So what is up with the family just packing up and heading out? I never thought this day would come. It is awesome that it is happening but just something I never saw coming. It looks like I am the same size? That is good I suppose, must be the 100 pushups I have done since I got here. Or maybe all the tacos and beans that I eat. One of those I am sure. So about this week. I dont remember if I told you but we split the area I am in. At first Elder Baeza and I were in the area that had all of my investigators in it and it was awesome but this week we had emergency transfers and we got a new elder straight out of the Provo Prison and Elder Baeza is training him in my old area. I am now in Residencial 2 with Elder Pucheta and we are opening this area. We have some investigators but it is a challenge to say the least. We will do it though and shortly enough we will be having more baptisms. This week Elder Johnson talked to us at the zone conference and that was good. We talked about obedience and how important it is cause without it it is not possible to have the Spirit. Without the Spirit you have nothing. So that was pretty good. We also took Adela and Pablo and their family to see the temple and that was awesome. Today I went to the Consolate to do more Visa work. Other than that it just doing the work of Angels all day. I love it and I know this is where I need to be. I know my Savior lives and He gave His life for us. We need to always remember that and always be grateful for it. I also know that through His Atonement we can all be saved but that is not free. We have to work for Salvation, it is not given without a price. I love it here. I love all of you and the support you are to me. I hope and wish the best for you. Mom and Dad thank you for everything you are the best. Keep on Keepin on.
Elder Burr
Monday, January 31, 2011
Matt's email 1/31/2011
I am very happy to say that this week went by pretty well. It wasn´t a week full of legit stories, but it was a good week. On Tuesday it hailed like I have never seen hail before. We were about 10 blocks away from the church when it started so we tied up the nikes and headed for the chapel. Let´s just say we got in right on time because the second the door closed, all heck broke loose. Cars were getting trashed, dogs were getting punked, trees were falling... It was just a disaster. The next day we found out that a lot of the grapes and peaches were destroyed, putting everybody here in a bad mood. It was definitely one of those storms that I will never forget.
This week we were also working a lot with a little boy named Walter. He is a friend of a member and is too stoked to get baptized. He doesn´t really understand the lessons all that well, but he is super excited to get baptized and be like his friend. His parents have invited us over to his house to eat with them and are showing interest in the Gospel, so we are going to try to take advantage of this great opportunity to baptize the entire family. Our recent convert, Nahuel, was called to be the second counselor in the young mens organization and also received the priesthood yesterday. This kid was so prepared for the Gospel it´s unbelievable. He is super excited for his new calling and is looking forward to the day when he is called to serve as a missionary.
On Friday we had zone conference in San Rafael. It was great to be able to hear from the Lindahl´s and to meet together with some of the missionaries. It is always a good little break from the regular faces that you see daily. Hermana Lindahl gave a great talk on marriage.. Why she was talking about marriage, I don´t know. She expressed to us the importance of humility in a relationship and how sometimes you just have to humble yourself and let the Lord work out your problems. It was hard for me to comprehend, based on the fact that I have never been married before, but it definitely opened my eyes.
Other than those great little stories, nothing really cool has happened here. I can say that I love being out here. I love being able to serve the people of Alvear, and more importantly, serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It was interesting, the other day I talked with a man and asked him what he had done in the day for Jesus Christ. He told me that he had done nothing, but then he returned the question on me. I was proud to be able to say that I serve him all day every day, but I also realized just how important it is to do something for Him every day. I felt sad for the poor old man so if there is anything of worth in this email it is this: Do something every day for Jesus Christ. Serve someone. Read the scriptures. Pray. Do something. Just do it. I love you and hope you have a great time in Hawaii!
Love
Elder Burr
This week we were also working a lot with a little boy named Walter. He is a friend of a member and is too stoked to get baptized. He doesn´t really understand the lessons all that well, but he is super excited to get baptized and be like his friend. His parents have invited us over to his house to eat with them and are showing interest in the Gospel, so we are going to try to take advantage of this great opportunity to baptize the entire family. Our recent convert, Nahuel, was called to be the second counselor in the young mens organization and also received the priesthood yesterday. This kid was so prepared for the Gospel it´s unbelievable. He is super excited for his new calling and is looking forward to the day when he is called to serve as a missionary.
On Friday we had zone conference in San Rafael. It was great to be able to hear from the Lindahl´s and to meet together with some of the missionaries. It is always a good little break from the regular faces that you see daily. Hermana Lindahl gave a great talk on marriage.. Why she was talking about marriage, I don´t know. She expressed to us the importance of humility in a relationship and how sometimes you just have to humble yourself and let the Lord work out your problems. It was hard for me to comprehend, based on the fact that I have never been married before, but it definitely opened my eyes.
Other than those great little stories, nothing really cool has happened here. I can say that I love being out here. I love being able to serve the people of Alvear, and more importantly, serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It was interesting, the other day I talked with a man and asked him what he had done in the day for Jesus Christ. He told me that he had done nothing, but then he returned the question on me. I was proud to be able to say that I serve him all day every day, but I also realized just how important it is to do something for Him every day. I felt sad for the poor old man so if there is anything of worth in this email it is this: Do something every day for Jesus Christ. Serve someone. Read the scriptures. Pray. Do something. Just do it. I love you and hope you have a great time in Hawaii!
Love
Elder Burr
Monday, January 24, 2011
Marc's email 1/24/2011
Well it sounds like life is just getting harder there in Hawaii. That is bull that you just up and leave for months right when matt and I leave. Its alright I am just living the dream out here in the Tusahood. Dont get too much skin cancer or sleep. That is awesome that you saw the Atoas. Yeah I bet he sees family members everyday but he had no clue they were related. It is also cool that you saw Allies mom, that family is awesome. My interview with the President was good, it lasted about 5 minutes and he really didnt say much. He isnt a man of a lot of words or emotion. He kind of just sits and does the ordinary. We will see how I fall with him over time. Last week we had another baptism and stake conference. It was broadcast from SLC and Elder Holland talked again. It was all translated into spanish and it was pretty good. He talked about tithing and its importance. Also yesterday something pretty cool happened. We were walking down the street and we heard somebody yelling for us so we turned around and saw this couple. They said they wanted to get married and basically the guy said he wants to join our church so we will see how that goes and baptize him. Now you try to tell me that the Lord doesnt put us in peoples paths or viceversa. Pretty sure nothing else cool has happened. I am still just out here doing the work. I have attached two pictures of my two most recent baptisms. The family picture is with the family of dulce maria. multiply Mia by 6 and that is what that family is. Anyway I love you all and I love this work. I love my Savior and know He is always there for us when we need him. I love you all keep on keepin on. Con Cariño.
Elder Burr
Elder Burr
Matt's email 1/24/2011
I can´t believe I heard mom say that Hawaii might get boring... That
is definitely one fit for the record books. Maybe it might be a good
idea to reduce your number of visits to 4 instead of 5 times a year...
just a thought. Ha ha no but seriously this week was a pretty good
week. It was a week of transfers so everyone that has served a mission
knows exactly how that is. On Wednesday we had to do some deep
cleaning of the apartment and then had to wait for the other
companionships to get here. In the zone we now have 4 really new
missionaries and 2 really old missionaries, so we will see what
happens. On saturday a little girl named Yuliana was baptized. It was
a miracle because just 4 weeks ago her dad said that he didn´t want
anything to do with the church and now he is active and had the
opportunity to baptize his daughter. It was a great experience for him
and it was something that will change his life. The wife just packed
up and bailed on him about 3 years ago and he has just been fighting
through. He´s super legit though and was way happy to be able to
baptize his daughter. We also had the opportunity to go out and work
with Nahuel, the 21 year old kid that was baptized the 8 of January.
Two weeks after being baptized he left with the missionaries... Too
legit. This kid can testify better that some of the missionaries here.
It was a blessing to see someone that was a complete wreck when we
first met him leave with us one day and preach the restored gospel of
Jesus Christ. He also informed us that he has his mind set on leaving
on the mission. He will be an awesome Elder. Apart from that this week
was pretty regular. It is getting harder and harder to get along with
my companion, but it´s the life. He is too pridefull to admit that he
is wrong, and he thrives off of making other elders look bad... It´s
definitely a trial that I have been fighting through, but for the most
part we are doing really well. I love you all and hope you have a
great week, wherever you may be. Keep on keepin on.
Elder Burr
is definitely one fit for the record books. Maybe it might be a good
idea to reduce your number of visits to 4 instead of 5 times a year...
just a thought. Ha ha no but seriously this week was a pretty good
week. It was a week of transfers so everyone that has served a mission
knows exactly how that is. On Wednesday we had to do some deep
cleaning of the apartment and then had to wait for the other
companionships to get here. In the zone we now have 4 really new
missionaries and 2 really old missionaries, so we will see what
happens. On saturday a little girl named Yuliana was baptized. It was
a miracle because just 4 weeks ago her dad said that he didn´t want
anything to do with the church and now he is active and had the
opportunity to baptize his daughter. It was a great experience for him
and it was something that will change his life. The wife just packed
up and bailed on him about 3 years ago and he has just been fighting
through. He´s super legit though and was way happy to be able to
baptize his daughter. We also had the opportunity to go out and work
with Nahuel, the 21 year old kid that was baptized the 8 of January.
Two weeks after being baptized he left with the missionaries... Too
legit. This kid can testify better that some of the missionaries here.
It was a blessing to see someone that was a complete wreck when we
first met him leave with us one day and preach the restored gospel of
Jesus Christ. He also informed us that he has his mind set on leaving
on the mission. He will be an awesome Elder. Apart from that this week
was pretty regular. It is getting harder and harder to get along with
my companion, but it´s the life. He is too pridefull to admit that he
is wrong, and he thrives off of making other elders look bad... It´s
definitely a trial that I have been fighting through, but for the most
part we are doing really well. I love you all and hope you have a
great week, wherever you may be. Keep on keepin on.
Elder Burr
Monday, January 17, 2011
Marc's email 1/17/2011
This week was a lot better than last week. Although still have the same comp and I am still facing the same problems, I have just accepted it and realized that this is the mission. I make my mission what I want it to to, not what my comp or other missionaries want it to be. That being said, I am making my mission what I want it to be, I am obeying the rules as I know I should and if my companion doesnt want to or if somebody has a problem, good they can do their own thing but "I am about my Fathers business" This week we had two baptisms. One of the baptisms was a 9 year old boy and the other was a 15 year old boy. They were both really good experiences. Also we had a person walk into the services and when we asked her if she was a member she answered saying not yet. So with that we will hopefully baptize her and three others in her family. That was a miracle on the Lords part because we are running out of investigators. As for the spanish, it is still coming. I can understand what people are saying and for the most part I can have a conversation with someone about whatever I want. It will continue to get better the whole two years. My body is still holding up just fine. My stomach doesnt hate the food as bad as I thought it would so that is good. My figure has stayed that same but instead of the muscle its just fat. Pretty tight. It sounds like your week was good. Gotta love having the kids over and sleeping with them. Sounds like you get about as much sleep as I do. On average I get about 5 hours. EVerynight there are either kids screaming, drunks laughing, car alarms, la banda, or roosters, sometimes all of them. Its alright I can sleep when I die right? Well this week I have interviews with the President so that will be good. We had to clean the house today so it is presentable. I got stuck with the mopping duties. I also started reading Jesus the Christ this week. My testimony has grown so much in the last four months it isnt even funny. I know the Christ died for us and everybody can be saved through Him. I know that prayers are answered and we can pray about anything. Heavenly Father knows each one of us and our needs always. As long as we always try our hardest, He will fill in where we lack. Also about Quade, just let him do his thing, he will figure it out. I dont know what his plans are. I love you Mom thanks for everything.
Elder Burr
Elder Burr
Matt's email 1/17/2011
Well it suffices me to say that we had a great week here in Alvear. Elder Benitez and I are just loving it and chances are we will be staying together for 6 more weeks. I seriously don´t think I have ever laughed harder in my life than when I am in the streets with Elder Benitez. I don´t know what it is about him, but the kid just cracks me up. Needless to say I am looking forward to another transfer here in General Alvear.
The events of this week aren´t all that great. To be honest, it was just one of those weeks filled with a lot of hard work, but not very many cool stories. On Friday we decided we were going to venture off the trodden path and go to a place called Villa Tuel. It is about 35 kilometers from the city and the missionaries have never stepped foot there. When we got off the bus, the very first person we met was an old member. He was about 23 and was with his girlfriend on a bicycle. He was completely inactive, with zero desires of having anything to do with the church. He asked us if we had mistakenly gotten off the bus and were lost. We told him that we were exactly where we wanted to be and he started laughing. He told us that we were going to waste the whole afternoon by working there. He said that nobody would want to listen to us and that everyone would be sleeping. Let´s just make a long story short and say that we got in to all the houses that we knocked. It is seriously like zion out there. We met an elderly couple that are seriously angels. Their names are Maria and Hercules. Hercules is paralyzed, yeah I know it is pretty contradictory to the name, but he is still a stud. Maria is just legit. It would be hard for me to say that I have ever felt the spirit stonger in a charla. It was just awesome. After the lesson they both asked us for blessing of health. They both ended up in tears and Hercules, yes the paralyzed guy, gave us each a good old man hug. It was a miracle. Then as we were leaving, Maria showed up with a bag just full of stuff. She gave us 2 mate cups, a straw, crackers, peanuts, and 11 pesos to buy the bus ticket back. She now considers us here grandchildren. They are absolutely incredible. All the other people that we got the chance to meet have hearts of gold. It is seriously a piece of paradise here in Argentina. That´s about the only cool thing that happened though. I wish I could write and tell you that we saw someone get healed from the dead, or that we healed the blind, but that is what this week is for. We´ll see what happens.
As for the family... First of all Heather and Shea in Hawaii... I swear they just barely went? Then Ben and Olivia going to DC? That is about the tightest news I have ever heard. Now I will have a niece/nephew from both coasts... That´s cool. Then Adam and Ashley going to Ohio or Texas?? Didn´t see that one coming. Eli will be a great tractor driver though, that´s for sure. And to top it all off, Mom and Dad going to Hawaii...... AGAIN? It seems to me like they are running out of things to do. At times a create the scene in my head of how the house is Friday night... It goes like this, ¨Bry will you come with me to get a Diet Coke? Sure honey, Just let me finishing vacuuming the office. Twenty minutes later... NAT Let´s go!!! Long silence... Mom realizes that she wasted an entire trip walking into the laundry room downstairs, only to find it empty. Then a 5 minute trip to the junction turns into a 3 hour night after eating at The Melting Pot and going to see a movie. I think I might send you guys the stuff so you can drink some Mate to pass the time. I´m sure you will love it!
Anyways that´s all I got for now. I love you all. I hope you have a great week. Keep smiling!
Elder Burr
The events of this week aren´t all that great. To be honest, it was just one of those weeks filled with a lot of hard work, but not very many cool stories. On Friday we decided we were going to venture off the trodden path and go to a place called Villa Tuel. It is about 35 kilometers from the city and the missionaries have never stepped foot there. When we got off the bus, the very first person we met was an old member. He was about 23 and was with his girlfriend on a bicycle. He was completely inactive, with zero desires of having anything to do with the church. He asked us if we had mistakenly gotten off the bus and were lost. We told him that we were exactly where we wanted to be and he started laughing. He told us that we were going to waste the whole afternoon by working there. He said that nobody would want to listen to us and that everyone would be sleeping. Let´s just make a long story short and say that we got in to all the houses that we knocked. It is seriously like zion out there. We met an elderly couple that are seriously angels. Their names are Maria and Hercules. Hercules is paralyzed, yeah I know it is pretty contradictory to the name, but he is still a stud. Maria is just legit. It would be hard for me to say that I have ever felt the spirit stonger in a charla. It was just awesome. After the lesson they both asked us for blessing of health. They both ended up in tears and Hercules, yes the paralyzed guy, gave us each a good old man hug. It was a miracle. Then as we were leaving, Maria showed up with a bag just full of stuff. She gave us 2 mate cups, a straw, crackers, peanuts, and 11 pesos to buy the bus ticket back. She now considers us here grandchildren. They are absolutely incredible. All the other people that we got the chance to meet have hearts of gold. It is seriously a piece of paradise here in Argentina. That´s about the only cool thing that happened though. I wish I could write and tell you that we saw someone get healed from the dead, or that we healed the blind, but that is what this week is for. We´ll see what happens.
As for the family... First of all Heather and Shea in Hawaii... I swear they just barely went? Then Ben and Olivia going to DC? That is about the tightest news I have ever heard. Now I will have a niece/nephew from both coasts... That´s cool. Then Adam and Ashley going to Ohio or Texas?? Didn´t see that one coming. Eli will be a great tractor driver though, that´s for sure. And to top it all off, Mom and Dad going to Hawaii...... AGAIN? It seems to me like they are running out of things to do. At times a create the scene in my head of how the house is Friday night... It goes like this, ¨Bry will you come with me to get a Diet Coke? Sure honey, Just let me finishing vacuuming the office. Twenty minutes later... NAT Let´s go!!! Long silence... Mom realizes that she wasted an entire trip walking into the laundry room downstairs, only to find it empty. Then a 5 minute trip to the junction turns into a 3 hour night after eating at The Melting Pot and going to see a movie. I think I might send you guys the stuff so you can drink some Mate to pass the time. I´m sure you will love it!
Anyways that´s all I got for now. I love you all. I hope you have a great week. Keep smiling!
Elder Burr
Friday, January 14, 2011
Marc 1/10/11
So it really sounds like this last week was great. It all makes me realize how great America really is. Being here I have realized how many people take it for granted everything that they have. It is pretty sad actually that people get upset when they dont get what they want. People down here are happy to have a roof over their head and tortillas on their table. Anyway about this week, nothing too great happened. We had the baptism fall through because the dad of the boy said he needed time to think about if he would let his son do it, so we are hoping that this week we can do it. We also have a baptism this week for another boy named guiellermo. He is 14 and his step mom is a member so that is how that started. We are still working with the family that has to get married and also with another lady that needs to be married, all have dates for the 29 of this month. Also this last week we had changes and Elder Harding went home and Elder Wright went to Vallerta. I stayed here and have a mexican companion, Elder Vaesa.
If anybody ever wants to do anything fun, try going a whole week speaking spanish. It is probably one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Along with that and some other elder trying to tell me I cant drink coke, this week was stressful. Yeah an Elder told the mission president that I dont want to be completely obedient cause I drink coke. The rule here is as long as you dont buy the coke, you can drink it. The members all offer it to me and I drink it and the Elder is just the kid that thinks he is above everyone else. I never knew when I elected to do this mission I chose to go back to 2nd grade where people tell on other people. So basically my patience aspect is still being tested daily. Oh well this week will be better and I am ready for it. Also about Joseph Smith and everything that man did. I have been reading about him this week in DyC and he was incredible. He really was called of God and was the only person strong enough to bring about the Restoration. Testifying of him everyday has made me realize how great he really was. I do love that man and everything he did for this church. Well that is about all for this week. I hope you all find joy in everything you do and as for me, Im out. Love you all thank you for everything.
Elder Burr
If anybody ever wants to do anything fun, try going a whole week speaking spanish. It is probably one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Along with that and some other elder trying to tell me I cant drink coke, this week was stressful. Yeah an Elder told the mission president that I dont want to be completely obedient cause I drink coke. The rule here is as long as you dont buy the coke, you can drink it. The members all offer it to me and I drink it and the Elder is just the kid that thinks he is above everyone else. I never knew when I elected to do this mission I chose to go back to 2nd grade where people tell on other people. So basically my patience aspect is still being tested daily. Oh well this week will be better and I am ready for it. Also about Joseph Smith and everything that man did. I have been reading about him this week in DyC and he was incredible. He really was called of God and was the only person strong enough to bring about the Restoration. Testifying of him everyday has made me realize how great he really was. I do love that man and everything he did for this church. Well that is about all for this week. I hope you all find joy in everything you do and as for me, Im out. Love you all thank you for everything.
Elder Burr
Matt's email 1/10/11
> So it sounds like mom and dad had a blast in Washington DC. I am
> sure it was freezing cold, but there isn´t anything a nice, warm
> chocolate bundt cake and a diet coke with lemon from corner bakery
> can´t fix, right? It sounds like it was a very rewarding and
> education trip. The second time back east in 3 months huh big pops??
> Not too bad of statistics there. I doubt it compares to the twin
> studies. Just kidding, I bet it was 100 times better. But i´m glad
> that you made it back safe and sound and that you can return back to
> the real world. It seems like the past 10 months have just been
> mayhem around there. I´m glad it all turned out for the best. As for
> things here in the good old mission field... They are going really
> well. Nahuel took the opportunity to be baptized a member of the
> church and let us know that he now wants to prepare himself to serve
> a mission, so that he can share his story with others, and help them
> know the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived 21 years of confusion
> and controversy, but has now seen the light. He is so stoked to have
> been baptized and can´t wait to receive the Priesthood. Apart from
> that, we had a killer leadership training in Mendoza at the
> beginning of the week. I learned so much that it will be impossible
> to write in an email. It was incredible to have felt the Spirit that
> was there and to have heard the words from our mission president. To
> add to the list, we were all invited to eat tacos in the house of
> the Lindahl´s. There house is just too legit. It is easily the
> nicest thing in the city of Mendoza, and the tacos.... I can´t even
> describe to you how good they were. I ate a little piece of the
> United States while I was there. Oh man it was great. I´m sure you
> all saw the pictures of Elder Benitez and I with the Astar at
> Aconcagua. That trip was just incredible. Aconcagua was beautiful.
> The victory was sweet.
> On another note, I´m sad to say that this transfer is quickly coming
> to an end. It is the last week and transfers will be next monday. It
> is hard to face the fact that the time on the mission is slipping
> out of my hands. It really does go by way too fast. It isn´t a lie
> when every single missionary says that their mission flew by. It´s
> the hard truth. I´m sorry I don´t have much to write you all. I was
> about to wake up early this morning and write letters, BUT I was
> just way too tired. One day I will be getting around to that. I have
> a bunch of pictures that I want to send home and I remember how
> excited I was to get hand written letters from my brothers when they
> were serving. The only difference is that now they all have their
> personal little families and have all bailed out of the nest. I will
> get around to it someday though, I promise.
> I hope all goes well this week with everything. I love you all!!
> Thanks for being the best family I could ask for!!
> Elder Burr
> sure it was freezing cold, but there isn´t anything a nice, warm
> chocolate bundt cake and a diet coke with lemon from corner bakery
> can´t fix, right? It sounds like it was a very rewarding and
> education trip. The second time back east in 3 months huh big pops??
> Not too bad of statistics there. I doubt it compares to the twin
> studies. Just kidding, I bet it was 100 times better. But i´m glad
> that you made it back safe and sound and that you can return back to
> the real world. It seems like the past 10 months have just been
> mayhem around there. I´m glad it all turned out for the best. As for
> things here in the good old mission field... They are going really
> well. Nahuel took the opportunity to be baptized a member of the
> church and let us know that he now wants to prepare himself to serve
> a mission, so that he can share his story with others, and help them
> know the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived 21 years of confusion
> and controversy, but has now seen the light. He is so stoked to have
> been baptized and can´t wait to receive the Priesthood. Apart from
> that, we had a killer leadership training in Mendoza at the
> beginning of the week. I learned so much that it will be impossible
> to write in an email. It was incredible to have felt the Spirit that
> was there and to have heard the words from our mission president. To
> add to the list, we were all invited to eat tacos in the house of
> the Lindahl´s. There house is just too legit. It is easily the
> nicest thing in the city of Mendoza, and the tacos.... I can´t even
> describe to you how good they were. I ate a little piece of the
> United States while I was there. Oh man it was great. I´m sure you
> all saw the pictures of Elder Benitez and I with the Astar at
> Aconcagua. That trip was just incredible. Aconcagua was beautiful.
> The victory was sweet.
> On another note, I´m sad to say that this transfer is quickly coming
> to an end. It is the last week and transfers will be next monday. It
> is hard to face the fact that the time on the mission is slipping
> out of my hands. It really does go by way too fast. It isn´t a lie
> when every single missionary says that their mission flew by. It´s
> the hard truth. I´m sorry I don´t have much to write you all. I was
> about to wake up early this morning and write letters, BUT I was
> just way too tired. One day I will be getting around to that. I have
> a bunch of pictures that I want to send home and I remember how
> excited I was to get hand written letters from my brothers when they
> were serving. The only difference is that now they all have their
> personal little families and have all bailed out of the nest. I will
> get around to it someday though, I promise.
> I hope all goes well this week with everything. I love you all!!
> Thanks for being the best family I could ask for!!
> Elder Burr
Marc's email 1/03/11
Well it sounds like the Holiday Season was just as good as it always is. I hope so anyway because out here it hardly existed. All that really happened was just a lot of drinking and yelling and listening to music way louder than needed. But it was great and it was an experience I will not forget. This Sunday we had a baptism of a 10 year old girl and it was awesome. Her parents are the ones we need to get married first so they will be later this month. We have another baptism on the 8th of an 11 year old boy whose mom is already a member. So basically we are just working our hardest and the Lord is playing a huge part. None of this is possible without His help so I cant take any of the credit for the good that happens. I can just work my hardest and realize that without the Lords help it will never be enough. Other than that though nothing too great has really happened.
We went with this family who has three kids that are just absolutely out of control. Im talking about a 5 year old girl who is just too much to handle. She is all over the place and always yelling and just a bit much. So I hope nobody thinks that just because I am not there I still still dont get my fair share of headaches. Also Mikes experience sounds absolutely incredible. I couldnt imagine getting a Prophets blessing, I bet the Savior was right there next to them. I bet DC will be a great experience as well. Nothing like here though, I am pretty sure nothing beats Mexico.. Yep Ill just leave it at that but I hope everybody is happy and had a good week. I know that this is the best thing I can be doing and without your support it isnt possible. Thank you for everything and Im out until next week. Love you all Elder Burr
We went with this family who has three kids that are just absolutely out of control. Im talking about a 5 year old girl who is just too much to handle. She is all over the place and always yelling and just a bit much. So I hope nobody thinks that just because I am not there I still still dont get my fair share of headaches. Also Mikes experience sounds absolutely incredible. I couldnt imagine getting a Prophets blessing, I bet the Savior was right there next to them. I bet DC will be a great experience as well. Nothing like here though, I am pretty sure nothing beats Mexico.. Yep Ill just leave it at that but I hope everybody is happy and had a good week. I know that this is the best thing I can be doing and without your support it isnt possible. Thank you for everything and Im out until next week. Love you all Elder Burr
Matt's email 1/03/11
So to start things off I don´t think we could have had a better p day
> today. To start things off all the zone leaders are up here in Mendoza
> celebrating the fact that we reached the goal of 1000 baptisms.
> President promised us that if we got the goal, he would take us all up
> to Aconcagua. I have to tell you that that mountain is just beautiful.
> The largest mountain on the Western Hemisphere, and the highest
> elevation that any mission in the entire world could get to. The only
> one that could get higher would be the Mt Everest mission, which I
> don´t think exists. It was an awesome experience to say the least.
> When we first got there we saw a B3 carrying cargo nets full of
> supplies to the base camp. Let´s just say that their program is a
> little more low key than what I have seen. It´s like watching the
> firefighters on the helicopter bases trying to hook up cargo nets, but
> the only difference here is that they are Argentine.
> I am sure dad knows exactly what I am talking about, but it was great
> to see a helicopter operation going on here on the other side of the
> world. President was telling me that the company comes out of Utah and
> they contract the helicopter here, but I couldn´t tell you if that is
> true. I talked to the pilot and gave him the low down, but he had no
> idea. Aconcagua was absolutely incredible though. We only got to hike
> up to the first base camp deal, but it was still super legit and I
> took some great pictures. Hopefully I can get this computer to work so
> that I can send pictures, but if not, just know that the pictures are
> awesome. Aside from that, Elder Benitez and I had a great week. I
> don´t know if I told the story of Nahuel, the kid that was super deep
> into drugs and tried committing suicide, but he stopped by the pench
> on Saturday night and told us he had his answer and that he will be
> getting baptized on the 8. He then got up Sunday and bore his
> testimony... He is golden. It was a huge testimony boost for me to see
> how fast and effectively God works. It was truly a miracle.
> It sounds like you all had a pretty hectic New Year´s Eve party. The
> party life here doesn´t really exist, but we still had a blast. On
> Friday we cooked a bunch of pizza and on Saturday we ate another
> Asado. We then played soccer the entire day.... Yeah I´m not even
> kidding. I´m getting a little sick of soccer, but being with a
> companion that played professionaly, it is impossible to escape. It ´s
> all good though, one day I will be able to kick Cameron´s butt...
> One day.
> That´s about all I got for this week folks. Alvear is doing awesome.
> It is super small, but there are definitely people ready to hear the
> message of the Restored Gospel. I thank you all so much for your
> prayers and your support. I love you and hope that you all have a
> great week!!
> Elder Burr
> today. To start things off all the zone leaders are up here in Mendoza
> celebrating the fact that we reached the goal of 1000 baptisms.
> President promised us that if we got the goal, he would take us all up
> to Aconcagua. I have to tell you that that mountain is just beautiful.
> The largest mountain on the Western Hemisphere, and the highest
> elevation that any mission in the entire world could get to. The only
> one that could get higher would be the Mt Everest mission, which I
> don´t think exists. It was an awesome experience to say the least.
> When we first got there we saw a B3 carrying cargo nets full of
> supplies to the base camp. Let´s just say that their program is a
> little more low key than what I have seen. It´s like watching the
> firefighters on the helicopter bases trying to hook up cargo nets, but
> the only difference here is that they are Argentine.
> I am sure dad knows exactly what I am talking about, but it was great
> to see a helicopter operation going on here on the other side of the
> world. President was telling me that the company comes out of Utah and
> they contract the helicopter here, but I couldn´t tell you if that is
> true. I talked to the pilot and gave him the low down, but he had no
> idea. Aconcagua was absolutely incredible though. We only got to hike
> up to the first base camp deal, but it was still super legit and I
> took some great pictures. Hopefully I can get this computer to work so
> that I can send pictures, but if not, just know that the pictures are
> awesome. Aside from that, Elder Benitez and I had a great week. I
> don´t know if I told the story of Nahuel, the kid that was super deep
> into drugs and tried committing suicide, but he stopped by the pench
> on Saturday night and told us he had his answer and that he will be
> getting baptized on the 8. He then got up Sunday and bore his
> testimony... He is golden. It was a huge testimony boost for me to see
> how fast and effectively God works. It was truly a miracle.
> It sounds like you all had a pretty hectic New Year´s Eve party. The
> party life here doesn´t really exist, but we still had a blast. On
> Friday we cooked a bunch of pizza and on Saturday we ate another
> Asado. We then played soccer the entire day.... Yeah I´m not even
> kidding. I´m getting a little sick of soccer, but being with a
> companion that played professionaly, it is impossible to escape. It ´s
> all good though, one day I will be able to kick Cameron´s butt...
> One day.
> That´s about all I got for this week folks. Alvear is doing awesome.
> It is super small, but there are definitely people ready to hear the
> message of the Restored Gospel. I thank you all so much for your
> prayers and your support. I love you and hope that you all have a
> great week!!
> Elder Burr
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Marc's email 12/27/2010
Well family not much has happened within the last two days. The family that we gave Christmas to attended church, with all their kids, and sat intently throughout all 3 hours. They were so grateful to actually get a Christmas and the parents were absolutely beside themselves. It was amazing to see the joy they had and to be able to help them. They will be given a baptismal fecha this week. It has to be for later in January cause we have to get them married first, but we will get it done. It will be a process that is for sure. Mom to your quote that you sent me, it is very true. That is something I have had to work on as well and it is not easy. But just remember to always look at people as Christ does and it really does help. Picture them in white in the Celestial Kingdom. Just so you know Kyle got a baptism this week and is doing very well. He got put with a native comp so he is really doing it. What is up with the family? Once I leave it just all starts separating? But that is really cool, they will all just have to travel home in two years to see the return of Elder Burr. It sounds like everybody is busy and working hard. That gives me gusto cause every day we work our hearts out. Three weeks in Hawaii sounds really hard. Mexico is almost like Hawaii just instead of nice people there are drunks, houses instead or palm trees, I cant remember the last time I just sat and laid, and it has never been quite here for longer than three seconds. That is not a joke either, every night there are either drunk people or freaking roosters or dogs. It doesnt help the sleeping situation at all. Dad just so you have the address to look up and see how met I really am look up Tuzania Ejideal. Yeah Those are my stompin grounds. And if you feel really ambitious look up San Juan de Ocutan. Ok well I am off to another week here in the worlds armpit. Love you family and mom and dad.
Elder Burr
Elder Burr
Matt's email 12/27/2010
Well to be completely honest I don´t really have too much to say. It was so great being able to talk to everyone on the phone. It felt like it had been forever since I had heard the voice of anyone, but it was awesome. Easily the best Christmas present that I received. Yesterday Victor was confirmed a member of the church. At first we thought he wasn´t going to show up. We thought he was just going to pull a cameron and go hide, but at about 11 30 he showed up and got confirmed. It was really a miracle to see the change that he made in his life and the huge decisions he made in just 1 week. He was married, baptized, and confirmed all in less than a week. Can you even imagine? But other than that things are still pretty calm down here. This morning we had an intense game of soccer then we went to buy some lunch but got kicked out of the store because we are missionaries. That was pretty frustrating, but luckily I had a huge thing of caramel popcorn from Hawaii waiting for me in the pench. It made me happy and that´s all that matters right?
I have attached some pictures to this email. They are pictures taken on Christmas Eve and are the most recent that I have. I love you all and hope you have a great new year party and stuff. Keep on keepin on!
Love
Elder Burr
I have attached some pictures to this email. They are pictures taken on Christmas Eve and are the most recent that I have. I love you all and hope you have a great new year party and stuff. Keep on keepin on!
Love
Elder Burr
Marc's email 12/20/2010
Well it is time again for another email somehow. This week absolutely flew by. I honestly cant remember much so I will just write the Highlights. On Tuesday we had our area´s Christmas party that was pretty good. There were like 70 Elders and we all just met at the chapel and ate. The food was terrible and the noise was a bit much. There arent many things worse than a group of missionaries talking as loud as they can in Spanish. I gave an elder a machete for Christmas while all of the other missionaries gave ties and stuff. How lame are some people in this life. He was excited for it though, who wouldnt be. Then last night we went to the temple to try to contact people and get them to go to the Visitor Center. LEt me paint the picture for you. Your boy, Elder Burr and his comp Elder Wright were posted up in the median right next to some guy with an amputated leg begging for money. When the light would turn green we would walk up to the windows and I would have to talk to the people in spanish. Yeah I had to knock on peoples windows to speak to them in spanish. So tight and so funny. I love it though. So overall this week was great. Every day we just walk our feet raw and laugh all along the way. That is about all you can do out here is laugh and speak spanish. It sounds like things there are great. I will call at 12 your time so whoever wants to be there can but i only have like an hour or so. Thank you everybody for your support. Mom and Dad and family I love you and wish you a Merry Christmas from Mexico. I will call you on Saturday. Have a great week and a Merry Christmas.
Matt's email 12/20/2010
It is hard to believe that Christmas is staring at me right in the face. It seems like last night that I was finishing up with the pilots license, attending all the family parties, opening up my call, and all that stuff we were doing a year ago, but seeing how time is impossible to rewind, we will just have to accept it. To be honest we don´t have very exciting plans for Christmas here in Alvear. We were going to go to the house of the bishop to eat some pig, but we have to be inside the apartment at 11 and nobody here eats before that time, so we might just have another killer asado and kick it in the pench watching the fireworks. Tomorrow we will be travelling to Mendoza for a zone conference/Christmas Party with the mission so that should be pretty fun. We have to wake up at like 2 30 in order to make it to the terminal on time, but we have about a 5 hour drive to sleep and relax, so I´m not too worried. And another good note... we have successfully reached our goal of 1000 baptisms on the year 2010!! About 4 months ago we were 400 baptisms behind, but it is safe to say that we have all seen a miracle. I am sure President is just stoked out of his mind, and we, as missionaries, are pretty happy as well.
This week here was way good. Elder Benitez and I worked our butts off and started to see many miracles. Yesterday we left with members to go visit all the nonmembers in the ward list and committed a bunch of members to start helping us with the work, so we are expecting to see some great changes here. It is getting pretty warm here and Elder Benitez and I are enjoying a quarter kilo of ice cream on the daily. The ice cream here is heavenly, but they are seriously lacking a cold stone... HMMM cake batter with brownie... What a dream that would be. Anyway I guess I have to add a cool story of the week. On Tuesday we got a phone call from the daughter of the bishop. Complete snake. But she told us that she had one of her friend there at her house and she wanted us to meet him. We told her that it wasn´t going to be possible because we were super far away, but that we wanted to meet him the next day (Wednesday). On Wednesday we made our way to their house and met the kid. His name is Nahuel and he is 21 years old. A year ago he tried committing suicide, but it failed. since then he has been deep in the game with cocaine and was abusing it so badly that he developed a serious case of Schisophrenia. He has been suffering with that for the past year and told us that he wants to completely change his life in the year to come. He was previously assisting an aventist church, but said he didn´t find anything there. We invited him to come to the family night that night, and to our surprise, he came. He also showed up the the ward activity and all 3 hours of church. The kid is golden. He has a fecha for the 8 of January and we are working with him to quite smoking. He is awesome though and has had a great impact on my testimony. He is another answer to my prayers.
I know that Jesus Christ lives. He is our older brother. He really was the only perfect being to come to this earth and He is our perfect example. I know that if we strive to become like Him we will find ourselves at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. I love this Gospel. It is the biggest blessing in my life. You guys are the best family I could have ever asked for. I wish you all a very merry christmas and look forward to talking to you on Saturday. It´s been 9 and a half months since I have heard from any of you so don´t be bailing on me now!!
Love
Elder Burr
This week here was way good. Elder Benitez and I worked our butts off and started to see many miracles. Yesterday we left with members to go visit all the nonmembers in the ward list and committed a bunch of members to start helping us with the work, so we are expecting to see some great changes here. It is getting pretty warm here and Elder Benitez and I are enjoying a quarter kilo of ice cream on the daily. The ice cream here is heavenly, but they are seriously lacking a cold stone... HMMM cake batter with brownie... What a dream that would be. Anyway I guess I have to add a cool story of the week. On Tuesday we got a phone call from the daughter of the bishop. Complete snake. But she told us that she had one of her friend there at her house and she wanted us to meet him. We told her that it wasn´t going to be possible because we were super far away, but that we wanted to meet him the next day (Wednesday). On Wednesday we made our way to their house and met the kid. His name is Nahuel and he is 21 years old. A year ago he tried committing suicide, but it failed. since then he has been deep in the game with cocaine and was abusing it so badly that he developed a serious case of Schisophrenia. He has been suffering with that for the past year and told us that he wants to completely change his life in the year to come. He was previously assisting an aventist church, but said he didn´t find anything there. We invited him to come to the family night that night, and to our surprise, he came. He also showed up the the ward activity and all 3 hours of church. The kid is golden. He has a fecha for the 8 of January and we are working with him to quite smoking. He is awesome though and has had a great impact on my testimony. He is another answer to my prayers.
I know that Jesus Christ lives. He is our older brother. He really was the only perfect being to come to this earth and He is our perfect example. I know that if we strive to become like Him we will find ourselves at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. I love this Gospel. It is the biggest blessing in my life. You guys are the best family I could have ever asked for. I wish you all a very merry christmas and look forward to talking to you on Saturday. It´s been 9 and a half months since I have heard from any of you so don´t be bailing on me now!!
Love
Elder Burr
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