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!!! :)