Monday, March 27, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017
Family History, Islam, and Lots of Pics!
B,
Any news on the DNA test? I'm really interested in the results. We've had some members do it here and some have had some crazy results. There was a family whose dad was white and mom was Latina. The first 2 kids in their patriarchal blessing said they were part of the same tribe as the dad, usually white people are the tribe of Ephraim. The mom is from the tribe of Manasseh, which I think is usually Hispanic people. So the mom was hoping that the 3rd child would be her tribe when she got her patriarchal blessing. This 3rd child has cerebral palsy, I think, and she wasn't expected to live to the age she is at. When this 3rd child got her patriarchal blessing, she was from the tribe of Judah. Which usually means Jewish or Middle Eastern ancestry. Of course the tribes aren't exactly linked to family history (you can be adopted into tribes) but usually, the tribes indicate your ancestry. They were shocked by Judah. So they did the family search DNA test and they found out they had family from the Middle East. No pressure, but I'm fully expecting to have some crazy gene common from Nepal.
Something I don't know a lot about but I know is fairly big for our church is the Spirit of Elijah. Let me explain to the extent of my understanding. There was a prophet named Elijah. And he prophesied that in the time before the Second Coming, the hearts of fathers will turn to the children and the children to their fathers. Joseph Smith was visited by this prophet of old and part of that visit was the giving of keys or rights to do saving ordinances for those who have passed away. This is not just a fulfilled prophecy but a promise and a blessing to those who do family history work, that they will receive God's assistance while they do the family work. So keep it up! You will see blessings in your life, like what you have felt so far with the women that have come before you. Also, I'm super psyched to be able to Skype all y'all.
On the lines of marginalized communities, undocumented students, and everything that goes with that, go you for being so smart. Seriously, go you. It takes an incredible person to not just care about those people, but do something and to learn about it. We meet so many people who recognize something is wrong with the world, but hardly anyone is willing to change or do something about it. Please know that I look up to you and love you for all that you do. We may not see eye to eye, but I know that you are doing good and loving people.
I saw that Meet Your Muslim Neighbor event listed in Brentwood 2nd Ward's bulletin thingy! I forgot to get you the information. But I'm glad you got to hear about it. Actually a lot of the people we tract into and are willing to talk with us are Egyptian. They aren't Muslim, but they are Islamic. From what I've heard, those of the Islamic faith get a lot of crap from people too. So much of the Islamic faith is similar to what Mormons believe! We were able to do a Quran/Book of Mormon swap with this pretty sweet guy. So far the people from other countries have been the most repentant, the most compassionate, and the most Christ-like. Surprising to say Christ-like for those that don't believe Christ is the Savior and Redeemer, but they really are. They welcome us in and give us water. Others most commonly stand impatiently at the door while we talk a little. A mighty change is needed in this world. And I hope that what you do and what I do can make even just little bit of change for the better.
Can you create a Skype account and send me the contact information so I can be ready when the time comes? Please and thank you!
Please know I think of you and pray for you every day. I was given a blessing once that said that my family was being protected because of my righteous acts. You can believe that or not, but it definitely is a motivator for me to work as hard as I can and as lovingly as I can on my mission. Know I love you and that God loves you. He will reveal His path for you if you ask.
Love always,
Elder Hamblin
Any news on the DNA test? I'm really interested in the results. We've had some members do it here and some have had some crazy results. There was a family whose dad was white and mom was Latina. The first 2 kids in their patriarchal blessing said they were part of the same tribe as the dad, usually white people are the tribe of Ephraim. The mom is from the tribe of Manasseh, which I think is usually Hispanic people. So the mom was hoping that the 3rd child would be her tribe when she got her patriarchal blessing. This 3rd child has cerebral palsy, I think, and she wasn't expected to live to the age she is at. When this 3rd child got her patriarchal blessing, she was from the tribe of Judah. Which usually means Jewish or Middle Eastern ancestry. Of course the tribes aren't exactly linked to family history (you can be adopted into tribes) but usually, the tribes indicate your ancestry. They were shocked by Judah. So they did the family search DNA test and they found out they had family from the Middle East. No pressure, but I'm fully expecting to have some crazy gene common from Nepal.
Something I don't know a lot about but I know is fairly big for our church is the Spirit of Elijah. Let me explain to the extent of my understanding. There was a prophet named Elijah. And he prophesied that in the time before the Second Coming, the hearts of fathers will turn to the children and the children to their fathers. Joseph Smith was visited by this prophet of old and part of that visit was the giving of keys or rights to do saving ordinances for those who have passed away. This is not just a fulfilled prophecy but a promise and a blessing to those who do family history work, that they will receive God's assistance while they do the family work. So keep it up! You will see blessings in your life, like what you have felt so far with the women that have come before you. Also, I'm super psyched to be able to Skype all y'all.
On the lines of marginalized communities, undocumented students, and everything that goes with that, go you for being so smart. Seriously, go you. It takes an incredible person to not just care about those people, but do something and to learn about it. We meet so many people who recognize something is wrong with the world, but hardly anyone is willing to change or do something about it. Please know that I look up to you and love you for all that you do. We may not see eye to eye, but I know that you are doing good and loving people.
I saw that Meet Your Muslim Neighbor event listed in Brentwood 2nd Ward's bulletin thingy! I forgot to get you the information. But I'm glad you got to hear about it. Actually a lot of the people we tract into and are willing to talk with us are Egyptian. They aren't Muslim, but they are Islamic. From what I've heard, those of the Islamic faith get a lot of crap from people too. So much of the Islamic faith is similar to what Mormons believe! We were able to do a Quran/Book of Mormon swap with this pretty sweet guy. So far the people from other countries have been the most repentant, the most compassionate, and the most Christ-like. Surprising to say Christ-like for those that don't believe Christ is the Savior and Redeemer, but they really are. They welcome us in and give us water. Others most commonly stand impatiently at the door while we talk a little. A mighty change is needed in this world. And I hope that what you do and what I do can make even just little bit of change for the better.
Can you create a Skype account and send me the contact information so I can be ready when the time comes? Please and thank you!
Please know I think of you and pray for you every day. I was given a blessing once that said that my family was being protected because of my righteous acts. You can believe that or not, but it definitely is a motivator for me to work as hard as I can and as lovingly as I can on my mission. Know I love you and that God loves you. He will reveal His path for you if you ask.
Love always,
Elder Hamblin
Monday, March 6, 2017
Possum Can't Keep Me Down
To Family
FAM BAM,
Well hello. It's been a hot second, but I've have been busy, I promise. Actually, the work has been pretty crazy. My companion and I were invited to a training done by some old guys from the missionary department. They had much wisdom, very wow. We learned a lot and have been applying it to the work as best we can. Something cool they focused on was the correct ways to find. Not every is ready or wants to hear the message and that's okay. We need to find the repentant or those who are wanting to change. Find them quickly and teach them a way to change that will help them. Prayer, reading the Book of Mormon, and going to church. All ways to open yourself to the blessings of the Spirit. My companion and I were sick right after the meeting which stunk because we were so pumped to do the work. But resting sure did help.
I went on exchanges with one of my MTC companions, which means two missionaries fresh in the mission field were running wild the whole day alone. It was incredible. Shout out to Elder Titus. We went tracting in a trailer park and practically every house we knocked was only Spanish speaking. You wouldn't believe how much I did not remember from high school Spanish. It wasn't that bad, but I don't think they'll be switching me to Spanish speaking anytime soon.
If you look at the first picture from the picture email, you will see the barbecued carcass of a possum named Orson. Orson had the misfortune of running into the wrong Elders. We didn't have a dinner appointment that night, so we decided to become real missionaries serving in the South. I tried my best to cook it in a way that it seemed somewhat edible. We all had a bite. And that was enough haha. At least we can check that one off the list.
I'm thinking about going pro from only the P-day volleyball. I've almost memorized the lyrics to Where is the Love because we blast it at least once a day down mainstreet. We've been recorded a ton and truckers really like us now. I have really enjoyed being a missionary. You meet so many cool and just incredible people. Something about dedicating all your time for 2 years, dressing decent, doing service, talking about God, and wearing Jesus Christ's name on your chest that people really respect in the South. I have learned so much about the gospel and the Church. My testimony continues to grow. I know this because I am at peace with what I'm doing. Of course progress is necessary, but I feel good about what I'm doing and what I believe.
Email me if you have any questions. Also, please send this to people haha.
Sure do love y'all,
Elder Hamblin
To Dad
Fajo,
So I tried my best with the possum. BBQ, bacon, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and it was still gamey as crap. All of us took one bite and that was enough haha. Tornado alley is crazy. We've heard the tornado alarm 4 times but fortunately nothing has touched down near us. Good service opportunities though. Companions and missionary work are stellar. People are fairly nice here, so the worst I hear is "I know what y'all doin' is good, but I already go to church and am saved." Nothing too bad yet. Elder Melville and I are pretty stellar. We work well together and have grown to trust each other, but there are weird missionary social structures. Everyone wants to rebuke, nobody knows if you are gonna tattle, and you can never be seen doing anything remotely close to flirting. So it's been difficult wanting to do the work but having to meander my way through the politics of it. Sounds great! I think right now, if you were to send anything, send some pictures of what y'all are doing.
Thanks Padre,
Elder Hamblin
Take Jesus with you everywhere
You guessed it, possum. Ten out of ten. Would make again.
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