Oh Man!

First off, as mean of a joke as it was, I laughed my guts out when I read my emails today. I hope all is well and that everyone has forgiven Devin. We'll be talking about that one for years!

Zone Conference was this past week in Auburn. It was good to be back in the area since I left that Zone back in April. Each Zone Conference, the missionaries who will be going home before the next Zone Conference stand and give their Departing Testimony. Well, the next Zone Conference won't be happening again until sometime in January, so that means that I will be home before it takes place. Ever since my first Zone Conference when I heard the missionaries who were leaving stand and talk a little about their mission and what they had learned, and as my mission has gone by and I've heard all of the missionaries who have gone home each stand and bear testimony of what they know to be true, I have wondered what it would be like to be in their shoes. Although I still have a few weeks remaining, the end is quickly coming; and thinking about that while I was standing at the pulpit doing the exact same thing that every other departing missionary has done in our mission in the past was a bit overwhelming. The setting wasn't much different from the last time I stood in my home ward and spoke. Then, there were many people who had come to support me and wish me the best. Those that were there were people whom I love very much, and I remember thinking to myself, "Leaving this behind is going to be the hardest thing I've ever done." Now, although there weren't many people in the chapel, I still felt an incredible love for them. President and Sister Pendleton were on the stand, and some of my missionary heroes were sitting in the congregation. These are people I love very much. My thoughts have been, "Leaving this behind is going to be the hardest thing I've ever done." Thankfully, my time is not yet finished as a full time missionary. I still have lots to do, there are still people that need to hear my voice, and I still need to learn how to not be so prideful. The remaining weeks of my mission are going to be the best. The words to our mission song have taken a new meaning to me. I will share some of them with you:

Master, thou hast called
In answer I have come
To mountains high and redwoods tall.

Master, thou hast made me
A messenger of light
Bringing joy to one and all.

My commision
In California
The Roseville Mission
To do thy will.

Master, I will strive to do it well.

All I want to do is to do "it" well.

I love you all, and I wish you the best this week. The holidays are coming up and they are the perfect time of the year to share the Gospel with someone. Hopefully my family isn't one of those families that drive missionaries crazy - you know, the ones that don't really take the time to share what they have. Hopefully you are all participating in the greatest work we have to do, and I am sure you are. Thank you again for your love and your support. Be Mighty!!

Love,
Elder Justin Hammer

PS. Mom, I am leaning towards Music Education as my major. I don't know for sure yet, mainly because I don't really know what kind of options there are for a major. If I had to choose now, Music Education would be it. I may change my mind when school actually starts up and I get going in things again. Thank you for helping me out. I really appreciate it.