The Islands

 

The Islands

 

I love it here! I wish I could stay here my whole mission, it is so awesome! Our house is pretty big, I mean I don't have to duck in it like all the rest of the buildings or anything. We have a solor battery that runs a light bulb from 5pm to 10pm then it is light out dark! We cook on a gas tove so that is cool, but I have lost 10lbs, so I am working on gaining it back! A really nice lady does our laundry, I think she just dumps it in clorox, but it is done and she is nice! I am learning the dialict, but we still use spanish too. The branch is really cool, sort of deep in traditions, but are so good to the missionaries...way good. I am the Sunday School Pres. and lead music and teach Seminary...mom remember when you would tell us, "where you sit I once sat, and where I stand you will stand before you know it?" Well, here I stand and man I wish I would have listened better when I was sitting..j/k...teaching seminary is HARD! Have I told you what a good teacher you were lately? hahaha.
The girl in the picture is 15, the people here are so small, I really am like a giant to them! Well I guess that is it for now...except I want you to know that I love the gospel of Jesus Christ, this is His work not mine, I am an instrument in His hands and and thankful to be serving in Panama. God lives Jesus is our Savior and the Church is TRUE!
Love Elder Hine

San Blas Islands Here I Come!

Here I go! so about 11:00 at night The Zone Leaders came over and guess what, I am going to the San Blas Islands! How sweet is that? I get to learn a Kuna Indian dialect! Oh man I am so happy! The island that I am going to is called Playon Chico. My companion is Elder Cruz from El Salvador. We will be sleeping in hammocks and living in huts. I am so pumped! I am gonna work my butt off, baptize in the ocean! But there is kind of a down side, I can only use the internet about every 4 or 5 weeks because there is no electricity. But every 4 weeks or so we can catch a small flight to the city and we will be there 3 days buying supplies and use the internet and get our mail and things. I can only take a small suitcase and I leave the rest in the city. so when you get a email from me, make sure you email back because we will be on the mainland for 3 days and can use the internet on all 3 days:) Mom I am so excited, I am one of the youngest, I mean greenest to go and you know what? I think it is because of my obedience. Just another blessing! Oh yeah I've become a stickler about the rules. hahahahaha, who would have thought huh mom! In my Book of Mormon reading I am in 2Nefi 1 in Spanish, but in English I am in 3 Nefi. How sweet is the Book of Mormon! But all is well, I am working hard and i'm obedient. all is well, I am safe the Lord is watching over me so don't worry. I love you and miss you all,
Love Elder Hine
ps.just keep emailing me, but be patience in my response!

Elder Hine's Testimony

Dear Friends and Family,

How is everybody doing? How are the Cash families? Both the R. Cash and the K. Cash family? How is Jorge? I know that I can ask these questions in a e-mail, but it is always nice to practice my handwriting!

I can't believe that by Dec. I will have been out 7 months....That is Loco! I sometimes can't even believe that I am really on a mission! It just makes me laugh! I grew up fast! Can you believe It? Next year I will be 20 years old!!!! Viejo! Wow, it is weird to think I'm a missionary, you grow up idolizing them, and then wow you are one! It is very weird, but AWESOME! And Hard! And many other things. A mission is the best decision other than moving back home from Abq., that I've ever made. And you can quote me on that when I am whining about this being hard. But really, I have a stronger Testimony of every principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have no doubts that Joseph Smith was called by God to restore the gospel. I know that he was called by God, I KNOW it! I truly am apart of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed." Elder Eying said it best-"My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is clear." I testify by the Mantle which I hold as a Representative of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, that this Gospel is true! "I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made.I am a disciple of Jesus Christ." I bear you, my family and friends, my testimony. I bear it with the up most love for each of you ~ He lives, remember that. This is my testimony, your son , your brother, your friend, and I know that it is true. I write these things in the name of our Lord and Savior our Friend and Brother, Jesus Christ, Amen.

So, I know that I really didn't really bear my testimony all that much, maybe that is why I do it so much now? Or maybe that's my job! But, I just love bearing my testimony. So there you go...just know I love you guys and pray for you all everyday. I do miss you allot, but I'm putting my head down and shoulder to the wheel and going to work,

I Love you,

Love Elder Hine

Livin' and Servin' in Panama

Putting on the armor of God!
Dear Family, Did you know that when we do door contacts, we stand at their gate and yell"Buenas!"?
Did you know that almost all gas stations and convenient stores are owned by Chinese People?
So they don't say "tienda" like store or anything, they call them "Chinos."
Did you know that it took 17 days for your DearElder letter to get to me?
Did you know that I am in the highest baptizing area right now?
Did you know that I have to walk 2 miles every morning to get to the bus to ride 10 miles to our area?
Did you know that there is alot of those rain forest ants that carry leaves around on their backs and stuff? It's pretty cool to watch!
Did you know that I haven't had a HOT shower since I left the MTC?
Did you know that I am the 1st gringo to come to Panama in about 10 months?
Did you know that my Zone Leader, Elder Low knows Elder Haines(the Canadian, who liked to play basketball?
Did you know that in our Branch of about 90 people, only 4 have cars?
Well, here are a few fun facts for you about my life, hope it helps you know what is going on and where I am at.
I love you guys and pray for you always~ Love Elder Hine



The bathroom...look familar Shaun?

The Kitchen..a cooks dream:)

Ethan's crib!

Little geico's, they are everywhere, all over the house.

Look closely, they killed ants on the fridge with candle wax:)

Ethan and Elder Lopez's first baptism as a companionship, Katerine Frias and her Grandmother

A pathway by his apartment.

Ethan and his Mission President, President and Sister Madrigal in front of the Panama City Temple..and yes he does look really tall!

Ethan and Dan!

While at the MTC, Ethan's buddy Dan Nielson was also there! Before Dan left they took pictures by the big map! Ethan is pointing to Panama, and Dan is pointing to Argentina where he is now at! Ethan is headed to Panama today!!! We got a chance to talk to him and send him off! We are very proud of these fine young men! Don't forget to write these boys!

Last Letter from the states! 7-13-2009

Hola que tal salchicha!?
S youre letter was very sad, i am so sorry about simon mom, he was definitly your cat. .but anywasy mom, the church is still true. i cant really describe the feeling right now, ready but not ready, scared but at the same time calm? i dont know its wack jajaja i cant wait!! im so stoked mom oh my goodness! aah! sounds like the new ward is wokring out, que bueno. well mom, im about to do real work, but i wont forget my time in the MTC. I have come to know my Savior and what he did for me. I cant express the love i have for HIm, and my Loving Heavenly Father. I cant believe i have been blessed with the oppurtunity to know his word and his truths, im going to take advantage of every minute of it. the world needs that understanding, and im gonna give it the em.I am so thankful for your love mom, and for youre gentle "push". i love you so much mom, through me these poeple will know how awesome you are. and i am so thankful for the opputrunity to give them a little piece of you through me. im really doin it mom! doin work! as things get hard mom remember who knows exactly how hard it is. Our savior is always there and i am so greatful for the opputrunity to really understand what that means. ill be okay, i got the package! thanks! im doin it mom! i love you! Love your son, Elder Hine