May 28, 2012

Mom,

The MTC really can't compare to actual experience experience of living here, haha. Oh man, and what an experience it has been so far! The ward here is awesome! Well, of the people that actually attend anyway. There are over 900 members in the ward... but only 83 attend sacrament meeting regularly. I was blown away when I discovered those numbers. We really have so much work to do here! We have been working hard and sometimes the work load is overwhelming, but day by day it will all work out. I'm already getting used to the stench  the only thing is that they don't really have dumps here. Everybody just makes a pile of trash and a couple times a month, just burns it. Sometimes when you breath that in by accident, is when you realize the stench. But it's okay! It's just part of life here.

I can't get over how loving the people are here! Seriously! They also just might be nice to me because I am an American, lol. The little kids salute me as I walk by sometimes and people always look at me funny - almost like I'm a celebrity (almost). It's good though, because when I notice their gaze, it makes a perfect doorway to conversation! My conversational Tagalog is improving bit by bit - the people here in Lupao really like speaking English with me though. I'm going to begin teaching an English class a week from this Thursday.... but you know, I've never really taught English before. I'm a little skeptical because of my lack of experience but I really feel like that is what the Lord wants me to do here. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. Epecially from you mom, being a teacher and everything :).

I'm so proud of Megan, and find it hard to believe how old she already is... holy poopstain! Please give her my congratulations :)

That is so funny to hear about the prayer list, lol the cycles of life :) - keep it up.Please just continue to remember me in your prayers, however you feel prompted. :)

It is pretty rainy here in Lupao - most days of the week we will have some rain, actually a lot of rain haha. Last week, the power went out when we got home and didn't come on until the morning. The closest big city is San Jose, but the Correct spelling is Lupao; sorry I think I spelled it wrong last time. The Mission home is in Angeles, but I'm quite a ways north of Angeles. Lol, I know exactly how you get :) I was reading in Nephi - where it talks about how Sariah was so worried about her sons being in the wilderness and it made me think of you :) Do not fear mom, I am in the Lord's hands. This part of the letter was in response to a barage of questions I gave him about the city and told him mom needed to calm her heart and know what kind of town he lives in.

Last Friday we had an amazing opportunity to have a mission tour from Russel M Nelson, where he met with the Angeles Mission in a Chapel in Angeles. The power and love that I felt as I shook his hand were overwhelming! He nodded, looked me in the eyes and greeted me with, "Elder Blackham". I learned so much with the time that I had with him, but I want to share with you a special apostolic blessing that he pronounced on us as we concluded. He said, "the authority I have in my calling allows me to give you a special blessing. I bless you that you will have a deep and burning desire to know the Lord and his doctrine, and a desire to share that feeling with Heavenly Father’s children, and the message of the restoration. And that you will apply it in your life.  I bless you with wisdom and obedience. And when you return home that you will always be a missionary. To teach and testify to bless the lives of others. We are his people, his disciples, and we get to play a part in this great work. I bless you that if any of your family is sick they will be healed and have health consistent with the Lord’s will.”

This church is true. I know it, because I've felt it. Mom, I'm so grateful for your example in my life. I pray for you and our family daily. May Heaven's blessings be upon you through this time! Proverbs3:5-6

I'm sorry that I didn't have much to report - the Lord's work is progressing and will continue to until it is finished! Be proud to be a member of this church! It is a great honor :)

I love you all. Mahal ko kayo

Elder Blackham