Elder Johnson

Week 31

November 3, 2010

Family -
Thank you all for your messages and letters. Mom I got your packages today! I have already enjoyed the candy and I will probably take a while to read all the letters cause there is just not time, but I have started already! I will be getting mail each week I think now because I am not in the boonies anymore : ) and : ( The inserts are being used as we speak... saving my life! I will not have time to send pics of the shoes today but sooner or later I'll get a photo in so they can send the actual shoes...for now don't ya worry! I don't know how you handle so many functions that you play such a big part of mom! Good luck with the soup! Thanks for helping Momma, she tells me often how much she values your help! Tell Hallie, Christian, and Sav that I loved the drawings that I got today! (The little booklets and the thoughtful notes). I was able to share the joy with the herd of Elders in the room when I opened it haha. Dad, sad day that the Bruins lost, but at least you enjoyed some good football! I will hope to visit a few games with you when I get home! Go Jazz! I will tell ya about me comp. and area in the letter to all I think. OH mom, MANY of the people that looked at my pictures this week told me that you look like an actress and that you are beautiful. I promised them that I would relay the message : )
My love you all of you who mean so much to me - Elder Johnson
P.S. Dad thanks for your thoughts. I think I need to work on getting out of my 'cave' and go to the edge where the Lord can help us truly fly!

ALL-
Alrighty... news news news. This transfer I left my first area : (. 6 months in an amazing branch full of amazing people, truly the purest hearted people that I think exist. The tears were many (I only cried when I talked in sacrament meeting, and only a little bit!) and the departure was full of mixed feelings. I had an overwhelming happiness for those who I had been able to help enter the Lords kingdom, and the sad thought of knowing that we might not meet again until after this life. Either way, the Joy of their presence at the "rodoviaria" (bus-stop thingy) was a joyful moment. I received quite a few gifts of which I don't feel anywhere near deserving, but I will keep them with fond memories. Imagine the humble hands of people who have little, giving you a humble token of their appreciation...it was a humbling day. Reading the thank you notes and the testimonies that were written in my notebook was another humbling and joyful experience; to hear testimonies being born of the BOM, eternal families, and the importance of following the prophet (I received two ear rings that were given to me saying that they would not be used again)
Now I am here in Palmeiras (after an 8 hour bus ride through the night in suit pants that are a bit snug do to the fact that I like food) an area in Fortaleza, with my new companion Elder Deffense from Thousand Oaks, California. We will be taking care of 2 wards and working in a pretty large area. I look forward to the chance to open this area and put my faith to the test, doing all that I am capable of doing and letting the Lord do the rest.
We got to the new house and it was a MESS. . . You can be certain that over the next 6 weeks that will slowly be changing! I will try and get in a before and after shot haha. Sometimes I feel like Super Nanny! - Jokes.
This week I was humbled as I thought about the fact that one year ago (yesterday) I was sitting in a room with my family opening my mission call, that I didn't understand at the time would truly change my life forever. I am grateful for all of those who have played a part in my life, and helped my find my way to the mission field where I am learning what it truly means to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
This week during sacrament meeting I was trying to truly focus on my Savior. I had a truly special experience as I imagined how it would be if I were to embrace my Savior and have the chance to thank him for all that He has done for me. I was filled with humility and gratitude as I pondered this situation. When that day arrives, will I have something to say? Will He recognize me and will I recognize His voice? I want to do all I can to make sure that the answer to this question is yes, I don't want to feel as if we are meeting for the first time, but as if we have been in contact for many years. Love to all! Elder Johnson

PS today we spent the day getting to know our area and making contacts with the people, I hope to get teaching some awesome people as soon as possible!

PPS. My companion knows Wes Christiansen and so do quite a few others in the mission...they all got stuck in the MTC together! What a small world!