April 11, 2011

Fam-
     Dearest family-
           Oh, my dear family-
                      My loved ones!-
                               Family-
                                           Thanks for your e-mails Mom and Dad.  I didn't get details about the ward splits and what-not but that is A-O-Kay sounds like something big changed! : ).  Mom, how exciting about your wood floors!! haha I laughed just imagining Haley and her clients hearing the pounding!  Think about the memories that were made on the lenoleum floor!  I won't even recognize our family or house in a little bit...goodness!  Dad I can't believe that it might be possible for you to get that mazda!  haha Good luck!  Or as my old companion says it ...GOO-JEE LUH KEY haha.  Love you all! 
 -Elder Johnson
p.s. - I had one more person come out and tell me that their daughter had fallen in love with me. . . Oh dear, why do people have to make things awkward . . luckily I am leaving this area haha!  When people say things like that. . . I just act like it was never said and erase it from the records of History!  

To all-
           So this was a week of success and also change!  We were able to baptize Vitor who is 11 and had a great desire to be baptized.  The miracle was the fact that his whole family (none of whom we really expected to show up) we able to go to the baptism.  We left Sunday morning in the rain and as we saw from a distance Vitor's Dad we couldn't believe it!  Then...His Mom, Brother...other Brother... almost everyone!  They were all waiting on the corner for us sheltered from the rain.  At the baptism everyone made Vitor feel like a million bucks and everyone helped the family feel super welcome. . . I really dont know what happened but it seemed as if everyone was on "welcome to church steroids" the family was swarmed, hugged, invited, thanked, greeted, loved ect.  His Dad even stood up in the baptismal service to give thanks and talk a bit (He talks a LOT).  Interesting thought was that the day before the baptism he had told me that Vitor wasn't ready. . . talked him outa that one quick!  Now he just needs to get married and keep going to church so his family can be eternal!!  
         Sad as it is, I am not going to be able to see the baptisms of some AWESOME people that we are teaching and that the Lord truly prepared for us.  I am being transferred back to the interior!  I wish you could all understand how there are almost 2 different missions here....Fortaleza and the Interior. . . I started in Juazeiro (Interior) . . . came to Fortaleza.... and now I am going back!  It is seriously a different world out there!  Animals in the street, farm, lots of slang, etc.  The church has only been in the city that I am going to (Barbalha- BAR BALL YUH) for a year and a couple months.  I am super excited to see many of the people that I baptized at the beginning of the mission that are really like family to me.  I hope to be able to help the zone as well!  I will be living in a house with 6 missionaries!!  Including my 2nd to last companion Elder J. Santos.  . . ...  I can't express my excitement!  My great friend Elder Bills is going to be taking my place in my current ward which will be sweet!   Spent time yesterday and today saying goobye and thanking the wonderful people here.
         Forgot to mention that last week I was able to play ping pong forever. . . I am thankful for many nights of practice with my friends, dad, brothers, powdered doughnuts, chocolate milk, and slurpees that prepared me to be declared the champion hahaha.  
        The mission is a Joy.  It is a back breaker at times, but take it on with a smile and some prayer, and it all turns out well. . . Grab a stick and make a bow out of wood instead of complaining about the broken steel . . . and it makes everyone else happy including yourself!  (NEPHI : D) . . . Love you all!  
-Elder Johnson
p.s. Now I will get letters every month or so . . . whelp, what can ya do? haha



VITOR who was baptized this week. 
Some goodbyes with members and also with missionaries!