So it sounds like you had the chance to meet my first companion, Elder Harding. He was an excellent missionary and he taught me things that I will never forget. He put an example for me and he really was awesome. We still talk a few times a month and he always has good things to say. Him and I have talked about taking over the world and buying a tower in Zapopan. We are all aspiring young men. They heat here has been unbelievable. Our room is like a furnace and there is no way to cool it down. We have the windows open and the fans going but it is still just ridiculous. There is nothing we can do though so I will get over it dont you worry. Ha yeah I had some sweet blisters the first few weeks but those are long gone. Now my feet are just callouses. As for a little heads up, mom you might want to schedule an appointment for laser hair removal on my back.. there is not way I can live with this back hair that has sprouted out since I have been in the mission. I am somehow supposed to get married and spit game with back hair? Not possible. I also received a package this week from march that had two ensigns and some photos. It was supposed to have treats in it but conveniently the mexican workers opened my package and enjoyed my treats. So a little bit about the week that we had. We were working with the family that we had and going with them almost everyday. We had taught them all of the lessons and had planned their baptism. We went there friday night to confirm everything and the dad came out and denied everything that we had taught them. He denied the power of the priesthood and he denied Joseph Smith. He said that getting baptized two times is a disgrace against God. He also said that because we have the word "Saints" in the name of our church that it isnt the true church. He basically denied everything he once accepted and said for sure they werent getting baptized. This was an absolute shock to me and took me off guard. I was expecting them to all be excited to enter the Lords presence but yeah apparently not. Needless to say I used several very powerful scriptures about baptism and left them thinking. They do know that this church is true and they do know that they have to get baptized. I dont know what happened to them but I do know that I did what the Lord wanted me to do there. That is where the satisfaction came into play. Of course I was let down and hurt but this day my testimony was strengthened as I was able to look them in the eye and tell them that this church is true, Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, Christ lives and wants us to return, and that we are His representatives. The cool thing about the whole story though is that we took with us an investigator. His name is Brayan and he will be baptized this weekend. He has pretty much memorized all of the lessons and is already talking about a mission. He is giving us references to his friends and he is talking with them and preparing them for our message. He is proof that the Lord is preparing people here in Villa Hidalgo. Well family thank you all for your emails and for your prayers. Thank you for the support you have always shown me and the love. I know that this church is true. I know that Christ and Heavenly Father live and They love us. I was reading the BoM this week and read this scripture which has become one of my favorites. I only have it in spanish but it is 1Ne 21:16 it says in english something like now behold I have you written on the palms of my hands. I know that Christ suffered for each and every one of us. They want us to return as a family and They have given us the way. We must press on, having faith and hope. I am grateful for the knowledge I have that we will all live together as a family forever. I love you all and pray the best for you.
Elder Burr
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Matt's email 4/25/2011
So glad to hear that everything is just normal back there in the good ol alpine. Glad to know that dad made it back alright and that you could be together for Easter Sunday. Also great to hear about the opportunity you had to meet marcus´s trainer. He sounded like a pretty cool kid from the emails that Marc sent me and the fool baptized a ton. Maybe one day you will get to meet one of my companions... That would be pretty legit.
I will tell you that Easter Sunday here on the mission was absolutely amazing. It was all the same routine, but it was just so great to be able to dedicate a full day to remembering the Savior. And to make things better all the catholics said that they were also remembering him so it made it that much easier to open them up. It was great. The ward where I am at is absolutely amazing. The bishop is like a 26 year old returned missionary who is just a stud. He is surrounded by two returned missionaries as his counselors who are also way awesome people so this ward is just ready to blow. It´s so great having a bishop that actually understands missionary work and who is always willing to help us out. My companion and I had a great week and we found a family that is more than ready to get dunked. Her name is Adriana and she is like the future general relief society president. We went to knock her door ( Which has a security camera) and she came out of the garage. Inside the garage was a kite surf board and a motorcycle and it was just massive. The woman has money. But what was incredible was the way that she accepted the Gospel. She ate it all up, which is rare for a person with money. They are usually all too prideful to accept it, but she is just a miracle. She has a daughter and a son as well that are ready for the water. Oh man it was just great. We also had the chance to save someone from the JW´s.She is a member that was baptized in Chile and for the past 18 years hasn´t been to church. She has been listening to the Jehova´s witnesses for a while now, but we showed up just in time to save her. It was just great sitting next to her in church as she sat with her non member friend, just bawling from the spirit that she was feeling. These are the moments that make the mission just so worth it. Seeing someone come to a realization of the Restored Gospel is the greatest thing ever.
Things are all great here. This week we have the last zone conference with President Lindahl. It should be pretty legit. I will let you all know how it goes. I love you all. Thanks for everything. You are my heroes!
Elder Burr
I will tell you that Easter Sunday here on the mission was absolutely amazing. It was all the same routine, but it was just so great to be able to dedicate a full day to remembering the Savior. And to make things better all the catholics said that they were also remembering him so it made it that much easier to open them up. It was great. The ward where I am at is absolutely amazing. The bishop is like a 26 year old returned missionary who is just a stud. He is surrounded by two returned missionaries as his counselors who are also way awesome people so this ward is just ready to blow. It´s so great having a bishop that actually understands missionary work and who is always willing to help us out. My companion and I had a great week and we found a family that is more than ready to get dunked. Her name is Adriana and she is like the future general relief society president. We went to knock her door ( Which has a security camera) and she came out of the garage. Inside the garage was a kite surf board and a motorcycle and it was just massive. The woman has money. But what was incredible was the way that she accepted the Gospel. She ate it all up, which is rare for a person with money. They are usually all too prideful to accept it, but she is just a miracle. She has a daughter and a son as well that are ready for the water. Oh man it was just great. We also had the chance to save someone from the JW´s.She is a member that was baptized in Chile and for the past 18 years hasn´t been to church. She has been listening to the Jehova´s witnesses for a while now, but we showed up just in time to save her. It was just great sitting next to her in church as she sat with her non member friend, just bawling from the spirit that she was feeling. These are the moments that make the mission just so worth it. Seeing someone come to a realization of the Restored Gospel is the greatest thing ever.
Things are all great here. This week we have the last zone conference with President Lindahl. It should be pretty legit. I will let you all know how it goes. I love you all. Thanks for everything. You are my heroes!
Elder Burr
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Marc's email 4/18/2011
So today the email will be pretty short simply because nothing really happened this week. This week we have just been contacting a lot of people and trying to find people to teach. We still have the family and they should be getting baptized this week. It has been hard with them though cause one day they seem way happy and excited about the Gospel but then the next the are all sad and have lost all hope. We keep promising them the blessings of the Gospel and eternal life but Satan is definately working on them. This week we also had the opportunity to help a crippled man. He was slowing cruising down the dirt road in his hand made wheel chair when all of the sudden his front wheel broke. We pulled him into the shade and spent the next two hours running around this town finding stuff to fix his chair. He started telling us how he has lost everything in his life and how he is alone. We talked with him about the Gospel and sent him on his way. He said he would come to church but he didnt. He wouldnt tell us where he lived but I know the Lord touched his heart the day he broke his chair. We are also teaching a young boy name brayan and he is going to be a solid member. He has a date for the 30 of this month and he is really excited for it. We have taught him two lessons so far and he has kept with his promises so that is good. This week we have been doing alot of reenactivation here in the area. As a mission we have a goal of baptizing every weekend. For some this means to contact every drunk person and offer them a bath.. That is what has happened here with the past missionaries and now it is up to us to fix what they have broken. This has caused me to think though and to realize how great the miracle of forgiveness really is. My job out here is to bring people unto Christ through repentance and baptism. Repentance is the thing most important in this life and is something we all stand in need of. I cant explain a better feeling of that which comes through someone who has accepted Christ and His atonement. I have realized more and more this week how important repentance is and how essencial it was to have Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for Him and everything that he did for me. He came down from His throne above to save me, you, and everybody. Everyday we need to remember Him and try to be more like Him. Sorry this email is a little short but it sounds like you all are doing well. I hope you all remember the true meaning of Easter and who it is that we remember. I love Him, I know He lives. I love all of you and am so grateful for the love you have shown me. Mom thank you for everything you have done for me and the thoughts you have shared with me. Just so you know I will be calling home the 8th of May.. I dont know what time or from where I just know that has been the assigned date to call home.
Elder Burr
Elder Burr
Matt's email 4/18/2011
The work here in Argentina is going along quite well. I was transfered to San Luis and this place is just amazing. It is big, civilized, pretty, it is just great. The only downer is that there is a ton of wind. It seems like we are continually walking around with parachutes tied to our backs. it´s way sweet though. My companion, Elder Hopkin, is a stud. He is from Massachussettes and like I said earlier, he is an ex assistant. He has taught me a lot these past few days and I am really looking forward to this transfer. It should be a great one. I wish I could share some cool story with you all about this past week but it was super low key. Travelling here was great because I got to do it alone. It was definitely weird being alone for 4 hours, but it was a nice ¨break¨ if you will. Getting here and getting used to the area is sweet. The ward he is awesome. It is full of returned missionaries so they actually understand how a ward needs to be run. The area is massive... It is just the biggest, most confusing puzzle ever, but I am sure one day I will get used to it.
This week we have started the Book of Mormon challenge. It is basically a challenge that the mission does and they encourage us to finish the book of mormon in 66 days.. the same amount of time that it took Joseph Smith to translate it. I got here right in the middle of it last year and it was great, so I am really excited for it this year. Other than that, the mission is super sick. To be honest, I kind of miss Alvear, but I am way excited to be here working in San Luis. It is going to be legit.
I love you all. I hope you have a great week. Thanks for all the prayers and the support. I hope you all have a happy easter this weekend and that you can take some time to think of what Jesus Christ has done in your lives. I will do it too so don´t worry. I love you homies
Elder Burr
This week we have started the Book of Mormon challenge. It is basically a challenge that the mission does and they encourage us to finish the book of mormon in 66 days.. the same amount of time that it took Joseph Smith to translate it. I got here right in the middle of it last year and it was great, so I am really excited for it this year. Other than that, the mission is super sick. To be honest, I kind of miss Alvear, but I am way excited to be here working in San Luis. It is going to be legit.
I love you all. I hope you have a great week. Thanks for all the prayers and the support. I hope you all have a happy easter this weekend and that you can take some time to think of what Jesus Christ has done in your lives. I will do it too so don´t worry. I love you homies
Elder Burr
Marc's email 4/11/2011
So it sounds like your life is just boring right now. What are you going to do to keep yourself sane while dad is gone? Are you still rollin in the rocket ship or have you bought another car since I left? If you want any ideas of things you could do just ask me I am full of ideas. You could sit. I could send you a hammock and you could lay. You could go out and water the dirt roads with hopes that they grow. You could sleep. You could get a job in the local tobacco fields. You could go to downtown alpine, pull up a bench, and watch the people. You could buy a beer and a bag of peanuts and sit. Pretty much you could just sit. That is what the people do here in Villa Hidalgo and they seem to get by. I dont know I just thought my ideas would be of help to you. It sounds like the family is doing well. Adam is about to embark on a journey, hopefully he doesnt turn out like Randy Stucki. Ben and Olivia seem to be settling in nicely. Olivia wrote me and it sounds like the metro is their new friend. I still cant imagine Utah and the family life without all of the family. I keep telling myself that they are all just on vacation but I guess thats not true huh? Taelyn and Cam and Ashley also seem to be living the dream. Taelyn needs to eat or something. Every baby in the family has been a little fat and is a fan of the food. Give her some beans or something that will make her fat. That is what they have done to me anyway so I figure they will do the same to her. Other than that thought the family seems to be living. Also the life here in Villa Hidalgo is still rolling. This last week has been hard but nobody every promised me that the mission would be easy. This week the heat has started and it feels like I am always standing inside of an oven. I sleep with a fan blowing right on me and I am sweating until about 4 in the morning. I then wake up and take my cold shower and start sweating about two hours later. Recently the harvesting season has stopped here and that means that nobody is working. This has made the work more hard for us because everybody in this town has lost all hope. We ask the people how they are and the tell us "The problem is critical". We then teach the about the Gospel and the blessing they can have and they just return to talking about money and how they have all accepted death from starvation. I am not kidding there are people that say that. We tell them that they have to put their faith in God and they have to go out and actually do something. The people say that they have faith but there just isnt work. We invite them to go to church and promise them blessings and they say that maybe on sunday they might have work. It is hard to teach these people because of the hope that they have lost but also this is a way that the Lord prepares His people. I know that there are people that are prepared to here the Gospel and follow the example of Christ. The family Deloa has accepted a date for the 23 and the whole family will get baptized this day. We still have to work with them and answer some questions but at this point we are relying of the Lord to answer their prayers. I know He will and I know they will be blessed by this church. I know that Christ lives and that He is always their for us. He is always willing to help us and He always wants the best for us. They always have blessings prepared for us but we are the ones that have to go get them. We have to read, pray, fast, observe all of His commandments and as we do this, we will be blessed. I know I am where I need to be and I know I have been saved for these days. I love you all and am so grateful for having you as my family and for having mom and dad as my mom and dad. I hope the best for everyone of you and thank you for everything. Until next week I am out.
Elder Burr
Elder Burr
Matt's email 4/11/2011
Alright I am going to have to start out by telling you the best news in the world. Nahuel´s mom was baptized on Saturday!!! Even better... Nahuel got to baptize her!! Oh man it was one of the happiest days of my life. She just started bawling after her baptism and she felt so good. Her whole family was so supportive of her. They went from denying the idea to completely accepting it. That entire family will become members of the church. Oh man it was just a great day. Then on Sunday Nahuel was sustained as the secretary of the ward... I think he could be one of the fastest progressing members in the church. He went from being a drug addict to a ward secretary in exactly 4 months... It sufficeth me to say that he was definitely prepared.
This past week was a great week. We spent tuesday and wednesday in Mendoza for a leadership training deal. President had some great words of advice as always and it was fun to see all the leaders of the mission. I didn´t recognize a good part of them, but that must mean I´m getting old or something. I can´t believe it. When we got back we only had 2 days to get everything ready for the baptisms we had on Saturday and when the day ended, I was just spent. I don´t think I had ever been more tired in my entire life. I can say though that I have left everything I have here in Alvear and I am leaving with no regrets. President called me last night and told me I will be going over to San Luis this Wednesday to be companions with Elder Hopkin. He was just barely an assistant and he was my second zone leader of the mission. Let´s just say at first we didn´t get along very well, but I am excited to be with him now. I am sure he will have a lot of advice and tricks of how I can become a better missionary. I don´t know much about San Luis, but from what I have heard it is beautiful. I will be sure to include pictures in the coming emails. I´m pretty excited to get out of Alvear. It has been an incredible 4 and a half months, and I have met some of the greatest people in the world, but it´s my time to bounce out and blaze new trails.
I loved the scripture that you shared with me mom. I believe it is in luke 9?? I love the last 2 verses of that chapter. It basically says that a man, after putting his hand to the plow, and looking back can never see himself fit for the kingdom of God. It is an interesting little teaching, but the moral is not to look back. Looking back causes the plow to stray from the straight path and causes the worker to lose focus. I believe you taught me best with the quote, Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Let us look forward with hope always, believing that we will receive a place in the mansion of our Father. I love the scriptures. In them are found the answers to any question in life. They are such a blessing to us in our lives.
I love you all and hope the week goes great.
Love
Elder Burr
This past week was a great week. We spent tuesday and wednesday in Mendoza for a leadership training deal. President had some great words of advice as always and it was fun to see all the leaders of the mission. I didn´t recognize a good part of them, but that must mean I´m getting old or something. I can´t believe it. When we got back we only had 2 days to get everything ready for the baptisms we had on Saturday and when the day ended, I was just spent. I don´t think I had ever been more tired in my entire life. I can say though that I have left everything I have here in Alvear and I am leaving with no regrets. President called me last night and told me I will be going over to San Luis this Wednesday to be companions with Elder Hopkin. He was just barely an assistant and he was my second zone leader of the mission. Let´s just say at first we didn´t get along very well, but I am excited to be with him now. I am sure he will have a lot of advice and tricks of how I can become a better missionary. I don´t know much about San Luis, but from what I have heard it is beautiful. I will be sure to include pictures in the coming emails. I´m pretty excited to get out of Alvear. It has been an incredible 4 and a half months, and I have met some of the greatest people in the world, but it´s my time to bounce out and blaze new trails.
I loved the scripture that you shared with me mom. I believe it is in luke 9?? I love the last 2 verses of that chapter. It basically says that a man, after putting his hand to the plow, and looking back can never see himself fit for the kingdom of God. It is an interesting little teaching, but the moral is not to look back. Looking back causes the plow to stray from the straight path and causes the worker to lose focus. I believe you taught me best with the quote, Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Let us look forward with hope always, believing that we will receive a place in the mansion of our Father. I love the scriptures. In them are found the answers to any question in life. They are such a blessing to us in our lives.
I love you all and hope the week goes great.
Love
Elder Burr
Monday, April 4, 2011
Marc's email 4/4/2011
Well from the things that we heard in the conference this past week, everybody that is not married better get on with life! Good thing I am down here in Mexico without that worry. I am sure I am exempt for these two years from talks like that. I hope so anyway. This conference was absolutely unbelievable. I learned so many things I can not explain them but if I had to sum it all up I would have to say that we must always be worthy disciples of Jesus Christ and we must always remember what He has done for us. One talk that I loved was that of Elder Bednar and what he had to say about revelation. I have often thought that because I havent had any huge experience, I lack the faith. Sometimes I have thought that I must be doing something wrong or that simply I am just not the type to have this type of revelation. After this talk I thought alot about myself and how I need to change. I think that at times I am always looking for something big. At times I am waiting for a dream or a vision. If I am waiting for something like that, What is the faith? Faith is to have a hope for things which are not seen but I know are true. Faith is not based off of dreams or revelations rather it is based off of living the commandments of God everyday because we believe that one day we will return to Him. That is also the message I am teaching to people here in Villa Hidalgo. Through the faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel, we all have the opportunity to live with Him.
This week has been a great week. I got moved up to senior companion and I am still here with Elder Diaz. He is a short, die hard gamer and pretty weird but oh well. We work good together and he is obedient. I never thought that the mission would be so stressful but somehow having the whole area of Villa Hidalgo on my shoulders has brought alot of stress. It has made me completely give my life and my thoughts, my works and my deeds to Jesus Christ. I am here in His work and I know He will always help me. At times it is hard to believe but I know He is always willing to help me.
Mom this last week I got the package you sent me from February and it was the best thing ever. The beef jerky and the food has pretty much saved my life. The ward news letters were also interesting. While reading those newsletters, it made me wonder what missions they are serving. Those that have all of those smiley faces and all of these words in all caps and one thousand exclamation points really make me think that spending all day every day with a guy is getting to their heads. But it sounds like they are all working hard and it motivates me to do my best out here. We also have a baptismal date for this family this weekend and I ask your prayers to help them get baptized. This family has been through more than I could imagine and wants nothing more than to have Christ in their life. They have spent nights sleeping under their truck, they sleep right now on the cement floor. They cook what little food they have over a little bonfire, sometimes they dont have food to cook. They have accepted Heavenly Father into their lives though and will follow the example of His Son. The dad needs to get divorced and married this week and I know that with your faith and prayers as well as the faith and prayers of us out here it will be possible. Your prayers will be appreciated.
Well all sounds well back at the house. Sounds like eggs in a bag were a hit again. Adam and Ashley and their family sound like they are doing well. When do they move out? And Cam and Ashley, when do they bounce? And Heather and Shea and their family, how are they? Well family thank you for your support and your prayers for me and the people here. Please keep them coming, you cant imagine the impact they have out here. I love you all and hope you all have a great week.
Love Elder Burr
This week has been a great week. I got moved up to senior companion and I am still here with Elder Diaz. He is a short, die hard gamer and pretty weird but oh well. We work good together and he is obedient. I never thought that the mission would be so stressful but somehow having the whole area of Villa Hidalgo on my shoulders has brought alot of stress. It has made me completely give my life and my thoughts, my works and my deeds to Jesus Christ. I am here in His work and I know He will always help me. At times it is hard to believe but I know He is always willing to help me.
Mom this last week I got the package you sent me from February and it was the best thing ever. The beef jerky and the food has pretty much saved my life. The ward news letters were also interesting. While reading those newsletters, it made me wonder what missions they are serving. Those that have all of those smiley faces and all of these words in all caps and one thousand exclamation points really make me think that spending all day every day with a guy is getting to their heads. But it sounds like they are all working hard and it motivates me to do my best out here. We also have a baptismal date for this family this weekend and I ask your prayers to help them get baptized. This family has been through more than I could imagine and wants nothing more than to have Christ in their life. They have spent nights sleeping under their truck, they sleep right now on the cement floor. They cook what little food they have over a little bonfire, sometimes they dont have food to cook. They have accepted Heavenly Father into their lives though and will follow the example of His Son. The dad needs to get divorced and married this week and I know that with your faith and prayers as well as the faith and prayers of us out here it will be possible. Your prayers will be appreciated.
Well all sounds well back at the house. Sounds like eggs in a bag were a hit again. Adam and Ashley and their family sound like they are doing well. When do they move out? And Cam and Ashley, when do they bounce? And Heather and Shea and their family, how are they? Well family thank you for your support and your prayers for me and the people here. Please keep them coming, you cant imagine the impact they have out here. I love you all and hope you all have a great week.
Love Elder Burr
Matt's email 4/4/2011
So I´m glad to hear that things are all busy at home. It sounds like everyone enjoyed conference and eggs in a bag... I still don´t know how sure I am about that tradition. The more I think about it, the closer my hand gets to the ¨pass¨ card. I mean they were good and all, but... it was an omelette... in a bag. I just don´t know. I guess we will just have to wait and see. As for now, I will stick to eating liver, cow stomach, and blood sausage... oh it´s just delicious, don´t worry.
About the week here in Alvear. It was different. On Thursday we went and picked grapes at a finca with some investigators and the inactive dad. When we all got in the back of the 1950 truck everyone was just staring at us. Then one of the workers turned to me and said, ¨you guys are great for walking, but for working in the harvest... You might have made a mistake.¨ After that they all starting laughing, but we just laughed it off. It was an awesome experience. Just imagine being crouched over all day, putting your hands places where you don´t even know what might be there, picking the grapes covered in spiders, and then carrying a huge bucket on your shoulder, throwing it all in the back of the same truck you came in, and doing it all over again. By about noon I was wasted. We kept going though and when all was said and done, we had filled 40 buckets. The next day I was beyond sore, but I was happy to see all of them come to church and commit to being baptized. I man it definitely paid off.
Conference was so good. I loved every minute of it and was pretty stoked to go out and work afterwards. Our investigators loved it. Perhaps the best part was the baptism we had inbetween the two saturday sessions. It was a great experience to have pretty much the whole ward here to witness the baptism and the girl was super stoked.
Other than that not much has been going down. Nahuel and his mom loved the picture that you sent. They have it in their living room. She should be getting baptized this weekend. Let´s hope so. I love you mom. Thanks for everything you have done for me. I´m always praying for you and the family!
Love
Elder Burr
About the week here in Alvear. It was different. On Thursday we went and picked grapes at a finca with some investigators and the inactive dad. When we all got in the back of the 1950 truck everyone was just staring at us. Then one of the workers turned to me and said, ¨you guys are great for walking, but for working in the harvest... You might have made a mistake.¨ After that they all starting laughing, but we just laughed it off. It was an awesome experience. Just imagine being crouched over all day, putting your hands places where you don´t even know what might be there, picking the grapes covered in spiders, and then carrying a huge bucket on your shoulder, throwing it all in the back of the same truck you came in, and doing it all over again. By about noon I was wasted. We kept going though and when all was said and done, we had filled 40 buckets. The next day I was beyond sore, but I was happy to see all of them come to church and commit to being baptized. I man it definitely paid off.
Conference was so good. I loved every minute of it and was pretty stoked to go out and work afterwards. Our investigators loved it. Perhaps the best part was the baptism we had inbetween the two saturday sessions. It was a great experience to have pretty much the whole ward here to witness the baptism and the girl was super stoked.
Other than that not much has been going down. Nahuel and his mom loved the picture that you sent. They have it in their living room. She should be getting baptized this weekend. Let´s hope so. I love you mom. Thanks for everything you have done for me. I´m always praying for you and the family!
Love
Elder Burr
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)