This will be my last letter home. This is my last Pday in the field. Next week on Monday I'll be in the mission home. Tuesday afternoon, we'll go to Manila and stay in the hotel that night The next morning (early), I'll be getting on a plane and coming home.
I don't feel like those last few statements That I made are actually true. As far as I'm concerned I'll still be here next week. Maybe it'll hit me next week.
I love that insight about the atonement from Sister Wagher the many important small moments make up the one big moment of the Atonement. It is true, many small moments I think still do make up the atonement. Maybe the Atonement isn't over yet - well Christ's suffering is, but the power is used constantly.
This week was such a great week for me and Elder Potestad. The miracles have continued to lead and guide the work in San Jose Ward 1. My biggest concern about the ward is the lack of energy about missionary work, but we have worked with the bishop and the ward mission leader over the weekend. It sacrificed a bit of our work time, but I feel like that is the best thing that we could have done this week.
On Saturday morning we had a fireside, after which we worked with the members of the ward. We split into a few small groups and went out to proselyte. We learned a huge lesson about the power of members. Every single less active member that the ward missionaries visited came to church the next day. One of them came, who hasn't been to church in years. He's got into some bad habits and finally, after Elder Potestad and his companion on Saturday taught him, he declared that he is now going to change. We were all stunned when we saw him at church because he has said things like that to us before, but yesterday he actually came! He stayed for all three hours. The Natividad family came to church, the Galam family came to church. it was amazing! The feedback from the ward missionaries was satisfying. One sister said, "I finally understand my role as a member in this work". Her Father is actually getting baptized on Saturday.
The best part about missionary work is that it is an eternal work. It doesn't go away. It may change; like now it has been hastened by the hand of the Almighty, but will always be here. I don't feel like I am going back the same person who left because I am so different than when I left. Missionary work has become a part of me and though I'll leave the field, I can never leave my responsibility to share the gospel. The Savior is the heart of this work. I have come to understand Him and His love and how truly infinite and eternal it really is. One of our investigators, Sister Meddielyn told us how she interpreted that the fruit of the Tree of Life in Lehi's dream is the Atonement. It took me my whole mission until I figured that out. This spirit is the real teacher. She actually came to church all be herself yesterday. She always comes with her asawa. Yesterday when she came, she was all alone. She found a way to make it to church even when no one was with her. This is a huge step for her. It is so humbling to see lives touched by the enabling power of the atonement. What a real force.
The Atonement is real. It has inspired and guided me through two years of service. I am forever indebted to my Savior who both made it possible for me to be here and who strengthened me through my stay. I love Him. I love this work.
I love You mother, I hope you have an amazing week this week! See you soon :)
Love
Elder Blackham
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