Cookin up a good time

Sister Burnham taking care of her companion and cooking up some great meals.

Yummy deep fried french toast

P-day Bowling

Some of the Sisters and Elders went bowling for a fun P-day!

TRANSFER

Sister Burnham is packed up and ready to go...

Sister Burnham was transferred to Romeo Michigan Tuesday April 18th 2011

If you click on the map you can see that Romeo is only about 15 miles away from Sterling Heights!

We were sad to see her go but know she will learn and grow and touch lives in Romeo. She is Senior companion with Sister Dunn. I will let you know more as soon as we hear from her:

I got transferred to Romeo! My Companion's Name is Sister Dunn. You know how much I love to tract, so your wish was for me to get a testimony of it? Well here in Romeo they do a lot of tracting. I have not gone tracting in over two months. We are serving in a Branch with members that do not work with the missionaries very much. They do have a couple of investigators but we hope to get more soon. I love Sister Dunn already. She is Awesome! She has been out 6 weeks. So she is the last new sister after me. The two newest missionaries are comps, cool!!!!! We will tare it up. I am senior comp which means I get to drive. I like this very much. I miss driving. Being a navigator has really helped me be aware of where I am. So I am better for it. I am happy I am not having to back out the driver anymore. I will write more on Thursday. I am going to Detroit to go sight seeing with the rest of the Sisters. I will tell you how that goes as well. I love you! And I will Finish Strong in Romeo!!

Here are some silly outtakes from her time in Sterling Heights!

We will sure miss your beautiful face Sister Burnham

Finish Strong

The Next Six Weeks :)

Let me just say that I am glad you were able to hear from that African lady. She came as well to our area. (To a Relief Society Conference) I even got a picture with her. This happened last month. I thought I told you. But you remembered more than I did. She told us that she is usually more graphic at the time out for women. So I am glad you and I both had the same experience and received that same impressions.

I am going to give Jenni some more pictures to put up on her blog. So expect to see some silly videos and pictures. I hope you love them.

I don't know really how to explain to you what really happened this week. But the fruits of testimony it felt I was talking to her specifically. The Spirit was with her and she is so excited to get baptised on May 1. And Kiwon Son, my first Korean investigator came. He is 17 and very polite. He sat right between me and Sister Corbridge. I had him read the prayer while Sister Corbdridge had him read about Sacrament in the Gospel Doctrines book. God sent us to him at the right time. the work came on Sunday. We had 5 investigators there. I was so happy I had to take the chance to bear my testimony. And After sacrament meeting I held Sis. ____ (an investigator) so tight I didn't not want her to leave. She and her husband did leave after the first hour sadly. But Hallelujah that they came. Oh it was such a good thing. Also Peggy and Edna came. Edna is 69 turning 70 in August. And she is loving the fellowship and the whole spirit she feels when she walks into the bldg. She told me that when I had shared my

The family he is staying with who is his second cousin, will be a strong support for him. Which is perfect. Also we went to have Korean food with them after we left the Break the Fast with the Singles, and then after the Korean meal we went to teach the Martins and they had also made meal for us. Oh they could tell we had food before we came, because of how little food I was eating. I had to really be careful that I wasn't going to burst. NO BUENO!

Nick Adkins and his Mom and Sister Burnham

The last thing that I want to talk about was the Blessing to see Nick Adkins receive the Priesthood. He is now a priest and as Brother Bentley was praying I was crying thinking back on where Nick was not too long ago. He changed. He is a new man, and I love it. I am shocked that I have been able to witness his Baptism and Ordination all in one transfer. His sister was also able to be there from BYU Idaho that was recently baptized a few years ago. Tony is soon going to do the same thing.

This Sunday was faith building and yet we still have more to do. Our goal is to put more people on date this week. Lets hope that Sister Corbridge and I stay together for her last six weeks of her mission. We would then be together for a whole 8 months. I think I am going through some what of a depression because I have not had another companion, so I have not experienced being transferred. I hope I don't have to face that yet. Ahhh.....I will just pray even more!!!

My heart is full and I am filled with the prayers towards me and all the other missionaries. I have seen miracles and my faith has grown. I am even getting all emotional sitting next to Sister Corbridge. I know that people are here to hear my testimony. I know that I am a missionary for He who has created me. I know that my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Christ's atonement, Repentance, BAPTISM, and Enduring to the End. I know that that is the only way. That is what the Spirit converts people to do. The Word of God is more readily at hand then ever before. I am thankful all the angels on my side. Even those that have passed on before me. I can feel my grandparents and my great grand parents doing what they do best. Gospel is true, there is a living prophet on the earth. I will never go astray if I keep treasuring up the what is most precious. I love all of you and hope you are doing well.

Conference Weekend

Well, well, you were on the computer early today. 5 in the morning is even early for me. I had the chance to see all the sessions. 1st was at sister pix home. She is the crazy lady from Germany who says what she wants how she wants and you can always end on a good note with her if you give her a really big hug. Haha! Which you know I am really good at. 2nd session was at a members home that is full of some less-active members. They were so nice to let us come and watch with them. We hope that their daughter's friend Emily will be available soon to come over to their home so we can continue to teach her. 4th session was with investigator Peggy Alan who is ready to be baptized but needs to quit smoking and pay her debts. Those two are correlated. She is pretty much Mormon but dry! 5th session was with another investigator Kelly . She was surprised how good it was. She has a Mormon husband that is not active. She has come to church once and a baptism. I hope her continual reading from the scriptures and her prayers will lead her to the goal we try to commit her to every time we see her. Haha.. not every time but it's close. She fed us dinner afterwards. Her step daughter and two friends also ate with us. Meat loaf with bacon and pizza sauce on top. YUM YUM!!!!! Potatoes and rolls with cinnamon butter. It was a nice to get to know the girls and to let Kelly see how we are with others that are not members. We brought up God and our divine nature and individual worth. These girls were seniors so we really had to lower ourselves down to their level of "girly-ness"!!! They were shocked we actually were talking about spiritual things at the table but, man it brought me right back home when I would eat with the family and those subjects never seemed weird or foreign. such is life as a Mormon. We didn't gain them as investigators, which was probably doable if we really had faith in the Spirit, but if we see them again there is nothing stopping us. We asked for forgiveness from God and for a second chance...as humble as possible.

So conference weekend was great. I have never felt it go by so fast. It was a nice reboot and gave me a more motivation to have faith in the Lord. I have been studying faith and the power that can come from unshaken faith. The President feels that it is important for me to focus on this subject. Great things and miracles come from exercising faith. I have the desire, I have the hope, and I am working min by min on the charity. SO next my faith will be continually tested and it's my duty to be obedient to the promptings of the Spirit.

We received a new investigator this week. It happened to be a son of a recent convert of last year. Sister Holmes and her daughter were baptized. Sister Holmes was confirmed in the Northshores ward but her daughter never was. I don't know why they never did, but they are in our area and so we are now going to teach them. We visited them last week. And her son came up from the basement to see what the noise was coming from. I chose to sing the 158 hymn and he stayed to listen as was his sister and Sister Holmes. I got his number and picture in the phone"YEAH!!" He is 17 and I think has a pretty good social life. Anyways we got him to commit to stay in the next lesson if we brought him a steak or candy bar. Our hope is to have the daughter Stephanie and son members by the beginning of May! Sister Holmes is such a big support. I am excited to see how the Lord will direct us to teach them to their needs.

So since I have a brother that is going to be 17, I hope he will give me some insights on how to teach this 17 year old here. The family is also black, which finally I get a chance to bring a black family to the gospel and true church. I have been waiting patiently, cause I know it is a silly request. BUT HALLELUJAH!

Our goals this week is to put more people on date. Pray that we will meet our goal!

Sister Corbridges birthday was last Thursday. We planned a surprise a dinner for her. The dinner was at Sister Sololowskies place. We invited all the recent converts. All seven of them. Three of them came. Sister Martin and Veronica, and Brother Ray. The surprise wasn't the dinner but who was in attendance. Sister Corbridge said, "I have never felt the spirit so strong at a birthday party." We even kept to the rules. We left with a message and still made it an hour and a half. I was so happy to see her get all emotional from the Martins letter. And I sang the primary song, "We Will Bring the World it's Truth." She got all emotional! I am glad it all worked out. Let me tell you...it is very hard to keep secrets from your companion. Especially when you share a phone and always in hearing distance. But with the help of the ward missionaries it was possible.

We have some potential investigators, one that just got out of jail. So I hope all is well, and that he is open and ready to allow the Lord to heal him, and his heart. He seems pretty humble, I don't know actually how to teach someone that just came out of jail, but Sister Corbridges brother went through the jail stuff, so hopefully if we stay together we might have a chance I seeing him enter the waters of baptism also in May.

She has two months left. My wish is to see her last moments of her mission come out strong with perfect obedience. I pray for her every day not to get trunky. She is working really hard on that. I love her and love God for sending me her.

Until next week, FINISH STRONG!

Love,

Sister Burnham

Hard Working Sisters!

The Martin Family

The Week we HAD The MARTIN'S BAPTIZED!

This week especially spiritual. We were not prepared to be so filled with the spirit. Sister Corbridge and I have been experiencing some changes in our teaching. For example, when we teach a family or a couple of some sort and they are at different levels of spirituality, we tend to split up and teach each separately in the same home. It naturally happens. We were teaching new investigators that were member referrals. As soon as we were sharing our testimonies we noticed the Husband was not going to let us get anywhere with what we wanted to share. So he and I connected and I started talking to him, and sister Corbridge moved away from me and closer to the wife and talked to her. I ended up kneeling next to the husband and teaching him to his needs and what he needed to know so that he would read the Book of Mormon. Sister Corbridge explained to me that her little lesson with the wife was very much like she was in heaven. She was able to bring the Spirit to a higher level, and prepared the wife to come to church and read the Book of Mormon and trust us more. I was surprised afterwards that even though we don't teach like that most of the time, it worked then. And they are solid at keeping their commitments.

We are also using the technique we learned in District Meeting in our Member Lessons. We are finding out what they need to do then what they need to feel, then what they need to know. We recap, then commit, then ask them to pray and ask God to help them with this commitment we just extended. We sit in silence and let them write down some thoughts that might come up and Thank them a lot for allowing us to have a spiritual experience with them. Oh man, it feels so good afterwards.

The fireside was extra special. Maybe because the Recent converts were all taught by Sisters!!!!! I have a new appreciation for the leaders of the church reminding me that I mean something to my recent converts even after I leave the area. I need to make sure that I remember that I stay focused. I was impressed the first speaker had the ability to be the comedy relief for the night. I was then surprised at what Tony Gentile and Nick said. Nick said the two words that describes our lessons with him were, AWESOME and WONDERFUL! Tony said that treats and women were his weak points. So I guess it was good that they sent sister missionaries when they did so that we could teach him. But I have to be honest, Sister Corbridge and I both blushed when he said that, embarrassed probably.

They both are planning on being ordained with the Priesthood next Sunday or the Sunday after. Temple is their next goal and I am so overwhelmed with emotions when I think about the Opportunity to see that this is for real. It was also special to have Jenni, my sister, to be their to see what I get to experience here while on my mission. I also want to tell you how much Elder Hudsaker and his wife really touch my heart when they talk to me. Like I am their own granddaughter. He cried when he told me how much he loved my singing. He said the whole song was good but the last note was the ringer for him. They make me feel like I already have known them for a sometime.
Man I am crying already.!!!!!

The baptism was beautiful. I was able to sing with Veronica who got baptized. And I was able to see a husband embrace his wife knowing that this is a beginning to take the step to be together forever. Hope and Love that filled the room was so thick.

The ward was touched the next Sunday when she was asked by President Lance to share her testimony. Both Sister Corbridge and I held our breath while she slowly and very shaky gets up there. She did great. She hates speaking in front of people. But the ward was touched and is getting stronger I think. All of the members are amazed at what has happened over the last couple of months.

Sterling Heights Stake President and the Martin Family

Because of the many miracles I always assumed this was a common thing to baptize three people and confirm them the next day. Then another family in a couple of weeks and then another one after that. It has happened so frequently while I have been here I have been expecting these Baptisms to happen more often. I wonder what will happen as I grow more in my Faith in the Work and what God has in store. I really want to kill Sister Corbridge off (this means be her last companion before she goes home) Her last transfer the next one, and it would be the greatest thing ever. We have been through so much and I have seen the effect of our faith. I would just like to see her through her last moments of pure Joy in the Work. I am going to stop talking about this cause I get emotional every time.

I love her so much and sometimes even though we can't stand each other sometimes it can't change how we have come through for each other. If I ever had such a companion God sent me the best to improve my faith and my teaching skills. I know I still have a lot to learn.

I know that this is what God wanted, and I know that the Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost is the foundation of our lessons. Jesus is our focus when we teach together. The Holy Ghost is that third companion and with out him we don't speak. We have gained an enlightening in our hearts and mind when we teach by the Spirit. With the spirit it is possible to finish strong!

Love,

Sister Burnham

GOD is In the Work

Last week was a miracle. I was sick with a really bad cold. It was so bad people canceled to meet with us because they didn't want to get sick. But for some reason God allowed us to reach our goals and bring us new people to teach and have lots of opportunities to teach. We have been concentrating on the power of prayer and sharing the Book of Mormon more. We are working on teaching about the Holy Ghost as soon as we are told to by the Spirit. I am surprised we are teaching people from years 9 to 70. And those that are on date to get baptized are solid. Recently Edna the 70 year old is the Aunt of a convert of one year . She is wonderful. We show her we care and she responds to every question we ask her. I can't understand what comes out of her mouth though. She talks with a southern accent plus marbles in her mouth. So Sister Corbridge has to repeat or interpret for me. I even tried sitting really close to watch her mouth. It helped a tiny bit. She knows that she needs to be baptized with the Priesthood and that this is only a beginning. She wants to be baptized on April 23rd.

Sunday was fun. We sang in the choir. IT WAS AWESOME!!! Veronica, who is getting baptized this sat with her mom Rita, sang with us. Her first time with us practicing and she was brave enough to sing, standing in front of the congregation and belt her little heart out as well as she could. I am impressed by her lack of fear. I also appreciated the Stake President commenting on how the Martins are wonderful and recognized them. I find it satisfying when my recent converts and investigators are praised and noticed. I love seeing the spirit embrace them in front of me.

Brother Randy Clark or Brother Ray

One more miracle! On Tuesday night Brother Randy Clark was set up to see the Bishop. He was so worried about it. He was not happy about it at all. He felt it was some kind of disciplinary thing. He told me on the phone that he saw no reason why it was so important to see the Bishop and talk to him. He kept telling me he would lose 50 dollars that night because he had to see the Bishop. But I pressed on him that he would be blessed, that he committed to see us at 8 and that even if he forgot he needed to follow through. So he came grudgingly. What made him come were the kid clothes he had, I told him to bring them and give those to us so we can give it to a family who needs it in the ward. That's his soft spot. He is willing to do anything nice for some one else. When we got there he was still upset. So while he was meeting with the Bishop, I was sick to my stomach wondering what we will have to face afterwards. Will he storm out of the church, will he stay angry? To pass the time I read out of the D&C 136. In there is talked about if you borrowed things you need to restore it to the person you borrowed it from. We through away His helmet ashtray recently and he knew it was us. At the time we felt it was a good idea. He told us that it was his dead brother's dead best friend's. If you followed that way to go. He made us feel so guilty. Or at least I did. Sister Corbridge is able to brush it off easier than me. The thing is was that we couldn't replace it. It was already gone. To my surprise here comes Brother Ray laughing and walking with a jump in his step, thanking the Bishop for the advice he gave and the scriptures that was shared. I WAS SO SHOCKED! I couldn't believe how changed he was. He was so excited about the deeper doctrine in the D&C and when I told him to just flip to a scripture and point to a verse and read it that it would be good. I did that in front of him. And the scripture that I randomly picked fell on the promises for keeping the word of wisdom. Brother Ray's jaw dropped. He said to me that the Bishop had just discussed that scripture I just randomly picked. He told me he is convinced that I am sent from God, and that the Spirit was there. IT WAS SO COOL!!!!! I felt even better.

These kinds of experiences strengthen testimonies. It is so wonderful to be a part of it. With God, we can finish strong.

PS,

I feel better. I am singing in the Missionary Fireside on Thursday. Consider The Lilies! And leading the Music. That one I didn't plan. But I am happy to do it. Two Baptisms this Sat at 2.

I also am going to try and send pictures that I printed out from Sister Corbridges camera.

The Weather is rainy some what but nice mostly. I can deal with it much better than the snow and ice.

Love you SOOOOOO Much!!!!!

Little Leprechaun

Working Hard and Happy

“No one can ever enter the celestial kingdom unless he is strictly honest.” –Joseph Smith, Jr.

This week was filled with miracles and we are finding people through members up the yeeyang!!!! Sister C gets to teach a recent convert's parents here in Sterling Heights. The recent convert was her second baptism.

The new investigators we recieved were miracles. We prayed with a lot of faith that we would find people to teach. Our prayers were answered through member referrals. We have potential to have a the Martin's baptism on the 26th and then on April 9thMaybe Peggy Alan. We have been encouraging our investigators as much as we can. We have been teaching to there needs and being REAL with them. They see us as humans with love and the intent to help them instead of changing them. I have learned that the Spirit provides the change. We ask them to commit so that they can gain faith knowing it's coming from their will. We have been on fire! I feel like my prayers are being answered more than in my whole life. I have just noticed miracles over and over. I feel so much indebted towards my God. That is my motivation. After I witness a miracle We pray in thanks EVERY TIME!
We are spreading the word about Mormon.org and church tours, to everyone we teach. I see that becoming a valuable teaching tool in some of the homes we visit. Will you as a family or individually complete a profile on mormon.org that would be wonderful. Then we could share our family member's testimonies! Tell me when you have them finished thanks.

Church was great this week. Four investigators came. That was a miracle. And our reactivated members are coming frequently as well. We are overjoyed! I love being here in sterling heights.

I do need some advice! How do you through a surprise birthday party while still keeping the mission rules? Sister Corbridge is having her 27th on the 31st of March. I guess we will have a fun Planning Session that Friday!

It was great to here from you mom and dad! Thanks for making me laugh!

Some funny things we have experienced this week. Sister Corbridge let me dye her hair ash blonde. That means very very blonde! It came out really cute! Umm.. other than that we are just having fun laughing at each other and with each other.

I don't think I want to see pictures of the kids until after I get home. I want that dramatic effect of seeing them so changed and big!!!! We will see how long that goes for. I might change my mind.

Love you,

WE WILL FINISH STRONG!!

14 Baptisms and more to come!

Sent: Monday, March 7, 2011 8:36:51 AM
Subject: Re: It's March!

From the Assistants:

14 People entered into a covenant with their Heavenly Father this week that will bless them for the duration of their lives upon the earth, and for all eternity. As far as we know there have not been 14 people baptized in a single week in our mission for a really long time, if ever. That is so great! The only thing that limits us from bringing forth “much fruit” is ourselves; the things that are now happening in the mission are a testimony that we are more fully allowing our Heavenly Father to do his work by getting ourselves (our will) out of the way. Let us celebrate the good that is happening in the mission and let us never forget the source of our success. Thank you for all the good that you do!

“I do not dwell upon your faults, and you shall not upon mine. Charity, which is love, covereth a multitude of sins, and I have often covered up all the faults among you; but the prettiest thing is to have no faults at all. We should cultivate a meek, quiet and peaceable spirit. Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, etc., any truth? Yes. They all have a little truth mixed with error. We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true “Mormons.”” – Joseph Smith

Mom, you asked about my health. I am trying to eat healthier but it is a work in progress. I am not off sugar anymore but I am not going crazy eating a lot of it either. Sister Corbridge and I do pool our money together. I am the only companion she did that with. I told her that I didn't want to have any separations like that to have to deal with.

I have been stressed this past week with all the baptisms. We had a hard time with convincing the Bishop and the Ward Mission Leader and the Elders Quorum President that Brother Randy (Ray) Clark was a great candidate to be dunked. They thought a few more weeks later would be best. But the Lord provided a way this last Sat. And we ran with it with all the faith Sister Corbridge and I could gather up. My prayers keep getting simpler and with much sincerity. You almost sound like a little child, pleading with the Lord on what to do, or how to diligently wait patiently for things to happen or not happen. Brother Ray was almost late to his confirmation because he helped someone prior. He is always a good friend to every one he meets, as long as you do not have a uniform on that says Police. Hahaha! I love being here and love it that I am staying with Sister Corbridge another six weeks. She has one more transfer after this. I think I might " KILL" her off. If so, she said I get to go out to eat with her and the people leaving. Yes! But thats only if I stay with her the whole 12 weeks she has left. Brother Ray and Brother Gertsch

Brother Ray, Nick, Sister Corbridge, Tony, Sister Burnham

The baptisms were amazing. I spoke on enduring to the end. I used the footprints poem that was on my journal. Remember? I also bore my testimony of how we should always treasure the scriptures. Brother Ray said that Sister Corbridge sang so well, but it seemed nice for her to give the floor to the little girl who sang with her. Brother Ray said I was totally opposite. He said I took over the stage and looked so comfortable speaking like I have done this my whole life. It was a humbling experience. I noticed at that time how I need to refine myself so I don't seem too over powering to some. But I am embracing the gift that I don't have stage fright!

We had investigators and some non-members there as well.

I am blessed to be here and participate in these people's lives. What was cool is that Brother Martin bore his testimony. He talked about how he was reactivated by us. The song that changed everything for them was #158. I sang that hymn that night (several weeks ago) with all my heart and looking at Brother Martin's face afterwards was the miracle. His countenance changed and it's all history from there. I love that family.

It was great that you had those BYU boys over. I am proud of my family so much. I am really happy Ryan is doing well in swimming. I was a fan of swimming. I am so excited to hear about the different activities Sara is involved with. (YW) Good luck with the wet weather. (I told her about the rain and snow and wind we are having lately in modesto) I am writing back to whom ever writes me. I love getting letters now. So it is only fair that we send them letters. Sister Corbridge and I sent thank you cards to people in the ward. They really liked that. I was surprised how much. Thanks to Diane McRae for sending me a package of letters. If someone could send me her address that would be sweet!

WE ARE STAYING TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited!!! We have many more goals this next transfer. Finding people through members is potentially going to be the way we find people. But I am so excited for the baptisms that are arising. The Martins. Rita and Veronica are in the bag. They want to be baptized either this Sat. the 12th or the following Sat. We have been trying to help Brother Martin prepare to baptize them. He had not been to church for over 13 years. It has been miracle after miracle. All I have learned is that God is going to have his way. I will have to learn that lesson sooner or later. It was the Spirit who confirmed each and every one of our new members of the Church. I am blessed to be here. I am blessed to have stayed with Sister Corbridge. I am blessed to have friends in the ward that are trusting our judgment more and more. I am finding how important prayer is. The Book of Mormon can relate to everyone as long as they have a broken heart and contrite spirit. I have seen the different stages of progression. I love the diversity in the work. It keeps each day new and fresh. I have to be honest that I had my faith worked on, the past week and a half, but it has only been strengthened. With God anything is possible. If Brother Randy Clark wants to be baptized, and that was a miracle, anyone from his situation can get baptized. I love the support I get from the Lord. He is there lifting us up right when we get on our knees and pray. I am prepared for a month of interesting conversations and lots of patience and lots and lots of love. I know if I keep my purpose in mind 24/7, between my goals and the District's goals we will be able to accomplish exceedingly great heights!!!! Even though our brethren are sleeping, we are pressing forward in the night! (not sure what that means) We will finish strong!

This month our District goal for baptisms is 8! We are providing five of the eight! Pray we meet our goal or exceed it!

Miracles and a flat tire...

This Past week we have had miracles after miracles.

Okay I am so sorry for not writing to you mom. I didn't get your letter in time, so I just wrote to Dad. Oops! I will remember that next time.

So I received the Ward Letter. And I will try to write this letter so Sister Walker can put it into the Ward letter for next month or whatever you want them to know.

My testimony of Fasting has grown. During our fast I went tracting while the Sun was shining high. We had no snow fall last week until Sunday. Sunday we had nine inches. During tracting we only had to knock on two doors and already we had a new investigator. Three doors down we taught another young lady who let us in because we looked young and hip. Thanks for the new dress code! This was while Sister Corbridge was in Hill Street and Sister Klingler was teaching with me. It's better Sister Corbridge went, because if I did, I found out from her comp that I would have killed her. I guess our personalities clash. But we all are daughters of God!

Sister Klingler came to Sterling Heights while Sister Corbridge went to Hill St. That was fun. I was able to drive which I love to do. Surprisingly I knew where I was and we never had to really use the GPS. Maybe once or twice. Sister Klingler loved Sterling Heights. She loved teaching our investigators and found a new freedom. She was there when we gave an investigator Andrew, a church tour. Andrew at the end committed to Sister Klingler's "As you...will you..." Yeah! I talked to her before about Hard commitments. She was surprised I have never given a soft one. I only know how to do hard commitments. Which means saying Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ instead of a soft commitment saying, As you come to know these things will you or are you willing to be baptized?

So the focus we had was to teach simple and not worry who starts the lesson. I had a conversation with her about how Sister Corbridge and how I have seen Sister Corbridge tecniques and was disappointed. Sister Sung is teaching the same way Sister Corbridge did five months ago.

Later we went to pick up a member to come to a lesson and when we got there she came out and told us her husband just died in Ohio and she was very calm about it. In shock she was running around trying to tell her neighbor that she couldn't teach her kids today because of the event. I could only stay with Sister Zufall for a little bit because I had to meet Sister Corbridge and exchange back.

When we did, I felt this sad feeling like I was releasing Sister Klingler back to the wolves. Sister Klingler told me if she is patient and waits 5 min, Sister Sung calms down from being mad then everything is fine. I was grateful to see my comp again even though it was only 24 hours we had been apart. We met with the Martin family and after we left started to cry. We were that happy to be back together. Sister Corbridge did not have a great time teaching with Sister Sung. We even gave a prayer of thanks in the car for bringing us back safely together.

Friday Night we got a flat tire. I was able to get the jack and spare tire out and was just about to loosen the bolts when Brother Bentley came to help us. I was so close to changing my first flat tire on the mission. But it was a good teaching moment for Brother Bentley's 12year old son.

Sat was also a day of miracles. We finally were able to meet with a few formers and gained them as new investigators. They had the question about temples. The member who was with us was able to answer the question and I remember thanking God for allowing time for her to be with us. Cause Sister Corbridge and I would not have been able to fully answer her concern. Later that night we had a dinner appt. and a member referral was there and we gained Emily as an investigator. She is 18 and ready to learn why she can feel peace and gain strength in the gospel to know what her purpose is.

Sunday we had four people at church and was happy to know all of them are on date. And they stayed more than one hour. Some two some three.

So good week!!

How I have grown...

Dear Family And Friends,

So this last week I had Sister Jones for a companion. She came from Romeo. Exchanges were fun. She liked Sterling Heights a lot. She was excited to do her first Church tour. The church tour went very well. We found out when we committed her to baptism, that if she were to get dunked she knows that it needs to be by proper authority. But she said it is not time yet. She still needs to come to church. But she is reading in the Book of Mormon. She was able to meet some investigators.

I already know the area pretty well which helped with exchanges. So we got to Church. Five Investigators came and three Less-Active Families came that have not been to church for about 10-30 years. We were so torn in so many directions and full of joy I started getting a headache. It was so cool though. Sister Corbridge and I were able to share the Prayer lesson. (they spoke in Sacrament Mtg.) I was able to express to my own family in the ward that I pray for them every day, and when I do I feel that pure love for a moment and that charity. And I sang Hymn #158 for my ending testimony. (She did an amazing job, I was crying) It's basically a prayer. It was cool to look into every one's eyes. This opportunity was an amazing experience. The ward was filled with the Spirit to the point I couldn't stand after Sacrament Meeting, I was so tired. Church yesterday was like being on cloud Nine!!!!

I am happy to be able to share with you what I have experienced. We are going to have many miracles happen in the next few weeks. Just you wait!!!!!!!

So my mom wanted me to try and tell her how I think I have grown. UHHHHH....I don't know really how to answer that. I know more about the doctrine. I know how to prayer more specifically. I know how important reading the scriptures are and going to church. I know that the temple is a great goal.Sister Burnham after some tracting in the snow

I know that I don't like tracting for now. But my mom gave a wonderful testimony about tracting. Keep it coming I really need it. Tracting is still not in my blood yet. I know I have grown in the Spirit. I know I can see miracles more. I can understand the scriptures better too. Explaining myself is improving. I am trying to laugh more and not be so uptight or what I mean is when we get lost or when we make a mistake I am prone to laugh rather than to get frustrated. Which is a big change for me. Even though I have said all this I still feel like myself. I still feel like I have kept what good I have in me and God has enhanced it. I love everyone and I know that everyone needs to be loved. That, I have found much easier to do here than I have found anywhere else. I have an excuse for being all mushy and gushy. It's AWESOME!!!!!! I will come home saying that word every five words. SO, remember I love you and miss your hugs and kisses.

Happy Valentines Day!

Lets Hope We All Will Finish Strong!

“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988, p. 361.)

Sister Burnham and Corbridge's apartment.

We stopped by on Valentines Day to bring a little treat to the Sisters.

We caught them in their down time on P-day.
We love you Sister Burnham

Lots of things have happened

Sent: Monday, February 7, 2011 9:54:34 AM

All right so this letter is going to be very long because a lot of things have happened in the last week.

I have to get my planner out because I can't remember every detail.

On Wed and thurs we went to the training meeting for leaders and the sisters were invited. My district was all there except one elder. The district leader's comp. We learned how to practice teaching better, how to plan and use our time wisely when studying and how to rely on faith and not fear. We also ate really good!!!! We stayed the night in Bloomfield Hills with the other sisters in my district. I was able to teach with Sister Mary Vance who I know from BYU. We taught a member who found out last week she has pancreatic cancer. Then her neighbor came over to giver flowers. Her name is Lynn. Lynn was taking the lessons but was dropped a few months ago. So while Lynn was cutting the flowers I took advantage of the moment and starting teaching a lesson instead of leaving. Lynn listened and commented on a few things. She even came and sat down on the floor to listen. I talked about a Living prophet, our purpose and the Book of Mormon. She agreed that all that I was saying made sense. So I felt comfortable following that comment to ask her if she desired to have the Holy Ghost with her always. She answered with a yes. So I asked her if she would be baptized!!! She said soon after that she had already been baptized. So, I introduced the priesthood, and she said, "We are on two different sides of the street. If you could find a meeting line then maybe I would do something. But right now I don't believe you need authority to baptize." She said she was Lutheran. I thanked her for having faith in Jesus Christ and told her that if she reads the Book of Mormon she will find even more truth to the Gospel she already knows. She left after a prayer and trusted me and I could tell she respected me more. That was a miracle that I was able to tell President Holmes at the training meeting continued the next day.

There were two men from the MTC who travel to different missions to help them progress. They were impressed by our mission president on how fast he is able to changes things on his own knowledge and effort. I was proud to hear that. We have upped every goal since Nov. and Dec. 25% more baptisms a month. But we can do even better.

So I left those meetings a new missionary, and I am lucky because i have only been out a small time.

In PMG the summaries of every lesson in Chp 3 I have started to read over and over to feel comfortable being able to teach a lesson at the door when tracting. I feel that Sister Corbridge is feeling an urge to tract more soon. SO I should prepare my self... Ugh tracting:(

SOOO Sat is what I really wanted to talk about. We taught Tony who is getting baptized on Feb 19. He is quitting alcohol, swearing, and trying to sleep. We asked his fellowshipper Ryan if he could give him a blessing. Tony is fired up and ready. We get to experience finding someone and seeing them baptized. That doesn't happen usually. We taught him the restoration simply using a note book to draw pictures of Tony reaching the gate and what happens while he endures. He said that made a whole lot more sense.

Then we went to a part member home. The martins!!! Rida(wife) and Veronica(daughter 9) are going to come to church next sunday. They are committed to read and pray every night together. After we prayed Rida held Sister Corbridge so tight and started crying thanking her for what we had to offer. She said that her family needs this so badly. Veronica wanted to come to church because we made it sound like so much fun. We left so pumped up!!!! The spirit filled in the spots, while we were teaching as simply as we could. And I have to just bear testimony that whenever you teach with a child who is listening the lesson runs with such ease and I love it every time. They make such sweet comments. It felt like Sara was there which made me thank my God even more. Family memories flooded my mind as we were there. I love my Family.

That night we went to Brother Rays trailer. He is committed to be baptized on March 5th. Pray that he quits smoking in time. He is the most charitable person I have ever met that is not Mormon. Since there is so much snow, he cleared the whole court for his neighbors. With his crushed heel. So we came when he had just finished our parking spot. He is all limping with his big gray boot. The sight was touching yet frustrating cause if he doesn't quit smoking and treating his leg like this we keep threatening him he is going to lose his leg. Which helps him get focused!!! Ha ha ha!!! So we get in side and start teaching out of Matt 6. Good chapter for him. Things really got in to perspective about forgiveness and how he needs to put his trust in God. Of course I had already made the choice that I was leaving that night with all his cigarettes and his smoking machine. He makes his own. So I grabbed the machine, the filters, and the tabbaco and put it in front of him. He GASPED!!!! I took his hand and we told him what needs to be done of he wants to be baptized. Good news is he let us chuck it!!! Bad news is he caught Sister Corbridge taking his new pack of ciggarettes and said, "but not those"!!!! So we argued for a bit telling him he doesn't need it. But he won and we left frustrated as ever. I felt bad that Sister Corbridge put herself in that situation. We were surprised the next day when we came over the Change that came over him. He had a nice shirt on. He brought out his ties so that we could help him pick which one to wear at his baptism. We were shocked. But he said that he made a deal with God that he would quit. Now if we could get that last pack and his lighter. That is our next step. But he needs to give it to us and have it be his choice. He didn't come to church because he slept in. But I have a good feeling we will see him in a shirt and tie next week and the following after. He was a new man when we saw him last night. I love him and I know the Angels in heaven are cheering for him. And that's what we told him last night. We taught him about the Gifts of the Spirit. And we told him that he could have any of those but he needs to seek after them and pray to know if what he has seen in his past with seeing the devil and Christ and seven angels lifting up his head, if those were from God or Satan. And only him and the Lord through prayer and through the Holy Ghost will know. He really liked that and said he would pray. Well that was a miracle night as well.

Tithing stories. Debi Gennero was a woman we were teaching but she has not been in town lately. But last time we taught her she was saying how much she wanted to be in a family that loved her and treated her like a daughter. We were about to leave when she handed my comp a 100 dollar bill. She said it was her tithing. "If I am going to be baptized and a member of your church I better be doing my part. Will you take this to your head guy." We told her she didn't have to until she was baptized but that didn't make a difference. She said then take it and let him decide which family needs it. So we took it and gave it to the Bishop. She was so grateful that we were willing to do that. I was shocked. I have heard investigators wanting to pay tithing before but not that much. She was an inspiration to both Sister Corbridge and me.

So Sacrament Meeting was awesome. An investigator Nick Adkin and friend came to our ward. Sister Stroup works with both of them. Sister Stroup bore her testimony on missionary work and how Tony has changed completely. She talked about how Tony has been an example when it come to reading the Book of Mormon. Instead of going for an after lunch smoke he was reading on his I-pod the scriptures. That hit her so hard. She also said that one of those great kids were here at church. Nicks  face just lit up!!! She came down after a fabulous testimony and then surprisingly a little boy went up and bore a sweet powerful testimony. He didn't end in the name of Jesus Christ, but it was powerful. And when he finished Nick Adkins says to me, "I have to go up there." He walks up there and introduces himself as that kid Sister Stroup was talking about and that Tony was the kid who surprised him when he found him reading instead of smoking. Nick thanked everyone for being so kind to him and his family. And told us that he wants the happiness we have. I wanted to yell across the room and commit him to baptism right there. But that would not be good so I just cried. An investigator bore his testimony!!!! WOW! Every one liked that Sunday. Nick is going to be baptized.

Great things are happening and while I am apart of it I will finish strong, in the Spirit!!!!

Moving forward and learning much

Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 10:11:52 AM
So my efforts are combined with a lot of prayer and lots more focus on having a spiritual experience every lesson. We have three people, who we hope to be baptized in this transfer. I am getting close to each, even though they are so different. I have read through the Book of Mormon and almost finished and have kept at my goal for reading every night and morning. I am at Moroni. It has helped my companionship some how as well. Sister C and I are doing better than ever. She told me last night that she has not been able to get as close to her companions as she is with me. I can't compare, but I thought it was natural that when you live with someone 24/7 that you would get close. I always welcome conversation and life lessons or stories. But, Sister C said that she never was open with her companions that much. Which to me made me so happy that finally she can. I will never forget how much she has lifted me up.

Some things about Sister Corbridge is she doesn't like to feel like some one is attacking her or critiquing her. If you are questioning her integrity that is hard for her to listen which is understandable. She and I are working to respect each other when we are listening to each other in the morning. She drives and I back the car. I do not like this rule. But I do it. It's the only time I can make a dance move. (The mission rule is that one of the companions has to stand outside the car and guide the driver whenever they back out of a parking spot.) When she eats food she likes ranch with almost everything. She sleep talks. I have only heard her scream once. She likes that I take five min showers because that lets her take 15 min. ones. Which to me seems so long. She likes to laugh and doesn't care that she forgets things or peoples names or makes mistakes. When she does miss a turn or gets something wrong every time she says, "Thus is Life" Oh man it got on my nerves at the beginning. But now I am slowly getting used to it. It's hard, cause I make such a big deal when I make a mistake. Just wait family I will come home changed in so many ways.

My favorite thing to study is the Book of Mormon index and remembering the stories from it. I have actually been able to teach about how important going to church is by comparing it to the pattern I found in the scriptures. Every time people got baptized they established a church. EVERY TIME!!!! And the People of Ammon are amazing because they are so charitable to take in the lamanites without complaining. I love that part. I also look up to Captain Moroni through different eyes.

Another thing I have found I like reading is 3 Ne 18. I love reading about the sacrament. I wish I was better at preparing myself each day to take it every Sunday. Maybe that could be my challenge to all of you to figure out as a family or personally what you can do to prepare your whole soul to take the sacrament. I will follow up, so let me know how that went.

I figured out of all the bad people during Mormon's life there had to be that one good woman to marry and have Moroni. So I hope I get to meet her. I hope I get to meet Alma's wife and Helamen's wife as well.

I have also had a theme when I teach about being patient. And being diligent while you are being patient. That has helped while we have to wait to see someone or teach them. It adds to someone's virtue if they can be diligently waiting for an answer from God.

The only thing that is strange that I have had is Snail, and Calfta. Snail was here in SH (Sterling Heights), and the Calfta was a Lebanon pita pizza. It was like a smashed beef spread on top of a pita bread. Really good.

Thanks for the package I have the CD and it is wonderful. I miss hearing kids sing so it was perfect. We just finished cleaning our clothes and our whole apt. It just needs the floors mopped. We are getting a new mop, broom, and bath rugs. Who knows when these were cleaned or used last.

We have planned to go on exchanges with Bloomfield and Romeo areas so I will tell you how that goes soon.

We are using the members as best as we can. And they are receptive to the phone calls and favors. We are in a really good ward. They might not be as big as CA wards or Utah Wards but it is a great place where we are not afraid to bring investigators to church. We almost know everyone in the ward, active and inactive. We are being strengthened as we go to lessons with members. They are seeing the potential the work is bringing. I am proud of my companion, and think all we need now is a third person and the sky is the limit.

I love how we are growing together, as one. Before it never felt like that. I thought I was the only one learning. But now it is mutual, and if it doesn't feel that way we start talking about it. Since we have been seeing our decisions turn into blessings we have found a new strength. The spirit is being felt all over the place.

We are working on a talk about the story of Goliath of Gath, by Pres. Monson. How everyone has a Goliath. You should read it. I really like how in the talk it said that without the Cross we would not have Christ. This idea of five smooth stones of courage, prayer, humility, love of duty, and effort, is what we are teaching the members and less-actives and anyone who has an addiction. We are excited to finish our lesson plans for this week.

White Wash to Sterling Heights!!!

YES, it is true Sister Burnham is now serving in the Sterling Heights ward and YES that is Jennilyn and Christian's ward!
YES we are surprised but SO excited to have her close. She was able to come over Christmas Day and we will enjoy seeing her every Sunday.

Although I think we will have to kick up our member missionary skills...