27 May, 2012

Dearest Family of which I have been born into, Wow! I can't believe schools out. I think I haven't realized how old people are getting. I think I'm going to be pretty surprised when I see everyone. Kelsey wrote and said that she's driving now. I am official worried for the safety of the american people. I'll just make sure I'm not on the road the same time she is. It's weirding me out. I remember her as a little girl. Anyway, I hope Jared's doing good too. I'm not sure what's happening with his head. And Mitchell, tell him I'll miss him and I'll be sure to write him at least 2 times, because he wrote me two times. Dad, two weeks ago a member walked into the computer shop, a sister, who is pretty good at English and read over my shoulder about you upgrading our toilet so it has a double flush. She makes fun of me every time I see her. She laughs that of all things that's what you would write me about. But honestly, I love reading your adventures. Thanks for your letters every week. Elder Solis and I are working harder than ever. But boy, other missionaries don't let you forget that you're going home in a couple weeks. At District Conference an elder came up to me and told me exactly how many days I have left. I asked him, "How do you even know that!?" And I told him to stop talking about it! Haha. I gotta focus. Even Sister Pagaduan (mission presidents wife) came up to me and said, "You're going home soon!" But nonetheless, we had a great week! So we did have District Conference, and Elder Nielson of the 70 came to visit. We sang a special musical number. I sang bass, because my voice is so manly and so deep. It was a really good experience. We had a bunch of Less-actives from Dao attend and the best things was everyone was wearing shirts and ties. Usually on Sundays here not even our branch president wears a tie. We had just given some young men, Deo and Gadwin, some shirts and we're trying to help them get on missions. They looked way gwapo, so did our branch president. Also it was great because 3 returning members we've been working with have received the Melchezidek Priesthood! It was surprising how many people showed up, because it's an hour ride from Dao to get there, but almost more people attended than attend in Dao! So it was a good week. We really focused on inviting everyone to go. There is a primary kid in our branch whose name is RR. But one sister in our branch always calls him Kyle. I asked her why, and she told me, "I like the name Kyle. And I'm the only one who calls him that." Elder Solis and I are really striving to strengthen the branch, and help every member magnify their office. We're visiting a lot of less-actives, and trying to help people come back and help every member become more strengthen. One idea we had is to assign every active member to focus on one less-active family. Just in small ways. Like if the member doesn't go to church the active member will call them, see whats going on, and see what they can do to help. Then we'll follow up with them. I really feel if every member fellowships one another, and shows their love to them, they'll come back! Elder Solis and I are running around like crazy trying to help people, we just don't have enough time! We can't do it alone. That's one thing that scares me. Dao Branch needs a lot of help. It's struggling. Maybe only 15% of members are active, and only 10% of those are actually reading their scriptures daily and doing other things. We have a lot to do but I know my time is coming to a close. But we're building a strong foundation, so the work will continue. I hope the bar is being raised. One missionary and their actions can hurt an area for a long time, and it can effect future missionaries. Like before, missionaries used to have their laundry done by members, not a big deal, but president told us we shouldn't do that. So when I got here, we had to put a stop to it and tell the members they couldn't. It's kind of scary to do so. It's partly how these members make a living, and I didn't want to offend anyone. But I know I couldn't bear going home not being obedient to the council of my leaders, who I sustain. So we told them, and stopped it. At first she was kind of mad but just yesterday she told us she wanted to work with us! I'm grateful for that blessing. The Lord is blessing us a lot in this area, and things are looking good for the future. We had a pretty good experience though this week. We were suppose to be tracking but unfortunately we weren't finding anyone. We decided to stop and say a prayer to help us find someone who needs our help. We ended up walking and seeing some guy outside cleaning his shoes. We talked to him. He is living in Manila and he recently got married and is on vacation here. He told us how many different churches he's visited to know how he can be a good father and raise his family well. He wants his family to be strong. He told us he was a chick boy before but now he wants to be a good guy. We were able to share with him. He's going back to Manila, but from the experience I received a witness that God really does know each of his children. He knows where they are and what they need. And even though we won't be able to visit that guy again, I hope he can continue in Manila. Because this gospel is exactly what he needs. A little experience like that is sometimes the most fulfilling on your mission. Being led by the spirit to someone in need. It's the best feeling when your teaching and you know you're speaking the words God would have you speak. When you're working and you know you are doing the work of the Lord. When things happen and you know they are answered prayers. I love this work. It's the Lord's work. And I know it's not over when my mission ends. I hope throughout my life I can continue being and instrument of the master. No matter what his call is for me I'm going to make sure I do my part. That's why I gotta make sure I'm 100% obedient, always. I love you all. I'm glad I get to see you all in a couple of weeks. Thanks for giving birth to Jared 3 years after me and not just 1. haha. Anywho. There's a white guy in our district named Bubba. He's the biggest Hillbilly ever. He sells sausage so I ordered some from him. But anyway, I'll leave you with the words he left me with. Well guys, I gotta oogie boogie. See you later alligator. Elder Burton