July 2, 2012

Haha, so the other day we were traversing through the wet fields of the Philippines to get to an appointment, it was dark outside and we had only our flashlight from the cell phone. we came a cross a caribou just chilling, and as we continued on, it started chasing after us - we just kind of took off running and didn't look back for a while until we felt we were a good distance away. Pretty scary, but haha we are alive!! That was probably the craziest thing, except the other night we saw a half naked man lying in the middle of the road. It was dark outside and i almost stepped on him. haha, i think he was passed out from alcoholic intake. THe members here always say to me "It's always funner in the philippines" haha, so true. Things are nuts here, but the work goes on!

Our baptism was on Saturday and oh what a neat experience that was! :) I will never forget how clean Luminard looked and felt as he came up out of the water. It is so humbling to be a part of that. I hope that we can all be that clean and confident in all that we do in our lives. The wonderful thing is that we can :) Because of our savior, we really can all be clean.

I want you to know that I've had a good birthday! It's been busy, and it's wierd because I don't really feel like celebrating. It's not about me out here, and that is a huge blessing. But i love and cherish the pictures that you sent :) I truly am blessed.

The gospel is simple, it is centered on the family, and the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know we are loved. Jesus Christ lives, and is our eternal Savior. He gave us everything, and only asks that we follow Him. He knows that following Him will bring us true happiness. We can do all things through Christ. He is our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.

This church is true, don't ever be ashamed of the truth you know! Keep the faith close to your heart!

love,

Elder Blackham.

p.s. We do emails in internet cafes.

p.s.s. I love you :)