September 13, 2010

Elder Taylor Ray Johnson

Email #25

FAMILY!!!
So she is here!...or there!! I had random times throughout the week when the thought slammed back into my head... you could be an uncle again..RIGHT NOW haha. What a beautiful little girl and I love her name! Jacie Kate Nelson....beautiful, as I'm sure she is and will be! Super jealous that I can't be there but give her a kiss for me someone... and tell her quickly who her favorite uncle is ;). I don't know if I already reported but my comp is a Ute... I saw the hat Juice and thought about it! Once again, Congrats Heidi and Juice, love you both! Mom and Dad I forgot to tell you that I am in the city Juazeiro Do Norte! The southern tip f the state Ceará! I hope you all had a lovely week...they are flying by for me! like Dad told me, Focus makes time fly! I'll try and stay focused for two years haha.

My love and prayers , elder Johnson

PS Dad... check pg. 144 of Jesus the Christ and tell me what ya think! I thought of you when I read about 'the woman'

ALL-
First I would like to say that I am an uncle on more time! Heidi had her baby Jacie Kate Nelson this week on the 8th! Beautiful little girl. What a blessing that she was born into a family that is based firmly in the gospel of Jesus Christ, there could be no greater blessing.
I wish I had time to tell it all! This week we were chased down by a member and told that a woman had been possessed and that they needed our help. WOW, shocker. Elder Stocking asked me if I was ready for an adventure and we went to see what we could do. We arrived at the house, asked for a minute to ourselves, and prayed for guidance as to what to do. There was already a large group of people watching a pastor try and get the demon out of her. We were both at a loss for words and actions. We both felt after our prayer, that it wasn’t our place to mess with such a situation and in the end we told the member that we would pray for her and the woman. She thanked us for that presence and told us that we had already helped enough. CLOSE ONE! Although it was a strange situation, my faith was strengthened by the faith of that member when she told us that she knew that only someone who truly has the authority of god could act in his name. How blessed we are to have his power her on Earth and at our command if we are worthy and faithful.
The other week we were walking down the street and passed two old women that were playing dominoes on a table on the sidewalk...very common here. Many times the elder people here are already set in their ways and it isn't super effective to contact them. As we passed, I felt strongly that I needed to go back. Long story short, we went back, talked with them, got the address, and went on our way. A few days later we had time and we passed by that house. Turns out, her daughter was in the house along with a few more family members. Her daughter is married and has three children. I could have sworn I had seen her before. We had a wonderful lesson, and are teaching both the mother and the family of the daughter now. She was overwhelmed with emotion as she offered her first audible prayer in who knows how long. Her and her mother both ended up in tears. We will continue teaching and ill update ya! I KNOW that the spirit led us to that family. I know that the Lords hand is in this work. We have to believe!

Love you all! - Elder Johnson

PS. Had an investigator who went crazy when i pulled out my post it notes this week... "WOW, what is...how does it....SWEET!!" haha good stuff : ) tciao!

Elder Johnson

September 6, 2010

Email #24

Family-
So it is Labor Day and you are all partying again. Except for heidi wif her big bewy : ) Heid I am stoked for you both and I hope there are pictures next week! Tell Hallie Belle Happy birthday for me! I didn't send any presents, I don't know if I dare tempt this mail system here, but I send my love! What a fun night it will be in front of the fire.... the fire will continue to beat on my neck here as well ; ) haha... it is amazing how everyday is hot, but the sun has different levels of hotness. Love you all dearly. OH I heard about the truck you bought Barrett! Unfair, having adventures like that without me there! I will be expecting a picture of two alrighty? Alright. And did Justin Lindorf do anything with my moto? Tell him congrats on the marriage! What a huge step. He is grrreat. Love you all - Elder Johnson
PS. just to give you a taste of the language... The word " Reili " would be pronounced HALEY
PPS. This week we had a great training.... and the Devil knew that our capacity to teach well had improved.... because he saw to it that many things fell through this week. We are shooting for the stars here and this week will surely be better!

ALL
I apologize to you all....something devastating happened last week... haha I accidentally deleted ALL of the pictures of the mission up to this date... I'm so smart! We are going to try and save them (who knows how) but I think it is a lost cause. That is OOK. After all, we can't take pictures to heaven, and I have a lot more time here to take pictures!
We had the Baptism of Eliêgina this week! She is a bundle of joy haha and never stops smiling. I had the chance to confirm her in sacrament meeting (Fast Sunday), and that same meeting she bore her simple but powerful testimony. She spoke about the unmistakable different feeling there is in the church, and how she thanks the Lord everyday for John, who brought her to church for the first time, and for the missionary lessons. I am truly grateful to have played a part in this small change that will change her life forever.
Interesting thought that I heard in priesthood this week: What is always right next to the steps of a recipe? There is always a picture of the food already prepared, and it always looks too good to be true. Why? Because that picture gives you the motivation and incentive to follow the steps and achieve the finished product. Smart is it not? Now, for us, we have to always have the celestial kingdom in mind, that moment when we will wet the saviors feet with our tears and be accepted into his presence. Our eternal perspective and keeping our eyes on the finish line will give us the motivation to climb over the obstacles that tthe Lord have given us and that sometimes we give ourselves. We are a forgetful people...That is why we are commanded to read daily, pray daily, and attend the temple frequently. All of the small, daily things, are what help us to maintain our eternal perspective and in-turn, have a much happier life here on Earth : ) . . . Next time I get a little frustrated about something unimportant, I will try to ask myself if in the eternal perspective it will really make a difference... if not... I'll try and forget it! Love you all. Thanks for your support, your prayers, your letters, and your love.

- Elder Johnson

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.

Elder Johnson

August 16, 2010

Email #22

FAM-
AH! Thanks to all : ) Barrett I really needed to hear your words about your mission experience. It is nice to know that you understand that feeling of knowing what you want to say and sometimes not being able to... but you are right... I’m reaching the point where I don't have to worry so much about the words and i can think a little bit more about what I am going to teach etc. Thanks for the picture that you sent me Steph, Haley.... i really love seeing what you guys are doing! There is nothing like it... even if I can only see it for 20seconds haha. I know those little ones are growing up, talking more, and are going to be HUGE when I come home... but we don’t talk about coming home yet ;) . . I think about home mostly when I have a strange business idea. Like my churro business that I will have one day. I'm loving the area still...cant believe i have been here in the same area for 3 months! It will be pretty weird;hard to change... but I have at least 5 more weeks here : ) Thanks for putting money on my card mom... worked out perfectly! I hope it was my money! . . ... . ... . .. . .... . I'm turning dark here...but only on the arms and face... my neck line is insane haha, oh the tan lines of a missionary! My new companion is from SLC... Elder Parker Joseph Stocking! We had a great week and he is a great missionary. I already learned a lot this week... like how missionaries work differently, but are always working with the same goal in mind... and when we are doing our part, no matter how YOUR PART differs from another person's, the Lord makes thing happen : ). . Thanks again for the Updates. . . love hearing about your lives! - Love Elder Johnson

P.S. . . This week I received a package of worms, hot tamales, ties, letters (so cute-from the girls), tootsie rolls, and letters....It was a Christmas in Agosto! Thanks so much! We at it all already!

Friends -

ALÔ! Eu sei que vocês Não estão entendendo isso, mas eu queria colocar algo nessa lingua so para dar um poco evidência que eu estou aprendendo, não só estou aqui de ferias! amo vocês! Foi uma boa semanacon certeza, MeuNovo Companheiro È Otimo!

I had a great week with my new Companion Elder Stocking from SLC Utah! Even though we only talk English. . . we connect on a lot more levels than I could connect (socially) With Elder Fonseca...really only because we are from the same place haha. He is a hoot, and even resembles Fully from Monster's inc. when he smiles. I don't know if there is someone on Earth that I just absolutely couldn't get along with, and I'm grateful that the Lord has given me that blessing! . . . Knock On Wood!
We have a bunch of investigators right now.. the hardest part is truly knowing WHO is going to progress .... and making sure that we give everyone sufficient chances to accept the gospel... all while not wasting time and being as effective as we can. To say the least we are learning to plan and work effectively. We had 3 baptisms that were stopped this week because parents didn't allow.... they think that the kids (10, 15, 16) aren’t old enough to know what they want. I testify that this is a lack of Faith and nothing more. The Lord can and does speak to each and every one of his children, without regards to his age. The spirit can't teach in a manner that no human can... because he knows us, and he can communicate directly with our soul!
We had a baptism this week! It was a surprise too! Jansum (Johnson (sounds like)) Sabrina Gomez Da Silva...we had miraculously found this family (Mom Dad Sabrina, Simone, Paloma) a while back, knocking doors (random impulse I had...The spirit? yes!)... and we were stoked! The 3 time we returned, they had searched on the internet and decided that we were living rules of a man (JS) and not of God... To say the least we had to cut them. 3 or 4 weeks later Sabrina appeared as we were teaching her neighbor... Long story short she started listening to the lessons alone, and going to seminary. She stopped drinking Café and now is going to be a strong addition to the young women here! The Lord Works in strange ways!
I know the Church is true. The gospel is simple, and it was meant to be that way. I'm grateful to have been born into a family that places the gospel first and taught me to try and do the same. I know the gospel changes lives. Em Nome de Jesus Cristo Amém

I love you all! -Elder Johnson

I made a cool contraption last night. I decided I'm going to fix my duck footed-ness or whatever it is. I tied the toes of my socks together and put them on. This forces my toes to stay together and not fall sideways when I layon my back. I am going to sleep with these socks until I start walking with my feet straight and not turned out! haha inovation of the missionaries. I also have been using the ladder on the side of the house for pullups... It is amazing what ya cando with an open mind and a little bit of creativity! (like make kites out of one pieace of news paper and string...like lots of people here!)

TAYLOR

Brazil…Week #21

August 9, 2010

FAM –

Well, I don't even know what to say! Sounds like The Lord is truly watching out for our family. Before I forget I just wanted to Tell Hallie Belle that I pulled out an old Letter today when I was organizing and I got a little teary eyed because of the tender note and picture "I am so excited for you to serve your mission, I will miss you, I love you - Hallie" . . . wow I can't believe how pure children are, even in their worst moments. No Wonder Christ commanded us to become like a little child, meek and lowly in heart, willing to submit..... Thanks Hallie" Mom go ahead and use this e-mail if you would like. I ended up having to pay the dentist bill because th mission doesn't cover it....so if you can make sure I have 200 dollars on my card that woooould be great! -Love you all

All -

For all those who are on missions that will get this letter... My name is Elder Taylor Johnson and I'm in Fortaleza Brasil...transfer 2 just passed and I said goodbye to my trainer, he is an amazing elder who truly showed me what a missionary should be like. He lived the law of 'forget yourself and go to work' like you'd never believe it. He never thought about his own self...he was always thinking about an investigator, a member, a lesson that he was preparing, or something related to the work. I will continue in my efforts to channel my mind and focus solely on moving the work forward.

Miracle number 1: My good friend Daniel that we baptized a month ago returned from a month long trip. Everyone is always leaving the city and it can be pretty hard to find people at home sometimes. The people with money go on trips, and the people without money can't pay for the bus ride to go to church. Anyways, Daniel went on a trip for a month right after his baptism.. Which left us a little worried about him. He came back this passed week and when we called to remind him about church the reply came over the phone "Claro, Já está pronto já" Of course.. I'm already ready! Miracles : )

Miracles #2 : We are teaching four boys that are 13 14 15 and 17...really good friends, and they are truly interested in the gospel. They have read, stopped drinking café, and are going to church. The miracle? They don't have money (being young boys who play video games) to pay for the bus. This Sunday they were at church after having walked 45 mins - 1hr to get there. The power of the spirit moves us to action, without a doubt.

Miracle letter C: I wish I could introduce you all to A little girl, 7 years old, who is reading the book of Mormon for her dad who doesn’t read well, and woke herself up early Sunday morning, got ready for church, and waited for us to come by. Her name is Tamyres. Her faith is unshakeable. We are teaching her parents and we were excited to pick them up for church (on foot) the other day...when we passed, they didn’t answer the door and we had to leave. Come to find out they didn’t have money for the bus, and the father didn’t want to be embarrassed. Tamyres had gotten ready and was waiting to leave....... she cried when she found out that she wasn't going to be able to go to church. She, through her faith, is going to hold her family together, and one day they will be sealed in the temple for all eternity.

I apologize for my lack of ability to relate stories, but I tried. I know God lives, he is a God of miracles and we see them everyday all around us. I know he keeps his promises and he will make out of us what we put forth. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is on the Earth again, and I am eternally grateful to be part of it, as well as sharing it with the people here in Brasil.

Love - Elder Johnson

Elder Johnson

August 2, 2010

Week 20!!

Dear Family -
I hope you all had a blast in St. George! I bet you all sweat like me while you were there! I'll admit, I wouldn’t have been stoked about the run...but I would have done my best! haha How exciting that Hales is back at home with Mom, Dad, and Rudy! I want to see a picture of the playroom! Maybe of the lake that you visited...etc. Thanks for the picture you sent Hales. The people here never fail to tell me I have a beautiful family, and that I look like my mom and dad as well haha. Mom thanks for the update on Jake Wanamaker...super sad situation...Maybe you can send me his address next week or something? I'm trying to stay on top of the letters and such! I pray for you and thank the Lord for my awesome family continually. I Love you all. Elder Johnson
P.S. when is this little baby of Heidi's coming?!
PPS I had a great business idea this week.. it is going to be big. . . churros. : ) with filling. . . . "CHURRO "NA MAGINATION" . . create your churro (filling, coating etc.) and choose your ice cream!

All-
It was a great week for sure. We had another record breaking sacrament meeting attendance and that means another week of work trying to find those who are truly ready to accept this gospel! I was practicing a lesson with my companion this week, the first lesson, when we present the story of Joseph Smith. While I was telling the story of Joseph Smith I realized something that gave me a boost of confidence and energy; He was a simple young man, roughly educated, young...normal... He was no different than any one of us, He was just filled with faith. The Lord loves all his children just the same, and if he loves a small ploughboy enough to visit him in a time of trouble, to answer a simple, sincere question of the heart, then without a doubt he loves me enough to do the same. To answer my prayers if i pray with faith, If I am seeking sincerely, If my eyes are single to his glory.
I had a lesson this week when it seemed as if the language he fled from my mind. I was a bit frustrated afterward. But my companion taught me something interesting. He told me that whatever I said in that lesson was exactly what the Lord needed me to say, because i was there and I was doing my best. Maybe the Lord withheld my tongue because I needed to teach that lesson a little bit more simply. We can trust that the Lord knows what is happening, what has happened, and what is going to happen. I know that if I put forth all I can, and then walk with faith, I will be given whatever words need to be said. I love you all. Go eat a slurpee or something for me : )

-Elder Johnson

P.S. For any of you who heard my "awkward is what you make it" quote... it can't be translated because they don't have the word awkward here. They just make the cricket sound to symbolize haha

PPS for any of you have seen frequency ... remember that part about "yahoo"? . . I am doing the same thing right now... "Churros" remember that word yall ; )

Tays Email #19

July 26, 2010

Fam -

Ah! So much news, I stinkin love it! Haha. I’m glad it seems like our family took ALL of the family vacations at the same time right when I left! Ya PUNKS! Love you more everyday in all honesty... I don't understand how my love for my family doubles everyday when I don’t even get to talk to you all! Hales... I couldn't write and listen at the same time so I'm waiting until after the e-mail to listen to your song... and cry.. hahaha cause I know it will be beautiful and I will cry. Took the boat out… Good news : ) Coach Johnson, thanks for the update dad, super sad. And also thanks for the thoughts on pioneers and our potential... I took a picture of the screen and will review later! We are super short on time today : ( Super exciting also that the basement it changing! It has been the same for a long time! Mom you mentioned that I would have been proud of Haley’s song.... I know I would have too! And even without hearing it, I am! "Only beautiful women in this family" -said one of the members of the branch here when she was looking at our family picutres! haha Keep being the awesome family that I talk about in my testimony everyday! Eternal Families = my favorite promised blessing of them all!

ALL -
So yesterday was a day of miracles. It seems like the Lord makes you work work work without seeing the results, until you don't think you are making a difference, and then he shows you that his hand truly is in the work. We had FULL classes yesterday in the Branch.. it was a miracle! So beautiful to see the rooms full of people, even if they aren't baptized yet! They were there! We were picking people up (when I saying picking people up i mean walking around the whole city knocking on the doors of our investigators and then walking with them to the bus stop) for church when a random boy we'd seen on the streets a few times stopped us, told us he was going to come to church with us, went and changed clothes, and then came with us. . . Miracles. I heard an interesting thought this week. A bishop noticed a cigarette on the chapel floor, bent down to pick it up, and returned with a smile on his face. He wasn't mad...A cigarette in the chapel is better than a cigarette in the street... why? Because it means that whoever smoked that cigarette...is trying. They were where they were supposed to be, doing what they were supposed to do, trying to get better...And when we do our part, the Lord will always do his.
I had an interesting battle Sunday... I was playing the piano, and the son of one of our investigators insisted on playing as well.... playing the notes WHILE insisting on stepping on the pedal... Oh dear. OH DEAR. hahaha I did my very best and we made it through. I tried to control him during all of the meetings yesterday so that his Mother could feel the spirit and enjoy her time there, I hope that she did... She went to church on her own (THAT NEVER HAPPENS) with a girl that we taught a while back but lost interest. They were both there, and they are both on the 'progressing investigators' list. Happy Days : )
Quick note- This morning was insane. Two brasilians battling for the spotlight, both singing different songs, in a little house in brasil, in addition to heat, and a pillow fight. I ALMOST got a headache ; )

Scripture chase. COMPARE Alma 32 with 1 Nefi 8:1 . . . I was thinking about our Faith and how it grows from a seed. One thing that I have never realized is that there are SO many different kinds of seeds in this world! Some that take a long time to grow, some that grow fast, some that are planted deep, some shallow.... and EACH and EVERYONE brings forth a different flower, a different fruit, a different tree etc. The point is, we are all different. Each of us have a different 'seed of faith' and it will be demonstrated in different ways...each of us will bring forth different 'fruits.' We just have to do our part to water and nourish the seed, and without a doubt, over time, the Lord will make sure that we turn into, or bring forth, the right fruits, the right flowers, etc... the fruits that he needs us to bring forth. Just live his word, Move forward, and he will turn you into what he needs you to be, after all you can do.

Word of the day ALMOCAR = to eat lunch. I love this verb. 'Nós sempre almocavamos' = we always used to each lunch. haha Who just has a verb 'to eat lunch'...so cool.
Also. OREM means 'You all pray' thought that was cool
"Bem me quer, Mal me quer" - direct translation - "Good wants me, bad wants me".... our meaning "He loves me, he loves me not"

I don't have time to do photos today. I apologize. Love you all dearly. Be your best you, love your family, send a thank you note today ... it only costs a dollar (or a free text). All my love - Elder Johnson