Preparedness Brings Blessings...

Hello friends and family!

What a beautiful week it has been here in England! Spring is coming, the sun has been shining *touch wood*, and the short-sleeved shirts have re-entered the work!

Tuesday-

A great start to a crazy week! So, most my mission, District Councils have consisted of 4-6 individuals. It's generally been pretty small. Now, this week was quite different. So, in there is 6 in the District, plus we have a senior couple that was able to join us. In addition, the zone leaders were coming also, as we had exchanges immediately following them. And in addition to them, the Assistants to the President called about 2 minutes before I got to the Chapel and informed me that THEY WERE COMING TOO!!! (I'm either being super dodgy or doing something right 🤷‍♂️) So, District Councils quickly increased to 12 people!!

Later on in the day, we were informed that another sister would be joining our district! So, we have welcomed Sister Foketi into a trio with the sisters in Whitefield.

Exchanges were such a blast! I was with Elder Offei, and he may be more bold than me with "singing as if no one were listening". Luckily, he has a good voice too. 😂 We were able to sing some great hymns together. We were also able to teach a lesson... Through Google translate! Haha, and the aid of a Romanian Book of Mormon. It was amazing!

Sunday -

As per request of President Ballard, we held stake conference this past Easter Sunday. It was wonderful as we heard from the stake, mission, and temple presidents, Stake Relief Society President, Sister McReynolds, a new member, and a youth testimony (impromptu, may I add). It was wonderful to reflect on Jesus Christ, His atonement and resurrection; especially through hearing the gospel taught from many different walks of life and perspectives.

As part of the conference, the missionaries were asked to join with the youth and YSA in singing the EFY Medley. We all arrived early to practice, only to discover that they hadn't asked anyone to play the piano or conduct!! Some other missionaries voluntold me to play, and asked if I had any sheet music. Well, I did... On my tablet. We ran through it a few times, and, well... It was rough. But we went forward with Faith and prayers.

When the time came to sing/play, I was amazed as the choir grew to overflowing with additional youth/YSA. It was wonderful! It pulled itself together and went very well. I was also very blessed as the stake center has a grand piano! It was my first time to properly play a full song on a grand since I left home. I asked for help in guiding my fingers, and as I played it felt like the song just flowed from my fingers. I can't describe it in any other way than magical and spiritual. The united voices of the choir proclaiming their love and desire to serve the Lord was outstanding and overwhelming. What a blessing.

With this very special weekend we have had, I just want to say that I love the Lord, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for His love, and His atoning sacrifice. I know that I can place my yoke and heavy burden upon Him, and He will help me carry it. I am grateful that through Christ I can become a better and better individual. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, through whose grand vision and knowledge prepared a way for us to gain experience and bodies; to return to Him perfected. I'm grateful He loved all of us enough to let His son atone for us.

I love you all!

-Elder Burns

P.s. If you actually make it to the end of my emails, I am very impressed.