I hope everyone can feel of this contentment in their lives at some point. It honestly is the best feeling.

สบายดีบ่

So this week has been exciting. 

Sister Tau and I just tried to get everything going again. 

We got to meet with a bunch of our RC's this week that we haven't had a chance to meet in the last 3 months. (I can't believe I have been in this area for over 3 months. SO WEIRD.) 

Anyways, so here in Sisaket, just to give you an idea of the work, we have over 22 RC's (recent converts in the last year) that we as a companionship are supposed to be meeting with weekly. But unfortunately many of them are really hard to contact. But this last week we actually met with a majority of them, either in person or on the phone. That ended up being a huge miracle, because usually they don't even answer their phone. So by the end of the week we had 18 RCLA lessons! Which was awesome.

I feel bad for Sister Tauteoli because she literally just got here, and doesn't know any of these people. There's no way you can remember every one and their stories in only a week, so if I end up moving this transfer and she stays, GOOD LUCK. 555 

So yeah. This week is transfers. And we still don't know who is moving. Sister Tauteoli and I definitely won't be staying together, but we are grateful we got this week together! She is so much fun. She was born and raised in Salt Lake, but both of her parents are from Tonga. So she has been just perfect for me. And she loves basketball and volleyball! :) 

This last Friday we had a switch-off and Sister Witawee came to Sisaket. She is serving with Sister Brown in Ubon (about an hour away). and I LOVE HER. Seriously, she is khon Thai and so for an entire day EVERYTHING was in Thai. Literally hardly spoke any English on Friday, and I LOVED IT. I want to be a companion with a khon Thai so bad. It would make my language get so much better. Just spending one day with Sister Witawee I could already see a difference. And she is literally hilarious. She kept saying I am the weirdest "ฝรั่ง" (white person) she has ever met. Because I only eat Thai food, and I want to ใช้เวลา (take time) after my mission to get married. 555

She is so fun, I hope I get to serve with her again at some point.

I am just so happy honestly. I feel good this week, and I can't even remember thinking about home once. Even though I know I probably did. But being in Thailand just feels normal now. It's crazy hot EVERY SINGLE DAY, but I love it. I love speaking Thai, I love just teaching and helping people. It just feels so good. I love my District!! 

I love Sister โรส (Rose)!! Who is getting baptized next week.

I feel like I haven't even got a chance to talk about her. Every week I forget that no one back home know any of the people that I am constantly around. 

So let me tell you about her. 

She's been here with me ever since my first Sunday in Sisaket.

She is a 13 year old girl who is a student of one of the members here.

She has had the desire to be baptized for a while, but because she is only 13 and her parents are not interested in getting baptized she had to come to church 12 times before she could actually get baptized. So next week is Week 12!! 

I can't even tell you how much I love her.

Yesterday, was our last lesson with her before her baptism and I honestly teared up a little to see the growth in her testimony over these last 3 months. I was there when we first taught her how to pray, apprehension and all, and now she offers to say the opening prayer in our lessons. I honestly can't explain anything I am feeling right now, but I know the gospel changes lives. I remember how shy Sister Rose used to be, how insecure she was, but now all I see is the light in her eyes. The amount of confidence she has now is contagious. And I have been here to witness it all.

I've had 3 companions in these last 3 months, and one thing that they all agreed on is how adorable and perfect Sister Rose is. 555

And I actually just got off the phone with her because she randomly called me, so I can add my opinion to that too. SHE IS PERFECT! 555

I feel so blessed to be here and experience the things I have. I love these people so much. And yes, I have moments of frustration, and heart ache, and pain and exhaustion. But then I have moments like this. Peace just pure peace. 

"Truly, one of the great blessings of devoted discipleship is 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding'" (Elder Bednar, [Philippians 4:7] General Conference, April 2015)

Read that quote this morning for personal study and just loved it. Seriously though. The peace of God "passeth all understanding". I can't explain it. I don't know why I feel so good when I think about Sister Rose's conversion, or think about the miracles that I've seen. But I know it's from God. And I know that it is a peace that only God can offer. "Not as the world giveth, give I unto you." (John 14:27)

I hope everyone can feel of this contentment in their lives at some point. It honestly is the best feeling. 

Have a great week! 

Love,

Sister Burbank

Me and Sister Piew (72 years old and first member baptized in Sisaket)

Mangos and Sticky Rice Stand 

 (she's been a member for 20 years)

 Sister Tauteoli and I Eating Mangos and Sticky Rice

Sister Witawee and I on splits for the day

We both came out better people.....God knows and that is all that matters.

สวัสดี

This has been a really busy week for me. 

As some of you already know. Sister Anderson flew home from Thailand this week.

And instead of trying to explain the situation, I am just going to give you the link to her blog because she is SO much better at explaining it than I am. But I just want everyone to know how much I love her, and that her leaving was a very prayerful decision on all of our parts. Including President Senior. It was NOT an impulsive decision. This has been in the works for a few weeks now.

See this: alltonguethaid.blogspot.com

With that being said. This last week was pretty intense. Tuesday we were traveling to Bangkok, and Wednesday morning I was in the airport. Afterwards, making me companionless.

I spent the next few days with the 4 Asoke sisters and that ended up being a lot of fun. But I was ready to go back to Sisaket. President promised me I would be coming back.

So Friday I took a bus to Mahasarakham and picked up my companion Sister Tauteoli! 

She was a trio there with Sister Remington (my MTC comp) and Sister Macknight (Her MTC comp). It was a fun few hours we got to hang out and catch up a little bit together, it was such a blessing. But I honestly have just been aching to get back to Sisaket since last week. So finally Saturday night I made it back.

Now being home for a few days I feel relaxed.

My favorite part of this last week was the 15 minutes at church I had to take the sacrament yesterday.

I had such a peace wash over me and comfort that everything was going to workout. Remembering my Savior and thinking about His sacrifice for me helped me realize how blessed my life truly is. That I even had the opportunity to meet Sister Anderson is a miracle. She has forever changed my mission, and my understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ has been strengthened because of that companionship.

As hard as this last transfer has been, I know more than ever that God loves His children and has a plan for each of us. 

Never has my testimony of that truth been so strong.

I am so proud of Sister Anderson and I know that she will continue to serve in perhaps an even greater capacity back home, as she empathizes with all of those missionaries in similar situations to hers. She has been an incredible example to me of tenacity and just pure love. She knows how to rely on Christ. More fully than anyone I have ever met, and she will be an inspiration to many throughout her life.

Thank you for everything you have taught me Sister Anderson. I love you.

Just a quick spiritual thought from this morning.

I read President Eyring's talk from the General Women's Conference and it was so inspiring.

It was all about the gift of the Comforter. He tells about a time he was asked to go visit a family who had just recently lost their 5 year old son, He writes:

"After saying those few words, I felt impressed to listen with love while they talked about their feelings. In the hour we sat together, they spoke far more than I did..."

LISTEN WITH LOVE. 

That is the biggest lesson I have learned this last transfer and no one will ever fully understand what this transfer meant to Sister Anderson and I. But we both came out better people. 

God knows and that is all that matters.

Thank you for all the support! Love from Thailand! 

Sister Burbank

My new companion is wearing the hat, Sis. Tauteoli and my MTC comp Sis Remington

Happy Mothers Day

WHAT DO I EVEN SAY RIGHT NOW?

So much to say, and so little time.

Can I just start by saying, 

My mom is the best person in the entire earth!!

Skyping my family today was so great! And today I actually realized how funny they really are.

I have been so blessed with the parents that I have and for my 3 crazy brothers, who don't even write me. 555

But I'm not bitter. ;)

I think the greatest part was how easy it was to just talk. It was like I had never left. 

After skyping, I just feel re-energized to just go out and serve!! 

These last few weeks have been really tough for Sister Anderson and I, but I feel like we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I seriously love her more than anyone. This companionship was so inspired, and she will never understand the impact she has had on me. I have been built this transfer in a way that I never thought I could be built. 

I think the biggest miracle of it all is how much my mom helped through all of this. 

She wasn't even here experiencing this, but I see so much of my mom in Sister Anderson that sharing my mom's life experiences has inspired her.

I honestly cannot think of a better Mother's Day Tribute than that.

I love my mom.

I love Sister Anderson.

I love this work.

And I love my Father in Heaven.

Who is TRULY the only person that really knows you.

My aunt sent me this quote she heard from Bonnie Oscarson today and it was honestly so inspired because it spoke right to me. I want to share it with all of you! 

“Our Father loves His children; we are central to His work; He is aware of the intimate details of our lives and stands ever ready and anxious to bless us with every possible good thing He can,” said Sister Oscarson. “This is especially true as we make every effort possible to honor our covenants with Him.”

It touched me so deeply. I can't even describe how much I needed to hear that this week.

God is mindful of His children.

Always.

I hope all the mothers out there feel how much they are loved this day and everyday! 

I can't even imagine where I would be without mine.

Love from Thailand! 

Sister Burbank

More elephants

I was part of the show!

Elephant truck chair

On the back of an elephant

Our Elephant Caravan

Just crashed on the bike.. no permanent damage done.

 Downpour rain storm

"Do or do not, there is no try"

สวัสดี

I really don't have anytime to write, but I just want everyone to know that I am alive! :)

Hope you guys have a great week.

I love you! 

Spiritual Thought:

"A great indicator of one's personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others."- Howard W. Hunter

As we focus on our own personal conversion, sharing the gospel will no longer be a chore, but our deepest desire. I have experienced moments like that on my mission, where the work was not taxing, but freeing. I think the hardest part is consistency. Consistently being at that level of conversion where all you desire is to serve God. I'm still not there, but ever upward.

But in the wise words of Yoda: 

"Do or do not, there is no try."

So...I guess I'll just keep doing. :)

May the Fourth Be With You.

(How could you think I would get through this whole letter and not make a Star Wars reference...ITS MAY 4th!!! ไง)

Love,

Sister Burbank

I didn't even have to sign a waiver!?

My companion did this drawing of us. HAHA

I LOVE TEACHING

สวัสดี

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

District Pizza Day

Whole pizza for each person 2 for 1 deal

 Ice cream, sticky rice and peanuts, YUMMY

Cute Kid

I am training a brand new missionary. Sister Anderson from Washington.

สวัสดีจาาาาาาาาาาาาาาาาาาาา 555 (only a handful of you will understand why that's funny)

ANYWAYS.

Another week has come and gone. And some how they just keep getting better. 

I spent almost all of last week in Bangkok but after THURSDAY I got my new companion!!! :) 

SISTER ANDERSON

พอดีว่า she is from Washington too! 

And with no shock to anyone in the mission her name starts with an "A". Just like every single one of my last companions. 555 (Sister Alley, Sister Adams, and now Anderson). Okay. I guess Sister Remington didn't start with an "A", but her first names "Auburn" so I am sensing a trend.

Eventually, I am going to have to run out of sisters in the mission for me to be companions with. What is President going to do once I've been companions with all the "A's"!?!? 555

Anyways, SHE IS AWESOME. 

She just got to Thailand too, so I have the honor of watching her fall in love with Thailand like I have.

Something she said yesterday made me laugh.

"I think it is unhealthy how fast I have become obsessed with Thailand." - Sister Anderson

That's what I love to hear! :) 

We have had a great first few days after the transfer.

We have been teaching so many families lately! I love it! 

Just yesterday we went and taught a few referrals from a member in the ward.

We went in not sure what to expect, but we ended up teaching a mother and son about the Plan of Salvation. We explained the importance of baptism in the Plan of Salvation, and they are now on date to get baptized next Sunday. It's incredible to see who the Lord has prepared to receive His gospel. Some people are just ready. I love seeing the light in their eyes. It's something I will never get enough off.

This is real. Everything about this gospel is REAL. In the words of Elder Bednar this is "ABSOLUTE TRUTH". I can't explain it. I can't prove it. I can just testify of it. 

I know:

-Jesus Christ is our Savior.

-Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration.

-The Book of Mormon is the word of God.

-God answers prayers

Hope everyone is as happy as I am.

Love,

Sister Burbank

3 generations Sis Alley (my trainer), Sis Burbank and Sis Anderson (my Greenie)

Chilling in Bangkok

Love this background. This is Sis Adams and I after we ate at Sizzlers in Bangkok

Me, Sister Anderson, Sister Adams (The new and the old) 

Reunited and it feels so GOOD! I love my trainer.

We ran into this lady at the mission office, I first met her at temple square last October 2014.

 First Companion picture in Sisaket! We are so ready. I LOVE SIS. ANDERSON