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