Nov. 30,2009

Rakas Perhe

30 Nov 09

First of all I am writing in my journal everyday (I love writing down everything the Lord teaches me through my thoughts, experiences, and the scriptures.

Also thank you all for your letters and emails especially the birthday ones.

This past week has been amazing. I was able to go to the temple. This was definitely needed. This was a wonderful tender mercy for I received sought after guidance and needed strength. I wish you all could have been with me. I got some pictures of Elder Henderson (a stellar elder in northern Finland) and I in front of the temple. I will send them soon. I just have to figure out how for the library in Pori wont allow it.

For Thanksgiving well I ate sandwiches. (sorry nothing extravagant but hey missionary is full-time). This past sunday I gave a talk about the Word of Wisdom. It went very well. This was also the first sunday where I met the members for last sunday was stake conference. Then later that day we had a missionary night where the members invited all their friends to the church and a few presentations took place. We, Elder Nielsen and I, taught ‘’Why we do missionary work’’. We only expected to teach for 5 min and the ward missionary leader would finish….nope. We had to teach for 20 minutes. Well I prayed for help and guidance. As I was rushing what to teach about the quote from one of the Area Presidents for Europe came to mind ‘’when you find yourself in a corner go back to Preach My Gospel’’. So I did. I taught and testified using PMG and everything went so much better.

This next week I have my interview with President Brown (my highlight of each change…besides the rare chance to attend the temple).

I love you all.

Commitment: How can you personally live the greater spiritual law of the Word of Wisdom? Please prayerfully ponder this for we can always improve. Remember we must strive for celestial kingdom.

Vanhin Hamner

Nov. 23, 2009

Rakas Perhe
23 Nov 09
Pori is a beautiful city and my companion is amazing. Miracles have already occurred here. This past we was stake conference for the Tampere stake so I was able to go to Helsinki’s and Tampere’s because of the change. Thank you all for letters, emails, and especially your prayers.
This week I will be going to the temple. I have been preparing mentally and spiritually for this. I have been pondering what kind of questions I need to ask so I learn what Heavenly Father wants to teach me. As we pay the price for learning and blessings then by eternal laws we can receive them from a loving Heavenly Father.
My challenge for you all this week is to do a self-examination. Really ponder how you can purify your heart and motifs. I do this as often as I can. Heavenly Father is bit-by-bit helping me do this. Be patient with yourself. One aspect of this challenge/commitment is to identify one person to forgive. In order to repent (improve or in this case purify your heart) we must forgive.
I love you all and remember we can always do better. One thing that helps in this process is to take a step back and glory in the little victories. This helps one stay positive and motivated. I can attest to this for I need to stay positive in the dark weather. Exercise and nutrition is key.
Love
Vanhin Hamner

Chocolate!!!

We are so excited about the chocolate AJ sent us from Finland. It was absolutley divine! It was dark chocolate (of course my favorite) with touch of peach. Melt in your mouth. Happy early Christmas to us.

Nov 16, 2009

Rakas Perhe
16 Nov 09

Thank you all for your emails and letters. Some of the members gave me cake to have on my birthday so Elder Karlsson and I will be enjoying some delicious Finnish cake!

This past Saturday we received change calls. I will be leaving Kouvola and going to Pori! It is, I think, the most west an elder in Finland can serve. I will be going senior. My new companion is Elder Nielsen who has been in the country for 1 change (6 weeks). I am very excited to work with him. We actually went to the temple toghther this past change for our companions had language school. I am going to miss Elder Karlsson. He is training in Kouvola which I am so excited for him.

I love you all. I apologize for this letter is a bit smaller but I have to pack and members want to say goodbye.

Also continue to strive to be led by the Holy Ghost. When you have time please read, no i take that back, study Elder Richard G. Scott's most recent talk from Gen. Conf about acquiring spiritual guidance. While doing so prayerfully analyze yourself and see how you can improve. We all can. I love you for who you are and what you can become.

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Hamner
Rakas Perhe

Nov. 9, 2009

9 Nov 09

This past week has been amazing! First of all zone conference was such an edifying experience. The topics they concentrated on were : being constant finders, Teach to Find (see PMG ch. 9), and goal-setting. President Brown also hinted that this upcoming zone conference in December is going to quite the treat. He has never said that before so our hopes are high.

Also Heavenly Father has helped me so much in learning language and understanding the Finns. This past Sunday I understood almost everything. Then I had some great conversations with the members. There are many reasons why Heavenly Father is blessing me so much. I believe one is that I say my personal prayers in Finnish. This has helped tremendously. I am able to take my time and work through all the grammar ( and trust me there is a lot). On top of that I can review grammar principles with Him. Furthermore this has improved my relationship with my Father in Heaven. If you think about it makes sense. If you look at it from his perspective I would want my son to practice the language I called him to learn and teach in with me.

I love you all and remember if you want to improve recognizing the spirit and following it then first evaluate your personal prayers.

Finally I have a suggestion. You don't have to try this but I highly recommend it (as does Elder Nelson from this previous Gen. Conf) to have a pad of paper next to you when you say your personal prayers and next to your bed. Write down everything and review it in the morning. I promise miracles will occur.

Love you all
Rakkaudella,
Vanhin Hamner

Alma 37:37

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Nov. 2, 2009

Rakas Perhe,
2 Nov 09

I am sorry but there is still remodeling work being done in the church where we email so this email does not contain any pictures. The kirjasto ( library) does not allow uploading of photos.
How is everyone doing?! Well, the mission field in Finland gets better each day...and a little colder too:) Currently we are teaching 4 investigators and on top of that Kouvola has so much potential.

This week we will be going to Helsinki for zone conference (my favorite!). This is where all the missionaries from the Helsinki zone come together for instruction for President Brown, his lovely wife Sister Brown, and the zone leaders.

Currently the mission field for Finland is hitting its all-time highs for all the key indicators (i.e.teaches, baptisms, new investigators)! The Lord is truly pouring out His wonderful blessings upon Finland.

Kouvola is also transfering to a biking/bus city rather than car. This is great news for we will have more opportunities to talk, find, and teach.

Cultural observation: There are so many more yield signs than stop signs which is so nice.

I have to go, but I love you all. Remember Alma 37:37

Rakkaudella,
Vanhin Hamner