Badge of Honor

Hello friends, I know you thought I fell off the face of the Earth. It took our dear friend Holiday Bryn to get me going. Thanks Bryn, I love ya. It's been one month since my last blog about Laura. She is so busy, I get a couple lines every Monday. And that's O-kay, I'll take what I can get. Three weeks ago Laura sent me a box, a very large box of things she didn't need anymore, winter shoes, coats, turtlenecks. I asked her do you want me to open it now? or just wait until you come home and we can go through it together. A week later she responded, "Open it Mom, there is something at the top, I think you'd like"
So last Thursday night, I thought, well, if there is something for me to look at, I'll open Pandora's box.
Sitting on top of all her winter clothes, was a very small letter, I opened it up. Gently placed between two worn tissues was a slightly broken Missionary badge. Laura's missionary badge, the one that says "Sister Burns ...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." My heart about jumped out of my body. I held it, as if it were a block of gold. This is the badge Laura has worn for at least 1/2 of her mission. What an honor to wear that badge and let the world know what you stand for. After wearing the badge for so long, she says the words are emblazed on her heart now and forever. It was ...of course a tear jerker. My little girl, my little lolo who sleeps with a baby blanket is a Missionary, sometimes I still can't believe it.( The blanket is in a drawer, I found it months after she left, for those of you who know Lolo well, that was probably harder to leave behind than me or Roostie)
In the Daily gem for the day it says," The Lord's Church has the responsibility to preach the gospel in the world. This is the foundation of missionary work, and the duty of our missionaries is to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy Ghost , and enduring to the end" This is what my little baby goat has been doing. She is serving the Lord in a most committed way. That 110% of her time, thoughts, goals are all in service of the Lord. I could not be more proud of my daughter.
Today I emailed her and asked her to please keep the Tamiflu medicine in case the swine flu comes back in her area. She says and I quote" don't worry about it little mommy, the Brethren will let us here in NY know if we need to worry" Laura has so much faith it is amazing and so wonderful, her faith in blessings and the power of the Priesthood makes me thrilled she "gets it". Susie Bramble told me once , that when the children came home from their missions, she didn't worry about them as much. Because they came home from their missions with more knowledge and strength to live righteously , and be worthy to receive the blessings promised them. "They get it". I now know Laura"gets it"
Last week I went to the Temple with not much time to just hang around. I chose to do initiories, it is usually 45 minutes. With out saying too much, in regards to the sacredness of Temple ordinances. I mentioned my daughter was serving a mission in New York. My names were all New York women. One of the workers couldn't hold back her emotions , she said later, "I was just struck by the thought that your daughter is serving the Lord in New York, and you are here serving the Lord for New York people". I just love when things like that happen. It strengthens your testimony and is a good experience to have on hand for teaching. I have received a bundle of letters from missionary moms, internationally mission moms, people Laura taught and were baptized. They are so tender and treasures to keep forever. I usually make a copy and send to Grandpa and Grandma in the Garden. They have sacrificed so much for Laura and even the little grandchildren have sacrificed for Laura. There were no birthday gifts to the grandchildren this year. All birthday money was sent to cousin LAURA. How is that for family love in supporting a missionary. We are grateful or all of you who have put your wants aside and helped Laura serve the Lord. Laura is a family missionary and you will be blessed for your sacrifices made in her behalf. Thank-you everyone of you for the love, support and letters sent to my girl. We appreciate everything and just think in 3 or 4 months, she will be home, spooning, and taking Roostie for a walk in her new pink buggy and telling me every single thing that happened while she was in the service of our Lord. Remember to "STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LIGHT SIDE" and know we love you. Love from a missionary mom, Kathy PS. She was transfered to Palmyra today, they are getting all missionaries in place and ready for the pageant so I will post new address as soon as I get it.OXOX