We've really been trying to build up our teaching pool. We meet lots of people everyday, but it's finding the truth seekers that is the hardest part. We worked hard all week to find more people to teach and BOY were there miracles. But first let me start with a few highlights from the week!
*ZONE CONFERENCE: we had Zone Conference on Wednesday and it was so inspiring. We talked a lot about our success as a missionary, how to improve our teaching skills, how to help people keep their commitments, and how we can become more meek. I always come away feeling edified and with a renewed resolve to be a better missionary!
*SERVICE: the California Dental Association had a convention in Anaheim on Friday. They gave free dental services to people in the community. They asked a bunch of missionaries to come and help out there! It was a blast! We helped escort people around, getting to talk to people from all walks of life! It's amazing to still see good people in the world :)
*NO COINCIDENCES: on Friday we went to this complex, trying to find a referral the Elders had given us. As we were walking around, we started talking with everyone. Well, right as we were about to find the referral, a girl yells out, "Hey, do you ladies want some water?" Well, of course. I love water. We get to talking with her and this girl, Lexi, is a member! She invited us into her home and shared her story with us. She was baptized about 4 years ago, but felt really pressured into doing so. She got a lot of negative feedback from the members after she was baptized, so she stopped going to church. Ever since then, she has continued to pray and read her scriptures, in hopes to receive guidance from God on what to do with all of it. The thing that amazed me about her was that she didn't blame the church or the people for what happened. She has had 5 run-ins with missionaries in the past month and questioned if it was a sign from God (..of course it is!!). Anyways, we had such an amazing conversation with her and invited her to the YSA ward. She has such a light about her! Her resilience and determination, despite her circumstances is astounding. We walked out of there knowing we were sent to that complex to find her. And the crazy part?! She was not on our records. We asked the family ward and Lexi wasn't on their records either. If we wouldn't have run into her, we would've never found her otherwise. TENDER MERCY!
*MORGAN: the Elders tracted into a girl named Morgan, earlier this week. Well, we had an appointment with her and it fell through. We decided to stop by Sunday night to see if she was interested. First off, we faced some rejection yesterday afternoon and I immediately knew that God was preparing us for a miracle later.
Ok, anyways, we knocked on her door and a bright, chipper girl answered, Morgan. She was in the middle of lots of stuff, nonetheless, she still invited us in. She currently attends Chapman University and has kind of lost her faith a little bit. We went in, taught her the Restoration and WOW. Even though we didn't prepare specifically for her that day, we know that the Spirit led us in that lesson. We really taught to her needs. When we asked questions all of her answers were evidence that she's seeking the truth! She grew up in Rochester, N.Y., so we taught her about Joseph Smith. She didn't realize that all of that happened so close to her home! The Spirit was strong! She gave such a sincere prayer, asking to know the truth. She even noted that she felt "something" when we offered the opening prayer. She is excited to read the Book of Mormon too! We have another appointment with her Wednesday!!
We walked out of there on cloud 9! The Lord truly blessed us! We had been working hard all week, doing what we could without really finding anyone new to teach, and Morgan was placed in our path! Ah-mazing!
Sister Brooks and I have also been pondering how we've hit this point in our mission where we are just bold. BEING BOLD IS THE BEST. We ask people right away if they're interested or if they're willing to act on our message. At the beginning of my mission, I often thought I had to disguise our message in this pretty wrapping paper with a bow, in hopes that the person would be attracted to our message. But I've hit the point now where I don't want to waste my time with those who are not ready yet. My sands are running and I want to find those who are prepared and are willing to come closer to Christ!
Love you all so much! Thank you for your prayers and notes of encouragement. They mean the world to me❤
Until next month....
Sister Burton
2500 N. Bristol St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
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| Bowling last p-day with Ryan! |
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| Lunch in the park! |
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| Hair accessories. |
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| In the words of Sister Brooks, we picked up some investi-taters! |
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| Zone Conference with my precious companion. |
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| CDA convention. Look at them pearly whites! |
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