Monday, February 18, 2013

First Letter From the MTC

  
Hello Family!!!

Well, I'm just replying to this email from dad, so that I could remember his email ;)  

Today is P-day, and I love it, it has been giving me a little more time to think!!! 

We are really busy here at the MTC, like busy all the time.   I'll send home my MTC schedule once I leave.    It's been busy, and I'm also sending you all letters, because we are doing laundry right now and have to wait for that, and then I've got 3 hours later!   So you'll all get letters!  

But, I'll summarize today, and then, you'll probably get them Wednesday (the post office place is closed today I think).  But, I must say that I loved your letters, and all the letters that I received from everyone else.    I LOVE getting letters, they always make my day, so tell people to write, even if I can't write back!  But I do love getting mail, it always makes my day!  Even though I can't read it until about 9:30 each day.  
 
Like I said, the schedule is pretty, ok REALLY busy.  I'm not as overwhelmed now, and Thursday was the  only day that I've been homesick  which is a good thing.  But, back to the schedule.   Every morning I get up either at 6  or 6:15 or 6:30, really just depending on what the schedule for the day is (everyday everything is in a different order).  But usually things start around seven.  Personal study.  or planning.  Or breakfast.  Or class.   Lots of time to study during the day, and then meals seem sooo close together.   (8, 12:30, 5:30) so actually not super close, but it feels that way during the day.   I love my teachers!  They really know what they are talking about, and they are very helpful, and well, I'm trying to retain all that I can.  But it's hard.  Like I've mentioned, and what everyone says, is that the  MTC is like being really thirsty, and trying to get  a drink, and drink as much as you can, from a fire hose that is right in front of your face.  But somethings I remember, and understand.  Other things I just write down, in hopes that I'll look at it later and remember more.  But the spirit is amazing.  I love it!  It is just so wonderful to have so many missionaries in one place!! Crazy, but great!

I wrote all about the food in your letters, so you'll just have to wait for that!
Sunday's.  Every single day since I got hear I've heard nothing but "if you can make it to Sunday, you are going to be fine."  That made me very curious obviously.   But, I realized it is true.   There are no classes.  We started with sacrament meeting in our branch (which has... quite a few districts, like 5.  4 of which leave tomorrow. So we'll be the only district that knows what is going on come next Sunday)  Oh, me and Sister Setoki are "online portal experts" I think is what it is called.  We just help the missionaries in our branch/zone/I'm not really sure how that works yet with the stuff that we have to do online.  Anyway.  Sacrament was good.  Then we got to go watch music and the spoken word.  And for Relief society, Sister Reeves (in the general RS presidency) spoke to us!  Wow!!   We had lunch and then a district meeting.  One of the members of our branch presidency talked to us.   

I loved this quote that he actually shared with me on my interview on Thursday, after I told him I was homesick.   "You feel the joy of soaring only after the fear of falling"   So, sometimes we have to take leaps of faith, but then we will soon enjoy the risk that we took!! :)   I liked that.

We got to go on a temple walk.  And to be honest it felt WONDERFUL to be somewhere outside the little MTC campus.  It almost felt unreal!   But great.  And freezing!!!  After dinner, we  had a devotional, from Brother Littlefield (helps do mission calls)  he and his wife talked about miracles.  WOW!!!   I hope to see many miracles on my mission.  I already have seen a few, or at least some tender mercies, which in my mind, are mini miracles. 
Look for miracles in your lives! :)  They are all around us.

I went to the temple this morning, it was great to be there, so familiar and wonderful!  Plus, I saw the Ferner's!!!!!  It was wonderful, and probably made my day.   

So, things are going well, better and better each day!  :)   I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve the Lord, and be a representative of the Savior.  

Sorry if I missed any questions that you asked, but Hopefully in my letters, they have a little more detail.  
oh.  I got the cupcakes (YUMMY! Shared with Sister Setoki, and two other sisters in my district, Sister Fluckiger and Sister Mortensen (did I mention she was in my district!!! Small world))  And I got the package with the cheeto's.   No mail today I don't think, but tomorrow.... so send me letters :)   makes me feel great after a long day, knowing I have something I can go open and get love from!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!
Right now, Thinking of you!!!

Love, Sister Burningham!

Monday, February 11, 2013

The Farewell

My farewell was yesterday.  And boy was I nervous!  In young women's we are asked to speak in sacrament, for... oh about 5 minutes.  Yesterday I spoke for 15 (I think)!  I was nervous to give a long talk.  And  I was nervous to have so many people come to hear me speak.  Our chapel was full!  But it was wonderful, I felt so blessed and loved!  To see family and friends sitting there, supporting my decision, it was a great feeling.    
Then we had lunch at our house....  Holy people!  There were at least 100 people in our house, now our house may look big, but for that many people, until we got food and went upstairs and spread out, were were shoulder to shoulder, but it was still fun.   And I'm sorry if I didn't get a chance to even see everyone, there were just so many people, I was a little overwhelmed.
So here are some people, getting food... 

And here are some more, same shot, different people.  Shows a little better of how many people were actually there! 


And Now I have some shots of me with people.  Lauren, Me and Bronte


And me and Bronte.  Which I have to talk a little about.   and I'll try not to cry.  We didn't cry yesterday, but it was hard not too, for both of us I think.   I've known this girl since I was 3 years old.  Dang, crying already.   We grew up best friends.   We played together, laughed together.  Made up stories.  And last night I was watching home videos, and it was Christmas, and I got this Disneyland polly pocket, and I go "when Bronte and Maddie come over, we're going to have so much fun"  Needless to say, we have lots of memories together.  I guess I was so overwhelmed yesterday that it didn't really hit me that I was leaving, and that we wouldn't see each other for 18 month.  But I look forward to hearing from her!   I am glad that we are still close and that we will be lifelong friends!  :) Love you Bronte! But, please don't get married while I'm gone, I'd love to be a bridesmaid, and I you'll be one for my wedding as well!!! 



And me and Jordan.   Both soon to be serving the Lord.  She'll be in Oregon, and I'll be in California.  I love this girl.  Probably my best girl friend from team.   She is great!  And we had many adventures as well!  Especially our love arrows.  I'll miss that, you can't really send those via letter.  But it will be fun to hear from her!! Love you Jordan!!


 Oh Alex.  I love her.  She's a beauty (and so is every female that I am related to) But, she's a little older than Kaytlin and so... some of my guy friends thought she was attractive, and wanted her number.  I'm sorry if it was awkward Alex, but I love you  and you are pretty!   I hope you have a good time your senior year, I can't wait to hear all about it!!!  I love you, and Tyra, who I don't think I got a picture with! Darn!  But I can't wait to hear from you guys!!!


Most of these boys (Jared, Jordan, Aaron, and Alec)  Stayed close to the end of when everyone else had left.  Literally.  Thanks guys.  Random. But thank you! For your love, support, and making me laugh yesterday.  This was one of those moments.   They decided that I needed to teach them the first discussion.  I didn't.  I just laughed and rolled my eyes.   I won't do that I promise while I am serving.  But, I felt that they were just being annoying, so... no lesson for them (plus they are all already members, and some of which, are turning in papers!  Good luck guys! So proud of you!)


Then here is some family!! I love this family, we are very close to them since we watch Karson and Easton every week! I Love them.  That is really all that I can say! 


Oh McKenna.  How I love you!   I look forward to hearing all about your senior year, and life while I am gone.  Don't worry about friends.    You have them!  They surround you!  And we have family, all around us!!   And you have the perfect friend, the Savior.   Turn to Him in every hard moment, every easy moment, make Him your best friend, and yes there will be hard days, but He will lift you up!! I promise! I love you Kenna, I'll miss you a lot!   But,  we'll both be blessed.  


And my parents, I am so glad that I was able to speak with all of these people today in church.   They always lift me.    I love their hugs.  I love our conversations.   I'll live through your letters (and teaching the gospel of course)   I'll miss your voices, and physical presence, but I know that it will go by fast!  And I am so blessed to have the knowledge that we will be together forever!  Wednesday may hold some tears, but what is 18 months compared to eternity!!!  I love you.


And Spencer.    My best friend.   He understands me in ways that I would never have thought possible. I love him, and I love his family!  I look forward to hearing from them (obviously, I look forward to hearing from everyone!)  But, he holds a special place in my heart! I'll miss him greatly,  but as with my family, the time will only be but a small moment!

And of course, we had to be a little silly!  Always having a good time, thats us!!! 


Karson was tickling my foot, the little stinker!  But I love him.  And Easton.  I think my heart will break when I have to say bye to them on Tuesday.   I know it will go fast, but it doesn't mean that it will be easy, saying goodbye to those that I love so dearly.  My family and best friends!

and here's a few random, Jared.  I'm standing two (2!!!!!!) steps above him... He's tall.  I'll miss this kid.  We've been good friends for just over 5 years now. I'm grateful to have him in my life!   and yes, I can't wait to hear from him as well.

Alec, explaining something, not sure why he was holding my hand.   He's a character.  And a good listener.  Thanks for being easy to talk to, and thanks for staying so long.  

And I didn't get a picture with Racquel, but this was later, when everyone was gone except her and Spencer.  She was playing with Kenna's hair to see what they should do for sweethearts on Saturday!   I love her face in this picture!   Had to share it!   I love her.  Me her and Kenna have been very close these past.... 2 1/2-3 years. I am glad!  It has been wonderful! She too will be a lifelong friend. (and a bridesmaid!)   Can't wait to hear from you! 


And to those who I didn't post or get pictures with, I love you all as well!  Don't worry, and if I didn't post a picture, we didn't get one or it wasn't a great one.  But you'll still be in my heart!
I love my family! Love them!   Extended and intermediate.  Love!  Thank you for all of your support and love!  Thank you for coming over, sitting in my crowded house and just being there ! I'll miss you all!  And to all of my friends, I love you guys, we have been through a lot.  I am blessed, and proud to know you and call you my friends!!!

So....   my day was long, beautiful but long.  I went to bed very tired (probably something I am going to get used to).  I woke up this morning, ran, got ready and uploaded pictures and now I'm blogging.   :)    had to one last time.
I will do another post with my address(es) and I'll also put them up on the side of my blog, or a new tab.  That will probably work just as well!!
So, so long ( for me actually typing this)   Until we meet again, May God be with you!  Always!
Love,  Sister Taylor Burningham

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Missionary Blog

Well, this is it, I leave in... oh yes, six days!
I have been called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Carlsbad California.   I will be serving for 18 months, English speaking.  
My family will keep this blog updated with pictures, and letters (probably emails) that I will send home!  
I'd love for anyone to write me, I LOVE mail, but I don't have my MTC address yet, so I'll post again in a few days when I do have that!
So, everyone, have a marvelous day!
Love, Sister Burningham