Sister Burton Takes on Anaheim!: Week 19: Whatta Week!

Hello everyone!!
This week was GREAT! I've been feeling more and more settled with covering 2 wards. We've gotten into a bit of a rhythm and it's been successful! We've been able to get in touch with people and set return appointments, so its been wonderful!

-Tuesday we went on EXCHANGES! Sister Evali and I stayed in the area and Sister Garcia came with us for the day. Because Sister Garcia was in A10 about a year ago, she knew of some good people for us to check up on. We did a lot of finding that day and it was so fun! At the beginning of my mission, I was terrified of finding, but I've learned to love the days of finding! We went to a park and just walked around and talked to people. It's funny watching some people walk the other way to avoid us, but that doesn't stop us ;) We met this interesting lady at the park. We asked her if she had a belief in Jesus and she said, "OH yes! Probably better than you guys. I'm married to Him. I'm His only wife." I've definitely never heard that before....it was hard to stay composed in that moment. We saw her talking to herself before we walked over, so she may have legit been crazy. BUT, you talk to everyone as missionaries and sometimes you have the funniest, most interesting encounters! Other than that, we were able to make some great progress in A10. We found some people who haven't been contacted in awhile and were able to get return appointments with them! Huzzah!

-Wednesday, we had an interesting evening. We had so much success earlier that day! We had just come from contacting a less active member and setting up a time to see her this next week. It was nearly 9 PM and so it was obviously really dark outside. I was in the backseat, filling in our area book, when all of the sudden I hear a loud "crunch" and noticed we ran over something. Sister Green looked frightened. I hopped out of the car and noticed that we ran into this thin, not very well lit at all, median strip. Not only that, but the little reflector sign punctured our front tire. The air was flying out of that tire so fast! The hubcap even flew across the road. We moved over in the lane as far as we could. We decided we would just change the tire and go home for the night and figure out the logistics later.
I was honestly excited, because I LOVE changing tires (thanks for teaching me Dad) and wouldn't it be an adventure doing so in a dress?! But I was AMAZED, by how many people stopped to see if we were okay. There was a couple walking by and they stopped and helped us. People continued to ask if we needed help, offering flares or whatever they could. My heart was full. It's beautiful seeing that Light of Christ within others! My testimony of the goodness of the human race was strengthened that night.

But because of that incident, we were without a car for 24 hours, which wasn't bad because the next day was our weekly planning, so we spent a majority of the day in our apartment anyway. What an adventure! We were supposed to get bikes, but they didn't have any bikes left....bummer. We got our car back and it's good to go! But now I'm the driver because Sister Green is tired of driving. (haha)(understandable) :)

We had a special conference with Richard J. Maynes, of the Seventy this week! It was so inspiring! He talked about how we can increase our finding efforts and focus on our missionary purpose more throughout the day. He told us that our missionary purpose should be connected to everything that we do during the day! I was so pumped by his encouraging words! Everyday I'm trying to be an even better missionary!

We taught Hailly this week and a member was able to come to the lesson. It was such an awesome lesson! We taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ and invited her to baptism and she said YES! We set the date for Nov. 18th! She seems so prepared to learn more and become better! We're excited to continue to teach her!!

FULLERTON NEWS:
Everyone in Fullteron is getting baptized!! Jk, but all my favorite people are!
Nolan, the older gentleman we taught, is getting baptized this Saturday, the 14th, and he asked ME to give the talk on the Holy Ghost! He also wants my companionship and Sister Greene's companionship to do a special musical number!! My heart is so full that he wants me to be a part of his baptism! I'm so excited for SATURDAY!
THE JUAREZS are getting baptized October 21st! They are SO pumped and I'M so pumped that I get to be there! Ahhhhh!
Jacob & Joey will be getting baptized November 4th! So many awesome things are still happening in Acacia Park! I'm so excited to witness these amazing baptisms. Stay tuned for TONS of baptism pictures ;)

Studies: I've been loving Alma! He's such a cool guy. These past few days, I've been studying his counsel to his sons. In Alma 37:36-37, it talks about how we need to turn to the Lord in all things and to counsel with Him in all our doings. The word "counsel" stuck out to me when I read it the other day. Often, we go to the Lord and tell Him what we want to do. But counseling is not a one sided conversation. It is for both parties to come together and to help the one. I thought about how we need to come to the Lord and truly align our will with His. HE knows all. I think back to my decision to serve a mission. I didn't want to serve a mission and made up my mind that I wouldn't. But when Heavenly Father told me that I needed to serve, it was hard for me to accept it at first. But as I counseled with Him, I realized that that was His will for me. As I turned to Him, my desire to serve a mission grew and I am eternally grateful that Heavenly Father would want me to serve His children! I wouldn't have changed that decision for the world! I'm grateful that we can turn to the Lord anytime, anywhere. He listens! But that means we also need to listen when He is speaking to us ;)

All my love,
~~Sister Burton