Chris and Charlie, dear family friends, visited Magan on Day 2. Magan said, “Chris and Charlie just came and saw me! They brought a really cool African BoM! It was so great to see them for a little bit! It made my whole day!! 

I am loving it here so much! I never want to leave :)”

So I’m here in Johannesburg and it is BEAUTIFUL. All the other missionaries arrived today and I love them all!! Last night, there were just 4 of us American sisters, and we went to bed at 10:30 like usual, but when I woke up and looked at my clock and thought it said 6:40 so I freaked out and hurried and got in the shower, but when I got out, everyone was in bed and I was so confused and I looked at my clock and it was only 12:40. Not sure how that happened… hahaha but it gave us a good laugh. Then none of us could sleep so at 2 we finally just turned on the lights and talked and ate candy all night until it was time for breakfast.

The food here is really yummy! Not like American food haha but yummy! We’ve been able to connect with President and Sister Ashton a lot. I love them so much! They have been with us the whole time. It’s been so great getting to know all the people here! I love them all so much and already don’t want to leave!!! On Sunday I will be playing the piano in sacrament meeting while Elder Baldwin sings, so hopefully that goes well!

I’m so excited to start learning and getting ready to go to Zimbabwe!! I’ll only be here for 2 weeks!
I love you all!!
The church is true!

Sister Burt

 I am in Johannesburg at the MTC!! It is SO beautiful here!!! The plane ride was long but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be! It wasn’t a full flight so we got to spread out a little. It still feels kind of like a dream! Plus I’m a little dizzy from the plane… so that makes it even more like a dream hahaha.It’s getting more and more real the longer I’ve been at the MTC! We got here about 30 mins ago and we ate dinner- rice with some thick meat topping gravy stuff. It was yummy! And I HAVE A NAME TAG!!! Yay!! They gave them to us right when we got here. There were 7 of us and more African Elders and Sisters are coming tomorrow. President and Sister Ashton are great. They are from St George and we are their second transfers! We are going to be going to the temple sometime, which is great 🙂 we just filled out the slips for our temple clothes. But I think I’m only here for 2 weeks!!? Thank heavens all my bags arrived, which I was worried about. Also I will be playing the piano A LOT!! I better go. Love you all!! 

Sister Burt

Magan boarded the 7:55 AM Skywest flight at IDA this morning. She connected in SLC and ATL and will arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa at 8:20 AM MT tomorrow. Over 24 hours of travel! After hugs and goodbyes, Magan passed through security and we watched her as she escalated up the stairs to the gate area. She never looked back. We all anticipated and hoped that we could see her smile one more time. She never looked back.

Jesus cautioned in Luke 17:32, “Remember Lot’s wife.” Lot’s wife turned to a pillar of salt when she “looked back” at a city the Lord had warned to leave behind. (see Genesis 19) Elder Holland described the situation, “Apparently what was wrong with Lot’s wife was that she wasn’t just looking back; in her heart she wanted to go back. It would appear that even before they were past the city limits, she was already missing what Sodom and Gomorrah had offered her.” We are glad Magan did not turn to a pillar of salt.

Magan left for Africa with focus, faith, and determination. She was so excited to go. She told us a few times that she knew it would be hard. She added that she didn’t know how hard it would be. However, she never wavered in her resolve to go and serve.

Rachel offered the prayer tonight for family prayers. She asked Heavenly Father to bless Magan to arrive safely in Africa. We know she will. Keep her in your prayers!