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.