Good morning to all!!!! I just want to let you know that I’m safe and happy! For my birthday, I GOT A NEW COMPANION! It is so crazy that my trainer got transferred! I was looking forward to working with my first companion for longer, but my new companion, Elder Pelayo, is a really hard worker! He’s fun to be around and he motivates me to be better.
Tyler is located on the northernmost island (Luzon) visible on the image above. They felt very little effect of Typhoon Haiyan in his area.
This week was interesting! With my birthday, the typhoon, transfer week, and other things, it was a pretty crazy week! I’m excited to see what the next week has in store. I’m really growing to love the people here. It is fun to build relationships with people, even if you can’t communicate with them as much as you’d like to. I’ve had to exercise my faith more in the last 6 weeks or so than I’ve ever had to before in my life. I’ve grown so much and I’m excited to see how much I can squeeze out of the rest of my mission.
I know that we aren’t supposed to number the amount of time before we get home, but i am officially 1/8 of the way finished with my mission! It is crazy to think that in really no time at all I’ll be home. It honestly makes me nervous to think about being at home!
Don’t get me wrong, I’M FOCUSED ON BEING HERE. I’ve had to be, having a companion that is new to the area. I miss you all and I’m thankful for all of the birthday wishes! They made it all the way over here to the Philippines! I miss you all and I hope you are happy because you deserve to be! Don’t forget who you are, ever!
Love you all!
Elder Tyler Burbidge
Editor’s Note: While Tyler’s area was not severely impacted by the typhoon, other areas south of his mission were devastated. For information on how to contribute to the LDS Church’s relief efforts in the Philippines and worldwide, please follow the link below:
Tyler Burbidge's Mission 
Tyler, I love reading your emails every week! You are such a big example to our family, as Colton is preparing for his mission. Not to mention the sacrifices you are making also! We are so glad to hear you are safe. So sad to hear of the devastating news of the Typhoons damage! Keep up the good work! You’re awesome!! Love you, Sophie