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.