2 August 2010

Kumusta!
I'm doing really good. We taught for the first time at the TRC in Tagalog on Thursday. That was pretty crazy. It was kind of weird for us because the guy we were teaching didn't know what role he was playing. So instead of teaching the person we prepared to teach the first lesson to, we ended up teaching someone that people are suppose to teach in week 11. So it was way confusing, but a good experience nonetheless. I still love the MTC, there is so much to learn. I think the MTC wouldn't be as great of a place if you didn't always remember why you are here. Like we're at the MTC to prepare for the mission field. We're here to keep learning and growing in the gospel and to help other people do the same. Sometimes I'm sitting in class and I'm like, "wait a second, I'm a missionary." I mean you are always learning so much but I mean as I always keep in mind my purpose and what I'm preparing for, it's not that hard to keep pressing forward.
I was reading my scriptures in Alma 26:22, 27. You might want to check it out. There was a talk we heard I think from President Bednar about how in that scripture it says God gives us these things. We don't earn them. God gives us these gifts that we keep receiving. And it is because God loves us. He wants us to continue growing. Everyday when I put on my nametag I see 2 names on there- Elder Burton and Jesus Christ. Along with remembering what I'm learning all these things for I also have to remember who I'm representing. I mean, God and Jesus Christ trusted me enough to represent them, I can't express what that means to me. I always have to remember that too. When I do, and with the Lord on my side, nothing I do here is really overwhelmingly difficult.
Well, that is all that has really happened this week. We have a Tagalog district leaving tomorrow, so like 12 missionaries are leaving, but they aren't in our Zone. But on Wednesday, we have about 50 new Tagalog missionaries coming, 24 are going to be in our zone. The bad thing about that is that because of that, a lot of new teachers came in. They wanted new teachers to teach with old teachers so we are losing Sister Fotu as a teacher. So for the next 10 days we are going to have Brother Day as our teacher. I practiced teaching him before and he gave us some sweet advice. I'm excited to keep learning from him. Because I know I can learn different things from different people, so its a good oportunity. Then the last 10 days at the MTC we get another different teacher. So theres another opportunity for us.
When I look back I really see how far I've come. And I see how far I have to go. But I'm looking forward to it and I'm looking forward to get out in the field and just get to work. I mean I only have 2 years to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength, so here I go.
I love you all,
Elder Burton