October 31 2011

Hey Mum,

Thanks for the emails.  It was our mail run today and I got all your letters, postcards, and the calender.  So cool!  All the sister missionaries were looking at the pictures of Baby Joe, Hinalei, and my sisters.   Funny aye, but thanks heaps for the letters and everything. 

The Christmas package that you are putting together sounds great and it's just what I need for a good Christmas in the Philippines.  Thanks heaps Mum.

We have transfer day next week and a little birdie told me that I am going to be made a Senior Companion!  Wow!  So exchanges definitely, but I probably won't be able to see Elder Able for a while like I had hoped but it's all good.

Our baptism on Saturday did go through and the girl was so happy.   She was very nervous at the beginning and a little uncertain of what was going to happen but once we started, the spirit came and  she calmed down and we all had a great time. I've included some pictures of the baptism for you.

Some sad news.  So, you know how I told you we had exchanges last week?  Well, some of the older Elders thought that it would be cool to go to the Mall.   This is not allowed unless it's P-Day.   Anyway, they went to the arcades and did some shopping.  (Idiots!)  Turns out that a member from that area saw them and contacted President.  They got in trouble and lost their Cellphone and DVD privileges.  Pretty sad really, anyway,  President talked to each of them and they have committed to improve.   Unfortunately, my companion was one of them, so while we were working in the hot sun they were all out in their P-Day clothes playing games at the arcade. 

Everything's going to be okay and President said that as long as we're doing the right thing we won't get in trouble and to make sure that as missionaries we all need to step up and watch out for our companions.  That is what I've had to start doing.   In my patriarchal blessing  it talks about my name and how Richard means, "Powerful" and Solomon means, "Humble".   It also talks about how in my formal mission and church callings I will exercise these attributes of, "power and humility" wisely and prayerfully. That's exactly what I've had to do this week Mum.  I keep telling myself, "Only a week and a half to go!"  I'm happy though, and prayer has become a big part of my mission.  It really does work.

Mum, I love you very much and I'm so greatful for all that you do for me.  Take care of yourself and the family.  Pray always and the Lord will take care of you. 

Have fun on Guy Fawke's day and don't hurt yourself.   Love you heaps and heaps.

Elder Chadderton 

p.s. The pics are of the baptism we had on Saturday. The girls name is Antoinette Bo David. 

The other pic is of an investigator we have, the girl with the kid, the boys a member. They're my age, and the other one is of my comp, the same investigator and one of our ward missionary sisters.

Awesome.