August 27, 2012

     My new companion is great, and things are continuing to improve for
me, I've still got a lot to learn out here - especially in the
language but all things are possible!
I won't be able to send any pictures =\ I let a member borrow my SD
card to copy some of the pictures we took at an activity, and the card
contracted a virus and all the pictures are now gone. It's a huge
bummer, but oh well. I'm here to do missionary work and not to take
pictures! I'm sorry, I'll be sure to take more and send them when I
can!
     The Lord is definitely there to help us, in our times of need. It's hard
when we see the little things, and I am beginning to understand what
it means to be overwhelmed as well.  I've had to remember the simple
power in Nephi's declaration of courage, when he said "I will go and
do the things which the Lord hath commanded me".  Elder Uchtdorf counseled to us all a couple conferences ago,that when life gets overwhelming and begins to pick up pace, that "we
would do well to slow down a little and remember the important things
in life".
     The highlight of my week was  Thursday, we worked with the SA group in
our ward and spent the whole day visiting less active families.  Wow,
what a cool experience.  It's neat to see less active people remember
what the church is like.  As we shared with one sister the importance
of scripture study in building a relationship with Heavenly Father,
she began to cry, and realize how far away she was from Heavenly
Father and that her family needed that back in their life.  The
gospel is our source of hope, and no matter how far away we go, there
is always a way back. Our Savior is standing there waiting for us to
open the door.  The way home isn't easy, but we've got heaven on our
side.  Sunday was also an awesome day because the  young daughter of
one of the less active families that we visited came to church, and
she brought a friend!! Oh man, that was so cool. One of our
investigators, Alyssa Joson who is only 11 years old came on her own
accord without anyone to pick her up, and she brought her little
brother. I was so excited to see them at church.  I'm so humbled for
the opportunity that I have to be out here and see the faith of these
people. Missionary work is a privilege!
Love,
Elder Blackham