARKS ROOTBEER HERE! Of all places at a gas station they had it for sell! I enjoyed every drop. Elder Galang appericiated his as well.

A Carrabao up close and personal. He posed great for the picture! He could be a top model someday.

Elder Galang and this Carrabao just chillin on the side of the road.

Okay this is me being me at a very long lonely walk to our investigators in the bukid and Elder Galang in the back being Elder Galang. (note: He uses the Payong I left mine at home. Luckly it wasn't to hot!)

Okay, so we have the Tomatoes on my face. I really don't know why I wanted this one to be sent to you. I guess that my inspiration for this photo comes from a crazy lady in the palanky. She asked me if my face was itchy from all the pimples so i said sometimes when its hot. She asked me, "Do you want to know the secret to getting it the pimples to go away?" I'm like, "Lay it on me Lola!" She said I just need to get a ripe tomato and slice that baby up and lay the slices on my face. I would then be healed. So I'm thinking what the heck what to I have to loose? So I tried it out! 0 effects. But it makes for a great story.

I just like the wording the Mutant Coconut. Nice. didn't eat any of it!

Me and a monkey chained to a metal pole suspended between two trees. He was happy but at the same time liked to throw things at me. That's why I was a little nervous to get close or turn my back on him. "Baby monkey, Baby monkey, Riding on a pig baby monkey!"

There is a pig in that muddy picture. He's camouflaged in the mud. He's an undercover pig. Under mud that is.

And the last pic is just more pigs. These particular members have a ton of pigs in their yard. Like around fifteen in like one huge pin. Good stuff.

Wow, you all wrote a lot to me! I definitely feel the love! A lot has happened!
      Me and Elder Galang are still very hard at work trying to teach the gospel! I am just pooped every night! I try to get to bed at 10:30 so I don't feel like junk in the morning. I wrote in my journal, "Woke up today, surprise, but I feel like I was thrown in a sack and a used as a piñata for little Hispanic children." I try to do my work out in the morning but to tell you the truth, I can barely muster the strength to eat my toast and stare at the wall at 6:30 am! Blah, I'll be better. You don't need to hear my complaints. I leave that for another time.
     The work goes one. We had a wonderful District Conference for all the branches here in Roxas last Sunday. That was nice. Not too much to report on.
        We had a very frustrating lesson with a stubborn old man who told us that Joseph Smith could not see God or he would have died. (so says the Holy Bible) Despite the very clear accounts in the Bible like Acts 7:55-56 of people seeing God and Jesus Christ Tatay would not listen. That is one hard heart. Most missionaries would give up by now but not Elder Galang. He wants to help Tatay understand. -We will keep coming back till his heart softens and he starts to listen again and not just debate. GOSH! I was praying so hard during that lesson that I would yell or get angry or throw Tatay across his yard. I was blessed with an investigator like him so I could learn to rely on the Lord for PATIENCE and to rely on prayer and not just will power alone. I learn a lot while I teach others a lot!
      OK, who’s first on the list:
           
              Devree,
                  Gosh, nice blog. Nice countdown. HA! ;D I can't believe I'm rounding down to 100 days left to go! BAH! Scary stuff! Well my very trunky sister, I have something to tell you. You, attract, crazy, men. I had problems with Crazy women as well. Don't worry, just don't let them know your really personal info. They're crazy!
              Dear, Sister of mine, no letter yet. As you can obviously tell I am waiting ever so patiently. I'll let you know when I get it! I liked your pre-thanksgiving. Looked nice. You guys are gonna actually kill a turkey. Nice! I had to kill a chicken with Elder Oyardo in San Mariano. It’s a gruesome job, but someone has to do it! Turns out our brothers are still fraidy-cats when it comes to spiders!
            Your movie was AUGUST RUSH and it is one of my personal favorites! Can't get enough of good musical pie! SO, here's mine:
 "second star to the right and straight on till morning."
 "I had a pet hamster once. THAT’S NO MOTHER!!"
 ".....not to lay finger, or a hook on _______  ____!"   Guess that! Love, Elder Hamblin

        Dear Mom,
               Yes you are trunky. Yes I emailed Mrs. Sanborn and she emailed me back that it was fine now. She is happy to help. Can you believe that some kids these days don't want their parents involved with their college experience! I can! Kids these days!
               Sounds like Grandma and Grandpa are getting old like they should. I know I sound heartless right now but it’s a part of life Mom. Believe me, it’s gonna break my heart to see you two go at the right time but that’s the thing when is the right time? I don't know Mom, I would comfort you more but I think the Plan Of Salvation does a better job at comforting people than I do. God’s plan that he loves us and wants us to one day return to him is a wonderful plan. I don't know what I would do without it! It really is comforting that He is there and wants us to be happy in this life and to learn from our mistakes. Take comfort Mom, in the fact that your parents are sealed to you and have been faithful to their covenants all their lives. Grandma is a saint. Enough said. Don't stress yourself out over things we cannot control. That's a very important lesson I have a hard time grasping sometimes. Just love your parents that’s all they need Mom is the phone calls and the letters if they can read them. Love them Mom. Love them!
           As for Football and other manly things, you will be surprised to know that I am seeing the interesting things in football and have loved playing it on P-days with the elders. When it isn't serious and only two hand touch I love it! I am trying to relate with my fellow Elders so I won't be such a social outcast in college cause I like Adventure Time, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and reloading computers. I am going to attempt to keep my personality and fit in as best as I can. I make friends easily. So do my brothers despite their Lack of love for manly sports. Don't worry. You've taught us that it’s more important to smile and be a good friend than to fit in with the other dudes. I found people who like me for who I am so will they.
          Investigators are doing well. Nanay Uy is fine and her husband is getting over the skin disease on his face. Bro. Torres knows Tagalog apparently but was just shy to talk to me! GOSH TATAY! and The Mankokdoks are still not coming to church but they're mother a member faithfully comes each Sunday. Life goes on in the bukid. They plant and they harvest and they plant again. ALWAYS busy.
        I will send a 4th letter to Manny at the Address you gave me. I hope that it gets to him this time! Thanks for the address! Love ya,   Elder Hamblin
      
           Dear Shay,
                  Sorry, I'm gonna have to miss this Thanksgiving bro! I will be a little busy half way across the world. Ya know missionary stuff!
              You know Mom’s right, you aint fat. I saw the pictures. You are one lean mean lady killing machine my brother! I can see you right now singing at the top of your lungs, "I'm fat, I'm fat, you know it!" You can run with me in the mornings if you want. I don't want to be fat either!
               You are still a chicken when it comes to spiders I can smell your fear through the email! (Yea, I'm that good.) I haven't had the chance to kill any the size of my head lately but I'll definitely tell you when I do!
                Thanks for sending me a pretty big email. I feel the love. I can't wait to chill with you when I get home. You sound like you have grown like  a bunch like 1 year and 8 months worth since I've left. I bet you got a super deep voice now too! Gosh you stud!
              Did you know that I killed a chicken with my bare hands!? JK Elder Oyardo killed it with a dull kitchen knife. I just held its body as it squirmed and bled out onto the floor. Ya, I'm a cold blooded killer. Well kinda. I'm a cold blooded holder. yea. :D Tell me all about killing and plucking the feathers off the home grown turkey! I want all the details! I love you Shay. I won't see you for Thanksgiving but I will be there for you Virtually for Christmas through Skype! That's literally the best I can do for you bro. I love ya and miss you and I will do all that is in my power to never miss a Thanksgiving or a Christmas with you all again. (It's horrible) You better believe that I will be giving you an earful when you’re on your mission and are not coming home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I love you Shay, Stay in School, Don't do Drugs, Date at the right age, and Most important of all I want you to remember that YOU ARE NOT FAT! Love Elder Hamblin
    P.S. Yes I would believe Mom would post that on Facebook and if she knew how she would put the video on Facebook to. and maybe youtube. I know I would! te hee  :D
       
     Dear Dane,
          So you are doing better at the Math club class thing. That's great! You are such a little fraidy-cat! I bet that your BIG SPIDER was probably the size of an eraser on a pencil. I can now hold spiders in my hand without batting an eye lash bro. You better believe I am going to scare the bejibbes out of you! (note: I have no clue what a Bejibbes is but I'm gonna scare you, and they are gonna come out!)
          How's Madsen doing? You and him are going to faint probably when you see the Turkey guts spill on the floor! I laugh at how you get so squeamish sometimes. I remember when I was in my last area I was just about to sit down and do my job in the CR or Comfort Room which means bathroom here. Anyways, when I was just about to sit down I looked down  and see a centipede crawling in the toilet. YUCK! I lost all desire to use the bathroom until the end of the day. Scary stuff ya know!
          Well Dane, you take care and remember that I love you and I am praying for you and the whole family to be safe and sound and be good examples to all the members and your friends. Got to love praying every night. It's super important!
 Love ya Dane,
            Love,             Elder Hamblin
 
         Dear Dad,
     Life as a Stake Leader must be rough with all the traveling and such on Sundays. You probably come home beat and tired. I'm glad I have a Dad who is trusted with a calling like that. You are a great example of how to fulfill your calling. Don't stress yourself out to much with all the extra stuff you could be doing or stress that you are not fulfilling your calling completely. Once you start stressing that's when you become less effective and more irritable. It's like that for most of us. I've had to learn to let loose and let go of the fears and doubts and events that stress me out that I can't control right now. (Ex: Marriage, College, Career, Marriage.) Did I mention Marriage? JK
                   You are also a great example of how to do things right the first time! Most of the time! I miss sitting down and having talks with you Dad. You guys are so darn busy! I like that. It's way better than just sitting around waiting for things to happen. I know there are a lot of fun times to come and I look forward to that! I miss you all and I hope you enjoy all the pictures.
             These three are of Nanay Ulep in the back, Little Raymond, and my amazing comp Elder Galang on the path that leads to the Torres house in the bukid! Nice right!
          The 2nd picture I just like the wording the Mutant Coconut. Nice. didn't eat any of it!
    The 3rd picture is of me and a monkey chained to a metal pole suspended between two trees. He was happy but at the same time liked to throw things at me. That's why I was a little nervous to get close or turn my back on him. "Baby monkey, Baby monkey, Riding on a pig baby monkey!"
     There should be more so keep your eyes open. Love Elder Hamblin

 

November 11, 2012

HEY HAMBLIN FAMILY!!!!!
  Gosh do I have a lot to tell you all. Ok first of all the first
failed attempt to send pictures was the small message and the picture
of Elder Galang and half of my face. He's my new companion and he's
amazing.
    We had an amazing week and felt the outpouring of blessing for
our hard work and diligence. We set my brand new record for lessons
taught in a week. ARE YOU READY?! DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!! The NEW Elder
Hamblin RECORD for lessons taught in a week is....... 47 LESSONS!!!!!
WHOOOOO YEAAAAAA!!! BOOM FIREWORKS!!!!!!! It was a pretty fantastic
week. These are some numbers I haven't seen in awhile! Yes we have new
investigators that I need to tell you all about and such I might send
a list of ALL of them in a letter home but for now, here's a couple
names that need your prayers.
      Ranie (pronounced Ronnie) needs  your prayers. He is a 15 year
old boy who is just now coming to church a grandchild of a recently
less active sister Nanay Uy. Please pray that he will receive a
knowledge for himself that the Book of Mormon is true and church is
important.
        Manokdok Family: Sister is having problems with her husband
who is getting angrier faster and saying horrible things to the
grandchildren getting upset over small things. Pray that she will be
comforted and that her husband will start coming back to church and
let go of the anger. Please pray for her kids that they will continue
to listen to the lessons and pray to know if its true and not be shy
to come to church and that their fields will bear lots of rice so they
can sell it and get money and be blessed!
        Torrez Family: Sister and the kids are baptized members but
Tatay isn't. I think he's had a few strokes so its hard for him to
remember everything. Pray for him that he will remember what we teach
 and that he'll receive a confirmation that it is true. His natural
Language is Ilokano. I have no clue what he's saying most of the time
I catch a word here and there. Elder Galang understands mostly but
speaks little. Very Frustrating and complicated to teach him. We have
his wife translate the important parts but you can tell he doesn't get
everything all the time! Pray that we will somehow be able to
communicate with him and that Spirit that is in him.
          That's all for now and that should keep you all busy
praying! I love that you pray for them even though you are probably
pronouncing their names all wrong. It touches me that you are thinking
of them! I will send more names through the snail mail so that you
will have a list you can touch and feel and not just an email!
Anywhoo!! There you go just a couple of awesome families that we are
trying to bless!
          One last thing. I cleaned our bathroom really good this
week! It is so clean I just think I might die! SUPER WHITE! I spent
forever in there with Muriatic Acid and it just sparkles! I'm proud of
it! Ok now for your emails!


          Dear Mom,
                Okay, its official guys, Mom's REALLY TRUNKY! JK I
knew this day was coming mom. I knew I had to be getting that, "Sign
you up for college letter" soon. I don't want to go home and face the
world Mom. It's the truth. Oh P.S.  you all forgot to mention that
Obama won the Presidential Election. That's right, I've got people!
No, President Carlos told us at the Zone Leaders Council. What a
bummer. Well, ya, anyways!
            I love ROXAS!!!!! It is another bukid area and I'm eating
it up. Members are SUPER NICE. I have nicknames for a lot of them.
Sister Sarap. Tatay Itlog. Tatay Ungoy. Ask Dad if he can translate
that! I have 12 missionaries in our Zone and they all ROCK! So far we
are doing OK with obedience. I think that most of them are afraid of
the new WHITE guy in the Zone. I try to be everyone's friend and also
remind them of the rules when It's appropriate. You know, life of a
leader.
                Naturally, I miss the Investigators in Baluarte. But
you know what helps me? I know they are in good hands. Elder Rocaberte
won't give up on them and his new companion is Elder Proctor and he
means business. So, I know they won't be neglected. I will miss them
though! I got to send them a letter or something!
            I think you are very blessed this week. And P.S. Your
Welcome for the blessings! (GOSH, Mom wallowing in the hard earned
blessings!) jk I love that you spoiled yourself Mom. Just means I get
to play with it when I get home Right? Ha ha :D I love ya Mom. Don't
worry I will email DHS so you can look at my "stellar" grades! Love
Elder Hamblin
          Dear Dane,
                    I'm sorry you were feeling sick bro! I hope you
are back to 100% now! I'm also glad you are reading a book! I hope
that you will really find a love for reading. I know I have. I can't
believe they had to take video games and TV away from me before I
started to love reading and studying the gospel!  You will learn to
love reading the Book of Mormon someday too. It's amazing!
                Be a good boy and keep saving up for your mission and
reading your book! I love you Brother. Stay happy and well fed! Love,
Big Bro Elder Hamblin

            Dear Shay,
                    Shay I have to admit your little blurb got me as
trunky as heck. I hope you get the money for your 64 GB I-pod Touch
and that you will let me play with it. I figured Shay, The Ipod touch
is an Iphone really just without the phone capabilities. If I had a
Ipod touch and a Nokia Brick phone I would be the happiest man on
earth. I don't need a fancy phone. Just one that can text and call for
cheap then the Ipod touch for games and apps! Ya that's the life dude.
Plus you, me, a pepperoni pizza and some root beer would be a dream
come true for me right now! BUT it will have to wait mister! Anyways,
Manny said a bit about he Supernatural series and I might wants to
look into that as well when I get back. but now I'm all trunky. Well
mine as well go the whole nine yards. You should look up Firefly.
Elder Allen said that was a great show. Well. Love ya and see ya on
the flip side. Love Elder Hambz

          Dear Devree,
                  I hope you liked the song! Ya that's what I hear
EVERYWHERE around here. Hey ah, Pala is kinda like, oh really or
apparently like for example: Oh, The ninja Turtles are GREEN pala.
There is no direct word to word translation. Its an expression. A
thing you say when you realize something. I hope that helps. I didn't
even realize that I had said that! Gosh I'm half Philippino sister.
Sorry. I Tagalish! (Tagalog/English) all the time in my letters Pala!
Ok so you have way to many crazy boyfriends pala. I felt that way in
High School too. All the crazy girls, (Ahem, Jamie) were the ones that
were going after me. I will email you when I get my special hand
written snail mail letter!
              Your movie was The Count of Monte Cristo. Great movie. I
love how we play this game even when I know you are going easy on me
cause my brain is rotting and I haven't watched any movies forever.
Okay, here's my obvious one:
        "Left and right like day and night."
        "Kay the King. What a dreadful thought!"
        "Did you know I can make myself uglier yet?" "No, that would
be some trick." "Want to bet? BOOO!"
        "Lots and Lots of sunshine!"
        "I'm a grouchy old MAN!"
    Guess that! Love ya Sis.            Love,  Elder Hamblin

          Dear Poppy!
                  I have to admit you are all trunky now. Just as I am
hitting a high spot in my mission! You really want to go quading with
me when I get home and that is fine with me Pops. I love to go to
those old abandoned mine places! You and me should go explore American
Flats when I get back to the states! I have to admit Tatay, you've
perked my interest with using a cable to play Itunes music straight
from the computer to the speakers. I'm stocked! For sure I will help
you get the kinks out with using Itunes. I devoted the last 2 years of
my life before entering the mission field to figuring out how to get
around silly Itunes rules. Don't worry I'll help you out pops and you
can help me with teaching me about hardware. That is my weak spot
right now. We got a lot of chatting to do when I get back. I just
can't wait!
              Now, about Elder Galang. It's almost for certain that
this will be my last area. I could die here. ( They use that reference
here as well!) I don't like to say DIE so much because good Preach My
Gospel missionaries don't die Dad. They are just Missing in Action.
Well after two years. I'll still be a missionary when I go home. Just
not a full time missionary. That's the difference.
            Well pops,  I miss you and I love you even though you are
all trunky and just want me to go home already. I still have 3 cycles
to go! Don't get to excited. Knowing Shay and Dane, they already have
a paper chain hanged up around the house and they take off a paper
link every day counting down till I come back! Ha ha :D
                I love you all Hamblin Bunch. I miss you as well. We
got to go. People to teach Demons to destroy, Dragons to slay. You
know, the regular stuff! Love you all and be good examples to your
friends and the members. I looooooooooove you!
          Love,
          ELDER HAMBLIN
PHILIPPINES CAUAYAN MISSION
      (till march te hee!)

November 4th, 2012

    Dear Hamblin Family,
              Life's good except the internet is extremely slow here.
SO, probably no pictures this time Poppy. I'll see what I can do.
Frustrating to say the least. But, life goes on. Ok so you guys are
not gonna believe what happened...
            I got transferred! I kinda saw this coming but hey that is
the life of a missionary. Elder Rocaberte's got something like 12
weeks left. I got transferred to a new area called ROXAS! I am still a
zone leader and I am now companions with the fantastic Elder Galang.
He's da bomb. He's such a hard worker. Sometimes we get home, plan,up
date the stinkin area book and I update my journal. By the time that’s
all done I get to bed by like 11:30 and then get up and do it all over
again. It's a very fast paced life here. A LOT of investigators to
teach. Me and Rocaberte got at least 3 new investigators while I was
there and they will still need to work hard to find more good
investigators. I'll pray for them. He got Elder Proctor who is amazing
so no worries.
      ROXAS you pronounce it ROWHAS! Its a very interesting place. A
lot of funny members. We had one Sister who has to be in her 80's come
walking into church with some crazy shades a rose dress and some
kickin blue/white/pink socks that went up to her knees. She's an
amazing help to the elderly investigators. I love her little high
pitched voice. Makes me smile.
              Dad, I found a monkey. I took a picture but I don't know
if I can send it. We'll see. Anyways, I have taken some great pictures
just haven't got the opportunity to email them yet. I don't know if I
ever will have the chance now. I'm in a far out area with crappy
internet shops and hords of annoyingly loud War Craft players shouting
profane language in Taglaog all around me. If it were dark and hot, I
say this would be a lot like outer darkness. Anyways, I'll do my best
to get some pictures coming your way!
            We have a recent convert and his legal name is Moby Dick.
He wife is Sister Sweets but I think that’s just her nick name. Our new
bathroom is small. I sit on the toilet and my knees touch the wall in
front of me. Kinda uncomforable. I am also afraid when I see
cockroaches and worms on and around the drain by the shower. YUCK! I
have some cleaning to do. Our house is right next to the Sister
Missionaries. They are in are District and are SUPER nice. They give
us food sometimes over the concrete wall that separates our houses.
It’s cool.
                ANYWAYS, that's how I'm doing. What about you people?
            Dear Mom,
                    I got your Dear Elder! (you trunky mama you!) I am
in the process of making another personalized letter for you but I
might just send it with a personalized letter for Devree when I Get
her mail too. I don't know. We'll see. Thanks for the extra thoughts.
I received yours along with Laura’s at the same time. HAHA ohhh when I
read the two together I laughed my pants off! I'll show you when I get
home! Anyways, I loved it so be ready for another letter soon. Last
that I heard the Less Active Family the Pemintells were doing great.
They have a baby that has the same birthday as me and one of the AP's
Elder Huffstuttler. It's kinda interesting. I only got one lesson with
them so It’s up to Elder Rocs and Elder Proctors to get them back to
church. Well, I hope that they will get back to church. I found this
part of your letter pretty interesting: "Then Friday was my birthday
and Dad and I had a relaxing fun day of talking to most of my siblings
and a little shopping and a couple of movies.  Grandpa Rice also got
his prostate operated on and is doing well." What a conversation jump!
I'm glad that grandpa is on the mend and You had a great birthday. I'm
sorry about Grandma though. I'll pray for her along with your prayers.
God has blessed you guys so much since I've been gone I just assumed
Grandma and Grandpa would have no problems. Well, we'll see how it all
plays out. Tell them I love them.
                  Substituting has got to be rough on ya Mom. Don't
over do it! I hope those horrible teenagers will behave for you Mom.
You can borrow my bull whip if you want. It's in the white chest in
the attic. You can borrow it for as long as you like. Make sure you
teach those rotten kids.
                  SO, stay safe stay happy. Buy yourself something
nice for me. A little belated birthday present. I love you tons Mom.
Be happy! Love Elder Hamblin

              Dear Shay,
                    Sorry about the soccer games dude thats rough. I
hope you have a better year next year if you play again. Hey don't
even worry about it Shay. I'll totally be there for Thanksgiving and
Christmas in your dreams. I'm sorry Shay, I'll be there for ya next
year for sure! Just hang in there pal.
                    Shay, I just can't bring myself to giving you a
switch blade for Christmas. I can't just see you going to school and
being like, "Hey guys, guess what my older brother got me!" Next thing
I know you're in prison. Not good. I got you a knife. It's cool and
you will love it. And it’s less illegal than a switch blade. So be
happy. :)  I love you Shay. Be a good boy for me and do what  your
parents tell you. Finish up your merit badges and your eagle scout
now. You'll thank me later. It's a nightmare when your 18 year dead
mark is right around the corner dude. Just get your merit badges done
then goof around with me when I get back.
    :b    Love Elder Hamblin

            Dear Dane,
                  That math problem is like CRAZY hard! My brain is
like melting just thinking about it! I think you should just dumify
it. Take all the crazy words define them and rewrite the sentence in
simpler words that make sense to you. THEN do the math and the answer
shall come. Try that out bro. It's my method to ridiculous questions.
                  Baritone and The piano now. You will be a musical
prodigy when I get home! I hope that  you will live on the legacy of
musicians in our family! Well besides Dad. He toots a different horn.
(NOT THAT ONE!!! The one on the steering wheel of a car. Weirdos :)
                  Remember to keep saving up for your mission and
doing chores for money. You'll be glad you did in the future. DON'T
watch do much TV ok? Or movies. Or video games. You know what I mean.
Love ya little brother. Love,    Elder Hamblin

              Dear Devree,
                    Mom, bragged about you in her letter to me that
she sent. She says you've got STAMINA! I believe that! You are quite
the social butterfly in college aren't you? I'm afraid I'll be the
social caterpillar in college but I'll do my best to be confident.
Right now, when It comes to dating girls or even talking to girls the
same skin color as me, My self confidence level is in the toilet. I
can't really talk to white girls very well. I get nervous and stutter.
And that’s with sister missionaries in proselyting cloths. I'm doomed.
:( Do not cry for me sister. I will learn to be sociable soon.
                  Like for example, I can hardly write this letter
without looking at the picture of your friend that you sent me and
getting majorly distracted. I have a soft spot for white girls. SO SUE
ME! I'm a hopeless case. Well, at least I'm guapo right? At least I
got that! Speaking of how handsome I am, Do you think I would look
good with a mustache? Just askin!
                    Hey Devs, I have a lot to tell you so make sure
you get that letter to me fast! I miss you ya know!!!?? Your
experience in the scare house sounded REALLY scary. In fact it almost
scared your hair off! HA HA! I'm so funny aren't I! Sorry bad joke.
Anyways, I hope you are safe and sound and I hope you have a fantastic
Thanksgiving and Christmas with the family. At least one of us will
get to have Christmas with the family. Hopefully we'll both be there
next year. Ahhh I miss ya devs.
Love ya! Elder Hamblin

            Dear Pops,
                  Wow, sounds like you had a hard time focusing on
what to write me this week. HA I love you and your scrabbled thought
process. I miss ya.
                Ok, you got me good with the Gamer Magazine about
building a Budget Gamer PC. I'm sold. I need to study up on that and
cars and practice the piano. I'm going to continuously try to develop
my talents in order to find out what I want to be for the rest of my
life. See what I'm good at. Being a writer a programmer an airplane
mechanic a musician. Those are all careers I would love! Just gotta
find out what I am good at and get REALLY good at it!
                Nah Dad, Haven't encountered much snow driving in the
Philippines. Haven't encountered much snow in the Philippines. I
haven't drove a car in like 1 year and 8 months Dad. So no I haven't
had that experience in a while and YES I would have loved to drive my
best friends to Dayton for you but alas I am just a man and a
missionary man at that in the Philippines. One thing I know for sure.
SOMEBODY I don't know who... REALLY wants me to go study at BYU Idaho
when I get home. I don't know I may be crazy but that's the general
vibe I'm getting right about now! HA I love you Pops.
                I'll try and get you some new pictures soon. I don't
know I just have problems with these computer shops. They just aren't
trustworthy. I could get a virus and lose everything If I'm not
careful so just hang tight I'll see what I can do. I know you love
seeing what’s going on so I'll do my best to get some new pictures in
for you all!
                  Elder Rocaberte was getting a wee bit trunky at the
end there but His new comp will kick him in to gear. I'm sure of it.
He and I needed a change of pace. Anyways, God knew I was needed in
Roxas so he told President Carlos to send me here. Now it’s my job to
find out the reason why. It may be for me It may be for my companion.
Heck, I don't know what or who it’s for but I'm gonna find out why I
need to serve here. This could very well be my last area. Elder Galang
my current companion is going home in like 6 weeks (at the end of this
cycle) so I will be here for a while. That's ok with me. Life's good.
not toilet seat till but that's nothing I can't handle. Basta, Thats
Life! Well, I'll never forget how much I am truly loved by you all.
Thanks for everything guys. You're all awesome. I hope you checked out
the links as well. I love you all and hope you feel the love coming
from me as well in your respective places.
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE,

                  ELDER HAMBLIN
PHILIPPINES CAUAYAN MISSION