Sister Burnham: "Coming Home"

Family and Friends!!

Wow, it's crazy how this will be my last email as a missionary. It's hard to describe everything from a mission and especially the past 18 months of my life but overall it's been amazing. And I wouldn't change it for anything.

So I feel like I have so much to tell!! I think I might wait till I'm home to tell one story...haha let's just say that I've been stoned and almost punched. Haha It was scary in the moment and everything and I should have seen it coming but all is well and me and my companion were safe. We really were protected. So just had to experience that before I came home. It's a long story and I'll tell it when I come home or maybe over skype! I'll be seeing you soon!!

Besides that happening, I had the opportunity to go to Calapan!! It was the best trip and I realized that I had left a big piece of my heart there. It was home to me and the people are family :)

I think the most rewarding part though of the mission and the most beautiful part was serving and loving the Filipinos. I love these people so much and especially the ones that I had the opportunity to help into the waters of baptism. In Calapan I got to see Jane, Dorina, and Ricky. Ricky was the best part...he was just so excited to see me and I was too. And he's so converted!! Still goes to church, passes the sacrament and everything...he opened up to me when we visited how he was struggling right after I left and still is at times but teaching about the atonement and how through grace we can do all things through Christ, through faith and relying on Him, we can do ALL things. He cried and thanked me. I did too. I know that Ricky was one of those that I promised I would come to him. I just feel that kinda connection with him ever since I knew him. Same with others as well but him, he holds a very special place in my heart.

It was great to see the changes in Calapan, both good and some bad but even in me. A lot of people said I was skinnier and could speak tagalog now but I saw even more than that. The mission really did change me...but for good in so many ways. I still have a long way to go to become more like the Savior but I feel like this mission, has been the start on how to do so. And has given me the opportunities to become so. And I now know of a certainty of the truths that I've always known. But once you're tested, physically, mentally and spiritually, challenged by others of what you believe and had a few moments in Gethsemane...then you can really say that what you taught for 18 months or 2 years is really all true. And my life is changed because of that. It's amazing to look back now and see that. And now to look forward and see how much more prepared I am and how now I can face the future because of what the Lord has made of me in the past 18 months. My mission really means everything to me now.

This poem is something that Sister Peterson shared to us sisters when I was just new in the mission...it describes everything perfectly :)

As I stared out the window in silence
and wiping the tears from my eyes
I see all the faces of those that I love
we had just said our last good-byes.

The ride was long and trying
And two questions were plaguing my mind
Do I want the life that lies ahead
or the one that I just left behind.

Eighteen months is such a long time,
But others have given much more.
It’s contagious, this desire to keep driving on,
And hope for the very next door.

In no time at all you cherish each day,
The work is replaced with a song
All the good you can do, today’s not enough
There’s more and then more as time goes on.

As I sit once again reflecting
That the time has so swiftly gone by
It’s strange how this feeling’s familiar
And I blush cause I’m starting to cry.

As I stare out the window in silence
Wiping the tears from my eyes
I see all the missionaries and the contacts I love
We have just said our last good-byes

The ride was long and trying
And two questions were plaguing my mind
Do I want the life that lies ahead
Or the one that I just left behind.

It's hard to leave this life behind but I know that it will be okay. I can now come home as a changed person and continue to be what Heavenly Father wants me to be. I just want to let you all know how grateful I am to all you. I am so eternally grateful for all your prayers, your love and support. Thank you for loving me enough to let me go for 18 months and for allowing me to give back just a little of the many blessings I have. It will be good to come home to my greatest blessings :) I love you all so much and I'll see you all soon!

Mahal ko kayo!!!

Sister Burnham