Rule 398: Get Lost in Castles!

November 4, 2015

Another beautiful week has flown by here in beautiful Italy.
Ina is doing amazingly well. I can see such a big difference after
receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. She has even more light. She
remembers and understands things better now. The Holy Ghost is such an
incredible gift.

We had interviews with President on Saturday in Verona. I technically
wasn't supposed to have one because I will have one next week before I
leave. But for some reason I was scheduled anyways. Halfway through my
interview Sorella Dibb comes and knocks on the door and tells
President that I don't need an interview. Oops! But I'm glad I had
one. President and I just talked about all the amazing lessons we are
learning from the Book of Mormon. I love that Book! Lately I've really
noted how much it talks about deliverance. Everything the Lord does is
to deliver us out of some kind of bondage. Whether it be from
Egyptians or Lamenites, sin or oppression, ourselves or the devil!
The Atonement and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about freedom and
liberty.

Halloween is lame here in Italy but we saw a few kids dressed up. We
played Halloween Jeopardy in English class.

We had Stake Conference this weekend. It was great. I really enjoyed
all of the talks. This stake is led by some amazing leaders.

This Ward has some amazing leaders too! We had some truly amazing
members at some our lessons this week. They really do make a
difference!

Our investigators are doing well! They still have some hard obstacles
to get over before they can be baptized but I know they can do it. I
love each and every one of them! And I know the Lord does too! He will
not abandon them.

We are teaching an adorable family. The parents don't listen but the
uncle and the two kids (8 and 10 years old), are so interested. I am
amazed each day at how much the kids understand. They are so much easier
to teach than adults because they really do trust God. They believe in
miracles. And this Gospel is full of them!

Well, sorry for a short letter this week but we got back a little late today.
We went to a castle today! It was beautiful!

I hope you all a great week!

I'm excited to work hard my last week here in the field and squeeze
every last miracle this town has to offer!

Vi voglio un mondo di bene! Ci vediamo fra poco!

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 390: Everyday is a New Beginning!

October 28, 2015

Ina's baptism was on Friday. There weren't a lot of people there
because everyone was working that night but President and Sorella Dibb
came. They don't get to come to a lot of baptisms with all the
things they do so it was nice for them to come! Of course everything
was crazy right before the baptism: people getting sick, people who
are giving the talks can't make it, no one is answering their phone
but as soon as the baptism started the spirit was so strong. Ina has
waited so long for this moment, I've never seen anyone one want it
more than her! I just love baptisms because they are so simple. It is
through this simplicity that you are really able to feel the spirit.
No distractions. Just spirit. I love it! Ina's baptism was just as
beautiful as she is and I'm so happy for her. She was just glowing
Friday night. This Gospel really does change lives. It gives people a
new start. I am so thankful for the power of the Atonement. I have
learned so much about the Atonement this past year and a half. It
really is incredible how through Jesus Christ we are healed.
On Sunday morning Ina was confirmed a member of the church and
received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Her blessing was incredible, I
know she is going to be a huge blessing to this ward.

On Sunday another less active member came back to the church for the
first time! He has been coming to F.H.E. the past six months but after
many prayers from us and the anziani he finally came back to church
after years. I know this path back hasn't been easy but I am so proud
of his courage and trust in God.

This week we had some highs but we had some really low lows. We had so
many hard rejections this week... I don't really want to talk about
them. Haha! Sunday night I was feeling kind of frustrated. I'm used to
rejection after a year and half but this week was especially hard for
some reason. One of the biggest blessings on the mission is you really
get to feel how much the Lord loves these people. It is so amazing and
wonderful but it also means when people reject God and Christ you hurt
more. You hurt because you love them and you know this message will
make them happier but they are pushing it away. I felt of a lot of
sadness this week because people I really loved were pushing away
Christ. Monday morning I read Alma chapter 5. It really helped. The
whole chapter is amazing but verses 44-46 really stuck out to me (this
is also my Ponderize scripture):
"For I am called to speak after this manner, according to the holy
order of God, which is in Christ Jesus; yea, I am commanded to stand
and testify unto this people the things which have been spoken by our
fathers concerning the things which are to come.
And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things
myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things
whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of
their surety?

Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit
of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know
these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are
true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy
Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me."

All I can do is invite people. The beautiful thing about this Plan of
Happiness is that we are all free to choose. I have no control over
other people but I can testify to what I know to be true. And I do
know these things are true.

Yesterday we had a really tough lesson with a member. She was really
struggling with the fact that there is so much injustice in the world.
She works with mentally handicapped individuals and she doesn't
understand how God could let people live like that. The question of
why life is unfair is one of the toughest to answer. You really have
to trust God. The Plan of Salvation is perfect. It really is for our
happiness. But this life on earth is only a small part of the plan. We
aren't meant to receive all of our happiness here on this earth. The
purpose of this life is 1) to get a body and 2) to learn and become
like our father in Heaven. If we didn't have trials we wouldn't grow.
It is impossible to climb a smooth mountain. We need the ridges and
rocks so we can have something to hang onto as we climb. Life is like
that as well. We could not progress if we did not have trials. I don't
understand everything in this life but I trust God and know that one
day I will!

I am thankful for this time I have to be here in Italy and represent
my Savior whom I love.

I am thankful also for all you who support me!
I love you all!

V.V. B.

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 382: "The more proselyting you do in the rain the more beautiful your spouse will be!" -- Linda K. Burton

October 22, 2015

Sorry I'm emailing a day late, we had a conference yesterday with
Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Sister Burton, and President Johnson. It
was such a fun conference! All the Sorelle in the mission came and the
anziani who lived close to Milano. It was so great to hear from
General Presidents of the Relief a Society and Young Women and also
their husbands and also President Johnson, a member of the seventy,
and his wife. All of them talked about not losing the skills, habits,
and talents we learn on the mission.  They
stressed the importance that the mission is a training for the rest of
our life. Not only did I learn a lot and receive spiritual support, I
also got some major moral support from seeing all my past companions
who are still on the mission. There are eight! It was so great to see
them all and say goodbye before I leave in three weeks. I love each
and every one of them and I am so proud of the work they are doing. I
am so lucky to have served with some of the most amazing, hardworking
sisters!

On Sunday we went to Bishop's fireside for the GANS (young single
adults). A fireside in Italian is called Camminetto which means
"little walk". I thought that was interesting. It was such a good
fireside! Sometimes as missionaries, missionaries think they are not a
part of the ward, but I feel like such a part of this ward. Bishop
said some things that I really needed to hear that night and I'm so
thankful that he is inspired!

Last Friday and Saturday we did a scambio with the Milano Sorelle. I
went to Milano with Sorella Hibo. It was such a fun scambio. I love
working in Milano because it is jam-packed with people. We talked to so
many people in the little time we had to do some finding. One lady was
just coming from serving some elderly. We talked about how the real
purpose of life is to help others. She didn't want to learn more but
she was touched by what we were doing.

My Ponderize scritture this week is Mosiah 14:4-5 "Surely he has borne
our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our
transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of
our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

I thought the scripture was fitting for this week with Ina getting
baptized tomorrow. I don't remember how much I've said about her but
our investigator Ina finished her cancer treatment and the doctors
have declared her cancer free! She is getting baptized on Friday! This
is answer to many fasts and prayers by missionaries and members in
Modena and Reggio Emilia! She met the missionaries three years ago in
Reggio Emilia. She has battled cancer treatments off and on these past
three years and has been waiting to be cleared by the doctors so she
can be baptized. She said the doctors are very surprised how quickly
she has recovered. This past tumor was only found 5 months ago and she
is cancer free now. The doctors have attributed her rapid recovery to
her incredible faith. She has truly relied on her Savior and Father in
Heaven to get her through this. She has trusted that whatever was
supposed to happen would happen. Her faith truly is incredible. On
Sunday she didn't say much at church because she was so excited for
her baptism. I know she is ready because I have never met anyone who
understands the healing power of the Atonement so fully!  We visited
her today as the spirit was just so strong. All she talks about now is
helping others. She wants others to find Christ like she has. She is
one of the most humble, most special people I've ever met. I am so
thankful I get to experience this with her. She is going to do some
amazing things.

President and Sorella Dibb said they are going to try to make it to
her baptism tomorrow.

Well all in all it was a pretty fantastic week. I'm so tired, but so happy.
Praying you all see some miracles this week too!

Vi voglio bene!


Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 375: Make Christ your Everything!

October 14, 2015

This week was a little harder. We are still trying to find some new
people to teach. We haven't had a lot of success, but at least the people
we are teaching are wonderful! Weather hasn't been on our side either.
Haha -- but I have super grateful for my rain jacket. I actually like
riding in the rain... As long as I can see!

We had Zone Training on Thursday. It was my last one. But that's okay
because next Wednesday all the sisters in the mission get to go to a
conference in Milano with Bonnie L. Oscarson. I'm excited! Also I
might be emailing a day early or late next week!

Church this week was just wonderfully beautiful. Again! I just love
fast and testimony meeting. Fasting has come to mean so much here on
the mission. I love how on Fast Sunday you can unite with the whole
ward. We really are all in this together. It is really great that we are
seeing some meno attivi come back to church these past couple weeks.

Marta came back from Cuba yesterday! We are going on scambio Friday so
I won't be able to see her because I'll be in Milano but I'm excited
to hear how her lesson goes!

It was fun to hear all your ponderizing scriptures from last week!
Everyone's was so perfect for them. I want to keep hearing them!

My Ponderize scritture this week is 2 Nephi 26:12-13.
"And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is
the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also
that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God;
And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by
the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue,
and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the
children of men according to their faith."

Our mission is reading the Book of Mormon with a focus on Jesus. When
President Dibb invited us to do so I was already doing it thanks to
Derrek's challenge from his mission President. It must be pretty
important. It really is. Really, there is nothing more important than
knowing who Christ is. It gives your whole life purpose. It gives you
hope. We had opportunity to teach a young African mom yesterday. I
love teaching Africans because most of them have such a deep love for
Jesus Christ. They really understand that if he didn't come and
sacrifice as He did we would be nothing. Yesterday she told us that
Christ is her everything. I could tell that she truly meant it. It
reminded me of the verse in Isaiah 12 (also in 2 Nephi 22) that says
"the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my
salvation." He is our everything! As I read 2 Nephi and Jacob this
past week I have really noted that everything they say leads to
Christ. Because it was my last Zone Training on Thursday. Because I
had thought we were going to have a November Training before I went
home I hadn't thought too much about what I was going to say. But it
really wasn't hard when I got up there to summarize what I learned in
this past year and half. Why? Because it was all about Christ. He
really is everything. He has given me hope when I was uncertain. He
has given me strength when I have been weak. His love has encircled me
and motivated me to try a little harder, to be a little better. He has
helped me to love more fully and more deeply than I could have ever
imagined. He is my perfect example and the phrase "What would Jesus
do?" Really has been imprinted on my heart. You don't need to go on a
mission to develop a relationship with your Savior but I am so
thankful for my mission. I am stronger and firmer in the faith and it
is all thanks to Him. As everybody keeps reminding me, I only have a
month left. I want to use this time to help everyone I meet know their
Savior just a little bit better. I have not been a perfect missionary,
finder, companion, sister, but thanks to the Savior, I have been
perfect at retrying. I know that through Him we can truly do anything.

I am excited to see what miracles lie in our path this upcoming week!
I love you all very much! Remember you never alone!

V.V.B.

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 372: "Exercise faith, discipline yourself and do it!"

October 7, 2015

Our Ward here in Modena is just wonderful! I am constantly impressed
by the strength of these members. On Thursday night we had an appointment
with our investigator Ina, that Bishop had set up for us. He and his
wife drove us to the appointment. Ina told us the most amazing
news! She is healing! Her cancer is going away! It doesn't even feel
real. This is definitely one of the biggest miracles I've seen on my
mission. Her doctors are amazed. No one is too surprised though
because Ina has such incredible faith. All the doctors say
they have never have seen anyone as optimistic as Ina. Now that she
is feeling better both Ina and Vescovo (bishop) want her to be
baptized as soon as possible. We still have quite a few lessons to
teach her but she should be baptized this month.  We met with her
today. She is in a lot of pain but she is receiving her last treatment
this weekend! I love teaching her, because she already lives the gospel!
She had never heard of the word of wisdom but is already following it
to a T. We haven't talked to her about the importance of praying, yet
she says the most sincere, heartfelt prayers and she prays often! I
have never seen anyone more prepared.

2nd miracle this week: our investigator who fasted for the first time
a couple weeks ago saw an answer to her fast this week! She said it
was because of us and we said no, it was because of her faith! She
really has incredible faith and I am so thankful for this miracle in
her life!

One of the members here came home from her mission on Thursday! She
served in Spain! The Ward threw a little party for her on Friday. It
was fun watching the Ward get so excited for her to come home. At the
party everyone was asking so many questions about her mission. Someone
asked her what she misses most about the mission and she said that she
misses having the Spirit with her every minute of every day. It really
made me think about how true that is. The Spirit is our constant
companion. I can feel it even in the small things I do; riding my
bike, getting ready for bed, and even eating. I realize I have taken
this for granted. I know it's not difficult for me to have the Spirit
with us, because we are constantly on the Lord's errand. There is a rarely
a prayer we say that we don't sincerely ask for the Spirit to guide
us. I loved the emphasis that speakers gave to searching to have the
Spirit with us constantly.

It is still weird watching conference on a different schedule. We
watch the Saturday morning session on Saturday night at six. Then
Sunday they show the priesthood session at 11, the Saturday afternoon
session at 2, and the Sunday morning session at 6. Then you are left
on your own to watch the Sunday afternoon session sometime the next
week.  I'm so thankful for modern technology that allows us to watch
the two morning sessions live with the whole world. I hope you all got
to watch all the sessions of conference because they were amazing.
If I could name one of the themes of the conference I would name it
"How to endure to the end. And how to do it happily." I really like
the Women's Conference and the first session especially emphasized
this theme. This life is supposed to be enjoyed. Yes, we have trials.
It's supposed to be like that. But with the gospel we can truly be
happy, no matter what!

2 Nephi chapter 2 is one of my favorite chapters in the Book of
Mormon. As I was reading it this past week a different verse stuck out
to me. Verse 8 reads:
 "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto
the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no
flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the
merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his
life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the
Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being
the first that should rise."

After hearing our wonderful leaders speak this past weekend and
receiving so much guidance and inspiration my desire to share is even
more profound. I know that it is only through Christ that we can be
truly happy. I'm so thankful for prophets and apostles who show us the
way. This is truly the restored Church of Jesus Christ again upon the
Earth. I know it with my whole soul and I will never deny it. I chose
to Ponderize this scripture this week! What scripture are you
ponderizing! I loved that talk by Devin Durrant. I remember when he
was Mission President in Dallas. I remember when he came to our stake
conference, I only wish I remembered what he talked about in those stake
conferences! I thought his talk was fantastic and I loved his two
invites. I hope you all consider following both of his invites.
I don't know if you could tell but I really enjoyed conference! Haha --
after every talk I was just like, "that was perfect!" Like my
grandparents said, I couldn't begin to pick a favorite talk. Our
leaders are truly inspired. Even the music was inspired! I have never
appreciated more the beautiful fact that we have a living prophet and
apostles who lead and guide this church. I know each and every one of
them is called of God. I am thankful for the lives they have lived and
for their willingness to give their will to God. I am so thankful to
be a part of this church.

I challenge you all to take what you learned from conference, exercise
a little faith, discipline yourself, and do it!

I love and appreciate you so much! Thank you for all that you do!

-Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 370: "We Love Sports and We Don't Care Who Knows!"

Rule 370: "We love sports and we don't care who knows" -Anziano Robinson

Last Wednesday was so great! I kept getting birthday wishes throughout
the week! Thanks for the emails! We had a fun ward family night party
that night.

Saturday we received transfer news.... I'm staying in Modena with
Sorella Besco for my last transfer! I am so happy! I love Modena so
much, I didn't want to leave. You come to realize on a mission that
you don't get called to a place, you get called to people. And I LOVE
these people. This Ward is incredible and each week I am just so
amazed at how supportive they are. Sorella Besco and I both woke up
Saturday morning knowing I would stay. I thought about other cities I
could go to and nothing felt right. I belong here in Modena. This will
be mine and Sorella Besco's third transfer together, it'll be the
longest I've been with any other companion. It must be because
everyone thinks we are real, related sisters, even twins!  After I
told Sorella Besco that I am staying for a fourth transfer I said that 
people are going to start asking when I am leaving... Sure enough on
Sunday one of the Relief Society sisters asked me when I was going to
leave Modena. Haha they don't say it to be mean they just aren't used
to missionaries staying for 6 months in one city. I've done it in both
of my other cities though and I wouldn't have it any other way! The best
part about being in one area for a really long time is that you really
get to know the people. All my companions who are younger than me in
the mission have served in at least 4 cities by now, but I'm very happy to
be the one that always stays!

A cool thing that happened a week or two ago was Ariel, who was
baptized about a month ago, got called to be the assistant ward
mission leader! It is so cool to work with such a new member! He is so
humble and is always striving to do the right thing!
Church was fun because both us and the anziani had a few
investigators in church! I sat by the 6 year old daughter of one of
the anziani's investigators during Sacrament Meeting. She was an
absolute angel! Most definitely one of the most refined, well-behaved
6 year olds I have ever met in my life. She loves coming to church!
She asks her dad if they can come everyday! Haha I wish all 
investigators were that excited about church!

Sunday night we had a little culture dinner for the GANS activity. The
anziani covered America while Sorella Besco and I made Korean food! We
made Bu....... . Everyone loved it! We had some good Ghanese, Brazilian,
and Puglianese food too!

I absolutely loved the Women's Session of Conference. Obviously we
couldn't watch it live here, but Sorella Besco and I watched it as
soon as we could. I really enjoyed all the talks. One of my favorite
themes of the session was that even though life can be difficult we
can still find joy. In fact, one of the purposes of this life is to
have joy. Being happy really is a choice. And it's not always easy,
but it's possible. I have seen this many times on the mission.
Sometimes you have such good, righteous expectations but then things don't
work out like you think you should. But that's okay. Because Heavenly
Father knows what He is doing. We are in His hands. We are His.

Sorella Besco and I are struggling with what seems to be the most
common problem here in the mission... Finding people to teach. We have
tried what seems like just about everything. Despite not finding a lot
of people who want to learn more I still enjoy the conversations we
have and we met some really amazing people this past week. One of my
favorites was a man from Ukraine. He spoke very little Italian. We had
a hard time trying to communicate anything until we realized the
park we were in had wifi! Thanks to modern day miracles we were able
to download the video "Because of Him" in Ukrainian on our iPad and
show it to him. Then we used google translate to communicate with him!
The Lord has blessed us with some amazing tools so we can do the
seemingly impossible. "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke
1:37). We were able to get his Ukrainian phone number and I pray the
missionaries will find him and his family.

I love this work. I love this Gospel. I am looking forward to  Conference this
weekend! I am so thankful for the Prophets and Apostles we have here
on this earth!

Vi voglio un Sacco di bene!

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 367: Be Born the Same Day as Your Companion

September 23, 2015

(Mom note:  TODAY IS DANI'S BIRTHDAY!)

Rule 367: be born on the same day as your companion #truecompunity

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! It has been so fun to read all of
them! Oh and hey it's my companion's birthday today too! It's so cool!
I woke up to cute little presents by the alarm clock today. I sticky
noted/attacked her wall with notes from friends. It's the best birthday
ever because I can focus on making her birthday awesome but she's
trying to make mine great too. It's really just been an overall great
day! The weather is perfect and we have found some great food. Tonight
for FHE the Ward is throwing us a "surprise" party. Love them!

Thursday we had Zone Training in Verona. It was a really great
training about how we are becoming the message and how we can take
what we learned at our Conference with Elder Kearon and put it into
practice. We talked a lot about other ways we can "attack the day".
Good planning is a big part of that. Also that day was both of my
companion's year mark in the mission so we brought cupcakes to
celebrate!

It was also really great to see my MTC companion Sorella Destribois
again. She helped give some of the training and she did a wonderful
job. She has such a pure testimony and I am so thankful I got another
chance to hear it. She really is an example to me of humility and
love.

Thursday night we came to Bologna and I got to see Jenny again. That
was great. There was such a sweet spirit during the lesson. So the
plan was to have Jenny's baptism on Saturday but due to complications
it has been postponed for a month. I'm not really sad that I will miss it
because I know this is right. I am so thankful that I got another
chance to see Jenny. I know she will be baptized soon and I know
Sorella Yonk will take good care of her here in Bologna.

Friday was spent calling ward members, inviting them to the baptism
and then calling them all back to tell them it was cancelled. We also had a
cool miracle Friday morning. The other day a woman called the Bologna
phone and said that the missionaries had talked to her on the bus and
she wanted to meet with us. Her name is Giovanna. We met with her on
Friday and she was amazing. She had so many questions and listened.
She accepted the challenge to read and pray about the Book of Mormon.
It was just so simple. My favorite part of the whole thing was that it
was actually Sorella Distante who had found her on the bus. Missionary
work is amazing like that. We never know if someone we talk to one day
on a bus or in the street will one day months, years later call the
missionaries and be interested in learning more. Sorella Distante
worked so hard and I'm so happy to see her efforts are still affecting
Bologna. 

Saturday night an 8 year got baptized here in Modena. It was probably
one of coolest baptisms I've ever been to. There were so many non-
members there! Edoardo had invited all of his family,  his whole class
at school and even his teachers! What a great example he is. He told
me he wanted to be baptized because he wanted to do what is right and
wanted to follow Christ. I know he is going to be a huge strength to
the church. I really believe each generation is stronger than the
next. People like Edoardo give me such hope.

Sunday we went to church in Bologna. It was really strange not to go
to Modena but it was really fun to see everyone in Bologna. I love
that ward. I came on the perfect day because Heloise (another 8 year
old) was getting baptized! Two baptisms in two days! It was absolutely
beautiful!

Sunday night we got a call from the office that Sorella Yonk was
getting a companion. There was a little confusion about the day. Later
we found out she was getting her companion that day! We had to book it
to the Modena apartment pack all of Sorella Yonk's things and get her
to her new comp. Thanks to very helpful members we were able to do it!
It's weird to be only two of us again, haha it's a lot quieter. It'll
be good because we didn't get to spend much time in Modena last week
so now we can get back to work here!

It was a really fun week, but I am broke from traveling! Both of my
companions ran out of money so I had to pay for lots of train tickets
this week. I'm excited for a calm week where we get to stay and work
hard in Modena. Saturday we get transfer calls so we'll see if
anything exciting happens. I really would love to stay here in Modena
my last transfer. I absolutely love this ward. I don't want to leave
them! But I know my companion doesn't want to leave either... We'll
see!

One thing I really reflected on this week was just how simple the
Gospel is. I love everything about the gospel because it all just
comes back to one simple principle. We have a Heavenly Father who
loves us. Because He loves us we have so many blessing. No matter how hard
life gets, He loves you!

Vi voglio bene!

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 349: Don't Do Anything Italian Boys Do On Bikes!

September 16, 2015

Rule 349:  Don't do anything Italian boys do on bikes!

 Rule 350: Keep your toes away from the bicycle wheel!

Bike crashes, hospital visits, and Lost wallets, oh my!
You may say we had a bit of crazy week. It all started when Sorella
Besco says last Wednesday to our new companion Sorella Yonk,
"hopefully you don't get into a bike crash on your first day like
someone else did" (Sorella Besco had a really bad crash her first day).
Well we forgot to knock on wood or touch iron and that is exactly what
happened. Sorella Yonk got her foot stuck in the wheel of the bicycle.
I was behind her but I still don't understand exactly how it happened.
Thankfully when it happened a man came and yanked her foot out of the
wheel. We stayed there for about an hour, the anziani brought us some
stuff from the pharmacy and then we grabbed some pizza and rode home
on our bikes. She said it was easier to ride home than to walk.

We are lucky Sorella Besco is a good nurse.
That afternoon Bishop and his wife came and picked us up for our
appointment with Ina. The appointment was so wonderful. We talked
about the plan of Salvation. We weren't able to finish because we got
stuck on the Atonement. Ina was born into a Muslim home so we wanted to
make sure she understood the Atonement really well. She does. She told
us how much strength and hope she receives from her knowledge of the
Savior. The empowering effect of the Atonement is so real. Even if we
don't have physical strength to do things, the Savior can lift you.
Ina is an amazing example to me because despite all the difficulties
she may have, it is her faith that keeps her going.

On Thursday Sorella Yonk was being a super great sport and said she
was fine to go to appointments so we rode to all of our appointments
on Thursday. After our last appointment our investigator looks at
Sorella Yonk's foot and it had swollen, a lot! I mean a lot! Both her
and the member we had brought to the lesson said we had to go to the
emergency room. In Italy it is more common to go the emergency room
than a normal doctor sometimes. Well, with the member and her parents
and Maura and her boyfriend, who drove us to the the hospital, there
were 8 of us all there together. It was fun. For my first Italian
hospital experience it went actually rather smoothly. The doctors were
all really nice and we weren't there forever like everyone thought we
would be.  Good news: nothing broken or sprained! She wasn't allowed
to walk (or ride the bike) for a couple days.

We have had a couple of days when we couldn't leave he house so her
foot could heal. We have been trying to use our time the best we can even
though we can't really leave the house.

My dad emailed me about 1 Nephi 3:7 a couple weeks ago. On church on
Sunday we read the scripture as we were talking about obedience in
gospel principles. As I was thinking about the week we had, it shows just
how true this scripture really is. Heavenly Father ALWAYS provides a
way for us to accomplish what he asks of us! Always! It doesn't matter
if you can't walk. It doesn't matter if there is no money. There is
always a way. We have seen so many little miracles this week and we
haven't even been able to leave the house as much as we would have
liked to. We received an amazing family referral from the sisters in
one city over. When we called this family they were so excited to meet
with us! On Sunday a man called and said he found our number on
Mormon.org and that he wanted to meet with us. We let the anziani have
the appointment but it was still amazing because I have never had that
happen to me on my mission. Mormon.org isn't popular in Italy at all.
Another women called the Bologna phone and said they had given her a
pass along card on the bus and she wanted to know more. Huge miracle!
I know the Lord always provides a way. If we are trying the best we can he will
always bless us. I trust in the Lord's plan and I will strive to do His
will. I am thankful for the examples of my family and friends who have
shown how to endure well.

And if that wasn't enough for poor Sorella Yonk, she left her wallet
on the bus yesterday. I am sitting in the police station as I write this. By some
miracle she didn't loose that much. I am so impressed with Sorella Yonk. She
hasn't complained at all. She has gone through some hard things these
past two weeks and I'm very impressed how she has handled it all. This
weekend should be crazy and exciting as Edoardo, an 8 year old, is
getting baptized on Saturday. Jenny, in Bologna may also get baptized
on Saturday. And then there may be another 8 year old baptism on
Sunday. Should be fun.

Well I think that's it for now...

Vi voglio un sacco di bene!


Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 322: Just Treat Everybody Like It's Their Birthday!

September 9, 2015

Rule 332: Just treat everybody like it's their birthday even if they don't deserve it, because we all mess up sometimes. The biggest mess up? Not forgiving each other's mess ups.-Kid Presiden

Biggest news: I have another companion now! We are in a trio here in Modena! It was kinda crazy getting everything ready for her because we don't have three of anything but it'll all work out. Plus she is only here for three weeks. Her name is Sorella Yonk and I love her already! Her companion went home today so we went to Bologna and picked her up.  She is super fun and I think the three of us are going to work well together these three weeks. The best part about the situation is that we get to go work in Bologna one day a week! Bologna is Sorella Yonk's city and President wants us to keep up the work there. I am excited to see some of the people I worked with in Bologna again! AND I will get to see Jenny and Loredana get baptized! What a tender mercy of the Lord. I couldn't be happier. It is so incredible how the Lord works. If I had any doubts of why I am here in Modena they are gone. The Lord is giving me such a huge blessing and I'm at a loss for words.

But other things happened this week too:  On Thursday and Friday we had a scambio with the Milano Sorelle! I

went to Milano with Sorella Burt! And Sorella Hibo was going to come to Modena to work with Sorella Besco, but after some train confusion they ended up going to Milano too. Milano is huge though so it can handle a few extra Sorelle. It was so fun to be in such a huge city, there were so many people! Haha I'm used to our quaint little Modena. It was a

great scambio. We spent most of our time doing finding work. We are really trying to find more people to teach here in Modena so it was great to get some practice. I learned a lot from Sorella Burt. She is just so positive and confident. I loved spending a day with her.

On Saturday we went to Gianni and Patrizia's house! It was the first time any missionaries ever visited them at the house because it's kind of far. They live in the mountains and it was gorgeous! Patrizia is also a really great artist so her house is covered with little murals she painted on the walls. Gianni and Patrizia are doing wonderful since their baptism. They are just so faithful and constant. The spirit is constantly with them because they are constantly trying to

do the right thing.

Church on Sunday was wonderful! I just love fast Sundays. I love hearing the testimonies of the wonderful members here. This Ward is so amazing and I'm sad we will have to miss some Sunday's here to go to Bologna's ward. But I know everything will work out. This week has been quite on the crazy side but I am just so thankful

that we have a Heavenly Father who has a plan for each and every one of us. We have no need to doubt. We have no need to fear or stress. He is always there.

I love these words from Mormon 9:

27 O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things so ever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.

28 Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God.

It's as simple as that :) I pray that I will always be able to endure to the end. I know it is possible for each one of us!

Love you all, thank you for the letters,

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 263: Let Go of the Banana!

September 2, 2015

Rule 263: Let go of the Banana!

The Elder Kearon Conference last Wednesday was absolutely wonderful! It was exactly everything I needed. It amazes me how the Lord always knows exactly what I need. I don't know if any of you have ever heard Elder Kearon speak, he is an excellent speaker and a very humble man. He is guided by the Spirit as he speaks. He is also British so that wasentertaining too! One of my favorite things that we talked about was "attacking the day", starting the day off right. Everyday must start with a sincere, powerful prayer. How we start the day results in how the whole rest of day goes. If we drift through the morning hours we will find ourselves drifting through the whole day. We also talked a lot about realintent, choices, and action. Everything we do in missionary work (and in life) needs to have real intent behind it,whether it be finding, teaching, or studying. Like Elder Bednar discussed, we talked about how our agency allows us to be happy in any circumstance. Happy is a choice! And lastly, action. Elder Kearon is an action man. I loved this council he gave about note taking. He said instead of writing something in your study journal like, "change badhabits" instead actually write the action you are going to do like, "stop waking up late". He said today is the day to decide to change and actually do it! I agree! It has been a week since the conference and Sorella Besco and I have alreadyseen our days change dramatically as we have decided to attack each day. I am very happy with goals and changes we made to be more efficient and dedicated servants of the Lord.

We were one of the lasts to leave because the conference was held here in Modena so we stayed to clean a few things and then my bike had a flat tire again so it took us a couple minutes to get off. When we finally got everything set and hopped on our bikes Elder Kearon sticks his head out the door and yells at us "Thank you for all that you are doing! Keep it up!" It was just something so simple but it kept me smiling for that whole day.

After our conference on Wednesday we had dinner with Alice. She got back this summer from a foreign exchange program. She had stayed with a Mormon family and one of the brothers of this family came to visit this past week. So we got to meet her American brother! Even cooler they both came to church on Sunday. We aren't sure what Alice thoughtof it but we praying that she felt the spirit.

Last Tuesday we had a lesson with our most progressing investigator. We wanted to make sure she understood the importance of the Book of Mormon. As we were teaching, she starts to bear a beautiful testimony on the Book of Mormon and she knows it is true. On Sunday we were talking after church and she was telling me how all the talks and the lessons were answers to her prayers. I thought to myself, she got so much more out of church today than most members ever do. Unfortunately she is unable to be baptized at this moment because of some difficult circumstances but I am so thankful for her example of humility and courage. This Ward needs her. She is so strong and I have never had an investigator who just "gets it" like she does. We are praying that everything will work out for her.

Marta finally said she wants to be baptized! Unfortunately she is going to Cuba for a month. We are trying to make it possible that she can go to church while she is there.

Sunday night we were doing some finding near the church. It was pretty hot outside so there was no one outside. We passed this one family but there was a man with them that had yelled at us while we were on our bikes earlier. We decided to pass by them. However, after a couple of minutes we realized there was absolutely no one else outside.  So we decided to go back and try the family. They were very nice. As soon as we told ask them if we could show them a video about Christ the man who had yelled at us left. It was so great talking to the family. No, in the end they didn't want to learn more about the church but they said they were grateful we stopped to talk to them. The dad said sometimes you just need to be reminded of these things, you need some renewed hope. I loved talking to this family about Christ and who Jesus is to them. The spirit was there. I know it's not the "coolest" mission story, but it's moments like these that make the whole mission worth it for me. The missionary purpose is to help people come unto Christ. Sometimes we do that in just the smallest ways. I know Heavenly Father led us to that little family. I know He loves all His children. He remembers each and every one of them and He knows what they need. If I can be an instrument to help His children, even in the smallest ways then my mission is complete.

Yesterday one of the young single adults took us to an appointment that was really far. It was so nice to get to talk to her and get to ask her questions about her life and the ward. I realize here in Modena it is the GANS (the young single adults) that keep this ward together. They are the life and heart of the Ward. I think it's weird now that sometimes in America they pull out the YSAs and make their own ward for them. I understand why they do that but I don't it think would work here. They need their YSAs. I am so thankful for them and all that they do. All of them are such amazing examples to me.

Through the ups and the downs I am so thankful to be here in Modena. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else! I hope  school is going well for those who just started and hope mom and dad, you get over your colds!

Vi voglio un mondo di bene!!!

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 251: P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens)

August 25, 2015

Buongiorno tutti! Sorry I'm emailing a day early because we are having a conference with Elder Kearon tomorrow.I'm excited to hear from a general authority and see where we can improve. I have already been inspired with thecontent we have to read in preparation for the conference.

Other than that, not too much has happen this week. We had some ups and downs this week. We had some moreflat tires (I have the worst luck with tires!), and some more dropped investigators. But despite a week more on therough side we are still happy. Something about being a missionary makes it hard to be truly sad. Sure I get frustrated and disappointed but then I remember what I am doing here and why I came and things don't seem so bad. And we didhave some highs this week. On Sunday we had lunch in church. I love our members so much! They mainly did the lunchfor us missionaries and they brought so much food! Of course we brought a dessert and they loved it! Me and my companion have gotten good at making chocolate trifle (basically it's brownies, pudding, and whipped cream). They all complained about the amount of sugar in it but they loved it all the same!

Oh I forgot to mention last week but me and my companion are staying together here in Modena for another transfer! I'm so happy I'm staying here, I wasn't ready to leave. And now me and my companion will be together for our sharedbirthday

! This week as I have read the Book of Mormon I have been reading the war chapters in Alma. I think they are veryinteresting. The Nephites, as long as they are obedient, always win in the end. Even if they go through times of struggle, even if they lose some cities along the way. If they lose a battle they humble themselves, make new strategy, rejuvenatethemselves, and them come back even stronger. I think we need to do the same when it comes to trials in our lives.I love being on the mission because even though I have been out for a while, I still have to constantly humble myself and make new strategies. I know, like the Nephites, if I am obedient I cannot fail. 

Another highlight of the week! Our investigator found a new job! The best part she knows it is a blessing of her comingcloser to Christ!

Blessings really do come when we obey. I've seen them!

Hope you all see some extra special blessings this week!

Vi Voglio bene!

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 244: When the Going Gets Tough, Throw It In...

Rule 244: When the going gets tough, throw it in the peach bag

First off, I just wanted to say sorry for last week, I got some amazing emails and I wasn't able to respond to all of them, but please know they were greatly appreciated! I have the best family and friends!

This week somehow we lost a few investigators. It is hard to know when you should drop someone or not but there comes a point when you have done all you can and they have to make a choice whether to keep commitments or not. But the Lord blessed us with member visits this week. We got fed lunch 4 times this past week. It was a miracle! That's more than all of last transfer. 

We are starting a new indicative/challenge for the ward. We are basing it off of this the Europe Area Plan 2015 and thisquote by President Benson: "Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage o ouryoung men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are com-mendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immersethemselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come.Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow."We are challenging each family to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days. It is amazing how this message has been really touched each familydifferently. Everyone said they needed it, all for different reasons.

"There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path." (President Benson)

I heard Derrek gave a great talk on Sunday. I loved seeing pics of the whole family there.

These are the some of the GANS (Young Single Adults) here in Modena!They're the best!

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Thanks for all the great emails!

Vi voglio un sacco di bene!

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 241: If You Always Do What You've Always Done...

August 12, 2015

Rule 241: If you always do what you've always done, you will always
get what you always got

Today was our mission-wide Feragosto Super Deep Cleaning P-day event!
Today everyone in the mission super deep cleaned their apartments. And
it was an event I'll tell you ;) it was a fun day of finding hidden
treasures of missionaries past and debugging our apartment. For some
reason we decided to leave Gideon the huge spider in a study room. We
see him as more as a protection from other bugs than a threat. Sorry
if that grosses any of you out but I can tell you the rest of our
apartment is spiffy clean!

This was an interesting week. We met some "fun" people. Sorella Besco
and I really trying to find some new people to teach. We decided to
try changing up how we work a little because like President Dibb
always says, "If you always do what you've always done, you will
always get what you always got."

We decided to talk to the guy who works at the bar we always pass to
and from church. He always waves at us and one time he gave us
brioches. Well we stopped and he said he a lot of questions.
As we were talking to him a woman was there as well. She saw the Book
of Mormon in my basket and told me she had never seen one before, I
explained it and told her we could bring one to her house. She was
very excited and said she would love that. She is going on vacation
for two weeks but I am excited to see her as soon as she gets back.
Anyways back to the other guy, it turns out all he wanted to do was
tell us that we were wrong and that we couldn't change the world. He
practically just yelled at us the whole time. However, I didn't feel
bad or ashamed or anything. I just felt even more confident and full
of the spirit. I didn't feel the need to argue back, not that he would
have let me.  He told me there is no God and told me to try praying to
myself. I just left him my testimony that we are all children of a
loving Heavenly Father. He told me I was hard headed, but the thing is
he just doesn't know. He hasn't felt what I have felt. He probably has
never felt the Holy Ghost confirm something in his heart. He has
probably never felt the joy of having a prayer answered while reading
a scripture. I left feeling bad for him. We tried to leave the Book of
Mormon or even a pamphlet but he refused both. We still wave at him
every time we pass by. My companion and I talked about how experiences
like that just make us grateful to have been born in the church.
Sometimes it's really hard to find the truth.

I'm sorry for a shorter email this week but I've run out of time! Hope
you all have a great week!

Love you all!!!

Sorella Dani Hamblin

Rule 327: Change the Bait!

August 5, 2015

Time is flying so fast, I can't believe it is P day again! We had a
good solid week here Modena. My poor companion has a really bad cold,
whoops "allergies" (we are trying to be optimistic). The poor girl has
a really bad cough which makes teaching lessons pretty difficult.
We had dinner with Alice, our investigator who did a foreign exchange
program in Oregon and just barely got back. She stayed with a member
family there and is used to the missionaries. She asked if people fed
us a lot like in America they feed the missionaries, and we told her
they don't really feed us here. So she decided to make us dinner
herself, she really is the sweetest! It was really cool because her
friend from Oregon was visiting too! This friend is actually atheist.
It surprised me how hard it was to get over my fears of not offending
her and share my testimony of the fact that we do have a Heavenly
Father who loves us very much. I have never struggled talking to an
atheist before. We meet them all the time here. As I was pondering why that
lesson was unusually hard I realized that the lesson was in English. I
have never given it much thought before but it really is true that I
am called in the language of Italian. I am much more confident in the
Italian language. Even though I don't speak it perfectly I really
enjoy teaching in Italian. I know the Gift of Tongues, it's easier to
feel the spirit guide when I am speaking Italian.

With the rest of my family I started the "read the Book of Mormon 3
times in 90 days" challenge on Derreks's birthday, August 1st. My
companion is doing it with me! I have to say, it's not easy to read 18
pages a day, but it is worth it. I love the Book of Mormon and I am
excited to read it 3 more times before the end of my mission. It truly
amazes me how that Book always has the words I need for that day in
specific. I also absolutely love Nephi. He was such a humble person and
recognizes the hand of the Lord in everything he does.

I absolutely love the people we are working with here. They are some
of the most incredible people I ever met in my life. They are truly
changing their lives to align their will with God's. That takes
incredible humility. That takes incredible courage. Honestly there are
4 people here who could be baptized tomorrow. However, each has there
own block, whether it be cancer treatments, work on Sundays, or living
with someone they are not married to. All want to change, all want to
follow Christ but in order to take the next step some HUGE sacrifices
need to be made. If I was in their positions I don't know what I would
do. All I can do is pray and fast. And say and do the things Heavenly
Father would have me say and do. Sometimes if feels like I'm pushing
against a brick wall; but even that makes you stronger. We had a
beautiful lesson with one of our investigators who is facing one of
these problems. All we talked about during the lesson was our Savior,
Jesus Christ. The Spirit was so strong in that lesson. After the
closing prayer no one could say a word. Our investigator just sat
there, soaking it all in. It was as if she was trying to take hold of
the spirit so she could  keep it with her even after we left, even when times
got a little tough that week. I never wanted more for her to have the
Gift of the Holy Ghost. It will change her life. It will give her the
strength she needs. I wish I could take her trials away, I wish she
were able to be baptized this week, or even this month. She is ready.
She thinks so, Bishop thinks so, the whole ward thinks so, I think so,
but it's not about what we think. There is One whose thoughts are
higher than our thoughts, whose plan is divine, and who knows exactly
what He is doing. Like Nephi, "I know in whom I have trusted." And if
He wants me and my investigators to push against a few brick walls
then we will keep pushing. We will push until we are as strong as He
needs us to be. I don't understand all things, but I know God does.
And I trust in His plan.

Vi voglio bene

,
Sorella Dani Hamblin


Sent from my iPad

Rule 322: Always Have Your Electric Fly Swatter On Hand!

July 29, 2015

I gave a talk on Sunday. I ended talking about enduring to end and I used a lot of the talk "Come what May and Love It" by Elder Wirthlin. I love his thoughts on laughter. If you can learn to laugh when things go wrong you are genuinely a happier person. He also talked about keeping an eternal perspective. Things that seem so big today, in the eternal scheme of things have no relevance. I love this talk and highly recommend you read it! 

Come What May, and Love It

We had a small ward party at the member family's home last Sunday. They live about a half an hour outside of Modena.

Rule 244: Come What May and Love It!

July 22, 2015

It has been another interesting week here in Modena full of broken phones, more doctor visits, and slashed bike tires. However despite the fact that everyday seemed to bring a unique trial, I'm not complaining! It was a really good week! Every trial taught me something new. I'm more grateful to be here in Modena and to be working with this wonderful ward. I am also very grateful that the anziani here like to fix bikes because they had to change my tire 4 times this week!

A cool miracle that happened this week:  Our phone broke! Okay that's not the miracle. But what was cool is that the anziani here still had the phone from when there was another set of anziani here (so they had two phones). And so, they gave us that phone. It still had a lot of old numbers in it but all the people live in Modena so we have kept most of the numbers. Well yesterday I was sending out some texts to invite people to FHE. I invited some of the old numbers in the phone. One of the contacts asked what FHE was and also asked about English. It turns out this was an investigator who had wanted to join the church a couple months ago but his parents wouldn't let him. He had lost contact with missionaries and had stopped coming to church. The miracle was that he came to English class last night and he is coming to FHE tonight! Just because of our broken phone we were able to reach him again!

I loved the scripture my brother shared this week:

Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

This week I have thought a lot about grace and the enabling power of the Atonement. Often we focus just on the healing power of the Atonement and we often forget that through the Atonement we can also be strengthened. Remember no matter how hard it gets: C'è la fai! (You can do it!)

Love you lots! Find the miracles!

Sorella Dani Hamblin