Oct 4, 2011

Family -       Oh you guys. . . I missed my brothers, cousins, and dad as I went to conference sunday morning (re-broadcast) ... Sounds like Dad's b-day gathering was a great time and surely everyone had fun recounting some wonderful memories.  Just to answer a few questions that were asked. . . Presidente Souza does most of his work from his home office, for example, he reads and writes back to ALL the missionaries letters...so today he is at home, dedicating the day to the weekly letters.  Mom, the transfer date that they've given us is March 5th.  So I'd be heading out on the fifth and getting home on the 6th sometime in the late morning.  Dad... I think I'm going to take Hales' advice and take a few classes in the summer, work, and see if I can't get some ideas in play in Provo before the Fall semester. . . Riviera would be awesome!  Even though I don't know where it is nor what it is like!  As far as I know, Kyle Hansen is already home! . . Andrew Blackham enganged!  Not surprising! . . . awesome guy.  One more provo temple!! SO cool!  I'm glad Elder Ingersoll came over!  Even is he's quiet (which he wasn't too quiet on the mission) he's a great guy!  Was he wearing capris?   Haha, he asked me before he left..."what am I going to wear to your house?"  So you got all my pictures right?. . . overload I know! haha.         I thought about our awesome Dad as I heard Sister Dalton speak of raising daughters.  I believe that the awesome sisters I have are a direct witness of the way in which Dad showed us how a mother and wife should be treated.  Hales is still on the look-out for someone who can live up to dad's mark, it's a tough one.  Love you all... can't wait to be by your side eating burnt peanuts, black licorice, snaps, milk duds, choc.chip.mint ice-cream, and smoothies next conference! ; ) -Elder Johnson Ps. Mom, there is a missionary asking how much you paid for those little magnet balls. . do you rememeber? . . . You kinda made me famous for the toys here in the office! All-              Brief summary of everything that made our week...special haha.  Remind that last monday we got up at 3:30 to leave the missionaries in the airport and we stayed there a majority of the day.  Then tuesday we went back to get the new missionaries. . . Tuesday afternoon there was a missionary coming BACK who we went to pick up . . . he didn't show up... Then that night, another missionary going home because of his knee. . . we got there and and it turned out that his flight was cancelled and we hadn't need to be in such a hurry.  Wednesday we had 2 americans come in straight from Provo, a headache for me to make them legal, not to mention the first time that I've gone through the process. . . let's just say I tried but I didn't get it ALL right the first time haha. Thursday we had to make up for all the lost time, and Friday morning I was up at 5:00 am again to get a few Elders to the federal police department. . .             Sometimes I get tired but I really do enjoy helping out! . . The hardest part is not always feeling like a "real" missionary who teaches as a full-time job.  Saturday and Sunday was conference : ) we had a few investigators and a lot of recent converts there. . . Most of whom came in sunday best for the first time . . we gave a few ties out and got the men using 'em . . yahoo!            Conference was all we expected it to be and more.  For me, I felt a focus on the Book of Mormon and creating a relationship with our Heavenly Father through prayer.  It is my goal to be able to say here in six months, that my relationship with my Father in heaven is stronger than it is today.  I changed my system a little bit this conference and instead of writing everything that stuck out to me, I made a compiled list of what I need to DO and CHANGE for the next sixth months. . . Sometimes when I just write everything that called more attention, I never get back to it and it might never find it's way to becoming part of my new 'me.'  I hope I can make more and better changes these 6 months then ever before!            I felt a very special spirit as I heard the prophet read the 10 commandments to the world.  I felt very strongly that God was in each and every word that he was saying, confirming the importance of his most basic laws, not suggestions.  I love that man!  I enjoyed his occasional head-chake and chin-jiggle hahaha.  I know that he is the one and only person entitled to speak to the world in God's name and as his prophet today.  I'm so thankful to have no doubts as to the truthfulness of his gospel; now if I could just make all my weaknesses strengths ... I know he is aware of us.  He knows our path, our footsteps, our aches and pains... In thinking of my desire to make my weaknesses my strengths I remember he strongest phrase that rang out to me from the whole conference, which came through one of the songs - I Believe in Christ - when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang the last verse.  I believe in Christ; He stands supreme!  From Him I'll gain my fondest dream; and while I strive through grief and pain; His voice is heard, "YE SHALL OBTAIN."  I believe in Christ, so come what may, with him I'll stand in that great day, when on this Earth he comes again to rule among the sons of men.....I know that in him we gain our fondest dreams. . . that we can ALWAYS hear his voice whispering to us, ye shall obtain.  It brings joy, hope, and tears to my eyes to think of all He did and does for me.  Come what may, I want to be able to stand by his side.  Thanks to all for helping me do so!                              With love and gratitude -Elder Johnson PICTURES: -YUMMIEST dessert. . . almost cookies and ice cream. -my name on the gps thing, goign to the Polícia Federal -Little Car selling stuff. . . classic -Elder Redd sleeping the police station - "Some people just weren't cut out for life on the rooad. - Jim Carrey" -Napoleon who'll be going on a mission soon!   He was baptized when I was with Elder Rodrigo (26 yr old) -Banks are on strike! -Saying bye to Elder Deffense! After thoughts:funniest conference moments.... President Monson shaking his turky chin in disbelief of the world today....and a certain child suggesting a third option when mother had given the only 2 options saying, "I want THIS choice (thrusting hand forward, securing her new choice in her air-filled fist)...TO PLAY....and eat JUST ice cream... and NEVER go to bed!!" . . . sometimes I want that choice too... I'm sure you can imagine my Johnson laugh being heard for a solid 10 seconds... Quote of the week... "If you are too busy to laugh... you are too busy" - Anon. I thought about curly fries the other day.  So good.