This week was another wild and crazy week! Let's see if I can remember it all!
On Tuesday I went to Anaheim to go on exchanges with SISTER ZUFELT! We've been dreaming of being companions ever since our days in the MTC and we got to be comps for 24 hours! It was so neat to reflect on how much we've grown since our time in the MTC. We had such a great day finding and going about the work, joyfully! A miracle of the day was finding a recent convert and his non-member daughter, home. ( apparently the Sisters haven't been able to catch him home since they've been in the area!) His daughter is preparing to be baptized soon! We got to talk with her and figure out some details for her baptism! Overall, it was a fantastic day! Sister Zufelt is awesome!
We went to the local colleges a few times this week, which we usually do, but on Wednesday it was especially special. I approached a girl, whose name I later found out is Mahsa(from Iran). We began talking. She really didn't seem too interested in learning about Christianity, but I kept talking. Her heart seemed to soften and then she asked if we could sit down. (OF COURSE)! I talked about the Savior and a bit of the Plan of Salvation. She was EAGER to learn more! Mahsa wanted reading materials to study and to meet with us to "learn about the Jesus", so she said. I instantly felt a deep connection with her. We were probably friends in the pre-mortal life. Anyways, we are hoping to meet with her this week. Whether or not she is super serious about all this, I know that our paths were meant to cross.
Ok. So Morgan, is the girl we taught last Sunday. Well, we had another lesson with her Wednesday and we got to bring a member with us. We taught her the Plan of Salvation and she said she'd read parts of the Book of Mormon since our first visit. At the end of the lesson, she mentioned how she is really intrigued and wants to know if this is true, but doesn't really want to "settle down" right now. She really is a freebird and is enjoying the college life, but she isn't totally closed off. We know that there is still so much potential there, as she loves the Book of Mormon and wants to keep reading it, but doesn't want to commit to anything yet. We're hoping to continue to help her have spiritual experiences on her own so she can gain that witness for herself.
Friday we had another exchange! I stayed here in Irvine with Hermana Bello for the day! We had a day of service, but we still managed to do some finding. It was so cool to see her interact and speak with several different Spanish speakers. The gift of tounges is a real thing! The miracle of the day was towards the end of the evening. We were walking around an apartment complex and noticed a man on his balcony above us. We yelled out and started talking to him. He invited us to sit down with him and share more of our religion. His name is Arma and he's from Africa (super cool!) We were able to share our unique message and bear a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. He said he would try it out. We're planning to stop by this week and see! It was such a tender mercy getting to talk with him and bear testimony of this gospel! It's amazing how as a missionary, I'm able to connect with people from all around the world, right here in California! No matter how different we are, we are all Brothers and Sisters!
On Saturday night, just as we were wrapping up our night, we were drawn to knock on this certain apartment. Well, the lady let us right in. They were in the middle of the small, Christian group meeting from the Saddleback church. They were just about to pray, so we joined. They eached prayed and then we prayed! They had such a light about them! They were so appreciative for what we do as missionaries and blessed us with added strength and protection! They were such a sweet group of people! Even though our beliefs are different, we can still be unified with love for God and love for others!
Last night was so powerful! Brief rundown. There is this investigator, Andre. The Sisters have been working with him for months and he has been a tough case to crack! He is very passionate about his beliefs and often has very deep, philosophical thoughts that are hard to address. He is seeking truth, but its been a long process. ANYWAYS, I hadn't met him until last night. We quite frankly did not know what to teach him because we weren't totally sure if he was worth our time. We were able to have the lesson at a member's home because we knew the Spirit would be there! Well, let's just say that the Spirit was so tangible last night! The Spirit truly led us to talk about the things that needed to be talked about. Andre got along great with the Days and the conversation was a positive one, focused on God's love for His children. We went in unsure of what this lesson would bring and left with the Spirit, knowing that we can't drop him. For one reason or another, we still need to teach him. He even mentioned how the missionaries he talked to years ago gave up on him, but that these sisters have been persistent (which is fantastic that he noticed!) Wow, the Spirit truly leads and guides us. I'm so grateful for the Spirit!
I apologize if you read this whole thing (I know it's long this week...) BUT, apparently La Habra is on fire right now! I received word that Irene (the lady who dropped us when I was there because she was offended, but wanted to have us back just before I left the area). Well, SHE'S GETTING BAPTIZED SATURDAY! Ahhhh, I'm so excited! Stay tuned for pictures!
Several other friends in La Habra are on date, so I've got to get the low-down. But, wow, fantastic things are happening there!! It brings me so much joy!
Lastly, I've been thinking a lot about repentance this week. As a kid, I always felt that it was a doom and gloom kind of thing. But the more I've learned about the Savior, the more I've realized how HAPPY repentance is! What a blessing and gift to be able to have second, third, and fourth chances to try to be better?! Repentance is meant to be joyful! Be grateful that you have the opportunity to try again, because of our Savior and His gift to us!
LOVE YOU ALL! Thank you for the few of you who probably read all of this and stuck around til this point! Y'all are the best!
Love always,
Sister Burton
2500 N. Bristol St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
 |
| On Point Orange County |
 |
| Sister Zufelt |
 |
| Hermana Bello. I introduced her to Panera Bread. Best decision ever! |
 |
| Exchanges with Sister Zufelt. |
 |
| On Point! |
 |
| We met this precious little boy, Josue. Honestly, the best. He has a friend "Jocelyn" and when I told him that was my name, he freaked out! |
No comments:
Post a Comment