Aug 24, 2015

Wow this large lady sitting at the computer adjacent to me is going to town picking her nose and groaning. i wonder what's happened to the keyboard I'm typing on right now. I'd rather not think about that.

What better birthday present than an Orioles game in Baltimore the night before!Man that was awesome. It was a three hour journey in Friday traffic from our town in Centreville to the light rail in Glen Burnie to downtown B'more. Elder Dustin and I teamed up with some other missionaries to form an ultimate squad among the thousands of traveling fans. We stuck out like a sore thumb in our typical missionary white shirts and ties, but it was cool not being alone. Once we got into the annual Mormon Night game I reunited with my past companions that aren't dead yet, making an even more ultimate squad. The only downside to the game was getting back home at 1:00 a.m. (don't worry we had permission :p), setting the tone for a drowsy 19th birthday.

Truthfully, my birthday wasn't anything special at all. I think that's a reoccurring theme on a mission. Holidays fly day and pass on as just normal, average days. Thanks to you all who gave me birthday wishes, though! It's weird to think we're all sprawled across the world. Probably the crowning moment of my birthday took place around 8:30 p.m. while Elder Dustin and I strolled the deserted streets of Centreville after all of our appointments and potentials falling through. The sidewalks, streets, everything was completely barren. I guess everyone was worn out after giving me a hard time. Regardless, we walked around wondering what to do when we walked by a karate dojo that's always been dark and closed every time we've passed before. This time, however, the lights on the side window were on, revealing a tall old black man in a black belt and black gi, rocking a gray afro and gray beard, canvased by a wall covered in katana swords. A real life afro samurai. Oh you know I had to knock on the door and talk to this man, which caught Elder Dustin completely out of the blue. Iheard a loud bark, "ENTER," which led into a steamy hot dojo, face to face with this 6'5 old master, his legs in a firm stance and hands on his hips. I introduced myself as a missionary and a fellow martial artist in Jeet Kun Do and how I was curious about what he taught.

It was at this point that I noticed the other wall not visible through the window that was covered with crosses and bible quotes. I swear on my life I'm not making this up. He began to tell me how Jeet Kun Do is for weak old people in Texas and how his Ryu Shyu style was on a whole new level, coupled with the holy power of God's defense. How am I supposed to reply to that? I just sat down and listened to what he had to say as he described his journeys through Japan and tournaments won across the nation. He tried selling membership to me and then tried to convert me to his A.M.E. church, the exact same church from where Stevie's funeral was held about a month ago. We left him with a Book of Mormon and a challenge to master it like he has the bible. Not sure he'll keep that challenge, but hopefully it'll pay off some day.

Elder Dustin afterwards told me how he wanted to see "master versus master bible bash". I explained that we don't bash and how pointless it is, but he continues to try and tip me on. Ever since he saw my mom write that I'm Qui-Gon from Star Wars he keeps calling me that. I guess that's about the best nickname ever (white handbook says otherwise heh heh). We've been finding new investigators left and right of all shapes and sizes. Each and every time we are brought back to firmly testifying in the first person that Jesus is the Christ, he lives, and that the Book of Mormon is another confirming witness of His truth. No matter what walk of life we are in or what kind of person we are, the Book of Mormon conveys pure, untainted goodness of spiritual nourishment. To share the Gospel is to share your love of the Gospel.

On my 19th birthday I reflected on how my life has changed in only a year. I feel like I've been filled to the brim with knowledge and experience and yet I got more than a year on the mission, let alone a whole life ahead of me. As simple as Christ's teachings may be, they truly take a life time to learn and digest. I'm eternally grateful for this lifeI get to live, and the best part is...it's only the beginning :)

xoxo

Elder Burgess