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