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.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
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
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
Monday, November 9, 2009
Nov. 9, 2009
9 Nov 09This 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
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
Monday, November 2, 2009
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
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
Monday, October 26, 2009
Oct. 26, 2009
Rakas Perhe
26 Oct 09
Thank you for all your prayers, letters, emails, and to reemphasize prayers. For I feel the power of your prayers. Currently Natalia's baptism and confirmation went splendid. It could not have gone better. We also have Jouko and Markus (father and son). Pray that they will continue to pray and read to gain that crucial testimony. Also Äydin who is 18 and has a heart of gold. His family, in the past, has not approved him reading the Book of Mormon. Please pray for him to have the strength and develop a testimony of the Restored Gospel. Thank you for the prayer of many can move mountains.
Also we have installed studded tires on our auto. Lisääksi(Additionally), I do wear thermals every day. One day I needed to wear two layers of thermal! Some days are pretty cold but some its quite nice. Elder Karlsson and I continue to run 5 days a week (Mondays we do intense workouts in the apartment).
My personal study is my favorite hour of the day. For you can develop your own atmosphere where Heavenly Father can teach you what He needs/wants to teach you. Currently I have concentrated on the Plan of Salvation in that precious hour. During which I have learned simple, yet profound gospel truths and each time the Holy Ghost witnesses it to me. My testimony of the Savior has become more tender and firm. One can always develop a firmer foundation.
I love you all and will be sending pictures soon.
Vanhin Hamner
Rakas Perhe,
26 Oct 09
Thank you for all your prayers, letters, emails, and to reemphasize prayers. For I feel the power of your prayers. Currently Natalia's baptism and confirmation went splendid. It could not have gone better. We also have Jouko and Markus (father and son). Pray that they will continue to pray and read to gain that crucial testimony. Also Äydin who is 18 and has a heart of gold. His family, in the past, has not approved him reading the Book of Mormon. Please pray for him to have the strength and develop a testimony of the Restored Gospel. Thank you for the prayer of many can move mountains.
Also we have installed studded tires on our auto. Lisääksi(Additionally), I do wear thermals every day. One day I needed to wear two layers of thermal! Some days are pretty cold but some its quite nice. Elder Karlsson and I continue to run 5 days a week (Mondays we do intense workouts in the apartment).
My personal study is my favorite hour of the day. For you can develop your own atmosphere where Heavenly Father can teach you what He needs/wants to teach you. Currently I have concentrated on the Plan of Salvation in that precious hour. During which I have learned simple, yet profound gospel truths and each time the Holy Ghost witnesses it to me. My testimony of the Savior has become more tender and firm. One can always develop a firmer foundation.
I love you all and will be sending pictures soon.
Vanhin Hamner
Rakas Perhe,
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Oct.19, 2009
Rakas Perhe
19 Oct 09
This past week has been fantastic. I love Elder Karlsson. He loves to run, and we cook together which saves money and makes it fun! Another thing I love about him is his ''just do it'' immediately attitude. I am learning niin paljon (so much) from him.
This Saturday is Natalia's baptism. She asked me to be in part of the circle to give her the Holy Ghost. I was honored. Her faith is that of the brother of Jared. She is the pillar in her family and will be the means of bringing them all to the gospel. Heavenly Father is so pleased.
This week we have district meeting in Hyvinkää where President Brown will interview us. These interviews are priceless. President Brown loves us so much. I wish you could all meet him and just hug him:)
One thing I forgot to write about Finland in last week's email is how safe it is here. I often tract on doors where the keys are left in the door...wow!
My personal study is drastically improving. The Holy Ghost is the best tutor and all we need to do is pay the price. What is that price well the scriptures outline it for us, but we must put it into practice. Once in practice then thats when Heavenly Father will bless us abundantly. I remember, Dad, told me that the blessings didn't come to the Saints until the wagons were rolling. (I hope I got that right, Dad).
My recommendation to you is to prayerfully plan your scripture study the day before. This shows to Heavenly Father how much you care and want to learn by the Spirit.
I love you all!
Rakkaudella,
Vanhin Hamner
19 Oct 09
This past week has been fantastic. I love Elder Karlsson. He loves to run, and we cook together which saves money and makes it fun! Another thing I love about him is his ''just do it'' immediately attitude. I am learning niin paljon (so much) from him.
This Saturday is Natalia's baptism. She asked me to be in part of the circle to give her the Holy Ghost. I was honored. Her faith is that of the brother of Jared. She is the pillar in her family and will be the means of bringing them all to the gospel. Heavenly Father is so pleased.
This week we have district meeting in Hyvinkää where President Brown will interview us. These interviews are priceless. President Brown loves us so much. I wish you could all meet him and just hug him:)
One thing I forgot to write about Finland in last week's email is how safe it is here. I often tract on doors where the keys are left in the door...wow!
My personal study is drastically improving. The Holy Ghost is the best tutor and all we need to do is pay the price. What is that price well the scriptures outline it for us, but we must put it into practice. Once in practice then thats when Heavenly Father will bless us abundantly. I remember, Dad, told me that the blessings didn't come to the Saints until the wagons were rolling. (I hope I got that right, Dad).
My recommendation to you is to prayerfully plan your scripture study the day before. This shows to Heavenly Father how much you care and want to learn by the Spirit.
I love you all!
Rakkaudella,
Vanhin Hamner
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