Note from Sister Burns' Mom - my computer was giving me grief tonight so you get pictures, then the letter, then more pictures. Enjoy!
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| Favorite people! |
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| We're going to the zoo! |
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| To top off the day . . . . I got a package from the Porter's! |
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| The Kirtland Sisters |
Transfers were this week. None of the Kirtland Ward sisters (us and Sister Morrison and Sister Allen) were transferred, BUT! President likes throwing curveballs into everything and he combined our areas! So now we have four sisters serving in one, gigantic area. It's so nice! When one set of sisters is at sites, the other set is in the area. Normally one area gets neglected during the summer because we're always at sites, but now that wont happen. =)
So far, it has been great! Last Friday we went on exchanges with the other Kirtland sisters to introduce the people we knew to the new sisters. Sister Morrison and I were together and it was a day full of miracles! We were able to teach eight lessons and get some service in as well. The great part was we stopped by two less-active members and they were home. With both sisters we were able to see such a light and a desire to change in their eyes. Both of these Sisters are going through some hard times, so the fact they we showed up at just the perfect time was such a miracle! One sister is going to come back to church and the other is going to come out on visits with us and hopefully we can get her some fellowship so she feels more welcome at church.
Later that day we were at a members home teaching a lesson and it went horribly! It was just a long day and we kept mixing up our words. As we left we laughed all the way to our next appointment...like the laughing-so-hard-you're-crying laugh. Once we arrived at the next home we decided to change our lesson plan because we didn't want to butcher it again. Well, we flipped the page in our General Conference Ensign and decided to share a thought on "A Saint is a Sinner Who Keeps on Trying". The moment we began sharing the message with the members, they just kept saying how this was exactly what they needed. As we finished the sister asked if she could have my Ensign. Well, mine was all marked up with personal notes, but we had a fresh copy in the van that I found only a few hours before. The sister walked out with us and as we were doing so she told us how that talk had directly answered her prayer.
I love how everything worked out. If it hadn't been for that not-so-perfect lesson, we would have taught something completely different. But because of that moment we were able to help one of Heavenly Father's children in a very direct and personal way. I love moments like that!
Last night Sister Vellinga, her daughter and her daughter's friend came to sites. Sister de Kock was able to give them a tour, but after the tour all the site sisters stood on the balcony and sang "How Firm A Foundation" for Sister Vellinga (It's her favorite hymn -- verse seven especially). It was such a wonderful moment to spend with them before they left.
So now the Vellinga's are heading back to Utah and the Browns should be here by now. Welcome to Ohio!! We are so excited to have the Browns here, but this is sure going to be a change. And that's the only constant here. =) Bring it on.
Anyway, I love serving here. Every single day I am reminded how much Heavenly Father knows me and knows exactly where I need to be --- and right now I need to be in Ohio serving in the Kirtland Ward. I know that Heavenly Father loves all of His children and the Savior's atonement was made for each one of them. I love serving a mission!!!
I hope you all have a great week! Happy 4th of July!!! Watch some fireworks for me! And maybe eat a hamburger or two.
I love you all,
Sister Burns
ELEPHANTS!!! Best day ever!!!
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| I'm one happy missionary!!!! |
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