The Mission XXIV: The Finish Line

Friends and family, it looks like we've reached the end of my two year journey, serving as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  As I sit behind this computer for the last time I am left speechless with nothing but an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to the Lord for all that I have been able to accomplish and overcome during my time of service.  

It's been VERY difficult saying goodbye to the faces that I've met here in the mission, but I can't help but feel grateful for the chance that God has given me to meet such amazing people.  Whether it be members, investigators, or fellow missionaries, I can say that these people have had such a big impact on my life and I will never forget them.  

My mission will forever have a special place in my heart.  I've learned more than I ever have in my whole life and grown closer and closer every day to our loving God.  I've learned more about my Savior and as I've continued to deepen my knowledge about his gospel through studying and applying the scriptures, my love and gratitude for Him has grown and will continue to grow stronger and stronger every day.  I know that Jesus Christ lives and that because He lives we will all live again.  I love Him more than anything and I've felt His influence and the change that His atonement can bring upon any soul who is willing to follow Him.  I testify that the day will come when He will descend from above and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is the Christ.  I know that Heavenly Father cares about each and every one of His children and I know that His arm is extended to those who will accept Him and put their trust in him continually.      

I know that in 1820 a curious 14 year old boy knelt down in humble prayer in a grove of trees and the result of his curiosity is now the restored church of Jesus Christ brought forth again to gather the children of God.  Alam ko din na hindi nagbabago ang Diyos kaya mas naunawaan ko kung bakit siya ay tumatawag sa mga propeta para magabayan tayo sa panahon na ito.

The Book of Mormon truly is the word of God and I can testify that any person who reads it consistently and abides by its teachings will find peace in a world of kaguluhan and guidance in a world of confusion.  This book truly testifies of the doctrine of Jesus Christ and his visit to the Nephite civilization in ancient America.  Words cannot describe the love that I have developed for this book as it was able to help me through the hardest of times and struggles on my mission.  It acted as a medium through which I was able to gain personal revelation and feel like God was actually present, speaking with me.  You can bet I'll be continuing to strive to read this book every day.  I couldn't picture my life without it.

My service as a full-time missionary has been anything but easy, but I can honestly say that they were worth it. 

These two years in the service of the Lord have been unforgettable and now I'm converted for life.  

To those of you reading this, thank you for all of the love and support through it all.  You've helped me through the hardest of times and I'm grateful for each and every one of you. 

I guess this is Elder Burdeos signing off for the last time.  See you guys soon.

Elder Burdeos

ELDER BURDEOS

"It's not goodbye, it's see you later."

2016 - 2018

PHILIPPINES MANILA MISSION

Families are Forever.

What and incredible week it has been, my friends.  I'll give you the play-by-play of the emotional roller coaster it has been hahaha

Sunday: Stake Conference for the Makati Stake!!  I had the chance to catch up with some of my friends who are members from my past wards here in Makati.  I've spent over a third of my mission in different wards in this stake so not to be cocky but I do know a good amount of people here hahaha.  After Stake Conference I taught some driving lessons to the Elder who will be replacing me as an Assistant.  I haven't mentioned this in my past emails but the Elder who will be replacing me is none other than my one and only trainee, ELDER ASAY!!  Such an amazing Elder and it's been such a pleasure to see him grow as a missionary and progress.  

He happened to hit a small cement pole on his first time driving around hahaha!!  

Monday:  Last trip to the good ol' Ocean Park.  None of the Elders with me had been before so they had a really good experience.  It was a nice last day for Elder Somosa who will be departing tomorrow.

Tuesday:  We were blessed with the opportunity to head to the temple in the morning!  I can truly testify that the temple is a sacred ground where you will be able to feel the truthfulness of this church resonating within every room.

In the afternoon I had to say a hard goodbye to one of my dearest friends here in the mission, Elder Somosa.  It was hard seeing him go but I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet such a great missionary like him.

Thursday:  Let me just say that the Senior Couples of a mission are the the BEST missionaries hahaha!  They took us out to Chili's as a goodbye dinner for me and Elder Bennion.  I'm so grateful for them and all that they do for us here to help our mission function and progress.

ELDER GIFFORD AND HIS ICE CREAM CAKE!!!!

The mall was really decked out with Christmas decorations!!! 

Friday: BAPTISM!!  The Callos family has been such a blessing to this ward!  Brother Callos has been a member of the church for quite some time now but became to busy to attend church.  Luckily we were able to help him return back to the church to a loving ward and at the same time we worked closely with the Sister missionaries in the ward to help his wife and children get baptized! 

I know that families can be together forever and I am so grateful to God for allowing us to be instruments in the helping of this amazing family to return to Him. 

This week we will be having our mission tour where Elder Teh from the Area Presidency and Quorum of the Seventy will be coming to our mission!!  I'm very excited to have a personal interview with him and to hear the guidance and help that he will give to help us progress in our mission.

I REALLY love being a missionary.  

1 week and a half to go.  Still so much more to do.  This gospel means everything to me and you can bet I'll be working my hardest and doing my best to the finish line.

Love you guys so much, I'll talk to you next week!!!

ELDER BURDEOS

"T Minus 2"

2016 - 2018

PHILIPPINES MANILA MISSION