Hello again brothers and sisters, who for some reason have chosen to read my missionary report that most likely is chalk full of grammatical mistakes, truly random tangents, and overall no clear direction or purpose. I thank you for taking time to read this short review of my life during the past week. A warning for those reading, I neither promise a great revelation nor even answers to questions you have. All I hope is that by you reading this, you will know that I love and appreciate you, this work, and our Savior, Jesus Christ. On that note, let's begin.
First off, thank you to everyone who has sent me letters, packages, and emails during the past 2 weeks. Being a missionary can be frustrating because I only have so much time to thank those who have done so much for me. Please know, that your words and just knowing you care and think of me have at times been my motivation to keep moving forward.
Next up is my companions. I realized after reading my last email I had hardly even told you about my official MTC companions. My companions, Elder Sanchez and Elder Titus, are absolutely incredible. They are most triumphant, totally tubular, and honestly my favorite. Elder Titus is the very essence of "anxiously engaged." He is always excited about something new he learned and actively implements what he's learned into our studies and lessons. Elder Sanchez loves so deeply, and not a selective love, that true and total encompassing love of Christ. Through his example, I have learned to be unbiased with my love. Both are young whippersnappers at the fresh age of 19, which has resulted in me earning the nickname Elder Grandpa or just Grandpa. Overall, we mesh really well and have grown from the examples of the other.
On a somewhat less spiritual note, I brought back Chauncey. There are those who don't know what or who this "Chauncey" is. Let me explain. Maybe a decade or 2 ago, my dad started saying Chauncey when he farted, along with a hand gesture. This practice was lost after a little in California, but the legend of Chauncey lived on in Utah through uncle Scotty's family. They brought this to my remembrance during the time they dropped me off, and of course, I thought it appropriate to bring it to the MTC. So now, we have all the elders in our branch saying Chauncey after farting. Pretty dang proud of myself.
On a more spiritual note, never I have I felt the Spirit, God's love, more strongly than I have here. His guidance and comfort has never been more clear than it has here. I attribute that to my companionship and district taking our time seriously and always striving to have that constant companion. Reading the scriptures has never been so clear. Partaking of the sacrament has never brought so much relief. And praying has never brought me this close to our Heavenly Father. I have experienced so many of those tender mercies, those little miracles that are meant to build my faith. I thank my Lord for those.
For those who don't know much about the MTC or missions, let me give you a summary of my days.
6:30-7:00 I wake up, pray, simply get ready for the day. This involves a lot of singing as a companionship.
7:00-8:30 breakfast which can be donuts or protein and fiber filled scrambled eggs that will cause quite the "defecration" later on.
8:30-11:30 is classroom time which means either complete chaos by means of religious hangman or a truly great time to study and prepare
11:30-6:30 involves exercise time which is really crappie volleyball, lunch, and TRC which is us teaching fake investigators. TRC's have been really great. Honestly my favorite part of the MTC. Don't ask what TRC stands for, no one knows.
6:30-9:30 more class time
9:30-10:30 should be time to write in our journal, prepare for the next day, and rest, but it ends up being prime time Jimmy-jacking and fiddle-farting for the elders in the zone.
If you know anyone that would like to receive these emails or you want to omit the forwarding part between you and a certain individual, just email me back with the email.
Thanks again everyone. I love you so much,
Elder Hamblin
Scripture of the week: Alma 32: 27
Fun fact: the scriptures above is the only time the word "particle" is used in the Book of Mormon
