Still in Lynn

Ok so we are heading into Boston right quick so I might have to make this the simplified version of what's happened this week. For starters, conference was awesome. We missed the first 35 minutes because nobody had set up the chapel so we had to do it, and there was something wrong with the satelite receiver so we had to fix it and it took awhile. I was kinda bummed, but we got it working so it turned out alright. I loved Elder Gonzales' talk about missionary work. I also loved Elder Ballard's talk- especially when he said that the future growth of the church is not going to happen unless the members start working with the missionaries. That was awesome. Hopefully people will listen and obey that counsel. It sure would make things easier. My favorite talk was Elder Scott's. I loved it. His was one of four that mentioned about getting married after your mission. And one of his lines said "Young men, serve a mission! And when you return, your highest priority is to get married" So, I had this great idea come to me when I heard that. Instead of sending me packages and such, (and this goes for anyone who reads this) you should take the money you would spend on a package sent to me and instead, donate to my "I need to get married as soon as possible after I get home" fund. Yeah, good idea, eh? haha. But I did think it was interesting that so many people mentioned marriage. It was cool. Bottom line - I loved conference.

So yes, being a trainer is fun. I enjoy it quite a bit, actually. E. Greer and I are getting along wonderfully and having a grand old time. He's a good missionary. And now, in addition to being a trainer, I got a call from President Evans this morning asking if I would be the district leader. I told him no. haha just kidding. So I'm gonna be a district leader trainer. Sweet. I'll let you know next week if it's still as fun as it was before. haha.

Progress with Jessica is still moving a bit slow at the moment. She got a solid answer about Joseph Smith being a prophet, but then the next day, instead of coming to conference like she said she would, she went with a friend to some other church that is like an hour away. I don't understand her sometimes. But, she is still awesome and I know she'll get baptized soon.

And to finish up today, I have a great story for you. The other day, Monday actually, we were tracting. Lately when we go tracting I've had this cool thing happen where I drive until I see a street sign that feels good, and go to that street, and continue on until I feel that that is where we should tract. I did the same thing this time around. I felt good about one street, then the next, and the next so we parked. But then I saw one more street sign that felt really good. We went to that street and parked the car. As I was getting out of the car, I saw a house across the street and felt that was the first one we should knock on. As we were walking to the house, a man came out of that house and said, "You guys are great!" haha. I was surprised, because that is not usually one of the things people call us here. So we started talking and he continued "A buddy of mine was moving a while back and two of you guys came and helped out, and I was like wow, those are some good guys" As we continued talking, he told us that was the only reason he came outside - just to tell us how great we were. haha. It was awesome. Then I asked if he'd ever been taught by missionaries before. He said no, so I asked if he'd heard of the Book of Mormon. He looked at it, and asked if he could have it. I told him no. haha. not. We gave him a copy and continued talking to him. As we were talking, his brother came outside and started talking to us as well. He was nuts. He told us all about how he knew everything about our church. He said he was in prison for 6 years and then God touched him and he changed. He just kept going on and on and on, and it was actually really funny. My favorite part was when he said "Who was the guy who started your church?" I said "Well, Joseph Smith restored it" and he said "Yeah that guy, he's the one who broke into the Vatican and stole the scrolls in their vaults and rewrote the Bible." That was just one of many really ridiculous things he said that made me laugh. It was a cool experience to be led to that house and then to have a really odd ending. haha. It was great. I love being a missionary.

So I think that's about it this week. Good stuff. I hope to hear from you all again. OH yeah, thanks for the letters from everyone. Except Kurtis. And Justin, what was up with the last paragraph in your letter? weird. haha. ok well I love you all. Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Hammer