Conference

Family,

I loved General Conference. Wasn't it awesome? It has always been something I have looked forward to as a missionary. I loved all the talks, and enjoyed the spirit I felt there. I love how every apostle has their signature way of teaching. I was sad not to hear from Robert D Hales. He is a good one to listen to. We watched conference at the church for all 5 sessions. For one session, us missionaries were the only ones there. But we had a good turnout to the priesthood session. We invited several investigators to come and were very excited for them, but none came... It was disappointing.

Other than that, not a whole lot happened this week. We had difficulty getting ahold of several people, so we did not teach as much as normal. On Thursday we went to Sioux City for interviews. It was nice to see my mission president.

Here is that poem I promised a few weeks ago.

In the early morning light I read the scriptures and ponder.
As I think of all these prophets and men, my mind begins to wander.
I remember the people of Enoch. None were wicked, no, not one.
I reflect on Father Abraham willing to sacrifice even his son.
I read of noble Isaiah who saw Christ laid in a manger,
And About a good Samaritan who gave freely to save a stranger.
Then mighty Nephi comes to mind, who said he'd go and do,
And many righteous Nephites who were faithful through and through.
Two thousand sons of Helaman defended freedom with the sword.
The brother of Jared with his faith saw the finger of the Lord.
I meditate on these and others with their righteousness and purity,
Then I slowly realized that that's what the Lord expects of ME.

I'm not like them. I have not done all these good things,
And the thought of all the the things I lack stings.
I start to count my mistakes and sins and realize I am guilty.
With all of these impurities, my soul has become quite filthy.
Ashamed of my unworthiness, I shrink from the presence of the Lord.
The reality of truth is sharp and it cuts me as a sword.
O wretched man that I am! My heart grieveth.
My soul is exceedingly sorrowful- even unto death.
I am encompased about because of the many
Temptations and sins which do so easily beset me!
In my desperation I find hope in another-
A man of sorrow- my older brother.

O Jesus thou Son of God have mercy upon me!
Encircled about by chains of death, I yearn to be set free!
Take away my guilt! Eliminate my sorrow!
Help me carry on that I may live to see tomorrow.
With Christ's image in my mind, my shame begins to be lifted.
Despite all of my weaknesses, I know in whom I have trusted.
Just as Enos of Old, my guilt is swept away.
Darkness is replaced by light- the dawn of a new day.
I feel to sing the song of his redeeming love.
I have had a change of heart- a sacred gift from above.
Now with Enoch, Nephi, and Abraham, I eternally shall dwell.
Cleansed through the power of Christ, I know that all is well.

I love you all.

-Elder Burnham