Only 2 Weeks Left!

Hi! first off, I must say that conference was about the best thing ever. I took like 20 pages of notes! haha It was so good though. I loved when Pres. Monson got up and just talked about his wife on saturday- that was so funny! And besides having all of the talks be my favorite, I really really really liked Elder Hales' talk. It was so good and I got so much out of it on how I can become a better leader. I also really enjoyed Elder Anderson's. Actually, I really enjoyed all of them. And especially the music. Holy cow the music was so good. The choir from the orem institute was amazing. When they sang Nearer my God to Thee, I wished they would just keep singing forever. Plus I saw 3 people I know. Pretty cool. Oh yeah, and something else that I thought was awesome is how they don't plan their talks so noone knows what each other is going to speak about, and how Sunday morning, every talk was about Jesus. It was so awesome. I loved conference so much. And mom, I don't know if you will need to send me an ensign or not, but I will let you know when I get to Boston in 2 WEEKS!

Also, something that I decided yesterday while reading the Book of Mormon- Alma the Younger was a really cool guy. Just thought I'd let you know

Speaking of really cool guys, our teachers here are so amazing. I don't think anyone has gotten me as excited about missionary work as Bro. Olson. Between his lesson the other night when he said that he baptized hundreds of people through referrals, which is awesome, and lastnight when he talked about when we get off the plane in 2 years and look back and think, "That was awesome". He is such an amazing teacher.

As for the language, it is still coming along quite good. As of yesterday, we are now only allowed to write in Cambodian script. It takes forever, and we spell almost every word wrong, but it is really helping us learn how to not only write, but read better. We did our weekly planning yesterday and it usually takes about 2 hours. yesterday, since we could only write in script, it took about 5 and a half hours. haha. although, my daily planner does look pretty awesome with no english. haha. Plus, everyone in the district has agreed that I have the best Cambodian handwriting, so that makes me happy too. Maybe I will actually get around to writing you a letter with some script on it some time before I come home. haha.

I also got another letter from a different Elder that is in the Khmae program in Boston. He sent a picture with all 5 of the Elders out there right now. They all look like pretty cool guys. I am excited to get out there and meet them. In his letter, he told me to make sure I am spending every minute in the MTC improving on something, so I am not just wasting my time. Pretty good advice. It was pretty cool to hear from him. I don't remember if I told you this or not, but all of the Elders out there right now have been out for over a year already, so hopefully that will help me to learn the language faster when I get there. It's gonna be sweet!

Now, about Dave Faires. I had a feeling that is who it was in the picture last week, but I honestly couldn't tell for sure. That is awesome that he has done that on his own. 160 pounds is a lot to lose. And it gives me hope that I can lose the 7 pounds I've put on here too. haha. 185 is where I sit right now, and hopefully it doesn't get any higher than that. haha.

So I heard lastnight that there was an earthquake in California/Mexico. What's up with that? It brings to mind the scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants that says that the earth will return to how it was before it was separated. hmm. pretty cool. Signs from the scriptures. But yeah, any other earthquakes I haven't heard about. I know if the Haiti one, the 3 or 4 in Chile, and that one in Cali. That is pretty crazy.

Well, I better send Justin an email before my time is up. This time next week, I will only have 1 week left! holy cow! Alright well, if I could write script on this computer, I'd do it but I can't, so goodbye in english has to do. Love you!

--Elder D. Hammer