Falcons, Funerals, and Eternal Siblings

July 17, 2017 Update:

The first picture is what we call a "funeral" pic. Those two elders are "dying" or leaving the mission and we are celebrating their passing. 

To Bailey 

B,

Thank you for your email and the obvious concern and love expressed in it. I am fortunate to have an older sister that cares about me so much and has had such a profound effect on my view of others. The blessing it has been to have you in my life cannot be understated. There have been times while I've taught or have just been talking with someone and I am blessed to see them as you or Mason or Peyton and I believe that is a blessing and a confirmation from the Spirit that they are my eternal siblings. I also believe those tender mercies are gifts to me to help me feel that you, Mason and Peyton are okay and that my work is a blessing for each of you even when it isn't directed towards you. 

The mission, when lived right, always keeps you on your toes with a constant effort from all aspects. It is not easy and I doubt it ever will be because my hope is to always grow and develop and cultivate my being. This gardening of my soul is pure work and effort and I will always be capable of becoming more. It's a wonder to me how continual focus on others and losing yourself in service and charity leads to a discovery of one's true self. 

A lot of people don't like Mormons and especially missionaries here and I have had many experiences where that distaste is not hidden. It is my blessing to be apart of those peoples loves that need the hope that they need help and I am able to show them love, listen to their story, and care for them and their interests. I also have seen a lot of people become uncomfortable which is funny because either they are really awkward and uncomfortable and they try to run or they try to argue and debate and trap us in our words. These people do not know us but they very sight of servant of the Lord puts them under self distress.

But I love it out here. I am learning and bettering. No amount of corn bread, green beans, and BBQ can slow me down now! 

Love, 

Elder Hamblin 

July 10, 2017 Update:

Hola Family! Not much time for emails and such! It's Elder Wadsworth last week in the mission and he is doing all he can. But I am safe and alive and somewhat sane. I love you! 

Elder Beau the Dog

Familia! 

Hello and welcome to another peek into the life of a stranger in a strange land. Let's start with something cool that happened this week. President Stone recently had the Young Men's General Presidency reach out to him asking if there were any missionaries that had unique stories of getting on a mission. President Stone thought of me and I now am in contact with said individuals. I don't know to what extent they will use my story. We will have to see! On a humorous note, I was on exchanges (usually a day where two companionship flip companions) with Elder Basham and we decided for lunch we would not eat fast food and instead get a rotisserie chicken, some macaroni salad, and potato chips. I'm not sure if that's healthier, but we sure as heck got more food! Anyway, we were nowhere near our apartment and had no place to eat or any utensils to eat with. So we plopped down at a park, laid our plastic bags down as plates, grubbed down into some chicken bare handed, and used the bones to scoop out our macaroni salad. We then washed down with a park hose. Later that day, we were knocking on some doors in the some of the more "stick" parts of our area and we came across a no trespassing, beware of dog sign covered property. With what we considered courage, which could honestly be argued as stupidity we go to the front door. No answer but a big ole hound dog comes from the back and starts sniffing us. I think it smelt the chicken because it started following us as we knocked on other doors on the street. At one house there were two smaller dogs that were having a bad day or something and wouldn't let us go to the door. But good ole Beau the hound dog fights the dogs off and clears the way to the door. He even went after the cat that was just chilling on the porch haha. That's pretty much my week. Nothing too crazy, but I enjoy it. 

Sure do love y'all. 

Love,

Elder Hamblin