- 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
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