Sacramento - Week 20

Due to the new security measures requested by the Mission leaders, the names of all investigators and people that Sarah comes into contact with will be replaced with the name of a well-known character from a children’s movie. This will keep the identities of people safe as well as make it easier to keep everyone straight. The name given is in NO WAY intended to reflect the personality, looks, or circumstances of the individual(s).

“Here Comes the Bride”

Monday June 10, 2013

Hello one and all! 

This week's letter will probably be shorter than usual because I just spent so much time cracking up at all of the wonderful emails from my baby sister and my best friends in the whole wide world. Thanks y'all for bringing so much joy into my life! 

There were really two big highlights this week: We moved into our new place and Mary Poppins got married! 

First, our new place: We moved into a "Casita" or little house owned by some members in the Rescue ward. It is right across the street from our area and super nice. The house is on their property a little ways off from the main house so we have our own space. It's like a one bedroom studio with a bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Best part: It has a piano! So I have been in heaven. We are finally unpacked and the house is clear of wedding stuff so it actually looks like a house now. Sister Doolittle and Christopher Robin helped us build our beds (all mission furniture comes in a box not even remotely put together) and the Elders helped us build our dresser. I've discovered that I am really bad at putting things together. I can do it. It just takes forever and I get really confused by the little pictures with numbers and letters that are supposed to be helpful but really are not at all. Thank goodness for Elders and the Doolittle’s. I am, however, very good at providing moral support, so that's what I did. haha 

Sis. Roberts and I in our Bridesmaid Dresses

All the missionaries at the Wedding!!!

Mary Poppin's wedding was awesome! We got there early to set up and helped her get ready. I am now officially pro at putting together beautifully simple wedding receptions with little to no money. This has been the second consecutive summer that I have done this. Not exactly something I envisioned happening on my mission, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. The ceremony was amazing because it was all focused on how this civil marriage was just a step towards and eternal marriage for them in the temple. The whole focus was the temple and they were both glowing. The Zone Leaders came because her fiancée is their recent convert and they were so appalled that we were bridesmaids. I could not care any less. I told them, what better contacting tool than to be standing in front of two extended families of non-members in your tag. And then mingling at the reception with all of them because that is what bridesmaids do! They are the official minglers for the bride. It was a blast and we taught so many people about the gospel, all while eating cake and celebrating the marriage of two amazing people. Sister Doolittle came and helped us set up, and Christopher Robin came later with the Zone Leaders. He walked through the door, saw Sister Roberts and I in our bridesmaid dresses, and just started laughing. The Sisters in the North Carolina Charlotte mission have nothing on us. Frankly, I don't think there are very many sister missionaries anywhere like us, and that's ok! I told Christopher Robin: "Life is too short to not live enthusiastically." The gospel of Jesus Christ is exciting! Let's get excited about it!!!!!!! Let's tell everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

One of the little girls in our ward who
put on Sis. Roberts name tag to look
like a real missionary :)

So yes, this is the shortest letter I have ever written, but there isn't much to say besides I am well and happier than ever. Being a missionary is the best! It takes a lot of work, and there are a lot of hard times, but through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can overcome all things and find joy in the most difficult journeys. I can't imagine what my life would be like without my mission. The experiences I am having every day and the people that I have met and that I love so much now are priceless. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church on the earth, and it changes lives for the better! 

Love y'all! Have a great week! 

Sister Burchett 

P.S. Another funny thing I forgot to tell you:

You know you have been in an area a long time when the ward tells you they think they will just make a missionary plaque for you when you leave because you are basically a member of the ward. 

And one of the Elders told me the other day "Sister Burchett, I don't think you realize this, but you were actually called on two missions: One to Sacramento and one to the El Dorado Stake. You can never leave! It wouldn't be the same!"

Made me feel good. I just love it here!