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. =)

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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. =(

"Patience, Iago"

Hello out there!

This week was wonderful! A learning week by far. 

I was asked to teach a Christlike attribute at District Meeting on Thursday. I felt like I should teach on patience, so I had been studying that all week. Why is patience a Christlike attribute? In every story about Christ He shows wonderful, perfect patience. Others would not listen or even try to understand, but He still showed patience. They would turn their backs on Him or try to prove Him wrong, but He still showed patience. He loved them always and they could care less. I am in awe at how perfect of an example He is to all of us. How often do we get frustrated with life? Co-workers, children, roommates, Utah drivers and constant construction (I had to), and especially with ourselves? I realized this week that there is so much joy and freedom in Christlike patience. Life is hard, but when we have that patience for others and let them grow and learn, as well as give ourselves the time we need to grow and learn, we will have such happiness through all the chaos of life.  

The day before District Meeting we were able to have interviews with President Vellinga. (These happen once every three months...and I have the best mission president ever! Just in case you were wondering) I gained the strongest testimony this week that Heavenly Father knows me. He knows what I need even before I know. He will constantly guide and direct me in my life and help me see His hand as He does so. As I was sitting in my interview, President asked me out of the blue how I was doing with patience. What! Inspiration! I just thought I was studying for a district meeting, but it turns out I was studying for much, much more. We talked about being patient with the work, patient with the Lord, and patient with myself. 

I don't know about you, but as a missionary it's so easy to get down on yourself for not being the best or even get frustrated with others for not doing what you think they should be doing. Yeah, those thoughts are not good and are not from God. The Devil is sure sneaky and likes to pull us down one negative thought at a time. I found this week, that as I study the life of the Savior and rely on Him, those thoughts go away and the Spirit rushes in. The Lord wants us to be happy and, through Him, we can and WILL find it. 

Things that make a missionary really happy:

- A recent convert asking how he can share the gospel with his co-worker because he wants him to feel the happiness that he feels now

- A convert going through the Temple for the first time and excited beyond belief

- Letters in the mail! (Thank you Diane and the Harts! Just to name two.)

- Members that take care of the missionaries and call them just to make sure they're doing alright

- During nightly planning both of us at the same time get the feeling to visit an elderly lady in the ward. It turns out she just had surgery and was really wanting visitors. God knows His children!

- Taking a group on tour and feeling the Spirit SO strong! 

- Being able to testify on the Book of Mormon and the truths it holds

- Being able to serve a family in the ward who really needs it and not knowing how much before going over to their home

- Being a line for a lady in the ward who needs support and friends to help her through very rough times

- 70 degrees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- New missionary name tag with "Historic Kirtland Visitors' Center" on it! Yeah, be jealous. 

- STAKE CONFERENCE!! Amazing talks, wonderful people. The work is going forward!

Things that don't make a missionary happy:

- MICE IN THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!! If anyone knows me, I'm terrified of mice. Yeah, there was a mouse in the kitchen. Old homes...not sure I'm okay with this. Haha

I love you all! Thank you for your love and support!

Sister Burns

 

MICE! It was sure hungry.

Pres. Vellinga