Hello!

Okay, this week has been busy. First off, I am sorry I don't think I've told you, but every 6th P-day (transfer week) we have P-day on wednesday, rather than monday. so, if you've been worried about that, just keep that in mind for the future :) Umm, about the deduction in my account. Yes, I did buy a GPS at walmart because driving here is ridiculous if you don't have one, and we had to give the one back that we had. Sorry, I don't think I knew that I only have $100 on there. What happens now? Didn't realize I'd be screwing it up. haha. Sorry.


Anyway, like Justin's email, it seems like we've done a lot, but I can't really remember when it was. Time is just a big blur. haha. It's weird to think that I've already been here 8 weeks as of today! wow. Oh, yes transfers were this week. For tradition, we went to watch the sunrise again. It was awesome. It came up and was blood red, and you could look at it without hurting your eyes, and then it got bright. It was cool. I have more pictures. Me and E. Winslow are staying here. Chances are, I will be here until around New Years cause that's how all the other cambodian elder's have been. about 8 months in their first area. crazy.

So luckily, I had this great idea to write down all the cool things that happen, so I can remember that way what happened this last week. First, our meeting with Elder Nelson was AWESOME!! We went to the meeting, and even before he walked in, you could tell that their was a very special spirit in the building. And then when he did walk in, it was even stronger. Before the meeting started, he wanted to shake all of our hands. As we took turns going up there, I was listening to what he was telling everyone as they shook his hand. It was basically just "good morning" but when I shook his hand, he said "Good morning, Elder Hammer" haha. he said my name! That was a very awesome experience. the rest of the meeting was amazing too. Elder Eyring (the area 70 who is Pres. Eyring's son) was there too. He spoke for like 10 minutes about how awesome our mission President is. it was cool. Then Elder Nelson spoke. He talked a lot about obedience, and what the real purpose is for the Book of Mormon. Which is to help gather Israel, as it states in the Introduction in the front. It was insane all of the insights and things he shared with us! He is an extremely smart man. And he's way funny too. I can't even type all of the feelings and thoughts I have about that experience. It was awesome.

Something else that has happened quite a bit recently is we have met like 6 guys that are RM's working for APX. Some of them came and played soccer with us last P-day. But, the other ones just talk to us when we are out on the streets. All of them we've talked to either went to Brazil, or Portugal. haha. They were all really cool guys too. I told them that my dad works for Pinnacle, and they laughed and said that was cool. I just thought that it was funny that we've seen 6 of them in Lynn, MA because they can definitely use the upgraded security. haha. but then again, not many people here can probably afford a security system. oh well.

Oh! The World Cup is started now too! I'm kinda sad we can't watch it, but the little kids that live below us tell us every day who plays, and the scores, so I know that US tied England 1-1! sweet. I hope we do well this year. That'd be sweet if we finally win it, although I hear that Brazil looks really good, like always. That's sweet. There are tons of posters and stuff up right now that are advertising it. Go USA!

Mason, I am also sorry I didn't tell you happy birthday last week. As I was reading Justin's email, I started laughing because I realized I forgot to tell you as we were walking out the door to the library last week! haha. Hope you have fun with your new game. Love you buddy!

How was the trek? Mom said you had fun, but you should probably write me and tell me how it was. I'm sure you had a blast.

Kasey, I knew you'd be annoyed with my letter, so you'll just have to keep it til I get home so I can translate it then, because I don't remember what I said. haha. Looks pretty awesome though don't it?

Mom, congrats on your new calling. I guess they figured you had too much freetime with all of your kids in school now and none of them home (except now for the summer) so hopefully that will keep you busy :) You'll do great. If I was a young woman, I'd be stoked to have you as my leader. haha.

Kurtis, hopefully you'll be able to start playing football soon. I don't remember when I signed up for the freshmen team, but you should still be able to play next season if you talk to coach steele, or ask at Park's. I'm pretty sure that's where I signed up. When you play, I'd recommend defensive tackle for you. or linebacker. They are both fun. That's so sweet that you want to play. I'll have someone in the family I can tell all the secrets I learned when I played to. when I get back, of course.

I guess this is my shout out section, so here's one for Dad- Happy father's day this week. I totally forgot until I was at a store the other day and they had a bungh of cool Celtics shirts on sale for Father's day for like 6 bucks. So I bought one. It's sweet. Hope you have a good day.

Here's another shout out to all my friends who read my emails and don't send me letters! I want letters! Alma 60:6! Cool beans!

Alrighty, back to stuff that happened this week. I street contacted my first cambodian guy the other day! We were on tours with the Zone leaders, so my comp for the day didn't speak Khmae. We were walking and he was getting his groceries out of his car. I said hi to him, and gave him a card for a DVD about Jesus. He said he didn't believe in Jesus, but it was because he doesn't know how to believe. I told him the dvd would help him. I was pretty nervous, so I forgot to set up a return appointment, or get his name, or address, but he kept the card, so that's good! haha. It was really cool though. Now I can say I've talked to a cambodian other than the members we talk to every week. It was pretty exciting.

The last thing I can think of is Donna. She can't quit smoking. She hasn't been at church in 3 weeks. She still meets with us and has a date for July 4th, but she just can't quit. I don't think she really understands why she needs to yet, but we are trying our hardest to help her. It's so frustrating, but I know that she will do it eventually.

Well, I think that's about it for this week. It's been good. We are trying to find more people to teach because our pool is low right now. But, it's still fun. We are working hard and doing good. Alright, I must go now. Have a good week. You are in my prayers, and I love you all!!

Love,

Elder D Hammer