Happy New Year!

Hello all!

This is Elder Burns coming at you from 2018!!! Wow, the new year came so slowly, but so quickly as well! It's like the whole "days go by like weeks, weeks go by like days."

So, this week I had our first district meeting! It was such a relief to see other people, and socialize with them. We have 6 missionaries in our district, four elders and two sisters. The sisters serve on the Isle of Man, and cannot make it to district meetings, so they skype in from their, and we have the lesson via Skype! It definately is interesting, especially for the hymns. The delay can do some interesting things. After district meeting, we were planning on doing a street, however, plans fell through, so we had to postpone.

We've done a lot of walking... I mean a lot! So, most of my stories are just walking, trying to start conversations with people on the street/bus, knocking on a houses, etc. We haven't been having to much success with this, so during our weekly plannning meeting we set a 3-month plan, and hope to find more success through involving the members. They are the key, as the most effective missionary tool is friendship. This initiative was discussed by our ward mission leader on Sunday, so hopefully members grab onto it!

On Thursday, Elder Carroll and I stayed in.... unfortunately. I woke up that morning with quite the upset stomach, and after a little bit of time... let's just say I knew I was sick. We called the mission nurse, and she told us to stay in. We didn't have a lazy day. We still did some planning and studying and such. It was unfortunate though, as we had a tea appointment with Paul, who is a progressing investigator, AND a chef at a local hotel! He was planning some good food too. We also had a few other appointments with investigators. As we were calling around, one lady even said that she had gone all the way to Formby to get supplies to make us a cake! She had just put it in the oven when we called 🙁. And we had two investigators who didn't have phones, so we didn't have a way to contact them without leaving the flat. It was a really sad day, and of course, the only one during the week that we had prescheduled appointments on. But alas, sickness.

I feel that is important to acknowledge the priesthood in my sickness. I was at the point where I was fine when I was lying still I was fine, but as soon as I moved my stomach would churn and I would throw up. At one of these instances, I asked Elder Carroll to give me a blessing. He administered the blessing to me while my head was over a bucket. As soon as he began the blessing my stomach settled, and when he finished, I was able to stand, walk to the bathroom and clean out the bucket. I walked back in and told Elder Carroll, "Let's get to work". I didn't throw up after that.

Sunday was my first "normal" day at church. And they have something here that I really think would be good to implement back at home.... (and I've heard of it before, so don't patronize me) Linger Longers/Munch and Mingle!! It is the best! Who doesn't like eating food after church, and it was such a great way to meet the members in a more friendly way.

For New Years Eve we went to Bishop Fullwoods for lunch and the Brown family for Tea. It was great fun! At each home we were able to eat, teach, and play! They both also have kids around our age, so it was even more fun.

And in case you were wondering, no we didn't stay up until midnight. However, fireworks were launched just outside our window, so we were up when our clock turned to 2018!

For New Years Day, which is also P-day, we went to the park and played football (soccer) with the ward and some others. It was a blast and super super muddy! I was told I have some good skills 😂. I also learned the importance of traction. With that mud, I was slipping and sliding everywhere!!

So, that's my week. Full of ups and downs, but loving it!

Question of the Week: What will you do in 2018 to come closer to Christ?

If you can look up the video "New Years: Look Not Behind Thee" and D&C 50:24-25. Find those ways to increase your light and move forward!

Love you all! Have a great 2018!

Elder Burns

England Manchester Mission

Springwood, Suite G5

Booths Park

Chelford Road

Knutsford

England WA16 8GS

United Kingdom