Hijo Mio (My Son)

November 25, 2014 (week 13 in Argentina)

  

Hola de Saenz Pena!!!

Transfers happened and I am now in Saenz Pena!  It’s quite the shock because Elder Allen is still in Fontana!  I was thinking that he was going to leave and I would be in charge of Fontana, but well I’m where the Lord wants me to be.  So sadly, I can’t send pictures on this computer for some reason but hopefully next week I can send pictures. 

So my new companion is Elder Swingle from New York!  He’s pretty awesome and has well... 6 weeks in the mission... yup I am finishing his training as his new trainer (No Elder Swingle... I am your father!)  Here in ensanche sur 1!  Ha ha… we are having an awesome time talking to the people of Argentina.  He has taken 7 years of Spanish before getting here so he knows a lot more than me, and he is 18 and finished his high school years in Texas.  He is a very awesome missionary and definitely loves to work hard.  We have been working hard as we walk through the heat of summer contacting and spreading the gospel to these new people.  He is very smart and tall.  He’s been showing me around and we have also been exploring together new places where he hasn’t been.  Our pension (apartment) is much nicer than the one in Fontana, so I am grateful for that, but when I got there it was super dirty, so we fixed all of that today for p-day.  I also found out that there is a zoo close by our zone so be ready for pictures of a lot of animals in this transfer! Over all this transfer so far is going by fast and without much worry. I mean sure, I already am teaching after I just finished my training last week, but I’ve got the hang of things and am doing the Lord’s will.

Since Thanksgiving is this week I have a great amount of things that I am thankful for:

1. I am thankful for my Mom who gave my Dad a Book of Mormon.  If she didn’t give my dad that book I wouldn’t be here in Argentina or exist.  So I am always grateful for her decision to share what seems like a small act of missionary work, but makes a big change in the life and family of another. Love you Mom and Dad.

2. I am grateful for a great extended family, one that is united and there for one another always. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, a brother and a sister that love one another so much and only want to make the best memories together.

3. Estoy agradecido por mis amigos, quien saben cuan importantes son para mi. Cada vez ellos han estado allí para mi y les amo. Cada memoria que tengo con ustedes tráeme felicidad.  (google translation:  I am thankful for my friends, who know how important they are to me. Each time they have been there for me and I love them. Every memory I have with you bring me happiness)

4. I am beyond thankful for every person who is supporting me and sending me their love through email.

5. And finally I am thankful for Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Over this week we have taught many lessons to people who haven’t had hope or think there is a point to life, but through Jesus Christ we can be forgiven for every wrong we’ve done in our lives and leave behind the darkest of pasts.  I am beyond indebted to Him for such a sacrifice He has made for me.  I love Him and for the hope He gives me every day, whenever I wake up with some doubt that I can’t help people.  He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my Shepherd, my King, my brother. 

Espero que sepan que les amo, (I hope you know that I love you)

Elder Burke

The Turkey is Done!

November 17, 2014 (week 12 in Argentina)

Hola! 

Sewing at the Garcia home- Love the parrot on his shoulder

So this week is transfers and we now wait to see if we leave or stay!  But, this past week has been so awesome and filled with the spirit and fun!  First off, I want to just say that the president that we have, Presidente Franco, is one awesome man and loves his missionaries. 

So this week on Monday, I once again used my awesome powers of sewing and constructed a beard beanie for Elder Allen!  Sure it’s not cold here right now, but he is happy as a clam to look like rip van winkle!  I took a picture with it on just to show you how wise and awesome missionaries can be, but sadly due to mission regulations... I had to shave it all off.  It was a sad moment.  It reminded me of home and how my brother and I would wear our beard beanies early in the morning hanging out.  LOL.

Made Elder Allen a Beard Beannie

Splits with Elder Pacheco

                                                                                                                                                            So, I went on splits with Elder Pacheco this week for two days!  I was in charge of my whole area and it was definitely a test of my Spanish skills because I didn’t have my gringo companion to clarify what exactly people are saying.  We went to Corientes to get legalized with some of the other people.  We saw the coast early in the morning and there was a huge bridge that we crossed over to get to it.  I saw otters!!! They’re so cute!!!  AAAAHHHH!!! LOL… and we had fun talking with the people as we were waiting to sign papers and get legalized.  Although it took us away from working that morning, we had a blast and also opportunities to tell people who we are. 

Corientes coast

Bridge to Corientes

Elder Allen sewing with Garcia family

Also at the Garcia family, I showed their grandma and mom how to sew with their new sewing machine. I’m learning Guatanie from their grandma right now and it’s so awesome!  Ha ha - three languages now I will have under my belt! 

We had so much fun and taught Gabriela!  We taught her about eternal families and that God has commanded us that we should be married to one another, man and woman, before she could be baptized. and although she had doubts about the marriage before, she felt the spirit when we testified of eternal families and that even though the marriage paper that she would have says ¨till death do us part, the temple sealing power binds us and our companions throughout every generation of time.  It was one of the best lessons I have had so far.  What is awesome about the spirit is that the more you try to feel it through righteous works, the more you come to recognize when it is with you or not.  For me I tear up out of nowhere when I feel it strong.  Yes, I’m a baby, but honestly that’s what you feel.

Maria and her grandson

I love our Heavenly Father and how much he has given me and for my family, that I know will be together through eternity.  Nothing is better than that: family.  I always think of my family and how happy and loving we all are with living these truths of unity and love. I have no doubt that with all my heart that I will be with my family after this life, and nothing will ever separate us.  I love you all and enjoy your stories and remarks.  Please keep writing me and telling me the things that are important in your life. 

Les Amo.

Sinceramente,

Otters swimming

Elder Burke

Bridge to Corientes

Elder Pacheco

Giant Lettuce given to us by the Castillo family

On the road to Corientes

Lizard Fun

November 10, 2014 (week 11 in Argentina)

Uno Mas Semana! (One more week)

This transfer has gone by wicked fast!  I can’t believe that we have already almost completed another 6 weeks!  So crazy!  We have been through a ton and are working on helping bring back the people of the ward.

It gets difficult sometimes because a lot of the people feel threatened when they are at church because of some things that were said way in the past.  Everyone should know that the gospel of Jesus Christ doesn’t include gossip.  People need to realize that of course everyone has their own problems and that is between them and the Lord.  Only encourage those who wish to change their lives for the better, because you won’t help them change by gossiping, talking behind their backs, and making them feel bad for something they have left back in their past. 

Another story is that we were walking trying to contact someone who we could help, someone who was prepared to hear the gospel.  Elder Allen and I were walking and we both looked at a house that we both felt that we should clap (knock on).  It was funny because I went to say “elder let’s do this house” and he was already saying it as well.  We love it when we follow the Spirit to the doors of people.  We talked to this woman who was trying to get married at the time, which is very, very hard to do in this country, and we shared with her the Book of Mormon.  She was just so happy to find that two 20 year old boys came to her door when she needed help in her life.  We will be talking to her more often this week.

We had an awesome lizard in our pension (apartment) one night and it was so funny because the lizard liked me but hated Elder Allen!  He tried to bite Elder Allen so many times and he was just nice to me.  Speaking of animals, we were clapping a house that no one was at but they had a Labrador dog that was super white and it reminded me of my dog Simba.  I basically played with him for like 2 minutes then we had to go.  Que trunky!

We have been working a lot on the law of chastity with the people here that we are teaching.  I just absolutely love the blessings that follow when you follow these commandments.  It’s awesome, because honestly, it only strengthens your relationship with yourself, spouse, and best friend. Always know that these commandments are set to only bring you the happiest feelings and the best confidence and trust in your relationship which will last throughout the eternities.

I love teaching about eternal families and I am happy that Heavenly Father only wants that for us and that truly makes everyone so much happier.

Keep writing me, ask questions, tell me your stories and always pray when things get hard.

Love, 

Elder Burke

Perfect Companions for each other- both "goofs"

Chaco- Resistencia

Learned how to make Empanadas- Yum!!!

Adventures and Struggles

November 3, 2014 (week 10 in Argentina)

Hola de fontana,

Let's rescue the keys

So this week has been full of more adventures and struggles. First off, we went to the hospital for Elder Allen’s knee to see how it is doing. The doctor suggested an MRI and he did one.  I looked at it and so did the doctors (gotta make sure they’re doing their job) and basically his whole patella (knee cap) has moved up 15 mm, which is pretty far from where it should be.  So, we are going to see the doctor today and have them look at it more and give him some suggestions on what to do. It’s weird being in a hospital again, that isn’t my hospital (the one I worked at, of course). So I am of course, critiquing their level of health care and what not.

Also so the keys are a funny story.  We were going to have a district meeting with the other elders and two sisters in our Ward and basically the district leader locked his keys inside their room.  We are still not sure how they did it, to be honest.  So we came and rescued them by snatching the keys from the desk with a rusty pole

Keys are rescued

   Here is a picture of my lovely Fontana church- more pictures will be sent.  We had a lot of rain so basically nobody showed up Sunday because it was pouring.  Ugh!!  But oh well!!

Our Church in Fontana

Also what happened is, basically I was stricken with the flu here in Argentina.  I have been sick for the past five days with the flu.  Elder Allen and I were walking and then next thing I knew I had body aches, a fever, stomach ache, and what follows with an upset stomach?... upset poop!!  So that was awesome.  But, we were able to help three people that day because I was determined to stay out and help these people no matter how sick I was. A fever came the first night on Wednesday and basically I wanted to die.  Then I felt better after a good night’s rest and then went and worked for two more days but then after that, bam!!- hit again with another fever.  It really sucked!  Above was all I ate for Thursday and part of Friday.

Flu Recovery Food

Over all what I learned this week is… you get what you pay for.  Quit complaining. If you aren’t getting the results that you want, have you done all that you could for it?  Work hard and play harder.  Love all you!!

Chou!

Yep...I'm still a goof!!

Elder Burke

Thanks!

Elder Allen is a big goof too!

Keep Walking!

October 27, 2014  (week 9 in Argentina)

  

Skype with family- lots of laughing and fun!!

Hooray!!! 

I got to use skype for the first time today!  Score one for me!  Ha ha!!

Seriously though, it was awesome to see my family and how they are pushing through their sore trials as I am away (I know, it’s so hard to be the entertainment to everyone).  It was funny because I think they had a hard time of actually talking to me for the first couple of minutes because they haven’t seen me live in probably 3 and a half months! But as always, I got to tell them how much they mean to me and what this gospel has done for my family.  But man how time flies while you are working!

So for this week...

Elder Allen has had problems with his knee in the past and ha sort of dislocated it last Monday!  But he didn’t tell me until about the next day when I was looking at it.  It was super swollen and I broke down the EMT skills of telling him to rest.  He still has problems right now, but it’s much better than the first couple of days.  He will probably be going to the doctor to get it looked at.  We have been in the pension for about three days and then he decided that he wanted to go see people.  This guy is a champ.  He has such a huge desire to help people, and sometimes he sacrifices his own comfort to walk a couple miles on a bad knee.  (His mom will probably kill me or him... one of the two!)  But, we have been able to study more and see the people we needed to see, so that was awesome.

We visited Gabriela, who was my first lesson here in Argentina.  Over the past few months she has slowly been changing and accepting our invitations of reading, praying, and yesterday she came to sacrament meeting!  Finally!  We weren’t expecting her, but there she was!  So we helped her feel comfortable and answered every question she had about the church.  The members helped a ton as well with that!

Elder Burke and Elder Allen Strike a pose!

Also the other elders had a baptism Saturday!  Her name is Lorana and we have been helping her along with the other elders to change from her old life and dark past.  She was the one that told us that she was looking for a new better life.   She was in Monica’s house and we were just walking in to drop off laundry, and felt so happy and warm when she was around us and later the other elders. She’s awesome and I will have to send pictures, because she is really short and funny!  Also we got a family, who are investigating the church, to come and watch the baptism. Every member helped explain what was happening and showed them that we are normal, happy people.  If you can go to a baptism and watch it, I highly recommend it.  It is very spiritual and a huge blessing to watch.

This week has been pretty hot and this week will get even hotter! Ay way!  But oh well, the church is still true and we are dedicated to finding the people who want more in their life and are willing to listen.  Missionaries always go the distance to help people.  If you have the chance to ask them why they have left their homes, families, friends, and basically everything else to talk about a church organization, they will be happy to share with you why.

I am beyond grateful to serve my Heavenly Father and to help his children (my brothers and sisters), to help them realize who they really are.  I am also grateful for the love of my family and all that they have, do, and will do for me.  I hope my entire family and the generations of my family past, present, and future know just how much I love them.  I testify that this is the true church, that this is what has brought me continual joy and happiness to me, my friends, and my family.  I know God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that through the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of all things. I love you, all who read these words, and only wish the entire blessings of heaven to fall upon you as it has for me.  I say these things in the name of our Savior, Redeemer and brother, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Burke

Feliz dia de madre!

October 20, 2014 (week 8 in Argentina)

  

Dear people of the world outside my small area of Fontana,

These weeks have been so life changing and humbling for me and I hardly ever want to leave from this work.  We have days that we have great success and other days where we are frustrated by others.  It’s just like life honestly.  We can be trying our best to teach someone and show them how much love and happiness they can have in their lives, and they reject us.  Imagine two people in the world who come to your door solely to give you an invitation to have the greatest feelings you could ever experience in the world.  Would you listen to it and even follow the invitation?  That’s really how simple it is, nothing more than sitting down and talking, reading, praying, and acting on the invitation. 

I invite everyone to do just that, read, pray, go to church just to try it.  And listen for a feeling.  A feeling that is so great, that if you are looking for it you will find it.  It is crazy what you find when you start looking.  Elder Allen and I have worked and had good and bad outcomes.  We have learned about agency, patience and love more. 

Some of the people we have taught don’t wish to talk to us anymore.  And that is there choice.  I love that we always have our free will to choose for ourselves and to choose between what is right and what is wrong.  I thank my Heavenly Father for such a gift.  And I thank my entire genealogy of family members who have chosen certain paths that have brought me to existence.  I am always grateful for my life and the people that choose to be my friends.  I love you all and I am oh so grateful for my mom!

Happy mother’s day mom from Argentina (Argentina has mother’s day in October)!  I love you and I am beyond appreciative for raising me to be the man I am today.  You are above every family member I could ever have in my life and I hope you know how much I love you mom!

Elder Burke

Notes from mom:  Taylor was given permission to skype home for Argentina Mother's Day...however, I was on the road coming back from California.  We tried to get it to work on the Ipad from a McDonald's parking lot, but didn't have much luck.  At one point through all the static I finally made out the words, "I love you mom".  I could barely hear it, but it was Taylor's voice and I loved it.  We tried again a few hours later and we were able to see him and talk to him for about 2 minutes and then lost connection.  He was able to Skype with Matt (Matt was at home) and got permission from his mission president to call the following Sunday since it didn't work well.  Tender Mercies!!!

Skype with Dad!!

What a Two weeks!

October 14, 2014 (week 7 in Argentina)

  

Hola! 

So the past two weeks have been awesome, especially with Conference the last Sunday!  My favorite talk that touched me the most and reminded me what being a missionary was all about was the talk by Elder Holland. He spoke with so much power and spirit and he said some things that I loved.  He talked about the life of Christ. He, who is our brother and exemplar for us to follow and be better people, He who is King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Son of the most high God, and he was homeless.  I felt that for someone so powerful and inspirational for all of us, was born of a humble birth.  He was born in a stable, to parents who barely had anything.  And as He taught and helped people through his whole life, He did it without having a home.  When I thought of Him being so great and powerful, I saw that He gave up a lot for us.  He suffered for all of our sins and died for us so that we may be forgiven and live with our Heavenly Father.  Elder Holland asked the question "Aren’t we all beggars? Don’t we all beg for forgiveness?"  It really helped me realize that Jesus is the Christ, and everything we have that is of this world isn’t as important as our families.  I read in Alma about Aaron teaching the king about the gospel.  The king said "I would abandon all the things I possess to know such joy."  It really helped me feel just how important family and people are and not my phone, Facebook, car, or anything else of little importance.

 We have now changed to the summer schedule because it gets so hot and so many people sleep during the period called the siesta.  It’s literally 12ish to 430 every day and we study during this time.  So that is nice because it gets super, super hot.  So hot that I am drenched in sweat every day.

 Last week was probably the hardest week so far.  We have been seeing so many investigators that we believe are finding what they are looking for in life, which is the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ, and then all of a sudden they all stopped progressing!  We were crushed, but we still worked hard trying to find new people to teach and to hopefully pass by and see how our investigators were doing.  Whenever we would contact and clap (that’s how we knock on doors) houses trying to find new people to teach, we would only find one person who wanted to talk to us  out of the hundreds of people we talked to and clapped to share this gospel.  But, not to worry!  I’ve learned that even if people don’t want to listen to you or treat you with a lot of disrespect, you can still be happy.  Elder Allen and I are so happy when we are walking the streets and when we talk to people and are even happier when we can share and invite people to come to know if our words and message are true. 

Yesterday was a miracle because we were able to have all of our good investigators start progressing again!  They are so much happier and are following the simple things we invite them to do.  Read the Book of Mormon, pray, and come to church.  Truly a blessing for us and we are just happy, simply happy.

The Spanish is so much easier now.  I can express myself better and even understand the majority of what they are talking about.  I am studying hard and praying harder so that I can bring happiness into the lives of people.

I love all of you and hope you all take advantage of the www.lds.org website and watch and study the topics on how to only better your life. 

Nos Vemos!

Elder Burke

Elder Allen reading scriptures with the kids