February 24, 2014

(This paragraph is Elder Blackham's reaction to the news of the missionary callings of two more of his cousins)

Wow! That's huge news! That's awesome news! That's SAWEEET News! Happy Birthday to me! :) Whoa! Way to go Jared! GRABE! please give them my love! that makes me so proud. Them serving a mission symbolizes the success of the sacrifices of those who love them  I'm so stoked for them! It'll be sweet when we finally get to have a reunion and we're all returned.

There's no time to rest! The Lord is Hastening his work! I'm almost excited to come home and serve and see and be apart of the magnificent things that are happening in our ward with missionary work! I can't wait to share the gospel with my friends. I know that most probably won't notice me, but I hope that I can share this great gospel with them as well, and with everyone! I'm excited to go home-teaching. Me and my companion were asked to give training in the stake where we serve on how members can work with missionaries, which went well. We had a fireside last Saturday. Sharing the gospel is the opportunity of an eternity.

That's so exciting about the Gilbert Temple being opened up :) I'm stoked to see it and to visit it with you! I'm also excited to work for the Buell's again. I want to be the best employee they've ever had because they helped me be here. I can't express my love in words for those that have helped me be on my mission.

The work continues to be great for us here! Tatay Ramos came to church yesterday! He stayed for all three hours. He's the father of a family full of members.  Slowly but surely he is coming to understand and love the gospel as well.  He never really took coming to church seriously until we taught him about the atonement.  That's my favorite lesson to teach, because when the atonement is understood, conversion happens. When we taught him last week, we extended a Baptismal goal date and explained to him the steps that he must take in order to become worthy for it. He seemed hesitant, but committed and kept to it. We are excited and so hopeful for him. He's making a lot of changes in his life, and it's affecting his whole family.

If there is anything I've learned here in San Jose, it is that the gospel was made for families. Our returning/investigating family still comes to church. Yesterday, we were sitting in Sacrament meeting next to them, and brother Mark turned to me with a tithing slip in his hand and said, "Elder, how do I do this?" We hadn't taught them the principle of tithing yet. They only heard the testimonies of a family in our ward last fast Sunday and wanted to pay their tithing. I was so humbled.

I've fallen in love with the work mom, I love these people and I love the Savior.

Love,
Elder Blackham