Sister Burton Takes on Anaheim!: Week 42: The week where everything changed.

Hey everybody! This past week and a half has been quite the adventure. Lots of miracles, blessings, and unexpected things, but all worth it!

*We had a super amazing Zone Conference this past week! We were asked to perform a musical number "Peace in Christ", so that was fun!
We focused a lot on the Book of Mormon and how we as missionaries can find joy in the work. Zone Conferences are always so uplifting! I am SO grateful for my testimony of the Book of Mormon! I love that book with all my heart and I want to help other people gain that same witness!

*I had a really unique prompting at dinner the other night. We were at I-HOP with a member and as we sat down to eat, I noticed a family nearby who all bowed their heads in prayer before they ate. I instantly felt that I needed to go over and thank them for being such an example! The Spirit worked on me the entire meal, but as we left, I went over and told them I noticed how they all prayed together and how refreshing it is to see people still do that! They were so surprised and were very appreciative. I know it was something small, but I felt the prompting and I knew I needed to follow through with it!

*Sunday, we had a MIRACLE! The part member family we've been working with, the Villareals, came to all 3 hours of church! My heart was so full that they made it a priority to come to church, especially as we're preparing their 10 year old son for baptism. The hardest part of the work is getting people to church and it's such a beautiful thing when people actually make the effort to come!

*IRENE: she is a lady that had 3 separate baptismal dates over the past 6 months and ended up backing out of each one. The Sisters before us decided to give her a break for a little bit. Well, last week she reached out to us! She said she had a sufficient enough break and that she wants to prepare for baptism now. We're shooting for April 21 and hoping this time around she'll really commit and realize this wonderful covenant she is about to make with her Heavenly Father.

*CLYDE: He is super awesome! We've met with him a few times and he's just so sweet. Some things take a little longer to process for him, but he truly is making amazing progress! He is praying about a baptismal date in April. There's a lot he still needs to be taught, but he has such strong faith and we believe he can make it! But, I'll save more details for Monday, so I actually have something to write about 😉

Here's the super crazy event of the week: Sister Green has been in the hospital since Monday! Long story short, she's been having these crazy headaches for the past several months and the doctors have FINALLY figured out what it is. They've been running tests and things and we aren't sure when she'll be back with us. She is in great spirits and we got to visit her Wednesday, in Orange!

So, as of right now, we're carrying on as normal until further notice. I'd be lying if I said I'm not overwhelmed, but I'm truly letting the Lord take the wheel. Being in a new area, with a new missionary, and trying to navigate exchanges and other responsibilities, it's a lot. But Sister Bird is so awesome! She has such a strong driving force and is such a good motivator!

WE GOT TO GO TO THE TEMPLE THIS MORNING. Let me just say, after 7 months of not being there (and being used to going once a week), it was much needed. I just felt so much peace and comfort as I sat there in the House of the Lord. In the midst of all the crazy things that have been going on, I just know that my Heavenly Father is aware of me! And the same goes for YOU!
Although these next few weeks will bring new adventures and challenges, I know that there are miracles waiting for us here in La Habra! We are ready to keep the work moving forward!

LOVE you all so much! I'll be writing again on Monday!

So, until then.....

Sister Burton
2500 N. Bristol St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706