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This Week

Dear Family,

I wanted to just send you a quick email this week as we are leaving to Minot, ND again today at 10am. I hope that everything is going well! I hope to hear from you all on Saturday/Monday when I get to check my email again :)

Love you all!

Elder Burnett

This week's letter!

Dear Family,

     This morning we went to IHOP for breakfast because so many things are changing in our Zone. The AP is going home and my companion went ZL and is going to Brookings. I am getting Elder Richins from CA as well. I am excited to serve with him!

     I wish to share with you two quotes that have changed everything I have been planning on doing.

"Sacrifice brings forth the blessings from Heaven" - Hymn 29, Praise to the Man"

     I have decided that there is no time like now; after at, it is a present! I declined my release and will be coming home on the 8th of December like I should be. After all, I was called for 24 months, not 23. How could I expect myself or my future family to make sacrifices for the Lord, if I didn't. So, schooling at FCC will not be in my playbook. However...

"Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance" - President Monson

     Knowing that the Lord will bless me with my schooling needs, I am in the process of applying to BYU-I for the Winter Semester of 2012. I want to be able to have a schooling option open and in my opinion, wouldn't want it to be any other than BYU-I. I know that if it is what the Lord wants me to do, he will provide a way for payment through scholarships, or through a decent job. After all, I would much rather take a student loan and continue my education, than to delay an prohibit my progression through this life at a crucial time.

     I hope that you can support my decisions, after all, they are mine and mine alone. I do wish to have your input and your support however. I do love and miss you! May God be with you through all that you do!

Elder Burnett

Helping Hands Aid for Tornado Victims

Dear Family,                                                                                                         

I apologize I won’t be able to email you tomorrow. I am sure that you have heard about the horrible flooding in Minot, ND. 4,400 homes were damaged and we as missionaries are dropping everything and heading up there to do service. We will be wearing Mormon Helping Hands shirts; I am very excited. Keep those in the flood's damaging affects in your prayers. Have a wonderful week and I will be sure to send pictures. Love you all so much!

Elder Burnett

P.S. Thank you so much for the picture of Jacob and the girls! :)

Elder Holland's Visit

Dear Family and Friends,                                                                             

     I cannot even begin to express the love that I have for this church, and for those that lead it. With every General Conference, I feel uplifted and edified by the Apostles and the First Presidency. However strong the Spirit is from that setting, it cannot compare to the powerful atmosphere of actually physically being in close proximity to one of the Twelve. I wish to share with you some of the feeling and thoughts I had as he spoke to us yesterday, hoping that you might be able to catch, if only slightly, how much he has impacted my life.

     First off, I will begin from the beginning of the morning. We arrived around 8am to get ready for the day. Having reserved seats for our investigators with the blessing of President Layton, President Schmidtline (The Stake President), and Elder Holland himself, I sat down and with somber thought, prepared myself for the experience that was about to unfold before my eyes. As the chapel filled up, the local members began to become quite excited and converse among themselves. With 786 people, the building was alive with chatter, and it was not a conducive environment for the Spirit. So, with love, President Schmidtline got up and spoke a few words of love and exhorting for how grateful he was for us to attend. How he wished that Spirit would help us to learn the things that we came in search for; the material that we yearned to learn from His Apostle, but he needed our help. He exhorted us to listen to the prelude music, and to pray continually till Elder Holland arrived. And so, the atmosphere changed from one of human nature, to one that allowed the Spirit to set in, and welcome the spiritual nature. Within minutes, Elder Holland appeared at the door.

     With quiet movements, and much respect, we stood in love and honor to our guest. It was so quiet; you could hear his footsteps and his breathing. He found his seat, turned and looked at us, and looked into our eyes with his. Oh, how wonderful his eyes were! To see them face to face, and to know that his eyes have beheld the Savior of the World! With a tear in his eye, we blew a kiss, and asked us to be seated. Then began the program.

     As Elder Holland finally stood for his talk the last hour of Stake Conference, he began telling us how the church had a problem; a problem that they didn't know how to fix, and frankly, didn't want to. He made the comment that the missionaries, definitely were not helping, and we laughed. He explained how the church is growing at such a rapid rate, that they have been organizing new Stakes every week for as long as he could remember! That the gospel is rolling forth in such a magnificent manner, that it cannot be stopped. I share with you, just a few of his comments, for to share them all, I would need to write a book to be published of at least several chapters. 

     First, he turned to the investigators, of which we had two, and expressed his love for them, and how he was so grateful that they were in the process of coming closer to the Lord. He related some of their experiences to his own, and then opened to the scriptures and told the following story. I do not quote it exactly, but will do my best to word it in his words: "How I love the Apostles of Old; the original Twelve who followed Christ during His three year ministry, and for the devotion they gave after. Can you imagine it? These men, for they were men, but their age we know not, had been in the Lord's presence for only three years, and only eighteen months of that time, had they been in any position to learn and understand Christ. However, we know from the scriptures, that they themselves still didn't understand everything he said, nor the parables he gave. Having served their Lord, the Master, and watching him die on Calvary, they must have thought, 'Well, what now?' How great their experiences were, and how much they loved the Redeemer, but they knew not how to continue. So, they said 'Let’s go home, and return to what we know: fishing.' Over the next while, they had many visitations from the Lord, in which he fed them fish by the sea and asked them to feed his sheep. With tender love, the Master explained how that is to be done, and that they would need to continue to do the things He did, and to represent Him in all things. Then, he ascended once again to heaven, leaving them behind to do His work. Knowing what they needed to do, but now knowing how, Peter decided to go to the Temple, and asked of John to join him. Of course they would go to the temple of their God! Of course, they followed His teachings, for what else was there to do? So, as they journey towards the temple, we know in Acts 3, that there was a man, lame from birth about the age of 40, who was sat at the gates to beg for alms. Can you imagine his daily routine? It must have been a good day to get a farthing, but to get two farthings? That was a great day! And so, with this attitude, called out to Peter and to John. How his happiness and imagination must have run when they both stopped, and turned to him. However, Peter quickly told him to put his hand down as he asked of them alms. For Peter said 'Silver and gold, we have none. But what we have, I give unto freely. In the name of the Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I command thee to arise, and walk! And stretching out his arm, grabbed him by the hand; and from that moment, his feet and his ankles gained strength, and supported him.' The next verse has seven verbs. Seven verbs!! This man hasn't had a verb in the last 40 years! Can you imagine his joy as he goes 'walking and jumping" into the temple with Peter and John? Of course, the Pharisees see this and already begin to conspire. But, what can they do? For they themselves admit that everyone knows this man, and they cannot hide the fact that he is now standing and jumping!"

      He told us that he had for us, three things of which he wanted to talk about that day concerning that story, which he would have us learn. Here are the three:

One: You cannot deny the evidence! In order to make this email turning essay a little shorter, I refer you to Elder Holland's Safety for the Soul talk from a couple conferences ago.

Two: In the gospel, you will always get more than you expect! Just as the man lame from birth expected a few earthly coins to sustain him through the day with food, so do we also expect less than what our Heavenly Father wants to give us. Again, to shorten the email, I refer you to President Uchtdorf's Living Beneath your Privileges talk from this last Priesthood Session I believe! :)

Three: You cannot kill the gospel! This was a part of his talk that really hit home to me. There wasn't much doctrine evolved like the others, but it still hit hard. He made the statement that much like of old, the Pharisees used the Romans to try and rid themselves of The Problem, or the Savior. They killed him, believing that the work would stop, but little did they know, it was only the beginning. Just like how Peter and John amazed those at the temple Beautiful, so also will the work continue today. He sobered us all when he said, "You can kill me, and I will not care. We, as Apostles, know that this is possible. Our families know, and we talk about it frequently. But to know that what we represent will not die with us, we are willing and glad to take that risk upon ourselves!" It truly testified to me of his devotion to this gospel, and will remain with me forever.

     In closing, he spoke straight to the youth of the church, and said in his awesome voice: "Youth do not leave this church! NEVER leave this church! You are stupid, to leave this church!" The power that came from his statement as he talked about how we need the gospel, how there is no place else for us to go, just as the Apostles of Old said to Christ after those that desired to make him king, left him. How it hit home!

     Now, here is the part of which I will make reference to, but still is too sacred and personal to myself to share. Maybe, one day, I will share with you the blessings he left upon us, but for now, I will share with you very little. He spoke very lovingly how much he desired to stay in our presence, to be able to talk with us individually, but he could not. So, over the pulpit, he administered to us all within the sound of his voice, a Priesthood Blessing of which I am tearing up as I write this. The promises made to us I love dearly, and provide me the confidence and the strength to move forward through this life, NEVER doubting. 

     I love you all so much. I thank you, daily, for the love and support that you are to me; to all of the Lord's missionaries. Please, do for the local the missionaries the same you do for me. Love them, and trust them with your friends. They have been divinely called and have the keys to know what to do with the people they teach. They will do what is needed, and will bring them closer to Christ. This I testify to you, as one who represents him, and who has such little time left to do so, in the name of the Master and Redeemer, Jesus the Christ, Amen.

--

Elder Burnett

Soldier of Zion

Watch this!

OHMYGOSH!!!

Dear Family,

 

     HOLLAND ARRIVES IN 6 HOURS!!! 4pm my time, 3 pm yours! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

 

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Well,,, relax, take a deep breath and enjoy your time with him!! I know that  you have anxiously awaited this visit!! Say a pray before he arrives that you may be in tune with the spirit, that you may be able to receive the personal message that Heavenly Father would have you receive from one of his messengers today. 

I am sooo excited for this opportunity for you Cameron, you can finally meet one of your favorite general authorities!! Cherish the moment!! I will think of you even more so today, wishing I could be there to see you and your smile as you get to experience something exciting and new. 

I love you more than all of the stars in the sky and I'll love you forever...!!

MOM 

 

--------------------------------------------

Thanks Mom :) I love you! 

 

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I love you too!! Have an awesome day & remember who you are!! :0 

It is the kids last day of school...Leah is home,,, she is excited for you as well!! 

They all send their love!!  

 

--------------------------------------------

Really? Kids here have been out for 3 weeks now. I forgot its later over there. :) Tell her hello! What are everyone's plans for the summer?

:(

Dear Family,

 

     I just found out that a girl I knew back home passed away. She was a girl that Kim and I were fellowshipping and bringing into the gospel a month or two before I left. I was involved with one of her lessons. She was in a comma for some time. When I got the email from Kim this morning, I wrote this poem to express my sorrow/joy like I normally always do with life. I hope you enjoy it.

 

Life's Breath:
C. R. Burnett

When in sorrow,
The trials gone through,
Life's last breath
Only begins anew.

For in the passing
There is pain;
But for those who know
It is for our gain.

In that moment
When a loved one dies
They have the blessing
Of seeing His eyes

He holds them dear
Calms their souls
And says with love
No debt is owed

Then with grace
With them ascends
To the heavens
Without an end

 

I love you!

--

Elder Burnett

Soldier of Zion

Need...more...water...

Dear Family!

     I am having a blast! The heat is back up to the mid 90's and I feel like I am back home! :) I just finished hand washing our car while my companions and the Assistants went hiking; it brought back so many memories! It so nice to have my good friend, the Sun, back in my life. I sure missed being tan and I am already getting my "missionary tan!" For those who don't know what that is, very white lower body, chest, and half your neck (due to the collar lol), and my forearms face and upper half my neck way tan. Its quite funny to look at myself in the mirror in the mornings! :)

     Well, we had a baptism on Saturday, and it went off pretty well. Beau was late, but other than that, the Spirit was strong. We had an awesome day yesterday also as we tracted in the blazing heat; two new investigators, a potential, we contacted a referral, and are about to put two-five more people on date for baptism! The work is just BOOMING and I love feeling like a missionary. I will be sending pictures here in the next couple days. I will also try to upload my shirt/pants burning for my 18th Month Mark that I just hit! It went off a lot better than my tie did! xD

     Wow! It makes me so proud of Chase and Jenna for their accomplishments! You will have to tell Chase my congrats and I'm here supporting him. It would be so awesome if he makes it to the Olympics next year; I wouldn't miss a single broadcast! As for Michael Greggory, that sounds so cool! I cant wait to see the photos that you took, and to hear about the good time you all had! Tell him hello also, and let him know of my plans to stay in town for a semester so we should do another show together. Hopefully I can make a cast when I get home! ;)

     Well, as you can tell, things are going great! This is the week that Elder Holland is coming, so its filled with anticipation! Hopefully the Stake doesn't get rebuked to bad...the home teaching is at around 5-10% :( Its not going to be pretty, that's for sure. Like someone said "Home teaching is missionary work to the members; missionary work is home teaching to the non-members!". It was nice to hear from you, and still feel of your support! I love you lots and will talk to you later!

--

Elder Burnett

Soldier of Zion

Guess what?!?

Dear Family,

     Can you say 90 degrees!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) and 6 more months today :) Love you all!

Elder Burnett

Hey!

Dear Family,

     Thank you so much for you email yesterday! It was nice to get updated on how things are going back home, and that your life still is full of fun events even though I am not there! :) Hopefully everything "behind the scenes" is going well too with the family, as well as all the extended family. I pray that you are enjoying the time that you have together, creating memories, and living life to the fullest at every moment!

     With Memorial Day yesterday, there was a lack of things to do in Rapid City for Pday, so we ended up playing basketball for 6 or so hours! It was a lot of fun; but I sure was tired by the end of it. I am, however, loosing weight rapidly and enjoying the toning muscle :) We run  1 1/2 - 2 miles everyday except Sunday, and I am doing my best to eat more healthy. I have not had any soda for 3 weeks, and I am feeling great! Now if I could just lay of the Candy...or even the .45 cent wings at Buffalo Wild Wings on Tuesdays...;) That's to much to ask from a growing young adult male though! :)

     Missionary work is going well here in the Canyon Lake Ward. We have a young 9 year old that is being baptized on Saturday at 11am. The Rapid Area has had a baptism just about every week since I arrived here between the Sisters, and 3 sets of Elders. It makes me joyful to know that yet another brother of mine is entering into the waters of baptism and accepting the covenants that will allow him to progress towards exaltation! Pray that everything goes well this week; we have many many appointments!

     Thanks again for the love and support! I look forward to hearing from you next week! :)

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

Pictures!

Ok, here are a few pictures :)

A nice photo of me in a park. Figured Mom would like this one :) This was while I was in Pipestone last September.

Me as an astronaut!

The family from Fresno in Brandon.

The plan of salvation that I drew. BASK IN ITS AWESOMENESS!

The Senior couples I work with in the Office

 Me at my very "own desk!" :) Got to love President Uchtdorf.

Oh my...

Dear Family,

 

     There is but one thing to write this week. Rumors have been flying around the mission and I, of course, was one of the first to confirm said rumor because I work in the Office with President Layton. I might as well break the news to you now, instead of waitng and you going crazy! My favorite Apostle, yes, Elder Holland, will be arriving in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission for a special conference June 12, 2011! I am so exctited for the opportunity I have to meet him. I am also quite nervous because we all know of his reputation of being quite...bold. He has quite the reputation of being one who "cleans places up" if you know what I mean. I just hope that nothing to drastic will be happening. We will also be having a baptism on the 11th of June so, what Apostle would bypass that opportunity to see that? He may attend. I look forward to being able to tell you of all the neat experience and guidance he will have for us. Love you lots!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

Letter from Elder Burnett

Dear Family,                                                                       

     Wow! Time sure does fly so fast! I feels just like yesterday I was making my phone call home for Christmas; and now it’s almost Mother's Day! I cannot wait to call and hear your voice for the last time before I see you face to face. It makes me feel loved and cared for knowing that you continue to support me; that no matter what, my family is always to my side. I don't exactly know when I will be calling because we have church at 11, it ends at 2, and we might have dinner after wards so...we shall see! I also get to give a talk on Mother's Day so I feel quite blessed. I wish there was some way that you could hear it Mom; it would be very special. Speaking of which, when I send my Mother's Day card and such this year, it is to NOT BE OPENED until Mother's Day! :)

     Well, these last couple weeks sure have been crazy Just keep me in your prayers like usual and I shall continue to do the same! It gives me strength knowing that each night, those I care about get on their knees and specifically mention me to Our Father in Heaven. Just like my scripture states in D&C 84:88, I truly feel the Lord and His Angels round about me every day!

     So, I just got me a wonderfully GREY suit ;) It was a $400 designer suit, and I got it for $79 brand new! Halberdstads (sp?) is having a huge sale right now for some reason at the mall! Both my companion and I, as well as several other missionaries have picked some up! We found the sale ourselves though, so we are getting tons of props for helping everyone find nice suits for cheap! When I get the suit this week, I will have to send pictures to you so you can see it. I hope that you will all like it, and that dad will be glad to see me in something he wanted me to get; its way nice! 

    A recent cool/crazy experience made me miss home quite much; not in a bad way, just brought back many memories. Elder Holmes and I are sharing the Rapid City Ward with the Assistants. Because of there being four missionaries in the same Ward, it’s hard to feed us all the time. So, most members I guess have been dropping off gift cards to restaurants or shopping centers so we can buy some good food. Well, Sister Goodwin brought us $100 to Safeway to get some food because she lives alone and way out in the Black Hills, so it’s hard to get over there. Elder Holmes and I took some time to go take a look around and pick up a few items. When I walked in the door, it seemed that California kicked me in the face! It looked JUST LIKE VONS!! I looked on the card to check my suspicions; and yes, it is the exact same company! Everything looked the same, and all in the same areas. They even had the Starbucks in the same place! :) So, when we checked out, I surprised my companion by entering our Home phone number and got us a discount! ;) Looks like the money will be stretched just a little further! :)

     I do love you all so much! I thank you every day for your continuing love and support and I cannot wait to hear your voice! Have a great week!

      PS. Did I mention that we get to Skype? :) President has alloted us 1 hour at his house to use his computer so we can talk via a webcam! ;) You better answer if you want to do that or not before Sunday so we can set something up! :) Love you!!!!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

My, My!

Dear Family,

 

     We just had a wonderful lunch with a very nice elderly lady. Want to know what was so amazing about her?! She was the nanny for THE ROCKEFELLERS during the prime! WOW! It was absolutly amazing to hear her stories! Just figured you would like that tidbit of information. Love you all!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE... :)

Dear my adorably lovely and quite amazing mother,

 

     We had dinner with a family this last week that had half alaskan huskie mix (cant remember the other) puppy that they are giving away for FREE! :) She is adorable and I really want her :) BUT...I dont know how we would get her home for me ;) Think you can figure out a way? :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

 

Remember how amazing you are! And how much I love you! And how caring you are! And how giving you are! ;)

 

 

 

Love your son that you know you want to get the puppy for,
--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

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My sweet and adorable son that I love and cherish more than my life itself!!! I would love more than anything to give you what you want!! Alaskan huskies, which I personally believe are one of the most beautiful and loyal dogs next to a retriever,,, just do not do well in California, especially Fresno!! That would be like asking an Eskimo to live in Arizona ;p a dog is bread to live and perform a husky is a working dog that LOVES to be in colder climates.. I.e THICK coat. It is one of those dogs that you admire from afar for now,, and one day hope to be in a place where you can have one. Your own "Balto" :) 

I do love you and it does sadden me that I couldn't have her waiting for you upon your return.

Xoxox 

MOM

--------------------------------------------

Dear my still awesome mother :)

 

     I guess thats true so I totally understand! I can agree with you. Hopefully I can get myself a wonderful dog when I get home :) Love you lots!

 

Elder Burnett

Hey!

Dear Family,

 

     Well, things are going well! Thank you so much for your letters; I will be responding today! I'm glad to hear that all is well back home in "Sunny California!" I dont really know what to talk about right now so I'll be sending some more later down the week :) Love you!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

New video

The Joseph Smith movie redone with new footage. Its from the perspective of his mother. GREAT MOVIE YET AGAIN!

http://bcove.me/19tnef84

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

Letter to Mom

Dear Mom,

I am excited for your schooling! I promise you that as you take Spanish, begin to read the Book of Mormon side by side with English, and you will pick it up faster and will understand more. When we trust in the Lord with our "desires", they are changed from just a hope, to a blessed opportunity to share the Gospel with. I have faith that as you press forward with your education, you will receive the blessings in your life you so desperately crave! I look forward to hearing of your successes in the classroom, and the dedication that you always show when you put your mind to a task.

I love you! I cannot wait to talk to you in the next couple weeks. Mother's Day has always been special, and I know that this one will be a spiritual one for you. Always remember the role that women play in our lives, much like we just heard in General Conference. Embrace the love and tasks before you and your burden will be made light as you receive help from an active Father in Heaven. Like Uchtdorf said in the Priesthood Session: "Never live under your privileges!"
Have a wonderful week and give my love to all the kids! Keep the faith and fight the good fight.

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

Transfer

Dear Family,

Due to a family emergency, the Senior companion in the Rapid City, South Dakota Mission Office had to head home. President has called me and my good friend from SoCal, Elder Holmes, to be the Office Elders. It is pretty much a life long calling in the mission field meaning I will be there for the next 8 months or so. I’ll be working alongside the AP’s in their area when they are out around the mission and will teach when not in the office at night and weekends. I may also get the opportunity to become certified as the "Transfer Train" driver which means I’ll have to learn to drive with a trailer on the back and I’ll get to drive a MAV again :) :) :) Anyways, just figured I would let you know! All mail will now be sent to:

Elder Burnett
2525 W Main #311
Rapid City, SD 57702

Once again, I love you all! Have a wonderful week!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

Grades

Dear Elder Burnett,

Hey Cameron guess what my grades are? All A's and one B! I finished the red, black, white,and green AND the co-series for it thx for the awesome suggestion. Til next time.

Love,
Jacob

--------------------------

Jacob,

I am SO PROUD!!! I am glad that you are taking the initiative to do the things that aren't always easy! I promise you will be happier and will have more freedoms! :) I told mom and dad to get you a game if you did well so be sure to hold them to that! Remember Starcraft for the PC? Well, I suggested Starcraft 2 to Mom if you liked that game; its supposed to be really good and I cant wait to check it out. Anyways, how is everything else going? What do you do with your free time now? Love you!

Earthquakes

Dear Family,

I hope that everything is alright over there on the West Coast. When I heard that Japan was hit with those two 8.9 and 8.5 earthquakes that turned into tsunami's real quick, and that they hit Hawaii and such, I realized you guys are in for a pretty big storm; even being inland quite a ways. Let me know how everything goes. Love you lots!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

Family Check-In and P-Day Changes

Dear Mom,

Does Jacob still play on the computer? There is a sequel to a game with both loved playing that came out last July. Its supposed to be a really awesome game and I am ALMOST positive there isn't anything bad in it. Its a Real Time Strategy (like the one that dad play where you start with some people, build a base, and fight the bad guys). The only "content" in it is the video clips. That should be good for him. Its Starcraft 2. Anyways...

I got your letter yesterday and needless to say, I started to tear up when I read what Jacob has been doing. It totally made me feel more accomplished than I have been. It made my entire day.

I cant wait to get pictures and hear stories about Ashley's baptism! It warms my heart to know that the family back East (on this side? lol) is starting to reactivate again! :) Tell me how everything goes!

SO! Big news in the mission field rules :) President just changed two major rules lol giving us more options on p-day! We are now allowed to watch ANIMATED movies!!!!! Not "Disney" because they do Pirates and such now. But, we just watched Megamind and that movie is SO ADORABLE! Next week will be Despicable Me. :) The other is we can now donate blood. So, I will continue my tradition of going every chance I can! So every 8 weeks ill be going in.

Thanks for your email! Love you lots!

Elder Burnett

P.S. I better explain why you get emails several times a week now. The missionaries have been asked to research Mormon.org twice a week other than p-day. So, I check my email and send a little something back! Love you! :)

Just What I Needed

Dear Family,

I got your letters the other day and they came at just the right time! You always seem to know when I just need that thought from you, the gentle reminder that you are still there. I love you all so much!

Umm...have you sent that package yet? I hope it hasn't gotten lost lol. I wake up every morning hoping to have a package to open before we start our day but its never there! :) I forgive you if you forgot; lives are busy. LOVE YOU!!!!!!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

Storms A'Brewin

Dear Family,

Wow! Seems like the storms are just sweeping across the USA huh? We had a pretty bad storm a couple days ago as well. Thankfully, your son is well accustomed to driving in the winter weather. :)

I am so excited about Aunt Michelle having a BABY!!!!! AHH!!!! :) I can’t wait to have another little cousin to play with :) It joys my heart to see the simplest and most joyful part of the gospel being lived; that of creating families and then creating moments with them that will never be forgotten.

Give my love to all the kids and let them know of my support in their activities! Have a wonderful week and enjoy your fun! :)

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

:)

Dear Family,

So, needless to say, THE PACKERS WON!!! Woot! Of course, the year I am out is the year they win. And sadly? The other missionaries in the district watched it with some members; elder Esplin and I decided to just sleep. :)

Leah got her hair cut? I MUST see pictures soon :) I love you all! :)

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

I Did It!

Check it out! I did the buffalo wildwings blazing challenge and finished it! I had 6mins to eat 12 CRAZY hot wings! I couldn't rip the meat off with anything but my mouth and nothing could be drank while the clock ran. :)



--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

The Staircase

- C.R. Burnett

Step by step,
Hour by hour,
I climb a staircase,
Inside a tower.

The walls are cold,
The air is thin;
Sometimes I wonder,
Where I have been.

A tempo arises,
A beautiful sound.
But why, oh why,
Do I feel bound?

The clocks are ticking,
The beats moves along,
But I still can't find,
Where I belong.

I have within,
A hidden smile,
That seems to come,
But once in awhile.

So as I climb
This place of mine,
I wonder if
It's worth my time.

"The prize is rare!"
Or so they say,
I hope to be,
The winner some day.

So step by step,
And hour by hour,
I climb a staircase,
Inside a tower.

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

"Baby it's cold outside"

Dear family,

It's getting crazy cold out here! Some evenings we can't even go outside to do work due to the drop of temperature and the winds! Be of good cheer though, I am staying nice and cozy and thinking of you keeps me warm inside :)

Well, things are going slow here still, but my companion and I do have a handful of people to teach; one of which is Kim. She has had a rough life so far, and it seems to improve a little more every time we see her. We have an appointment with her and Jakki today at 1pm for lunch. We are going to see if things are able to start moving towards baptism and the blessings of the Gospel.

Sure do love you lots! Thank you always for your support! :) Keep the faith and fight a good fight!

P.S. Superbowl is this weekend and my team, green bay is in it! I can't watch it so watch it for me and tell me how it goes? :) Thanks!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

Letter from Elder Burnett

Dear Family,

The snow never ceases to amaze me! It just comes and comes down; like a never-ending ray of sunshine that is actually bleak, cold, and hard! Don’t get me wrong, I love the snow, but as a missionary it just likes to kick the trash out of us first! ;)

Things sure have been crazy here! We have been doing our best to try and find some more investigators, tracting and finding seems to be the only thing we do around here. Jakki is a LA that we work with. She has Cerebral Palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. She has an assistant, Kim, who works with her and is now starting to read the Book of Mormon everyday with Jakki! Things are improving on that end; slowly but surely right? We just push forward in the cold and the snow! The fire in our hearts keeps us warm.

I love you all so much! Every now and then something will happen that will remind me of someone in the family or the ward and I just chuckle to myself thinking about all the good times we had! I look forward to seeing you here in 10 or so months! Keep the faith and thank you so much for the support!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

Email?

Dear Family,

You didn't get my email last week? Ugh. MYLDSMAIL is having issues right now. Several missionaries accounts have just randomly been deleted in the district; hopefully that does not happen to me!!! :( I will be sure to send an EXTRA long one for two weeks of not getting one. However, I will not be able to email tomorrow cause everything is closed. I am at a members now and had the feeling to check my email. I'm sorry for that :( Love you lots!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion

The time is here again...

Dear Family,

I apologize for the lack of email on Monday. We got transfer calls on New Years and I now have a new companion! His name is Elder Esplin and he seems to be a pretty awesome kid! Had an awesome New Years and I hope you did also! Love you!

--
Elder Burnett
Soldier of Zion