Sister Katie Burbank, Bangkok Thailand Mission: I LOVE TEACHING

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How do I even accurately describe this last week.

We taught 13 investigator lessons which was absolutely insane. Especially this being my first real experience with having to lead lessons. At the beginning of the week I felt a little awkward having to teach, but by the end of the week I realized how much God really has qualified me to be in this training position. Sister Anderson is doing great. It is hard to watch her go through the struggles that we all go through at the beginning of our missions. I remember all too well how that is like. But I just keep praying that she can find comfort. I wish I could give her the experience and knowledge I have. I honestly just feel kind of helpless. I love her so much though. I can't even explain to you how much I love her. She is the perfect companion for me right now. I have honestly been so blessed with companions on my mission! I love them ALL so much, and they all came into my mission at the most perfect times.

Right now we are teaching two families! Sister มุก's parents, and Sister นิม's family. We have a goal for both of those families to get baptized this weekend! Which would mean 5 baptisms just this next week! Seriously such a miracle. I can't even believe how blessed I am to know any of these people. Their faith strengthens me every day and reminds me WHY I am here on my mission. We have had a chance to teach almost all 5 lessons just in this last week, and it made me realize just how true all of this really is.

After all the fun and games, and the laughing and the excitement of being a missionary, I feel like this last week everything was really brought into reflection. I was really required to "grow up" this week in a way. A lot faster than I ever expected too, but knowing how I am, I am pretty much the "just throw me in the water" type of person. Which is pretty much how this week felt. It was a huge test to see if I learned anything from my companions this last 4 months. I am just grateful I didn't sink. I have actually seriously enjoyed this so much! I have found a new found love for teaching. I LOVE TEACHING. Now that I actually can. I can actually speak Thai enough to teach. It just blows my mind that I can understand, teach and actually have some kind of conversation with these people. One scripture I read this morning really touched me.

Alma 26:37 - "Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen."

God really is mindful of us. I can't really explain a lot in detail about the sacred personal spiritual experiences that I have had this week. But just know that I KNOW God is mindful of us.

I felt it. The love of God really is "most joyous to the soul." (1 Nephi 11:23)

I really wish I could share the spiritual experiences that have undoubtedly changed my mission, and my life. But sharing them really wouldn't have benefit for anyone else. It is something that you have to come to on your own, and experience yourself.

But I promise you, these special sacred experiences I have had only came because I was studying the Book of Mormon, praying, and obedience to all of God's commandments. That really is all He asks. I feel like a broken record because the answer to almost every question is the same, but that is because it is true.

Pray.

Study the Book of Mormon.

Go to Church.
Keep the Commandments.

That's how you find God.

I seriously could have never imagined life could feel this good.

Love,

Sister Burbank

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