Elder Burch π: "Take me down to the paradise city..."

Ladies, gentlemen, and other assorted grasshoppers,

After three transfers - 18 weeks - my stay in Buffalo, Wyoming is coming to a close. It is time to open the next chapter, where I will serve in Montana, the state in which I was actually called to serve. (Montana is a lawless, yet God-fearing state. God, of course, having been introduced to Montana in 1874. Montana's main export is rocks. Germany was discovered in Montana!) More specifically, I will be serving in the Missoula 5th Ward, where I will continue as a district leader. I have heard many things about Missoula, ranging from, "Oh, you're going to the zoo!" to "It's really pretty there," to "Have fun with all the college students." We'll see how this goes. Google Maps tells me that Missoula has three record stores, though, so that will be an adventure. (Pls send money.) Missoula is a city of something like 70,000 people, which is much closer to my speed. I guess we'll see how I like it after being in sleepy Buffalo for so long. Regardless, I am both excited and not excited for the nine-hour van ride. Pray for the people of Missoula - they won't know what hit them!

A quick eulogy to Elder Campbell: Elder Campbell has made this last transfer an absolute joy, and I am so grateful for the fun that we have had serving and working together. Buffalo will flourish under his stewardship, I am sure. I feel a little gypped that we only get one transfer together, but I guess good things must come to an end. I'm sure President was considering transfers, came across our companionship, and though, "Oh, heck no, that companionship is far too much fun to last!" Sigh. If only, if only...

Alright, so for this week: We had exchanges. That is all.

For Elder Campbell's kindabirthdaysortof (he was born on February 29th), we had dinner with the Thomas family. They make pulled pork sandwiches and we had an awesome cake! It was a good time. I am sad to be leaving the Thomas family.

Elder Campbell and I had story time and read a book called Because Jesus. Shout out to the lovely person who sent said book my way! It was a good time. We now feel a renewed sense of purpose for serving our Lord.

Elder Campbell won at Scrabble (finally, also again), making the record for this transfer Bette: 3, Elder Burch: 2, and Elder Campbell: 2. This is significantly worse than last transfer against Bette, where I used my superior skills to best both her and Elder Ferrara six out of ten games. I guess one has to share the wealth a little bit.

We had a lesson with Megan and Branden. (Side note: Megan and Branden are one of the major things that make leaving hurt a little. Sure, I'm ready for a change of scenery, but Megan and Branden are not only progressing investigators, but they're my friends. Continue to pray for them, please.) We had a lesson with them where we read from 2 Nephi chapter 2, and we discussed the miracle of Christ's atonement and what it means for us. We then talked about baptism, and the blessings which come from following this commandment from God. Along with that, we detailed for them the requirements of baptism, and what the promised covenant entails for them. After this, we left them a challenge: Pray together and separately, and come up with a date for baptism. Once you do, we'll set goals and make plans to help you to progress towards baptism on that date. They accepted, and I think that they are quite sincere in their desires to follow Christ. They accepted, and mentioned once again how us teaching them has been a blessing in their lives. We will be eating with them tonight. We have been commissioned with bringing the rootbeer floats.

We took a hike! It was very nice!

The church got all smokey toward the end of sacrament yesterday. It was quite odd.

Aiden, the kid of a returning less-active family, is progressing as well.

I think that is all I have for now. Spiritual thought: The atonement is sufficient to help us to change and become the best people we can be if we are willing to let it change us. "Let it change us" sounds like a passive invitation, but it is the exact opposite: It requires effort on our part to bring our will and action in line with the Lord. Josiah in the Old Testament was appointed king at 8 years old. Eighteen years into his reign, he found the book of the Law of Moses - the law that Israel was supposed to be following. Josiah looked around at the wickedness and idolatry of the people perpetuated by decades of unrighteous kings, and decided things needed a change. Through his efforts, he was able to return Israel to following the Lord, if only for a short time. No matter how far you feel like you've sunk, you can always return to the Lord and He will accept you with open arms, just like the Israelites.

I realize more and more how proud I am of my home state. Whenever anyone mentions Arizona, I give the "rock on!" hand sign and mention something about how great it is or how it is the promised land. Elder Campbell told me the other day, "You are so proud of your stupid state that I bet you bleed red, white, and Arizona." To that, I say simply this: Heck freak yeah I do!

Keep being awesome. Rock and roll ~

-Elder Burch π

"... Where the grass is green and the girls are pretty. Oh, won't you please take me home!"

Disclaimer: The grass may be green in Missoula, MT, but the Arizona skylines and desert vistas are still unmatched. Also, Arizona girls.