Sunday, 24 August 2014
Monday, 26 May 2014
Email 5/26/14
Hi Mom,
I had to turn in my iPad on Tuesday but I just wanted to let you know that i love you and I am so grateful for all the support you have given me over the past year and a half. I am the luckiest girl ever! Also I was wondering if we could go to the Temple on the way home on Wednesday as a family. That is what I would like to do most. Thanks!!! See you Wednesday!!!!!!!!!!! I love you so so so much!!!
Love,
Sister Hamblin 😊
P.S.
The Book of Mormon is true!!! I love it!
Friday, 23 May 2014
Email 5/19/14
Dear Family,
I am continually astounded at the blessings our Father is pouring out
upon us. We have again had a miraculous week in the Midwood area and
we know this week will be filled with more.
We have seen many great miracles this week. I wish I had time to write
them all down!!! The ward fasted for missionary work at the beginning
of the week and this upcoming Sunday there will be three baptisms and
two the following week!! This ward is so amazing! We love them and are
so grateful for their examples to us!
This next week is going to be an amazing week. We have many service,
teaching and learning opportunities planned. I believe this will be
among the busiest weeks of my mission, for which I am eternally
grateful!
Sister Hamblin :)
I am continually astounded at the blessings our Father is pouring out
upon us. We have again had a miraculous week in the Midwood area and
we know this week will be filled with more.
We have seen many great miracles this week. I wish I had time to write
them all down!!! The ward fasted for missionary work at the beginning
of the week and this upcoming Sunday there will be three baptisms and
two the following week!! This ward is so amazing! We love them and are
so grateful for their examples to us!
This next week is going to be an amazing week. We have many service,
teaching and learning opportunities planned. I believe this will be
among the busiest weeks of my mission, for which I am eternally
grateful!
Sister Hamblin :)
Monday, 5 May 2014
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Email 4/21/14
Photos
1) Beautiful flowers from Grandma
2) Brooklyn in the fall...
3) Brooklyn buildings! They are so cool!
4) We taught Elders Ashby and Thelemaque how to make Chicken today.
They don't know how to cook so we thought we'd help them out.
5) Sister Hodgson and I in the hospital... I told you it wasn't that bad :)
Dear Family,
Another wonderful and miraculous week here in Midwood.
Monday was a lot of fun. This ward does a ward FHE that is always fun
and exciting! This past week one of the Soleta girls was in charge and
we did a charades Book of Mormon style. It was really fun because we
had a recent convert and two investigators there who are in the
process of reading the Book of Mormon. They all said that they are
excited to get to the different stories in the Book of Mormon that we
acted out. It was fun and a good way to encourage them to keep reading
;)
Tuesday started out as most Tuesdays do. Exercise, get ready,
breakfast and studies. During our companionship study however we
received a call from some missionaries telling us that we were
supposed to be t transfer meet starting 2 hours. We rushed to finish
daily preparations, grabbed the Creole Elders and made our way through
the pouring rain to Queens (an hour and a half train ride). We made it
just as they were singing the opening hymn, Called To Serve).
This meeting was historic because the Sunday before a new stake was
organized in our mission boundaries. This means that there are now 4
stakes in our mission and president Calderwood doesn't have to preside
over a district! Because this happened two new zones were added to our
mission and we are spreading abroad the good news! We also, for the
first time ever have two new ASL sisters!! We are so grateful to
that've them with is here! Also two of the existing Chinese elders
were asked to serve Korean speaking. The Lord is hastening His work
here. He is laboring with us. "This is our hour" - President
Calderwood referring to D&C 88:51-64
There were so many other things that were amazing in that meeting but
I'll move on.
Wednesday was service in Prospect Park. We woke up to snow and were
nervous that we would be super cold so we bundled up and went. It
actually turned out to be pretty nice. We were still in need of our
coats but the work kept sis warm and the conversation kept our
thoughts off of the cold. I love Wednesday service.
Later that evening we met with an amazing 22 year old widow. She lost
her husband about a year ago to a car accident and is struggling to
keep her mind off of her sorrow. She goes to school full time to be a
nurse and helps her mom around the house. She is doing quite well in
school and is thinking about coming back to church. It was amazing to
b able to testify to her that this is where true happiness is found.
We love her so much and are so excited to be able to meet with her
again.
Thursday was the usual planning day which usually means miracles. We
have such a great time planning for the week and getting the
opportunity to think about how the gospel principles can and do apply
to all the people that we are meeting with. Dispute the differences in
situations and challenges, every problem is fixed by the Atonement of
Jesus Christ. Oh I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!!
Friday we had a Zone Training Meeting. We have a new zone leader who
is filled with missionary fire. Both of our Zone leaders are great
guys with a love for the gospel. Our Meeting was about repentance,
shutting out the noise, and focusing on the needs of our companions.
It was a really good meeting. I love Zone Two!!
Saturday we had 4 scheduled appointments and only one of them worked
out. It was good though because the lady we met with is an amazing
lady who is struggling to over come a coffee addiction. She comes to
church every Sunday and loves the activities and programs of the
church we are just helping her to gain a testimony of the Restoration.
As I was thinking about her I, in my pride, thought, "it should be so
easy. If you have a testimony of the restoration and the Atonement it
should be easy to overcome any addiction." I became frustrated within
myself and then quickly humbled. I myself have many little addictions
that I am trying to overcome. Things that are "not terrible" but do
present stumbling blocks on my road to progression. I know that I have
a testimony of the restoration and a deep love for the Atonement and I
am still not perfect. Patience in trials and addictions is something
that I am again learning the value of. How grateful I am for our
Saviors perfect love for us, and for those that we are working with.
Even more, how grateful I am that he allows us to feel if that love
for others.
Easter Sunday beamed bright and beautiful! The sunshine felt good as
we walked to church and were greeted by people from all walks of life
and every different religion with a "Happy Easter!" I love the people
of New York! They are truly amazing! They have a bad reputation but I
truly don't understand why. They are good people trying to do their
best which what they know. Isn't that just what we are trying to do?
Do the best with what we know? How I love the Gospel and the guidance
it gives us in our lives. I pray that none of us stray from what we
know. We can be so blessed if we just follow the guidance given by the
prophets, who get it from Jesus Christ.
We spent the rest of the day making visits to those who have wandered.
I love each if them so much! They have great challenges and deep
hardships. The hardest part is trying to convince them that their
lives would be so much better if they came to church and partook if
the sacrament each week. Renewing those covenants is so so important
and necessary. Mosiah 18
Easter Miracle? A less-Active Part Member family came to church. How,
you may ask, will this change my life forever? I am not sure. We have
an appointment with them on Friday... They don't usually come to
church because our service cues are too boring for the non members.
But they came yesterday and were treated warmly by the ward! You know
what that is what changed my life. A warm welcome from the ward. That
really makes all the difference to those who are trying to come back
or who are investigating. Honestly. It does. Let's just all be friends
ok?
Ok friends I need to go but I love you all so much!
Mom- you are amazing. Thank you for showing me what a covenant keeper
looks like.
Dad- thanks for always looking out for me :)
Raddon- thank you for your good example to your friends at school.
Keep doing the hard things, they are the ones that are the most
meaningful.
Riann!!! Feel better my friend!! I love you so much!! Are reading
Preach My Gospel?
Hermana Hamblin- you are beautiful! I hope you love your area... Did I
tell you that is only two homers from where my companion is from? She
is from Rocklin... Have you heard of it?
Elder Hamblin- keep up the great work my friend! It all goes way to fast!
Sister Hamblin :)
1) Beautiful flowers from Grandma
2) Brooklyn in the fall...
3) Brooklyn buildings! They are so cool!
4) We taught Elders Ashby and Thelemaque how to make Chicken today.
They don't know how to cook so we thought we'd help them out.
5) Sister Hodgson and I in the hospital... I told you it wasn't that bad :)
Another wonderful and miraculous week here in Midwood.
Monday was a lot of fun. This ward does a ward FHE that is always fun
and exciting! This past week one of the Soleta girls was in charge and
we did a charades Book of Mormon style. It was really fun because we
had a recent convert and two investigators there who are in the
process of reading the Book of Mormon. They all said that they are
excited to get to the different stories in the Book of Mormon that we
acted out. It was fun and a good way to encourage them to keep reading
;)
Tuesday started out as most Tuesdays do. Exercise, get ready,
breakfast and studies. During our companionship study however we
received a call from some missionaries telling us that we were
supposed to be t transfer meet starting 2 hours. We rushed to finish
daily preparations, grabbed the Creole Elders and made our way through
the pouring rain to Queens (an hour and a half train ride). We made it
just as they were singing the opening hymn, Called To Serve).
This meeting was historic because the Sunday before a new stake was
organized in our mission boundaries. This means that there are now 4
stakes in our mission and president Calderwood doesn't have to preside
over a district! Because this happened two new zones were added to our
mission and we are spreading abroad the good news! We also, for the
first time ever have two new ASL sisters!! We are so grateful to
that've them with is here! Also two of the existing Chinese elders
were asked to serve Korean speaking. The Lord is hastening His work
here. He is laboring with us. "This is our hour" - President
Calderwood referring to D&C 88:51-64
There were so many other things that were amazing in that meeting but
I'll move on.
Wednesday was service in Prospect Park. We woke up to snow and were
nervous that we would be super cold so we bundled up and went. It
actually turned out to be pretty nice. We were still in need of our
coats but the work kept sis warm and the conversation kept our
thoughts off of the cold. I love Wednesday service.
Later that evening we met with an amazing 22 year old widow. She lost
her husband about a year ago to a car accident and is struggling to
keep her mind off of her sorrow. She goes to school full time to be a
nurse and helps her mom around the house. She is doing quite well in
school and is thinking about coming back to church. It was amazing to
b able to testify to her that this is where true happiness is found.
We love her so much and are so excited to be able to meet with her
again.
Thursday was the usual planning day which usually means miracles. We
have such a great time planning for the week and getting the
opportunity to think about how the gospel principles can and do apply
to all the people that we are meeting with. Dispute the differences in
situations and challenges, every problem is fixed by the Atonement of
Jesus Christ. Oh I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!!
Friday we had a Zone Training Meeting. We have a new zone leader who
is filled with missionary fire. Both of our Zone leaders are great
guys with a love for the gospel. Our Meeting was about repentance,
shutting out the noise, and focusing on the needs of our companions.
It was a really good meeting. I love Zone Two!!
Saturday we had 4 scheduled appointments and only one of them worked
out. It was good though because the lady we met with is an amazing
lady who is struggling to over come a coffee addiction. She comes to
church every Sunday and loves the activities and programs of the
church we are just helping her to gain a testimony of the Restoration.
As I was thinking about her I, in my pride, thought, "it should be so
easy. If you have a testimony of the restoration and the Atonement it
should be easy to overcome any addiction." I became frustrated within
myself and then quickly humbled. I myself have many little addictions
that I am trying to overcome. Things that are "not terrible" but do
present stumbling blocks on my road to progression. I know that I have
a testimony of the restoration and a deep love for the Atonement and I
am still not perfect. Patience in trials and addictions is something
that I am again learning the value of. How grateful I am for our
Saviors perfect love for us, and for those that we are working with.
Even more, how grateful I am that he allows us to feel if that love
for others.
Easter Sunday beamed bright and beautiful! The sunshine felt good as
we walked to church and were greeted by people from all walks of life
and every different religion with a "Happy Easter!" I love the people
of New York! They are truly amazing! They have a bad reputation but I
truly don't understand why. They are good people trying to do their
best which what they know. Isn't that just what we are trying to do?
Do the best with what we know? How I love the Gospel and the guidance
it gives us in our lives. I pray that none of us stray from what we
know. We can be so blessed if we just follow the guidance given by the
prophets, who get it from Jesus Christ.
We spent the rest of the day making visits to those who have wandered.
I love each if them so much! They have great challenges and deep
hardships. The hardest part is trying to convince them that their
lives would be so much better if they came to church and partook if
the sacrament each week. Renewing those covenants is so so important
and necessary. Mosiah 18
Easter Miracle? A less-Active Part Member family came to church. How,
you may ask, will this change my life forever? I am not sure. We have
an appointment with them on Friday... They don't usually come to
church because our service cues are too boring for the non members.
But they came yesterday and were treated warmly by the ward! You know
what that is what changed my life. A warm welcome from the ward. That
really makes all the difference to those who are trying to come back
or who are investigating. Honestly. It does. Let's just all be friends
ok?
Ok friends I need to go but I love you all so much!
Mom- you are amazing. Thank you for showing me what a covenant keeper
looks like.
Dad- thanks for always looking out for me :)
Raddon- thank you for your good example to your friends at school.
Keep doing the hard things, they are the ones that are the most
meaningful.
Riann!!! Feel better my friend!! I love you so much!! Are reading
Preach My Gospel?
Hermana Hamblin- you are beautiful! I hope you love your area... Did I
tell you that is only two homers from where my companion is from? She
is from Rocklin... Have you heard of it?
Elder Hamblin- keep up the great work my friend! It all goes way to fast!
Sister Hamblin :)
Monday, 21 April 2014
Email 4/14/14
Dear Family,
What a week we've had! From beginning to end it has been wonderful!!!! :)
Monday- Super fun ward FHE!! The McKells, the missionary senior couple
in our ward, put together what they called the Balloon Olympics!!
Balloons were everywhere! It was a lot of fun and our recent convert
and her daughter loved it so much that are coming back every week
because they loved it so much!
Tuesday- we met with a member who is preparing herself to go through
the temple for her endowments for the first time. She has a lot on her
plate right now and realizes that the only way to overcome her
challenges is to endure to the end! She made us a delicious
Trinidadian dish with corn beef, lots of vegetables, and orange juice
that is filled with sugar :). We were grateful for the food and so
grateful to hear that she is preparing for that sacred experience. I
know that the blessings of the temple, as long as covenants are kept,
bring more happiness than anything else we could ever imagine!
Wednesday- we had lunch with a sister from the ward who is going
though some changes in her life that are causing her to miss Sundays.
She is amazing and was actually taught by my trainer. She is trying to
make church part of her routine and part of her every week life. She
said that church is just as important as brushing your teeth or taking
a shower. It is a necessity. She has great faith and I am so grateful
for the opportunity that we have to get to know her. I love her so
much!
Thursday- on Thursdays we have started meeting with a senior sister in
the ward who is confined to her home for medical purposes. She is from
Thiland and has the coolest stories. She loves the gospel so much and
reads from the Book of Mormon to us in Chineese. I love her so much.
She may be cutting my hair next week... We'll see how that goes. :)
Friday- Friday was a long day. It started at 3:30am and hasn't really
ended ha ha. Everything is going well though and after a hospital
visit, loving Senior Couples and a blessing I have been blessed :)
Heavenly Father is looking out for me here. I could never deny that we
have a Father who loves us. There have been to many miracles and
things that shouldn't have happened that did, for the better, that
confirm to my every thought, there is a God. He love ME and he loves
EVERYONE!!
Speaking of there really being a God. I don't remember if I told you
about my atheist friend in Bay Shore... His name is Eddie. Anyways, on
Friday I found out that Eddie watched all of general conference,
including the Priesthood session, is reading the Book of Mormon, and
has decided through a miracle that there is a God. He is getting
Baptized on April 27!!!!
No time to finish but i love you all!
What a week we've had! From beginning to end it has been wonderful!!!! :)
Monday- Super fun ward FHE!! The McKells, the missionary senior couple
in our ward, put together what they called the Balloon Olympics!!
Balloons were everywhere! It was a lot of fun and our recent convert
and her daughter loved it so much that are coming back every week
because they loved it so much!
Tuesday- we met with a member who is preparing herself to go through
the temple for her endowments for the first time. She has a lot on her
plate right now and realizes that the only way to overcome her
challenges is to endure to the end! She made us a delicious
Trinidadian dish with corn beef, lots of vegetables, and orange juice
that is filled with sugar :). We were grateful for the food and so
grateful to hear that she is preparing for that sacred experience. I
know that the blessings of the temple, as long as covenants are kept,
bring more happiness than anything else we could ever imagine!
Wednesday- we had lunch with a sister from the ward who is going
though some changes in her life that are causing her to miss Sundays.
She is amazing and was actually taught by my trainer. She is trying to
make church part of her routine and part of her every week life. She
said that church is just as important as brushing your teeth or taking
a shower. It is a necessity. She has great faith and I am so grateful
for the opportunity that we have to get to know her. I love her so
much!
Thursday- on Thursdays we have started meeting with a senior sister in
the ward who is confined to her home for medical purposes. She is from
Thiland and has the coolest stories. She loves the gospel so much and
reads from the Book of Mormon to us in Chineese. I love her so much.
She may be cutting my hair next week... We'll see how that goes. :)
Friday- Friday was a long day. It started at 3:30am and hasn't really
ended ha ha. Everything is going well though and after a hospital
visit, loving Senior Couples and a blessing I have been blessed :)
Heavenly Father is looking out for me here. I could never deny that we
have a Father who loves us. There have been to many miracles and
things that shouldn't have happened that did, for the better, that
confirm to my every thought, there is a God. He love ME and he loves
EVERYONE!!
Speaking of there really being a God. I don't remember if I told you
about my atheist friend in Bay Shore... His name is Eddie. Anyways, on
Friday I found out that Eddie watched all of general conference,
including the Priesthood session, is reading the Book of Mormon, and
has decided through a miracle that there is a God. He is getting
Baptized on April 27!!!!
No time to finish but i love you all!
Monday, 7 April 2014
Email 4/07/14
Dear Family,
This week has been blessed and holy because of the magnificent
conference that has just transpired! Many answers to questions and
deep yearnings of my soul have been comforted and answered in profound
ways. I am eternally thankful for the opportunity our Father in Heaven
gives us to receive this kind of personal revelation on a semi annual
basis. Most every part of my after mission life I knew to be set in
stone before coming to New York has been changed in the past 72 hours.
The most marvelous part of it all is the calm feeling inside and the
assurance that all will be well. Looking forward with an eye of faith,
realizing the reasons for obedience, I have no fear in what will soon
come to pass.
Miracles abound here in the great city of Brooklyn! The so called
drudgery of mission life is absent in my eyes. I see only good things
coming from this small part of the world. The hearts of the people are
being softened as people on the streets see us and talk to us and feel
the calm assurance that they have a friend in those who belong to the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Simply saying hello to a
stranger opens up a world of confidence and trust when said with the
biggest smile one can possess. I love seeing the stoney faces change
to sunshine as we talk of the weather, families, and most especially
the Gospel. Miracles abound here in the great city of Brooklyn, and I
love it!
Future Elder Hamblin- I hope you took Elder Ballards advice and
started reading Preach My Gospel! It is amazing!!!
Future Sister Hamblin- are you ready to be this crazy missionaries companion?
Elder Hamblin- did you love President Uchtdorf's insight about us
being eternal beings and therefore endings are not part of nature? I
think that means that we are going to be missionaries FOREVER!!!! I
don't know about you but I am so excited about that!
Hermana Hamblin- I thought of you and being rejected by all those
English speaking people when Elder Holland was talking about that
missionary getting mashed potatoes thrown in her hair.
Mom- Thank you so much for always encouraging us to use kind words. It
really helps us as missionaries when it says in the missionary hand
book "use dignified and refined language."
Dad-thanks for getting us up for scripture study (especially Hermana
Hamblin:) ) every morning. I would be lost here without that
dedication from you and mom. Family scripture study and prayer and
family home evenings are some of my most treasured memories.
I love you all so much!!! Have the most fantastic week ever!! I know I will :)
Love Sister Hamblin :)
This week has been blessed and holy because of the magnificent
conference that has just transpired! Many answers to questions and
deep yearnings of my soul have been comforted and answered in profound
ways. I am eternally thankful for the opportunity our Father in Heaven
gives us to receive this kind of personal revelation on a semi annual
basis. Most every part of my after mission life I knew to be set in
stone before coming to New York has been changed in the past 72 hours.
The most marvelous part of it all is the calm feeling inside and the
assurance that all will be well. Looking forward with an eye of faith,
realizing the reasons for obedience, I have no fear in what will soon
come to pass.
Miracles abound here in the great city of Brooklyn! The so called
drudgery of mission life is absent in my eyes. I see only good things
coming from this small part of the world. The hearts of the people are
being softened as people on the streets see us and talk to us and feel
the calm assurance that they have a friend in those who belong to the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Simply saying hello to a
stranger opens up a world of confidence and trust when said with the
biggest smile one can possess. I love seeing the stoney faces change
to sunshine as we talk of the weather, families, and most especially
the Gospel. Miracles abound here in the great city of Brooklyn, and I
love it!
Future Elder Hamblin- I hope you took Elder Ballards advice and
started reading Preach My Gospel! It is amazing!!!
Future Sister Hamblin- are you ready to be this crazy missionaries companion?
Elder Hamblin- did you love President Uchtdorf's insight about us
being eternal beings and therefore endings are not part of nature? I
think that means that we are going to be missionaries FOREVER!!!! I
don't know about you but I am so excited about that!
Hermana Hamblin- I thought of you and being rejected by all those
English speaking people when Elder Holland was talking about that
missionary getting mashed potatoes thrown in her hair.
Mom- Thank you so much for always encouraging us to use kind words. It
really helps us as missionaries when it says in the missionary hand
book "use dignified and refined language."
Dad-thanks for getting us up for scripture study (especially Hermana
Hamblin:) ) every morning. I would be lost here without that
dedication from you and mom. Family scripture study and prayer and
family home evenings are some of my most treasured memories.
I love you all so much!!! Have the most fantastic week ever!! I know I will :)
Love Sister Hamblin :)
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Email 3/31/14
Dear Family,
Midwood is filled with miracles!! I am so amazed by the people,
events, and the spirit that is here. I love it! This week was amazing
and I am learning so much!
Yesterday Victoria Washington got baptized. It was the smoothest
baptism I have ever been to or been apart of. Because it was fast
Sunday we didn't have too many members show up but Bishop Grow gave
the best welcome to the ward I believe I have ever heard. He talked
about the responsibility that members of the church have to take care
of each other and to look after one another. He bore his testimony on
the importance of Visiting and Home Teaching. He told her that she
would have the support she needed and the love that she needed here in
this ward. Victoria is amazing and has already expressed a desire to
come teaching with us to that she can help people feel as happy as she
is! It was so cool! There were about 6 non-members there (one of them
being Barbara who said that this really helped her move closer to her
baptism), and three sisters from Westchester who were sisters of the
man who introduced Victoria to the church. It was a really good
service.
Victoria is an amazing woman who went on a blind date with a return
missionary. She flew from New York to Utah to visit Temple Square.
When she watched the video about families she knew that this is where
Heavenly Father wanted her to be. She has such a strong testimony and
she is so excited to start serving in the ward. We love her very much!
Our other investigator Barbara was at the baptism and said that going
to the baptism helped her to move closer to setting her own date! It
was an amazing service where the spirit was so strong!! I LOVE
MISSIONARY WORK!!
Today we went to the Brooklyn Bridge. It was so cool! There are so
many stories on that Bridge that tell us a lot about the people, and
events that have taken part here in New York!! I just love it here so
much! I took more pictures that what I sent you earlier but they are
on my other camera so you'll have to wait to see those. But anyway it
was really cool and I loved being there!!
Ok I have to go. I love you all so much!!
Sister Hamblin :)
Midwood is filled with miracles!! I am so amazed by the people,
events, and the spirit that is here. I love it! This week was amazing
and I am learning so much!
Yesterday Victoria Washington got baptized. It was the smoothest
baptism I have ever been to or been apart of. Because it was fast
Sunday we didn't have too many members show up but Bishop Grow gave
the best welcome to the ward I believe I have ever heard. He talked
about the responsibility that members of the church have to take care
of each other and to look after one another. He bore his testimony on
the importance of Visiting and Home Teaching. He told her that she
would have the support she needed and the love that she needed here in
this ward. Victoria is amazing and has already expressed a desire to
come teaching with us to that she can help people feel as happy as she
is! It was so cool! There were about 6 non-members there (one of them
being Barbara who said that this really helped her move closer to her
baptism), and three sisters from Westchester who were sisters of the
man who introduced Victoria to the church. It was a really good
service.
Victoria is an amazing woman who went on a blind date with a return
missionary. She flew from New York to Utah to visit Temple Square.
When she watched the video about families she knew that this is where
Heavenly Father wanted her to be. She has such a strong testimony and
she is so excited to start serving in the ward. We love her very much!
Our other investigator Barbara was at the baptism and said that going
to the baptism helped her to move closer to setting her own date! It
was an amazing service where the spirit was so strong!! I LOVE
MISSIONARY WORK!!
Today we went to the Brooklyn Bridge. It was so cool! There are so
many stories on that Bridge that tell us a lot about the people, and
events that have taken part here in New York!! I just love it here so
much! I took more pictures that what I sent you earlier but they are
on my other camera so you'll have to wait to see those. But anyway it
was really cool and I loved being there!!
Ok I have to go. I love you all so much!!
Sister Hamblin :)
Photo #1-- Hermana Lewis, Sister Hamblin, Sister Hodgson, Hermana Palu
Photo #2-- Me, Victoria (she is AMAZING!!), Sister Hodgson, Elder De Cresenzo
Photo #3-- The Brooklyn Bridge
Photo #4-- Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge
Photo #5-- Zone Two in the New York, New York South Mission! (Two of
the sisters are our Sister Training Leaders, so they are not actually
in our zone).
Photo #2-- Me, Victoria (she is AMAZING!!), Sister Hodgson, Elder De Cresenzo
Photo #3-- The Brooklyn Bridge
Photo #4-- Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge
Photo #5-- Zone Two in the New York, New York South Mission! (Two of
the sisters are our Sister Training Leaders, so they are not actually
in our zone).
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Email 3/24/14
Dear family,
This week is a week of miracles!! We have had two amazing lessons with our investigators. As she bore her testimony of her knowledge that this gospel is true I felt the spirit confirm to my soul again that the church is true and that Heavenly Father loves us each individually and personally. I felt again that the Book of Mormon was written for us in our day to help us better understand the Atonement and the love Heavenly Father has for each of us. I am feeling it again even now as I type this to you. It is amazing! I am so grateful for the Spirit and for his teachings.
We have been making a lot of calls to formers and potentials these past few weeks trying to find those who are now prepared for the gospel. After calling more than a few people and visiting with some of them, we came across someone named Eve. We called and three days later they called back asking us if we could meet with them that same day. We met HIM at the church and turned him over to Elder Bey and Elder McPerson. Eve is so prepared. He has friends who are members and is already reading the Book of Mormon. He walked into the church saying "I want to join this church." He said he really enjoyed the Joseph Smith story and says that the Book of Mormon is really helping him to lift his spirits. Heavenly Father is blessing the people here and I am so grateful to be a part of it.
We saw many more miracles this week and I have learned once again the more you are obedient, the more joyful you are! Mosiah 2:41 asked me to consider the blessed and happy state of those who keep the commandments of God, and I have. I testify of the power of the Book of Mormon. I invite all to read it, no matter how many times you have read it and ask God if it is true, no matter how many times you have asked. Heavenly Father will witness to you if reality of the truth. The Atonement is REAL!! Heavenly Father loves us so much! The Gospel has changed my life forever and I know it will changes yours al well!!
I love you all so much! Have a great and obedient week :)
Love,
Sister Hamblin :)
Monday, 17 March 2014
Email 3/17/14
Dear Family,
What a week we've had! We have seen many miracles and I am so happy
here in Brooklyn!! I LOVE it here! I can't believe how much I have
fallen in love with New York since coming here. This is a hard place
but it is filled with greatness and so much JOY! There are many
challenges here that are unique and almost unexpected but they are
bringing us so much excitement! I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK!!! Ok sorry I
just got a little excited... My bad :)
Ok but seriously, this week has been amazing! I feel as if I am
finally getting the hang of missionary work. I have felt so happy
these past few weeks here in Brooklyn and I am finding that through
the aid of our Redeemer I can do all things. I am slowly becoming more
and more "fearless" and am experiencing "exceedingly great joy"
because of it. I love watching scripture apply to me as I "consider
the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of
God." I love it further as I realize that the reason that I am so
happy is because of my obedience my love for my Father in Heaven is
increasing. Through this I am better able to show that love to our
fellowman! It is so exciting. I obviously still have a lot more
learning and growing to do but I am excited to see progress in the
right direction.
Sister Hodgson teaches me so much on a daily basis. She has a way of
making sure that things go according to plan that I need to keep me on
track. Our district is doing a 40 day fast of those things that "poke"
at our spirits and prevent us from being able to really do the Lords
work here in New York. Sister Hodgson is so supportive of my personal
goals and I am so grateful for that. She is just an wonderful
missionary. She is an amazing teacher! She knows the points of the
lessons and knows how to explain things simply so that those we are
teaching are better able to understand. I am so grateful again to be
serving here in Midwood with her. Man missionaries are so great!
Ok have a fantastic week!!!!
Hermana Hamblin-- two things. I will come to California and beat you
senseless if you do not send me the family email THIS week. Poor Mom
has been so patient in sending them to me. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE send
me your EMAILS!!!!! Yes I am needy and whiny just send me your
emails!!! Thanks your the best :)
SECOND- You are a champion!! I hope to be as fearless as you at the
end of my mission!!! You are my hero!!
Elder Hamblin-- thank you so much for including me in your emails! I
sure do appreciate it. ;)
Riann-- or should I say Sister Hamblin??? My mission president wants
you to come here.... Pray for it girl! It's the best in the world!!!
Right along with Santa Rosa and Vancouver
Raddon-- you are so great!! Keep being such a great example to your
friends!! I will pray for his foot!
Mom- thank you for the scarf you made me two Christmas ago. It is
literally saving my life here in Brooklyn!
Dad-- let me know how your prayers are going :)
I love you all so much!!!
Sister Hamblin :)
What a week we've had! We have seen many miracles and I am so happy
here in Brooklyn!! I LOVE it here! I can't believe how much I have
fallen in love with New York since coming here. This is a hard place
but it is filled with greatness and so much JOY! There are many
challenges here that are unique and almost unexpected but they are
bringing us so much excitement! I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK!!! Ok sorry I
just got a little excited... My bad :)
Ok but seriously, this week has been amazing! I feel as if I am
finally getting the hang of missionary work. I have felt so happy
these past few weeks here in Brooklyn and I am finding that through
the aid of our Redeemer I can do all things. I am slowly becoming more
and more "fearless" and am experiencing "exceedingly great joy"
because of it. I love watching scripture apply to me as I "consider
the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of
God." I love it further as I realize that the reason that I am so
happy is because of my obedience my love for my Father in Heaven is
increasing. Through this I am better able to show that love to our
fellowman! It is so exciting. I obviously still have a lot more
learning and growing to do but I am excited to see progress in the
right direction.
Sister Hodgson teaches me so much on a daily basis. She has a way of
making sure that things go according to plan that I need to keep me on
track. Our district is doing a 40 day fast of those things that "poke"
at our spirits and prevent us from being able to really do the Lords
work here in New York. Sister Hodgson is so supportive of my personal
goals and I am so grateful for that. She is just an wonderful
missionary. She is an amazing teacher! She knows the points of the
lessons and knows how to explain things simply so that those we are
teaching are better able to understand. I am so grateful again to be
serving here in Midwood with her. Man missionaries are so great!
Ok have a fantastic week!!!!
Hermana Hamblin-- two things. I will come to California and beat you
senseless if you do not send me the family email THIS week. Poor Mom
has been so patient in sending them to me. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE send
me your EMAILS!!!!! Yes I am needy and whiny just send me your
emails!!! Thanks your the best :)
SECOND- You are a champion!! I hope to be as fearless as you at the
end of my mission!!! You are my hero!!
Elder Hamblin-- thank you so much for including me in your emails! I
sure do appreciate it. ;)
Riann-- or should I say Sister Hamblin??? My mission president wants
you to come here.... Pray for it girl! It's the best in the world!!!
Right along with Santa Rosa and Vancouver
Raddon-- you are so great!! Keep being such a great example to your
friends!! I will pray for his foot!
Mom- thank you for the scarf you made me two Christmas ago. It is
literally saving my life here in Brooklyn!
Dad-- let me know how your prayers are going :)
I love you all so much!!!
Sister Hamblin :)
Monday, 3 March 2014
Email 3/03/14
ODear Family,
Another great week! If you ask me why I might not know but I do know
that it was really great.
Monday- ... ... ... That was a week ago.... Please don't ask me to
remember :) OH yeah!!! I remember now. We went to look up a media
referral and found a really nice mother and daughter who have had
quite an interesting past. They love the Bible and had requested one
from the church's website. We took her one only to find that hers had
been so warn down that she literally couldn't read it any more. She
was in tears when we handed her her new one. We have met with them
twice more this week and have loved getting to know them.
Tuesday- District Meeting day!!! This is my second favorite day of the
week (my first being Sunday of course). My district right now is
incredible!!!! They each have strong testimonies of the Book of Mormon
and Bible allowing them the opportunity to feel the influence of the
Holy Ghost and receive very personalized revelation for their
investigators. They love serving The Lord with "all of [their] heart,
might, mind and strength." There is power in dedicated servants of The
Lord!
Wednesday- What did happen Wednesday...? Oh yeah! Ha ah sorry this
keeps happening! Ok so on Wednesday we went to teach a member of the
ward who is just so great! She gets her whole family ready for church
ever Sunday and gets them all to church in time with little support
from her husband. She testified that the most incredible part of her
week is Sunday when she can come to church and partake of the
Sacrament and renew her covenants. She has such a strong testimony of
the Atonement and of the power that it brings into her life. She is so
concerned about her relationship with her Father in Heaven and wanting
to repent always with sincerity. She asked a great question. What if I
know that I feel bad about the things that I have done but I know that
I am going to do them again? She used the example of being annoyed
with her husband but wanting have patience. She said that she knows
that she is going to end up yelling at him over something so does she
even need to repent in the first place? What do you think? How would
you answer her question?...
Ok so Wednesday night we got a call from President Calderwood
informing Sister Blosil that The Lord had called her to be a
TRAINER!!! I am so excited for her!!! Sister Blosil is going to be an
amazing trainer she is so good at talking to everyone and inviting
them to do something. She is sincerely interested in doing the Lords
will here in New York. She loves God and she uses that as hr
motivation in everything she does. It is amazing. Just what a new
missionary needs to see.
(Funny how I couldn't remember what happened and now you have two
paragraphs :) )
Ok Thursday (best day of this week for sure!)- off to Queens we went.
Trainers go to a trainer meeting to train them on how to be trainers
before their trainees get here. The workshop is put on by President
Calderwood and his assistance. Sister Blosil said that the meeting was
really good and that she is excited to train. We have spent the rest
of the week getting her ready for that. At they meeting I was able to
talk to some sisters who are just amazing! We have such amazing
sisters in this mission! I'm sure every mission has them but I just
love the sisters here!!! I also got to see Sister Howard!!!! Man I
love that girl!!! She is also training and I am just so excited for
her! These new sisters coming in are just going to be the most well
trained sisters the mission has ever seen!!
After we got back from the meeting in Queens we went to teach Janet
and Nadia with Riann and Breanne!!! This was one of the best lessons
that we have had with Janet and Nadia because if the strong
testimonies that these girls brought with them. It was so awesome to
hear them testify of the power of Personal Progress and of the
gospel!! I am so grateful for the opportunity that we had to teach
with them on that night. I love that The Lord is hastening His work in
a way that is going to be super beneficial for His children (quit
rolling your eyes dad. It's great and you know it :)). It was really
such a great experience.
Friday- DEEP CLEAN!!!! My favorite day of the transfer!! It was
actually supposed to happen last week but we were to busy for that.
But we got it done and our apartment looks beautiful now!! It was
stewing me out before so I am so glad that it looks better now!!!
Friday night we had to drive the Zone Leaders around because they took
their car into the shop and needed a ride. Ok so something that I
forgot to mention earlier was that one of our zone leaders and
district members is going to become the next assistant to the
President. So we were taking them around to say goodbye to all the
families that they are teaching. We are not supported to know that he
is the new assistant but he is really bad at lying and so we got it
out if him eventually. But anyway he had to be with the current
assistance to pick up all the new missionaries today so he had lots to
do before last nigh and not having a car was stressing him and his
companion clear out. It was quite entertaining.
Saturday- More driving the Zone Leaders around. One of their
investigators invited us in for lunch as well so were able to get to
know this sweet family a little bit better. They seeking truth and I
am not really sure why they are not baptized yet! They just need to
keep threading the Book of Mormon and praying and they will eventually
see the need for priesthood and proper baptism and temple marriages
and... You know... the blessings of eternity!
Saturday night was transfer calls... Because my companion is training
it wasn't much of surprise that I am out. I am really sad about it
though. I have only been here for six months and was secretly hoping
for two more here but The Lord has something else in store for me. I
love the members here so much! I am so sad to be leaving!!!
Sunday- another great Fast and Testimony meeting!!! The youth in this
ward are amazing. I think it is all part of this rising generation.
They are all so driven by their love of God!!!! I am so impressed.
EVERY youth in this ward comes because THEY WANT to!!!! It is
amazing. There were three that come without parental support. And they
have such strong testimonies!!! It is amazing!!!
After church we went to visit some people to say goodbye and it was
just a rough night for me. I LOVE this ward! There are such amazing
people here. They all know how to use the Atonement to progress in
their lives. They all have such charity for their fellows man and I am
just so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to get to know
them all.
Ok family, I love you all so much!!
Hermana Hamblin... I didn't get an email from you last week.... Make
sure I am on the list GF
Elder Hamblin- thanks for always being my inspiration... Tender, I know :)
Riann- seriously thank you so much for Thursday!!!! That lesson was so
powerful. Please tell breanne that we are so grateful for her as well.
RADDON- dude you have been on my mind all week. I love you lodes.
Mom- thanks for being a rock
Dad- I love you. Keep praying about IPads and Skype :)
Love,
Sister Hamblin
Another great week! If you ask me why I might not know but I do know
that it was really great.
Monday- ... ... ... That was a week ago.... Please don't ask me to
remember :) OH yeah!!! I remember now. We went to look up a media
referral and found a really nice mother and daughter who have had
quite an interesting past. They love the Bible and had requested one
from the church's website. We took her one only to find that hers had
been so warn down that she literally couldn't read it any more. She
was in tears when we handed her her new one. We have met with them
twice more this week and have loved getting to know them.
Tuesday- District Meeting day!!! This is my second favorite day of the
week (my first being Sunday of course). My district right now is
incredible!!!! They each have strong testimonies of the Book of Mormon
and Bible allowing them the opportunity to feel the influence of the
Holy Ghost and receive very personalized revelation for their
investigators. They love serving The Lord with "all of [their] heart,
might, mind and strength." There is power in dedicated servants of The
Lord!
Wednesday- What did happen Wednesday...? Oh yeah! Ha ah sorry this
keeps happening! Ok so on Wednesday we went to teach a member of the
ward who is just so great! She gets her whole family ready for church
ever Sunday and gets them all to church in time with little support
from her husband. She testified that the most incredible part of her
week is Sunday when she can come to church and partake of the
Sacrament and renew her covenants. She has such a strong testimony of
the Atonement and of the power that it brings into her life. She is so
concerned about her relationship with her Father in Heaven and wanting
to repent always with sincerity. She asked a great question. What if I
know that I feel bad about the things that I have done but I know that
I am going to do them again? She used the example of being annoyed
with her husband but wanting have patience. She said that she knows
that she is going to end up yelling at him over something so does she
even need to repent in the first place? What do you think? How would
you answer her question?...
Ok so Wednesday night we got a call from President Calderwood
informing Sister Blosil that The Lord had called her to be a
TRAINER!!! I am so excited for her!!! Sister Blosil is going to be an
amazing trainer she is so good at talking to everyone and inviting
them to do something. She is sincerely interested in doing the Lords
will here in New York. She loves God and she uses that as hr
motivation in everything she does. It is amazing. Just what a new
missionary needs to see.
(Funny how I couldn't remember what happened and now you have two
paragraphs :) )
Ok Thursday (best day of this week for sure!)- off to Queens we went.
Trainers go to a trainer meeting to train them on how to be trainers
before their trainees get here. The workshop is put on by President
Calderwood and his assistance. Sister Blosil said that the meeting was
really good and that she is excited to train. We have spent the rest
of the week getting her ready for that. At they meeting I was able to
talk to some sisters who are just amazing! We have such amazing
sisters in this mission! I'm sure every mission has them but I just
love the sisters here!!! I also got to see Sister Howard!!!! Man I
love that girl!!! She is also training and I am just so excited for
her! These new sisters coming in are just going to be the most well
trained sisters the mission has ever seen!!
After we got back from the meeting in Queens we went to teach Janet
and Nadia with Riann and Breanne!!! This was one of the best lessons
that we have had with Janet and Nadia because if the strong
testimonies that these girls brought with them. It was so awesome to
hear them testify of the power of Personal Progress and of the
gospel!! I am so grateful for the opportunity that we had to teach
with them on that night. I love that The Lord is hastening His work in
a way that is going to be super beneficial for His children (quit
rolling your eyes dad. It's great and you know it :)). It was really
such a great experience.
Friday- DEEP CLEAN!!!! My favorite day of the transfer!! It was
actually supposed to happen last week but we were to busy for that.
But we got it done and our apartment looks beautiful now!! It was
stewing me out before so I am so glad that it looks better now!!!
Friday night we had to drive the Zone Leaders around because they took
their car into the shop and needed a ride. Ok so something that I
forgot to mention earlier was that one of our zone leaders and
district members is going to become the next assistant to the
President. So we were taking them around to say goodbye to all the
families that they are teaching. We are not supported to know that he
is the new assistant but he is really bad at lying and so we got it
out if him eventually. But anyway he had to be with the current
assistance to pick up all the new missionaries today so he had lots to
do before last nigh and not having a car was stressing him and his
companion clear out. It was quite entertaining.
Saturday- More driving the Zone Leaders around. One of their
investigators invited us in for lunch as well so were able to get to
know this sweet family a little bit better. They seeking truth and I
am not really sure why they are not baptized yet! They just need to
keep threading the Book of Mormon and praying and they will eventually
see the need for priesthood and proper baptism and temple marriages
and... You know... the blessings of eternity!
Saturday night was transfer calls... Because my companion is training
it wasn't much of surprise that I am out. I am really sad about it
though. I have only been here for six months and was secretly hoping
for two more here but The Lord has something else in store for me. I
love the members here so much! I am so sad to be leaving!!!
Sunday- another great Fast and Testimony meeting!!! The youth in this
ward are amazing. I think it is all part of this rising generation.
They are all so driven by their love of God!!!! I am so impressed.
EVERY youth in this ward comes because THEY WANT to!!!! It is
amazing. There were three that come without parental support. And they
have such strong testimonies!!! It is amazing!!!
After church we went to visit some people to say goodbye and it was
just a rough night for me. I LOVE this ward! There are such amazing
people here. They all know how to use the Atonement to progress in
their lives. They all have such charity for their fellows man and I am
just so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to get to know
them all.
Ok family, I love you all so much!!
Hermana Hamblin... I didn't get an email from you last week.... Make
sure I am on the list GF
Elder Hamblin- thanks for always being my inspiration... Tender, I know :)
Riann- seriously thank you so much for Thursday!!!! That lesson was so
powerful. Please tell breanne that we are so grateful for her as well.
RADDON- dude you have been on my mind all week. I love you lodes.
Mom- thanks for being a rock
Dad- I love you. Keep praying about IPads and Skype :)
Love,
Sister Hamblin
Monday, 24 February 2014
Email 2/24/14
Dear Family,
First off... HAPPY BIRTHHDAY RADDON!!!!!!!!!! I seriously can't
believe that you are 15!!!! When in the world did that happen? I am so
impressed with the person that you are becoming through living the
gospel. You are someone who understands the meaning of life and is
willing to serve your fellowman. Thank you for your unending optimism
and for always Loki g for the good in the world around you. I LOVE YOU
SO SO MUCH!!!!
Another week down for the record books. Sister Blosil and I spent most
of the week out of our area working, exchanging, rehearsing, and
learning.
Monday- .... I don't remember that far back :)
Tuesday- We learned how to make empanadas!!! I am so excited! Sister
Martinez, a member, invited us over to learn how to make them. It was
surprisingly simple and fast. We didn't learn how to make the dough
but the rest is pretty simple. Can't wait to make them for you all!,
Wednesday- we went to the mission office to practice for a concert
that was in the Rockaways. It was a lot of fun to be around so many
talented missionaries. The Elders and sisters in this mission are
seriously so talented. I am so grateful to have Sister Blosil as a
companion so that I am able to be apart of events like these. It is
really awesome to see missionaries sharing the gospel through their
talents. There are so many ways to help the work of salvation progress
and using all of our talents is one of the many ways to do so.
Wednesday night we had to go to Midwood in Brooklyn for exchanges with
the sisters there.
Thursday- I spent the day working in Brooklyn with Hermana Dellrie and
Sister Freeze. Family... These sisters are amazing. Hermana Dellrie is
is almost done being trained and Sister Freeze is in her 4th transfer
training another sister. They are both 19 and have and intense love
for the Gospel and they truly understand their purpose here as
missionaries!!! I had so much fun working with them. We saw miracles.
Sister Freeze and her companion had relieved a media referral so we
went to look her up. MIRACLE!! This woman has been searching for the
gospel for her whole life. She is from Trinidad and had seen the
missionaries there but didn't have the opportunity to talk to them
there. She had been in New York for seven years and has been seeking
the gospel by reading the bible and and trying to live as our father
in Heaven would have her live. We got there and she taught us the
restoration, the gospel of Jesus Christ including the need for
Enduring to the End and shared her testimony of daily scripture
reading. We committed her to baptism and she said that she had to be
baptized because she can't have the full blessing of the Holy Ghost
with out it!!! I know right? AMAZING!! She is amazing! I can't wait to
see what happens with this amazing story.
Friday- Sister Blosil had a temple trip so I had the opportunity to
serve for the day with Sister Millet. This sister is one of my best
friends here on the mission. She is so talented and had true charity
for each of the sisters she serves. She is a Sister Training Leader
who loves the gospel!!!! I love her!! She taught me so much about
focus and diligence. I am so grateful for exchanges!!!
Saturday- We had a Stake Auxiliary meeting in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We
discussed how the leaders if the sisters in the stake can use the
sister missionaries more effectively in their different auxiliaries.
It was a good opportunity for us to see members and missionaries
working in unity together. Saturday night was our concert and we were
blessed. We had the church set up so nicely with art lining the halls
with descriptions of who the artist was and what the inspiration for
each was. We had delicious refreshments and beautiful floral
arrangements. The performers were amazing and the spirit was strong.
The non members who were there all came because members invited them
and they all said that they felt something special at the concert. It
was so cool.
Sunday- we had a wonderful sacrament meeting in which we felt the
spirit testify of the the reality of our Savior again. We are so
blessed to be serving in such an amazing ward where the people live
what they learn. We also had the concert in the Rockaways where again
we felt the spirit and were able to testify through song. I met two
women whose were pure in heart who really asked if they could learn
more. I taught them the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ
quickly. It was an amazing experience that I hope to have again
sometime!!
I love you all so much!!!! Have an amazing week!!!!
Love, Sister Hamblin :)
First off... HAPPY BIRTHHDAY RADDON!!!!!!!!!! I seriously can't
believe that you are 15!!!! When in the world did that happen? I am so
impressed with the person that you are becoming through living the
gospel. You are someone who understands the meaning of life and is
willing to serve your fellowman. Thank you for your unending optimism
and for always Loki g for the good in the world around you. I LOVE YOU
SO SO MUCH!!!!
Another week down for the record books. Sister Blosil and I spent most
of the week out of our area working, exchanging, rehearsing, and
learning.
Monday- .... I don't remember that far back :)
Tuesday- We learned how to make empanadas!!! I am so excited! Sister
Martinez, a member, invited us over to learn how to make them. It was
surprisingly simple and fast. We didn't learn how to make the dough
but the rest is pretty simple. Can't wait to make them for you all!,
Wednesday- we went to the mission office to practice for a concert
that was in the Rockaways. It was a lot of fun to be around so many
talented missionaries. The Elders and sisters in this mission are
seriously so talented. I am so grateful to have Sister Blosil as a
companion so that I am able to be apart of events like these. It is
really awesome to see missionaries sharing the gospel through their
talents. There are so many ways to help the work of salvation progress
and using all of our talents is one of the many ways to do so.
Wednesday night we had to go to Midwood in Brooklyn for exchanges with
the sisters there.
Thursday- I spent the day working in Brooklyn with Hermana Dellrie and
Sister Freeze. Family... These sisters are amazing. Hermana Dellrie is
is almost done being trained and Sister Freeze is in her 4th transfer
training another sister. They are both 19 and have and intense love
for the Gospel and they truly understand their purpose here as
missionaries!!! I had so much fun working with them. We saw miracles.
Sister Freeze and her companion had relieved a media referral so we
went to look her up. MIRACLE!! This woman has been searching for the
gospel for her whole life. She is from Trinidad and had seen the
missionaries there but didn't have the opportunity to talk to them
there. She had been in New York for seven years and has been seeking
the gospel by reading the bible and and trying to live as our father
in Heaven would have her live. We got there and she taught us the
restoration, the gospel of Jesus Christ including the need for
Enduring to the End and shared her testimony of daily scripture
reading. We committed her to baptism and she said that she had to be
baptized because she can't have the full blessing of the Holy Ghost
with out it!!! I know right? AMAZING!! She is amazing! I can't wait to
see what happens with this amazing story.
Friday- Sister Blosil had a temple trip so I had the opportunity to
serve for the day with Sister Millet. This sister is one of my best
friends here on the mission. She is so talented and had true charity
for each of the sisters she serves. She is a Sister Training Leader
who loves the gospel!!!! I love her!! She taught me so much about
focus and diligence. I am so grateful for exchanges!!!
Saturday- We had a Stake Auxiliary meeting in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We
discussed how the leaders if the sisters in the stake can use the
sister missionaries more effectively in their different auxiliaries.
It was a good opportunity for us to see members and missionaries
working in unity together. Saturday night was our concert and we were
blessed. We had the church set up so nicely with art lining the halls
with descriptions of who the artist was and what the inspiration for
each was. We had delicious refreshments and beautiful floral
arrangements. The performers were amazing and the spirit was strong.
The non members who were there all came because members invited them
and they all said that they felt something special at the concert. It
was so cool.
Sunday- we had a wonderful sacrament meeting in which we felt the
spirit testify of the the reality of our Savior again. We are so
blessed to be serving in such an amazing ward where the people live
what they learn. We also had the concert in the Rockaways where again
we felt the spirit and were able to testify through song. I met two
women whose were pure in heart who really asked if they could learn
more. I taught them the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ
quickly. It was an amazing experience that I hope to have again
sometime!!
I love you all so much!!!! Have an amazing week!!!!
Love, Sister Hamblin :)
Email 2/24/14
Dear Family,
First off... HAPPY BIRTHHDAY RADDON!!!!!!!!!! I seriously can't
believe that you are 15!!!! When in the world did that happen? I am so
impressed with the person that you are becoming through living the
gospel. You are someone who understands the meaning of life and is
willing to serve your fellowman. Thank you for your unending optimism
and for always Loki g for the good in the world around you. I LOVE YOU
SO SO MUCH!!!!
Another week down for the record books. Sister Blosil and I spent most
of the week out of our area working, exchanging, rehearsing, and
learning.
Monday- .... I don't remember that far back :)
Tuesday- We learned how to make empanadas!!! I am so excited! Sister
Martinez, a member, invited us over to learn how to make them. It was
surprisingly simple and fast. We didn't learn how to make the dough
but the rest is pretty simple. Can't wait to make them for you all!,
Wednesday- we went to the mission office to practice for a concert
that was in the Rockaways. It was a lot of fun to be around so many
talented missionaries. The Elders and sisters in this mission are
seriously so talented. I am so grateful to have Sister Blosil as a
companion so that I am able to be apart of events like these. It is
really awesome to see missionaries sharing the gospel through their
talents. There are so many ways to help the work of salvation progress
and using all of our talents is one of the many ways to do so.
Wednesday night we had to go to Midwood in Brooklyn for exchanges with
the sisters there.
Thursday- I spent the day working in Brooklyn with Hermana Dellrie and
Sister Freeze. Family... These sisters are amazing. Hermana Dellrie is
is almost done being trained and Sister Freeze is in her 4th transfer
training another sister. They are both 19 and have and intense love
for the Gospel and they truly understand their purpose here as
missionaries!!! I had so much fun working with them. We saw miracles.
Sister Freeze and her companion had relieved a media referral so we
went to look her up. MIRACLE!! This woman has been searching for the
gospel for her whole life. She is from Trinidad and had seen the
missionaries there but didn't have the opportunity to talk to them
there. She had been in New York for seven years and has been seeking
the gospel by reading the bible and and trying to live as our father
in Heaven would have her live. We got there and she taught us the
restoration, the gospel of Jesus Christ including the need for
Enduring to the End and shared her testimony of daily scripture
reading. We committed her to baptism and she said that she had to be
baptized because she can't have the full blessing of the Holy Ghost
with out it!!! I know right? AMAZING!! She is amazing! I can't wait to
see what happens with this amazing story.
Friday- Sister Blosil had a temple trip so I had the opportunity to
serve for the day with Sister Millet. This sister is one of my best
friends here on the mission. She is so talented and had true charity
for each of the sisters she serves. She is a Sister Training Leader
who loves the gospel!!!! I love her!! She taught me so much about
focus and diligence. I am so grateful for exchanges!!!
Saturday- We had a Stake Auxiliary meeting in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We
discussed how the leaders if the sisters in the stake can use the
sister missionaries more effectively in their different auxiliaries.
It was a good opportunity for us to see members and missionaries
working in unity together. Saturday night was our concert and we were
blessed. We had the church set up so nicely with art lining the halls
with descriptions of who the artist was and what the inspiration for
each was. We had delicious refreshments and beautiful floral
arrangements. The performers were amazing and the spirit was strong.
The non members who were there all came because members invited them
and they all said that they felt something special at the concert. It
was so cool.
Sunday- we had a wonderful sacrament meeting in which we felt the
spirit testify of the the reality of our Savior again. We are so
blessed to be serving in such an amazing ward where the people live
what they learn. We also had the concert in the Rockaways where again
we felt the spirit and were able to testify through song. I met two
women whose were pure in heart who really asked if they could learn
more. I taught them the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ
quickly. It was an amazing experience that I hope to have again
sometime!!
I love you all so much!!!! Have an amazing week!!!!
Love, Sister Hamblin :)
First off... HAPPY BIRTHHDAY RADDON!!!!!!!!!! I seriously can't
believe that you are 15!!!! When in the world did that happen? I am so
impressed with the person that you are becoming through living the
gospel. You are someone who understands the meaning of life and is
willing to serve your fellowman. Thank you for your unending optimism
and for always Loki g for the good in the world around you. I LOVE YOU
SO SO MUCH!!!!
Another week down for the record books. Sister Blosil and I spent most
of the week out of our area working, exchanging, rehearsing, and
learning.
Monday- .... I don't remember that far back :)
Tuesday- We learned how to make empanadas!!! I am so excited! Sister
Martinez, a member, invited us over to learn how to make them. It was
surprisingly simple and fast. We didn't learn how to make the dough
but the rest is pretty simple. Can't wait to make them for you all!,
Wednesday- we went to the mission office to practice for a concert
that was in the Rockaways. It was a lot of fun to be around so many
talented missionaries. The Elders and sisters in this mission are
seriously so talented. I am so grateful to have Sister Blosil as a
companion so that I am able to be apart of events like these. It is
really awesome to see missionaries sharing the gospel through their
talents. There are so many ways to help the work of salvation progress
and using all of our talents is one of the many ways to do so.
Wednesday night we had to go to Midwood in Brooklyn for exchanges with
the sisters there.
Thursday- I spent the day working in Brooklyn with Hermana Dellrie and
Sister Freeze. Family... These sisters are amazing. Hermana Dellrie is
is almost done being trained and Sister Freeze is in her 4th transfer
training another sister. They are both 19 and have and intense love
for the Gospel and they truly understand their purpose here as
missionaries!!! I had so much fun working with them. We saw miracles.
Sister Freeze and her companion had relieved a media referral so we
went to look her up. MIRACLE!! This woman has been searching for the
gospel for her whole life. She is from Trinidad and had seen the
missionaries there but didn't have the opportunity to talk to them
there. She had been in New York for seven years and has been seeking
the gospel by reading the bible and and trying to live as our father
in Heaven would have her live. We got there and she taught us the
restoration, the gospel of Jesus Christ including the need for
Enduring to the End and shared her testimony of daily scripture
reading. We committed her to baptism and she said that she had to be
baptized because she can't have the full blessing of the Holy Ghost
with out it!!! I know right? AMAZING!! She is amazing! I can't wait to
see what happens with this amazing story.
Friday- Sister Blosil had a temple trip so I had the opportunity to
serve for the day with Sister Millet. This sister is one of my best
friends here on the mission. She is so talented and had true charity
for each of the sisters she serves. She is a Sister Training Leader
who loves the gospel!!!! I love her!! She taught me so much about
focus and diligence. I am so grateful for exchanges!!!
Saturday- We had a Stake Auxiliary meeting in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We
discussed how the leaders if the sisters in the stake can use the
sister missionaries more effectively in their different auxiliaries.
It was a good opportunity for us to see members and missionaries
working in unity together. Saturday night was our concert and we were
blessed. We had the church set up so nicely with art lining the halls
with descriptions of who the artist was and what the inspiration for
each was. We had delicious refreshments and beautiful floral
arrangements. The performers were amazing and the spirit was strong.
The non members who were there all came because members invited them
and they all said that they felt something special at the concert. It
was so cool.
Sunday- we had a wonderful sacrament meeting in which we felt the
spirit testify of the the reality of our Savior again. We are so
blessed to be serving in such an amazing ward where the people live
what they learn. We also had the concert in the Rockaways where again
we felt the spirit and were able to testify through song. I met two
women whose were pure in heart who really asked if they could learn
more. I taught them the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ
quickly. It was an amazing experience that I hope to have again
sometime!!
I love you all so much!!!! Have an amazing week!!!!
Love, Sister Hamblin :)
Friday, 21 February 2014
Email 2/18/14
Dear Family,
This past week has crawled by but gone so fast all at once. We have so much to do and so little time here on missions. (I guess that is every day life as well. Elder Maxwell said that it is the "process of time" and we are strangers in time... from his talk on patience to BYU students... look it up it's good!) We have a musical fireside on Saturday that is going to be awesome but is taking more and more energy out of me the more I think of it. I fell the weight of it on my shoulders and I am excited for it to be over.
This week I have the opportunity as Sister Blosil's companion to accompany her to a Restoration Fireside in Far Rockaway where Sandy hit just over a year ago. She is singing "I Believe In Christ" and it is going to be beautiful! She is also singing "His Hands" in our concert on Saturday! We are getting a good response from the ward about it. In priesthood yesterday Bishop Glick asked those who had already invited someone to attend to raise their hands. He then went to those who hadn't and gave them each two invitations to give to their friends. He said that if they were going to have an area authority seventy come it had better be a full house! We LOVE Bishop Glick!
I have been having some really awesome experiences with the Book of Mormon this week that have helped me to have the "filled" feeling that comes as a promised blessing. I have been reading about Alma the younger explaining his youth to his son Helaman. In Alma 36 Alma explains what it wold have been like to face God without repenting of his sins. He says in verse 14 "Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.... 16. And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul." I am learning so much from the story about the true meaning of a damned soul and what it would be like to face our Heavenly Father without truly repenting of my sins. It would truly be a hellish experience. I am so grateful for the experience of a mission and having this time to have true study where applying the scriptures is the main part of the study. I don't think I could have learned this, or any lesson any other way.
Ok everyone! Have an excellent week! I love you all so much!
Raddon- keep up the good work! I know are doing good things at RVHS!
Justin- thanks for keeping my family on track, they are a little crazy so I hope you can handle them for as long as you need.
Riann- Girl, I love you more than words can tell. You are an angel
Hermana Hamblin- I am SO happy you are having such a great experience! I can't wait to hear ALL of your stories! You better be writting in you journal EVERY day!
Elder Hamblin- I am so glad you are having great experiences with the snow! We are having a blast as well!
Dad- Thank you for always treating mom right. I can not tell you how much I appreciate it.
Mom- Thank you for always supporting dad. It strengthens me every day to know that my parents love and respect eachother.
Thank you all for everything you do! Keep up the scripture reading!
Love ,
Sister Hamblin :)
Monday, 10 February 2014
Email 2/10/14
Dear Family all over the world!
Well we've had another great week here on Staten Island. We are working on putting together a program about the life of Jesus Christ that is all music and videos. Sister Blosil is an amazing singer and so she and our actor bishop, playwrite first counselor, and many other talented ward members are participating in this event. We are inviting the Area 70 to participate and bear testimony about Jesus Christ, we are having a former Jew bear his testimony on his love for the savior and how He has influenced his life. We have the primary singing and working to bring their friends and family members to this great event. The bishop told the ward that he expects every active member to be in attendance and participate by bringing a friend. He is awesome!
I am continually amazed at the missionaries in our mission. Their testimonies of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon are so strong and so loving that I am not sure how people don't just look at them and see their goodness! I feel so blessed to be serving among spiritual giants. Thank heaven for the age change! This rising generation is amazing! They are literally changing the world!
Speaking of changing the world... My mind was blown this week over and over with the testimony of the importance of the Book of Mormon. Sister Blosil and I were discussing it's importance and we realized that only those who consistently read the Book of Mormon have converted to the Gospel and stayed active after baptism. I am so excited to use this knowledge now more than ever to help those we are working with to feel the difference that comes when they read it daily! Hermana Hamblin.... take note :) The Book of Mormon literally changes lives!
Ok I love you all! Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Hamblin
Monday, 3 February 2014
Email 02/03/14
FAMILY!!!
Man I dont think I could ever adequately express my love for each of you! I just love you all so so much! Thank you for being so supportive of me throughout my life and especially through my mission!
Ok so I don't know what is really like moving a whole house full of stuff but just moving a missionary apartment was more than enough for me. I have decided that I am never going to have more than a fold out table, some beds and cleaning supplies :) It took us three days to get everything moved out, in, and cleaned. We did have other things going on those days to cause it to take so long but we are officially moved out and in. YAY! The new apartment is 15 minutes closer to the church, it has carpet, good heating, a washer and dryer inside the apartment, a dishwasher, and just everything we need to be spoiled :) We are pretty lucky.
I am not sure what else to write about this week. We didn't get to watch the Superbowl and we couldn't see the stadium from where we are... although I wasn't looking very hard. We haven't been to that side of Staten Island lately. We are trying to focus more on the members, less actives, and investigators who live closer to the church, which is in the middle of the island so yeah. We didn't get over that way. But I hear that it was quite the game!
Well everyone, I hope you have a great week remember that I love you so so much!
Love,
Sister Hamblin :)
Monday, 27 January 2014
Email 1/27/14
Dear Family,
What a hectic week it has been (I guess I really do say that every week :))! Here is a rundown of the week.
Monday: Sister Howard said goodbye to her friends and "family" here on Staten Island. The people here have been so good to her and it was hard for her to say goodbye to them. We had an amazing lesson with a lady who just walked into church one day and has been coming ever since. We hadn't been able to meet with her until last Monday but the spirit was strong and she cried and it was just so good. The best part about it was that we were in the children's section of Barns and Noble! :)
Tuesday- Transfer day.... Plus mega snow storm. It took us 3 hours to get to transfer meeting and then they still had to start late because missionaries all over the island were having trouble getting there. I love transfer meeting because the spirit is always so strong and the energy so high from all the new missionaries! President and Sister Calderwood talked about the love that our Heavenly Father has for each of us. They asked us to re-evaluate our love for Him and our motivation for being obedient. It made me think again that Heavenly Fathers only reason for doing what He does is His love for each of us. He loves each of us so dearly that He gives us commandments that he knows is going to make us happy. Man, that is so cool! Anyways I digress.
Sister Howard was moved into a zebra pool which means that she is serving with a Spanish sister and they teach in both languages! She is so excited. She has wanted to learn Spanish her whole mission! Sister Blosil is my new companion! She is pretty awesome! She comes from Orem Utah and is just about the happiest person I have ever met, besides Shippa of course! She has a beautiful singing voice and even has a song on the 2013 EFY CD titled "Take It Home." The ward is already in love with her and she has softened so many peoples hearts already! An Elder from my MTC district was also transferred here and it has been cool to see the growth in him as well as in myself.
Because it snowed ALL day it took us 3 1/2 hours to get home. We stopped at a grcery store because we had no food. When we got home we realized that we didnt have our phone! We lost it somewhere in the snow. We had no way of contacting our zone or district leaders so they sent the Spanish sisters to find us to make sure we made it home alright! It was a crazy night that literally lasted all night!
Wednesday- We tried finding our phone and had no luck. At district meeting the zone leaders, who are also in our district gave us an extra phone that had a "rouge" number. The senior Elder over the phones in the mission said he had no idea where the number came from or who was paying for it. So for the next couple of days we tried to figure out what was going on there.
Thursday- President's interviews! President Calderwood is such an amazing man. He remembered that Hermana Hamblin was going on a mission. When he asked how my family was doing he asked specifically about my "sister who is going on a mission real soon." it was so cool! He then said my parents are going to be translated when before I get home for having three missionaries out on missions right now. He is a pretty great guy. He paid me some really nice compliments and encouraged me to work as hard as I possibly can from now until the end of my mission. I have come to a point in my mission where I look and see the ending and I am so worried that I will become one of those missionaries who quits at the end. His encouragement helped me again to see the love of our Heavenly Father and know that He is looking out for each one of us and listening to our prayers.
Friday- Zone Training Meeting! We have a pretty amazing zone! I am serving here with three other missionarires that I served with in my first area and I am so happy! They have all become such amazing missionaries and I have seen such GREAT growth in them. Two of them have become district leaders and I can see the maturity in them now. I just love seeing change in everyone!
After zone training meeting we had to go to the mission office to figure out our phone situation. It had just taken to long and was too complicated to explain fully but we are so glad to be done with that. We also had to figure out our housing situation. We are moving on Wednesday so we had to arrange for the office elders to bring a van so they could move our mattresses and dressers and all the heavy things over. We are so excited!
Saturday- A member of our ward invited over 60 non members to the church for an activity and asked us to go. Everyone she invited was so nice! They asked lots of questions about the church and when we have our services and what goes on! It was a really neat event! WE LOVE MEMBERS!
Sunday- We just had a great Sunday. Sister Blosil won the hearts of the ward members with her talk and the invites for us to come over have increased dramatically! We are so blessed!
Sorry this is long and also kinda confusing but we really have to go now.
I love you all so much!
Hermana Hamblin- Good luck with Spanish! If you need help... Ask Elder Hamblin
Elder Hamblin- Keep up the good work!
Riann- Thank you for you emil! You are so sweet!
Raddon-.... .... ..... It would be nice to hear from you every now and again...
Dad- You looked good smiling in your pictures! You should do that more often :)
Mom- You are so beautiful!
Ok Thank you for your prayers and letters. The Senior sister in the office over the mail pulled me aside and said "You must be really loved at home because you get more mail than most everyone in the mission!" Thank you, thank you, thank you! I would be lost without them!
Love,
Sister Hamblin :)
Monday, 20 January 2014
Email 1/20/14
Dear Family,
What a crazy week it's been. Do I say that every week? I feel like it is always a crazy week here in New York. Here's a line up of the week's events:
Monday- President Claderwood's birthday! So we went to the STATUE OF LIBERTY!!!! It was one of my favorite P-Day activities yet! We took the ferry into Manhattan (with President Claderwood's permission of course) and then took another ferry to the statue. We were supposed to go to Ellis Island but the Elders in my district tend to be hours late to any activity we try to hold so we could only make it to the Statue but it was SO fun anyways. We took lots of great pictures, which you've seen and had lots of fun experiences. It was a great way to start off the week.
Tuesday- Hadley Hamblin was born!! That is the most exciting news of the whole day.
Sister Howard made me a delicious breakfast and decorated our apartment all beautiful like! She woke up at 5:00am to make it all happen! I am so blessed to have such a great companion! The Elders in my district planed and executed a really fun birthday bash. Video and pictures will follow. Oh mom, my skirt, sweater and necklace are SO cute! Thank you so much!
We also had a really great lesson with a less active Sister in our ward who is struggling to find good friends. A member of the RS presidency came with us and testified of the strength that is in RS. It was a really great lesson and the spirit was so strong! Afterwords we went back to the sisters home and she made us the most delicious dinner! She also made me sugar free strawberry brownies that were REALLY good! The members here take such good care of me. I received presents some of them and we received texts all day from members wishing me a happy birthday! I felt like a queen.
Wednesday- The lease to our apartment is up so the Senior couple over housing came to help us look for a new apartment. The one they found is quite a bit smaller than the one we are in now but it has carpet, is warm and is 10 minutes closer to the church! They treated us to lunch afterwords. They have been members of the church for 15 years and are serving their second mission here in New York. They taught us so much! They served their first mission in Chili working in the temple. Here they serve in the Temple once a week for the Spanish members who come in.
Thursday- Was a day. We had appointments that fell through but we still found good use of our time.
Friday- We did another street sweep at the ferry. We always seem to attract drunk men. They weren't too bad this time. Sister Howard was asked to put someones hat on their head. This guy was so drunk that he was literally hiccuping! I really thought that was something that only happened in movies but no. It is a real thing. In his drunken state sadly he wasn't interested in what we had to say but he did take a restoration pamphlet (sadly we didn't have a Word of Wisdom one handy).
Saturday- TRANSFER CALLS :( Sister Howard is leaving me :( I am going to miss her so much! What am I supposed to do without her? I love her!
Sunday- A wonderful sacrament meeting and visits to members who love sister Howard! They are going to miss her so much!
Sorry the last two are a little slim on info, Sister Howard needs to pack.
Love you all so much! Thank you so much for your prayers and letters and packages!
Sister Hamblin :)
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