Mother's Day and Exchanges

Hello Dear family!!                                                                                        May 7, 2013

I loved getting on my email today and seeing the emails from you, so happy and positive, I am so glad that you are doing well!!! :)

Ok, so for mothers day, we will be calling around 4:30 here so... 5:30 there right?   We will be at the Boyes home (the same one as Easter) they offered to have us over and to use skype.   I'm not exactly sure how skype works, and I don't have one... or anything, so I'll probably use theirs, but mom, didn't Sister Boyes email you?   Email her and ask her what her name is or... well... I just don't know how it works. But, I know that it will all work out :) and if you don't hear back from her, I'll call first and add you on skype or whatever, and well…it will work :)   Ok, does that make sense?   5:30 your time.  Skyping hopefully!  I can't wait to talk to you, it will be fabulous!

This week has been a good one!   We went on exchanges last week, and Sister Longhurst went to the other area and I stayed here, so I was in charge of this area, which was a little bit stressful, but also so awesome! It was a great experience for me, since I was a little bit more in charge, I knew the families, and I was able to lead the discussions.   It was something that I've only started to do in our 12 week training program, so it was a little different, but it was great! And I have a testimony of the Holy Ghost, I am not the teacher here, only the mouthpiece.  This is the Lord's work and I am just an instrument.  I am not mighty, (thanks dad for that thought from President Uchtdorf)  but it is by small and simple things that great things are brought to pass.  And I know that that is true!! :)  So our exchanges went well, and I think my confidence increased, as well as how much I depend on the Lord! :)

We had Zone Conference yesterday.  And it was FABULOUS!  I was able to see a few missionaries from my MTC district that I haven't seen for 3 months, and then, we were all Spiritually fed and able to learn more about how we can be better missionaries! Which was just wonderful! :)  So that was grand, and being taught by the Spirit like that reminded me about the MTC, and I am so glad that we continue to have trainings so that we can continue to be better missionaries!

I realized that I don't really share a whole lot all the time about what we are doing here.  This area is a hard one honestly, even President commented yesterday (as we were talking about desires)  He asked if my desire was to do what I had been called to do, I smiled and said yes.  And he said to everyone “see she's smiling even though she is in one of the hardest area's of the mission".  This area is hard to work with simply because we can only find through our own efforts so much, we really need the help of the ward, with referrals and members at our lessons.   But there is a disconnect somewhere, so we don't get too many referrals.  But we get up every day and we do our best.  We talk to members to get to know them, and sometimes their friends that aren't members come up.  We are patient as we work with our ward council, and do what we can to help them.  And as we are obedient the Lord blesses us (for example, Kirk).  Things do happen as we are obedient!  And Yes, I LOVE this ward, I LOVE this area, I love love love San Clemente.   But the missionary work is slow, but I am learning patience, to trust in the Lord and His timing.  It has been a wonderful experience so far, and I am so glad that I am serving here! that I am able to help strengthen this area of the Lord's vineyard!   :)    And yes, you should tell Trevor that I'm also known as the missionary that smiles all the time (at least according to President) it must be a Burningham thing ;)

  

We fill our days with visiting members, going through our potential investigators sheet in our area book and talking with less actives.   We stay busy, and get home tired.   But a good kind of tired.  One thing that I really have been focusing on is exactly what President Hinckley's dad told him to do, "forget yourself and go to work."  It is hard sometimes.  But I've found that as I focus on the people, on the Lord, I am happier, I am more motivated, the days go by so quickly and I just want to do better and better each day.  I am learning truly what it means to serve God with all my heart, might, mind and strength, and it is amazing. Simply amazing :) I love being a missionary!!

I'm glad that things are going well at home, that concert was great, I can't wait to see pictures! ;)  I’m glad that things are going well and that Karson and Easton are being as cute as always!

About dance, I don't think Angela has ever taken anyone off. Kenna, I love that you are worried about that, I remember feeling that exact same way when I'd been on Varsity my Junior year and I was so anxious to find out if I'd be on Varsity again.   But I know that you have been working hard, I don't think you need to worry.  But I understand completely about why you are worried.  We must be sisters or something, we have some of the same fears. ;)

Hmmm I think we may get a Conference Ensign, but only one.   I would LOVE to have my own so that I can study it, it was an amazing conference and I am so glad that we have the Ensign so that we can constantly remember what the prophet is telling us today! :)  

Wow, I have had a lot to say today! :)  Which I do think is a great thing! :)   And I'm sure things will happen between now and Sunday, I am excited to talk to you!! :)   And I don't think I will get homesick.  Because I have found a trick that works for me.   Well actually a few.   There have been a few mornings (actually a few weeks ago) when I would wake up and just have the thought "I don't want to be here." I knew that it wasn't my thoughts, that it was from Satan.  So I would run, and then, I wouldn't think about home or about me.  I'd think about the people we would see that day, the things that the Spirit had been teaching me.   And it worked!  So I've been homesick a few mornings every now and then, but then I remember why I came out on a mission, to share what we have with others, to serve our Heavenly Father, the list goes on, but as I remember those things, as I forget myself, suddenly I am not homesick, and I am truly enjoying myself! I am blessed in that way! :) 

Well, I love you all!   I am so grateful that we are able to talk to each other weekly, and well, hmm it is wonderful!    I have a challenge for you this week, yesterday at our Zone Conference we were talking about desires, and how we will begin to teach people when we know of their deepest desires.  So I was thinking, what is my deepest desire?   I came up with an answer this morning as I was getting ready, my deepest desire is to become as Christ is, so that I will know Him when I see Him, because I will be like Him.    So I ask you, what is your deepest desire?  And what is one thing that you can do each day that will bring you closer to that desire that you have :)   

I love you so much! Thank you for your love and support!!    I hope that you have a marvelous week, I'll talk to you soon!   On Sunday ;)! 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!!!

Love, Sister Taylor Burningham!

P.S.  Awesome, I can't wait to get my package! ;)  and for the next one in a few weeks.... sunglasses. My green ones, and maybe my pink and clear ones as well.  See, I have amazing luck when it comes to sunglasses, and one of the lenses in my current ones has a crack going right down the middle.  Getting bigger and bigger too.  haha.  Oh well :)  But that’s all!  ;)

I love you! :)  Talk to you soon!  Hugs and Kisses! 

Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole

Hello dear family :)                                                 April 30, 2013

I hope all is well in Provo!  Today in San Clemente, it is a little overcast, and I am sure that is because we washed our car this morning, we did the rain dance, so I'm sure the rain will come :)

So about our week, Helping Hands was a TON of fun!   We planted a bunch of flowers on a really big hill by a park in SC.   It was fun, we got dirty, and we wore these yellow vests that said 'Mormon Helping Hands" which was kind of cool :)  And fun!  

We've been looking for new investigators, we're still teaching Angie, but we haven't seen her a whole lot recently, but we try to keep daily contact with her, thank goodness for our cell phone! :)    Also, we had a miracle last week, well 2 actually! The first happened Thursday night, a member in our ward called us to tell us about a lady he had just met, Anne.  He told us to go over and invite her to our ward party on Friday. So Friday afternoon we went over to her house, she was super nice and she is so ready to hear the gospel.  Her son (who has Mormon friends) got home just as we had asked her if she would come to the party, she asked him and he said yes.  So, miracle number one, They came to the party!! Miracle number two, the ward party was on the beach, and we got permission to go!   It was great fun! :)  And thank goodness that it was warm!   :)  But, I got to walk on the sand, which was pretty great.  I rather enjoyed it.    But we were able to talk to Anne, and she is interested for her son to learn more, but I think that she will be interested too as we go over there again, which will be sometime this week!    

We weren't able to do exchanges yet, but tomorrow! So I'll share about that next week! :)

  

Today will be different, in our apartment we don't have our own washer and dryer, so we do laundry at a member’s home, but they don't have water today, so laundry mat it is! That will be a new adventure ;) but things are still great! :)   

It is so great to hear from you!   I love the emails and the letters! :)   I can feel your love and support, and I know that I truly am where I need to be, and that the Lord is blessing all of us through this sacrifice.  I love to hear about all of the good things that you are doing (FHE and reading the Book of Mormon, etc.)  It is wonderful to know that you are all striving to keep the Lord in your lives! :)

I've learned a few things this past week.   One is that truly God is our Heavenly Father, He knows each of us, He LOVES each of us.   He is in everything that we do!   I think that sometimes I forget the love that He has for me, but it is there, and it is real!  We knew Him before we came to earth, we talked with Him and learned from Him.  We trusted Him. We knew that this life wouldn't  be easy, but we wanted to be like Him, so here we are today!  Striving to become as He is daily!  He doesn't expect us to be perfect, He expects us to try.  And I love that.  I love that I can turn to Him and lean on Him and that He will be there to answer and guide me, but I need to make the first step!

Another thing I have discovered in the scriptures in the past little while is this phrase "they faith hath made thee whole."  I first noticed it in Enos 1:8, then I turned to the New Testament because I knew that it said it in there.  And I've found it several times, (Mark 5:34, 10:52, Matt 9:22, and Luke 8:48)  This phrase stuck out to me, it is what the Savior’s response is to those who have come to Him for forgiveness or for physical healing.   'Thy faith hath made thee whole.'  Our faith is what allows the Atonement of Jesus Christ to work in our lives!   So, I want to ask, what can you do today to strengthen your faith?  :)  Just something to think about!    

I hope that this week is a great one for all of you!   I am so grateful that we are able to talk once a week!! :)

For mother's day, I will let you know next week!  I don't know if we will do skype, but I will let you know about that! :)   I think that we will be calling in the morning before church, but Sister Longhurst and I will talk about the details and I'll get back to you on that one :)  Sorry we haven't talked about it yet, otherwise I'd let you know today! 

Have an amazing week!  Keep the Spirit with you, write down the miracles that you see!  :)   

I love you mom! I love you dad! I love you Kenna!    I hope you have a marvelous week!   I'll talk to you soon! :)

Love, 

Sister Taylor Burningham 

Painting and Happiness

Dear Family,                                                                    April 23, 2013

Things are going well here in San Clemente California!  

As you know, Kirk was baptized on Saturday!  That was very special!  I feel so blessed that I was able to be a part of this miracle!   He literally walked into church, and a month later his eyes were shining as he came up out of the water, a new and clean man.   It was very amazing, and the ward was very supportive!  Also, his nonmember kids came, and his daughter liked it, and well we haven't heard what his two sons thought yet, but I am sure they felt the Spirit!!  :)   

WOW!!!!! AMERICA'S GOT TALENT!!! Oh my goodness!!! That is super exciting!   Good luck to all of Varsity, let them know that I said good luck!  :)   I'm sure it will be an amazing experience, please tell me all about it, and take as many pictures as you can!! And think of me and how close we are!    And no, I don't think I'll get homesick, even though you are so close, and so is grandma and grandpa and Karson, Easton and Natalie and Kyle.   I think that it is wonderful!  :)   And dad, have fun staying busy! :)   It will be a great week I can feel it!

So, this past week has been pretty good.  On Saturday we helped out with the youth conference service project which included painting a railing, and that was  a lot of fun. And I got paint all over my arm, and when I led the music at the baptism, some of it was still there so I am sure that may have been a little interesting! ;)   But it was a great opportunity to serve, and we will be serving again this Saturday, they do something called "Mormon Helping Hands" here in Cali, and well, that is this Saturday and we are looking forward to that!

Right now we are looking for more investigators and really trying to serve the ward.  Amanda, who we used to teach, asked us not to come by, because she needed some time to think.   We are praying that she may realize that she is missing something in her life and that piece that she is missing is the gospel!   Angie, is up in the air, we'll be talking to her tonight and well, she is so ready, she just doesn't fully understand why she needs the gospel.

I feel so blessed that we have always had the gospel, and that my testimony continues to grow each and every day!    My mission is such a short period of time, there is much to accomplish and much work to be done.  This week I am working on being more bold, not being so afraid to share what I know to be true.  So far, it has already helped a lot, and I know that I will continue to be able to be bold like Alma and Ammon as I open my mouth!!

So, I hope this week goes well for you, I hope that you stay close to the scriptures, and I love that you are watching conference! :)   It was an amazing session, once the Ensign comes out, and if we get one, I want to try and go through a talk maybe every week, along with my notes so that I can see what the Lord would have me do to improve my life and bring me closer to Him! 

This upcoming week should be a good one, we are going on exchanges tomorrow, and I’ll be staying here!  So I'll be a little bit more in charge, since I know the people and the families! I'll tell you all about that next week!   Also we have a zone training next week and then zone conference the week after, so that will be fun!  I love being able to see more and more missionaries! :)    

     

The gospel is true.   Jesus Christ is our Savior.   We do have a Father in Heaven, and He wants us all to be able to return to Him.  Think this week about one thing that you can do to come closer to your Savior and your Father in Heaven, then do it!!! :)

 I Love you all! I am seeing the Lord's hand in my life each and everyday! I hope you are as well!!

Keep smiling and trusting the Lord. 

Philippians 4:13 :)

I love you!!

Have an amazing day and a grand week!!!! :)

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!

Love,

Sister Taylor Burningham

P.S.  Thanks for the jeans and the emu oil and the snacks and the cards and the post card :)  

Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Baptisms

April 16, 2013

Well, Hello!! :)   Another week has come and gone, and well... here I am! :)

I don't know if the lady actually texted you, but last Friday we ate with a member family, and they had friends from Utah visiting, and one of the ladies said that she would send you a text, so, I hope that she did, but if not, she was going to tell you that I am doing well, and I am!

We had interviews with President Cook yesterday, and then today he'd sent me a message that said, "I never have to worry about you."  And yesterday he told me that he was glad that I am always so happy and positive.   And well, I try, but there are days that do get very hard, but it is so wonderful, this work! The gospel is so wonderful!   I am so blessed!! We are so blessed!!!  I am so grateful that I am here and that I am able to be a part of this wonderful and great work!   

So, my subject for this message,  I LOVE chocolate covered strawberries, and the family that we ate with on Friday always sends some chocolate covered strawberries home with us! And I am so glad! So that is one thing I am grateful for this week, chocolate covered strawberries!

Another thing I am grateful for is this upcoming Saturday!!! Cause Kirk is getting baptized!!!! :)   He is so READY!  I mean, on Sunday, he got up and bore his testimony during sacrament meeting.  And, he was the first one after the bishopric member to get up.  I think I was grinning like a fool! The most amazing thing to realize is that I am only the instrument in this.  I bear testimony, but the Spirit is the teacher.  The Lord is the one who knew Kirk, and had him be in his different situations so that he could meet Dora who introduced him to the church, and then to us.  But it is so wonderful that he is going to be starting on his path to eternal life!!

I also bore my testimony on Sunday.  Though, it wasn't my first time up on the stand, I've prayed 2 times in Sacrament already.  Which is fine, just funny that they always ask the missionaries!  :)    

To answer your question, I could be here for only 5 more weeks, or a few more months.   Really, I am not sure!   My district leader has been in this area for almost 9 months, and some people are only in an area for 3.  But, I do love it here, we are trying to help the ward get more involved with our work, because we really can't do anything without them!    

I'm glad things are going well at home! Have fun with the boys today,  I send my love, via email!   Also, don't forget my dance bag in the package!    

But, I love that things may be busy, but that you are keeping the Lord close to you! This gospel truly will help us through every single thing that we go through! And I am so grateful!!!!   

I hope this week goes well for all of you!!

HAPPPPPPPPYYYYYY BBBBIRRRTHDAY DADDY!

But, I love you! I hope you have a great week! You are in my prayers, and I know that the Lord is with each of us as we are apart at this time! And He is blessing us!  He will give us strength, we just need to remember to turn to Him! 

I'm glad that you went a day without technology! I've been thinking a lot about this recently, all that we have here on Earth, a lot of it is just things.  Things that we can't take with us after this life.   Remember what is most important.   I want to do better at not being so attached to things.  But rather have my eyes on the things of God, the things that will help us grow closer as a family, and grow closer to the Lord!!

I love you!!!!!!

I'll talk to you soon!!! :)

Love, Sister Burningham!

P.S. I counted the mini coopers I saw yesterday (I see tons everyday) but I saw 9 yesterday.  Woot... :) They are so cute! 

Anyway, have a great week!  :)   Keep smiling! The Lord is with us!

A Week of Miracles

Hello Dear Family!!                                                                                                                April 9, 2013

Things sound amazing and fun!   

This week has been a great one!!  :)   I have loved it! This week I really focused on not thinking about me or about home.   I don't do that often anyway, but for the past few weeks I'd noticed that Wednesdays were really hard days, so I was determined to make it not that way last week. And it wasn't.   I was up and ready and focused on the Lord.   We parked a little bit further away from our appointments so that we could walk and talk to people as we go!   Which helped a lot, it is really scary sometimes to start a conversation with someone you don't know, but sometimes.... you meet a deaf man!! That was pretty cool!  I was able to sign to him, granted I haven't done ASL in 2 years, and I know NO church signs, but it was still really awesome, and it still makes me happy to think about!  Since then, I've been teaching Sister Longhurst some signs, it has been quite fun!  :)

Also, Kirk is getting baptized on April 20th at 4:30.  I've been able to teach him 2 times this past week!  He has such a strong testimony already!   Just last night, before we even started the lesson (which was on the word of wisdom), he bore testimony of how he had felt the Spirit so much stronger since he had stopped drinking alcohol, and that he had told his son that they wouldn't have alcohol anymore in their house.  He is already living the gospel, he truly is a 'golden investigator' but it is still amazing to be a part of this process, to see that God truly does prepare people for His word, and that He gives us what we need to tell them, right in the moment of need! :)  Wow, it's been amazing!  I am so grateful that I chose to serve a mission!!  I know that we will all be blessed because of it!!  

Six weeks you know!   Transfers today, two elders in our district will be leaving, but I’ll be staying for at least six more weeks, we'll see after that where I’m going!  Or if I'm staying! But I do LOVE San Clemente!   Someday, we'll come on a trip and I'll show you all sorts of places and things I did here!

Conference was FABULOUS!!! :)  I loved it!  Didn't you? What was one thing that you noticed that you want to start doing?!?   :)   I noticed how ALL of the Apostles were very bold in testifying.   This Gospel is true, and they testify BOLDLY of it!  I'll be working on that, being more bold in what I believe!  And even though it was different to be at a stake center watching it, it was still great!  Still powerful! I love it!! :)

I'm glad you got the pictures from Sister Boyes!  We LOVE that family, they recently just moved into the ward, but, they are great and very strong in the gospel, we had our lesson with Kirk there last night! :)    And McKenna, most boys don't do their hair like they do in the picture....     They have interesting style, but they can pull it off.  But most people look like people in Utah :)  haha.

  

Ben is going to Orgeon!?!  Alec to THAILAND!   Crazy! And cool!  When do they head out!?   Amazing that so many people are leaving so soon! :)  The work is extending, and people around the world are being prepared to hear the Gospel! 

HAHA!!  Funny story!! I'm glad you finally got asked Kenna, I bet it will be incredibly fun! :)   Prom was always a fun date, just cause you get to be all dressed up!   But oh, that is a pretty funny way of what happened when he asked you!   :)

hmmm of things to send in the package, emu oil (which yes, is helping), dance bag... and jeans.  The ones that me, mom and Kenna have.  With the button pockets (that are too long for me).   See, we eat.  A lot. Which is quite fantastic, the ward is amazing at signing up to feed us.... so we eat a lot.   So I may have gained a few pounds (which is good) but my current jeans are sometimes a little too tight (I wear them on P-day when we are at home, or hiking)  oh, Hiking, that was fun, we just were on this random trail, which the elders decided to go off of, so it was an adventure, and I forgot sunscreen.  But I didn't get too burned!  The raccoon eyes only lasted a few days ;)   haha!

  

Things are going well!   We are still working with our investigators and always looking for more!  Our mission has just over 100 baptisms so far, and we are working!  We will get 300!  Still not really any news about the new mission yet, but I'll keep you updated! :)    I am happy!   And LOVING the work! :)   It is truly the one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life!   I get to share my testimony, and I am learning so much about myself and about the Lord!

Since transfers are today, we don't get mail till tomorrow.... But I think I'll still write you a short letter anyway!   :)  Cause if you are anything like me, you love to get letters... so I'll write!!  Oh question, I tried to email pictures to you, did you get those?  Just wondering if it worked or not!  If not, you may just have to wait till I send my SD card.  The computers we use aren't super awesome, but I'm grateful for them!!! :)

  

Have an amazing week!! :) 

I LOVE YOU! I love you all so much!   I pray for you daily! And I know that the Lord is with you while I am here, serving Him!   Keep Him close! Oh, challenge for the week: One day this week disconnect from technology.  Maybe not completely, cause I know you have to use it for work and school and to talk to people.   But no facebook.  No instagram.  And only texting if it truly is important!   Talk to each other, do things together, study from the scriptures without worrying about the technology stuff.    Open yourself to receive the Spirit a little more!  It will be amazing!!    I promise!

So, I love you!  I’ll write to you soon!!   Tell Jordan Good luck, she will do great!  :)    Good luck at tryouts Kenna ;)  Dance great!!

And to all of you, Enjoy every single second, because once it is passed, we don't have it again, so make the most out of every situation! :) 

I love you!   I'll talk to you real soon!

Love, 

Sister Taylor Burningham

P.S. 8 weeks! Can you believe it!?!? 

Easter Sunday

The sisters (Taylor and Sister Longhurst) had dinner with the Boyes family in San Clemente.  Sister Boyes sent some photos of the day.  Her email said,

Hi!

We had the sisters over for Easter dinner last Sunday. Thought you might like to see some pictures! They are wonderful!

Love,
Sis Val Boyes
San Clemente Ward

April 2, 2013

Hello Family!!!                                                                          April 2, 2013

Have fun in Seattle!!! :)    You are…on a plane I think!! That is super fun! I am sure! :)

This week has been a good one!  The Spirit has been amazing!  I'm learning new things! And we hung up donuts on a tree, officially, the tree of life!  (I’ll send pictures. in my next email) 

But, this week has been a good one, we have been going to see more and more people. Since we really find people through members, we are trying to help the ward be excited about missionary work and seeing where that will lead us!   I'm glad that you are doing some missionary work as well, it will be amazing, I promise you!

Tour sounds like it will be a blast, cannot wait to hear about it! 

So, it was Easter on Sunday!  That was a great day!  We had dinner with the Boyes family, and she took some pictures so, she said that would send you some pictures, let me know if you get them!  But we did an Easter egg hunt, and that was just pretty fun!

The missionary work is going GREAT!    Two investigators came to church on Sunday!  Kirk and Richard!   Kirk.... IS GOING TO BE BAPTIZED ON APRIL 20th!!   We are super stoked, and I still haven't taught him.  ;)   We went on splits with ward missionaries on Wednesday night, so I wasn't there.   But he is progressing, and we are glad.    Also, Angie (Angela)  Not sure if I mentioned her, but she is our newest investigator!  She is so ready to be baptized, she has so many questions, and well... we just need to invite her!   The Lord does prepare people for us, their hearts are being prepared.  It is so wonderful!

I am learning from the people we see as well, I'm learning things about like... what I want in my future home, I am so grateful for our family and the unity we have, and the peace that we have in our home! That is such a blessing that not everyone has, we are so blessed!  And I'm growing spiritually! 

I hope that the family is well! how is Rylie doing?!?!?   And Karson?!?  My arm is doing great.  People ask about my scar.  I've told my story a lot.   But that is ok!   The scars are fading a bit.  Though I do need more Emu gold.  I think I'll try to look for it... I just don't know were.   Oh, I'd like my dance duffle, so I can use it for a 72 hour kit bag :)    It's under my bed.  Just take out my dance shoes and put them... in my closet or something.   I can't really think of anything else yet, my clothes are good, so for now, we are all set!  Thanks for the Easter Candy!!!    We've been having lots of that lately, it is quite yummy!! :)

Thank you so much for all of your love and support!  I know this wasn't a super long email, but I’m also going to send some pictures! :)

   

I love you all so much!!

Have an wonderful day and a Fabulous week!! Watch some waves for me, that is one of my favorite things to do!! :)   

I love you! :)  All of you!

And yes, you could print out the emails, that would be awesome!  And I'll forward the ones from others that I want you to print! 

I love you!!!! I’ll talk to you soon!!! :)  and yes, I'll keep smiling!! :)  

  

LOVE,  Sister Taylor Burningham 

This is me.. and sister Longhurst. and the ocean. and the tree of life (it was for the primary kids)  enjoy!!! :)