It sounds like you guys are having so much fun making all of these plans for the place out in Dammeron. I am so excited for you. That is going to be so much fun out there. Have they started building yet, or is that not going to start for another couple months?
Our week has been good. We have been finding alot more people lately while knocking on doors. Most of the appointments are falling through, but there is still more signs of life then there was a few weeks ago, so we are happy about that. We found one guy last week who told is that our Spirits didn't have a gender. He had all sorts of crazy ideas. We had a lesson with Desiree last week that went really well. Normally she doesn't say much, but this time, she was speaking her mind the whole time and said that she actually felt the Spirit while she was reading the Book of Mormon. We were really excited about that because up up until then, she wasnt really progressing at all.
I had an interview with President a couple of weeks ago and we were talking about what we need to do to get the work picked back up in the Theodore ward. We have been working hard and doing alot of tracting, but we just arent seeing very much success. President recommended that we start putting alot more focus into less-active work, so that is what we have been doing lately. We are trying to get into homes of the members and teach them the Restoration. We have had alot more success lately since we have started doing this so we will see how it goes. We got President Summerhays to come down and speak to the ward in a few weeks. The Bishop in our ward got really excited when we told him that so he invited the Stake President to come down to speak that sunday as well, so it will be a really good sunday for our ward and hopefully they will start to pick things up again.
Transers are coming up next monday. I will officially have one transfer left after that. I cant beleive it is almost March already! This will be my last full month. I really am a little worried. Its going to be nice to have everyone home for the summer. I just hopeI'm not ridiculously awkward.
I really need to start calling people from my old areas to see if they are going to be around when we are traveling through. Your right though, even if there arent very many people home, it will still be fun just touring back through and visiting the areas. Do you want me to give you a list of the areas i have served in so that you can map figure out the fastest route to go through, or do you want me to figure all that out?
Well, i am getting excited to see you guys. I am loving every moment of what i am doing out here though and i am so grateful for everything that i have experienced over the past two years. It will be a fun drive when we tour back through. I will get to tell you all of the details of each area. I am so excited for you to meet Ed. Hes the man. I still call him every other week. He is doing so good right now.
Anyways, i love you guys. See yall soon:)
Love, Elder Burnham
Monday, February 22, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Letter from Elder Bond Feb 20, 2010
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Burnham,
My name is Kyle Bond, those here in the mission field know me better as Elder Bond. I had the privilege of serving with one of the greatest missionaries I've ever known, Elder Burnham. Elder Burnham is very highly spoken of by our mission president and missionaries in the Florida Tallahassee Mission, but he is more than a good missionary (as you already know) to me. Elder Burnham is my best friend and brother. It would be safe to say that he helped me love others by his example, and that he helped change my life.
The Lord blessed me with the opportunity to serve 2 transfers with Elder Burnham. During those 2 transfers I saw miracles and felt humbled to serve with, in my opinion, the greatest leader and person this mission has ever seen. During our short time serving together we met a man by the name of Ed Stevens who changed both of our lives and all 3 of us became very close. I have many journal entries about Elder Burmham of which I still draw strength from. I want you to know that my love for Elder Josh Burnham is great. He helped me to better see the good in everything. He helped me to not stress the unimportant things. He listened to me as I inquired of him for advice. He made me know I could trust him by his example. Then he patiently listened as I shared with him things that I haven't with anyone else, things that I'd thought about my whole life. Sounds like a pretty cool guy huh? I know he is, He is the hardest working missionary I know and one of the most fun people to be around. He spoke very highly of the both of you, and I have no doubt in my mind that you are great people. I hope one day well get to meet. I am so thankful that Elder Burnham chose to serve.
Love, someone who highly respects and looks up to your son,
Elder Kyle Steven Bond
My name is Kyle Bond, those here in the mission field know me better as Elder Bond. I had the privilege of serving with one of the greatest missionaries I've ever known, Elder Burnham. Elder Burnham is very highly spoken of by our mission president and missionaries in the Florida Tallahassee Mission, but he is more than a good missionary (as you already know) to me. Elder Burnham is my best friend and brother. It would be safe to say that he helped me love others by his example, and that he helped change my life.
The Lord blessed me with the opportunity to serve 2 transfers with Elder Burnham. During those 2 transfers I saw miracles and felt humbled to serve with, in my opinion, the greatest leader and person this mission has ever seen. During our short time serving together we met a man by the name of Ed Stevens who changed both of our lives and all 3 of us became very close. I have many journal entries about Elder Burmham of which I still draw strength from. I want you to know that my love for Elder Josh Burnham is great. He helped me to better see the good in everything. He helped me to not stress the unimportant things. He listened to me as I inquired of him for advice. He made me know I could trust him by his example. Then he patiently listened as I shared with him things that I haven't with anyone else, things that I'd thought about my whole life. Sounds like a pretty cool guy huh? I know he is, He is the hardest working missionary I know and one of the most fun people to be around. He spoke very highly of the both of you, and I have no doubt in my mind that you are great people. I hope one day well get to meet. I am so thankful that Elder Burnham chose to serve.
Love, someone who highly respects and looks up to your son,
Elder Kyle Steven Bond
Monday, February 15, 2010
Feb 15, 2010 Learning alot from Elder Tolley
Mom and Dad-
Thats funny that sister Schloemer sent those pictures off so quickly to you guys. The Schloemers really are so good to us. They are the most solid family in the ward. They are constantly inviting their friends and neighbors to hear the lessons. We really love them.
Donnie looks so skinny. Wow, i cant believe he is already home. I cant believe this is all happening so fast. I talked to President Summerhays about schooling, and he said he felt good about me being in California for the first little bit of school. He actually suggested that i stay in California until i get my associates degree, but i dont know about that. There are a couple missionaies from this mission that are going to LDS business college. Sister Summerhays actually really wants me to go there. I love my interviews with her. She is so funny. She has all of these ideas of what she wants me to do when i get home and she gets really excited about it. She is our mission mom. That is really cool that Brett and Ray are doing so well. Brett is running for president? Thats pretty random, but so Brett at the same time.
I dont think you guys will be at the dinner, but you better call and make sure. I am pretty sure that the interview with President Summerhays will be from 9-930pm, and then after that, i am off with you guys:) I am still a little bit worries that noone will be home when we go through to see everybody, but even if most of them arent, it will still be really fun to have stop in some of the areas and show you around. If we have a little extra time maybe we can even go see some of Destin beach which is right next to Fort Walton.
That is pretty awsome that The Daltons got called to Honnolulu. They are going to have so much fun. I was kind of hoping that they would get called here, but i am sure they are just fine with their call.
This week has been good. Elder Tolley was sick for a couple days, but he worked hard through it and is feeling alot better now. Did you here about the freak weather that we had out here? It snowed on Friday Morning for about 4 or 5 hours! I guess there were some parts of our mission that got 3-5 inches of snow on the ground. Pretty crazy huh? It was really fun to knock on doors during that time because most people invited us in to get us out of the cold. We ended up finding 3 new investigators that day which was a miracle, especially for this area. Elder Tolley and i are working hard tgether. I am so happy to be ending my mission with a good companion, in a good area. I have learned so much here and i am learning so much from Elder Tolley. We were able to get into alot of doors this week and teach the restoration, but not to many people wanted us back. We still only really have one progressing investigator and that is Desiree, who we teach every week at the Schloemers house. She needs prayers. She is really trying to find answers.
So, just for future reference, you guys should check out a type of dog called Habaneese. The Schloemers have one and they are the coolest dogs ever. They look like a miniature Murphy, only with the personality of Max (our old cat.) They are bread to not bark and to be really calm. I know Sadie has a long time to live, but just keep that in mind.
Anyways, sorry for that random tangent. I am so happy right now. I am so grateful for your prayers. I know that they are helping me so much. Thank you. I love it so much out here. It feels so good to open your mouth and bear witness of the Savior and His restored Gospel. I dont know what i am going to do when i get home and that isnt my sole purpose all day every day anymore. I love you guys so much. Tell the family That i will be writing them Tomorrow. Elder Tolley and i set goals to write letters, so i am going to do it. Tomorrow is actually our p-day, but President told us to email today because it is Fat Tuesday tomorrow and everything will be closed.
K, well thank you again for everything!I love you!
Elder Burnham
Thats funny that sister Schloemer sent those pictures off so quickly to you guys. The Schloemers really are so good to us. They are the most solid family in the ward. They are constantly inviting their friends and neighbors to hear the lessons. We really love them.
Donnie looks so skinny. Wow, i cant believe he is already home. I cant believe this is all happening so fast. I talked to President Summerhays about schooling, and he said he felt good about me being in California for the first little bit of school. He actually suggested that i stay in California until i get my associates degree, but i dont know about that. There are a couple missionaies from this mission that are going to LDS business college. Sister Summerhays actually really wants me to go there. I love my interviews with her. She is so funny. She has all of these ideas of what she wants me to do when i get home and she gets really excited about it. She is our mission mom. That is really cool that Brett and Ray are doing so well. Brett is running for president? Thats pretty random, but so Brett at the same time.
I dont think you guys will be at the dinner, but you better call and make sure. I am pretty sure that the interview with President Summerhays will be from 9-930pm, and then after that, i am off with you guys:) I am still a little bit worries that noone will be home when we go through to see everybody, but even if most of them arent, it will still be really fun to have stop in some of the areas and show you around. If we have a little extra time maybe we can even go see some of Destin beach which is right next to Fort Walton.
That is pretty awsome that The Daltons got called to Honnolulu. They are going to have so much fun. I was kind of hoping that they would get called here, but i am sure they are just fine with their call.
This week has been good. Elder Tolley was sick for a couple days, but he worked hard through it and is feeling alot better now. Did you here about the freak weather that we had out here? It snowed on Friday Morning for about 4 or 5 hours! I guess there were some parts of our mission that got 3-5 inches of snow on the ground. Pretty crazy huh? It was really fun to knock on doors during that time because most people invited us in to get us out of the cold. We ended up finding 3 new investigators that day which was a miracle, especially for this area. Elder Tolley and i are working hard tgether. I am so happy to be ending my mission with a good companion, in a good area. I have learned so much here and i am learning so much from Elder Tolley. We were able to get into alot of doors this week and teach the restoration, but not to many people wanted us back. We still only really have one progressing investigator and that is Desiree, who we teach every week at the Schloemers house. She needs prayers. She is really trying to find answers.
So, just for future reference, you guys should check out a type of dog called Habaneese. The Schloemers have one and they are the coolest dogs ever. They look like a miniature Murphy, only with the personality of Max (our old cat.) They are bread to not bark and to be really calm. I know Sadie has a long time to live, but just keep that in mind.
Anyways, sorry for that random tangent. I am so happy right now. I am so grateful for your prayers. I know that they are helping me so much. Thank you. I love it so much out here. It feels so good to open your mouth and bear witness of the Savior and His restored Gospel. I dont know what i am going to do when i get home and that isnt my sole purpose all day every day anymore. I love you guys so much. Tell the family That i will be writing them Tomorrow. Elder Tolley and i set goals to write letters, so i am going to do it. Tomorrow is actually our p-day, but President told us to email today because it is Fat Tuesday tomorrow and everything will be closed.
K, well thank you again for everything!I love you!
Elder Burnham
Monday, February 8, 2010
Feb 8, 2010 Setting personal goals, 3 journals
Hey Mom and Dad!
Wow, i am so excited for you guys! That is so great that everything is working out so nicely. I cant wait to see what Dammeron valley is all about. I cant believe 5 acres of land is that cheap! Thanks for filling me on on all the details. I was really curious ablout how all this was happening, and now i have a better image in my mind. That will be so fun for the dogs and for chile to have so much space.
Thats really cool that you guys have been getting up early to excercise. I love excercising every morning. I never thought in a million years back home that i would eventually enjoy waking up at 6:30am and excercising. I going to try to put on some wait over the next 2 months before i get home. Mom, thats awsome that your business is going so well. Im happy that your keeping busy. Dad, is the new practice still doing good? I guess its not that new any more huh. Time has flown by way to fast hasnt it?
Last week was a really good week. We were able to finally find a few new people to teach, and they all seem like they will be pretty solid. We have just had to knock alot of doors lately because we dont have very many appointments set up. We had Zone Leader Council on Thursday. It was a really good meeting. I always learn so much from President Summerhays. Something that i have been focusing alot on lately is the importance of setting personal goals. I have 3 different journals i write in every night now. I have my normal missionary journal, a spiritual/quotes journal, and now i just started a daily and weekly goals journal. If i have a slower day where i just didnt feel like i did the best i could, i review my day that night in prayer with the Lord, and ask what i can change and do better on the next day. This pattern has really helped me over the past week. Every time i set goals with a determinattion to act on them the next day, i feel so powerfully the cleansing and enabling power of the Atonement helping me to change what i cant cange on my own.
We have Zone conference tomorrow. President Summerhays has changed things around a little bit so now the zone leaders will be doing most of the trainings in zone conferences again. I am not a huge fan of that, but it will give me some good practice i guess.
So as far as you guys coming out here to pick me up goes, the only person i can guarantee that will be home is Ed. I still havent called anyone else from my other areas, but im guessing most of them will be at work during the day. Are you ok with that? If most of the people are at work, are you ok with just visiting through and seeing the areas i served in? I talked to Ed and his wife Mary, and they are open all day, so i am happy about that. I will call everyone this week and see how many of them will be home. How much more expensive will it be to fly out of Mobile?
Donnie is already home? That is so crazy! How is he? Has he given his homecoming talk yet? Wow, that flew by.
So Mom i am getting your car? How do you like the new one? Thank you guys so much for that. You really dont have to give me moms if you dont want. I can work for a new one or something. I know how much mom loves that car. Thank You!
Anyways, i love you guys. I am so happy for you that all these things are working out. I want you to know how much i love this work. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that Joseph Smith saw what he says he saw. I know these things for myself. The Holy Ghost has confirmed it to me. I am so grateful for His Mercy, love, patience for me and our family. I am especially grateful for our family. I love all of you guys so much. Thank You for every thing! I will see you before you know it. I love you!
Wow, i am so excited for you guys! That is so great that everything is working out so nicely. I cant wait to see what Dammeron valley is all about. I cant believe 5 acres of land is that cheap! Thanks for filling me on on all the details. I was really curious ablout how all this was happening, and now i have a better image in my mind. That will be so fun for the dogs and for chile to have so much space.
Thats really cool that you guys have been getting up early to excercise. I love excercising every morning. I never thought in a million years back home that i would eventually enjoy waking up at 6:30am and excercising. I going to try to put on some wait over the next 2 months before i get home. Mom, thats awsome that your business is going so well. Im happy that your keeping busy. Dad, is the new practice still doing good? I guess its not that new any more huh. Time has flown by way to fast hasnt it?
Last week was a really good week. We were able to finally find a few new people to teach, and they all seem like they will be pretty solid. We have just had to knock alot of doors lately because we dont have very many appointments set up. We had Zone Leader Council on Thursday. It was a really good meeting. I always learn so much from President Summerhays. Something that i have been focusing alot on lately is the importance of setting personal goals. I have 3 different journals i write in every night now. I have my normal missionary journal, a spiritual/quotes journal, and now i just started a daily and weekly goals journal. If i have a slower day where i just didnt feel like i did the best i could, i review my day that night in prayer with the Lord, and ask what i can change and do better on the next day. This pattern has really helped me over the past week. Every time i set goals with a determinattion to act on them the next day, i feel so powerfully the cleansing and enabling power of the Atonement helping me to change what i cant cange on my own.
We have Zone conference tomorrow. President Summerhays has changed things around a little bit so now the zone leaders will be doing most of the trainings in zone conferences again. I am not a huge fan of that, but it will give me some good practice i guess.
So as far as you guys coming out here to pick me up goes, the only person i can guarantee that will be home is Ed. I still havent called anyone else from my other areas, but im guessing most of them will be at work during the day. Are you ok with that? If most of the people are at work, are you ok with just visiting through and seeing the areas i served in? I talked to Ed and his wife Mary, and they are open all day, so i am happy about that. I will call everyone this week and see how many of them will be home. How much more expensive will it be to fly out of Mobile?
Donnie is already home? That is so crazy! How is he? Has he given his homecoming talk yet? Wow, that flew by.
So Mom i am getting your car? How do you like the new one? Thank you guys so much for that. You really dont have to give me moms if you dont want. I can work for a new one or something. I know how much mom loves that car. Thank You!
Anyways, i love you guys. I am so happy for you that all these things are working out. I want you to know how much i love this work. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that Joseph Smith saw what he says he saw. I know these things for myself. The Holy Ghost has confirmed it to me. I am so grateful for His Mercy, love, patience for me and our family. I am especially grateful for our family. I love all of you guys so much. Thank You for every thing! I will see you before you know it. I love you!
- Show quoted text -
Monday, February 1, 2010
Feb. 1, 2010
Hey mom and Dad!
Mom i am so sorry to hear about Tony. I'm happy though that her family is taking everything so well. I love you mom, and i hope your doing alright. I know its been a tough past few months for you.
That is really cool that you guys were able to find a place in Dammeron Valley. From how you described it, it sounds like a beautiful place. That will be so much fun for the kids to have that much space to play around in. Im excited. Will it end up being cheaper than what our house will sell for? How close is Dammeron Valley to the lake? How close is it to the St. George temple? That would be awesome to live that close to such a historical temple.
This week was also very interesting for us. I woke up early Monday morning to a strange water splashing sound. Sound familiar? I got out of bed to see what it was, opened up our utility closet, and saw that water was pouring in from the ceiling. I woke everyone else up and called the emergency maintence guys again. The guy i talked to said that he would be right over. Well, for 30 minutes we just sat and watched the water slowly seap into the carpet. There was nothing we could really do other than try to stop the water from getting into the carpet, but that wasn't working. So by the time the maintenence guy showed up, our apartment was flooded again. It wasn't as bad as last time, but we still had to move all of our stuff into the front room again, and they had to tear out all of our carpet...again. we had the apartment back in order for about a week before the same thing happened all over again. So far this area has been the strangest area of my mission. It seems like so many strange things like this just keep happening. I think the adversary really doesnt want us to focus on the work or something. Its nice though that i have a companion now that is easy to work with. So we are just working to try and get everything back in order.
Other than that, we had a pretty good week. Like i said, its kind of a strange area. We have been working really hard, but we haven't seen very much success yet. We are teaching one lady named Desiree who is keeping all of her commitments, and even came to church yesterday, so we are excited about her.
Although things have been a little difficult in this area, I am still happy. I am doing everything i can, and i feel like i am still learning and growing every day. I think that good things will happen here, i just need to remain patience, and optimistic.
As far as flying into Tallahassee goes and where we should fly out, I dont really know what we should do. Mobile is about a 6 hour drive from Tallahassee. It would be alot of driving if we drove all the way back. Also, did you guys want to meet alot of the members and converts while driving through, or did you just want to mainly see the areas? Because if we drive through on that Thursday, i am guessing that alot of the Members that i would want you guys to meet will be at work. The only one that for sure will be home will be Ed Stevens. He only works mondays and tuesdays. But i am not sure about everyone else. I can call around and see this week and let you know next week if you would like.
I love you guys so much. I am getting excited to see everyone. Stay safe! I love you!!!!
Love, Elder Burnham
Mom i am so sorry to hear about Tony. I'm happy though that her family is taking everything so well. I love you mom, and i hope your doing alright. I know its been a tough past few months for you.
That is really cool that you guys were able to find a place in Dammeron Valley. From how you described it, it sounds like a beautiful place. That will be so much fun for the kids to have that much space to play around in. Im excited. Will it end up being cheaper than what our house will sell for? How close is Dammeron Valley to the lake? How close is it to the St. George temple? That would be awesome to live that close to such a historical temple.
This week was also very interesting for us. I woke up early Monday morning to a strange water splashing sound. Sound familiar? I got out of bed to see what it was, opened up our utility closet, and saw that water was pouring in from the ceiling. I woke everyone else up and called the emergency maintence guys again. The guy i talked to said that he would be right over. Well, for 30 minutes we just sat and watched the water slowly seap into the carpet. There was nothing we could really do other than try to stop the water from getting into the carpet, but that wasn't working. So by the time the maintenence guy showed up, our apartment was flooded again. It wasn't as bad as last time, but we still had to move all of our stuff into the front room again, and they had to tear out all of our carpet...again. we had the apartment back in order for about a week before the same thing happened all over again. So far this area has been the strangest area of my mission. It seems like so many strange things like this just keep happening. I think the adversary really doesnt want us to focus on the work or something. Its nice though that i have a companion now that is easy to work with. So we are just working to try and get everything back in order.
Other than that, we had a pretty good week. Like i said, its kind of a strange area. We have been working really hard, but we haven't seen very much success yet. We are teaching one lady named Desiree who is keeping all of her commitments, and even came to church yesterday, so we are excited about her.
Although things have been a little difficult in this area, I am still happy. I am doing everything i can, and i feel like i am still learning and growing every day. I think that good things will happen here, i just need to remain patience, and optimistic.
As far as flying into Tallahassee goes and where we should fly out, I dont really know what we should do. Mobile is about a 6 hour drive from Tallahassee. It would be alot of driving if we drove all the way back. Also, did you guys want to meet alot of the members and converts while driving through, or did you just want to mainly see the areas? Because if we drive through on that Thursday, i am guessing that alot of the Members that i would want you guys to meet will be at work. The only one that for sure will be home will be Ed Stevens. He only works mondays and tuesdays. But i am not sure about everyone else. I can call around and see this week and let you know next week if you would like.
I love you guys so much. I am getting excited to see everyone. Stay safe! I love you!!!!
Love, Elder Burnham
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