Marc's email 11/28/2011

Hey mom
Just checking in from another week of work in the Vineyard of the
Lord. It is good to know that you enjoyed your trip to DC and now you
are going to Germany again for the 100th time. It is also good to
hear that Ben and Olivia are doing good and enjoying the East coast.
Is their house nice? Still haven't gotten pictures of it or of them for
a while. How is the rest of the family? It has been a while since I
have gotten a package. Like 6 weeks but they are probably in the
offices. I hope to get them soon. I said that about the changes
because this is the last week of the changes and a missionary usually
doesn't stay in the same area for more than 4 changes so I am thinking
they are going to change me. We will find out on sunday. I have grown
to love this ward though and many of the members. I have come to
understand them and have gained a greater desire to serve them and to
love them. There are several families here that I love and have
learned many things from them. It turns out that in my mission the
people that I have learned to love and admire aren't the ones that have
a lot of money and a nice house. They are the families that have
hardly anything but are willing to give everything they have to make
us happy. They are always willing to work with us and are always
helping us and giving us references. They are the ones that have
relied on the Lord for everything and for me they are great examples.
I couldn't imagine what it would be like living on the money you make
in the flea market every day and trying to sustain a family but here
there are members that do it and I admire them greatly. This week for
us was terrible. We had tons of lessons that fell through and the
people that we find were not exactly prepared for this message. It
cause me a lot of grief and pain seeing all of our work from the past
week go to the garbage but I find comfort in knowing that I am working
for the Lord and he is aware of everything that happens. In this week
I will just have to rely on Him and keep on looking for people. I have
come to realize that on the mission there are many trials and
obstacles that are always present. Just like in real life we have to
learn how to deal with all the things that front us. I have learned
that to trust in the Lord and do His will is always the best option.
That is what we will try to do this week.
As for my testimony of Jesus Christ and missionary work I wouldn't even
know where to start. One thing that I have learned in this past year
is that He loves us. He loves us so much that he was willing to die
for us. He died for all of us and as a missionary I have to
opportunity to testify of this love that He has and share it with
everybody. I get to invite others to come unto Him and "drink from the
waters of life freely". I get to invite people to live a life centered
on Him and His sacrifice. I have the opportunity to wear His name over
my heart every day and be a living example of His work and His gospel.
As it has been promised, I know that he is working alongside me. In
the times when I think I can't move on He inspires me to work harder.
He is the only one that offers us salvation. This gospel that has been
restored by a living prophet is the exact gospel that He established
here on this earth over 2000 years ago. In 3 Nephi 20 He talks about
this work. He testifies that all mankind will be brought to the
knowledge of our Savior, the Mesias. This is the message I get to
proclaim every day of my life. That He lives and He made it possible
for us to return to our Heavenly Father. They love us and have given
us everything so we can return. I will do all I can so that my family
and I can all return to His presence. I know this is true. I know this
is His church and He guides us through our beloved prophet Thomas S.
Monson. He is a man of God and by following his teachings we will be
lead towards the truth. It is a privilege and an honor that I have to
be able to witness miracles and fulfill this amazing prophecy. I love
it will all of my heart.
Well family I am out. I hope you all enjoy your week.
Elder Burr