Oh, there you are Perry!

I love Christmas!!!! 

Skyping was such a highlight! I understand other missionaries now. =) 

So much has happened since Thursday. 

The biggest change was.....emergency transfer! Sister Derrick went home for school and left the day after Christmas. Transfers are not until the 7th, so they needed to transfer someone to take her place. With the transfer there left one lone sister and her area. Well, we get to combine with her! Sister Sorensen is now our third companion and we get to serve in both the Shaker Heights North area as well as the Perry area. Wahoo!! They are in complete opposite ends from Kirtland, but so far it has been great! I love being able to serve with other sisters and learn from them. That is such a good lesson to learn. God made all of us and He made us all different. That is such a blessing! We all look at things different and we can be our best when we work together and use each other's strengths. Yep, this week has been an adventure, but it has been a great one! 

I am so glad Heavenly Father has given me this time to serve. Kirtland really is such a special place. I know that Heavenly Father knows me and what I need in this life. He has put people in my life to guide and help me. I am so glad I get to be an instrument in His hands and share His gospel with others. No matter what happens in my week, I am always glad that I get to be that. 

I love you all! Happy New Year!

Sister Burns 

Week in pictures:

Exchanges with Sister Derrick before she left. Favorite. I have learned so much from her! Watch out Provo! Pure amazing is coming your way!

​Christmas morning!! Sister Smith, Hardy, Sorensen, Derrick, Call and I!

District!
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Triple up!!!

District!
​

Triple up!!!

Sister Guinn and I at the Visitors' Center talent show in Christmas night. So much talent! We (the sisters I live with) did synchronized swimming. Oh yes, be so jealous you didn't see that. Haha

​Best moment of my week!

Christmastime!

Christmas is here!!

There are so many things I would love to share with you all. I have seen so many miracles this past week and have had such wonderful experiences. I'll just share my top three:

1) I was able to sing in the Kirtland Temple Sunday night! Best story ever. The Kirtland sisters sang prelude for the annual hymn sing at the temple. During the program Sister Harrison gets passed a note asking if she, Sister Bishop, Sister Call and I could sing the quartet of "Far, Far Away". It was in the program, but the sisters in charge didn't know about it. Panic moment for them. Two songs before we received the note and had a few short moments to plan a musical number. Miracles happen. We stood to sing and it was perfect! It was like we had practiced for days. 

As we sang, I could feel such a special spirit. I could imagine the early saints in the very same place years ago, singing hymns to God. Now, I was able to stand where they stood and feel the same feeling they felt. I wonder if the saints ever thought a moment like that would happen as they pushed through the trials and left the temple behind while they headed west. Almost 75 missionaries were in the temple that night testifying of the same thing they sacrificed everything for -- our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored gospel. I am so grateful for what they did and for the Savior who helps us each and every day through our own trials. Large or small, He loves us and will guide us and we trust in Him.

​Classic

2) Slightly gross, but a powerful miracle nonetheless. Get ready....

So, I had a toe issue....an ingrown toenail to be exact. I'll spare the details and woes of a missionary, but let's just say after a traumatic doctors appointment and almost passing out, they removed it. My toenail is gone. =( Well, I couldn't wear boots and for a missionary in Ohio with snow, that's not the best thing in the word. I was told it would swell if I didn't elevate it constantly and I would need to use pain medicine because it was supposed to be very tender for weeks. Yeah, right before Christmas when all I wanted to do was tract and talk to people. Joys.

Well, here comes the miracle. After the first day I was numb in the morning and then I was taking medicine to prevent the pain from getting worse. I asked my District Leader for a blessing and what a great blessing it was. Through the blessing, God promised me I would be able to continue to do my missionary work without pain. My testimony of priesthood blessings has grown greatly because of that experience! I haven't had to take anything for pain since then. My toes is still healing, but it feels completely fine. I can't wear a boot on my left foot (I have this very attractive sandel I wear...joys), but while walking in the snow, my foot has never been cold...ever. For Ohio, that is a miracle! I know Heavenly Father knows each and every one of us. He is looking out for us and He wants us to be happy...even if we have to get a toenail removed to see it. He will guide us and help us as we strive to follow Him. I am so grateful for that experience. P.S. the nail will grow back for all of you who were worried.         

(Warning....picture of my bandaged toe is next!! Feet haters can skip if you'd like!)

Meow!

Okay, gross story over....next!

3) Dave! (Investigator over chat) He is such a miracle! He was sick last week, so we weren't able to talk. Yesterday we were finally able to catch up. I was hoping he read the section of the Book of Mormon I committed him to read last time, and the very first thing he told me was that he read the whole thing! He read the entire Book of Mormon in one week!!!! He loved it! I asked him how he felt, and he knew it was the word of God. He could feel the Spirit as he read it. He told me how he could see it testify of Christ and it truly works together with the Bible. I love seeing him change and find hope. He was in such despair when we first started talking and now he has hope through the Savior.   

I hope you can all look for and see the miracles from God in your lives each day. He cares about you more than you can imagine. I know that He does. I am grateful for the moments I have been able to see His hand stretched out in front of me. He is always there for us. Always. 

Merry Christmas! 

Sister Burns

#HeIsTheGift #ShareTheGift

9 More Days!

Christmas is coming! Pure happiness!

Favorite parts about the Christmas season in Kirtland, Ohio:

- Being surrounded by nativities in Kirtland. There is such a wonderful feeling that fills the Visitor's Center. That's what happens when you see the Christ child every where you turn.  

- Testifying of the reality of Christ's birth. Is there a better thing to do right now? #HeIsTheGift #ShareTheGift (Also, there was a great article in the Dec. 2014 Ensign about this very topic. You should read it. Yes, yes!)

- Testifying of Christ being the center of our religion and faith. Because of Him, we have a way to return to our Father in Heaven. We know how we can find happiness in this life and in eternity to come. There was a lady who visited the Nativities yesterday and came up to Sister Call and I. She said, "I know this might be a really ignorant question, but are nativities a part of your religion? Do you even believe in Christ? I know other religions use them, but I didn't know yours did". We were able to testify that Christ is the center of our faith and everything else pulls us closer to Him. We need Him and He is our Savior. It was such a special moment.

- Serving all those around me. People are so receptive to help this time of year. What a better way to teach of Christ than to do what He would have us do. We passed an older lady attempting to bring in her trash cans. As she did, one fell over and then the other did as well. We felt prompted to stop and rush to help her. She was so grateful for our kindness and invited us in to get warm. She is the sweetest lady and I am glad we were able to listen to the Spirit and strive to serve those around us. The best feelings come from giving of ourselves.   

- Yummy treats from senior missionaries, members, and my family! (Had to throw that one in there.)

- Singing Christmas hymns and pondering their true meanings.

- Watching "He is The Gift". It gets better every single time I watch it!

- Sharing "He is The Gift". Christmas is about so much more than the commercial, worldly views. Sharing that message has helped me focus on my Savior and the gift He is to me. 

- Hot Chocolate.

Well, I hope your lists have some happy moments that draw you closer to our Savior this Christmas season. I know that as we keep the Savior in our lives every day (not just through December) and truly love and use the Gift He has given us, our lives will be full of peace, joy and love. What's a better gift? Don't put in on the shelf and forget about it. It's given to us all. Unwrap it, use it, love it, share it.

Merry Christmas! I love you all!

Sister Burns 

I love Ohio

Hello! 

This week has been so great. I just love my mission!! If anyone is wondering about going, just do it. The hardest part about going is taking the first step, but you'll never regret going if you put your whole heart into it. Yep, such a blessing!

Sister Call and I set a goal to meet and get to know every single member in our area. Because of this, our week was full of amazing member visits. Members are amazing! I didn't realize how important they are to missionary work and how much we, as missionaries, need them -- this isn't a want, it's a need. They are the ones who love and fellowship each other -- we come and go every six or so weeks. They give hours of loving service and, through this, show their love and gratitude to our Savior. I am reminded of this over and over again as we work with the ward. Also, I love the ward I'm serving in! Every single person is amazing! I have never felt so much love and support before. Mostly because I'm a missionary and they LOVE the missionaries, but they are wonderful beyond that. I can't explain how grateful I am to be serving here. 

​Sister Call, Connee, and I at church. We ended up matching. I love them both!

We were able to do some street contacting and tracting this week, too. You know those funny mission stories...we experienced a few! 

Story of the day: 

Sisters: *Knock* *knock*

Boy: *Runs out the door and stands right next to us on the porch* (Not normal, I might add)

Aunt: *Follows boy yelling the entire way and looks at us* Yells, "We're not interested",  and continues to yell at the boy.

Sisters: *Awkwardly walks away....*

A minute later....

Boys: *Running after sisters*. "Sorry for our auntie. She's a bit upset. But was Jesus on your cards?! We want one!"

Sisters: "Sure! Take one!" *Continues down the street*

A moment later....

Boy: Yells, "Can I have your number??!!!!

Sisters: *Laugh and keep walking*

Boy: "No really, I'm serious!

Sisters: *Laugh some more* "I think we're a bit old for you"

Boy: Yells, BUT I'M FIFTEEN!!!!!

Hahahahahaha!!!! Sorry little man. But on the upside, he can now watch "He is the Gift"! So much better than a girls number. =)

But in all seriousness, there are so many wonderful people out here and I love sharing the message of Christ with them, especially this Christmas season. I have never felt closer to my Savior and I am grateful for the opportunity I have been blessed with to share that message with others. The great thing is it's not too late for anyone. We can all reach out this season, this week, this very moment, to help someone come closer to Christ. I promise that by doing so, we will all find greater happiness and peace no matter the time of year. That's the blessing of the gospel. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and we will not find any better happiness than the happiness we find through Him. 

Anyway, I hope all is well in Utah or wherever this letter gets to you.

I love you all!!

Sister Burns  

#ShareTheGift

It's December!!! Christmas is in 22 days and I love this time of year! All of the snow has melted, but I'm sure it's going to come right back in no time. Tis the season!

Thanksgiving was wonderful! I love ward members and being able to serve at the Kirtland sites. They all made our Thanksgiving wonderful. We had planned to eat dinner with Connee and her family. They are on a strict, no-carb diet for medical reasons, so we knew this dinner would be one for the memory books. But don't you worry, we made sure to get our Thanksgiving carbs in before we went over to Connee's. All of the senior missionaries gathered in the Visitors Center and had an early dinner and we were able to go. Oh my goodness, picture 20 or so of the sweetest grandmothers in the world cooking their own delicious treats. Needless to say, that dinner was fantastic! I might have eaten a bit more than just some stuffing and rolls. =)

Connee's was wonderful!!! I never thought I would love the people in Ohio so much. They have become my home away from home and the closest thing to family here. We were able to look at her ancestors pictures and had a great time doing it. That night, we all gathered as Kirtland sisters and tied quilts for needing members in our areas. Again, I love these sisters so much!! Charity is a real thing and serving others builds it. I have loved seeing that happen on my mission. We all can strive to be like Christ and love like Him. Nothing in the world is better than that. Overall, a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!     

Thanksgiving with Connee, Chuck and Cory
​

Yesterday was the other highlight of my week -- maybe even my mission. We were able to gather together as an entire mission -- all 217 of us -- in the Kirtland Temple yesterday morning for our Mission Conference. That was the sweetest, spiritual experience. We sang and talked about Christ and the true meaning of Christmas. We talked about our lives as missionaries and our future life after we're home. We talked about following our Savior and striving to find and hold on to a testimony of Him for ourselves. We talked about being submissive to Heavenly Father's will and trusting that He knows what will make us truly happy. Most of all, we talked about the Gift from our Heavenly Father and what we will change in our lives to accept the gift He gave. 

Hundreds of missionaries waiting outside the temple! Me with one of my favorites!
​

This brings me to my favorite part of the conference and the thing I am most excited about this Christmas season. "He is the Gift" Have you discovered it, embraced it, shared it? 

http://www.mormon.org/christmas?cid=HPFR112814529 

Look out for it on YouTube on December 7th!

This is what Christmas is all about. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son". This message is so wonderful. Our Father in Heaven gave His Son for us. We can enjoy the peace and love that Christ gives to every single person in this world -- no matter who they are. We, as missionaries, have been asked to give out 250 pass-a-long cards by Christmas inviting other to watch "He is the Gift" and find the true meaning of Christmas this year. I'd love you all to share a few, too! I'm not sure how many of you receive the Ensign, but inside the December issue, there are 9 cards that you all can give out. This is such a wonderful way to share the gospel. Nothing pushy or preachy at all, but it will help every single person and it's the best gift you can give. I promise as you do this, you will come closer to Christ and this Christmas season will be the best yet!! So...will you pass them out? 

I am so grateful for this season and that I am able to share the message of Christ to all who will hear. There is no better work in the whole world. Nothing brings greater happiness. Thank you all so much for you love and support. Have a wonderful Christmas season and don't forget the real reason. =) 

Love you all,

Sister Burns

Lessons Being Learned and Miracles Being Seen

This week has been a complete whirlwind. I'm training. If anything changes your routine, being a trainer does. I'm not only trying to be a good missionary myself, but now I'm responsible to help another missionary be the best she can be. Whew. If being a real mother is anything close to this, bless all of you mothers out there. It is such a large responsibility, but I've come to realize I cannot do this if I am not focusing on my Savior and what He wants me to be doing. If I am not being 100%, how am I supposed to expect anyone around me to be their best. Our Savior was the perfect example and as I strive to follow Him, everything else will work out. I'm not perfect by any means, by it has been a great learning experience for the both of us. The great thing about it all, is learning to more fully rely on Christ and I've come to realize I know what I am doing and I shouldn't be scared of anything. With God, anything is possible. 

But, I'm sure you want to know who my new companion is! Introducing... Sister Call! She is from Austin, Texas, 19 years old, went to BYU for a year before her mission, loves jazz music and is such a joy to be around. She's adorable beyond belief and has such a strong testimony. We are going to see miracles this transfer. =)

​

As for the work here, Dave is still great! I get to talk to him tomorrow, but I love seeing his progression and how ready he is for the gospel. God is preparing people everyday. We just need to go out and find them. 

Miracle of the week. We were able to meet with Demetrius' mother and it was wonderful! Before, she wouldn't even respond to our phone calls. but during this visit she opened up to us and expressed her desire to go to church. She took the lessons from the missionaries a couple years ago, but never joined the church. She is looking for a new job where she doesn't work on Sunday's. When that happens, I have a feeling we'll see even more miracles in their family. In the meantime, we get to teach Demetrius again! That kid is so ready to learn more and he really can't wait for us to come back. Truly, there is something wonderful that comes from a prayer or scripture. When we did that in their home, the complete feeling changed. The Spirit is real. He comes and brings joy, peace and understanding. He softens hearts and testifies of Christ. It's such a wonderful blessing we all can freely enjoy.  

Happy moment. We have been working with a less-active member since I've been here and she happily accepted a calling last Sunday! I am so excited for her and I cannot wait to see what happens. She is a wonderful lady. 

Okay, I've gotta run. Time always goes by too fast on Preparation Day. Know that I'm loving it here. Not because the snow all melted and it hit 60 degrees here the other day (Loving it while it lasts), but I get to see the Lord work miracles every day. That is what He does. He loves every single person in this world. There are hard times, glorious times, and all times in between, but He is always there for us. He wants us to learn and grow. I am so grateful for my Savior and everything he has and is doing for me.   

Thank you all for your love and support. Happy Thanksgiving!

I love you!!!

Sister Burns

P.S. next weeks Preparation Day in on the 3rd because we're having Mission Conference in the Kirtland Temple next Tuesday! Yeah, that is going to be one amazing day!

1700s Bible someone found in a garage sale 35 years ago and recently gave to the Visitors Center. Pretty amazing. Perks to being a sister missionary!

IT'S A GIRL!!

This week was wonderful!!

- I'M A TRAINER!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, you read that right. I get to train a brand new missionary! The call came last week and I was a bit...terrified. *Breathe* As I have focused more on the mission and the absolute wonderful things I have been able to experience, I have come to feel so much excitement for the coming two transfers and for being able to share that excitement with this new sister. I never thought I'd be here in Ohio, let alone be blessed with the opportunity to train. I know that God doesn't put us through anything we can't handle and, with His help, this is going to be such a wonderful learning experience. The Shaker Heights North area is going to explode with even more goodness! I can't wait to continue to see the Lord's hand here. 

Setting up the Christmas Tree! Me, Sister Guinn and Rallison.

- Zone Conference was wonderful! We were able to watch Meet the Mormons! Wonderful! I'd love to invite you all to go watch it, no matter your religious views. It was such an uplifting movie. Only, showing the last sequence (missionary leaving on his mission) to a room full of missionaries was pretty entertaining. You could literally hear the sobs from the sisters. =) Ahh, I love serving a mission. (Also, my mother is famous! Hi Mom!)

We were able to practice teaching the Word of Wisdom to members and investigators. Practice really does help in every aspect of missionary work. One cool story that came from this practice was one sister (who we thought was already a member, but turns out she was an investigator) had specific issues with the Word of Wisdom. The Sister Training Leaders practiced with her and another member in front of all of the missionaries. It felt so real and the Spirit was so strong. Normally when  you practice like this, the members just come up with a character they are playing, bu this sister was 100% herself. After the practice, all of her concerns were taken care of and she's getting baptized!! It's amazing that even though the sisters thought they were just practicing, they were still following the Spirit and still trying to help her specific needs. So great to see that change in her life and the strength that came from that experience.  

       

- DAVE!! Dave is my happy moment of the entire month. I told you about him last week. We have been able to talk twice since then and he is progressing so much! He has been to church the last two weeks and is so smart. We'll discuss a lesson and he'll teach me just as much as I teach him. I love seeing him grow and especially in his confidence in the Savior. He talks more about the goodness of life versus the pains of war like he use to talk about. I can see the Savior helping remove his pain as he comes closer to the Savior. That is what the Savior does. He died and suffered for us so that we don't have to. Such a wonderful thing to know. 

- Exchanges were wonderful! It might have been snowing, but we still were able to rake up some leaves. (yes, raking in snow, but that's what we planned. Oh well.) That experience was wonderful. You do feel warm and comforted when you are serving others. At times I didn't even realize how cold it was. We were able to do so much more service this week as well. There is so much good that comes from serving others. Later that week we were able to serve with a member shoveling their neighbors driveway. As we were doing that a former investigator came out and was talking to us. It was great having that connection with her and letting her know of our love even if we don't visit with her often. I know that through service, Heavenly Father can touch the lives of all who are influenced by it. You never know how far a small act of kindness can go or how big it will grow. (Like the Candy Bomber, for example) 

Sister C. Smith, Derrick, Harrison, and me at lunch before echanges! Frozen Yogurt to celebrate the first snowfall? 

I am so grateful for this week. I am grateful for my Savior. I know that He lived and that, through Him, we can all find happiness. That's what this life is all about. I know that by striving to be like Him, we can see His hand in our lives and we can be that hand in the lives of others. I love Ohio...even if it's 19 degrees outside. The people here are so wonderful. 

I love you all! Thank you for your love and support. Honestly, you make such a difference in my life. Thank you. 

Love you all,

Sister Burns   

Prayers Answered, Spirit Felt...and Maybe a Couple Bed Bugs

Hello all!

This week was wonderful! Last Wednesday I was able to speak with Dave, a military man who we met from chat on Mormon.org. During our first conversation on chat we talked about the love of Christ and how He forgives every person who comes to Him. Dave is retiring from the military after twenty years of service. Now that he's coming to the end of his career, he's realizing some of the orders he had to follow were not the best or happiest of orders. He talked about the horrible things he had to do that are required of him in those situations. War is not a pretty thing. He couldn't imagine how there is a God who would forgive him for his actions. 

I received Dave's information and have been able to talk with him twice over the phone since then. He is wonderful. He has such strong faith in God and he knows he wouldn't be alive without the protection and guidance of the Lord. It was such a tender moment to be able to testify of Christ's love for him. Christ died for him -- to remove the guilt he feels. Christ knows what he has been through and what is in his heart. Christ can remove the pain he feels and can help him find true happiness. The Spirit was so strong and we weren't even in the same room let alone the same state. 

I was able to answer questions about the Godhead and the trinity. Many times he said, "now that makes sense" or "I've studied this for years and that is the first time someone could explain that to me". It was wonderful. By studying and sharing the gospel, I have come to realize that the word of God is simple. Every single commandment is given to us that we "might have joy". As we study, we can see how every aspect of the gospel is designed to bring us closer to Christ and help us on the path to eternal life. 

I am so grateful for Dave and being able to discuss the gospel with him. I know that through Jesus Christ ALL mankind may be saved. We can ALL come to Him. No matter what we've done or who we think we are. Christ knows us inside and out. He knows what we need and what will make us happy. Not to have fun, but to be happy -- truly happy. Fun is just a short moment, but happiness is forever and God deals with forever. I can see pure happiness here. That's what we are all seeking to find and I am so glad I can help others find it through our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Happy moment number two....

Demetrius was this cute little boy from the start of my mission. Let's just say life in Utah is different from Ohio and we weren't aloud over to his home for a bit -- family issues had to be sorted out. Last District Meeting we made a prayer list of investigators, less active, or recent converts that were in need of some prayers. We added Demetrius to that list and the entire district would pray over the individuals. Only a few days later we were given the go ahead to call and see if we could stop by. Yes!!! We called Demetrius' mother who is not a member and she actually answered! Blessing. We have an appointment for next Thursday and I cannot wait for that! I've missed that little kid. I love seeing God's hand. When we are in need of things and we come to Heavenly Father in humble, earnest prayer, and He always answers. It might not be how we think He will respond, but He always answers. It goes back to the happiness thing. He knows what will make us happy and He is just waiting to give it to us. All we have to do is ask and have faith in Him. Simple as that.       

I am so grateful for the gospel and the influence it brings to the world. I know Heavenly Father loves all of His children. I know that. Always.

I've gotta run, but I love you all,

Sister Burns

P.S. we might have bed bugs.....NO!!!!!!!!!!!! Crossing my fingers we don't find one. 

Happy thought though....It hasn't snowed yet..... *knocks on the wooden desk*

Sad thought....I'm sick...again... No voice.

Sister Jensen and Sister Heckert!  

 

LAST WEEK OF TRAINING!!! =)

Men Are That They Might Have Joy

Hello World!

Not much time to write today, but this week has been a wonderful one. 

Best part.....I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW!!! I'm sure you all know that, but it's still exciting. Hello Thatcher! Your favorite aunt sure loves you. =) 

Okay, back to the mission.

Best part of the week here was testimony meeting on Sunday. 

Back story time.....

There is a recent convert, Connee, we visit with every week. She is amazing! She knows her Bible inside and out and cross references everything she hears from the Book of Mormon or other scripture and double checks for accuracy. Thus far, she hasn't come across anything that doesn't connect. She really makes me want to read the entire Bible front to back, which will happen before I come home. She is so strong and has such a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Second back story...

Sister Brown. Crazy, love her to death, Sister Brown. She joined the church a number of years ago, but fell away and has been coming back to church for the last year. We visit her often as well. LOVE HER!

Okay, back to today...

Connee's one year mark was the end of October and she planned on attending the temple on November 1st. We were so excited for her, but Satan really does try to drag you down when you step up and follow Christ. There were so many things that were backfiring on her the week before she went through. Clothes not fitting, temple recommend not signed correctly, she didn't have an escort....tons of little things like this.

Saturday came and everyone who was going was backing out and Connee was so stressed. (Massive pre-doing-something-very-good drama) We were afraid that Connee would decide not to go. Sister Brown was going to go with her after eleven years of not being back to the temple, but she forgot to reserve a seat and the session was full. We talked to both of them and it felt like pure chaos trying to help the situation smooth out. 

Anyway, Sister Brown felt like she needed to go with or without a reservation. Whew. 

Off they went, drama and all. 

Fast forward to Sacrament Meeting. (The AC was broken and wouldn't turn off, so it was FREEZING inside!)  Connee was the first person on the stand. She bore her testimony of the last month of her life. She talked about the blessings of the gospel. How she received her patriarchal blessing and how she knew without a doubt that God had led her to where she was and even through the times she felt like she was completely alone, God was ALWAYS there by her side. She sees that now. Before Sacrament Meeting Connee didn't really get the temple and wasn't too sure of it, but the Spirit was so strong and she KNEW afterward how it was the Lords house and how much closer she felt to Him after going. 

Sister Brown also shared her testimony. She talked about going to the temple and wasn't even sure if she could get in, but she went  anyway even if she could only wait for them while they were in the session. She knew she had to go back. When they arrived, there was a spot for her and she ended up being Connee's escort. It was the blind leading the blind, but she was so grateful to be back in that place. She talked about where she was a year ago. She had a broken leg and was stuck on the couch. There were these persistent Sister Missionaries who kept knocking on her door. She couldn't ever answer it, but looking back she was so grateful for the love those sisters showed her. After she could walk again, she stepped foot in a chapel after years of inactivity. 

Both of these Sisters testified of how grateful they were for missionary work and how they wouldn't be where they are today without it. I wasn't the sister's that originally taught Connee, nor was I a sister who helped Sister Brown come back to activity, but as they shared their testimonies, I realized how important missionary work is. It is not just about baptisms or numbers. It's about people. It's about people coming to know their Savior and become better people through Him. It's about people knowing who they are, who they want to become, and have the means to change. It's people knowing they are children of God and they are worth something. It's knowing that I can be the hands of the Lord and serve His children and help them endure to the end. This is the best work ever. 

I am so grateful for that moment as I sat on the bench in Sacrament Meeting. I am so grateful for this mission, for Ohio. There are so many wonderful people here that I have the chance to get to know and love. I am so grateful for my Savior and that I know that He loves me. I know He is always there for me and that He is always listening when I pray to Him. God wants all of His children to be happy and when we follow Him, that is exactly what happens. I see that every day here. "Men are that they might have joy". Yes, I am grateful for joy and I know that through Jesus Christ we can all find it. 

Okay, that was much longer than planned, but know that I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. I am grateful to help bring that joy into the lives of others. Nothing is better. 

Don't forget that. 

I love you all!

Sister Burns   

The one and only Sister Brown! Ahh, she is wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uma and her kids. LOVE THEM!! Her husband had to work. =(