Buon Giorno Everyone and Greetings from Torino

Buon Giorno Everyone and Greetings from Torino,

As you read this letter we have already experienced the splendor, grandeur, and the excitement of seeing Erin march in the opening ceremonies of the XX Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. Luge fills up our itinerary now as the US luge team attempts to burn up the ice on the Cesana Pariol track.

The village we are staying in is called Bardonecchia which is approximately 1 1/2 hours drive Northwest of Torino and approximately 1/2 hours drive from Cesana Pariol where the luge track is located, both villages being nestled in the valleys of the stoic Alps. The track itself is a challenging serpent winding down the mountain side that should prove to host exciting competition. It is a technical track that requires more driving skill than gliding skill and small mistakes made early can set you up for trouble at the bottom. The US team could do well here because Lake Placid is also more of a technical track although no countries, other than Italy, have had much experience on this track, cross your fingers.

There are thirty-two new and seasoned luge fans from home ready to cheer for Erin as well as cheering for all of you. Do you think we might get a little loud? Just stick your heads out your windows and give a little listen; you may just hear some of our voices floating in on an easterly wind. I know we'll be hearing you.

Erin and our entire family thank you for this special day of faith. We want you to know that you are all with us in our hearts and spirits as these Olympic Games unfold. Your love and support has helped make this most special and unbelievable times in our lives a reality, and we THANK YOU!

As we head back to Bardonecchia each day to find our pillows, we will be greeted by thoughts of home as we see the Erin banners that have found their way across the "Big Water" to decorate this small community that we will be calling home for five more days.

We hope you are well and that some of the joy we are experiencing has found that easterly wind on the waves of the Atlantic, and will find it's way to you.

Hugs to all, and we'll see you soon back in "Remsen City USA."

The Hamlin's

THIS WAS READ AT THE PROSPECT AND REMSEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES

ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2006

"ERIN HAMLIN DAY"

*reprinted for all of you with permission from Eileen Hamlin*

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