Time to Hit the Road and Mothering Sunday

Hello from Rochdale!

This week has been super busy! (Do I say that at the beginning of all my emails? Extra brownie points to anyone who does the math. haha) Well, I already shared the experience of last Monday, so I'll finish off what happened Tuesday and onward.

Tuesday - Transfer preparation day. Boy, this day was hard. I had absolutely no desire to pack, and even less to leave the area. I absolutely loved it there! I practically knew that I would be leaving when Elder Heaton was called to train, however, I was holding onto that 5%ish chance that I would stay. So, for some of my dying wishes, we went and saw Kym in town centre, and then headed to the Hewitson's. It was good to spend my last day with those lovely people in Burnley. Although unplanned, the Hewitson's offered to make us tea (dinner). It was a good evening with them, and a good way to send off.

Wednesday - Transfer day. The day when a half-hour train ride turns into 9 hours! We had to catch our train to Manchester just after 6am (which meant waking up at 5). The fun part is, at about 7:15, our train went through the Rochdale train station! I wish I could've just hopped off and gone straight to the flat. Alas, I needed to accompany Elder Heaton to the mission home. By the time I dropped him off, headed with some others to the south of Manchester, met my companion, and traveled back to Rochdale... it was almost 4pm! Yeah, long day. I was wooped. I unpacked some of my stuff, ate food, then we headed off to youth.

We are preparing a mother and son for baptism on the thirteenth, so while we were at youth, we went through the service with them and arranged baptismal clothing with them. It was wonderful to talk about how baptism is performed, the significance of white clothing, and to top it off, teaching next to a painting of Jesus Christ being baptised by John the Baptist in the same way we do today, by immersion.

Thursday through Saturday - Let's get used to this. I can't remember much of these past few days as it's much of a blur. I've met some really great people, and we've been very busy with lessons. On top of that, I've been able to meet my new district! They are great! (although I haven't actually met half of them... *shrug*) They consist of 4 sisters, Elder Mbuli and me. So, it's quite different from what I'm used to as I have rarely served around sisters. That being said, those two transfers that I did, they really added an extra energy and perspective to the work. So, I'm excited for this transfer. It seems like it will be good!

Sunday - Let's meet the ward! And Mothering Sunday! It was a very special Sunday, as the primary children took the whole of sacrament meeting to honour the women and mothers in our lives. It was special as these young children each offered there own, "I love my mother because..." The children's answers ranged from "she help me with homework" and "she is kind" to "she gets me food!" Haha, all of which are true. But one that really stood out to me was this, "I love my mother because I love her." 

It made me think of a quote in the Face2Face with Studio C, where one mentioned that God loves us because of who we are and not because of what we do, just as God loves us because of who we are and not because of what we do. I am so grateful for that, because I'm sure we all have times where we feel unqualified for God's love, yet it is always there. I know that same sense of love is there from my parents. They love me and all of my siblings, not because of what we do (if that were so, we would have no need for a wooden spoon as a cooking utensil ;P) but because we are their children. 

As I heard that quote I reflected on many memories between my mom and me. It was a very special moment where I not only felt that love from me, but the spirit comforted me and shared with me some of that special love my mom has for me. I could suddenly imagine my parents praying for us, their children, and asking for us to be safe and led in good paths; to feel of their love. Praying that we will "be good, remember who we are, and return with honor". I'm so grateful for that moment. I am grateful for the never-ending love of my parents, and especially my mother. I am grateful for their example to me. I am grateful they raised me and my siblings to follow the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ. I know this blessed our family more than we could ever know. I feel like I can't say "thank you, mom" without saying "thank you, dad", because they always worked together as a team unit. That being said: Thank you, Mom! I love you! (Dad, you'll get your's on Father's Day ;))

If you take the song Count Your Many Blessings to heart, you will never reach an end to that list.

Well, that brings us to today. I've been able to spend these past several days with Elder Mbuli. He is a wonderful elder, and we already work well together. He is very determined to work hard and enjoy his time. He is from Swaziland and speak English and Siswati (hopefully I'll pick some of that up!)

This week has been wonderful, and I hope that is the same case for you all!

Much love,

Elder Burns