The Church is true.

Hello hello hello!!

I hope you're doing well. 

So I don't have much to say and I don't have a way to upload the photos so I apologize in advance.

I'm doing well and this past week was good. The area is starting to get an effect of Christmas and people are leaving. But we were able to see a wonderful investigator named Tiaan. He's a great guy and is really looking for God. I'm so excited to work with him in the near future. And, I'm happy we were able to see some less actives. There's so many great people here and it's been such a pleasure to be here so far. 

I know the work I'm doing is grand and is of God. I know the Church is true.

- Elder Burgess

Very interesting.

Hello to my people!

I hope you're doing well. I'm not too bad but I've had an interesting week. So on Monday we had an interesting event where my companion, Elder Gohnert, had a cancer scare and went home to Johannesburg.... yeah that was interesting. And that left me with the Zone Leaders in Mamelodi, a township. It was quite the adventure but over all I just felt like a burden and a third wheel. Then I got great news! Elder Gohnert does not have cancer! He came back to me on Saturday and I was able to get to work in our area. 

So not much happened but I can share a bit about how the work is here.

Investigators is an interesting story here. We're in the city and the work is a bit more difficult than other areas so we work a lot with less actives and the few investigators we have. We have a great sister though named Cebisa who is on date for January 21st. She comes to church, is very smart and loves what we share. She put herself on date! Work with the members is good. Since my companion is the only Afrikaans elder in the mission he can get into homes that others can't. The members are very particular with elders and they watch you so if one steps out of line then elders after them kinda suffer. But with us it's going well! It's weird visiting the American families though... I'm so not used to them!!

I did have a great spiritual moment though. During my personal study on Friday I was reading in the December Liahona and I read the short story title "Christmas Through My Daughter's Eyes". It was so fantastic and reminded me of the beauty of Christmas. It reminded of the true meaning of this time of year. It reminded me that without Christ, it's just a -mas (miss). What a great moment to remember all the wonderful days of this time of year and to remember our Savior. Please don't forget the true meaning of this holiday, Christ.

But it's been an interesting week that's for sure! What an adventure! I hope you all have a great week!

- Elder Burgess

My temporary companions, Elder Mothajana (from my MTC Group) and Elder Voyles (From my days of Namibia). It was great to reunite and be companions for a few days.

He's back!

Pretoria!

Hello Everyone! I hope you've had a great week, mine has been busy!

It's been so wonderful to be in Pretoria with Elder Gohnert. This past week has been full of service and visiting people. Tuesday was a day of settling in and I met the Heydenrich family. They're wonderful! Brother Heydenrich served with Elder Gohnert's brother so there's a great connection. The next day we were doing service for him, painting a roof/ patio. We had a little fun while at it. And then, the next day was my birthday... I must say I don't feel like I'm 21... It was a nice birthday though. A couple families had us over and we celebrated a few times, but still a birthday here just isn't quite the same. 

Friday we had district meeting but it was different having the meeting in the office. Our district consists of Elder Gohnert, the assistants to the president (Elder Gilbert and Elder Warren) and myself. After the meeting we rushed to help a member move in the assistants' area. She wasn't really in a safe part of town so it was good to see her leave that place.

Saturday wasn't all that interesting but Sunday was! It was so weird! So Pretoria East is in the City and is a fully functional ward of the church. It was so bizarre! It was quite the culture shock for me honestly. But I truly enjoyed it. The people here are wonderful! After church we had an appointment with Frik. Now Frik is the son to my lovely neighbor when I was living in Polokwane and serving in Seshego. She gave us his number and we were able to visit him and his family. Hopefully all goes well with him.

But yes, I'm excited for the coming weeks.

Talk to you later!

- Elder Burgess

Happy Birthday, Elder Burgess!!

Elder Gohnert and I found a "magic" broom during service and took turns flying around.

It's the final countdown!!

Hello to you all!!!

This week has been grand! and busy! I can't believe how much has happened and how fast it went!! let's start off then!!

The week's excitement all started Wednesday when we had Zone Conference! It was a right good day full of spiritual things. It was wonderful to study the scriptures as a zone and to discuss what we were learning. It was sadly cut a bit short because of the number of things that needed to be done and President had to drive back down to Pretoria for Zone Conference that side. But in all it was fantastic!

Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday!! Sorry I didn't say it last week... It's not celebrated here so yeah... I hope you all enjoyed it though!!

Friday brought some more excitement, but also anxiety... Black Friday was a buzz and people were everywhere!! Trying to drive through town was a nightmare!!

Saturday was the much awaited day! So in the morning we had an activity and played soccer! It was so fun, and, my team won... not bragging, just stating a fact. It was also great because we got a couple new guys to teach! Activity = successful! We then got cleaned up and went about our day, but we were just anxious for transfer news. It took a while though but it eventually came through...... Transfer news is.... I'M LEAVING!! I'm going to Pretoria East to finish my mission with my good friend, Elder Gohnert!! I'm so excited!! I finally get to serve in Pretoria and now with a friend! I'll also be celebrating my birthday, his birthday, Christmas, and New Year's!! Oh what an adventure!! 

Well tomorrow we drive down bright and early. But I hope you all have a great week and stay tuned, because adventures to come!!

- Elder Burgess

Last District meeting.

Soccer! Representing the Albanian flag for Elder Coka. (it's pronounced, Choka)

Zone Conference, Elder Darley is leaving!

More than a book.

Hello! 

Long time, eh? Honestly, I wouldn't say so. This week has flown by!! Actually this month! It's the 20th of November already!

Well the week was good. It was the usual days of appointments and what not, the same old stuff really. Then came Friday. Friday was a great day. We were helping the senior couple that work in the office, Elder and Sister Owens, to clean out a flat. The flat's lease is up and the owners won't renew, so au revoir to that flat. 

But what was really fun was lunch afterwards. Sister Owens made lunch for us and it was a trip to the past because she made tacos! We had tacos, guacamole, salsa, bean dip, really a Mexican treat! It was so nice! She had made it because it's Elder Owens' favorite meal. And, apparently leading up to that whenever she would ask him what he wanted for dinner his reply was always, "I don't care, I'm getting tacos on Friday!" Haha!

Then Saturday we had an activity and played soccer; we actually had a good turnout. But the greatest news is I was able to play! That's right, I'm actually getting better! My health has been improving steadily but still it's improving.

Sunday was the highlight though. We had a special conference where we watched a broadcast for the South East Africa Area. We had the pleasure to hear from Elder Tad R. Callister, Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, Elder Carl B. Cook and Elder Neil L. Anderson. All of their talks were wonderful and directed to help the people of the area. I especially loved Elder Cook's message about the Book of Mormon. He shared again President Monson's invitation and also the blessings that come from heeding it. I know the Book of Mormon to be more than a book. Its inspired words are from God and can bless your life, heal your heart, sooth your soul and bring you everlasting joy. 

So yes, it was a good week. This coming week has a lot in store. I have Zone Conference and on Saturday I find out where I'm finishing my mission. It's so weird to say that but it's true... Stay tuned!

- Elder Burgess

Flashback for the Americans!

Elder Yosi and Elder Khupiso enjoying tacos.

Saying goodbye to Sister Lebo (the one in the red cardigan) who's going back to Johannesburg to see her husband... she was very excited.

Reflecting

Hello to everyone! I hope you've had a great week. 

For myself, I've had a decent week, but can you believe it's almost half way through November?!

But anyways, "Monday" you already know from last week, so I'll start with Tuesday. It was a great day. We visited the Repatse Family and played a game called "30 seconds" after sharing a message. It's a game like Taboo where you describe the word on the card and your team has to guess but it's the latest things and has also South African trivia. It was a lot of fun! We played it a lot this week actually! On Wednesday our neighbor prepared a wonderful meal for us and the Polokwane Elders (who are teaching her). Her name is Louise and She's this sweet 76 year old lady who just loves what we're doing here and what we share with her. Thursday has officially become a not so favorite day here in Seshego because it's always the day that no one wants to see us!

But then came Friday. Friday we had exchanges and guess where I got to go? If you haven't guessed Mokopane then you're wrong. That's right, I got to go to my first area. It was great fun. I got to see some old faces and catch up briefly. No one really remembered my name but they remembered my face. It was fun but weird! Especially because either them or the elder I was on exchanges with, Elder Spencer, kept saying it's almost been 2 years since I was there.... It hit after about the 5th time that yes, it had been a long time since I'd been there. But I guess that's how a mission is. It's gone fast but has been wonderful.

The remainder of the week wasn't the best because I was sick again, But! I'm still smiling! I hope you all are too! I know this work I'm a part of is the Lord's work. I know He loves us. I know we are God's children, and I know He loves us more than we know. He wants us to be happy and that's my goal in life!

Love you all!

- Elder Burgess

Sister Mantome and her daughter Mpho from Mokopane.

The Ledwaba Family, also from Mokopane.

Elder Spencer and I.

And the amazing set up Louise made for dinner!

It's lovely being here!

Hi everyone! Sorry this is going to be short. There's not a lot to tell you though. The week was good, except for being a bit sick. Simply I can say it's lovely being here!

I sure love serving my mission, even with the setbacks. I know that this work is special and I'm so happy to be a part of it!

We went to a snake park, that's why this is short, but here's a couple photos. 

I'm doing well and we're working on getting some new investigators this week.

I do have some wonderful recent converts though! They're so fun! I'll try to send pictures of them later on!

Love you all keep on pressing through life!

Regards,

- Elder Burgess

Happy Halloween!

🎃 🍁 🎃 🍂 🎃

Hello Friends and family!! Sorry about yesterday, we had a zone activity and went to Tzaneen! 

It was way fun, just really hot!! We went and played soccer and you might recognize the place. I played there before, like a year ago though. It was nice to see Tzaneen again, a little weird but nice. 

So let me tell you about this week. It was a good one, but it went fast!! We did find a few new investigators. It was great with Margaret and Thabo (Some of the new investigators) because when we went back Margaret had read the pamphlet and started the Book of Mormon. Sadly we weren't able to share again that next time because she was busy working (she's a seamstress and a good one at that!). Margaret is a very faithful woman who loves God and Jesus Christ and Thabo is her 24 year old son. He's a student but helps his mom with her business. He's also very interested in what we have to share.

Other than that, we had an activity with the Polokwane YSA where we hiked a hill on campus of the University of Limpopo then played games after. It was fun but it was a big contrast from yesterday because it was so cold!! Man, Limpopo is bipolar! 

Great news!! Now attending Seshego branch are a few old friends from old areas! From Mokopane we have the investigator Johannes Chanza, who is actually not an investigator anymore, but a member!! He investigated the church for over 15 years!! Also attending with us is the Matholes from Lenyenye Branch. They actually moved away before I left Lenyenye. They were recent converts then but are now sealed!

It was a decent week. My health has been getting better, ever slowly but surely. Well I hope you have a great week!

- Elder Burgess

P.S.  Honestly, I kind of forgot about Halloween because it's not celebrated here...

Back in Tzaneen and loving the sights!

Bit messy from playing, just taking a breather. It was so hot!! and the turf wasn't helping!!

Brother Johannes Chanza, a former investigator turned convert from Mokopane!

Brother Mathole and his family from Lenyenye. I didn't get to say goodbye to them properly so it's wonderful to see them again.

Limpopo

I hope you're all doing well. This past week was a decent one. So I've been happy and just trying to get to know the people. It's weird being back in Limpopo. I recognize some places and some people.

But let me start from transfers. It was a little rough saying goodbye to the departing elders but the gospel helps us to know that there really aren't goodbyes.  But after saying farewell Elder Khupiso and I took to Limpopo. We arrived late but still I recognize the city of Polokwane. 

We went around the next few days trying to meet the people until Friday. Friday went well but by the end I wasn't feeling too well. Saturday then showed up and came with "great fun". I'll just tell you all this, don't get ulcers. For once I was out of commission. Even now I'm not doing the best but I'll get there.

So not too much this week. I'll let you know more when it happens!

Cheers all!

- Elder Burgess

Elder Khupiso and I 

Sister Mary Lamola

A Special Request

In Zone Conference we were asked "Why are you here?" 

It struck me that I wanted to know from others. So I have a request. I want to know: "Why did you serve a mission?" for those that did, "Why are you serving a mission currently?"

For others:
"Why are you in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?"

"What makes you stay?"

I'd like to get everyone's response that is willing. It doesn't have to be long but if it is that is okay. Write freely! 

I would like to compile everyone's testimony/ story and keep them and also share the responses on my blog. For those who are willing to send this, please put "I'm here because..." in the 'subject line' of your EMAIL and send it directly to ME. 

INCLUDE in the SUBJECT LINE of your email either:

If you are NOT okay with your response being featured on the BLOG and want it for my eyes only then type "(anonymous)". 

OR

If you ARE okay with me sharing it, include "(permission granted)". These responses will be forwarded to my sister so they can be featured on my missionary blog.

Thank you so much and I hope you think on it and help me with this project!

Sincerely,

- Elder Burgess

Never stop learning.

Hello dear peoples!!

I hope you're doing well; I'm grand, thanks for asking!

This past week was good, great actually.

So to start off, my health is improving. Those dang ulcers have got nothing on me (and modern medicine)! So to put it simply, the week was mostly made up of Zone Conference and transfer news. So the week was going through the motions and fighting being sick but then on Tuesday things got interesting. Our vehicle started overheating so it was towed 100 km away to Pretoria and we were walking.

Thursday we had Zone Conference and it was fantastic!! I feel I learned a bit and it amazes me how the gospel is a continuous learning plane; You just keep learning! We had a nice lesson by our Zone Leaders where we all shared why we're here, both on our missions and in the church. It was a very spiritual moment and I truly loved it! But of course the anticipation was on transfer news.

So for the big news.... I'm..... LEAVING!!! I'm going back to Limpopo! I'm going to be serving in Seshego with an old acquaintance from Namibia, Elder Khupiso. It'll be quite interesting! Well I guess that's all. I still think it's interesting that I'm going to Limpopo again. I'll be about 60 km's from my first area, Mokopane. Limpopo here we come!

Regards,

- Elder Burgess

We had a Priesthood activity and I helped with the pap (the white fluffy stuff that isn't mashed potatoes).

Our "Title of Liberty" with our reasons for why we're here.

Candid of Elder Tikologo (who's finishing his mission) singing in the primary choir. Everyone said they didn't realize he was up there at first because he's short!!

The gospel moves on through life's hiccups.

Hello dearest family and friends!!

I cannot believe that the week is over!! Just crazy!! Life has been fast this past week!

In short, we have a couple new investigators and they're both the head of the house. We're teaching a father and his kids. Jacob is his name and the other gentlemen has a good family but they haven't joined us yet. Maybe this week. 

Sorry this is short though. The reason is I had to go to the hospital. I've been having some stomach pains so I needed to check it out. Don't freak out loved ones but I have stomach ulcers. They're not bad and I'm on medicine. So no worries!! 

Oh! On a happy note! I have finished reading Jesus The Christ. Mom, I greatly understand why it's one of your favorite books! I've loved it and I greatly reccommend it to all!

Well love you all and have a great week! We have Zone Conference and Transfer news this week so we'll see what happens!!

Love,

- Elder Burgess

Finished!

My district. Sorry the photo isn't the best.

Elder Shorthill, myself, and Angel the Bishop's daughter.

"PLAAAANNT!!"

*props to whoever can name that movie*

Hiya family! How are you? Friends, how's it? I hope you're all well and that you didn't miss me too much.

So let me explain the subject. My companion, Elder Shorthill, is a fun, goofy guy. He likes quoting movies with me, so we keep quoting and asking, "Do you know that one?". Well he also loves plants. He loves to grow them and he keeps telling me about all his plants he'd grow. Well, the above quotation is from a beloved movie. If you can name it that's great! But nonetheless, Elder Shorthill reminds me of the main character. If you're still stumped then another hint is: "EEVAH". If you still don't know, ask your neighbor.

This past week was good. Lately we've been trying to help the ward update their records because it's greatly outdated, so much of this week was wandering trying to hunt down the members, active or not.

So I'll start from Monday! So after emailing we went and play Ping Pong at the Witbank chapel! I haven't played since the MTC (my companion likes to remind me that that was a long time ago 😑😐...) but it was so much fun!! Every Monday is ping pong and today we're doing a tournament! 

Tuesday we had great help from Brother David who was able to tell us about the members he knew. Some have moved, Some are no longer with the church, and some even have passed away. One sister passed away 13 years ago! That's before most of the active members were even members! So now you see why we're trying to help.

After that, the days blurred together. We had some nice days and met some nice people. One of our new investigators is named Natasha. Natasha is 17 but is in College. She graduated at 11! She's a brilliant girl who loves the gospel. When we first met her we were passing by because we didn't really have time to share. She was upset because she wanted us to begin teaching her. But she accepted that we come back the next day. After a nice lesson that next day, we went back the following day again. Hopefully things continue to improve.

And Lastly, I write about General Conference! I was able to see all but the Sunday Afternoon session, which we'll watch this coming Sunday. I loved Conference so much!! I filled several pages of my journal with notes and I still have another session! I hope you enjoyed Conference as much as I did. My favorite talk was.... okay I can't really decide yet... Honestly, I like to read them again before I decide. But, a great talk was Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk. It was one that gave me peace and a few good laughs. "No one can spend that much!". Haha! Yes, I really enjoyed it.

Well I hope you have a great week!

- Elder Burgess

My beautiful form. I also hadn't played basketball since the MTC.

Action shot of my killer serve!

It seems Peter wanted us to know how to find his place.

It's...ALIVE!!

Dear friends and family,

I am alive.

The past couple weeks have been something else! So I'm sure many of you are wondering, "Where is Elder Burgess?", well I come with an answer. I'm in Mpumalanga, South Africa. That's the province anyways. The town we live in is called 'Witbank' but the area I'm serving in is just outside of Witbank. It's called 'Kwa-guqa'. Now there's a click in there so the ending sounds like a pop. Maybe one day I'll share with you all how these places are pronounced. 

Anyways, to answer the real question at your hearts...yes, I was evacuated out of Botswana. It's a shame, yes, but now the church knows how to go about things. So we hope and pray that the problem can be done and over.

I was told I was going to Kwa-guqa the Thursday before last. Now I've heard and known about this very ward from previous companions so I was excited. I'm now here with Elder Shorthill, my new companion. He is officially my first American companion (unless you count Elder Phillips in the MTC, which I'm not really). He's a great kid and he just so happens to be from Orangeville, Utah. What are the odds two Utah kids white wash an area? Actually likely... but that's beside the point. 

So to inform you all, I'm well. I'm healthy, I'm happy and there are no complaints.

The work is a bit slow because we're opening a new area (again) and the missionaries that we now share the ward with were only working on the side that was divided to them. It's understandable though. The area is quite large and they were working close to the chapel and where the work is progressing. As for us, most of our area has some distance from the chapel. Nothing new though. I'm grateful for the chance I have to take the gospel to the people here.

More will come, I'm sure, as we spend more time here.

Love you all,

- Elder Burgess

My new companion, Elder Shorthill.

My new chapel.

Oh I mustn't forget this one. Saying goodbye to President Mangenela was a bit tough. I'll miss you Caiphas!

When the necessary becomes frustrating.

Hello Friends and Family!!

I hope you had a great week; I know mine was interesting to say the least.

So Monday I drove a Ranger to Pretoria. It's a big vehicle compared to my little Hyundai i20! But it was really cool! I did however get lost in Pretoria. I made a wrong turn and ended up in an area called Sunnyside. Luckily (and prayerfully) we made it to the mission office. 

It was great because some elders from Namibia (my companion included) flew in. I was able to reconnect with my old friends Elder Voyles and Elder Reber over a game of pool. But on Tuesday we eventually made our way back to Gabs. We crossed over late and stayed the night in Broadhurst's flat. The following morning I had to go back to immigration (yay.. .) and wait, yet again. We went in and waited until they finally said that we should come back after lunch... so we did. 

But they still didn't have our extensions. We went back Thursday, still nothing, that is, until right before closing. I get called up and a supervisor was there. She then started explaining that our way of going about things isn't right... it became apparent to us that the agreement made concerning our stay in Botswana, was not discussed with the bottom of the chain. I was however able to get a few days, until September 20th. We're waiting to find out what will be happening, but there's a chance that I may be evacuating the country... We'll see!

It's been great fun with Elder Malemo again though! Although we didn't get to Moleps until late Friday night, we still had a nice couple of days. Today we went and hiked a hill with our district and went to lunch after.

Overall, my life is going alright. It's been hard not being able to do proper missionary work for such a long time but these things are kind of necessary. Other than frustration of waiting at immigration and having a cold, I'm doing great! I can't complain! The gospel is true and I'm here to proclaim it!

- Elder Burgess

Reunited and it feels so good!!

District hike!

2017 Ford Ranger!

Flashback.

Hello to you all!

I hope you're doing well this fine day. I must say, I have news for you.

So this past week was alright. I was only in my area for two days and I'm leaving again today, I went home, and transfer news came... allow me to explain.

So Monday we went into Gabs for interviews. Then on Tuesday we had Zone Conference. Zone Conference was quite nice. We talked about Christ-like attributes. One of which is patience... mine was tested this week.

So then on Wednesday we had exchanges and I was with Elder Mills, the newest elder to the mission. It was great fun and good. Thursday rolled around and I (and four other Americans) had to be to the immigration department at 8 in the morning to apply for a visa extension to stay in Botswana. Well first we went to the American Embassy to certify copies of our passports, but that department didn't open until 1:30... So we had lunch and waited. We went back and entered the Embassy. As we're entering the waiting room, a video advertising things in American was playing. Just as we're entering, it's playing about Utah.... The timing was impeccable...

Finally we got out of there and over to immigration, only to discover that the finger print machine was offline. They told us, "come back tomorrow". So I ventured with some other elders to Mochudi so they could get a change of clothes. We then had dinner at Pizza Hut (not quite the same as home, but still the same company and good), and slept.

Friday rolls around and in the A.M. we were back at immigration. BUT the machine was still down. We then had to wait until 12 or so, where one elder was able to do his prints but the lady then said she had to go on lunch... so we waited... again.

The good news, everything is taken care of. Elder Motaleng and I got back to Moleps late on Friday and worked Saturday and Sunday. Saturday Sister Melney accepted to be baptized and we got transfer news.

Transfer news... *drum roll*..... I'm staying and Elder Motaleng is going to Kanye. My new companion is none other than my old friend, Elder Malemo. That's right, exactly one year after being companions in Lenyenye we're going to be back together and he's finishing with me this transfer. I'm quite excited!!

Sunday Elder Motaleng was saying goodbye to people and I received interesting news. The Assistants to the President called me and told me I'd be driving some elders to Pretoria today. So I'll be taking a 2017 Ford Ranger from Gabs to Pretoria... Booya!!

Oh what a week... I love you all and I know the church is true.

- Elder Burgess

Elder Motaleng and I for the last time.



Elder Mills and I. We're 3rd cousins, once removed. However, we met in Africa! Crazy story. 

A bit short.

Dear Friends and Family!

I wanted to write and say I love you all!!

This past week was a decent one. Not too many new things though. We have a new Investigator, Sister Melny. She's a friend to a very enthusiastic member, Sister Dorothy. She's decided this is the church she needs. She's loving what we're sharing and comes to church, it's great! 

This is a bit short, yes, I'm sure you noticed. The reason being because we have to drive to Gabs for interviews with our Mission President. Tomorrow is Zone Conference and Saturday is transfer news. So I promise that this next week there will be a large email with photos!

Love you all!

- Elder Burgess

real change = true happiness

Hello friends and family!!

I hope you're doing well. I'm doing great! This past week was much better for us in Molepolole. We were able to find a couple young families and one of the couples came to church! Their names are Meshack and Boitumelo. Even though the wife, Boitumelo, struggles with English she still wanted to be there. They really loved church and they had even attended a self reliance activity the day before. I'm so excited about them! And the ward was so welcoming! They were with the members chatting and joking and we didn't even have to introduce them, we literally just watched!

Molepolole is beginning to get there. We also have sister Suku who is about to be baptized. She's doing great and is answering questions in class as if she's been in the church for a while. She's loving how much she's growing and learning and so am I!!

Life has been good and there's no complaints. I've really seen and realized that this gospel is all about change. They say God is unchanging but his plan for us, his children, is all about change. The word "repentance" means to change. I know now that God doesn't want us to just change our actions or behavior but our very nature. It's only after we change our nature that we'll see happiness, true happiness, otherwise known as joy.

In the words of the Prophet Nephi, "O how great the plan of our God!" (2 Nephi 9:13) 

Best to you all!

- Elder Burgess

Cameron & his 3rd cousin, Wesley Mills.

Proof! I'm alive and well.

This is what happens when someone gives you the first hair cut they've ever done for someone else.

"Serve Him by serving His people." - Thomas S. Monson

Hello World!!

Well this past week was... eh. We just had another week of not so serious people and disappointments. But! It's all good!! 

We had a fun little experience where we decided to walk from our flat to the mall here in Moleps and back, talking to people as we went. I feel we got ourselves known a bit better, but only a few people were genuinely interested. 

I don't really have too much more to say about the week, and in all honesty, I don't really remember it all that well. 

I had a great moment yesterday as we visited a family. We shared Luke 22: 24-27 and talked about serving others. We related it to the Saviors act of washing the feet of the apostles. It's become a great message for me, service. I know that the Savior's life was lived entirely in the service of others and it's one of the greatest things we can do. And just as King Benjamin said it, "when you are in the service of your fellowman, you are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 4:27).

I apologize this is short but I'm working to catch up in writing everyone. So I wish you all the best and I hope you had a great week and and that this one will be better!

- Elder Burgess

Look what I found!! A Barn Owl!! I love this bird, I apologize the picture isn't that great, I could only get so close.

We went to a small dam near by and the sights were beautiful!