January 28, 2013

Don't worry, you're right! I am feeling a lot better now. I've just been taking vitamin C pills and that's helped a ton.

Oh man :) That sounds so awesome!! I"m so stoked to get new music. I still love listening to the music that you send me! It's so comforting to thing, "This is something that MY Mom listens to". I have loved everything that you've put on there. Maybe if you could add some enya that would be cool too.

The baptism on Saturday went great! A lot of members came to support and welcome them; partly because we were all there earlier that morning for a funeral service. Haha, this week was so nuts! 

We started out the week on Monday like any normal week, went out to work around 6 and then got a text from the branch president asking us to come to an emergency meeting. It turns out that a fairly recently returned missionary from our branch had been working in Manilla, Where he got sick and passed away. We were put in charge of the funeral program. The funerals are different here in the Philippines, they are like a week long process.  We got the body on Wednesday afternoon and then set up the service to have in the foyer of the church. Every night before the burial, we held a service where family members and friends came to bid farewell. It went surprisingly well! We were able to get to zone to sing for the family on one of the nights, and the other nights our district did a special musical number.  It went smooth and there are a lot of good things that happened as a result.

Sunday is always the day where you find the fruits of your work. There was a less active brother who came to church who we've been working with since before I came into this branch. He attended the funeral services held during the evenings and I think that finally gave him the spark that he needed to sincerely begin his journey back to the fold.  He was disfellowshipped before, and we know there's a journey to be travelled... however, witnessing him take that first step is one of the highlights of my mission. We saw him walk in with his wife on Sunday, both smiling and excited for the end. We also had a few new investigators attend church that we met and one of our less active sisters return on Sunday.

Remember, that it is by small and simple things that the Lord brings about great works, counfounds the wise, and brings salvation to His people. The Lord can do everything.

No problem for the pics! I'll probably at least send one a week now. I always have my camera on my belt so that I don't lose it haha......

Love,
Elder Blackham