T.O.A.S.T.

Hello from Greece...So, if you're wondering what TOAST stands for it means Thrive on Awkward Situations Today! I thought that was very appropriate for missionary life. Lets see, there is definently something in the water here. People are crazy, the animals here are crazy and its quite amusing to watch. I spent five minutes watching 6 squirrels chase each other around trees because they did it so crazily. I learned that a pair of sneaker draped over a telephone line means that its a "drug street" I will try and get a picture of that someday. No one has signed up to feed us this week and that is so not cool. We are not happy campers. The Elders have appointments but not us, and they are lame, so thats not fair. Transfers are next Tuesday, most likely I'm staying in Greece, which is fine because I'm just getting to know the area. There are tons of Garage Sales here, all week long. Everyone has so much junk and stuff, but a little digging and you could find something good. Today, there was a nice bookcase sitting next to our big dumpster to get hauled off, I wanted it so baaaad, theres a lot of moments like that here for me though. I have to go I only have a few more mins. Love Ya'll. -Sister Burns

The aroma of New York

Hi fellow friends,
Its me... Momma. Just a quickie. I GOT A BOX FROM A MISSIONARY!!! What was in my surprise box? Presents for little kids, she couldn't resist buying on P-Day, her letters you' all have sent her, and funnest of all.....a old Rochester T-shirt in a bag...with the instructions to open the bag and inhale deeply. There we go...' that's the smell of my new air. Cats and cigs.' While we here in Utah and Calif. are breathing in ocean and clean mountain air, poor lil' missionary Laura's new air is not so lovely. She is hanging tough, and not complaining by any means. Just sharing her experiences. Thank-you again for all your letter's and support. She sends her love to all, and a simple request. To please ...everyone pray for missionary experiences. The road to Palmyra Pagent is paved with investigators, and they need them. Thanks, OXOXOX Love, momma Kathy

Toothless Dennis

Hi my fellow friends, I just received a letter from our dear Sister Slash. Oh.... is she ever so funny. After reading the 2 pages of items she needed for the people of the ward, I knew right then and there why 'WE' were called to the Rochester NY mission. For the friends who have sent her stationary, she says a big thank-you, she leaves notes at investigator's Toothless Dennis's house, letting him know they stopped by. ( I taught her that :) , Susan Gong gave her a wonderful mini hymn book when she loves. Cory has planned and deployed creative ways to get her perfume and her "old make-up, Joseph at Nordy's gave a bunch of perfume samples to give her friends there. I guess we are now trying to plan a pirate party for a celebration in Oct. Sister Ross , who owns a Subway sandwich place needs help and Sister Slash/Burns was ever so eager to lend our helping hands. They walked 9 miles to visit an inactive family. Blisters as big as mountain, rollin and pitchen, There is a family there who has adopted many children with disabilities , like the Ashtons, and she said they are very kind like the Ashtons too. If anyone has coupons, please give to momma Kathy, as all coupons are double, and the families could really use the help on their food/supply budgets. Things are really different there and she can't wait to be a trainer. I especially like how she is taking people under her wing and nurturing the needy. We are proud of our gal. A great missionary . Thanks for your support. love the mommy of Sister Slash.

Red Ricardo Suitcase

Hi gang, Sister Slash, found an old red Ricardo suitcase at a yard sale for 25.00, it didn't take her long to find a yard sale. I am surprised she hasn't bought a pile of toys for all of our mini-friends. Bryn-a-lynn stopped by today and said she has an old red Ricardo suitcase that has gone with her around the world. So Slash, ya did good. You and Bryn are thinking alike. I finally listened to the cassette tapes she sent. Laura sang the whole song of " O My Father" It was a song they performed in a Zone / district program. Can I just brag,? it was beautiful, and she didn't yawn once. Which is BIG for Laura, she would yawn every time she sang at church. Makin' great strides Lolo. The Rocky Raccoon is in the back yard eating bread, its so fun to watch , but as usual, not a great habit to start. Sister Slash says they meet lots of anti-Mormon, who.. if you let them, they talk themselves into a circle. Here is one of Lolo's favorite quotes , its long, but very inspiring, and really reminds of the big picture.
"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed: the dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line: the decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, small planning, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am lifted up by prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my gate is fast, my goal is heaven.
My road is narrow, my way is tough. My companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ.
I must go till He comes, gives till I drop, preach till I know, and work till He stops me, and when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me,
MY BANNER WILL BE CLEAR" Henry B. Eyring
Isn't that a great one, I know it was rather long, but worth it huh. Sister Burns appreciates all the letters, love and support she gets from her friends. Thank-you, love Sister Slash's mommy

Slash

Hi all friends of Lolo, well, she was given a new nickname by one of the Elders. Sister Slash, she likes it cuz she sounds tough. It really came about by a hand movement. She said she was from" Calif/ Utah. So the guys picked up on it and now a new name is born. Laura has had the opportunity to teach a couple discussions. One was to a toothless drunk, so they called for re-enforcements,,,,,,,,The Priesthood.......the Elders came to help and protect. She said they did well, considering the situation. But amazing to watch those Elders work. She goes through hose like crazy cuz she is always scratching her skitter bites and tearing her hose. She went to a yard sale and bought an old , red Ricardo ?, suitcase for 25.00. Today they get to go mall shopping, yeah !!!She has had quite a few spiritual experiences. I have some on tape, its pretty cool for a mommy to read those kinds of things. She loves the Pics of Margret Clark that Haley took and wants one, Hint, hint Haley!!! One funny thing she said was its been raining cats and dogs,, but she thinks the people in her town keep the cats, cuz there are millions running around. Meow ! Thats it for now. Thanks for your support. Love Lolo/slash's Mommie

What accent

Hey Guys, its official, Our dear missionary has picked up a bit of a New York accent, already......
girl, she said it comes out mostly on words like Caaaaar, she said it wasn't her first choice of accents to pick up on. she was hoping for French, Canadian, Swede, anything but in-breed. haha, I sent her skitter repellent, hope it works. I even said I would pay for a house cleaner, But she is following exact rules to a T. What a toughie. She sent me a voice tape and I haven't found a tape recorder to listen to them yet. Maybe when I find one, I will have more info. So that's it for now. Over and Out on Rockin Rochester. Love the mommy

Hi ya all, and yep, yep I figured it out. It's true you can teach a old dog new tricks. Well lets see, Laura, LOlO, arrived in New York last Monday June 2. I waited a whole week before I heard from her because we now know that Monday's are her P-days. She says in the town they work in, everyone smokes and has cats. Her 2 biggest allergies. Poor Lolo. Also the mesquitoes are as big as horses and buzz around by the hundreds. Its humid and very hot. Whoa ! it sounds like she is having a great time. Poor Lolo. There apt. is very dirty but no time to clean. Poor Lol. Everytime I hear from her she reminds me how much she hates her suitcase. Poor Lolo. She misses her new brothers Elder Pack and Elder Farrell, they made her laugh, and she now needs a big belly laugh and isn't getting it, Poor Lolo. But on the positive side, she is learning new things everyday, Yeah Lolo. She is conquering her fears, yeah Lolo. She is serving the Lord, Yeah Lolo. Her light is shining bright and everyone loves her smile and darn cute face, Yeah Lolo. On her first day she visited the Sacred Grove and got to spend a few minutes there alone to meditate, Yeah Lolo. The first 3 months very hard, but it gets better, yeah Lolo. She has the love and support of all her friends and family, yeah Lolo. She is where she needs to be at this time in her life, yeah Lolo. And " Hinks" and me are very, very proud of our girl. One of her biggest supporters is Aaron Warner, he is just so darn cute. I stopped by yesterday evening and his sons Cole and Will were practicing missionary skills. They had me go in the house and pretend to be a person. One was a nice person and they got to explain the Book of Mormon and the gospel, the other person was a mean person who slammed the door. They handled it so well. Way to go guys, I was very impressed. Aaron always tells me how hard a mission is and there is nothing easy about it. But the skills they learn help them through out their lives. So a Big thanks to Aaron and the Boys. Laura misses her naps with roostie , so in 17 months they have alot of spoonin to make up. That's about it for now folks. Feel free to write her anytime. Missionarys love letters. Over and out.

Sneaky Sneaky

I'm here in Rochester, actually I'm serving in an area called Greece. Its hot and humid and lots of mosquitos. I miss everyone. I'm really sleepy and love to sleep, its amazing. I almost fall asleep when were at peoples houses, and my eyes go crossed, I can't control it. I was just sneaking on here real quick to say hello. Love and miss ya'll much.