Flashback to the MTC

Hello friends! 

I apologize for missing last week. These weeks have been crazy, and time for preparation day goes by so quickly! 

Mother's day!!!! Aka skyping home! It was great to have that opportunity. Much like Christmas, many of my family were able to join in to the video call, and I was able to talk with many of them. It was so good to see those faces again! I'm grateful for a mother who was willing to put up with all of us for so many years, and for taking care of us even if we were driving her patience up the wall and out the window! We were (and are) a rowdy bunch, but we've learned how to balance that fun and love. I'm grateful to have had the gospel taught in our home and a Christ-centered family. I know that those all aided in the loving atmosphere that was created as we were being nurtured by loving parents. I love you, mom! 

That next Monday, we were invited by the Porthmadog Elders to join them in touring Caernarfon Castle! It was quite the spectacle. Pictures really can't do it justice. It was neat to see the history that exists there, and feel even a snippet of what it would have felt like to live in that time period. 

We have been working with many people, namely Jummai and Chloe. We were able to meet with Jummai a few times, and she has a strong belief in the teachings of the church. The lesson we had was about the Word of Wisdom, and she said that as she read the pamphlet she knew that it was good, and she committed to live that law. Chloe has also been progressing a lot! She was a former investigator that we got in contact with. She was actually taught by Elder Carroll! We contacted her on the phone, and one day while we were walking down the street I heard an "Elder Burns!". We weren't able to teach anything at that point, but we knew who she was. We later got a text that she wanted to meet asap and receive all the lessons again. At the first lesson we had she expressed that she desired to be baptised! So, she is on date for the 9th of June! 

Also, some fun updates: I heard today that Natacha is getting baptised this Saturday!!! There were many miraculous events that lined up perfectly, and she was ready. As soon as the gate opened for her, she was ready to go! 

Today, there was a meeting for all the Chinese speaking missionaries, and as Elder Larson is Chinese speaking, I had to go along. It was such a long drive (okay on Utah standards, not really. But Mission standards, yes). We had to get up around 5 to get there, and a two hour drive each way. While Elder Larson was in the meeting, I met with Elders Casadibari, Souza, and Paewai. Our preparation day was extended because we had to drive, however, they were told they needed to still do three hours of missionary work throughout the day. So, we went to Piccadilly Gardens, and did a street display there! It brought back so many memories of doing that in the MTC. We even saw some MTC Elders as we were leaving! I remember being in their shoes, and it's weird to think that I'm now on the other side! 

I have been able to do a lot of scripture study this past month, and it truly has uplifted me in so many ways. My testimony of the Book of Mormon has been strengthened. We run into so many people that degrade the Book of Mormon and mock it. I had this occurrence today, and when I asked if he had read the Book of Mormon, he said "not one word". As I have read word by word, I have seen that it truly is the word of God, and another testament of His Son, Jesus Christ. If you truly read the book, there is absolutely no way that you can finish and not have a stronger faith in and understanding of Jesus Christ and His gospel. If you want to know whether or not the Book of Mormon is the word of God... Read the book. 

I testify that it is. The Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible work hand in hand as partners. They support one another and testify of each other. They testify of Jesus Christ, of His life and ministry. They teach His gospel and His plan for us. They are God's words for us. I know that the Book of Mormon has been saved for this day to be a special witness of Jesus Christ. Unaltered and unchanged; pure doctrine. I know this because I have, and continue to, read the book. 

Invitation of the Week
Read The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It? By President Russell M. Nelson, October 2017 General Conference. If you have read the Book of Mormon before, think about the question stated in the title and it's answer to you. If you haven't read the Book of Mormon, I invite you to start, and see what your life would be like with it!

I love you all, and hope that you all are having a wonderful life!

Elder Burns

England Manchester Mission
Springwood, Suite G5
Booths Park
Chelford Road
Knutsford
England WA16 8GS
United Kingdom

Note from Mom: These pictures are from a Zone Conference held last week. In some of the pics you have to play "Where's Elder Burns?"