Happy December

I don't know about all of you, but I am totally pumped for Christmas! This Christmas is just so different than any other Christmas in my life. I am so grateful to be serving a mission in Canada this Christmas! I am also grateful that it's not my last Canadian Christmas. :) I just love feeling the spirit of the season! 

This week was a little crazy, we traveled to Halifax on Tuesday night because there was supposed to be a snow storm Wednesday before Zone Conference. Zone Conference was SO Fun!! It was like a Christmas party where we had a nice meal, a white elephant gift exchange and Santa came bearing gifts for all the missionaries. We had a talent show put on my the missionaries in our zone which was hilarious and it was fun to see all the other missionaries! That night we actually got snowed in and spent 2 nights at the mission home because the roads were so bad. Thank goodness we rode down in the Elders truck or we might still been in Halifax. :) I really really missed being in New Glasgow this week. It's hard to not be able to meet with the people you care so much for. Church was cancelled again this week because of an ice storm, but the Elders got permission to give us the sacrament, which was an incredible opportunity. It's really hard to see church get cancelled. Jahleesa is so ready to be baptized. She's told us she knows Joseph Smith is a prophet, that the Book of Mormon is true, and even read a talk by President Monson. She is so ready but she can't be baptized until she comes to church twice. But it's been cancelled the last two weeks!! Kinda frustrating but obviously the Lord is mindful of her and had a plan greater than ours.

We finally made it back to our area on Friday and went to visit a less active who is in a senior home. Her name is Sister Wilson and we visit her once a week. She wasn't in her room, and the worker said she was in the main room waiting for their entertainment. We went to find her and sure enough there was about 25 residents sitting in the room waiting for the band that was supposed to come play for them. Turns out, the band didn't show up and the people were so disappointed. Sister Wilson asked if we would sing them a Christmas song. So Sister Starkie and I sang them a Christmas Hymn.. and then another,, and then another.. and then we started singing other Christmas songs, telling jokes, giving out candy canes, and bearing testimony of the Birth of our Savior. The spirit was so strong and it was SO much fun! We were dancing around, and I even got to play a piano piece for them. The residents were so sweet and they'd clap for us after each number and laugh at our jokes. It was fun to be able to feel the spirit of Christmas, and share our testimonies through song. 

I had many experiences this week that were tough, it was possibly the hardest week I have experienced, but it also was one of the best weeks of my mission so far. Things happened I never would've thought would happen to me. I was spit at, cussed at, yelled at, in fact, a man even threatened me it was just one thing after another all week... but it's amazing the peace that I feel in my heart. Despite whatever is going on around me I know I am safe, I know I am protected, and I know I am in His hands. I find it such a privilege that my faith is tried and that I can stand up and declare what I know to be true, without a doubt in my mind. Who would've thought I'd ever have the opportunity to be persecuted for the Saviors sake? My heart is full of gratitude for the opportunity I have to represent Him, to bear His name, and to receive His help and protection. I'm telling you, there's no feeling like it in the world. In this war between good and evil I know I am enlisted in the Lords army, and I am so grateful to know that even though a battle is still raging, the ultimate battle has already been won. "Nothing brings more safety and security than being on the Lords side." 

Well that's my weekly update.. hope there's something in there that makes you think, or smile.. or something! :) Merry Christmas to you all and thank your for your prayers and support! :) 

Love,

Sister Burton

                                  Sis. Starkie bought a celebration cake for Breanna's 2 month mark.

Missionaries go bowling in Canada

Christmas decorating

President Leavitt's office

Windy in Halifax

Two Month Mark

Holy Cow!! Can you believe it's already been two months? You really kind of lose track of time as a missionary because your mind is focused on so many other things! This week was great! We got 4 more new investigators which is incredible, but people are really hard to meet with because they are so busy with Christmas.

 Elder Roberts was transferred to PEI (prince edward island) and we got a new Elder, Elder Amaya. He is pretty intense. He is like 5 ft 3 in from Columbia and he is 26 and is our new district leader. It will be fun to work with him and Elder Watson as we correlate the hastening of the work of salvation in the New Glasgow area. It's nice to work in the same area as Elders because then if we find a man who is interested in learning more, we can give the man to the Elders as a referral, and if the Elders find a woman who wants to learn more, they give her to us as a referral. 

We went to Halifax for some training this week, it seems we are down there almost every week for one reason or another. It's fun to be able to see President and Sister Leavitt though, and also talk with other missionaries. On the way home Sister Starkie and I were having a deep conversation about what makes a missionary truly converted to the work and she obviously was distracted because before I knew it I saw a police car behind us with his lights on... so we pulled over. Sister Starkie is a terrible driver. An incredible missionary, but a terrible driver. She's ran like 5 stop signs since I've been with her, and I am always having to tell her to slow down. As the police man gets out of the car and starts towards her window she was like "how fast do you think I was going?" Turns out she was going 30 kilometers over the speed limit. She was going 140 kilometers per hour. She apologized and explained that she had been distracted by our conversation and that she knew she'd been irresponsible. Guess what? He let her go! He didn't give her a ticket or anything, he just told her to slow down next time she sees a cop! haha The blessings of being a missionary! 

This week was great, we got almost twice as many key indicators as we were getting when we first got here, and hopefully there are even more to come this week! Jahleesa is doing so well, and progressing. Unfortunately, her daughter was throwing up all night Saturday night and so she couldn't come to church. That was a total bummer because there is only 2 more Sundays before her baptism and she has to come to both if she want to be baptized on the 28th. We could end up moving her date but what is really important is that she told us she knows the Book of Mormon is true!! In fact, she even gave us her families information so that the missionaries in Halifax can go teach her family! She is so incredible! We were teaching her little girl Brielle how to pray the other day and when we came back for the next meeting Jahleesa showed us a video of Brielle praying before she went to bed the night before. It was so cute I teared up! It's amazing how this gospel can change people. Her children will know that they have a Heavenly Father that loves them and that they can be together forever! It just makes me so happy! I am so glad Heavenly Father led us to Jahleesa. We taught her the plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ and plan to meet with her twice this week. 

We got to watch the Christmas Devotional last night and the closing prayer really touched my heart. It's amazing when I stop and think about how many people are praying for the missionaries. I really feel the strength and the power that comes from the millions of prayers said around the world each day blessing the missionaries. Being a missionary is the greatest opportunity in the world. I think about the Hymn Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd where it says 

"Green are the pastures inviting; Sweet are the waters and still. 

Lord, we will answer thee gladly, "Yes, blessed Master, we will! 

Make us thy true under-shepherds; Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert, Seeking thy wandering sheep.

Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold; 

Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold." 

I love the part that talks about sending us into the desert. The Lord didn't send me into a literal desert. In fact, I left one. But he sent me to a place that is definitely thirsting for the living water which only he can provide. It's amazing that He relies on us to bring His sheep back into the fold. I love that he knew he could count on me to find those lost sheep, but I know I can't do it alone. For in myself I am nothing, but with the strength of the Lord I contain infinite power. Anyway.. I hope everything is going well back home. I love you all, 

Have a great week! 

Love,

Sister Breanna Burton 

Happy December Everyone

Can you believe it's already December? Time flies when you're having fun I guess!

 Well, it was the most incredible week!! I'm talking super-duper wonderfully incredible! So two weeks ago we didn't teach a single lesson. (which is actually pretty pathetic) We worked so hard and did so much finding but NO ONE wanted to listen. Seriously. We had 22 potential investigator appointments set up throughout the week and every single one dropped us. We taught absolutely 0 lessons to investigators. Total bummer for a missionary. However, this last week we met a girl named Jahleesa while we were street contacting. (she was wearing the cutest boots I've ever seen in my life so I had to compliment them) Anyway, she stopped and talked to us and said we could come stop by her house and talk with her anytime. So on Tuesday we went to meet with her and it was just so amazing! She is searching for the truth and the spirit was so strong! She has two little girls ages 2 1/2 and 7 months and their father was just recently put in jail. She has had a really tough life but she has such a strong spirit. She asked us to come back and we taught the Restoration and she has accepted the commitment to be baptized on December 28th! Now, that is really soon.. and we've only met with her twice so she may have more concerns that need to be addressed but the important thing is that she has the desire! She even told us in her own words that she is so happy that we can finally give her answers and that she knows we were sent from God to help her. She has some doubts about the Book of Mormon that we are working with, but she's agreed to pray about it and come to church. We met with her again on Friday night and she has agreed to meet with us twice each week up to her baptism date. What a miracle! AND she was telling us how she just barely moved back from Halifax about a month ago.. which is when Sister Starkie and I came to New Glasgow. Coincidence? I think NOT! Sister Starkie and I are totally pumped to teach Jahleesa and Jahleesa is totally pumped to learn so we make a great team. I pray so hard she will accept the message. I know it could help her so much in her life! 

Another amazing opportunity I had this week was to attend the temple. A young man in the Branch recently received his mission call to Ireland and was going through the temple for the first time. President Leavitt gave us special permission to travel down to Halifax on Saturday and go through the session with him because his parents were unable to be there so both sets of missionaries serving in the branch got to go with him. It was such a great experience. It's amazing the changes I can see within myself as I serve. The temple is a great place to reflect on how I can be more of help in pushing the work of salvation forward. I was just so lucky!

We also got to do exchanges on Thursday in Dartmouth. However, one of the Sisters has major health problems and so we worked in the mission office for most of the day. It was fun though and I learned a lot from her desire to serve, even when she is having such a hard time. I just am so blessed to be healthy and able to do the Lords work the way he wants me to do it! I am so happy it is December. Christmas time just makes everyone a little more receptive and open to discuss religion and it seems to be helping the work progress! We bought some decorations for our apartment but really have no time to put them up.. haha maybe next week. I am so happy to be a missionary I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

 Happy First Week of December Everyone! :) 

Love,

Sister Burton

November 25, 2013 Jessie's got baptized!

What a great week here in New Glasgow! 

I love it here so much it's so charming and cute. We see deer running all over the place too. The area kinda reminds me of Island Park. Lots of trees and animals and snow and stuff. It's getting colder so I was really excited to get all my winter clothes today. My coat is good til -30 C so I should be good all winter, though it does kinda make me feel like an Eskimo. 

The best part of the week was definitely Saturday! Jessie got baptized! WAhoo!! Interesting story actually. They asked me to play the piano, and I accepted, assuming I could pick the songs considering I was the only option of a pianist and my ability to play is so limited. Friday night I find out they've already printed the programs saying that we would be singing two Hymns I have never played before in my life. Anyone who knows my piano skills will know I about had an anxiety attack. But they talked me into trying to learn the songs before Saturday night. However, I only had about an hour during lunch to practice... So, trusting in the Lord I fasted all day Saturday, asking for Heavenly Fathers help to learn these piano songs. I was pretty confident he wouldn't abandon a missionary, right? haha I practiced as hard as I could for that hour and then decided I would just pray the Lord would guide my fingers as I played that night. So the time of the baptisms rolls around and the opening hymn announced.. I was fairly confident that with the strength of the Lord, I was going to be able to play this darn Hymn better than anyone has played it before. I was wrong. It was a complete failure. You could hardly tell what song I was even attempting to play. It was awful. A complete disaster. Pretty sure they'll never ask me to play for anything ever again. I was pretty disappointed. Why wouldn't Heavenly Father help me play that piece? I did everything I could, and prayed as hard as I could... and nothing. I was embarrassed that anyone in the Branch had to witness it. How could Heavenly Father let me make such a fool of myself? I honestly had felt so confident that he would help me. Well I decided I had to put it out of my head because this was Jessie's baptism for goodness sakes (and Jessie is probably in my top 10 favorite people in the world) I had the opportunity to teach her, to get to know her, and to watch her make a covenant with Heavenly Father through baptism. I felt the spirit so strong I wanted to feel that way forever! And then I remember this one little thing I'd almost forgotten about baptisms.. the closing Hymn. I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't know how to play the closing Hymn any better than the opening. But I didn't want to ruin the spirit that had been brought into the chapel with Jessie's sweet testimony. I prayed so hard that some miracle would happen. I sat down at the piano, opened to the page and began to play. I didn't miss a single note. I had never played the piece all the way through before and yet, my fingers just knew where to go. You should've seen the look on my companions face. (she'd been listening to me practice during lunch) The song was beautiful and the spirit was so strong. It truly was a miracle. I've tried to play the same hymn since and I couldn't even play the top hand. The Lord certainly was watching over us. Being am missionary is just incredible!! 

Another thing I have learned this week (other than to never volunteer to play at baptisms) is that putting on a name tag doesn't change who you are. The Atonement does. Repentance does. Prayer does. Anyone can put on a name tag, but it doesn't change anything about them until they decide to let the Savior in. Thinking back on my pre-mission life (sometimes it feels like forever ago haha) I realize just how much I was missing out on. It reminds me of the mormon message about the man who went on a cruise but stayed in his cabin the whole time and ate canned food and such, and on the last day discovered that everything the entertainment, the food, everything had been included in the ticket price. I think it's called "Living Beneath your Privileges" or something like that. If you don't know what I am talking about, look it up because it's awesome. The gift of the Holy Ghost is an amazing thing that we often take for granted. We don't realize that we truly are entitled to the direction, guidance, comfort, and strength of a member of the Godhead at all times. What an incredible gift! I have so many things to work on, and every day I strive to be a little better. But it's amazing to see the growth and progression that takes place within your heart and you finally let go or everything holding you back, and decide to live up to your privileges. So take it from a girl who can't play the piano to save her life.. Heavenly Father cares. He loves each of us and wants nothing more than for us to turn our hearts to him. I absolutely LOVE being a missionary. Sometimes it's hard and I feel like rolling into a ball and staying there for awhile haha but ultimately I know that the promise found in D&C 24:12 is so real. "at all times and in all places he shall open his mouth and declare my gospel... and I will give unto him strength such as is not known among men." What a blessing it is to be a member of this great church! I love you all and hope you have a great week!! :) 

Love,

Sister Burton

Jessie's Baptism

Hot chocolate in Canada

We stopped to get a hot chocolate at Tim Hortons today (kinda like american starbucks). It was delicious! And in honor of Remembrance Day, Canadians where poppys on their shoulder. You can see the red flower above my name tag. Careful, you might mistake me as a native :) 

Sister Burton and Sister Starkie

                                                                      This is Sister Starkie and I at Subway! :)

Sister Burton's One Month Mark

Can you believe it's been a whole month? Wow! It's been a good week here in Canada.We got to watch the CES Fireside at the church one night, that was really fun it was like a movie night! The talk was amazing too! It's fun to get to know those that we're serving with a little better. The members here are amazing! Have I mentioned that before? :) We are at a members house eating like 4 nights a week, and they always have dessert. Their stories are incredible and they have such strong testimonies.Today is Remembrance Day and so everything is closed, and I mean EVERYTHING. Even Walmart. I thought Walmart didn't close for anything. Which is a bummer because we had lots of shopping that needed to get done today, but there's always next week! 

Anyway, we are working our tails off here in New Glasgow trying to find people to teach. Lots of knocking, lots of street contacting.. if people only knew what they were missing out on! We have gotten a few less-actives to come back to church, Janette and Harley are an amazing couple we've had the opportunity to teach. Janette is going back to school to get her grade 12 and she was really struggling in her math class and so as part of our service hours each week I'll get to tutor her. Isn't that fun? I love it so much and she has really been improving!! We also get to serve at a senior home and we help with BINGO every Wednesday. They have the cutest elderly people there! Street Hockey went a little better this week.. I actually figured out how to hold the stick and everything. It's cool because they have so many non-members coming out to play and to have the missionaries there talking with them is a great way to reach out to them. 

I am still amazed at how involved missionaries are in the Branch. Just my luck, there is only one pianist in the whole branch and she isn't always able to attend sacrament meeting.. so guess where that leaves me? Yup, playing the piano. haha I told them they'll regret asking me to play but they don't believe me yet. I will be playing for a baptism this week too. Which I am really excited about!! JESSIE! She is so amazing and Sister Starkie and I just love her to death! She is so ready to be baptized and I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to teach her. It's really fun to be involved because you get to know people really well, which helps you know how to serve them. 

I've learned a lot in the one month I've been on my mission. I've learned to be so grateful for what you have. Your home, your family, and most importantly, the gospel! I've learned that missions are different for everyone because God expects you to use your talents to build the kingdom in the area you were assigned. No two missions, or missionaries are alike, it's all part of the plan. I've learned the Holy Ghost is real. He leads and guides and comforts me everyday as I am striving to do God's will. I love it here so much and can feel the spirit so strong. As I taught primary this week, it really touched me to hear the children sing:

I'm trying to be like Jesus, I'm following in his way.

I'm trying to love as he did, In all that I do and say. 

At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice, 

But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers:

Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. 

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought...For these are the things Jesus taught. 

It's just amazing to me to see how much my love for others, the Savior, and my Heavenly Father has grown in the last month. I'm striving to follow the example of Christ and bring the gospel to those in need. I love being a missionary!! :) 

Sister Burton at Halifax Temple and entering New Glasgow

Sister Burton's First Apartment.  They are opening a new area and are the first missionaries in the area. She is in New Glasgow, it is about 75 miles north of Halifax. These are picture of the area she sent.

Greetings from Canada!

There is so much to say I don't know where to begin! The last few days at the MTC were so good, but I was also excited to head to Canada. The flights were good, I was the only missionary out of all 7 sisters that got to sit by a non-missionary (hope that makes sense) at first it was a little scary (cause I'm supposed to share the gospel with them and all) but it was so great to be able to talk to people and share what I believe. And you'd be surprised at how many people are willing to take a pass-along card or learn more about doing their family history work. Three of the 7 missionaries got stuck in Toronto because the airplane was full or something so they had to take a later flight. But my boarding pass was fine so I landed in Halifax around 8:00. We stayed at the mission home for 2 nights were they did like orientation and such. My mission president is great! He was funny and nice but also strict. He knows how missionaries are supposed to act and I am grateful to have such an inspired man as my mission president. 

On Thursday I went out with Sister Weaver to visit some less actives and such in Halifax and Dartmouth because my Trainer hadn't been transferred yet. Later that night I got to meet my trainer, Sister Starkie!! She is so great! She is from somewhere in Utah.. I don't really remember. She has so much energy the mission president told me my job is to tell her to slow down so she doesn't work me to death. I love it though, we definitely stay busy! They stuck Sister Starkie and I in a car and said head to New Glasgow. haha we had no idea where we were going, she's only served on prince edward island and I'd never been to Canada and no one had a map or instructions. They told us to follow the signs... kinda crazy. We did find it eventually but we had to call the Elders once we got into town to help us out. New Glasgow is just the cutest little town. Everyone is so friendly and the houses are tiny and cute. I love the people here already!

The Elders are SO great! Elder Roberts is the district leader and his companion is Elder Watson. We got to go to a lesson with them and that was fun. We are serving in the same area so we see them all the time and they've helped a ton. We serve in the same Branch of about 40 active members. Man is Canada BEAUTIFUL! You should see the leaves this time of year, they are spectacular. I love walking and being outside because it is just so pretty! We have a car (brand new 2014 chevy cruze) and bikes (lucky me. haha) and we walk a lot because our apartment is really close to the church. The first night in my apartment I sat there thinking to myself I am in a new country, in a new city, in a new apartment, with someone I don't know.. and I LOVE IT! haha the church is so true. Our apartment is so cute and tiny. I hear its one of the nicer ones but they've never had missionaries there before so it will be interesting.  My Pdays are Mondays, I'm pretty sure that's how it will always be. 

 

We spoke in Sacrament on Sunday and taught the Primary. (its a tiny branch and they don't have enough active members to fulfill all the callings) And we will be teaching gospel principles with the Elders too when the Primary doesn't need us.The Elders had been telling the Branch the Sisters were coming for more than a month now and they were so excited to finally meet us! The members are so sweet and kind, I love them so much! They talked about how the Branch President even posted on facebook that he was excited to meet the new sister missionaries. :) They were SO excited it was so cute! The first night we were there we went to the Branch Mission Leaders house, his name is Brother Mckinnen and that family has taken good care of us! They even had us over for dinner last night. They are the best family and have incredible testimonies! They even gave us some milk so we could have cereal in the morning. The milk was in a bag. Isn't that a little odd? It's funny how somethings are just different here. Like when we are out knocking you don't go to peoples front doors, you go around back to knock. I always feel like I am trespassing in someones backyard but its just normal here. 

Since Sister Starkie and I are both new to the area we have gotten lost so many times! Typically we call the Elders and they save us. haha We did get to teach a few lessons and that was really cool. Every time I teach a lesson I get another confirmation of how true the gospel really is. How lucky am I that I get to bring people closer to Christ! I love being a missionary! We go knocking quite a bit because we don't have really any investigators but finding and street contacting really isn't that bad. The people here are SO nice! Like they will just stop and have conversation with you about where I'm from and why I'm serving a mission. Typically they aren't interested in learning more, but respect our desires to bring people to Christ. and 90% of people we talk to will take a pass along card. Which is great! The only part that I don't like so far is tracting or knocking at night, but I just keep telling myself the Lord takes care of his missionaries. 

On Saturday there was a branch holiday dinner. I guess it was for thanksgiving and Christmas but since thanksgiving is already over here, they did it in the middle. It was delicious and they let us take stuff home :) They LOVE us. haha and they don't even know us yet. It's amazing how much small branches like this rely on the missionaries. Like they gave us a master key to the church, so we have access to everything. There really is about 3 families that make up almost the whole Branch. Haha But I love it so much! There are the cutest old ladies too in the Branch, so I think we will be raking lots of leaves for service. :) We have a specific exercise routine we have to do every morning called like P5X or something. It definitely will keep me in shape. I guess it's used for the Canadian army or something.. haha 

I am so grateful I am able to be on a mission. It really is incredible to be able to dedicate all my time and talents to the Lord. He loves all his children so much and I want to help bring them to him. And I'm only one of 80,000. Isn't that incredible!? I love being a part of the Lords work. He definately takes care of his missionaries. I know that through Christ I can find strength to face each day with a smile. In the mission field you pray SO MUCH! but it totally pays off because you can feel the spirit so close to you. I find that when I am serving other I become so happy! Even just helping clear tables at the holiday dinner made me feel closer to the Savior. I hope you all have a great week! Oh and by the way.. the mission home doesn't forward me my mail.. so Sister Starkie said it's safe to send it there, I just might not get it for a few months. We just pick it up whenever we are back at the mission home. (Who knows when that is). So for now I would love it if you'd mail things to my apartment! :) 

Sister Breanna Burton

159 Abercrombie Rd

New Glasgow, NS B2H 1K5

Canada

I hope that's the right address... :) It's fun because they don't really use numbers for roads here, they all have cute names like Abercrombie. haha we even found a Roy Street. Go Roy! :) Anyway.. sorry it's so long, we've had a busy week. Don't forget to write me, mail is the best! Serving a mission is hard and exhausting, but you can't call it a sacrifice because you get so much more out of it than you ever put in. I love you all so much! Til next week... 

Sister Breanna Burton

Breanna's First Letter

Dear Family and Friends..

Wow wow wow the MTC is the place to be! :) It's incredible here and the spirit is SO strong.I love it so much! I am getting a little attached to my nametag, I kinda feel like the Elder on the best two years because I just wish I could even sleep with it on. It gives me so much purpose to know I represent Christ. It's probably an unhealthy obsession :) The classes here are so great and my teachers so inspired. I don't ever want to leave the class I am in because there's no way the next class could be better but it ALWAYS is. That's the miracle of the spirit. The more you learn the more you want to learn. I got to see a few people from school, which is really cool. I'm not sure you'll recognize any of the names but I saw Colton Smith, Garrett Anderson (headed to federal way), Kyler, and Julia Satterthwaite. She just got here last night and I got to meet her because I was called as a sister training leader. (like a zone leader, but a sister :)  Very humbling. I received this assignment Thursday night. yes, the day after I got here. It was pretty overwhelming as I felt extremely inadequate. I didn't have a clue what I was doing, how was I supposed to help others know what they're supposed to be doing? But the Lord works in mysterious ways and I've learned to love the sister in my Branch SO much!

Elder Dallin H Oaks came to speak to us on Tuesday, that was amazing! He talked about a lot of things but one thing that stood out to me was he said one of his favorite quotes to mumble under his breath is "No good deed goes unpunished." haha I thought of how our family says that all the time and how this related to missionary work. We shouldn't be discouraged when hard things happen, Satan will always be trying to get us down. No good deed goes unpunished. Just thought it was funny to hear it from an Apostle.

So you know how I didn't know how to set a watch so I had Colten do it for me and that seemed like a great solution at the time? Yeah not so much because I know its hard to believe but it's a different time in Canada than Utah. haha So I guess I'll have to figure it out.. whoops. :) Gym time is way fun, my companions and I have played volleyball every day and I must say I'm not as bad as you'd think. I have finally mastered the overhand serve. One of my teachers talked to us about how this is probably the only time in our lives we will receive 24 hour tutoring from God. What an amazing thought. :) that's why the MTC really is the happiest place on earth. I love love getting mail so definitely keep it coming haha We are scheduled on a flight to Canada Tuesday early early morning. (I think we leave here at like 3:30) so keep your phone by you. I will call dads number (801-725-0971) so be ready for that. I'd assume sometime around 5am but really I have absolutely no idea when I'll be calling. haha We have three different flights before landing in Halifax but I'm so excited!! Wahoo!

Sundays are great at the MTC, my favorite part was the Temple Walk where we actually get to leave MTC campus and walk to the temple with our district and take pictures. We had so so fun! The Branch President reminds me of Brother Gentry when he was bishop, he's funny and I've got to meet with him lots in leadership meetings and such. Every Wednesday and Sunday are Ice Cream Day at the MTC from the BYU creamery. Wow its good! I love Ice Cream! :) I want you to know paying for the more expensive laundry bag because it had a shoulder strap.. totally worth it, the laundry room is a nice long walk from our residence hall. I have learned so much and can't wait to learn more. Everything here is great and I can feel the hand of the Lord protecting and supporting me. I had the opportunity to sing in the missionary choir the night Dallin H Oaks came to speak. What an amazing experience!! I love getting up early and can't ever get my mind to shut off before going to bed.. I just want to keep teaching! haha They have people interested in the church (real investigators) walk around sometimes with Gold Name tags, and we were told to stop and talk to them if we ever have a second. Well we stopped to talk to a sister yesterday who was so amazing! Her name is Chae and she is so cute! she moved to Utah with her boyfriend and 2 daughters from Oregon and said she just kinda was curious about what we were about. We asked if we could meet with her again and she said she would love that! Unfortunately about every second at the MTC is booked so we will have to miss dinner on Monday but hey, that's what the food in our residence hall is for right? :) It was so fun to go talk with her about how she can be with her family forever and she was wondering if we could teach her how to pray so she could show her kids. One of the Gold Tag investigators is getting baptized (for real) on Saturday and Chae said she plans on going! :) I can't wait to teach her Monday!

I should probably start to wrap this up, although I could talk forever. :) The church is true and I am so glad I have the opportunity to share it with others! I know this is where Heavenly Father wants me to be and I am so glad he is trusting me with this work. It's so fun to hear from people back home so keep writing! I love and miss you all so much!!

Love,
Sister Breanna Burton

Sister Breanna Burton was successfully delivered to the Provo MTC.  She was extremely happy!

What I Wish I Would've Known 4 Months Ago... 

Hello There! Welcome to my Blog! I'm Sister Breanna McKinley Burton and I leave for the Provo MTC in 3 days to serve in the Halifax, Canada Mission and wanted to make a personal post before taking off. First of all I am SO Excited to serve! For those of you preparing to serve, believe me, time flies! I wanted to write down a few things I have learned in the last 4 months that may be helpful to you as you prepare. So here's a list of (in my opinion) things that would've been nice to know 4 months ago! :) I am no expert, but I hope you find something helpful! 

• Buy clothes you are comfortable in. No matter how cute it is, if it doesn't fit right, is a little too tight, or short.. Don't Buy It! Keep looking and something else you love will come along. Old Navy and Downeast became my favorite stores to find nice, comfortable and inexpensive tops and for skirts, try the Sister Missionary Mall in Provo. 

• GO TO THE TEMPLE! I went about 3 months before my reporting date and I still wish I would've had more time to go. The temple is an incredible place that can really help in preparation. It helps keep things in perspective and is totally worth going every week! 

• Don't be afraid to call your mission office with questions specific to your mission. They're there to help! 

• Watch the district.. and then watch it again, and again. It is SO helpful and you'll learn something new every time!

• Skinny belts are so helpful when feeling like some shirts look a little awkward tucked in. I have one in just about every color! 

• Read through your call all the time. It helps remind you why you're doing this in the first place. 

• Pick up cute stud earrings. They'll be nice to have in an assortment of sizes and styles.

• Attend institute if possible. I learned so many good things that have helped me prepare in my institute class. 

• Buy Stickers to take with you! Everyone loves stickers and you can find inexpensive ones to put on letters and such. 

• Read "Our Search for Happiness" by M. Russell Ballard. It's written by an apostle, to explain our beliefs to a non-member and it's the shortest book in the Missionary Library. What more could a missionary ask for? 

• I bought space bags to try and fit more clothes.. and wasn't very successful. However, the travel space bags worked INCREDIBLE with my towels and sheets. I definitely would recommend them for that!

• Hair Donut = Awesome! I told myself I wouldn't.. but I had to. It's such an easy, cute hairstyle. If you don't know what it is, look it up and see if you're interested. It really only takes like 3 minutes and you're good to go all day! 

• Get the Mini Hand Sanitizers from Bath and Body Works. They're cute, smell good, and are travel sized! Plus, you never know how many hands you'll be shaking and where those hands have been.. let's keep it clean right?

• I bought colorful pens to use to make writing letters and taking notes in class a little more interesting. I found great ones at the dollar store!

• Join a gym! If you don't have a workout routine already set, this is a great way to get started. I joined Planet Fitness for only $10 a month and it's worth every penny! Its a great way to relieve stress, and get your body ready for the demands of missionary life. 

• Duct tape helps a TON with blisters. If you don't believe me, try it out. But I didn't want to pack those huge rolls of duct tape so instead, I took the tape and wrapped it around cut up straws. (I took the idea from the masking tape at the church library). It makes them small and travel sized so it doesn't take up any room in your suitcase. 

• Pack, and then unpack and then pack and unpack again. My family has made fun of my mercilessly because I have been packing for the last month but it's helped a ton! I realize what suitcase, and order to pack things in so the things that need to be easily accessed, are on top, and everything is organized so I can find whatever I need. Plus, you'll be a little more confident on the day you leave that you aren't forgetting anything because you've packed a hundred times before.

• Check out store.lds.org. I had no idea this existed until about a month ago. It's an incredible place to purchase things you can use to prepare, and the best news?? FREE SHIPPING! You can buy scripture mastery flash cards and bookmarks, missionary  handbooks, pass along cards, mini preach my gospel for only $4, pamphlets to practice teaching the missionary lessons, missionary preparation manual, the adjusting to missionary lifestyle booklet, and even order different types of garments to try. There are special edition church magazines you can purchase for only $1 including... 

• 2 New Eras on Missionary Preparation

• The Book of Mormon Ensign 

• The Lord Jesus Christ Ensign

• Previous Conference Issues 

• store.lds.org

• Write a missionary serving in your mission. I'm sure they'd LOVE to hear from you. I follow a few blogs of people serving in Canada that I wrote and they had GREAT advice for things specific to my mission and answered any questions I have. 

• Make a mission binder. I made one as soon as I got my call. I love it so much and use it daily. You can make it your own and include in it what you like but it helped me stay organized and not lose important papers. Inside is 

• a copy of my call

• my mission booklet

• a copy of my patriarchal blessing

• a map of my mission

• the letter from my mission president

• the letter from the temple 

• 4 generation pedigree chart

• pictures from the day I got my call, went through the temple,my missionary photo shoot, and from my farewell. 

• receipts of things I've bought for my mission in case I have to make returns

• a list of things I still need to do, or buy
• simple recipes I'd like to make
• A list of birthdays and dates to remember
• other letters, notes, and important things I want to take with me.

I'm  sure there's more I am forgetting but really, if you put your trust in the Lord, he'll help you figure things out and when the time comes, you'll be ready. If you have any questions for me (or advice and ideas) I'd LOVE to hear from you! My email is breanna.burton@myldsmail.net. Best of Luck in your Preparation!!
 Love Always,
Sister Burton

Dad is just making sure the new rain jacket is really water resistant.....Yup it is :)

Beautiful Photos by Gary Bird

Tears fill up my eyes when I look at these pictures.  Tears of joy.

She is beautiful and so ready to share the Gospel.

August 15, 2013 Farewell, Family & Friends

Sister Breanna and Grammy

Breanna and her cousins

Breanna gave an amazing talk about "catching the wave" of missionary work.  We loved and appreciated everyone that joined us after for some treats and their expressions of support.  It means so much to know that so many people are supporting Breanna and her efforts.

Halifax is a huge mission.  It even goes into Maine.

WE are so excited for Breanna.  She is going to love this place.

Waiting.....waiting...and waiting

The Beautiful envelope arrived at 11:30 am on June 12, 2012. Breanna was leaving Utah State as soon as her class ended at 3:00 pm to make the  one hour trek home with Britney & Cameron to open and receive her mission call surrounded by lots of loved ones (and the local Elders :)
She had made it clear the she would Not be waiting for Anyone, the moment she walked in the door....The envelope would be opened!!        We understood, and we were all on time and waiting for her entrance.  She even said when she walked in she felt like a superstar (Duh, she is!)

The treasure bestowed upon her is the opportunity to serve in the Canada, Halifax Mission.  English speaking.  She reports to the Prove MTC on October 9th.

Papers Submitted