Sept. 26, 2011

Fam -         Dad, I apologize for not having explained much about my contact with president... I don't really know how to describe it all!  President comes into the office usually just once a week, to do interviews or what-not... When he travels or what-not I just make sure he has a flight, a place to stay, etc.  I put together the reports of each week for him and send them to him by e-mail. . . for example, tonight I got an e-mail here saying that 2 americans were coming by surprise...so I called president, told him that I had finished another task he'd asked me to take care of (arrange for the return of a sick elder) and we talked about the new missionaries. . . we determined what time they were going to pick us up tomorrow so we can go get the new missionaries at the airport and have their first (of two) lunches at president's house haha.  I pretty much just do what he needs and get him information that he needs...sometimes he likes to run ideas by me on the phone (I think he does it without trying) and so sometimes he'll sit and explain his though process to me. . . I love the man.  He, to me, is SO funny with his dry humor and whatnot.  I am sure I was NOT born to make people laugh, but to recognize the comedy in life and laugh at it. . . The office is getting pretty spick and span . . but then transfer roles around and the missionaries do in with our organization!  Punks.  haha.  I've realized how well things work when missionaries resolve things themselves...which is almost ALWAYS possible... before calling someone (me) to save them... Usually when we talk about a great missionary.. .. they are one of those who never calls...you never hear from or about him, because he is in his area, dealing with his problems on his own, and working hard.  I love helping those who are really needing it!  The hardest part is hearing the famous phrase when I answer my phone..."I KNOW I am not supposed to be calling...but I have a favor to ask...." haha so cliché!  I've learned bunches!          Thanks for your e-mails mom dad and hales.  I'm sorry I took so long to get to ya'll....                     - Love you all - tell Hals congrats on being so awesome!  P.S. --  not a single picture?!  Don't worry.. I sent 5 pics and 4+ videos! ; ) Elder Johnson All-          So I spent a good part of the week organizing things for the transfer... updating documents, preparing packets for all the missionaries...Friday I went to the Federal Police Dep. getting up at 5:00am to get some visas renewed.....We finished the week with a wonderful baptism!  Daniel who is 17 got baptized and was one of the happiest I've seen on the day of the baptism...The only thing I can say about Daniel is that we truly didn't do any of the preparing in his case, he was simply ready.  He was already going to seminary and we met him at our missionary work activity that we are doing with the ward.         Today started at 3:40 when I woke up, got ready in 8.5 minutes (hair done, teeth brushed, shirt ironed, etc.) and set off for the airport in the still morning atmosphere of Fortaleza...with six brasilians who were headed home...reality set in for all of them as we got to the airport, they said their goodbyes and went through the gate.  Then we were off to our house again at 7:30 to get the americans.  We got home in time to find out that we still didn't have water in our house (can flush the toilet, wash dishes, shower, etc.) and the effects of 20 missionaries staying in our house were showing... I cleaned up a little bit, rounded up the american's and we were off.  In the van I handed our the packets for each one...letters to family, intinerary, hints from president, mission service history, etc... along with their passports as well.  In the end... I said goodbye to a good group of my friends today and sent a majority of them your way .. to SLC.  Including 3 that I had already served with in the field!  Great guys.         So our P-day was pretty much shot . . . sa'll good.  There were a bunch of people here at the office that tried to watch a movie so I sat down as well... I just fell asleep hahaha.  Wow.. I just realized that Kyle Hansen is getting home... today?  Maybe tomorrow.  Wow that is nuts.  I think I officially had my longest letter-less spree. . . that means I've been out here for a while!  I don't know what life would be like without this work to be done, we missionaries are super lucky.  love to all! Dad, I apologize for not having explained much about my contact with president... I don't really know how to describe it all!  President comes into the office usually just once a week, to do interviews or what-not... When he travels or what-not I just make sure he has a flight, a place to stay, etc.  I put together the reports of each week for him and send them to him by e-mail. . . for example, tonight I got an e-mail here saying that 2 americans were coming by surprise...so I called president, told him that I had finished another task he'd asked me to take care of (arrange for the return of a sick elder) and we talked about the new missionaries. . . we determined what time they were going to pick us up tomorrow so we can go get the new missionaries at the airport and have their first (of two) lunches at president's house haha.  I pretty much just do what he needs and get him information that he needs...sometimes he likes to run ideas by me on the phone (I think he does it without trying) and so sometimes he'll sit and explain his though process to me. . . I love the man.  He, to me, is SO funny with his dry humor and whatnot.  I am sure I was NOT born to make people laugh, but to recognize the comedy in life and laugh at it. . . The office is getting pretty spick and span . . but then transfer roles around and the missionaries do in with our organization!  Punks.  haha.  I've realized how well things work when missionaries resolve things themselves...which is almost ALWAYS possible... before calling someone (me) to save them... Usually when we talk about a great missionary.. .. they are one of those who never calls...you never hear from or about him, because he is in his area, dealing with his problems on his own, and working hard.  I love helping those who are really needing it!  The hardest part is hearing the famous phrase when I answer my phone..."I KNOW I am not supposed to be calling...but I have a favor to ask...." haha so cliché!  I've learned bunches!  1. apron pictures - We decided that we really needed to do something to SHOW the sister how much we appreciate the lunches they make us... instead of trying to sincerely thank them as we leave with full stomachs... it just doesn't seem like enough . . . we decided that we were going to wash the dishes every lunch . . there are some sisters that simply don't allow it but those who let us, we've loved serving. . . This particular time, RUTH made me wear an apron to not get my tie dirty... haha 2. baptism- Daniel! 3; Our house full of suitcases! - When 24 hours before it was spick and span! 4; I ran into a few people from an area of mine at the airport... they are doing great!  2 of which will be going on missions in ... 4-5 months! 5. That is the mission transfer board. . . where the inspiration comes to life!