Aug. 21, 2012

Well, this is the last week of the transfer and it's going fast. I feel a little bit lost right now- kind of like when you're thrown off the tube while dad is driving and you're not sure which way is up. There are so many things happening, changing, moving, stopping, leaving, coming, going... I am a little tired of sprinting all the time. I really just want to be able to take a step back to evaluate things and get my bearings, but that never seems to happen as a missionary. I'm not a long distance runner, so this whole experience has been new to me and it's taking everything I have to offer. Which it's supposed to, but I just never realized what that really meant.

 

I'm glad you all had so much fun at Snowbird! It sounds like everything went well and it's just as fun and beautiful as always. I am looking forward to being able to go there again with everyone. Is Ryan ready for school? When does it start?

Things are slowing down at the Battalion since everyone from Arizona and Utah are beginning school so the families aren't on vacation anymore. I've had some really neat experiences on my tours lately though. I've been feeling really worn down, kind of like my shoes that I wear every day, and there have been several occasions where I'm asked to give a tour, but I don't feel like I have it in me. Inevitably, Heavenly Father softens my heart and lets me get to know the people on my tour and gives me a lot of charity for them so their experience here is a good one. I'm so grateful that even when I feel like I'm hanging by a thread, Heavenly Father is there to keep me going. He loves us so much! He loves all His children. I've met some wonderful people here in the Battalion and they make the bad days seem minor in comparison.

A funny story happened on Friday. I was watching some of the "I'm a Mormon" profile videos to be familiar with them and I clicked on Kathy's profile because I hadn't seen it before. http://mormon.org/kathy/ She's telling about her childhood sweetheart/ now husband and up walks my English professor from Snow College! I had him both semesters I was there! That was the most surreal experience and I literally yelled out loud. That was kind of a fun little moment for me.

I'm sure you all want to hear stories, but I feel like it's the same story every single week. We contacted a less active who doesn't want to talk to us, we contacted another less active member who is really great and we love her a lot- and she wants to move soon. We just can seem to get people to come to our branch. We get them baptized or active and then they leave us. The good news is that we had a little family who had moved to San Diego from Lehi and thought the family ward was too big so they've started coming to our branch! They may leave in November, but they're here for now! It's great. And that happened a few months ago too with los Moya. I love this couple so much! He's a assistant branch mission leader since Hno. Gonzales is still in Ecuador and Hno. Moya is awesome! He is so dedicated, converted, and driven he is going to help the branch so much. And Sister Moya is great too. I'm so grateful that even though our branch is small and has a lot of less actives and drama sometimes, we have super fuerte people.

Yesterday we were on our way to an appointment and saw two people- one with a cake, and one with some melon and a Bible. We said their cake looked good and they invited us to their Bible study and church with them. We invited them to the Mormon Battalion and then went to our appointment. I asked Sister Young if she thought that they knew we were Mormon missionaries and she said they definitely knew. I think I don't realize just how much we stick out, and that's why it's important for us to always be on our best behavior. People really do notice everything we do.

A lot of the time that works for our benefit at the Battalion because we get to be a good example to non-members so the next time they see missionaries, hopefully they remember us. It also works when members are the good examples. Yesterday I had a man with his wife and two kids on my tour. He was telling me that his wife wants to separate and that he's turned it all over to God. He told me that she wants to learn more about God and the Bible, but in an environment where she can ask questions, then he explained that he wants to teach his three year olds about God and asked if I thought they were too young to learn. I exclaimed, literally, that no! They weren't too young and that the church has everything he is looking for. God, scripture study, primary, classes on families. This man has a friend who is a member and after I told him what church is all about, he said he was going to ask his friend. He really seemed like he would follow through and hopefully learn more. I will never know if his marriage improves or not, or if he ever goes to church, but I sincerely hope he does. I hope his life can change. But because this man, and his wife, trust this member friend they will be a lot more likely to look into it and take the steps they need to find the restored gospel.

Mom, I have a random question. If a black skirt is starting to look brown because it's old, is there any way to dye it so it's black again?

Love you all! Don't forget that Heavenly Father loves you and that He has a plan for all of us. As we follow Christ, everything will work out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end.

Love, Sister Johnson

Aloha, Aug 14, 2012

Dear family,

 

This week has dragged on a bit, but still so fast. This transfer is coming to a close and with it, Sister Young is preparing to leave. She's pretty worried about going home and I'm continuously reminded about when Sister Adams left. I'm apparently not a very nice companion to die with because I don't sympathize with them very well. I'm sure that is going to come back and bite me when it's my turn, but I'll face that later. Last night we had our farewell party for the Stallings whom I will miss dearly! I can't believe they're leaving! They've been such a constant presence here. Mom, you should talk to Sister Stallings and get to know her. I took the last tour last night at 8:15 which meant I missed most of the party/ testimony meeting (it's not really a party, more of a get together). I know that as we make sacrifices Heavenly Father blesses us and I saw that again last night. I didn't want to be on that tour, I had a member couple who didn't want to be there either, but I had talked them into it and their non-member friends were there but weren't sure why because they came in late, I had a young couple who I had thought had been through before and didn't see why they needed to come again (turns out I was wrong), and then after I had started a non-member family from Calgary were put on my tour. All I was thinking for awhile was that everyone needed to go home so I could go to the party (pretty selfish of me, I know). Heavenly Father reminded me to stop thinking like that and to make this tour a good experience for everyone because that is what I've been asked to do as my assignment here. I kept the tour as short as I could, but I did try to do my best. The cool thing is that when we follow Heavenly Father, our capacities are expanded. Last night I was able to testify about the Book of Mormon and Bible in a way I don't normally do in my tour and the Spirit was really strong. There was a reason each person was on my tour, and Heavenly Father knew that they needed to hear something specific. It ended up being a really good experience and I still had a little time to spend with everyone at the party. I know that as we follow the council of our leaders and Father, that we are always blessed and that things always work out for the better.

On Sunday night we had a Charla Fogonera (aka fireside) with President Clayton. They happen every month and this one was in Spanish which meant that Martin got to bear his testimony! He did such a great job and he is so solid even though the adversary is doing everything in his power to stop Martin. I am once again so grateful that I know this man and that I got to be part of his experience. His testimony was wonderful. Sisters Young, Stevens and I also got to sing Jehovah mi Pastor es (The Lord is my Shepherd) and I have discovered a talent of singing that I didn't realize before. Granted, I'm not an opera singer, but I have seen how Heavenly Father is giving me new talents. It's really fun.

I'm glad you're all doing well, of course I'll keep everyone in my prayers. What's Hannah and Alan's new address? Sounds like summer things are coming to a close- I feel like summer just started :/ Thanks for buying me some clothes mom :) Downeast also has a really cute skirt, it's a brown jerseyknit (sp?) with 2 pockets on the front with the top part of the pocket folded down- it is casual but super comfy and if they still have it, can I get it in a small? And do you remember the orange shirt I bought from there that is the sheer material and very light? Those kinds of shirts are really good too because I'm covered, but still able to feel some breeze. Plus also mom, will you please send me an absentee ballot? I want to make sure I get it in time that I can send it back and have it count. I may officially be politically neutral as I stand as a representative of Jesus Christ, but I definitely have my own personal opinion and I am not going to give up my freedom and right to stand up for what I believe in the limited way I can.

Family, I am stressed out of my mind. I've never been so stressed in my life, and yet things still happen and work out so I know Heavenly Father is in control. I think I may be training next transfer, but we'll see. Then I really will be like Sister Adams. Heavenly Father has been so merciful and has sent so many amazing people into my life though and I always learn something new. The other day he sent the Puterbaughs (pronounced like pewter) and I got to take them on the tour. Brother Puterbaugh was a teacher at the MTC, but I never met him. He gave us some really good advice about being a missionary and it was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm also reading Believing Christ which is one of the best books I think I've ever read. Heavenly Father really does love us all so much and is patient with us in our daily mistakes. I am grateful that my Father loves me enough to always give me a second, third, fourth, chance. He really is shaping me, and Sister Young, and everyone into the person He wants them to be. It's up to us to let it happen.

As always, I love you all so much. I hope everyone can feel healthy and happy. Life is too short to be miserable and I hope that things continue to pass well. Have fun at Snowbird!

Love, Sister Johnson

They Shall Roar Like Young Lions- Aug 7,2012

Family,

Ah! This week has sprinted by. Literally. Sister Young is preparing to go home and it has been an up and down experience. Some days are ok, others we spend a lot of time talking about how to be prepared for real life again- although what do I know? I haven't made that transition yet. I do know that Heavenly Father answers prayers though because we both have been praying a lot that she'll have people come through the Battalion who can give her much wanted advice, and it's been happening. Working in a Historic Site really is the most incredible thing because of the people we meet who are able to bless our lives in such specific and unique ways. I'm so grateful to be serving here.

On Sunday Ruben came to church!!! He's been really hesitant and even though the Spirit is super strong at all of our lessons, he still holds back. But he came!!!! When he walked into sacrament meeting my jaw dropped and then I burst into a grin. The elders were helping bless the sacrament and when they saw my face they just smiled and laughed a little bit at me. I know that the lessons we have been having have made an impact. We are the conduits through which the Spirit works, and as we're worthy the Spirit is able to flow freely. It doesn't, however, if the people we're teaching aren't ready to listen to our message. Heavenly Father will only bless them with the Spirit inasmuch as they want it, not just because we want it. Ruben must want the Spirit because this is the second powerful lesson we've had.

We also had a great lesson with Elida yesterday. Every time we go over, she's nice, but not super willing to change and do what we ask. She likes visiting and listening, but doing is something different. Yesterday we just watched the Restoration (the 20 min one) and her eyes were glued to the TV. We asked her to pray right after to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet, and she did! Before she'd hold off on praying because she was embarrassed to do it in front of us, but she totally just did it! Wow the Spirit can do some amazing things!

We had FHE with the Aguilars last night and played a game where on a piece of paper was written a sentence, como The person 3 to your left: "Your favorite memory with this person", and other various things like that. It was fun to see what things they remembered about each other and things they appreciated. It was a good experience for me and Sister Young to help boost our own relationship, and I'm excited to play that game again some day with other friends and loved ones. I've been thinking a lot lately about how to have a strong family in the gospel. I've been asking members about it and they all say that it's consistency, team work, the seminary answers, and being surrounded by good influences. I hope I'm becoming the person that I will be able to raise the strongest family I can- I want my future kids to be grounded in the gospel for themselves. I am so grateful for this gospel and the strength that I see in the generations just after me. There are some seriously good kids in the world!

We found Minerva, she's decided she's a little wishy washy about the gospel. We think we pushed it too fast, but at least we found her so we can take it at her pace again and help her find the light of Christ- she's lost it a little bit.

Last Saturday we got to go to a county fair with some elders and invite people to the Battalion. I know that I am confident in myself because I can wear a pioneer dress in front of hundreds of passing people in a park and still smile. It's a cool feeling.

I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well, mom I don't know why I didn't get your other emails but thank you for sending them again. Hannah, how is it being back in Riverton? That's so fun you get to be back in your old stomping grounds! Mom, those pictures are sick! (as in the good kind of sick) and I am proud to call you my mother. That looks like so much fun! I may have to start hiking with you and getting involved so I can do something like that some day. Annette, I'm sorry that keychain broke :( I lost mine a couple of years ago. But do you know what this means? All of us girls need to go on a cruise to Ensenada! I'm glad the men folk are all alive and well too.

I've recently started the Book of Mormon again and I'm into the Isaiah chapters. I love Isaiah, but I don't understand most of it. Today I feel like my understanding was opened just a little bit more. But I loved a passage I read in 2 Nephi 15:26-29 :

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth; and behold, they shall come with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them.

None shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdles of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken;

Whose arrows shall be sharp, and all their bows bent, and their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind, their roaring like a lion.

They shall roar like young lions; yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of they prey, and shall carry away safe and none shall deliver.

I love that imagery! The footnotes refer to the gathering of Israel which means missionary work! I loved the idea of the missionaries roaring like lions about the restored Gospel, laying hold of their prey- aka investigators- and carry away SAFE. I just love how prepared and ready the people in these verses are, their bows are bent and ready. They are part of the army of God and are moving forward like lions. Cool! I love this gospel so much and I love the things I get to learn daily. This is the best decision I've ever made in this life- to be here serving a mission. I am so grateful for the person I've becoming.

I love you all and hope things continue to go well. I was glad to hear from so many of you this week! Keep pressing on!

Love, Sister Johnson

July 31, 2012

Well, this is the second week I haven't heard anything from you mom and dad- is everything ok? Grandma Johnson let me know about some fun 24th activities- the parades, and breakfasts and such. Sounds like it was a fun holiday.

Yesterday we had the great chance to hear from Elder Ballard and shake his hand (my first time meeting an apostle that I can remember). He gave us some very good information and it was neat to see just how normal he is. No matter what callings we have, we're still all human. He came and talked to the missionaries in the morning at a local chapel, and then in the afternoon he came to the Battalion to meet with the senior couples. I was able to witness one special moment. There is a family, the Amakasu family whom we've never served with, but we see them all the time and they're good friends of ours. They have four little boys and they are great kids- a great family! Elder Ballard had given a fireside on Sunday night, but in order to be able to go, you had to take a non-member. The Amakasus invited all their non-member friends, but nobody could go so they weren't able to either. Well, last night they happened to come to the Battalion and we let them know that Elder Ballard was there. They really wanted to see him, but he was meeting with the seniors and it wasn't a very public thing. They started taking the tour, and Sister Young went to ask President Clayton if Elder Ballard would be willing to meet with the boys, the answer was yes. This amazing family was able to introduce their sons to Elder Ballard and it was such a special highlight for them. I was grateful to be able to be a part of that. Heavenly Father really does answer prayers.

 It's been a rough week. Everything seems to be falling apart and I feel like I am too. I feel really lost this week and it has brought me to my knees. President Clayton spoke to us yesterday and told us that we have a great opportunity to learn how to get along with people and make things work at a more accelerated rate than we will at any other time in our lives. It's true, but that doesn't mean I like it very much. We're always learning and always growing and it's not a very comfortable process. I do know that no matter what happens, it is for the best- now I just have to remember it.

 I hope everything is going well family, I love you all and hope you have a good week.

 Love, Sister Johnson

July 24, 2012- Best Saturday Ever!!!

MARTIN WAS BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY!!!! AND CONFIRMED ON SUNDAY!!!! I am so incredibly happy family. It was the most incredible experience, and he was so prepared. The Spirit was ridiculously strong! I've never seen a more powerful, tender baptism in my life. Martin is truly converted to the gospel and there is no doubt in my mind that he will be a stalwart member of the Church. He is solid. On Sunday he received the Holy Ghost and he is now officially a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who can receive the priesthood and start progressing towards the temple. So family, I hope you're planning on a trip to San Diego next summer because I will be coming back when it's time for him to go through. Maybe I'll just come back and live here next summer to see everyone go through the temple.

Funny story at the baptism: Brother O'Barr is the 1st councilor in the Bishopric in the Pacific Beach mid-singles ward (which is the ward Martin was baptized into) and it just so happened that he and his wife were able to come to the baptism. Sister O'Barr saw me and said, "You're Edna's granddaughter". Well, there was an Edna Johnson in Spring Valley and that's to whom I thought she was referring so I said "no". Then it dawned on me, oh wait! I do have a grandmother named Edna! I quickly said, "Wait, Edna Stratford?!" she confirmed that yes, she knows Grandma from high school and the nursing program! It was a really tender moment and a neat experience. Grandma, I don't remember if you told me she was in San Diego or not, although I imagine you did and I just forgot. But Heavenly Father has a funny way of getting things to work out perfectly.

Happy upcoming anniversary mom and dad! I hope you do something fun and romantic! And random question, did Athen Reese have any brothers? Maybe Charles Albert Reese? I met a man in the Battalion who is living here, but grew up in Benson and he's related to some Reeses so maybe we're related distantly. Just curious.

 

Transfers were last Wednesday, I'm still in Linda Vista with Sister Young which has just broken two records I've had for my mission. I've never been with a companion for longer than two transfers (three months) and I've never been in an area for longer than three transfers. Well, this makes three transfers with a companion and four in an area. I'll have been in Linda Vista for 6 months, which is a third of my mission! I realized this last night and it was a weird experience for me. For all of you who know me well, you know that my endurance abilities are limited and I don't usually do anything for more than 6 months. This is a new challenge for me and it'll be a good one. I really do love this little branch so much.

We have also received 5 new sisters into the Battalion and it's really fun. They bring so much new energy and it's really fun to get to know them all. They're so different than the 6 we lost, but change is good and I'm glad things are being freshened up.

Minerva has been struggling and may not make her baptismal date. We're trying very hard to help her, but she's very sad. It's rough to see. I just hope we'll be able to continue seeing her and helping her.

Today for our Pioneer Day celebrations I'm going to dress up like a pioneer :) My shift is at the Battalion tonight, but I feel like it's very suiting. I keep wishing Sister Young a happy pioneer day and she laughs and rolls her eyes. She's from Boston, so she doesn't quite appreciate the festivity I feel for this day. By the way, Mom, I think I want to do the Days of 47 pageant next year.

This has been a good week with a lot of opportunities to learn humility (my "favorite" lesson to learn). I think Heavenly Father doesn't want me to leave without having had every opportunity to grow and learn something needed, and neither do I. As a result I am handed a lot of opportunities to prove it and apply gospel principles. I love the Book of Mormon. This Book is so incredibly true! It has changed my life and I never want to go a day without it. Every time I truly try to study it, I am blessed with a confirmation to my testimony that it is indeed the word of God.

I love you family! I hope everything is continuing to go well and that you're able to stay cool in Utah- and safe from fires. Maybe it's a good thing we don't have any grass this year. "Stay humble, pray often. The Lord will afford you constant direction." I love you.

Sister Johnson

July 17, 2012 Transfer 9

Transfer week! Who knows what will happen. We lost 6 sisters this morning- out of 20, that's a ton! We have only 5 sisters coming in today, so we're going to be down. Not that this is new for us, we've been short on sisters since December, and ever more so since May. We're used to running at top speed all the time by now, and it definitely keeps things lively. I'm glad it's a new transfer though, because so many things are going to be changing. Last transfer felt like the longest yet and I just need something new or I might go crazy from the sameness, hopefully this transfer will bring that.

 

We have some really good things in the works, Heavenly Father has continued to bless us and we're so grateful for it. Of course we've run into snags, it hasn't been perfect the whole time, but I keep thinking of a line from Finding Faith in Christ: "Maybe faith isn't faith unless it's been tried." I'm glad for the snags, because it gives us an opportunity to exercise our faith and show Heavenly Father that even in the face of trials, we'll trust Him. I've been working on that a lot this last transfer, about accepting the situations I'm put in and letting them shape me into someone that Heavenly Father needs me to be, instead of complaining about them. It's not been easy, and I'm still not very good at it- I realize that I complain a lot :S- but it's a goal at least, and I think I am making some headway on it. Poco a poco.

Martin is so ready to be baptized! He knows and lives all the commandments before we teach him, his face literally shines with the light of Christ, he knows the Book of Mormon is true... he's just prepared! I've never met someone so ready to make this covenant with our Heavenly Father. So family, be prepared to make a trip to San Diego next July because I plan on being there when he goes through the temple. And for Caridad too next June... maybe we should just move down here. Minerva is still being prepared, but we've run into some hiccups. We haven't been able to get in contact with her for a few days, but we finally got a hold of her yesterday for which we were grateful. I just really hope she hasn't been given some anti information from her sister or anyone else. I've never prayed so hard for other people in my life!

It sounds like there are some really fun, busy things happening at home- as always. But mostly I'm glad you're all safe and well. Thanks for emailing me and giving me updates! I love to hear about the goings on! This time is going by so quickly, it's scary. But I'm grateful for this chance I have to serve a mission and to learn everything that Heavenly Father has been teaching me. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I've been given, the testimony I've received and the Spirit to always guide me. I have a long way to go, but I've come so far. I do not want to be the same person I once was. The mission is the best! It's hard, and sometimes really stressful, and uncomfortable, but it is the best. I love it. I love you! Have a great week family!

Love, Sister Johnson