19th July 2010

Kumusta Tatay, Nanay, mga Lolo, mga Lola, mga pinsan, mga tiyo, mga tiya, at mga tao,

Things have been going great at the MTC so far. I've been sick for the past couple of weeks. I've tried a couple differen't medicines but nothing has really made me feel better. I just always have a stuffy nose and a cough, so it's not that bad. I think the only prescription that can really help me... is more cowbell. (para sa tatay)

Um. Well not that much is really new right now at the MTC. My companion and I have been practicing teaching a lot and I'm really starting to feel confident. Before I came to the MTC I was reading through PMG and I though about memorizing each of those lessons, but I am glad I didn't. I'm glad I did get to know of all the doctrine and whatnot but what we're doing here as missionaries is not to teach lessons, we're here to teach people. What we really have to focus on is getting to know the investigator, following the spirit, and teaching them what or how the gospel can help them in there lives. How can the gospel make their lives better? We need to teach to their needs. I'm excited about how Elder Pettit and my teaching has been going and we are really working well together. I'm a little scared because this Thursday is the last time we get to teach in English, so I guess it's probably really good I finally feel good about teaching. But It's not really about how I feel, it's about how the investigator feels. I have to know what the investigator needs to think, feel, and do. They have to be inspired to change because of the things we and the spirit teaches them. It's awesome.

But on Thursday we have to start teaching in Tagalog. I'm really excited because I feel from that point on is when we'll really start to get the language down. I feel like I can already say so many things in Tagalog but there is so much more you can still say. Plus I can't just memorize phrases about the first lesson if I'm trying my best to teach to the needs of the people. I have to just listen to what they say and say things back to them that can help them. But things are going great I am excited about the things going on.

You might notice I'm saying excited a lot. Sorry about that. It's just that excited is excited sa Tagalog. So I always say excited ako when, well, I'm excited. It's sweet. I love Tagalog and I love the MTC. I can't wait till I start experiencing the real thing with real people. It's so crazy that I'm going away for two years to share something with people that I know to be true with all of my heart. I don't even know any of the people there but I feel like I love them so much, and I want them to have what I have. I want them to know what I know. Because I have a message that will, well, blow their minds. This message will bring them so much joy and comfort and I'm so excited to share it with them. I don't know where I would be without this gospel. This message of a restoration and God's plan for us is so unbelievable. Actually, it is believable because it is true. It is just that awesome. I should just be going to the rooftops and shouting it because I want everyone to have what I have.

I want you all to know that what I'm doing is the Lord's work. I know he's called me to do this through a living prophet.
Thank you all so much for your prayers!

Mahal kita!
Elder Burton

Oh, P.S. Thanks for all the goodies, they are good. The cafeteria food is starting to not taste as good, but I still like it. Have a great week!