Amazing 23 months

I love y'all! This week was long, but was capped off with a great Sabbath!

I'm glad you got my letter! It was a needed thing for me to write. If you could, I would love to keep a copy of the letter. I wrote about the experience in my journal, but I know it wasn't as in depth as that letter.

It has been an amazing 23 months! I am happy! I was pondering the fact that I have been a District leader for 18 months this week. At first I started to complain about the stress that it has generated, the trainings I've given, and the accountability expected of me. It seemed to me I was being punished or picked on by President. Then one of those "tender mercies" experiences occurred. I would have it no other way!

The lives the Lord has entrusted me with, the stress that pushed me forward when I felt like giving up, the opportunity to sit and counsel with great men and women. I've had opportunities to sit at the feet of General Authorities and be chastised by them! Isn't that great!? Who get's that opportunity? It was dang scary, but whom better to receive correction from?

So I came across a verse of scripture in my studies that fits perfectly how I feel about those lives I have touched or been in. It gave me comfort and it was another tender mercy from the Lord. Colossians 2:5-7. (5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.  6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.)

At Post this week we saw some great miracles! We had three new missionaries on post because of the crazy transfer cycle this go around. They were all shaking in their boots, because they had no idea what to expect. I just smiled! I did my best to prep them, but I knew that the best thing for them would be to go in and sink or swim. I knew Lord wouldn't let them sink, so I had no fears. They did remarkable! I taught the 3rd discussion which is generally the hardest. I had the opportunity to talk with 4 amazing non-members. One a Baptist, one a Catholic, one a Jehovah's Witness, and another a Methodist. The Baptist is preparing for Baptism for the 25th. The Methodist graduates Basic this week so he wont be baptized here, but he had such a great experience that during the Holiday Block Leave he took a Book of Mormon home to his family and taught them. They practically disowned him, but he defended the faith and will be looking for missionaries at his next station in Virginia! Then the other two are praying to know if this is the path God want's for them! They are all so amazing! I have never seen such a place like Ft. Sill! I've come to realize I have a little bit of separation anxiety when "my" soldiers graduate and move on. I truly come to love them!

Also, in a funny way, I've grown so much closer to both my Grandfathers! I can't explain it, but I have such a greater love and appreciation for them than I ever have! I am proud to be able to tell the soldiers I rub shoulder with, that my Grandfathers served as well! I don't always mention the branch, but that doesn't really matter. They all defend our rights and Constitution!

Well, I love you so very much! We are planning another baptism for the 24th for Jesse, then later that day I will be heading back to the City for a baptism of a girl I started teaching. I could not be more happy!

NEVER a Second Wasted,
Elder Ryan Burnham