23 August 2010

Kumusta pamilya ko!

Things have been going greaaaat at the MTC. I can't believe I'm almost done here. I officially know now though that I will speak little Tagalog. The teacher's had to tell us that we would all throughout the MTC that we would speak it a lot but now I know for sure it is Ilonggo. Another name for Illongo is Hiligaynon. I'm not sure who uses which name, but on LDS.org I listened to some of General Conference in Hiligaynon, which was pretty cool. I'm so excited to just hit the ground running, after a really long flight.

Oh, I better tell you, my flight plans got changed. Everything is the same except my first flight from Salt Lake City is 2 hours earlier, so I'll have a 2 hour longer layover in San Francisco. It's pretty exciting. Layovers-the best. Oh, which reminds me- I got my last flight plan, to Iloilo. I have a 6 hour layover in Manila before my 1 hour flight to Iloilo, so I guess I will be able to use my Tagalog!

Anyway the last week at the MTC was really good. It's hard to stay 100% focused the whole time because you are thinking about the field, because we are just so close! But, I mean, we're here at the MTC to prepare for the field. And maybe what I studied here will be something I'll be able to share in the next couple of days. It's going to be sweet.

Our last night here, yesturday I suppose, we decided to have a district testimony meeting. It was really powerful. I have no doubt that everyone in my district is going to be a great missionary. That have such a powerful love and a powerful testimony and an excitement to get out and share this knowledge we have with others. This gospel brings so much joy into my life. I have no idea where I would be without it. Other people need it. They need to know what I know. I know that if they do it can make such a difference in their life and it can become way better. It's all centered around Jesus Christ. It's hard to even imagine what he did for us, but if we understand it just a little bit, we can have a better understanding of our purpose in life and hope in the next life to come. It's so great. It's so amazing how simple, yet powerful, yet brilliant, this gospel is. I hope that I will be able to be the best missionary I can be. I mean, a servant of Christ, called of God, a lot to handle. But through them, I know I can do it and anyone can do it. Share to gospel; there is so many people just waiting to hear something like this.

I'm really going to miss everyone I've met here. They are all such wonderful examples to me. But I'm excited to go to the Philippines in 3 hours!!
Maybe I'll write a little something about each of them. I hope that's not weird. But it probably is
Elder Pettit: Aww, what can I saw about my Kasama. From his wonderful singing voice to his weird voice when he says, "Please don't walk on me, I'm trying hard to grow! Blaaaa!" (about grass, you'd have to hear it for yourself), from his cool drawing skills to his extreme excitement. He's a great Elder, I'm going to miss him, but he's in Iloilo too.
Elder Crowley: Oooh, Elder Crowley. District Leader, then Zone Leader. He always gave such great spiritual thought and was always so humble and kind and gave great advice. He's also a wicked soccer goalie. Well, till he decided to play offence and scored like 7 goals. I'm going to miss him.
Elder Valdez: Yeah, Elder Valdez is kind of a giant mean guy. Well, actually, he tells me "Mahal Kita!" every night. And always laughs at my jokes even though they aren't that funny. He really expresses love to everyone and always makes me feel good about myself.
Elder Frandsen: He has a really weird sense of humor. But the lucky thing is, so do I, so I think he's a funny guy. He is also probably the best one at Tagalog which is sweet. I hope I see him again one day.
Elder Shultz: He is from California and I love it when he says "Righteous! Righteous!" Like this one turtle. He's so funny and he always makes me feel good about myself! I'm going to miss him too!
Elder Heninger: Wow, this Canadian. He is our district leader. He always has this smile on his face. I'm going to miss him!
Elder Andrews: Hmm. Yeah, this kid has many weird stories about his past, which I enjoy every once in a while to hear. But Elder Andrews is probably the most dilligent person I know! Iloilo-er too!
Sister Tillman: She is a really relaxed sister. She is really fun and likes to beat box, though she won't beat box on demand though.
Sister Webre: I'm not going to lie. She kind of scared me when we first got here. It's probably because us Elders aren't always so mature. However, I came to found she is a cool person and likes a good joke. And I remember the first day we were here she like said a perfect prayer in Tagalog no problem.. so awesome.
Sister Purser: This Sister is the only Iloilo sister. Which is sweet. She also gives thoughts everytime we need one and I'm going to miss her.

I'm going to miss everyone! I'm out of time!
I love you all!
Elder Burton