Week #36

Fam-

    First things first. . . I wanted to make sure you all remembered that time that we got to that house in Cali that smelled like dog and animals in general.  Well I just wanted to quote our Friend Frankie and dedicate it to Jake who does a wonderful impersonation.  "Look Jerry, My name is Frankie and Ima' givit to ya straight alright? . . Ima pocket 200 dollars, no one will ever know... I pay Baws (boss) the rest and you got yourself a great weekend with fam. . . "you gotta trust me Jerry..." hahahaha LOVE IT.  All is well here. .  It has been a great transfer and is winding down!  Who knows what is to come.  Love you and miss you all!  Christmas from Brasil will get there before the 25! : ) . . I dont think I left anyone out.... not even rudy! wait. . I left C-baby out. . . ahh man.  Give him a hug for me.  Love youall! - Elder JOhnson

PS. Thanks for the Jazz and BYU updates!  ... If they win it all . . I will be ticked.  and I excited I guess. haha

All - 

      Another week of missionary life come and gone as fast as the first.  How crazy that there are only 104 weeks in total!  This week we were able to baptize 3 young men that we found through a young member of the church who started to come back to church recently.  I want so badly for all of them to understand and fully grasp the concept of "THE TRUE CHURCH" on the earth today.  I wish sometimes I could just put a pendrive in other's heads and upload my testimony of the truthfulness of these things. . . but that would be too easy.  We know that we are here to work and that the work we have to do was designed to make us happy. . . How SICK!  

     We have been teaching a 19 boy, Tony, who is truly a 'seeker of the truth.'  He has followed through on our invitations and is just waiting a solid answer from God to take a leap of faith into the waters of baptism.  The first lesson that we had with him was the first one with someone our age in a while, and he was paying VERY close attention to everything.  These two factors really put the pressure on and made me think about every word.  When I got to my testimony, the thoughts were loosened and my mind was able to reflect upon ALL THAT I KNOW as a member of this church.  I bore testimony from the depths of my heart and I was blessed with one more witness that there is no other path than the one we are on.  Sometimes, our feelings for the gospel and our gratitude to Heavenly Father can only be expressed to a certain point, the rest has to be done by the spirit, and is often accompanied by tears.  I will admit that I have decided against tears on the mission and so they are a super rare sighting.

     As for a mission comment . . . Missionaries will never be perfect, neither will members, and neither will our testimonies.  I find strength in simple scripture study everyday and a simple desire to KNOW MORE and to be able to teach others more effectively.   One more thing that I learned this week . . . it doesnt matter WHAT it is . . . it just isnt worth getting mad. . . at least not if you want to have the spirit!  I am done preaching to the choir.  Thanks for being amazing friends, family, examples, teachers, etc.

Love Elder Johnson

P.S. I weigh 170 pizounds.  It is a record.  Dear Amy Cotant "I'm on a diet...too"  ; ) hahaha 

P.P.S.  I realized this week that to make a child behave you count to 10 in the states. . .here, the mom just reaches for her flip flop without saying a word and the child knowsthat he'd better stop haha... good ole brasilian culture!

P.P.P.S  Thanks to all that have written. . . E-mails, letters, etc. . . . I am amazed by the force of our friends that are spread across the globe doing this work!

Elder Johnson

November 29, 2010

Email #35

Fam-

Heidi thanks for the pics! Me and my comp both enjoyed them haha I told them about dad and the wreath hahaha. Dad thanks for the updates! I cant believe that everyone is already coming home. . . so stinkin weird. . . and Taylor Madsen already heading out.. going where again? super cool! Hales... thank you so much for sending those e-mails... my mail is getting there fast huh? That is Bomb! haha. Cidnee squire is her name! ps were you able to forward those e-mails (any that I sent that have pictures in them) to my comp?dillon.deffense@myldsmail.net. Sorry! Thanks for all of your updates everyone. . . I got a few e-mails from friends so there wasn’t much time today and I had to take pictures of the screen! ah! haha. Mom your letter will go off tomorrow! As well as my Christmas presents! YAY! I will try and get a better picture of my shoes this week! I love ya all!

ps dont worry I made a temporary shoe bottom out of tar from the street! ; )

pps. One more companion that has fallen in love with your voice hales!

All -

So the biggest let down of the week is that there was no baptism. But the bright side is that we are planning on four this next week! Then the week after, we have the best one of the transfer.

In the morning we will go to the center of the city to marry a couple we are teaching. That night we will return to the church to have their baptism. I believe I have already written about them. They are amazing. The other day I fought to the death to get the man to pray to end out lesson... every time he said "I will practice and do it next time I promise!" . . . not this time Narcisio. So he prayed. His prayer was so sincere as he talked with God about his Father's bad health and plead for a blessing. As he thanked the Lord for having found His church and for the woman sitting on His side that will soon be his wife. Not just for now, but for eternity. I almost teared up with him as we all felt His prayer leave the room and ascend. It was a beautiful experience!

The Lord continues to show me that whether we are perfect of not, He can work through us. It is even super hard to see sometimes... but if we are super patient. . . he'll show us the reason behind anything!

we are doin great... my time has run out... thanks again for the messages and dont forget that I am praying for you all!

Next week I will tell you about the Americans that we found here! Miracles.

Love you all- Elder Johnson

pppps . Did a lot of magic this week! My comp is a crowd pleaser haha and loves kids . . I think my kids will thank me for having served a mission.

PPPS. fam- if you write on Monday next week I wont get it... you all have to write on Sunday night for me to get it because of an activity we have!

PPS. - Thanks to all of those who wrote! I AM SO STOKED ABOUT ALL THOSE WHO ARE GOING AND RETURNING FROM MISSIONS! TJ. . . thanks for you note as well : ) Those of you who e-mail I will try and get a letter letter off! Loved hearing for some of you! Feel free to update or vent whenever you need! haha.

Elder JARED! RUSSIA! You are the man!

PS. Had a recent convert who in all serious told me his first born son will be name Johnson... sounds funny but that is how much it meant to him to have found the true church!

Elder Johnson

Email #34

November 22, 2010

Fam-
I hear it is a little cold there! Lucky... haha. I am starting to see Christmas tress and lights... it doesn’t have the same effect without the cold! But it also serves for something good; helping to keep the real focus of Christmas, something that we battle with each year. I am positive that the two Christmas days that we spend on the mission are and will always be special ones . . . when we are able to really escape from the worldly aspect a little. Say hello to the Johnson’s for me, and tell me what city in LA they are from... I tahunga? Something like that. I hope the wedding For Stacey goes well, tell her congrats for me, that is really the greatest news ever. Love each and every one of you, don't forget that. -Elder Johnson


All-
Well, I am a little short on words today, I didn't take very good notes of the week and in this moment I am at a loss. I have been full of thought this week; About how I can be a better person, a better missionary, and if I really am doing enough...doing what the Lord expects of me. We learn a lot everyday, but am I really the teacher of the gospel that the Lord expects me to be? I KNOW the gospel in my heart, and it is something that cannot be moved...do what you will, I know who I am and why I am here...but sometimes I lack the ability to transmit my burning testimony and knowledge that if people will build upon this foundation, they CAN NOT FALL. It is a foundation of rock, our redeemer, and as anyone who has tried digging through rock, it isn't easy, but once we have struggled to build that foundation through our hard work, nothing can knock it down.
I look forward everyday to be able to learn more about the gospel. I am going to dedicate more time this month to think about my savior specifically and His role in my life, for through him, I have life. I don't think I fully comprehend how dependent I am on Him, but as I study I look forward to understanding more about Him, His love, and how I can be more like Him.

Thanks for all of your prayers.

We started the legal wedding of Narcisio and Lucilene this week. . . They are AWESOME. he is the man who felt like he was in the clouds the first time he went to church. We have Family with them tonight. I know that as the seed of their faith grows and as they root themselves in this gospel, their lives will change, and gain a whole new meaning...and one day, they will be married in the temple . . . it could even be while I am on the mission : )

We also taught a medicine man who has hundreds of idols in his hows. . . he is going to be baptized next week! He is a super interesting almost Hippy-like guy and I love him. His name is José. To be simple, the spirit touched him and he knows the church is true.

Alrighty. signing off. Hope the Christmas season is starting off well for all!

Love you all- Elder Taylor Ray

Elder Johnson

Email and Week #33

November 15, 2010

Fam-

I thought about you all much this week. Mom wrote me a great update on all that is happening in your lives and I truly enjoyed it. I heard about the jazz... Yahoo! Go BYU as well! It’ll be a good one this year with Utah and BYU... but never as classic as the one we went to! (Heidi juice dad)

How cool that Elder Webber stopped by! He passed through my first area when he was leaving... how was it that he ended up there? Super cool... you have already had two awesome missionaries in our house to answer questions. What a coincidence. Love you all, pray for you day and night, and I know you are all being blessed, as well am I. Thanks for you prayers! - Elder Johnson

All.

Hello! I hope you are all doing well. I think about many of you each day who have played a role in my life to this day. I love you all.

This week we were able to work with some people that have been going to church faithfully that the missionaries just never taught. We were able to teach, challenge, and baptize them this week. One of the young girls Laiane, has a special story. She is 8 years old and her Mom fine with her being baptized. UNTIL the night of the interview. We went by, her Mom said no and that was it. They said that she wasn't old enough to know what she wanted, or to know anything about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Politely, Elder Deffense asked Laiane what we should do on Sunday. In her cute little voice, she listed many things that we need to do on Sunday, including spend time with the family, study, and go to church. We left the house a little sad knowing that her Mom still didn't understand. That night we prayed for the Lord to open the eyes of Laiane's mother. The following day (Sunday), she showed up, beaming. MY MOM SAID I COULD BE BAPTIZED!! . . . The Lord had answered our prayers. I know that the spirit speaks to and teaches people of all ages. Certainly this is one reason there was such a great focus on teaching children while they are young and making our homes places of security and learning. I am grateful to have been raised in a home with parents who understand that!

The work is great, and Elder Deffense and I have had a great time. I don't know if I already said, but he is a hardcore surfer haha and I have learned quite a bit about how the ocean works... as well as surfer lingo. it has been a great 2 weeks and I am really enjoying the new area! Have to go... love you all! - Elder Johnson

Story - We were teaching a group of primary aged kids the other day and no one wanted to pray, so I told them that Justin Bieber prays and only likes people who pray.... right away we had several volunteers.

Story 2- We have 2 wards that we are working with, which is a blessing and a challenge at the same time. Anyways, we showed up at the sacrament meeting for our first ward on Sunday and it was getting started a little late. Right before the meeting started (already late) the first counselor asked us if we could speak. Sure!! haha So... we spoke. It went well : ) That same Sunday we were able to break the attendance record for that ward. Things like that always help, in that you get excited and the leadership gets excited because they know you are working as missionaries! We need all the help we can get from the members.

Story 3 - Ya know how we all have those 'you saved my life moments' but generally we are exaggerating? Well, that happened this week, but for real! We were walking on the left side of the street when there came two cars, one trying to pass the other. Simply put, I saw it, Elder Deffense didn't, a quick "ELDER CUIDADO (look out!)", a stealthy spin manuevor by Elder Deffense (who is a skilled ballroom dancer which I am sure helped), and he was saved. It was an intense moment and funny at the same time. To this day he tells me I saved him haha good times!

Email #32

November 8th 2010

FAMILY-

Beej- You think like me. I would love to continue recieving 'worldy updates' haha they aren't worldy they are 'unmissionly' and I reserve p day to be able to think about the jazz and what not... loved seeing the truck! It also gives you and your comp something to talk about in hours of quiet ya know? I LOVED reading about the time you spend with your little doll . . and that picture...haha I can imagine you just looking at her in awe and then givving her a thousand kisses as I am sure you did. I will continue to pray for you and nean and Linny! Love you all : ).

Mother! I already wrote your letter today, the problem is finding somewhere to mail.. but it will happen don't worry! I thought about a few more things for the big day. Deodorant, gold bond, dried mangos.... just three things that are really luxuries so don't even worry if they don't fit in that envelope or something. Just a litle calendar that I can store easy, not to hang up but just to have like a timeline of when things happen! The biggest thing you can remember is that I like surprises more than getting something I asked for! ... that must be hard.. sorry! haha. Both pairs of myshoes are breaking through on the bottom so I send you a picture of both. . . don't worry, I don'y feel it and those insoles are saving me, but I figured we might as well take advantage of the warranty sooner or later right? I spent 3 hours cleaning today, I really like it haha. I made a table for the food in our kitchen, cleaned the outside laundry room, created an area to do dips (an exercise), swept, made a new sink, fixed a shower head with a plastic bag and electrical tape (I'll send a picture it is sweet!), and we fixed the microwave that was in the closet haha. WEW!

Thanks for you Words of inspiration Hales. I need to always remember that each of us truly is broken, but the Lord loves us anyways. I had a specific person in our ward come to mind when I read that passage. . .I will try and see that person through His eyes. Love you Hales.

Heidi - Thanks for you e-mail and the pictures too... I will certainly be printing that one of the whole family and I have already added Jacie to the album : ) I as well am truly grateful for your husband, and all husbands truly, who know their role as father and priesthood holder in a home. That is something we don1t see much here in brasil... too many family with mother, kids, and maybe a stepfather, but usually not. Thanks to all of you, I am glad the blessing was such a great experience! I can't wait for Christmas! Will my english have an accent? I don't think so! Love you all. - Elder Johnson

PS Didn't get any Jazz or byu updates... ; ) haha. If someone has a picture of the gold truck on the computer or my moto It be sweet to have one!

PSS met an eler griffin from yorbalinda who is crazy haha and knows everyone we know there! (well that you all know, and that saw me in diapers)

ALL

Well everything is Hunky Dory! I am getting to know my new area, and we were even blessed with a baptism this week. We are trying to work a lot more with the members... we KNOW that they are a great source and can create a lot of success. I met a family this week that was baptized 2 months ago, and had waited 10 years to become part of the church (waiting for the missionaries). The father is already elders quorum president and she is already teaching relief society... their son that is 11 bore his testimony Sunday as well and told everyone what was up... what a stud. His name is tchaully, pronounced CHARLEY. Soon he will be a faithful member of the deacons quorum. But why are they moving so fast in their progress? They REALLY GET IT. THey know what it means to be members of the church. It is no small thing. It is not a joke. It is a great blessing, responsilbity and duty, and it is not to be taken lightly. It must come first in all we do, and they truly understand that. My testimony was truly strengthed by just meeting this family and feeling their testimonies through who they are and how well they understand that the church is not something that we throw into the space the is leftover at the end of the day, but it is truly in 1st place!

Being in my first 'new area' I have come to know a little bit more of what love is. Thinking about those people in my first area that were so blessed to be baptized into the church, and that expressed testimony through words and notes. I truly have a love for them that is different than any other. They will remain in my prayers always.

My comp is a goon and I love him haha. Elder Deffense is a hardcore surfer with a bright mind and a great way with people and children. His innerchild just might be a little more visible than that of others. This week he chased a cat, scared a dog, almost caught a duck, smacked a cow,

SideNote- a drunk man asked us yesterday if we wanted to purchase 'his dog' yesterday. AKA the stray dog on the street laying in front of him. haha "Sorry, we can't buy your dog sir ; )"

A boy (14) asked us the other day how long women stay pregnant in the USA. . hahaha isn't that something that is worldwide?

I decided I want a sweet bird when I come home... that sings beautifully, it reminds me of my grandfather, my Dad, and the amazing wonders that the Lord has created for us!

I love you all... stay safe, be strong, love your moms, and be anxiously engaged in a good cause!

-Elder Johnson

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!

Tays Email

October 25, 2010

Week #30

Fam-
Hales your Salon is stinkin sweet! Thank you for your talk as well, I will try and print it to re-read it later, We always have to keep learning even though we teach the same basic things everyday on the mission...you have to understand deeply to teach simply. hahahaha I laughed out loud with the Jazz pumpkin... IT NEVER FAILS! haha. Dad I was stoked to hear about the Bruins and good luck to the cougs neh? They always make us hope don't they? punks. Mom I am still trying to get a letter off everyday! Heidi thanks for the pics of your little doll and the family! I love imagining every once in a while your daily happenings! "Taylor is on a mission" - Berlin love it! I also cant wait to talk to you! I don't know how my English will do... but I will try haha. I will have to prepare. Love you all!
PS would have died to hear Hallies song!
PPS Hales I put your song on my USB today and I will listen to it in an hour or so : ) . . I think that An elder stole my cd of your music. .. they just love your voice ; ) ., . truly he did take it hahaha

All-
Well it was another wonderful week. More excitement as we try and create a stake here in this area... The work continues on strong! We have some super high goals for the progress and growth of the church here and everyone is onboard! This week we had two baptisms... JEFSOM and JACIRA. . . Jefsom was is a man prepared of God. . . We did nothing but teach, extend the invitations, and he received a testimony. He will be a great priesthood holder to help the church grow here. Jacira is the first person that I have successfully helped stop smoking. She did it! She is praying in the hour of need and spends a great part of her day at home reading the BOM and gaining strength. She has had many challenges in her life, and sometimes it seems as if she is not always super attentive, but she always surprises us with her deep questions and her knowledge!
I hope all of you get to pass by the front of my house and see the sweet pumpkins ; ) haha I received a few photos that I really enjoyed! I have been in touch with Alex Allred, Scott Moake, in the CTM, as well as Kace Redder and Kyle Hansen in their missions as well. What a great work we are doing and how moving to ponder about the army we are a part of!
I have no time to leave the thoughts that I wanted... just know that the Lord can use whatever work you do in whatever way he wants.... It is potential energy (potential blessings) . . you can do the work in one area, and he just might bless you in an area that you had forgotten existed! Love you all, I must run. I hope you all loved the poem last week that I wrote. Stay strong, do the small things that seem unimportant and you will see miracles!

- Elder Johnson