Hey everybody! Happy New Year almost! It was great Skyping with my parents on Christmas and hearing about everyone back home! It sounds like most of the family is doing well and I am excited to hear that I am going to be a cousin again (thanks Barrett & Brandi!).  I also appreciate the positive comments from the blog posted by friends and family!  I’m sorry that I cannot look at the internet and respond to each one but my dad is passing along your posts and comments.  Also, I am limited on time to respond to emails on my preparation day, so I ask your forgiveness if I don’t respond each time I get an email but I love to get them and will do my best to respond when I can!!!

Eating pizza at the S&R (The Philippine branch of Costco)

Following is a quote that i came up with this week: “Spirituality is the door to missionary work, obedience is the key.”I’m sure somebody has said that before, but I know it’s true! As soon as obedience becomes your first priority next to teaching and finding, blessings and miracles start happening! It’s amazing!

The church building we meet at in Tanza.

Christmas was about what I expected it to be. Different in terms of the worldly view, but spiritually it was one of the better Christmases that I’ve ever had. I’m thankful for the birth of Christ and His young life as a child. He was a perfect missionary. For example, at the age of 12 Jesus taught in the temple at Jerusalem to experts of religion and belief. He taught simply, but powerfully. That’s made possible through the Spirit, which is possible through obedience to all of God’s commandments as well as mission rules and schedules.

Anyway, on Christmas after I was done talking to my parents, we went out to work! Our branch mission leader (Roel) Tried to take us to some less active member’s homes, but none of them were home so we ended up just going to a member’s house. He’s the second counselor in the stake presidency. He made us spaghetti and mac salad for dinner! We didn’t have much time when we got home to do anything special so we just got ready for the next day and went to sleep! haha pretty good Christmas though! I love this area, I don’t want to be transferred! I hope all of you are having a good winter break and new years! Stay safe and on the Straight and Narrow. And if you don’t know what the Straight and Narrow is, ask a Mormon!

Also, on New Year’s Eve we have to be in our apartment by 6:00 at night because the festivities get a little wild here I guess. We might watch the long restoration movie, or play the monopoly board game that my parents sent me! We’re thinking about making our own food for once! I’m excited and happy that I now have kabahay (roommates)! They make things more fun and lively around the apartment!

My Philippine friends tell me that Tyler’s area is just beyond these mountains! So close yet so far away!!

I’ve come to realize that the Lord has trusted me with a part of His earth. Isn’t that crazy? So, hopefully we can fulfill His desires here as we work in the Tanza area!

‘Til next time,

Elder Hunter Burbidge

A beautiful little lake in my area – just a normal part of my daily schedule…