December 17, 2012

I heard about that (the Connecticutt shootings)... it's on the news here as well.  That is so ridiculous, I don't know how people could get it in their heads to use their agency in such a horrible way. It reminds me of the secret combinations in the Book of Mormon. It's so sad, because they are the reasons the people fell. I'm so grateful that we do have the hope of the atonement though.  In preach my gospel is says, "everything that is unfair about life is made right through the atonement". That's a simple truth that will bring power to our lives if we understand it. My heart breaks for those families as well. I'm so grateful that we grew up where we did and that I was given all

of the opportunities I was. I've been so blessed my whole life.

I haven't got the presents yet, but we're having a conference this week and I'm sure that they'll be there! haha.

Things are going well for me right now. The area is picking up a lot and I just got a new companion. I'm training now. My companion is fresh from the MTC here in Manilla, He's a native from southern Philippines. His name is Elder Tsunoda. He's an awesome Elder with such a missionary spirit. I'm so stoked for the next couple months that we're gonna have together!

We had some good things happen this week! The Mari family are continuing to come to church and are on the road to becoming active again. Our brother Reyonelf Dalit has also started coming to church, and this was his second time as well. It's so neat and hard to explain how happy I get when I see these people making changes in their lives that will bring them closer to their Savior and a more gratifying happiness in this life. We held a missionary fireside on Sunday and focused our workshop on how we can build Zion in San Clamente. It went great! We asked Elder and Sister Mozer to give a spiel on home and visiting teaching, because that's really what the branch needs. Afterwards, everyone who attended split up into companionships and went home and visiting teaching. It was a great success, and the home and visiting teaching programs here are finally getting up and running. I'm stoked to see where this is going to take the branch. 

The two of our sisters who we've been preparing for baptism weren't able to come to church, Sister Cardinoza went to Manilla but still has a strong desire to learn and be baptized. We were able to find a new investigator; he's the nephew of the lady who does our laundry here. He's only 9 years old, but it's totally awesome to see  im get so excited for baptism. We asked him why he wants to be baptized and he told us because he wants to come closer to Jesus. I loved that. There's a lot of good things happening here, and we're excited for the

weeks to come!

Tell Cody how much I love him and look up to his example. Let him know I'm stoked to chill with him when I get back and that he's the man. Please just ask him if he has any advice for me haha.

Give my love to the Luna's as well!

I'm doing well and  it's a great time to be a missionary. 

December 10, 2012

No need to freak out... We really didn't have any effects from the storm here; last night I saw thunderheads and lightning in the distance but it never hit my area. I'm fine :). It's actually pretty hot and sunny here.

I got aunt Jill's package and it totally made my week! :) She's so thoughtful, I'm going to wait until Christmas to open it all, but I read the letters and stuff and hung up the foam pad she sent with it. I love our family! I'll be sure to keep you updated about when I get your package, it'll probably later on this week.

Wow, that is a lot of big news!! Send my congrats to Madelyn! How exciting is that!? Sweet dog, and Ian?! WHOA! that's so awesome. I'm stoked for him! I miss that kid so much it's ridiculous. But I'm happy that his life is progressing so quickly, please give him a congratulations from me. That's awesome.

Things here are going good for me, It's been a good and exciting week; The best day of the week was Sunday! We had a lot of less active individuals that we've been working with Finally get the courage to come to church! Among them was the Mari family; we've been committing them to come to church for the last 6 weeks, and finally they came! They were so happy at church and they were greeted by a lot of members who missed them. I was so excited for them; there were also a group of less active single adults that we've been working with make it as
well. Oh man, Sacrament meeting was so happy yesterday!! Two of the three baptisms will continue; Hannah and Sister Cardinoza! They both are ready and are continuing to come to church. Brother Jay-Ar is having a hard time coming to church and keeping some of the commitments so we're going to wait,He knows it's true though. It's
just disappointing sometimes how hard Satan works when people are so close to making pivotal decisions in their life.

Make sure to stay strong and continue being an example of righteousness. I know you are.
Love,
Elder Blackham

December 3, 2012

Sister Cardinoza is doing so well! She's soaking up all of the lessons we teach. We've been reviewing with her the plan of salvation. She started crying the other day because she realized that there really is a plan for her.  She said that she wishes she knew about it so much earlier. It's just so neat to see how liberating the truth is. She's scheduled to be baptized on the 29th of December. 

There are also two other people that we're working with to be baptized hopefully on the 29th as well. Jay-Ar and Hannah. They are both younger, like 14 but are way interested as well. Jay-ar has been waiting to "feel like this is the true religion" He said last week that he knows it's true and wants to get baptized too.  Hannah was referred to us by her friends here, and she's also soaking up the lessons.

This was a great week! I can't say that one day was better than the rest, because this week was full of spiritual experiences. Friday night we met with the Rosette Family. The mom and 2 of the children are active in the church, the dad is inactive and the other twochildren are borderline less active. As we met with the whole family,
there was an obvious desire in the mom and two children who are active for the others to become active again. We taught about holding onto the rod and partaking of the fruit of Lehi's dream.  The family, as whole, now has a strong desire to return to the church and we're so excited for the progression that will be taking place! The uncle of this family is a new investigator that we've found. We often run into him at night while he's drunk... and every time we see him he expresses a random desire to hear our message.  We were able to finally talk to him as we visited him Saturday morning. Wow, one of the sweetest experiences I've had. He has such a desire to come unto Christ.

This work is so true, the gospel is so powerful and the Savior's atonement is so real. I see every day the effect that it has on people's lives. We just have to find the faith to believe that He can do what He was sent here by the Father to do, and find the courage to act on our faith. I know it's true, I know it's real, I  know He loves us all.

November 26, 2012

I'm doing good! haha, it's been a good week for us here! They don't celebrate thanksgiving here in the Philippines, at least in the area that I'm in - so I kind of forgot that it was this week haha. But I'm still grateful for everything. Being thankful for things enables us to be so much happier! Isn't it great? That was President Monson's farewell advice in Conference, to list our blessings! 

I don't know if you heard or not, but our mission home is moving in December. I think for now they're still receiving
letters and things sent over there, but the new address is this:

Philippines Angeles Mission
F. Tanedo Street
Tarlac, Tarlac 2300
Philippines

COMMENT FROM MOM:(WHO MOVES A MISSION HOME IN DECEMBER WHEN THAT IS THE MONTH THEY PROBABLY GET THE MOST PACKAGES?)

It's also good to hear about the other Elder Blackham (Bret), every once in a while we stay in contact. He seems to be doing well, definitely being humbled. The mission is such a humbling experience. I've realized all that I
can't do, and have been so humbled by the things that I've seen and the people that I've met. I've learned how to find happiness in the midst of trials. I know that he's been able to find that, and it only comes from turning out and turning to the Savior.

The week was a good one, my companion and I are doing well! This was our most productive week and next week has an even brighter hope of being better! I love the idea of "better". Whoever and wherever we are, we have the hope of becoming better.

Sunday as usual, was my favorite day. After church we were able to work with President Gonzales in the area close to his house and taught sister Cardinoza. She is so stoked for her baptism, and it so neat to see how anxious she is to join the church. She loves the church services and says that she really feels a difference in our church. I know that it's true, we were able to teach her about the book of Mormon, she believes that it's the word of God and committed to pray to know with a surety that it was true.  We were also able to work with the elders quorum president who took us to a few of his friends houses where we began teaching a few new families. I love the power of the gospel, it's a light that cannot be dimmed!

Love, 

Elder Blackham

November 19, 2012 (pictures)

These are some pictures of Elder Blackham's house that he is in right now. They may be moving soon.

 From the outside. Elder Blackham is staring at a chicken.

 Inside view of the office area

 The kitchen

 The bathroom

The bedroom

November 19, 2012

My Dearest momma!

I've gained a testimony and am ever more grateful for the church leaders that I've been able to grow up with.  They are all true examples of Latter day saints. Make sure to help the missionaries out as much as you can! haha.


There's big news out here with missionary work as well! In December we will be recieving 60 new missionaries in our mission!! I'm so excited! The work is truly progressing!

Thats fun to hear about the girls' experience hiking to the temple site :) I remember Ely telling me about how  excited she was for that! I'm also stoked for the time when we will be able to all go to the Phoenix temple together!

This week was good! My favorite day of the week is always Sunday. It's a great way to end the week, we were blessed to have 6 investigators come to church! One of them was the Nanay that we started visiting last week! Brother Jay-ar, who has been investigating the church for a while came as well, and is finally taking the steps that will help him become converted to the gospel! We were so excited to see these people at church! We were able to see them walk in because we were sitting on the stand - we both gave talks this week. I was surprised because I was able to speak; often times I wonder if people are able to understand what I'm saying. 

There was a Nanay who came and told me that she was impressed with my ability to speak Tagalog, and told me that it was the gift of tongues. I was shocked! I didn't think I spoke that well at all, but I'm so humbled to know that there was one person in the congregation that I was able to speak to. That's the gift of tongues.  I'm so surprised everyday at the tender mercies that the Lord sends to us. They come through the people we meet, in the ability to speak, and surround us as we strive to do His work in His way.  We were also blessed this week with four new investigators!

It's been kind of hard with Christmas approaching, because I remember all of the traditions that we had that I'll be missing, and it makes me miss you all even more. But I can't think of any better way to spend my Christmas here than to serve my Lord. I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I have to be here.


The following is Elder Blackham's response when Mom told him we should finish family reading of the Book of Mormon sometime next month.
That is truly the only way that we can stay on the Path that leads to Eternal life. Lehi's vision was so true, and I've seen it. Those who fall away often do because they've let go of the scriptures. Stay strong and steady in that mom :) I know that your lives will continue to be blessed.


Please stay strong and of Good courage. It is my testimony that the Lord, our God is with you, and will be wherever you go.
Love always,
Elder Blackham

November 12, 2012 (pictures)

November 12, 2012

(This part is in response to a comment from Mom about how much Elder Blackham has moved around)

It's crazy haha. I can barely keep up with myself! But yeah, I miss the ocean a lot. San Clamente is a lot like Lupao as far as the terrain and climate are concerned.No worries mom :) I"m doing great! I sent some pictures of my last companion and me in my last area.

I want to promise you something mom, it's a promise that I give to almost everyone that I meet, it's the promise of the gospel. The Gospel gives us the promise of the rainbow after rain, the "calm" after the storm. More than that, the Savior has promised to guide us through our personal storms. The promise that I want to give is that it will be worth it, and the Lord will be with you to guide and protect you.

Thank you for what you said to me about having wise optimism. That is something that I'm going to apply in my missionary working in being real in all of my aspirations and goals for myself and for those I serve.

The work for us this week was good. Our strength in San Clamente is working with less actives, and we were able to find even more this week. Through using the Branch roster on our daily trips we were able to find 15 less active individuals. Hopefully we can find good home teachers for all of them, so that we can hand them off safely to the hands of the ward. Visit from the people are so so so important!

I'm also way excited about the 4 new investigators that we found! One of them was a former investigator who moved to Manila for a while, but is back for good now and is super excited for us to teach her. She's the nanay of a less active member and she feels that our message is true; she is excited with every new thing that we teach her. Another one that I feel really strongly about was a referral from a member. This guy's way nice and studies in the bible frequently. 

We also met a family this week, the Bo family. Yeah, their last name is Bo! THey are so awesome! As we met, he introduced me to what he believed. He totally believed in the word of wisdom and pretty much described the
beliefs of an active member of the church. I'm so excited to go back and explain to him why everything he talked about was true, and the message of the restored gospel.

It's awesome how things always work out.

Love,
Elder Blackham

November 5, 1012

I'm doing well. I've been transferred already to a new area. It's kind of sad because I was only in my last area for 6 weeks, and I was excited for everything going on there.  But I'm equally excited for the chance that I've been given to work here. My new area is in the Camiling Zone, and I work in San Clamente. It's on the edge of our mission. All of my areas have been on the outskirts of the Angeles Mission. haha. But It's cool. I'm excited for the opportunity to be a part of this work in my new area. I'm looking forward to working with all of my heart, might, mind and strength.

I am so excited to be here in the Camiling Zone, especially to be working so closely with the members of the San Clamente Branch. There has obviously been a lot of progression in this branch and I hope that I'll be humble and ready to continue the work that has been started here. I'm so excited for the progress that I can be a part of
as I serve here in San Clamente.

The highlight of my week was Sunday; it was neat to see how the branch worked. This is the first area that I've been in that has enough active priesthood holders to fill the important leadership callings and it is so neat to see a functioning working unit. I'm reminded of President Uchtdorf's talk about the two different types of airplanes. This is definitately a newer model and I'm excited to see how the missionary work can progress in such a unit. 

On Saturday night we were able to meet with a young man who was deciding whether or not he wanted to go on a mission. It was such a spiritual experience. On Sunday he met with the branch president and began his paper work.  It's also been neat to work with some of the recent converts, and less actives here. I'm so excited about the work here!

I'm healthy and everything. My new companion is Elder Oroceo, we've met briefly before and he is a funny and hard working elder. We're going to have a great transfer together, I know it!

Thanks for what you said about charity, it's given me a greater understanding of how I can love these people even more. That's the only thing that will make me a sucessful emissary of our Savior... I hope that I can be worthy to share His love with everyone that I meet.

Huwag ninyo makalimutan na mahal kita.

The Lord is so aware of us and all that we do. 

Love,
Elder Blackham

P.S. I got Sister Buell's email! I've got a little bit more responsibility now as far as reporting and stuff so my time on the internet is going to be a little bit more limited. Please let her know how much I love her and am so grateful for everything that she taught me. I'm so grateful that you have a friend like her. It's part of the reason I'm not so worried about you.

October 29, 2012

Yep, I'm doing well! This week was nuts! I guess there was a tropical storm or something that hit here and Friday it rained way hard and parts of our area got flooded. Luckily our things are safe on the second floor here. Once it stopped raining, the flooding went away pretty quick We walked with water up to our knees to some appointments on Friday night. Some of the members had flooding in their house; It was worse in the Zone Leaders area though.

 On Saturday morning we were scheduled to have interviews with President Martino, but they got pushed back to 2:30  because the highways were blocked due to a series of landslides. They were safe though, and it gave us a chance to help clean up some member's homes in Baler.

We're really trying to implement the "rescue program" as a mission, where we find the people who have gone less active. It's hard work, but if you can make a difference for one person, that's one of Heavenly Father's children that we've been able to help.

The work in Maria is going well. After the interviews and workshops Elder Gontinias and I caught a new vision of how we can use the members in missionary work in strengthening the branch. We were able to have an effective branch council, and are expecting many more to come. Here in the Philippines, it's a huge success if your able to have an effective council with the auxilary leaders. We have a missionary fireside planned in 2 weeks to help the branch understand what missionary work is and what they can do to help their branch become strong. I"m so excited because of the potential of this branch!

We are continuing to teach Sister Maricar, the sister of the branch president. Its been such a neat experience to work with someone so willing to learn and follow the will of Her Savior. She doesn't have much and has experienced a lot of hardship, but she takes seriously everything we teach her and has a real desire to follow Our Savior. Her example inspires me. She expresses the added measure of happiness that she's felt in her life since she started listening.  We're also working with Tatay Fajanilbo and his family in returning to the fold!

Missionary work is great. Sometimes people don't understand, or they've forgotten the blessings that come from activilely living the gospel of Jesus Christ; it's something that you can only know through trying it. But once you do, and understand it, the windows of heaven open. I know this church is true!

October 22, 2012

Aurora is an awesome area, and I'm so blessed to work here. You don't have to worry about things being easy for us here... it's not, :) haha, but  the work always goes forth and I love it.

The weather Here in Aurora is nice, it's at a higher elevation and sometimes cools down. It always seems hot  though, and the rain is usually light here :).

Six weeks is  exactly how long a transfer is here. We're in week 5 now. I'm pretty excited because it's our zone's turn to have interviews this Saturday; so we'll all get to talk to President Martino. It's weird not really knowing what's going to happen at the end of each transfer, but it's also comforting to know that it's all in the Lord's hands.

Last transfers, when I transferred here, I was disappointed because I wouldn't be able to be a part of the baptism of the investigator that we had been working with, but my last companion told me about the baptism. I'm almost happier to be here and hear about how things went for her.  Nanay Erlinda made so much progress, I was told that it was a beautiful service and that her house is so much happier and full of the spirit. We all have to opportunity and responsibility to become converted to the Lord because of what He did for us.

There was a lot of exciting things that happened this week! We were able to meet and teach many new people. This week I realized more my purpose as a missionary in meeting people and bringing the gospel to everyone. Friday was probably the most successful Friday that I've had yet in the mission field. Elder Larsen and I were on exchanges and everything seemed to work out, even though we got punted, we stayed positive and were able to get 9 effective lessons in one afternoon; including 3 lessons to people that we had 'OYM'-ed to teach. I loved
that. 

One of the people we were able to meet was a pastor of a local baptist church. He was way nice to us, and accepting. I am excitied for the opportunity that the Lord gve us to meet him. It was a random house that I felt inspired to ask for directions because I was kind of lost. We talked to him, and he is actually friends with the brother that we were looking for, and was also willing to listen to our message. He has had good experience with members of our church and the spirit was so strong as we briefly introduced the Book of Mormon to
him. This work is so true!

Also on Sunday we had 6 investigators come to church.  Sundays are just always an awesome day, I love the spirit of the sabbath day.  We were able to meet the sister of our branch president that we had 'OYM'-ed a few days earlier who expressed that she had been waiting for us to teach her. She was one of our investigators who came to church and knows that our church is true. She testified of the difference that she felt, 'almost like the heavy burdens of the world went away' as we taught and as she went to church.  Her testimony added to mine that this work is true, that it changes lives. The opportunity that we have because of our knowledge of the Savior and how personal His atonement is liberating; I am beginning to understand what the Savior meant as he said "and the truth will set you free".

They celebrate Halloween here on Nov. 1, I don't know what to expect yet or what they do but I'll be sure to let you know how it goes when it happens. 

The couple missionaries here are so awesome! The sister said that she was going to try to send some pictures of us to you that she had taken, they are from Utah and way tight. They fed us Lasagna the other day.... I totally forgot what a normal meal tastes like so that was super nice haha. 

Things are going well here. I'm good and healthy and my companion and I get a long great. I love you mom, and am praying for you always. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers that you send my way. Please give my love to the family and to the ward.

love,
Elder Blackham

October 8, 2012

Dear Mom :)
I'm so grateful that I'm serving as well; There's no way that I could ever doubt the truthfulness of the restored gospel. It's a blessing for one and all.

 

(This next part is a reponse to Mom's comment on how Eric's favorite name Aurora is part of the name of his new city)
Haha, yeah I was stoked about that when I got here, it's also the given name of old' faithful (the maxima).

 

The area is so nice here.It's a lot of hard work, but the families here are so nice! I love the people here. I'm feeling way better this week, I'm finally mostly over the cough. Don't you worry about me mom, I'm doing good here! I'm happy and healthy.

We haven't been able to listen to conference yet, it is re-broadcasted here so we will be hearing all of the messages next weekend :) I'm so stoked! It sounds like it was an awesome conference. That's so nuts about the new age requirements though; this truly is a church of revelation! I'm so excited for Ryan though, man he's gonna get to come out sooner. The Lord's timing is so key, is everything in fact. Time is one of the few things that we can give back to Him, and we just gotta trust that He knows better than us. Things happen for a reason.To answer your question, we see the coast every Monday (pday). It's so pretty and gives me a chance to really relax. Missionary work is true and is hard work, but it's nice to get a chance to reflect and relax even if just for a short bit.

The work here in Maria Aurora is progressing though, I'm so excited for the progress that we'll be seeing. The branch president is awesome, the members here are few but have strong testimonies. I love testimony meeting here, it's so neat to see the people who have nothing get up and bear testimony about the blessings that they receive from the Lord. He really is so aware of each of us. On Thursday, Elder Gontinias and I were able to teach ten lessons to different families, one of which is the Rivas family. The whole family
are members except for tatay Rivas. We are teaching his 9 year old daughter Mayumi because she is the most recently baptized in their family; our lesson was temple work and eternal marriage. He's usually
not there when we teach her, but I know that Heavenly Father is in this work, even if we only had one chance to teach with tatay present, it was about temples. I hope that our lesson planted a seed in him
that got him thinking about his family in the eternities.

 

Also, on Sunday we were so excited that a less active nanay came for the first time in a long time, and brought one of her friends that is investigating.  It is so sweet to see the joy that comes to people from attending  and enjoying the gift of the holy ghost that is present at sacrament meeting; the gospel is so simple, it requires diligence, love, and trust in the Lord, but the fruits of faithful living are eternal.

Sister Martino (mission presidents wife) just got the whole mission going on a Book of Mormon reading extravaganzza, we've got a goal to read the whole Book of Mormon before the end of December. How is your Book of Mormon reading going? Where is the family at now? That book is so true :) It's the keystone of our religion, if you don't believe me ask God!

 

(This is a reply to a comment Mom made about ElderNelson's talk, "Ask A Missionary")
That's funny that Elder Nelson said that; many times we're asked about a lot of things as missionaries. It's humbling, I don't know everything but the things I don't know me and my companion are usually able to figure out. This church is so true. I pray for you always, I miss you a ton but I know you are being watched over. Our Father in Heaven is aware of our family, I know it.

.
Love,
Elder Blackham

October 15, 2012

I'm glad you liked the pics, and yep I really ate a fish head. Kind of salty;I'd rather eat the meat from the body, haha. Nope, the cooking part of our oven doesn't work, just the stove-top. The apartment is nice, it's got tiled floor and a water heater. It's one of the nicest apartments in the mission, I'm so lucky to be in this area!  We are on the second floor, there is a top floor but we don't go up stairs very much. The bed is pretty much a bed frame with a foam pad. I miss my bed, but I'm so tired by the time we get home that I could fall asleep without a pad! HaHa.

The biggest difference in this area is that I'm washing my own clothes now. It's not too hard, just kind of time
consuming because you have to scrub each piece of clothing individually. I've become a lot more conservative and aware about keeping my clothes clean. That's big news!

We do use a phone but it's only for missionary purposes for calling in reports and contacting and confirming appointments.

(The next part is an answer to Mom's question about what he wants for Christmas) The people here start celebrating Christmas in the beginning of October. It's awesome, I love hearing Christmas songs! I don't know what I want for Christmas... Just a nice card and maybe some new music if you've got any ;) New music is a huge blessings for a missionary. If I think of anything I'll be sure to let you know!

Be sure to let me know when Ryan Fenner gets his mission call!

Conference was sooo tight! I loved everything that I heard, we were only able to listen to priesthood and the Sunday morning session but I felt so inspired from the talks given. I'm so grateful that we have the opportunity to hear from modern day apostles. It was a huge blessing to feel God's love for us through them.

I learned about the need to serve in the way that we are needed. I learned that what is right is not always easy. I learned from President Monson that men can change; that is the great news of the gospel, we can become more. We can be more unified, we can be more pure, we can be more happy because of what the Savior did for us. I love that.

The work this past week in our area is progressing.  There are many families that are getting ready for baptism; it's kind of discouraging when little things get in the way; but the Lord has timing and a reason for everything. I've gained a testimony of that this week especially. 

I have a lot of hope for Sister Veneracion and her family; as we have invited her son to join in the lessons he's started to become interested in the fact that God has a plan for Him. That is so true! I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us; at the root of His plan, sometimes called the gospel is His desire for our
eternal happiness.

The Espiriti Family is one that we've been working with for a while and they have a testimony of everything that we've been teaching, and the lessons go so well; there's just little things that come up that prevent them from being able to go to church. But I know that with patience and diligence all things will work out for
them.  This gospel is so true, and I've already seen the change that it's made in their lives.

The VillaNueva family is another family we've been working with who is progressing in the lessons.  We're also coordinating with the branch presidencey in hopes of organizing a branch temple trip; that'll enable all of the people we've been working with as less actives to recieve the covenants and blessings of the temple!

Tagalog is still kind of hard; people tell me that I'm good for only being in the field for 5 months, but there is still so much that I have to learn; I'm working on gaining confidence in what I say.  I'm still amazed that the people understand me sometimes, and know that it's only because the spirit is there.

I learn everyday the truthfulness of the restored gospel and all of the blessings that were restored to the children of men because of it.

That's tight that Bret is in the Philippines! I hope he's having fun.

Love,
Elder Blackham

p.s. Yep, it's the same time in all of the Philippines. haha, it's a small island.

October 1, 2012 (pictures)

October 8, 2012 (letter)

Dear Mom :)
I'm so grateful that I'm serving as well; There's no way that I could
ever doubt the truthfulness of the restored gospel. It's a blessing
for one and all.

(This next part is a response to Mom's comment on how Eric's favorite name Aurora is part of the name of his new city)
Haha, yeah I was stoked about that when I got here, it's also the
given name of old' faithful (the maxima).

The area is so nice here.It's a lot of hard work, but the families here are so nice! I love the
people here.
I'm feeling way better this week, I'm finally mostly over the cough.
Don't you worry about me mom, I'm doing good here! I'm happy and
healthy.

We haven't been able to listen to conference yet, it is re-broadcasted
here so we will be hearing all of the messages next weekend :) I'm so
stoked! It sounds like it was an awesome conference. That's so nuts
about the new age requirements though; this truly is a church of
revelation! I'm so excited for Ryan though, man he's gonna get to come
out sooner. The Lord's timing is so key, is everything in fact. Time
is one of the few things that we can give back to Him, and we just
gotta trust that He knows better than us. Things happen for a reason.

To answer your question, we see the coast every Monday (p-day). It's so
pretty and gives me a chance to really relax. Missionary work is true
and is hard work, but it's nice to get a chance to reflect and relax
even if just for a short bit.

The work here in Maria Aurora is progressing though, I'm so excited
for the progress that we'll be seeing. The branch president is
awesome, the members here are few but have strong testimonies. I love
testimony meeting here, it's so neat to see the people who have
nothing get up and bear testimony about the blessings that they
receive from the Lord. He really is so aware of each of us.

On Thursday, Elder Gontinias and I were able to teach ten lessons to
different families, one of which is the Rivas family. The whole family
are members except for tatay Rivas. We are teaching his 9 year old
daughter Mayumi because she is the most recently baptized in their
family; our lesson was temple work and eternal marriage. He's usually
not there when we teach her, but I know that Heavenly Father is in
this work, even if we only had one chance to teach with tatay present,
it was about temples. I hope that our lesson planted a seed in him
that got him thinking about his family in the eternities.

Also, on
Sunday we were so excited that a less active nanay came for the first
time in a long time, and brought one of her friends that is
investigating.  It is so sweet to see the joy that comes to people
from attending  and enjoying the gift of the holy ghost that is
present at sacrament meeting; the gospel is so simple, it requires
diligence, love, and trust in the Lord, but the fruits of faithful
living are eternal.

Sister Martino (mission presidents wife) just got the whole mission
going on a Book of Mormon reading extravaganza, we've got a goal to
read the whole Book of Mormon before the end of December. How is your
Book of Mormon reading going? Where is the family at now? That book is
so true :) It's the keystone of our religion, if you don't believe me
ask God!

(This is a reply to a comment Mom made about ElderNelson's talk, "Ask A Missionary")
That's funny that Elder Nelson said that; many times we're asked about
a lot of things as missionaries. It's humbling, I don't know
everything but the things I don't know me and my companion are usually
able to figure out. This church is so true.

I pray for you always, I miss you
a ton but I know you are being watched over. Our Father in Heaven is
aware of our family, I know it.
.
Love,
Elder Blackham

October 8, 2012 (pictures)

Here are some pics of what my house looks like from the inside, and
the fish head is what I had for dinner a couple nights ago! haha, just
thought you might like a peek.
Oh, and the other picture that has a building in it is our meeting
house (we meet on the second floor).

Love ya :)

October 1, 2012

My new area is nice! Nothing's like home though, haha,  Yeah, It
rains pretty bad sometimes but it's all good! Things are going well
here in Maria. The Dialect in my area now is easier to understand;
some of the people speak Ilokano which is just different, I've started
picking up bits and pieces of Ilokano. English speaking is about the
same, and yes my new companion is Filipino. In my mission, it's pretty
much guaranteed that Americans are always paired with a Filipino.


Thank you for your insights mom :) I love what you said about how the
Savior doesn't take away our pain; the nature of our mortal probation
is that we will have to endure it, but the comfort that comes from
knowing that one who loves us will bear it with us is empowering.
Because this was part of the plan, He can't take away our pain no
matter how bad He wants to.  I think He does want to, but He knows
that we must suffer a little, and maybe that's part of the reason He
suffered so much for us; because He loved us enough to suffer with us.
 Maybe that's why we covenant to bear one another's burdens as part of
the baptismal covenant, in following His example. Those are just
random thoughts that I have, but I know He loves us, and no matter how
lonely or painful the road we walk is; because of what He did for us,
we will never have to walk it alone.

Missionary work is different here in Maria, we're in a branch. Average
attendance here is around fourty, mostly due to how many children
there are. We're close with the branch president and many of the
members though. I've only been here a week and a half but I've met all
of the active members. The branch here has been opened for only three
years, so it's new. But the work is the same in the fact that it's the
same church, the same gospel, same teachings, we just have more
responsibility here as missionaries.  This branch is awesome, I love
it!!

This week has been a good week; I've been kind of sick for the past
couple weeks, but I've been able to do everything that I needed to
even if it was harder than normal to get up and get out. We've been
surrounded by tender mercies this week, and I'm so grateful for the
opportunities we're given on a daily basis to share this gospel! The
highlight of my week was Sunday, when the tatay (father) and one of
his sons, of a family that we've been teaching came to church!! It's
so awesome to see people come to church, I feel like a child waiting
for Santa Clause to come sometimes as we wait to see if the people
come, and we're always surprised when the Lord prepares people that we
hadn't expected to show up. The work of the Lord is eternal, but
requires us to act now. Only in the doing of it does the gospel, or
teachings of Jesus Christ really change us and then we begin to
understand.

Sorry that it took a while to get this out - We're way blessed here in
this zone because a Family owns the computer shop we use and feeds all
of the missionaries here as we email our families and report; we just
got back from having fried chicken, and adobo! Masarap! ( that means
Delicious) :).


Love,
Elder Blackam

September 24, 2012

So this week was dang exciting; I got transferred for the first time,
which is a new experience for me. It was way sad leaving my first
area, I will never be able to forget the people there. They helped me
learn and grow, and I love them. It was hard to leave, but I know the
Lord has bigger and better plans for them.

I'm in a new area called Maria Aurora, in Baler Zone. My new house is cool; we are on the
second floor, above a bakery. Our zone is one of the 2 zones that is
next to the ocean. Sunday was way cool, I'm in a small branch now we
meet in just a meeting house. The members are few but strong. We had
68 people attend sacrament meeting, which was the highest that it's
been all year. I'm excited to be here, and know that this is where the
Lord wants me to be.

My new companion is AWESOME! He's Elder
Gontinias, we get a long great. He's hard working, and I know that we
are going to have a great transfer together. I think that answers most
of the questions you might have ;) but if there's more, feel free to
ask!

The work here in my new area is great. I've only been here a couple of
days, but I love the people here.  There's a lot of potential and so
many kind families here. On Sunday it was neat; we are the ones who
pass the sacrament here which is such a privilege. I gave a "last
minute" talk, president asked me right before sacrament meeting. It
was actually neat. I didn't know what to say, and didn't have time to
prepare, so I just said a prayer that I might be worthy to know what
and how to say what I needed to. I was able to give the whole talk in
Tagalog, without using any notes. I talked about how building faith
can strengthen our homes. And I was reminded of what you always said
to us, about making the home a safe shelter from the storms of the
world. I'm so grateful for your example in all that you've taught me
:)

Love,
Elder Blackham

September 17, 2012

I know the Lord is with each of us.  He will lead us. I know that because he Promised that He wouldn't leave us. I'm reminded of His plea to His apostles, in John 16:33, "in the world ye shall have tribulation; But be of Good cheer, I have overcome the world." Because of what He did, we also have the capacity to overcome.

The highlight of my week was Saturday morning. Grabe. There is one elderly couple that we have been visiting, who are in very poor conditions.  We help them in anyway that we can. My testimony has grown that as we make the effort to come closer to Heavenly Father, He will send blessings our way.  We've been working with this couple, and it has been so neat to see the effects of coming unto Christ, especially that it's had on them.  Anyway, we have oftened prayed for them, and in our recent visits, they've asked us to pray specifically for their family to help them.  On Friday night, help came their way.

A member of Nanay's family brought them sacs of rice and food. Nanay was sooo ecstatic. She is 78 years old, but as I came up to greet her in her home, her eyes lit up, she came out, grabbed me by
the hand and said "Halika! May kuwento ako sa iyo!!" haha, which means, "come on! I have a story for you!", she was literally jumping up and down, and I was overcome with joy when I saw the food lined in her house.  It was like a Christmas miracle in the middle of September! She then continued on to explain how the help came. I know that this is a blessing because their faith, and in making commitments to follow our Savior. I know that as we do what we can, and make sacrifices to know Him, He will endow us with the power of deliverance through tender mercies.

Sunday was awesome again as well, Erlinda is continuing to grow and progress and gain a testimony of the truthfulness of it all.  One of our new investigators is a kid named Gomi, it's been so neat getting to know Him this week.  He had questions about repentence and how we can be forgiven.  There is so much hope in the atonement and I feel so blessed to understand this, and to be able to share it with others.  We are all in perfect, and stand in the same place before our savior; because of what He did for us, all things are made right and fair according to His love and His mercy.

The language is still a struggle; In the area that I'm in, they speak two languages here, Ilokano and Tagalog. Most everyone can speak and understand Tagalog... except for me haha. But I'm working on it. I'm able to understand most parts of most conversations, which really isn't that much, but I'm also able to communicate most of what I need to say. I've still got a long way to go, and as I think about it, It's a wonder that the work has been the way that it has, despite my weaknesses. It's a testimony to me that this is the Lord's work.

Thank you for reminding me about the privilege we have to get to know the Savior.
Those are really inspiring words, and have brought comfort to me.

Find happiness in the little joys of the day :).
love,
Elder Blackham

September 10, 2012

   There's  song about the Savior that I've heard recently called 'He walked a mile in my shoes', which says, "From the Garden to the Cross, He walked a mile in my shoes". He knows our doubts and and fears, He knows our simple joy, and can give us peace in the midst of a storm-raging world. I love the opportunity that we all have of a new week. 

    Yeah, things are going good in our area now! We're working a lot with less actives, with a goal of helping everyone get to the temple! Our sacrament attendance has been over 100 for the last 2 weeks in a row, which is pretty big! especially considering that before it was as low as the upper 60's. We often talk to people about the temple, that is one of the mission goals right now.  It takes 4 hours to get from here to the temple.

    We had Zone Conference last Tuesday; President talked to us about becoming "visionary Missionaries", As Lehi who is called "a visionary" man. As we catch the vision of who we are, who we want to become, and the vision of what the Lord wants us to do in the areas where we are, we will be given the power to accomplish those visions through faith, diligence, and obedience. It takes faith to follow Christ; but it is trust in Him that doing so will lead us to peace and happiness that inspires us to turn away from sin, turn to Him, and accept Him in our lives.

     The highlight of my week, again was Sunday. Sunday is such a special day, and I love seeing the people who are able to make it to church. Sometimes it's disappointing when those that were progressing miss a Sunday, but It's so much more rewarding to see those with the faith to come actually come! Especially sister Angie, wow! She has some kind of dwarf syndrome and has a hard time walking; she lives in one of the areas that is the farthest away from the church, but surprised the whole ward as she stumbled in through the back; She made the journey to partake of the sacrament, disregarding the fact that she walked up a flight of stairs to get there, and the journey before from her home to the church must have been hard; she came.  Her example and faith is
a good example to us all. Some people put off church attendance like it's a whimsical thing, forgetting that others know that it's worth the long and hard trip that this sister made. 

     Lola Erlinda is continuing to progress and improve! She expressed a desire to be baptized this Thursday morning, and oh how sweet that was! Her faith is continuing to grow and it is so neat to watch her grow closer to the Savior.  On Sunday, Elder Lozano and I were asked to participate in the S.A. Choir and we sang "I   Know that my Redeemer Lives". I do know that He lives. I do know that He loves us; He gave everything for us, that we might have the opportunity to gain everything through Him.