Hearts are Prepared by the Lord

Magandang hapon sa lahat!!

Hello everyone!! Kumusta po kayo talaga?! I'm getting close to only having 8 months left in the mission field, crazy, huh? It's going by faster and faster ever week and I'm sad...but at the same time I'll be ready to come home in December. But not yet! Life in the Philippines is so much fun! Even though it is SO HOT! Haha It's been the hottest past few days I think...I feel this layer of sweat on my body while I'm sleeping and just throughout the day. It's gross but hopefully I'll lose weight from it. Haha :)

So walang transfers! Me and Sister Temaaka are still together. At first honestly, I was kinda dissapointed and a little upset. I was really wanting a change. And you just kinda get tired of being with the same person 24/7...so ya. But all is well now. I think Heavenly Father is trying to teach me to be more patient and more loving. Haha He knows I need to become more and Sister Temaaka is going to teach me that. So yep...it will be good. I still love her and everything. But everyone else in my zone got a transfer in their companionships...Three Elders are here from Mindoro! That I served with over there! Especially Elder McMillan. He was my favorite Australian zone leader over there, so now he's here again as my zone leader. It's great :)

But best news yet...Sandy's baptism is Saturday!! She passed her interview yesterday and she's about to get wet! Haha :) No, we are so excited for her. She's amazing. She's told us how she's always looked for the truth in her life and tried different churches but just felt like something was missing. But then the first time we taught her, she said she felt something different and she tired church that Sunday and knew this is what she had been missing. She hasn't missed church since and she's getting baptized. She's so happy too, she just has this light about her. He heart truly was prepared. The sad part though is that she knows a lot of members, and they know her. But nobody referred her to us! We found her on our own through tracking. I makes me think how many do we pass each day who are ready and are just waiting for us to invite them, to come and find what they are missing in their lives. I kinda wanted to shake the members but then I was guilt of that before my mission. I realized that there are those around us searching, maybe they don't know they are, but they are. And they are praying to find that light. I hope and pray that we can be a little bit more aware of those whose hearts are being prepared and those that Heavenly Father sends into our lives.

I love you all so much, know that you can all make a difference, whither you are in Round Valley, Tucson, Chile or the Philippines :) I know that hearts are being prepared and that Heavenly Father sends people into your life for a reason. Go make a difference and give people a piece of heaven.

Mahal ko kayo lagi!

Love, Sister Burnham

"The one of the picture of the random guy looks like Devon! Haha I found it in a members br...Devon, why didn't you tell me you served in Philippines? Haha!"

Easters.... More Fun in the Philippines?

Kumusta Family and Friends!

Happy Easters! I hope you had a good one coloring eggs and what not. I kinda missed that this year, that don't do that hear but they do something quite different...or the missed up Catholics do. So, on Friday, three days before the resurrection, the Catholics had a parade. But this was no normal parade...it was guys with coverings over their faces and practically whipping themselves on their backs with sharp metal chains. Ya...that was interesting. It was actually gross, and they were everywhere! Ugh, and even in some other places they crucify themselves. Talk about dark, di ba? Pangit...Supposedly it's their repentance...me and Sister Temaaka we're walking through this field the other day and they were practicing for it. Kinda creepy but one guy said to me, "I'm repenting." All I could say back is "Don't hurt yourself too much." Haha They weren't mean but it was quite a sight. So ya, that's how my easters went. I don't think I'll be too disappointed that I'll miss next years. Haha 

Anyways, onto a lighter note, we had such a fun FHE with Sandy and her granddaughter and neighbors kids loved Don't Eat Pete. Thank you for sending that, it's been the highlight of our FHE. Haha Sandy is doing great, her baptism is May 3rd. Hopefully I'll be here for it. I found out tomorrow about transfers and then transfer day is Thursday. I feel like 50/50 on all of it. But my guess is that Sister Temaaka will be leaving. I think President wants me to lead this area still. Which I'm okay with, I feel like I've done a lot for this area so I want to keep it going. It would be kinda sad to leave it. But I guess you'll find out next week! The STL's came and did exchanges with us this week and they kept saying I'm going to become a STL next transfer...yikes! Haha I don't think I'm ready for that but it would be fun to visit all the sisters...but I'm okay if I'm not :) Haha :) 

So interesting story this week is that I had my first lesson in english! And it was a lot harder than I thought it would be! Haha :) We meet a white American guy the other week, Joey who of course is married to a Filipina here. He's only in about his 30's and he's from Ohio. We followed up with him the other day and it was really hard to do it in english! I realized how awkward it is in American culture just to show up at someone's house and talk about the gospel and even pray. Haha In Philippines culture, not so weird to them. But to an American it was weird and I think he was weirded out by it. Haha I'm glad that my mission isn't in the states. Haha :) But it was okay, after the awkward beginning, he really opened up to us and he has such deep questions of the soul, talaga. He's really lost and confused in this life...really. It opened up my eyes of how lost people really are in this life. And how sad it is to me that they don't know that there is so much more to this life. I'll let you know if anymore comes from it...sana. 

It was a really good week though, besides the weird easter celebration, it was good. Went by so fast though, every week goes by faster and faster. I only have about 35 weeks left. So sad. Haha I love it hear and I'm feeling like I'm really enjoying every part of missionary life now. This is my life. Ya, I might still not be the perfect missionary, the best teacher, or not even fluent in tagalog yet but I'm happy and I'm enjoying everything about my life as a ,missionary. It's so good. I'm glad that I took this path. 

I love you all so much! Thank you for your support and love! All I can ask is help the missionaries out in your areas, even just a simple dinner is plenty. Especially at the end of the month because we have no money. Haha :) And of course, give someone a piece of heaven and make a difference today. That's what I've been telling Sister Temaaka everyday before we go out. "Let's go make a difference!" And I feel like we do, even if it's small, we made a difference. 

Mahal ko kayo!

Love, Sister Burnham

By Small Things, Great Things Come to Pass

Hello Family and Friends!!

This week went by so FAST! I feel like I can't even remember it now because it just flew by! I have a feeling my mission is just going to go faster and faster and I'll be getting on the plane to come home to you all. Crazy and yet it scares me sometimes, I have so much to do out here and no time. Haha That's why we have to make the most of everyday. 

So my highlights of the week were about small things but great things came to pass from them. We've been trying to do more with the branch lately because honestly, it struggles. And the attendance and less active numbers are out of control. So we've been working with out branch president a lot lately and have made some goals and plans with him to fix these problems. Well, last Monday night we held our Branch Family Home Evening, 1st Monday of the month. It was small but yet great. Sandy came and she brought her friend/neighbor with her, Necie! YES! Haha She actually has been sitting in our lessons as well, Sandy and Necie are super close and I really believe that Sandy is going to be a great example for Necie. Sandy is so excited about her baptism, the light of the gospel just radiates from her more and more with each visit and she's happier and happier. Comparing to before, she's changed already so much. I'm so happy for her and I hope I'll be here next transfer for her baptism. 

But the thing that really brought a great thing to pass was while we did our Rescue Night, every Friday we work with the branch to visit less actives. We only had 4 members come to help us last Friday but it made a difference. President Maloto (branch president), went and visited Sister Glo's husband (RS president, she was actually working with us that night too). Her husband has become less active because of alcohol addiction. But that visit made a huge difference and his heart has been soften, even more with his daughter's decision to serve a mission. He said to President that he realizes more than ever with his daughter leaving, that they need to be sealed in the temple. He wants to change. It was a miracle. Before he was very stubborn and hard but because of his family and his daughter leaving in a few months, he's finally realized what is most important, family. I love that truth. It changes hearts. 

I love you all so much, while I was watching conference and hearing all the talks about family and those you love are the things that matter most in life, I was reminded again how true that is. That is the only thing and the gospel that matter most to me in life. How grateful I am for the truth we have and the knowledge that we will be together as a family forever. Like Elder Holland said, "It is worth it." 

Mahal ko kayo! Have a great week and see the tender mercies that are all around you! Because they're there :) 

Love, Sister Burnham

Marry my Pamangkin!!

Kumusta Family and Friends!!

This week was a really good one :) My shoes have shrunk from the sun though...haha it's really hot here now. It's summer in the Philippines! Our work wasn't very good because Santa Maria had their summer festival this week that everyone and their dog was at. Haha But we got to play at it a bit, eat a chicken head (I've already had the intestines and feet before) and even watch the bakla (gays) pageant. Only a little bit because I could only handle so much. Haha So many baklas here in Santa Maria!! It's insane how many there are! But it was fun and I got some sweet souvenirs :)

Okay so the marry my pamangkin (nephew), we met a lot of new people this week and this one guy we meet and actually shared our message with, was wanting me to meet his nephew and marry him. Haha He was just like, "He's only 23! Sobrang pogi and your so beautiful, white and know tagalog! Haha It can work out!" Haha No thank you...haha It was just funny. It's just because I'm white. Haha And I found someone else in Santa Maria that is white! He's American from Ohio and he's a retired military and he lives her with his wife and two kids. He's not old either, like in his 30's. We had a good conversation with him, in english, haha and he asked me something. "Do you really believe that what you do makes a difference? Do people really change from what you do?" I answered with a positive yes and I knew that what we shared people and it changed me. He answered back that he knew what I said was true and said we could come over sometime. Haven't yet but I'm excited to. Before we went our separate ways he said their was some light about us, like that he's seen in missionaries before and that he likes that. It was just an amazing experience.

Another tender mercy I've seen is in Sandy. Sandy is moving towards baptism!! She's scheduled for May 3rd, it would have been closer but she needs to be off coffee for 4 weeks. Ugh, word of wisdom problems. But she'll be more prepared by the time her baptism comes! She's amazing though, she's willing to give up anything and accept anything because she said in the first time in her life she has felt a peace and a happiness she hasn't felt before. And she began to feel that at church. She feels that every time we visit. It's amazing to me how the Spirit can touch people's hearts and that the gospel really can change people, I know it can. We're so excited and happy for her and I love her so much.

I love the pictures of the halfway mark celebration! Haha Thank you for celebrating for me! Haha :) Me and Sister Temaaka got pizza :) Haha Nothing too exciting but simply being here is the best time. I've now gotta give my all to these last 9 months. Thank you for all your love and support to me. And especially your prayers. Mahal na mahal ko kayo! Maraming salamat po para sa inyo! Have a great week and help others let the gospel change their life, as well as yours :)

Ingat po kayo!

Nagmamahal, Sister Burnham

"Me and Elder Javier- he's the funniest Elder and always says he wants to marry me too. Oh my gulay! Haha But I always tell him I'm taken :)"

"Zone Conference from last week- with all my family!!"

"Me and Elder Bryson- he's my first Elder anak!"

 "Marilag!! Santa Maria festival with the baklas :) And we played with Jane for a bit, one of our investigators."

"Sandy in the pink shirt."

"A members house with the baby's playing cards...haha and the temple above that. Haha :)"

We've Been Robbed!!!

Kumusta Family and Friends!!

Haha Okay I better explain that story of us being robbed muna...before Mom worries too much. Haha So in our apartment we have our desks by this window that doesn't lock but it has bars so nobody can get in and what not. But lately the neighborhood kids have been coming to the window and talking to us. It was fun because I was practicing my tagalog and what not and they're cute. But one time they stole my pens and my chap stick. Haha So we just moved our stuff out of the way were their little hands couldn't reach it. Well...last Thursday I left my planner case on my desk...far enough away where the kids couldn't reach it. Well the next morning I go to my desk and wala planner!! AWWW!!! That is seriously my life!! It also had my license, my temple recommend and money inside it. About 400 pesos. Yikes...But I didn't care about the money, just the planner! Haha But thankful a tender mercy happened and we found my case by our front gate with only the money and my pens gone. I was then able to breath. Haha That's when you know you are a nerd when all you want back is your planner. Haha Well, I think the RMs would understand. But ya, we were robbed by little hands. Sayang. So we moved our desks into the kitchen and our kitchen table by the window. It's actually kinda nice because now I study right by the fridge and I can just lean over and grab some food while we're studying. Haha :)

Pero, best news of this email is that I still have Sister Temwaaka!! She's doing a LOT better. The doctor did say on Monday that she either has rheumatoid arthritis or bacteria. He gave her some steroids and that seems to be working because she hasn't been hurting the past 4 days :) Finally, we can go back to normal and we're a lot more happy :) She did get some blood tests as well to see more of the problem but I think she's going to be okay, I don't think she'll be going anywhere. Thank you for your prayers, I could feel them in behalf of my companion. Maraming salamat po!

This week was overall great because we had Zone Conference!! And I had a family reunion, my nanay was there- Sister Malig. She's a STL now! Astig siya! And my first born in the wilderness- Sister Maagad. I was the happiest to see her, I realized how much I had missed her and loved her. She's awesome :) And my pamangkin- Sister Japus. Lahat ang pamilya ko! Sobrang masaya :) And even Sister Wilson was there, I love her! I lived with her for 3 transfers in Mindoro, it was so good to just catch up with everyone :)

Now, we are just trying to catch up in our work that we got behind in and working hard on improving this area. One of the funny things about this area is that there are SO many baklas. Alam mo ba and bakla? GAYS! Haha They've actually been practicing in the center of Santa Maria for a Bakla Pageant. Haha It's just too funny. And one we OYMed the other day said to us..."Well isn't it obvious, I'm a gay!!" Haha Love it :)

Well, I love you all :) Thank you again for all your prayers. Remember look for the fun and good everyday. I promise, it's there. Even if it's something silly like gay pageants. Mahal ko kayo!!

Love, Sister Burnham

Trial of Your Faith

Hello Family and Friends!

So this week has been most different then most...a trial put on my companion. Last letter I talked about how we went to the doctors and her hands and arms hurt and are very swollen...well this past week has been the worst. Monday night she didn't have any medicine and it was probably one of the worst nights; she couldn't sleep and neither could I. The only thing that helped was massaging her hands and arms but that only helped for a time. Well, we went to the doctors again in Santa Cruz (about a little over an hour away) and visited the same doctor. Pero, he wasn't helpful at all. He's that kinda of doctor that just gives medicine and then wants to be paid. Doesn't really care. So Sister Peterson when on a search to find her a doctor and on Thursday we went to San Pablo...quite a ways away and visited a doctor there...much better. We scheduled an MRI in Lipa, way far away but that is where the only one is. Since we were so far away from our area and Lipa was quite a ways, the Peterson's took us in for the night and we went to the MRI the next day together. It was nice staying at the mission home...hot shower, American kitchen, couches, etc....there are some benefits for a sick companion. Haha But after the MRI on Friday we went back home and then came back last night, (Sunday night) for her appointment later today to look over her MRI. We hope it's not bad...if she needed surgery or anything like that...it's most likely she won't be staying... :( Hopefully it can be taken care of her in the field and all will be well. Just pray for my companion, she needs it.

The morning and throughout the week as I've been pondering on why she has this trial and the trial it would be if she went home, I turned to Ether 12:6- about the trial of your faith. Faith is trust and conviction that we have in Jesus Christ. And we trust Him and our Father's plan for us. No matter what happens, we should trust Him. And accept His plan for us and become more because of the trials. Which can become the trial of our faith. I know that my faith has grown more as I have gone through my personal trials and seen others go through them as well. This life is hard and we have trials but that was part of the plan, and it's what makes us become more, it molds us to become like our Father in Heaven. I'm so grateful for this gospel and for all that I have because of it. And I want you to know that I have a testimony about this gospel, it can help us overcome anything. I have experienced it and I have seen it throughout my life and more so now as a missionary. Now that my eyes are more opened.

I love you all so much and thank you for all your prayers and love that you send to me and my companion. I can feel them help me everyday. The power in them are real. That I know.

Mahal na mahal ko kayo!! Have a great week!

Love, Sister Burnham

"Mang Ignsal!! My favorite restaurant! Complete with Halo-halo :)"

"Many jeepney rides and becoming friends with the drivers :) Haha Loved this guy!"

"District Conference with the Peterson's...and with the Elders."

"Elder Javier...he's so funny. My favorite Filipino Elder. Such a flirt though...haha But I already am taken :)"

"Even though my companion has been sick...we had some fun :)"