Elder Taylor Johnson

Email #23

August 23, 2010

FAM-

So here in a little bit there is going to one more little baby in the family... SUPER exciting! Stephy , Happy Birthday! When I get back I owe you one day of babysitting for free alright? You can hold me to it! I will even teach your kids a little Portuguese while I'm at it haha. We sang happy birthday to you (the four elders that I live with)... it was literally the least I could do! You are amazing! Keep up the good mommy-ing. : ) Mom I got a little worried last week because I have sent an envelope to the house every week of my mission (usually with 1-4 letters inside) and the past few weeks I have goofed around with the name on the front instead of just putting "Johnson Family" I put "Fohnson Jamily" . . . My comp told me that he did the same and the letters never made it.... So I am just hoping that they are gettin there! Do let me know if you are receiving one per week alrighty?! Fanks. Loved the picture of Dad's animation in action... on the boat haha. I wish I could be with you and serve a mission at the same time! The days are flying by, it is only that sometimes the hours don't do the same. The members have been telling us that sooner than later the heat is going to turn up and the wind is going to stop... pray for me. haha I have a WONDERFUL tan line on my neck... and I'm gaining weight...in the stomach and also I think in the muSKles a little....... sometimes I just like to eat alright? YOU CAN DO IT BRUCY! Love you all...I don't think I could do it without all your support. Thanks for being amazing, Each one of you.

-Elder Johnson

ALL -

So we had to more Miracles this week. I had the blessing of baptizing Edmilson (22) and Raquel (19). They are two more people that one day will have the blessing of entering the temple to be sealed for time and all eternity. I am always thinking about the 'endure to the end' part of the lessons that we teach to our investigators. When you baptize someone you want to do ALL you can to help them continue onward, but I just have to do my best and trust the Lord!

When Elder Nelson spoke to us in the CTM he said to focus on the ordinances of the gospel, primarily the temple. He used the phrase "endure to the end" and suggested that it means Endure to the Endowment, in other words that is our goal! Never lose sight of the eternal purpose!

Just a rundown on the events that led up to the Baptisms: Edmilson was a member reference. Two times he didn't show up on the Sunday for his baptism. But we didn't give up! He continued reading, we continued teaching, and the spirit witnessed to him that this is where he needs to be. He knows that despite the trials that might come because of his baptism, the blessings will greatly overshadow them. Raquel was an example of the Lords preparing a way, always. Elder Fonseca and I contacted 3 youngs boys (12-14) on the street and got some addresses to pass by. A couple of days later we passed by one of the houses to teach Bruno. He listened...a little. Luckily, and not by chance, his sister Raquel was there to save the day! She listened intently, asked good questions, and showed all the signs of an elect daughter of God! She is in 1 Nephi 18 or so and is loving everything about the church! What a blessing to see these two enter into the church, knowing that their lives will change forever, and for eternity!

Quick Story- I was teaching in the house of a member the other day when all of the sudden my companion advised my about the cockroach that was on my neck. YUMMY! I was a little on edge after that . . . descreetly keeping my feet moving on the floor as to avoid the same thing again. 10 Minutes later my friend returned (or his brother or aunt) to my sleeve. This time I jump like the dickens. I even started to talk in English because the words to express my fear weren't coming fast enough in portugues... adventures everyday!

Quick thought. - 1 Néfi 21:4 -------> The Lord is all powerful, therefore he can do whatever he wants with the work that we do. He can take the work that we do, and store it up to be used in another way for another purpose! That maybe we will never see, or will take a long time to see. Interesting thought. "Leave your work with the Lord" He can surely make the most of it.

Elder Johnson

August 16, 2010

Email #22

FAM-
AH! Thanks to all : ) Barrett I really needed to hear your words about your mission experience. It is nice to know that you understand that feeling of knowing what you want to say and sometimes not being able to... but you are right... I’m reaching the point where I don't have to worry so much about the words and i can think a little bit more about what I am going to teach etc. Thanks for the picture that you sent me Steph, Haley.... i really love seeing what you guys are doing! There is nothing like it... even if I can only see it for 20seconds haha. I know those little ones are growing up, talking more, and are going to be HUGE when I come home... but we don’t talk about coming home yet ;) . . I think about home mostly when I have a strange business idea. Like my churro business that I will have one day. I'm loving the area still...cant believe i have been here in the same area for 3 months! It will be pretty weird;hard to change... but I have at least 5 more weeks here : ) Thanks for putting money on my card mom... worked out perfectly! I hope it was my money! . . ... . ... . .. . .... . I'm turning dark here...but only on the arms and face... my neck line is insane haha, oh the tan lines of a missionary! My new companion is from SLC... Elder Parker Joseph Stocking! We had a great week and he is a great missionary. I already learned a lot this week... like how missionaries work differently, but are always working with the same goal in mind... and when we are doing our part, no matter how YOUR PART differs from another person's, the Lord makes thing happen : ). . Thanks again for the Updates. . . love hearing about your lives! - Love Elder Johnson

P.S. . . This week I received a package of worms, hot tamales, ties, letters (so cute-from the girls), tootsie rolls, and letters....It was a Christmas in Agosto! Thanks so much! We at it all already!

Friends -

ALÔ! Eu sei que vocês Não estão entendendo isso, mas eu queria colocar algo nessa lingua so para dar um poco evidência que eu estou aprendendo, não só estou aqui de ferias! amo vocês! Foi uma boa semanacon certeza, MeuNovo Companheiro È Otimo!

I had a great week with my new Companion Elder Stocking from SLC Utah! Even though we only talk English. . . we connect on a lot more levels than I could connect (socially) With Elder Fonseca...really only because we are from the same place haha. He is a hoot, and even resembles Fully from Monster's inc. when he smiles. I don't know if there is someone on Earth that I just absolutely couldn't get along with, and I'm grateful that the Lord has given me that blessing! . . . Knock On Wood!
We have a bunch of investigators right now.. the hardest part is truly knowing WHO is going to progress .... and making sure that we give everyone sufficient chances to accept the gospel... all while not wasting time and being as effective as we can. To say the least we are learning to plan and work effectively. We had 3 baptisms that were stopped this week because parents didn't allow.... they think that the kids (10, 15, 16) aren’t old enough to know what they want. I testify that this is a lack of Faith and nothing more. The Lord can and does speak to each and every one of his children, without regards to his age. The spirit can't teach in a manner that no human can... because he knows us, and he can communicate directly with our soul!
We had a baptism this week! It was a surprise too! Jansum (Johnson (sounds like)) Sabrina Gomez Da Silva...we had miraculously found this family (Mom Dad Sabrina, Simone, Paloma) a while back, knocking doors (random impulse I had...The spirit? yes!)... and we were stoked! The 3 time we returned, they had searched on the internet and decided that we were living rules of a man (JS) and not of God... To say the least we had to cut them. 3 or 4 weeks later Sabrina appeared as we were teaching her neighbor... Long story short she started listening to the lessons alone, and going to seminary. She stopped drinking Café and now is going to be a strong addition to the young women here! The Lord Works in strange ways!
I know the Church is true. The gospel is simple, and it was meant to be that way. I'm grateful to have been born into a family that places the gospel first and taught me to try and do the same. I know the gospel changes lives. Em Nome de Jesus Cristo Amém

I love you all! -Elder Johnson

I made a cool contraption last night. I decided I'm going to fix my duck footed-ness or whatever it is. I tied the toes of my socks together and put them on. This forces my toes to stay together and not fall sideways when I layon my back. I am going to sleep with these socks until I start walking with my feet straight and not turned out! haha inovation of the missionaries. I also have been using the ladder on the side of the house for pullups... It is amazing what ya cando with an open mind and a little bit of creativity! (like make kites out of one pieace of news paper and string...like lots of people here!)

TAYLOR

Brazil…Week #21

August 9, 2010

FAM –

Well, I don't even know what to say! Sounds like The Lord is truly watching out for our family. Before I forget I just wanted to Tell Hallie Belle that I pulled out an old Letter today when I was organizing and I got a little teary eyed because of the tender note and picture "I am so excited for you to serve your mission, I will miss you, I love you - Hallie" . . . wow I can't believe how pure children are, even in their worst moments. No Wonder Christ commanded us to become like a little child, meek and lowly in heart, willing to submit..... Thanks Hallie" Mom go ahead and use this e-mail if you would like. I ended up having to pay the dentist bill because th mission doesn't cover it....so if you can make sure I have 200 dollars on my card that woooould be great! -Love you all

All -

For all those who are on missions that will get this letter... My name is Elder Taylor Johnson and I'm in Fortaleza Brasil...transfer 2 just passed and I said goodbye to my trainer, he is an amazing elder who truly showed me what a missionary should be like. He lived the law of 'forget yourself and go to work' like you'd never believe it. He never thought about his own self...he was always thinking about an investigator, a member, a lesson that he was preparing, or something related to the work. I will continue in my efforts to channel my mind and focus solely on moving the work forward.

Miracle number 1: My good friend Daniel that we baptized a month ago returned from a month long trip. Everyone is always leaving the city and it can be pretty hard to find people at home sometimes. The people with money go on trips, and the people without money can't pay for the bus ride to go to church. Anyways, Daniel went on a trip for a month right after his baptism.. Which left us a little worried about him. He came back this passed week and when we called to remind him about church the reply came over the phone "Claro, Já está pronto já" Of course.. I'm already ready! Miracles : )

Miracles #2 : We are teaching four boys that are 13 14 15 and 17...really good friends, and they are truly interested in the gospel. They have read, stopped drinking café, and are going to church. The miracle? They don't have money (being young boys who play video games) to pay for the bus. This Sunday they were at church after having walked 45 mins - 1hr to get there. The power of the spirit moves us to action, without a doubt.

Miracle letter C: I wish I could introduce you all to A little girl, 7 years old, who is reading the book of Mormon for her dad who doesn’t read well, and woke herself up early Sunday morning, got ready for church, and waited for us to come by. Her name is Tamyres. Her faith is unshakeable. We are teaching her parents and we were excited to pick them up for church (on foot) the other day...when we passed, they didn’t answer the door and we had to leave. Come to find out they didn’t have money for the bus, and the father didn’t want to be embarrassed. Tamyres had gotten ready and was waiting to leave....... she cried when she found out that she wasn't going to be able to go to church. She, through her faith, is going to hold her family together, and one day they will be sealed in the temple for all eternity.

I apologize for my lack of ability to relate stories, but I tried. I know God lives, he is a God of miracles and we see them everyday all around us. I know he keeps his promises and he will make out of us what we put forth. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is on the Earth again, and I am eternally grateful to be part of it, as well as sharing it with the people here in Brasil.

Love - Elder Johnson

Elder Johnson

August 2, 2010

Week 20!!

Dear Family -
I hope you all had a blast in St. George! I bet you all sweat like me while you were there! I'll admit, I wouldn’t have been stoked about the run...but I would have done my best! haha How exciting that Hales is back at home with Mom, Dad, and Rudy! I want to see a picture of the playroom! Maybe of the lake that you visited...etc. Thanks for the picture you sent Hales. The people here never fail to tell me I have a beautiful family, and that I look like my mom and dad as well haha. Mom thanks for the update on Jake Wanamaker...super sad situation...Maybe you can send me his address next week or something? I'm trying to stay on top of the letters and such! I pray for you and thank the Lord for my awesome family continually. I Love you all. Elder Johnson
P.S. when is this little baby of Heidi's coming?!
PPS I had a great business idea this week.. it is going to be big. . . churros. : ) with filling. . . . "CHURRO "NA MAGINATION" . . create your churro (filling, coating etc.) and choose your ice cream!

All-
It was a great week for sure. We had another record breaking sacrament meeting attendance and that means another week of work trying to find those who are truly ready to accept this gospel! I was practicing a lesson with my companion this week, the first lesson, when we present the story of Joseph Smith. While I was telling the story of Joseph Smith I realized something that gave me a boost of confidence and energy; He was a simple young man, roughly educated, young...normal... He was no different than any one of us, He was just filled with faith. The Lord loves all his children just the same, and if he loves a small ploughboy enough to visit him in a time of trouble, to answer a simple, sincere question of the heart, then without a doubt he loves me enough to do the same. To answer my prayers if i pray with faith, If I am seeking sincerely, If my eyes are single to his glory.
I had a lesson this week when it seemed as if the language he fled from my mind. I was a bit frustrated afterward. But my companion taught me something interesting. He told me that whatever I said in that lesson was exactly what the Lord needed me to say, because i was there and I was doing my best. Maybe the Lord withheld my tongue because I needed to teach that lesson a little bit more simply. We can trust that the Lord knows what is happening, what has happened, and what is going to happen. I know that if I put forth all I can, and then walk with faith, I will be given whatever words need to be said. I love you all. Go eat a slurpee or something for me : )

-Elder Johnson

P.S. For any of you who heard my "awkward is what you make it" quote... it can't be translated because they don't have the word awkward here. They just make the cricket sound to symbolize haha

PPS for any of you have seen frequency ... remember that part about "yahoo"? . . I am doing the same thing right now... "Churros" remember that word yall ; )