Sister Burton Takes on Anaheim!: Week 53: A $40 miracle!

As you can tell by the subject line, this email is going to be well worth every penny! We had a fantastic week! We didn't find anyone new to teach BUT we saw so many miracles, as we went about looking for the prepared souls.

*We had our pass off lesson with Teresa and Elders from another YSA ward. The lesson went so well and again, I am amazed at how prepared Teresa is! In her prayer at the end, she said, "I've been really looking forward to this! Thank you for the Elders and Sisters and their help." Just so sincere, bless her heart! She is in good hands! We look forward to her baptism soon!

*Like I mentioned last week, we've had members sign up to come out finding with us! We saw so many miracles! Baylee came out with us on Friday and she mentioned a friend from her youth that she hadn't seen in awhile, so we went hunting her down! At first she wasn't home, but as we walked away, we noticed $40 sitting on the sidewalk in front of her neighbor's house. We were utterly confused because we hadn't seen anyone walk by recently. We knocked on the neighbor's door and lo and behold, a YSA aged young man, Garrett, opened the door. We asked if it was his money and he got really confused. He was surprised that we didn't just take it. The whole money mystery was the perfect segway into the gospel! We had an amazing conversation with him. He HIMSELF even mentioned he didn't think it was a conincidence that we met him. He's been trying to figure out what he believes and has been confused with so many different churches. He committed himself to reading The Book of Mormon! We didn't get to set up an appointment, but we hope to stay in touch and go back soon to teach him more. Who knew $40 could lead you to someone who was prepared?!

*Saturday a lesson fell through, but our bomb member, Mary (who has helped us out so much before), came out with us anyways. We had some good conversations and we even randomly knocked into a 16 year old that's investigating in another ward. Who'd of thunk?

*Saturday we attended a Stake baptism (which was a first for me) with Fawn! She had no words to describe how powerful the service was. She even had some questions about what her baptism will be like. Amazing! She has been and will be busy for the next 2 weeks as she finishes up her finals. She mentioned that she's felt guilty that she hasn't been able to make time for God as much as she should, but she's trying. We're continuing to stay in close contact and help her these next few weeks, by that time she'll have more time to prepare for her baptism!

*We finally got a new ward missionary leader who is fresh back from his mission. Aaron is gonna be great!

*Saturday night we had a unique experience! We were at an apartment complex park where we were walking around talking to people. We walked past an older couple that was sitting on a park bench crying. We approached them and she opened up to us and said that they're having some problems with their son. She told us she'd been praying all day and was just about to give up hope in God and then we showed up. Her husband, with tears in his eyes and through his broken English, kept saying "Wow. This is incredible. Thank you". We testified and the Spirit was so, so strong. It was amazing!
That moment was a testimony builder for me. We are placed in the paths of people who need us...everyday....whether or not we know it. My challenge to you is to continue following the promptings you receive. You may not realize the answer to prayers that you might be for others, but I testify that you CAN be! People need you!

This Thursday I hit my 1 year mark as a full-time missionary! I can't believe I've been out this long! I am so grateful to be out here in California, sharing the gospel. It sure hasn't been easy, but it has been joyful and worth it! I love being a missionary and getting to serve my brothers and sisters here! What a blessing! I love this time of my life!

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