Thursday, August 16, 2013 * Hey Sweet Mamma! It's so great to hear from you! I am trying to upload pics but I dont know if I will have enough time to figure it out. Sorry if I can't! I got my first letter from Dad yesterday! Tell him thanks! I wrote both you and Dad a letter and so they should be sending it out any day now. Today we got to actually leave the gates of the temple and MTC. HOLY COW! It is a very differnt world out there! The traffic is ridiculous! haha We walked about 15 mins to go to the store and I was pretty much drenched in sweat. I bet Blake knows all about that! We had about 50 missionaries all go to the store so you can imagine the looks and stares we got! People kept pointing and say "Americans! Americans! I couldn't stop myself from buying an almond Snickers and a dominican chocolate bar. I am just missing chocolate!! The only time we have sweet things are at night after "family prayer". Sister Freestone has a little basket of choclate and so we line up and say goodnight and receive a chocoalte. It's a very special part of the day! After walking to the store I am so excited to start proselyting! But I am a little nervous about how to teach people on a busy, noisy street! I can't believe Blake has a companion that does not speak any English! That is good in a way because she will learn the language the best in that scenario. I kind of hope that happens to me! Each week we are given a topic that we are supposed to prepare a talk for. Then on Sunday President Freestone announces who will talk and bear their testimonies. Of course, I was the first and only sister asked to speak on the first Sunday. It went well, but it was kind of ironic because the night before I was talking to my companion and telling her I hoped I would be called on to speak,,,,,sure enough I was!!! As for the language, yes, we still speak English. I still have to take in written notes to teach my lessons, but it is coming. We had a new bunch of new sisters come in from JAMAICA!, and a few from other Central Amreican places. It's so much fun to be surrounded by people from different cultures. I think I will have the same companion the entire stay at the MTC. I think they are counting this as our third week and that we only have two weeks left, but no one has clearly communicated anything yet. I honestly have no idea how many missionaries are in the West mission, but there is an island that is part of my mission too! I am so glad that your back is getting better and that you are feeling well! It makes me happy. How is your deal of no chocolate working out?? I shouldnt be craving any because you haven't had any for a LONG TIME. Jess is having twins. I just know it! Then I can come home to find 2 lil bundles of joy! Maybe I should start praying for that!! haha Today was the second session that we went to the temple. I had a really neat experience. I might not have time to email Granny so tell her for me :) At the end of the session before I went up to the veil I was just praying. I was kind of falling asleep but I was praying for the lady that I was going through for. I prayed that she would receive the ordinances that I was doing for her. At that very moment a thought popped into my head...Papa Hamblin knows this lady. I dont know how or anything but I immediatley woke up becasue it was so strong! I felt that she accepted it. Then I looked down at the place and it said from Massachusetts. Didn't Papa serve there? I don't know but the date was 1776. It was a cool experience! for the deoderant, we have only gone to the store once and we weren't given much time and I'm not sure if they will have a good brand here. I should go but I love you bunches!!!!! Tell everyone hi!!! -Hermana Hamblin!!