April 1, 2013

It's been a great Easter here for us, we taught the atonement to every single less active we visited. The doctrine of the atonement is so essential for us to understand. It's power is there, but becomes real when we actually understand it. I'm so grateful for the life and example of Jesus Christ. He did so much more for us than we will ever comprehend in this mortal life. 

This is a very Catholic country haha, we woke up at 5 in the morning to fireworks and a parade on Sunday. It was a great though; the LDS Chapel here was dedicated. It was so neat to see; we sang "The Spirit of God". I couldn't help but think of the significance of that Hymn - it was sung at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple so many years ago; and now here I am in the Philippines ( Other side of the world) worshipping at the dedication of a new chapel. "No unhallowed work can stop the work from progressing"... I don't believe that any hallowed hand will stop it.

We saw a lot of miracles in the work this week mom, we always do. Most if it happens in the way that we find people. We were blessed as we found new investigators this week. We met a mother on Saturday, and invited her to church. She actually came and brought her kid! We were shocked. haha, the other new investigator we met on Saturday wasn't able to come, but the spirit was way strong in our lesson. He has a real desire to know the truth but unfortunatly had to work. 

My testimony of the Book of Mormon has been strengthened this week. One of the newly found less-actives that we are teaching had a change of heart. When we first met her she was skeptical, argumentative; and quite frankly slightly rude . I remember reminiscing in discouragement as we rode a tricycle home. The next appointment we decided that she needed a testimony of the Book of Mormon, which became the topic of our next discussion with her. We explained where it came from and testified of it's truthfulness. We left her a copy and an assignment to read the 31^st chapter of 2^nd Nephi. Upon our return, she was actually read it, and then started reading from the beginning and read almost all of 1st Nephi! Haha! I know, right? She was thrilled, ecstatic about what she learned. Upon our return, she had brought three of her neighbors to listen to us too; these three committed to be baptized. This all happened because she opened her heart and experienced the Spirit. I know there is power in that Book.

Love,

Elder Blackham

March 25, 2013

It's good to hear that ya'll are having fun! :) haha please give everyone my love! I miss everyone too, but the work of the Lord will go foward and I get to be a part of it! He really does care for us. I was looking over my notes the other day from a mission conference last year where Elder Nelson's wife made the comment that she saw in a card, "because we care enough to send the best". Our Heavenly Father cares, He cared enough to send His son to die and live for us, and bless us evermore! 

This week was another good week for us, there really are miracles everyday mom. My favorite thing this week was that we found a family. They live kind of far away from us and the church, but we were able to share about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. They believed, but were unable to come to church last week. We'll see how it goes this week though :) I've been impressed this week even more about the power that's in the Book of Mormon. With the scriptures in general actually. I remember mom, when we were young and you would have a hard time. You taught me through example the comfort that comes from just having the scriptures open. There is real power in the words of the Prophets; especially when they bear testimony of the Father and the Son.  The Savior is real, and so are His promises to those who obey. 

All we can do is strive, be worthy, and qualify for His help. I really love this work. I know with all my heart that Heavenly Father knows and cares for each and everyONE of us.

Love,

Elder Blackham

March 18, 2013

Bad news.... All of my pictures that I've taken from my mission are now gone. My first Flash Drive is gone, and my USB that had all the music and back up of the pictures was stolen haha... and my current one got a virus. I'm able to take new pictures now though....Maybe I should have sent you it anyway haha :) That's okay though, I didn't come here to take pics and listen to music but to serve! 

It's been a good week. We had a successful baptismal service on Saturday. It was really cool actually. One of the sisters has been an investigator for 3 years and she was finally able to get everything in order so that she could be baptized. Her husband doesn't really want anything to do with us...but we're hoping over time that his heart will soften. She has a really strong testimony.  

There were a lot of tender mercies this week here as well... There always are. We've been focusing on having the capacity to understand and follow the promptings of the Spirit, and it yielded fruit. We found 6 new investigators this week, and were able to work with one of our Branch Missionaries. He's such a stud. To every less active we visited, he frankly asked? "Why didn't you go to church today? We missed you at church, church is so fun." Haha, he even said that to a lady who wasn't a member. She was surprised and said she wasn't a member... then he said, oh.... well you should be a member, don't you want to be baptized? Church is so fun. This man has such a strong testimony. He hasn't even been a member for a year, but loves it, and knows it's true. He's a great missionary.We have a new investigator, he's way cool too. He said that he doesn't go to any church because he always sweats because he's nervous that he's not worthy. We taught him about the restoration and atonement. He wanted to go to church, but had to got to the city early Sunday Morning. I know that the atonement really changes lives. It's changed mine. 

I'm so happy to hear that you are all staying close to the Lord. 

You are all in my prayers always. I love you all so much mom.  

excerpt from Nonnie's email

(This is Elder Blackham's response to his grandmother's question, "What did you learn from your last area?"

You asked me to report the things that I've learned. In my last area, I think one of the things that I learned the most was the importance of being obedient even when it's awkward or puts you in a wierd situation. With the previous missionaries that were in my last area, they developed inappropriate relationships with the members who worked with them. For example, they would let them into the missionary's home, stay up late chatting with them. It was hard for me to come in because I had to change the traditions that the members were already used to. I was scared because I didn't want to offend them but found great strength. I mentioned to them that we were trying to be obedient because we needed miracles in the work. As we talked to them, the members were actually understanding. I found the only thing holding me back my own doubts. We've got to obey, and I know the Lord will provide a way. 

love,

Elder Blackham

March 11, 2013 (Pictures)

March 11, 2013

Hey Mom :)

 Palayan is a beautiful place, it is kind of close to Aurora. One of the areas in our zone is in the same province as Aurora, and is the only other area besides my previous one that has a beach in the whole mission. We went there for Pday today with the couple missionaries here. It was fun! we just kind of chilled, ate, and took pictures. They speak strait Tagalog here.

That's so cool to hear about everyone preparing for missions back home. Mom, Missionary work is the best ever! It is so hard to believe my hump day is here... it feels like I just got here yesterday actually. Please tell Sister Buell Hi for me! How are they doing?      

Thanks mom :) Lately I haven't really had the time to get too homesick.  I always miss you and the girls, but being out here I've realized the reality of eternity. I think about you all the time. You are part of everything I am mom, because of the example that you've been. We are a forever family after all :). There are times when I get down, but The Savior knows me, and has strengthened me in ways that I can not express in words to you or Him. I'm so grateful that He atoned for us; it's really the only way. :) Thanks for showing me the way to Him!

I'll do my best to be strong mom! You too, k? I love you too :) I sent some pics. I actually didnt notice when I bought the camera, but it only runs on microSD cards. It's probably about halfway full now, I'll just worry about buying a new card when I need it :) No worries. I got the music you sent mom! Thank you :) I sure love you, it was a perfect ST Patrick's day present. You are the best! 

The work this week has been full of difference. Everyday is new here, It's hard to know where to begin this week. It's been good. Elder Adao and I are working hard and looking for miracles everyday. It's such a privilege to have an opportunity to work with him. Not one day has been the same as the last in our quest in Palayan. 

There are many things that I truly enjoyed about this week. On Wednesday we were able to find a new family who have actually been members of the church for quite some time. They became less-active because they live too far away, but were surprised when we actually came to visit them. At first the mother hesitated and seemed skeptical to talk to us, but realized that the fellow-shipper we had brought with us was one of her friends from when she was baptized around 10 years ago. She has two children ages 11 and 13 who seem interested and whom she wants to help to be baptized. We've found success and a boost in our confidence as we continue to OYM those with cars. On Sunday, we happened to meet with the husband of a referral from a member. He was super interested and believes that our message is true. We invited him to pray and will be following up with him next week! After having born witness of the Restoration so many times, you'd think it would get old after a while. It doesn't though, it's true. 

I performed that surgery on my own toe this week because the pain was getting to bad haha... It hurt but it feels a lot better now and is healing great! It's actually pretty much a miracle, I just kind of got a feeling of what I should do, and did it. The constant pain that was in my foot is now gone. I'm a happy man. I'm doing fine and healthy mom, I'm actually gaining weight somehow... you might be happy about that. Don't worry about me though, I love you and pray for you always!

Love,

ELder Blackham

March 4, 2013

I'm super limited on time this week but will try to get all of your questions answered.

So my new area is great haha, about like my first area. There's not a ton out here. We have to travel about an hour to be able to get to the end of our area. It's a  beautiful branch with so many neat, neat people that I'll be sure to tell you about in my next email. I know that everything is possible with the Lord. The place I'm in is called Palayan; we're in the Bongabon Zone. In our mission we are going to receive 60 additional missionaries by the end of the year. Our boundaries weren't affected by the new missions. 

My companion is so flipping awesome! His name is Elder Adao; he's from Laguna. He goes home in 2 months but is still a fireball of a missionary. 

I'm not a perfect guy or anyone too special, but I have a testimony of the atonement because of the things you've taught me. Always stay close to the spirit. I remember one time you shared a FHE about faith... you used the Indian Jones movie where he tries to find the holy grail in the challenge of the "leap of faith". :) I used that in a lesson the other day, and it really helped.  Also Ether 12:6, D&C 9:8-9. 

Love,

Elder Blackham

February 25, 2013

Well to say that this week has been another roller-coaster ride would be a huge understatement. I'm being transferred early to a new area. I was called last night by the assistants that I need to pack my bags and that I'll be being transferred. That was a blow to the bowels.  I really really love the area that I'm in and don't want to leave. But if there's one thing I've learned in my life it's that the Lord is in control. I'm grateful that Elder Tsunoda will be taking over the area because he is a hard worker.

There has been kind of a change of focus in our area; a member of the Philippines area presidency came to talk to us about "You get what you go for". In the Philippines, there is a pretty distinct social class disparity. We were advised to look for wealthier class people who can support other members here. At first I was honestly kind of offended because we are taught that every soul is important to God, "we are all His children". I realized though, that I don't naturally approach people of higher social class because I'm not as comfortable. He taught us to have the courage to approach them as well, I realized that I judge wealthy people by not approaching them with our message. As we look for people that are able to not only take care of themselves but others as well, the church will of necessity grow. 

He shared an experience that happened with Joseph Smith. When the church was first beginning, they needed a real-estate attorney. So the missionaries were sent to find and convert one, and they did. The Lord works through us to accomplish His purposes. That's just a tid-bit on the direction they are aiming the work here haha. 

Anyways, the highlight of the work this week was Saturday; Elder Tsunoda and I just came from exchanges with the zone-leaders and were blessed with a desire to find people. We were blessed with 3 new investigators. We tried OYMing (Open Your Mouth and preach)  in English to an upper-class couple, and ironically, it worked.  They were nice, let us in and we were able to  bring them the good news about the restoration.  They said we were free to come back but that they weren't interesting in changing religions. They felt  that Joseph Smith's vision could happen, we're excited to follow up on their prayers.  It was one of the smoothest lessons that Elder Tsunoda and I have taught, and we wouldn't have had the courage to talk to them if we weren't looking for them. We are grateful for the new vision that we have for San Clemente.

I came to an understanding in my personal study that the reason that Heavenly Father gives us commandments is to help us be worthy. That's all He wants for us, so He gave us commandments to know what He expects from us. The Holy Ghost is the only way that miracles happen, and being worthy of His presence ALWAYS requires exact obedience. He gives us the power to be bold, and to stand confidently in the presence of God. I pray that the Holy Ghost is with us always.

I hope that I'm done with food poisoning too! That was horrible haha. You wanna know something? I actually was praying for Bret to get better and prayed that if I could help, even if He would take some pain from Bret and give it to me that I would be willing... then I was blessed with food poisoning. I think God has a sense of humor... careful what you pray for ha. 

Keep close to the Lord, I know how close you are to Him. We are engraven on the palms of His hands

.

Love

Elder Blackham

February 18, 2013

It is good that Bret is doing better; brings a lot of peace to me. I've been praying for him too.  I got way bad food poisoning the other day which took me out for a day. That was horrible, but by the grace of God we were still able to go out. I was weak that night and my knees shook as we walked, but the two lessons we had were both spiritual experiences and uplifting. God will give us the strength to do hard things. The Lord always compensates though, and gave me a great companion.  

I've learned here in a very real sense how our Heavenly Father really cares for the one. The work this week has been good too! We were able to find 7 new solid investigators this week! :) On of them is Brother Bautisita ( who actually has a brother named Juan.... in Tagalog Juan Bautista means john the baptist.... haha). We found Brother Bautista, who is the father of a part-member family.  Two of his sons are now preparing to serve missions, we had talked to him before, but he didn't seem that interested. As we were proselyting in their barangay, we felt inspired to visit and they said that he was on leave for the day. We went, and started off kind of rusty, but then we started talking and we asked him if he knew about the Book of Mormon. The question peaked his attention, and we were able to testify about the restoration through the Book of Mormon.  We are so blessed to have had this happen, the spirit taught him, as his two sons and wife were able to bear testimony about the truthfulness of it all. It was such a tender moment to watch them tearfully testify to their father.  After the lesson his wife thanked us because his heart was softened. It wasn't us though; that's they power of the Holy Ghost working through inspired questions.

I really do feel your love all the way over here, and it's a huge strength for me. The work here is going good, it's a great time to be a missionary! We are so blessed!

Love,
Elder Blackham

February 11, 2013

I'm feeling great! I'm good and healthy. I've been praying really hard for Bret to get better. Does the mission president and his wife know what the problem is? He might need to visit a more specialized doctor or a hospital which should happen soon. He might have some kind of parasite.... don't worry though, it's all in the Lord's hands.

I've really felt the influence of the Holy Ghost in our work lately. It seems to open as we really strive to give it our all.

We found another new investigator in a  miraculous way.  It happened on Wednesday. I just want to share how we found this young man.  A week ago from Sunday, we were on our way back from Casilagan. As we were walking, there was a couple that we walked by. As we walked by, I had a thought that I really need to talk to them, but I dismissed it and we  kept walking. We walked for about  30 feet, when I couldn't take it anymore.. We turned back and approached them. They were kind of surprised that we came back to talk to them and, so was I to be honest. It wasn't anything super special;we got their names and made a return appointment for Wednesday.  As we came back on Wednesday to look for them all we had written down was their last name, but I knew that we had to find them so we asked and walked and looked. We spent an hour walking after we received directions that they lived on a farm in the mountains.  We finally chanced upon a house and when we walked through, to the lot where the house was, there was no one home.  We were disappointed. My companion said, "Let's just wait". We had nothing else to do in the middle of no where,  so  we sat and rested for a few minutes. Just as we were getting ready to leave, a young man came walking through the field towards us. .  We taught him about the restoration. As we taught, he explained that he'd met missionaries before; they came to his house before they moved, and he's met them at his friends house.   We didn't even know we were looking for him..... It turns out that he's the Nephew of the couple we talked to and that they don't even live near him.   It was a miracle that we found him, and he said he felt that God was looking for him, because of all places, the missionaries even came to his house that was in the middle of no where. Yep, God cares about the one.

Sunday, of course is a day of reckoning and of excitement as we see who all comes to church. We're excited that five of our investigators came in, a few less than we had hoped, but our joy was full as one of our New investigators this week, Fernando, actually came. He really liked the service and said he wants to come back next week. Our other investigators are continuing to progress towards their baptismal goal dates in march. Brother Rosete continues to come and cherish his experiences at church.

Most of the obstacles that we experience are breaks in the work or problems that the people that we teach have.  For example, we're working with one lady who doesn't really like to pray outloud, or come to church. Or we've been asked to not return to some houses, or there's one older Lady who wants to get baptized but her husband doesn't want them to be baptized... There's just little things like that. Sometimes being a missionary is a hard thing mom, but we're a family of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and we can do hard things. 

I know things are hard now, but there is an immense amount of hope in the atonement. Grace is the enabling power of the atonement.  I read a really cool talk by Elder Bednar called "The enabling power of the atonement", I really suggest reading that. :)

Love,

Elder Blackham

February 4, 2013

Hey :)
Give my brithday wishes to Aunt Cara if you get a chance please. My day is going great! We went hiking earlier this morning, I'll be sure to send some pics next week!!

(The following paragraph is a reply to a question to Elder Blackham about the funeral he was in charge of organizing.)

I'm so grateful for the atonement, it's such a strong power that can guide our life if we let it.  I did kind of feel the man's Spirit  missing his body, I felt the spirit and understand now the melencholic peace radiating from his stone like frame. He was an awesome young man, and loved by many.

(This is Eric's reply to news his cousin Ryan Winn is engaged)

Oh sick! Yeah I totally got his letter, I didn't want to reply last week because then you would have found out early, and I am totally stoked for him. I always knew he'd be the first one of us to get married haha. I'm pretty short on time this week, but I'll make sure to save some extra next week. Maybe I can send him a recording or something through the video function on my camera.... I totally approve though, he sounds so happy and she is a sweet girl! 

I did get those cards from the Ward Christmas Party.  Hahahhahaha :) I loved it. that was so cute. Please let the ward and primary know how much that meant to me.

Yeah, I see and eat mangos every week! They have mango trees like we have orange and grapefruit trees in Arizona  They also have Papaya... which is super delicious as well. 

It's been another good week for us here.   Elder Tsunoda and I are breaking through new boundaries and  are having fun working out here. I would be remiss to neglect the presence of trials but the success we see far out weigh the  hardships. We've been able to work with the ward missionaries a lot this week  which was a huge blessing.  

I hope it's not too repetitive to say that Sunday was my Favorite day again this week.  The Brother that has begun his process of return brought three of his four kids to church,and bore a very powerful testimony of the truthfulness of the church.  It is such a neat experience to witness this man''s "mighty change of heart".  One of the  young men who we were able to help reactivate also bore his testimony on Sunday.  

As a companionship, Elder Tsunoda and I are working on being diligent. Diligence is an attribute that affects every phase of the work and we are finding that diligence and effective use of time are keys to finding success in missionary work. We are also working on re-configuring our  schedule this week to maximize our effectiveness in the different barangay.

The Sacrament is so awesome. I've developed an even greater appreciation for it as I've been here on my mission, the atonement is the greatest blessing we've been given. 

Love,
Elder Blackham 
p.s. Give the girls my love, I wont be able to get a letter to them this week. I LOVE YOU ELY AND MEG!!! :)

January 28, 2013 (pictures)

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

January 21, 2013 (Pictures)

January 21, 2013

It's been a good week for me! I think you must have passed your flu on to me this week, because I started getting it too! I'm just getting over it now too though :). 

I haven't got my toe checked out yet... maybe it'll pass. I'm just scared that if I get it operated on I might not be able to work for a couple of days because we do a ton of walking. It's okay for now, but I"ll be sure to get it checked out if it gets worse. Hopefully if i just take care of it, it'll be able to grow itself out.

This week was good too mom, and yielded some sweet experiences! On Sunday, 3 of the young men that we've been working with have returned from inactivity, (which means they've attended church for four weeks in a row). We were able to teach them on Saturday and take them with us to teach a young men aged investigator! 

Sister Cardinoza and brother Mikalangelo will be baptized on Saturday! Elder Tsunoda and I are so stoked for them and proud of the decisions they've made that have lead them to this point in their lives. Missionary work is such a blessing, and it is so humbling to be a part of so great a work! 

love,
Elder Blackham

January 7, 1013

The Lord sure does know His timing of things. I've really been trying to use His guidance in what I do with my time and it makes the biggest difference in the lessons we have, knowing that the people we visit are who He

wants us to see. The promise is true in D&C 9: 8-9 about decision making, we will know, and are promised divine signatures to lead us on the right path.

It's been a great week! The Philippines are buzzing at the beginning of the new year and it's so awesome, everybody acknowledges the greatness of the new year and looks forward with so much hope! It was so neat on Sunday, the attendance was the highest i've ever seen it! 127! We fasted for miracles and they came! Many of the people who came were less actives that we've been working with. 

We've made it a priority to lead the less active members to have church attendance as one of their new years resolutions. Kind of ironic, but I think it might be working. We've been using Ether 12:27 as a new-year message.

The work this week was okay as well, we're still working our way out of the holiday season as people are returning from vacation. The best day of the week is always Sunday; I love Sunday. We get to take the Sacrament, and go strait to work! We met again with brother Gonzales and we are still working on overcoming the word of wisdom. He said he was able to leave a little this week, and we're trying to be encouraging in helping him continue to leave his vices. This will be a miracle, but miracles do happen according to our faith. 

We are also going to continue with the baptismal service on Janurary 26th for Mikalangelo and Sister Cardinoza. They are both enthusiastic diligently preparing. We finished teaching the plan of Salvation, and reviewd it last week with Mikalangelo. In his closing prayer, he prayed that he might be able to go to the celestial kingdom. It made me think, if only everyone always had that in their prayers there would be a lot less sin. But he's so willing to do the things he's supposed to to get there. We've been inviting all of our investigators to be baptized as well, and that helps us so much in making our visits have a purpose.

Love,

Elder Blackham

January 14, 2013

This week was certainly a roller coaster ride! A lot of unexpected road bumps and successes. Elder Tsunoda and I are doing our best out here and  we're finding many miracles in our willingness to stay focused and obedient. On Friday we were called in the morning and unexpectedly asked to coordinate a funeral service, which went well. We contacted the branch presidency and coordinated with them to succesfully help this less active family. We expectthis will open up a lot of new doors with this family, but that took up our whole Friday. Can I just say how grateful I am that we have such a real knowledge of the Plan of Salvation? It's one of the biggest blessings of the
restoration of the full gospel, in this the fullness of times!

On Sunday, it was a glorious day! A whole less active family that we've been working with came to church, the Bullilan family. Most of the other less active members and families we've been focusing on have been able to come to church as well and are well on their way to reactivity. We've given a temple goal date to the Mari family; I
absolutely love them. We also had 6 of our investigators come to church.  It's so so gratifying to see people come to church and witness the joy they find from attendance. I really have a testimony of church attendance as a point of conversion. 

At the same time, it's been hard to see different families and investigators not be able to make it to church and to shirk on their responsibility.  Free agency is one of the most crucial blessings needed for our salvation and it breaks my heart to see people choose to live a life contrary to what they know is right.  

I think of our Savior and all that He did. In His suffering, the only thing He could grant unto us was the choice to
choose Him.  He must have known that not all would partake of the Atonement, but He did it anyways.  Sometimes it's hard to be rejected as a missionary. But I've got to remember that, as much as I want to be here, I'm not here to force anyone to come unto Christ, but to be His witness and offer people the gift of His atonement. He loves us so much.

(This next part is a reply to a comment Gaylene made about conversion to the gospel being the Surprise Stake Theme this year)
Conversion is so crucial to our attainment of blessings in this life and receiving eternal life in the world to come.  The little things are really what help us to be converted; consistent church attendance, daily scripture study and prayer.  I think that conversion is measured by the strength of our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

I love you all,

Elder Blackham

December 31, 2012

Happy New years!
No, I haven't found my camera yet. That's okay... there's nowhere in my zone that I could buy it... but I may go to the mission home zone soon because I have another ingrown toenail that might need to be removed there. When that happens, maybe I can stop by the mall there and pick one up. It would probably be cheaper for me to buy one here. My companion is super awesome and we get along great! 

This week for me was good. It was totally awesome, and weird seeing everyone. You all looked so good. When I show people pictures of our family, they say, "ehh, maganda ang mama mo elder blackham" which means, "Elder Blackham! Your mom is beautiful!" and that is so true! You are one beautiful mommy haha. The work was hard because lots of people were on vacation, but this week we had two of our brothers return from inactivity.  One of them is a teenager named Reyonelf, he's going to turn 18 in January. He now works with us everyweek and is preparing for a mission. The other is brother Mari, he and his wife have been drifting in and out of activity for a long time, and have finally been on a streak of activity and are perparing to enter the temple. It's been so neat to work with them.

We also met again with that family where the husband has a word of wisdom problem. I felt inspired to tell them that as we work to overcome his word of wisdom problem, that he could be the one to baptize his wife. His eyes soared with hope. The spirit was so strong as we extended the commitment to keep the word of wisdom. It wasn't awkward as I thought it would be, because the spirit was there and he was prepared to hear it and has such a desire to make changes in his life.  He is so grateful that we're there, and it's so humbling to hear that. Sometimes I think I expect people to be angry when we ask them to change, his willing and humble attitude humbled me as well.

There is such a strong spirit when people make the decision to repent and come unto the Savior. I love this family and am so overwhelmed every time I think about them and how much hope there is for them and the love that I felt our Heavenly Father has for them. The hope that this man now has a grasp of is the message of the gospel, I know the savior atoned for Him and wants his family to be forever.

Well mom, don't worry about me! I'm happy and healthy.
With all my love,
Elder Blackham

December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas To you Too:)
I am training another companion now.  Training is going great! I have an awesome companion who is super
stoked about missionary work. His name is Elder Tsunoda. He's probably my favorite companion so far. He's teaching me a lot too, and it's a humbling experience. Thank you for saying hi to Cody for me! I'm super stoked to hang out with that guy too, I'm glad that things are going good for him.

I did get the package!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh mom, you don't even know how perfect that was! I've been listening to that music, wearing my shirt, everything mom was just so perfect. I'm so grateful for all of the thought and creativity you put into making that such a perfect Christmas for me mom :). Thank you!

I can use my debit card, I actually might use it to buy some small presents for the people here if that's okay.

This is such a beautiful time of year, it hardly feels like Christmas to me though because I'm so far away from you. It was brought up this week in the Christmas conference about what Christmas present we could give to Christ. I felt like I'm giving him everything I am, and I'm so grateful to be out here on a mission and that He's given me the opportunity to serve Him. 

December 17, 2012

I heard about that (the Connecticutt shootings)... it's on the news here as well.  That is so ridiculous, I don't know how people could get it in their heads to use their agency in such a horrible way. It reminds me of the secret combinations in the Book of Mormon. It's so sad, because they are the reasons the people fell. I'm so grateful that we do have the hope of the atonement though.  In preach my gospel is says, "everything that is unfair about life is made right through the atonement". That's a simple truth that will bring power to our lives if we understand it. My heart breaks for those families as well. I'm so grateful that we grew up where we did and that I was given all

of the opportunities I was. I've been so blessed my whole life.

I haven't got the presents yet, but we're having a conference this week and I'm sure that they'll be there! haha.

Things are going well for me right now. The area is picking up a lot and I just got a new companion. I'm training now. My companion is fresh from the MTC here in Manilla, He's a native from southern Philippines. His name is Elder Tsunoda. He's an awesome Elder with such a missionary spirit. I'm so stoked for the next couple months that we're gonna have together!

We had some good things happen this week! The Mari family are continuing to come to church and are on the road to becoming active again. Our brother Reyonelf Dalit has also started coming to church, and this was his second time as well. It's so neat and hard to explain how happy I get when I see these people making changes in their lives that will bring them closer to their Savior and a more gratifying happiness in this life. We held a missionary fireside on Sunday and focused our workshop on how we can build Zion in San Clamente. It went great! We asked Elder and Sister Mozer to give a spiel on home and visiting teaching, because that's really what the branch needs. Afterwards, everyone who attended split up into companionships and went home and visiting teaching. It was a great success, and the home and visiting teaching programs here are finally getting up and running. I'm stoked to see where this is going to take the branch. 

The two of our sisters who we've been preparing for baptism weren't able to come to church, Sister Cardinoza went to Manilla but still has a strong desire to learn and be baptized. We were able to find a new investigator; he's the nephew of the lady who does our laundry here. He's only 9 years old, but it's totally awesome to see  im get so excited for baptism. We asked him why he wants to be baptized and he told us because he wants to come closer to Jesus. I loved that. There's a lot of good things happening here, and we're excited for the

weeks to come!

Tell Cody how much I love him and look up to his example. Let him know I'm stoked to chill with him when I get back and that he's the man. Please just ask him if he has any advice for me haha.

Give my love to the Luna's as well!

I'm doing well and  it's a great time to be a missionary.