TAYLOR 3^rd

Email from the CTM in Brazil

April 6th 2010

Family-

I’m currently at Mr. Cheney’s writing a message! I just picked out my twelve cookies and needless to say my whole district is excited! haha I just bought a tie : ) my first major purchase... I’m guess being a missionary doesn’t take away my frugality. I’m so sorry to hear about the tough weekend, I will continue to pray for you and think of you often, I know that the Lord has a purpose for everything he does, he is the master of this universe and anything within it.... he knows how to accomplish his purposes. Barrett I just wanted to let you know that the journal you gave me is one of my prized possessions here at the CTm. . . Paper is scarce and I LOVE my journal... and the picture in the front as well. thanks : ) I sent another letter out today but I’ll mention those things again. I couldn’t help but think about my amazing parents this WHOLE weekend as I listened to the words of the lord through his servants. Mom you really have the most Christ like love I’ve seen on earth and I believe you served in the primary because that is wear the lord wants his most Christ like children to share their example, their love, and kindness. Dad... simply said, I miss being able to talk to you and help you with your latest endeavor. You are the greatest example, if I can be a missionary like you are a home teacher.. the Lord will be pleased. Quickly.. mom I love my watch : ) and as an official record, i weighed 162 when i reported and I think now i weigh 166 or so . . . I’m trying haha. I was wondering if maybe someone could forward me Kyle Hansen’s emails. I might not have time to read but I’d love to hear from him! ]

Tell Grandma Johnson that I love her and that things are going great. They tried to serve the same chocolate ball that she made us... but hers was twelve times better...probably 100 times.

Hallie belle! I thought of you so much as i heard the message about strengthening youth... I’m so excited for you baptism and I know you’ll do great! You are such a great example to your family especially your brother and sister

Friends-

Not much time, but I have a few things to say! I love the temple. I was able to go for my third time today to the Sau Paulo temple. As we were arriving home... I couldn’t stop thinking about how bad I just wish everyone knew what we just did and how important it is to everyone. It is really ALL that is important... simply said, nothing else matters. I wish I could have realized that before I came out here....of course it is a daily battle to live in the world and not be of it... there are things we are required to do see and hear that we can’t get away from. here ta tthe CTM... that is all that is really different. A chance to think only about the Lord and about those who need to know how much he loves them and that he would do anything for them...even send his son to die for them. I know that he did. And I know with all my heart that he lives.... he lives to grant us rich supply, he lives to guide us, he lives to comfort us when faint, he lives and while he lives I’ll sing... I KNOW that my redeemer lives. I often try to think about those whom I need to bring the gospel to when I feel like I don’t want to study language anymore, we just can’t think about ourselves. Conference was amazing... it always is... why? because there is nothing better than hearing the One who loves us more than anyone tell us how he would like us to live, through his prophets. I’m learning the language slowly but surely as everyone must! We are teaching only in Portuguese now and it’s always an adventure! Never forget what matters most. I love you all. - Elder Johnson