Yep, I'm doing well! This week was nuts! I guess there was a tropical storm or something that hit here and Friday it rained way hard and parts of our area got flooded. Luckily our things are safe on the second floor here. Once it stopped raining, the flooding went away pretty quick We walked with water up to our knees to some appointments on Friday night. Some of the members had flooding in their house; It was worse in the Zone Leaders area though.
On Saturday morning we were scheduled to have interviews with President Martino, but they got pushed back to 2:30 because the highways were blocked due to a series of landslides. They were safe though, and it gave us a chance to help clean up some member's homes in Baler.
We're really trying to implement the "rescue program" as a mission, where we find the people who have gone less active. It's hard work, but if you can make a difference for one person, that's one of Heavenly Father's children that we've been able to help.
The work in Maria is going well. After the interviews and workshops Elder Gontinias and I caught a new vision of how we can use the members in missionary work in strengthening the branch. We were able to have an effective branch council, and are expecting many more to come. Here in the Philippines, it's a huge success if your able to have an effective council with the auxilary leaders. We have a missionary fireside planned in 2 weeks to help the branch understand what missionary work is and what they can do to help their branch become strong. I"m so excited because of the potential of this branch!
We are continuing to teach Sister Maricar, the sister of the branch president. Its been such a neat experience to work with someone so willing to learn and follow the will of Her Savior. She doesn't have much and has experienced a lot of hardship, but she takes seriously everything we teach her and has a real desire to follow Our Savior. Her example inspires me. She expresses the added measure of happiness that she's felt in her life since she started listening. We're also working with Tatay Fajanilbo and his family in returning to the fold!
Missionary work is great. Sometimes people don't understand, or they've forgotten the blessings that come from activilely living the gospel of Jesus Christ; it's something that you can only know through trying it. But once you do, and understand it, the windows of heaven open. I know this church is true!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
October 22, 2012
Aurora is an awesome area, and I'm so blessed to work here. You don't have to worry about things being easy for us here... it's not, :) haha, but the work always goes forth and I love it.
The weather Here in Aurora is nice, it's at a higher elevation and sometimes cools down. It always seems hot though, and the rain is usually light here :).
Six weeks is exactly how long a transfer is here. We're in week 5 now. I'm pretty excited because it's our zone's turn to have interviews this Saturday; so we'll all get to talk to President Martino. It's weird not really knowing what's going to happen at the end of each transfer, but it's also comforting to know that it's all in the Lord's hands.
Last transfers, when I transferred here, I was disappointed because I wouldn't be able to be a part of the baptism of the investigator that we had been working with, but my last companion told me about the baptism. I'm almost happier to be here and hear about how things went for her. Nanay Erlinda made so much progress, I was told that it was a beautiful service and that her house is so much happier and full of the spirit. We all have to opportunity and responsibility to become converted to the Lord because of what He did for us.
There was a lot of exciting things that happened this week! We were able to meet and teach many new people. This week I realized more my purpose as a missionary in meeting people and bringing the gospel to everyone. Friday was probably the most successful Friday that I've had yet in the mission field. Elder Larsen and I were on exchanges and everything seemed to work out, even though we got punted, we stayed positive and were able to get 9 effective lessons in one afternoon; including 3 lessons to people that we had 'OYM'-ed to teach. I loved
that.
One of the people we were able to meet was a pastor of a local baptist church. He was way nice to us, and accepting. I am excitied for the opportunity that the Lord gve us to meet him. It was a random house that I felt inspired to ask for directions because I was kind of lost. We talked to him, and he is actually friends with the brother that we were looking for, and was also willing to listen to our message. He has had good experience with members of our church and the spirit was so strong as we briefly introduced the Book of Mormon to
him. This work is so true!
Also on Sunday we had 6 investigators come to church. Sundays are just always an awesome day, I love the spirit of the sabbath day. We were able to meet the sister of our branch president that we had 'OYM'-ed a few days earlier who expressed that she had been waiting for us to teach her. She was one of our investigators who came to church and knows that our church is true. She testified of the difference that she felt, 'almost like the heavy burdens of the world went away' as we taught and as she went to church. Her testimony added to mine that this work is true, that it changes lives. The opportunity that we have because of our knowledge of the Savior and how personal His atonement is liberating; I am beginning to understand what the Savior meant as he said "and the truth will set you free".
They celebrate Halloween here on Nov. 1, I don't know what to expect yet or what they do but I'll be sure to let you know how it goes when it happens.
The couple missionaries here are so awesome! The sister said that she was going to try to send some pictures of us to you that she had taken, they are from Utah and way tight. They fed us Lasagna the other day.... I totally forgot what a normal meal tastes like so that was super nice haha.
Things are going well here. I'm good and healthy and my companion and I get a long great. I love you mom, and am praying for you always. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers that you send my way. Please give my love to the family and to the ward.
love,
Elder Blackham
The weather Here in Aurora is nice, it's at a higher elevation and sometimes cools down. It always seems hot though, and the rain is usually light here :).
Six weeks is exactly how long a transfer is here. We're in week 5 now. I'm pretty excited because it's our zone's turn to have interviews this Saturday; so we'll all get to talk to President Martino. It's weird not really knowing what's going to happen at the end of each transfer, but it's also comforting to know that it's all in the Lord's hands.
Last transfers, when I transferred here, I was disappointed because I wouldn't be able to be a part of the baptism of the investigator that we had been working with, but my last companion told me about the baptism. I'm almost happier to be here and hear about how things went for her. Nanay Erlinda made so much progress, I was told that it was a beautiful service and that her house is so much happier and full of the spirit. We all have to opportunity and responsibility to become converted to the Lord because of what He did for us.
There was a lot of exciting things that happened this week! We were able to meet and teach many new people. This week I realized more my purpose as a missionary in meeting people and bringing the gospel to everyone. Friday was probably the most successful Friday that I've had yet in the mission field. Elder Larsen and I were on exchanges and everything seemed to work out, even though we got punted, we stayed positive and were able to get 9 effective lessons in one afternoon; including 3 lessons to people that we had 'OYM'-ed to teach. I loved
that.
One of the people we were able to meet was a pastor of a local baptist church. He was way nice to us, and accepting. I am excitied for the opportunity that the Lord gve us to meet him. It was a random house that I felt inspired to ask for directions because I was kind of lost. We talked to him, and he is actually friends with the brother that we were looking for, and was also willing to listen to our message. He has had good experience with members of our church and the spirit was so strong as we briefly introduced the Book of Mormon to
him. This work is so true!
Also on Sunday we had 6 investigators come to church. Sundays are just always an awesome day, I love the spirit of the sabbath day. We were able to meet the sister of our branch president that we had 'OYM'-ed a few days earlier who expressed that she had been waiting for us to teach her. She was one of our investigators who came to church and knows that our church is true. She testified of the difference that she felt, 'almost like the heavy burdens of the world went away' as we taught and as she went to church. Her testimony added to mine that this work is true, that it changes lives. The opportunity that we have because of our knowledge of the Savior and how personal His atonement is liberating; I am beginning to understand what the Savior meant as he said "and the truth will set you free".
They celebrate Halloween here on Nov. 1, I don't know what to expect yet or what they do but I'll be sure to let you know how it goes when it happens.
The couple missionaries here are so awesome! The sister said that she was going to try to send some pictures of us to you that she had taken, they are from Utah and way tight. They fed us Lasagna the other day.... I totally forgot what a normal meal tastes like so that was super nice haha.
Things are going well here. I'm good and healthy and my companion and I get a long great. I love you mom, and am praying for you always. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers that you send my way. Please give my love to the family and to the ward.
love,
Elder Blackham
Monday, October 15, 2012
October 8, 2012
Dear Mom :)
I'm so grateful that I'm serving as well; There's no way that I could ever doubt the truthfulness of the restored gospel. It's a blessing for one and all.
We haven't been able to listen to conference yet, it is re-broadcasted here so we will be hearing all of the messages next weekend :) I'm so stoked! It sounds like it was an awesome conference. That's so nuts about the new age requirements though; this truly is a church of revelation! I'm so excited for Ryan though, man he's gonna get to come out sooner. The Lord's timing is so key, is everything in fact. Time is one of the few things that we can give back to Him, and we just gotta trust that He knows better than us. Things happen for a reason.To answer your question, we see the coast every Monday (pday). It's so pretty and gives me a chance to really relax. Missionary work is true and is hard work, but it's nice to get a chance to reflect and relax even if just for a short bit.
The work here in Maria Aurora is progressing though, I'm so excited for the progress that we'll be seeing. The branch president is awesome, the members here are few but have strong testimonies. I love testimony meeting here, it's so neat to see the people who have nothing get up and bear testimony about the blessings that they receive from the Lord. He really is so aware of each of us. On Thursday, Elder Gontinias and I were able to teach ten lessons to different families, one of which is the Rivas family. The whole family
are members except for tatay Rivas. We are teaching his 9 year old daughter Mayumi because she is the most recently baptized in their family; our lesson was temple work and eternal marriage. He's usually
not there when we teach her, but I know that Heavenly Father is in this work, even if we only had one chance to teach with tatay present, it was about temples. I hope that our lesson planted a seed in him
that got him thinking about his family in the eternities.
Sister Martino (mission presidents wife) just got the whole mission going on a Book of Mormon reading extravaganzza, we've got a goal to read the whole Book of Mormon before the end of December. How is your Book of Mormon reading going? Where is the family at now? That book is so true :) It's the keystone of our religion, if you don't believe me ask God!
Love,
Elder Blackham
I'm so grateful that I'm serving as well; There's no way that I could ever doubt the truthfulness of the restored gospel. It's a blessing for one and all.
(This next part is a reponse to Mom's comment on how Eric's favorite name Aurora is part of the name of his new city)
Haha, yeah I was stoked about that when I got here, it's also the given name of old' faithful (the maxima).
Haha, yeah I was stoked about that when I got here, it's also the given name of old' faithful (the maxima).
The area is so nice here.It's a lot of hard work, but the families here are so nice! I love the
people here.
I'm feeling way better this week, I'm finally mostly over the cough. Don't you worry about me mom, I'm doing good here! I'm happy and healthy.
We haven't been able to listen to conference yet, it is re-broadcasted here so we will be hearing all of the messages next weekend :) I'm so stoked! It sounds like it was an awesome conference. That's so nuts about the new age requirements though; this truly is a church of revelation! I'm so excited for Ryan though, man he's gonna get to come out sooner. The Lord's timing is so key, is everything in fact. Time is one of the few things that we can give back to Him, and we just gotta trust that He knows better than us. Things happen for a reason.To answer your question, we see the coast every Monday (pday). It's so pretty and gives me a chance to really relax. Missionary work is true and is hard work, but it's nice to get a chance to reflect and relax even if just for a short bit.
The work here in Maria Aurora is progressing though, I'm so excited for the progress that we'll be seeing. The branch president is awesome, the members here are few but have strong testimonies. I love testimony meeting here, it's so neat to see the people who have nothing get up and bear testimony about the blessings that they receive from the Lord. He really is so aware of each of us. On Thursday, Elder Gontinias and I were able to teach ten lessons to different families, one of which is the Rivas family. The whole family
are members except for tatay Rivas. We are teaching his 9 year old daughter Mayumi because she is the most recently baptized in their family; our lesson was temple work and eternal marriage. He's usually
not there when we teach her, but I know that Heavenly Father is in this work, even if we only had one chance to teach with tatay present, it was about temples. I hope that our lesson planted a seed in him
that got him thinking about his family in the eternities.
Also, on
Sunday we were so excited that a less active nanay came for the first
time in a long time, and brought one of her friends that is investigating. It is so sweet to see the joy that comes to people
from attending and enjoying the gift of the holy ghost that is present at sacrament meeting; the gospel is so simple, it requires diligence, love, and trust in the Lord, but the fruits of faithful
living are eternal.
Sister Martino (mission presidents wife) just got the whole mission going on a Book of Mormon reading extravaganzza, we've got a goal to read the whole Book of Mormon before the end of December. How is your Book of Mormon reading going? Where is the family at now? That book is so true :) It's the keystone of our religion, if you don't believe me ask God!
(This is a reply to a comment Mom made about ElderNelson's talk, "Ask A Missionary")
That's funny that Elder Nelson said that; many times we're asked about a lot of things as missionaries. It's humbling, I don't know everything but the things I don't know me and my companion are usually able to figure out. This church is so true. I pray for you always, I miss you a ton but I know you are being watched over. Our Father in Heaven is aware of our family, I know it.
.That's funny that Elder Nelson said that; many times we're asked about a lot of things as missionaries. It's humbling, I don't know everything but the things I don't know me and my companion are usually able to figure out. This church is so true. I pray for you always, I miss you a ton but I know you are being watched over. Our Father in Heaven is aware of our family, I know it.
Love,
Elder Blackham
October 15, 2012
I'm glad you liked the pics, and yep I really ate a fish head. Kind of
salty;I'd rather eat the meat from the body, haha. Nope, the cooking part of our oven doesn't work, just the stove-top. The apartment is
nice, it's got tiled floor and a water heater. It's one of the nicest apartments in the mission, I'm so lucky to be in this area! We are on the second floor, there is a top floor but we don't go up stairs very much. The bed is pretty much a bed frame with a foam pad. I miss my bed, but I'm so tired by the time we get home that I could fall asleep without a pad! HaHa.
The biggest difference in this area is that I'm washing my own clothes now. It's not too hard, just kind of time
consuming because you have to scrub each piece of clothing individually. I've become a lot more conservative and aware about keeping my clothes clean. That's big news!
We do use a phone but it's only for missionary purposes for calling in reports and contacting and confirming appointments.
(The next part is an answer to Mom's question about what he wants for Christmas) The people here start celebrating Christmas in the beginning of October. It's awesome, I love hearing Christmas songs! I don't know what I want for Christmas... Just a nice card and maybe some new music if you've got any ;) New music is a huge blessings for a missionary. If I think of anything I'll be sure to let you know!
Be sure to let me know when Ryan Fenner gets his mission call!
Conference was sooo tight! I loved everything that I heard, we were only able to listen to priesthood and the Sunday morning session but I felt so inspired from the talks given. I'm so grateful that we have the opportunity to hear from modern day apostles. It was a huge blessing to feel God's love for us through them.
I learned about the need to serve in the way that we are needed. I learned that what is right is not always easy. I learned from President Monson that men can change; that is the great news of the gospel, we can become more. We can be more unified, we can be more pure, we can be more happy because of what the Savior did for us. I love that.
The work this past week in our area is progressing. There are many families that are getting ready for baptism; it's kind of discouraging when little things get in the way; but the Lord has timing and a reason for everything. I've gained a testimony of that this week especially.
I have a lot of hope for Sister Veneracion and her family; as we have invited her son to join in the lessons he's started to become interested in the fact that God has a plan for Him. That is so true! I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us; at the root of His plan, sometimes called the gospel is His desire for our
eternal happiness.
The Espiriti Family is one that we've been working with for a while and they have a testimony of everything that we've been teaching, and the lessons go so well; there's just little things that come up that prevent them from being able to go to church. But I know that with patience and diligence all things will work out for
them. This gospel is so true, and I've already seen the change that it's made in their lives.
The VillaNueva family is another family we've been working with who is progressing in the lessons. We're also coordinating with the branch presidencey in hopes of organizing a branch temple trip; that'll enable all of the people we've been working with as less actives to recieve the covenants and blessings of the temple!
Tagalog is still kind of hard; people tell me that I'm good for only being in the field for 5 months, but there is still so much that I have to learn; I'm working on gaining confidence in what I say. I'm still amazed that the people understand me sometimes, and know that it's only because the spirit is there.
I learn everyday the truthfulness of the restored gospel and all of the blessings that were restored to the children of men because of it.
That's tight that Bret is in the Philippines! I hope he's having fun.
Love,
Elder Blackham
p.s. Yep, it's the same time in all of the Philippines. haha, it's a small island.
The biggest difference in this area is that I'm washing my own clothes now. It's not too hard, just kind of time
consuming because you have to scrub each piece of clothing individually. I've become a lot more conservative and aware about keeping my clothes clean. That's big news!
We do use a phone but it's only for missionary purposes for calling in reports and contacting and confirming appointments.
(The next part is an answer to Mom's question about what he wants for Christmas) The people here start celebrating Christmas in the beginning of October. It's awesome, I love hearing Christmas songs! I don't know what I want for Christmas... Just a nice card and maybe some new music if you've got any ;) New music is a huge blessings for a missionary. If I think of anything I'll be sure to let you know!
Be sure to let me know when Ryan Fenner gets his mission call!
Conference was sooo tight! I loved everything that I heard, we were only able to listen to priesthood and the Sunday morning session but I felt so inspired from the talks given. I'm so grateful that we have the opportunity to hear from modern day apostles. It was a huge blessing to feel God's love for us through them.
I learned about the need to serve in the way that we are needed. I learned that what is right is not always easy. I learned from President Monson that men can change; that is the great news of the gospel, we can become more. We can be more unified, we can be more pure, we can be more happy because of what the Savior did for us. I love that.
The work this past week in our area is progressing. There are many families that are getting ready for baptism; it's kind of discouraging when little things get in the way; but the Lord has timing and a reason for everything. I've gained a testimony of that this week especially.
I have a lot of hope for Sister Veneracion and her family; as we have invited her son to join in the lessons he's started to become interested in the fact that God has a plan for Him. That is so true! I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us; at the root of His plan, sometimes called the gospel is His desire for our
eternal happiness.
The Espiriti Family is one that we've been working with for a while and they have a testimony of everything that we've been teaching, and the lessons go so well; there's just little things that come up that prevent them from being able to go to church. But I know that with patience and diligence all things will work out for
them. This gospel is so true, and I've already seen the change that it's made in their lives.
The VillaNueva family is another family we've been working with who is progressing in the lessons. We're also coordinating with the branch presidencey in hopes of organizing a branch temple trip; that'll enable all of the people we've been working with as less actives to recieve the covenants and blessings of the temple!
Tagalog is still kind of hard; people tell me that I'm good for only being in the field for 5 months, but there is still so much that I have to learn; I'm working on gaining confidence in what I say. I'm still amazed that the people understand me sometimes, and know that it's only because the spirit is there.
I learn everyday the truthfulness of the restored gospel and all of the blessings that were restored to the children of men because of it.
That's tight that Bret is in the Philippines! I hope he's having fun.
Love,
Elder Blackham
p.s. Yep, it's the same time in all of the Philippines. haha, it's a small island.
Monday, October 8, 2012
October 8, 2012 (letter)
Dear Mom :)
I'm so grateful that I'm serving as well; There's no way that I could
ever doubt the truthfulness of the restored gospel. It's a blessing
for one and all.
We haven't been able to listen to conference yet, it is re-broadcasted
here so we will be hearing all of the messages next weekend :) I'm so
stoked! It sounds like it was an awesome conference. That's so nuts
about the new age requirements though; this truly is a church of
revelation! I'm so excited for Ryan though, man he's gonna get to come
out sooner. The Lord's timing is so key, is everything in fact. Time
is one of the few things that we can give back to Him, and we just
gotta trust that He knows better than us. Things happen for a reason.
The work here in Maria Aurora is progressing though, I'm so excited
for the progress that we'll be seeing. The branch president is
awesome, the members here are few but have strong testimonies. I love
testimony meeting here, it's so neat to see the people who have
nothing get up and bear testimony about the blessings that they
receive from the Lord. He really is so aware of each of us.
Sister Martino (mission presidents wife) just got the whole mission
going on a Book of Mormon reading extravaganza, we've got a goal to
read the whole Book of Mormon before the end of December. How is your
Book of Mormon reading going? Where is the family at now? That book is
so true :) It's the keystone of our religion, if you don't believe me
ask God!
a ton but I know you are being watched over. Our Father in Heaven is
aware of our family, I know it.
.
Love,
Elder Blackham
I'm so grateful that I'm serving as well; There's no way that I could
ever doubt the truthfulness of the restored gospel. It's a blessing
for one and all.
(This next part is a response to Mom's comment on how Eric's favorite name Aurora is part of the name of his new city)
Haha, yeah I was stoked about that when I got here, it's also the
given name of old' faithful (the maxima).
Haha, yeah I was stoked about that when I got here, it's also the
given name of old' faithful (the maxima).
The area is so nice here.It's a lot of hard work, but the families here are so nice! I love the
people here.
I'm feeling way better this week, I'm finally mostly over the cough.
Don't you worry about me mom, I'm doing good here! I'm happy and
healthy.
people here.
I'm feeling way better this week, I'm finally mostly over the cough.
Don't you worry about me mom, I'm doing good here! I'm happy and
healthy.
We haven't been able to listen to conference yet, it is re-broadcasted
here so we will be hearing all of the messages next weekend :) I'm so
stoked! It sounds like it was an awesome conference. That's so nuts
about the new age requirements though; this truly is a church of
revelation! I'm so excited for Ryan though, man he's gonna get to come
out sooner. The Lord's timing is so key, is everything in fact. Time
is one of the few things that we can give back to Him, and we just
gotta trust that He knows better than us. Things happen for a reason.
To answer your question, we see the coast every Monday (p-day). It's so
pretty and gives me a chance to really relax. Missionary work is true
and is hard work, but it's nice to get a chance to reflect and relax
even if just for a short bit.
pretty and gives me a chance to really relax. Missionary work is true
and is hard work, but it's nice to get a chance to reflect and relax
even if just for a short bit.
The work here in Maria Aurora is progressing though, I'm so excited
for the progress that we'll be seeing. The branch president is
awesome, the members here are few but have strong testimonies. I love
testimony meeting here, it's so neat to see the people who have
nothing get up and bear testimony about the blessings that they
receive from the Lord. He really is so aware of each of us.
On Thursday, Elder Gontinias and I were able to teach ten lessons to
different families, one of which is the Rivas family. The whole family
are members except for tatay Rivas. We are teaching his 9 year old
daughter Mayumi because she is the most recently baptized in their
family; our lesson was temple work and eternal marriage. He's usually
not there when we teach her, but I know that Heavenly Father is in
this work, even if we only had one chance to teach with tatay present,
it was about temples. I hope that our lesson planted a seed in him
that got him thinking about his family in the eternities.
different families, one of which is the Rivas family. The whole family
are members except for tatay Rivas. We are teaching his 9 year old
daughter Mayumi because she is the most recently baptized in their
family; our lesson was temple work and eternal marriage. He's usually
not there when we teach her, but I know that Heavenly Father is in
this work, even if we only had one chance to teach with tatay present,
it was about temples. I hope that our lesson planted a seed in him
that got him thinking about his family in the eternities.
Also, on
Sunday we were so excited that a less active nanay came for the first
time in a long time, and brought one of her friends that is
investigating. It is so sweet to see the joy that comes to people
from attending and enjoying the gift of the holy ghost that is
present at sacrament meeting; the gospel is so simple, it requires
diligence, love, and trust in the Lord, but the fruits of faithful
living are eternal.
Sunday we were so excited that a less active nanay came for the first
time in a long time, and brought one of her friends that is
investigating. It is so sweet to see the joy that comes to people
from attending and enjoying the gift of the holy ghost that is
present at sacrament meeting; the gospel is so simple, it requires
diligence, love, and trust in the Lord, but the fruits of faithful
living are eternal.
Sister Martino (mission presidents wife) just got the whole mission
going on a Book of Mormon reading extravaganza, we've got a goal to
read the whole Book of Mormon before the end of December. How is your
Book of Mormon reading going? Where is the family at now? That book is
so true :) It's the keystone of our religion, if you don't believe me
ask God!
(This is a reply to a comment Mom made about ElderNelson's talk, "Ask A Missionary")
That's funny that Elder Nelson said that; many times we're asked about
a lot of things as missionaries. It's humbling, I don't know
everything but the things I don't know me and my companion are usually
able to figure out. This church is so true.
I pray for you always, I miss youThat's funny that Elder Nelson said that; many times we're asked about
a lot of things as missionaries. It's humbling, I don't know
everything but the things I don't know me and my companion are usually
able to figure out. This church is so true.
a ton but I know you are being watched over. Our Father in Heaven is
aware of our family, I know it.
.
Love,
Elder Blackham
October 8, 2012 (pictures)
Here are some pics of what my house looks like from the inside, and
the fish head is what I had for dinner a couple nights ago! haha, just
thought you might like a peek.
Oh, and the other picture that has a building in it is our meeting
house (we meet on the second floor).
the fish head is what I had for dinner a couple nights ago! haha, just
thought you might like a peek.
Oh, and the other picture that has a building in it is our meeting
house (we meet on the second floor).
Love ya :)
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
October 1, 2012
My new area is nice! Nothing's like home though, haha, Yeah, It
rains pretty bad sometimes but it's all good! Things are going well
here in Maria. The Dialect in my area now is easier to understand;
some of the people speak Ilokano which is just different, I've started
picking up bits and pieces of Ilokano. English speaking is about the
same, and yes my new companion is Filipino. In my mission, it's pretty
much guaranteed that Americans are always paired with a Filipino.
Thank you for your insights mom :) I love what you said about how the
Savior doesn't take away our pain; the nature of our mortal probation
is that we will have to endure it, but the comfort that comes from
knowing that one who loves us will bear it with us is empowering.
Because this was part of the plan, He can't take away our pain no
matter how bad He wants to. I think He does want to, but He knows
that we must suffer a little, and maybe that's part of the reason He
suffered so much for us; because He loved us enough to suffer with us.
Maybe that's why we covenant to bear one another's burdens as part of
the baptismal covenant, in following His example. Those are just
random thoughts that I have, but I know He loves us, and no matter how
lonely or painful the road we walk is; because of what He did for us,
we will never have to walk it alone.
Missionary work is different here in Maria, we're in a branch. Average
attendance here is around fourty, mostly due to how many children
there are. We're close with the branch president and many of the
members though. I've only been here a week and a half but I've met all
of the active members. The branch here has been opened for only three
years, so it's new. But the work is the same in the fact that it's the
same church, the same gospel, same teachings, we just have more
responsibility here as missionaries. This branch is awesome, I love
it!!
This week has been a good week; I've been kind of sick for the past
couple weeks, but I've been able to do everything that I needed to
even if it was harder than normal to get up and get out. We've been
surrounded by tender mercies this week, and I'm so grateful for the
opportunities we're given on a daily basis to share this gospel! The
highlight of my week was Sunday, when the tatay (father) and one of
his sons, of a family that we've been teaching came to church!! It's
so awesome to see people come to church, I feel like a child waiting
for Santa Clause to come sometimes as we wait to see if the people
come, and we're always surprised when the Lord prepares people that we
hadn't expected to show up. The work of the Lord is eternal, but
requires us to act now. Only in the doing of it does the gospel, or
teachings of Jesus Christ really change us and then we begin to
understand.
Sorry that it took a while to get this out - We're way blessed here in
this zone because a Family owns the computer shop we use and feeds all
of the missionaries here as we email our families and report; we just
got back from having fried chicken, and adobo! Masarap! ( that means
Delicious) :).
Love,
Elder Blackam
rains pretty bad sometimes but it's all good! Things are going well
here in Maria. The Dialect in my area now is easier to understand;
some of the people speak Ilokano which is just different, I've started
picking up bits and pieces of Ilokano. English speaking is about the
same, and yes my new companion is Filipino. In my mission, it's pretty
much guaranteed that Americans are always paired with a Filipino.
Thank you for your insights mom :) I love what you said about how the
Savior doesn't take away our pain; the nature of our mortal probation
is that we will have to endure it, but the comfort that comes from
knowing that one who loves us will bear it with us is empowering.
Because this was part of the plan, He can't take away our pain no
matter how bad He wants to. I think He does want to, but He knows
that we must suffer a little, and maybe that's part of the reason He
suffered so much for us; because He loved us enough to suffer with us.
Maybe that's why we covenant to bear one another's burdens as part of
the baptismal covenant, in following His example. Those are just
random thoughts that I have, but I know He loves us, and no matter how
lonely or painful the road we walk is; because of what He did for us,
we will never have to walk it alone.
Missionary work is different here in Maria, we're in a branch. Average
attendance here is around fourty, mostly due to how many children
there are. We're close with the branch president and many of the
members though. I've only been here a week and a half but I've met all
of the active members. The branch here has been opened for only three
years, so it's new. But the work is the same in the fact that it's the
same church, the same gospel, same teachings, we just have more
responsibility here as missionaries. This branch is awesome, I love
it!!
This week has been a good week; I've been kind of sick for the past
couple weeks, but I've been able to do everything that I needed to
even if it was harder than normal to get up and get out. We've been
surrounded by tender mercies this week, and I'm so grateful for the
opportunities we're given on a daily basis to share this gospel! The
highlight of my week was Sunday, when the tatay (father) and one of
his sons, of a family that we've been teaching came to church!! It's
so awesome to see people come to church, I feel like a child waiting
for Santa Clause to come sometimes as we wait to see if the people
come, and we're always surprised when the Lord prepares people that we
hadn't expected to show up. The work of the Lord is eternal, but
requires us to act now. Only in the doing of it does the gospel, or
teachings of Jesus Christ really change us and then we begin to
understand.
Sorry that it took a while to get this out - We're way blessed here in
this zone because a Family owns the computer shop we use and feeds all
of the missionaries here as we email our families and report; we just
got back from having fried chicken, and adobo! Masarap! ( that means
Delicious) :).
Love,
Elder Blackam
September 24, 2012
So this week was dang exciting; I got transferred for the first time,
which is a new experience for me. It was way sad leaving my first
area, I will never be able to forget the people there. They helped me
learn and grow, and I love them. It was hard to leave, but I know the
Lord has bigger and better plans for them.
I'm in a new area called Maria Aurora, in Baler Zone. My new house is cool; we are on the
second floor, above a bakery. Our zone is one of the 2 zones that is
next to the ocean. Sunday was way cool, I'm in a small branch now we
meet in just a meeting house. The members are few but strong. We had
68 people attend sacrament meeting, which was the highest that it's
been all year. I'm excited to be here, and know that this is where the
Lord wants me to be.
My new companion is AWESOME! He's Elder
Gontinias, we get a long great. He's hard working, and I know that we
are going to have a great transfer together. I think that answers most
of the questions you might have ;) but if there's more, feel free to
ask!
The work here in my new area is great. I've only been here a couple of
days, but I love the people here. There's a lot of potential and so
many kind families here. On Sunday it was neat; we are the ones who
pass the sacrament here which is such a privilege. I gave a "last
minute" talk, president asked me right before sacrament meeting. It
was actually neat. I didn't know what to say, and didn't have time to
prepare, so I just said a prayer that I might be worthy to know what
and how to say what I needed to. I was able to give the whole talk in
Tagalog, without using any notes. I talked about how building faith
can strengthen our homes. And I was reminded of what you always said
to us, about making the home a safe shelter from the storms of the
world. I'm so grateful for your example in all that you've taught me
:)
Love,
Elder Blackham
which is a new experience for me. It was way sad leaving my first
area, I will never be able to forget the people there. They helped me
learn and grow, and I love them. It was hard to leave, but I know the
Lord has bigger and better plans for them.
I'm in a new area called Maria Aurora, in Baler Zone. My new house is cool; we are on the
second floor, above a bakery. Our zone is one of the 2 zones that is
next to the ocean. Sunday was way cool, I'm in a small branch now we
meet in just a meeting house. The members are few but strong. We had
68 people attend sacrament meeting, which was the highest that it's
been all year. I'm excited to be here, and know that this is where the
Lord wants me to be.
My new companion is AWESOME! He's Elder
Gontinias, we get a long great. He's hard working, and I know that we
are going to have a great transfer together. I think that answers most
of the questions you might have ;) but if there's more, feel free to
ask!
The work here in my new area is great. I've only been here a couple of
days, but I love the people here. There's a lot of potential and so
many kind families here. On Sunday it was neat; we are the ones who
pass the sacrament here which is such a privilege. I gave a "last
minute" talk, president asked me right before sacrament meeting. It
was actually neat. I didn't know what to say, and didn't have time to
prepare, so I just said a prayer that I might be worthy to know what
and how to say what I needed to. I was able to give the whole talk in
Tagalog, without using any notes. I talked about how building faith
can strengthen our homes. And I was reminded of what you always said
to us, about making the home a safe shelter from the storms of the
world. I'm so grateful for your example in all that you've taught me
:)
Love,
Elder Blackham
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