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| Skyping w/ Hermana Jade!! |
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Week 36: 12/24/13
I get to talk to you TOMOROROWOWOROOW!
Okay. Uhm... don't have much time today. But this week was Nutz.
First of all, mom, your car washing story was epic. Haha. Like a scary movie. Glad you made it out. ;) Tender mercies of the Lord for sure.
So... pretty much Saturday was the worst day of our lives. Rode clear across the area to see our less Active, and when we get there she sends her 8 year old boy to the door to tell us she didn't want to talk to us, but he wouldn't tell us why. Then we saw our investigator, her friend, outside and when she saw us she turned the other way and pretended like she didn't see us. Then we stopped by a potential, who told us it makes her husband mad when we knock on the doors and that we shouldn't come back. Then we went to our investigator, Janie's, house, who we've been teaching for 6 months and who was going to be baptized the end of this month. She told her girls to lie to us and tell us she wasn't home, but we heard her voice in the house. We taught her girls (who just got baptized a few months before I got here) and they didn't listen to us at all. THEN we went to find someone we talked to on the street, and she totally told us an address that didn't exist. Needless to say, we were pretty discouraged. That night was the Christmas Party for the ward, and lo and behold we got a text from Janie saying that she didn't want to be baptized anymore, and she didn't want to hear any "comments" about it. Oh my gosh. It was like - one thing after another.
But it's fine! Things like that happen! Days happen! And the rest of the week was fine. Sunday we fasted with Antonio so that he could get an answer. He's so prepared. I've just never met anyone so like- real and prepared for this in my whole life. He's just got to take the leap of faith. He's like a little kid learning how to swim and he's just holding on to the side the whole time. It's like "You can do it! You can swim! You just got to take a leap of faith and try!!" He'll get it. I'm infinitely patient with him because he's so legit and it really is like going to change his life. On Sunday he sat by me in church and after they said the sacrament prayer he's like "Can you show me where that is in the book of Mormon?" and I was like Sure!! So I pulled it out in D&C.. then he's like "uhm.. is this the book of Mormon?" I’m like No. So I showed it where it was in the book of Mormon... then I busted it out in the bible for good measure. (Don't worry. I'm not that legit. Footnotes anyone?) But I really hope- man! Okay random thought. After Christ was resurrected and his disciples didn't recognize him, they realized it was Him when they took the sacrament. In the BoM when Christ comes, He gives the nephites the Sacrament and tells them "This is how you feel and see and this is how you know who I am." My personal opinion is that investigators should take the Sacrament. but I'm fighting against the majority. I tell Antonio every week that he can take it and he never does, cuz his fellowshipper's missionaries told her that you shouldn't before you're baptized, and other missionaries say "it doesn't matter." It does matter! This is the way you really come to feel and see Christ and what He did for you! It does too matter! Dah. Dah!!! Okay I'm done.
Monday we had our giant mission conference. It was the best ever! We talked about Christ and His life, and listened to some sweet musical numbers. The more I learn about Jesus Christ, the more I want to be like Him!!! So infinitely merciful and loving and kind and just- everything. We studied the b-attitudes and talked about choosing faith, like Christ would do. Anyway, we got to watch Ephraim's Rescue! best movie ever!!!! Like everyone was crying! I love it so much! We got fed GOOD food. Like steak and prime rib, and chicken and like- everything ever. And then we had a little gift exchange. And a talent show. And I just got to see all my friends from the mission! Hermana Dorian's my only "Living" companion, everyone else is gone. Either in temple square or Argentina or home. So... super great. But you get to know a lot of people and it was seriously too much fun. We have the best mission in the world.
I know that Christ is our Savior. I know. I know that He knows us perfectly well, and when we ask to feel of his Love and of His mercy, we will be able to feel it. I know that God has a perfect plan for all of us. I'm so grateful for them. I'm so grateful for this time of year, and this opportunity that I have to proclaim the "good news."
Love you!!! Feliz Navidad!!!
Hermana Johnson
Okay. Uhm... don't have much time today. But this week was Nutz.
First of all, mom, your car washing story was epic. Haha. Like a scary movie. Glad you made it out. ;) Tender mercies of the Lord for sure.
So... pretty much Saturday was the worst day of our lives. Rode clear across the area to see our less Active, and when we get there she sends her 8 year old boy to the door to tell us she didn't want to talk to us, but he wouldn't tell us why. Then we saw our investigator, her friend, outside and when she saw us she turned the other way and pretended like she didn't see us. Then we stopped by a potential, who told us it makes her husband mad when we knock on the doors and that we shouldn't come back. Then we went to our investigator, Janie's, house, who we've been teaching for 6 months and who was going to be baptized the end of this month. She told her girls to lie to us and tell us she wasn't home, but we heard her voice in the house. We taught her girls (who just got baptized a few months before I got here) and they didn't listen to us at all. THEN we went to find someone we talked to on the street, and she totally told us an address that didn't exist. Needless to say, we were pretty discouraged. That night was the Christmas Party for the ward, and lo and behold we got a text from Janie saying that she didn't want to be baptized anymore, and she didn't want to hear any "comments" about it. Oh my gosh. It was like - one thing after another.
But it's fine! Things like that happen! Days happen! And the rest of the week was fine. Sunday we fasted with Antonio so that he could get an answer. He's so prepared. I've just never met anyone so like- real and prepared for this in my whole life. He's just got to take the leap of faith. He's like a little kid learning how to swim and he's just holding on to the side the whole time. It's like "You can do it! You can swim! You just got to take a leap of faith and try!!" He'll get it. I'm infinitely patient with him because he's so legit and it really is like going to change his life. On Sunday he sat by me in church and after they said the sacrament prayer he's like "Can you show me where that is in the book of Mormon?" and I was like Sure!! So I pulled it out in D&C.. then he's like "uhm.. is this the book of Mormon?" I’m like No. So I showed it where it was in the book of Mormon... then I busted it out in the bible for good measure. (Don't worry. I'm not that legit. Footnotes anyone?) But I really hope- man! Okay random thought. After Christ was resurrected and his disciples didn't recognize him, they realized it was Him when they took the sacrament. In the BoM when Christ comes, He gives the nephites the Sacrament and tells them "This is how you feel and see and this is how you know who I am." My personal opinion is that investigators should take the Sacrament. but I'm fighting against the majority. I tell Antonio every week that he can take it and he never does, cuz his fellowshipper's missionaries told her that you shouldn't before you're baptized, and other missionaries say "it doesn't matter." It does matter! This is the way you really come to feel and see Christ and what He did for you! It does too matter! Dah. Dah!!! Okay I'm done.
Monday we had our giant mission conference. It was the best ever! We talked about Christ and His life, and listened to some sweet musical numbers. The more I learn about Jesus Christ, the more I want to be like Him!!! So infinitely merciful and loving and kind and just- everything. We studied the b-attitudes and talked about choosing faith, like Christ would do. Anyway, we got to watch Ephraim's Rescue! best movie ever!!!! Like everyone was crying! I love it so much! We got fed GOOD food. Like steak and prime rib, and chicken and like- everything ever. And then we had a little gift exchange. And a talent show. And I just got to see all my friends from the mission! Hermana Dorian's my only "Living" companion, everyone else is gone. Either in temple square or Argentina or home. So... super great. But you get to know a lot of people and it was seriously too much fun. We have the best mission in the world.
I know that Christ is our Savior. I know. I know that He knows us perfectly well, and when we ask to feel of his Love and of His mercy, we will be able to feel it. I know that God has a perfect plan for all of us. I'm so grateful for them. I'm so grateful for this time of year, and this opportunity that I have to proclaim the "good news."
Love you!!! Feliz Navidad!!!
Hermana Johnson
Week 35: 12/16/13
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| Sneak Peak!! |
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| Our district at the temple |
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| The best ice cream ever!! |
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| hermana kennedy leaves today. I took this two hours ago :) |
Monday we went and saw Los Morenos, our little cute member family, and of course Eric (Danny's boyfriend) was there. Danny asked us if we could share something from the Bible to show Eric that we believe in the bible and the Book of Mormon. So we shared Daniel and the Lion's den. And then we acted it out :) Oh my gosh- it was so funny. We had Eric be the King, and the dogs be the lions. It was hilarious. I'll have to show you the video of it one day :)
Okay, miracle of the week. Ready for it? So I got a call from our Zone Leader, Elder Evertsen (Who seriously looks exactly like Clark Kent. Anyway....) and he told me that there was going to be a baptism in my last area! I don't know if I ever told you about Anita, but she's way awesome. But it's been forever since I taught her and the APs are like- sort of discouraging us from going to old area baptisms now so that we can work in our own areas more. So he called and was like "the choice is yours" and I told him I'd think about it and call him in the morning. Then he's like "Well, do you have any other investigators that are having any problems or anything?" And I was like- well, we have Antonio who's AWESOME and would totally get baptized but he works every single day until 9. So we never get to see him. And then Elder Eversten was like "I could call President Ashton for you and see if you could teach him later and have permission to come home late." Well... long story short, we got permission to be home at 10:15 on nights we teach Antonio- with the instructions "Let's get him baptized."
So- the next day, it was 9:00 PM, we were out of our area, raining, and we rode our little tails off to Gabby's house to see Antonio. It was quite an adventure. I was praying the whole time that we'd have a good lesson with him- it was kind of a make it or break it deal. So we got there and taught Antonio about the Atonement and the blessings of baptism. I don't even remember what we said and I don't even know if anything we said mattered but the Spirit was there and I know it taught Antonio that night. We told him to pray about baptism, and see if it's something the Lord wants him to do. He said, okay. He paused for a minute, like really thinking about what he was going to say to a Father that was really there and really going to give him an answer. Then he gave the most beautiful prayer I've ever heard in my life. Just every desire of his heart, everything that he was truely thankful for, the things that he really wanted to know. And afterwards we just sat there for a minute because the Spirit was SO STRONG. Antonio said "That felt good. I need to pray like that more often." He's going to be baptized. We told him the 29th and he said he was going to pray about it and that he was going to take everything more seriously. "I know I'm going to be baptized and I don't know when but let me tell you, it's going to be soon." Daaaah!!! It was seriously the coolest thing ever. Antonio is so converted to the Lord. And I realize that's what missionary work is - really - all we do is try and help people put themselves into the Lord's hands, because once they're there, they're safe, guided and protected. It's all about faith and trusting him, repenting and being purified, trying everyday to follow His footsteps and trust him enough to keep His commandments. I love the gospel!!!!!
Anyway, that's all I've got time for. I know that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. I know that the Book of Mormon has the answers to our questions, that it can guide us everyday in our lives. I know that Christ lives. I'm so grateful for His example of selfless service and love.
I LOVE YOU!!! Para Siempre!!
Hermana Johnson
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
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Week 34: 12/09/13
Got a text from our zone leaders Tuesday morning: Extreme weather conditions. be extremely cautious and limit your time outside. this especially applies if you're in a bike area.
Welll..... shoot.
This week was COLD!!! And crazy. It's another- I didn't plan my emailing very well so I don't have any time- week, BUT!!! I'll try and scramble what happened in here.
So we went to see Hermana Moreno, our member, and she was outside. We're like- hey!!! She's like "Guess what? I'm going to Utah!" We're like "what!? That's awesome! How come?" And then she gets a pained look on her face and tells us how her only brother lives there and he's in a coma in a hospital over there. So she had to leave cuz she's the only family member that lives in the states!
We have been with that family like almost all week. Her oldest daughter, danny, is 19 and moved out to live with her boyfriend, but moved back to take care of their 4 kids that all are under the age of 12. Danny got a call on Wednesday that her Tio (Uncle) had cancer. She called us immediately, and luckily enough (o sea blessings!!) All our appointments fell through that morning. So we just went over there and helped her and helped her siblings with their homework.
I think it was friday morning, the elders came and gave danny a blessing. It just talked about how the Lord was always with her and he was aware of her and her situations and that He would help her. What a comfort, what something that we all need to hear! That the Lord is always near, and that He knows our trials, our weaknesses and that He's with us through it all. I love that.
Anyway, we explained to her boyfriend what a blessing was... then after the elders left we taught him the Restauration!!! So now we're teaching all our member's boyfriends. Haha. My last area it was the husbands... now it's the boyfriends... what next? Brothers? I have no idea. I love it though. I'm pretty sure I may only baptize men in my mission. It's fine. Anyway, his name is Eric, and he's super goofy. He reminds me of dad a little bit- his goofiness. He's so funny and has a lot of questions. he's very long-winded. Aka he talks for forever. So our lessons are really long with him. But he's really cool and! He came to church on sunday. With a scarf, a Jehovah Witness bible, and the pamplets we gave him, along with his book of mormon. haha. He's so great. Told us he'd get baptized, but he doesn't want to feel pressured, he wants it to come from his heart. So praying something will help him really want it so that it will come from his heart.
Uhm... Antonio came to church! Again! This time he showed up by himself in a white button up shirt!!! He walks in and he was like "where's my crew?" (or his girlfriend and her family) I'm like they're not here yet!!! Haha. He just came like super early. He's awesome. We didn't get to teach him this week... but it really is only a matter of time til he gets baptized.
Other miracles hmmm.... we talked to this guy that had been to our church before! Took the missionary discussions two years ago. So that was cool. Also, asked our investigator Janie if she knew the Book of Mormon was true. she's like "I prayed about it... TWICE. And I still don't know. But everytime I feel bad or stressed I go and read it and I feel so much better." We're like- Janie. There's your answer. And talked about the scripture in the bible that talks about the fruits of the Spirit. We extended a date for the end of this month. Praying that a miracle will happen and her boyfriend will move out so she can be baptized.
Did you see the Christmas Devotional!? Oh my goodness! So good! Elder Nielson's talk! So good!! And cute. LOVED IT!!!
I know the church is true! And that Heavenly Father is always near, whether we realize it or not. I know that He sends people or scriptures or experiences to us to help us grow and to help us know of His love. I'm so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and everything He did for me. And that I never have to be alone, because He's felt everything I've felt and knows exactly how I feel. I love this gospel!!!
I love you!!!!!! FOREVER!
Hermana Johnson
Welll..... shoot.
This week was COLD!!! And crazy. It's another- I didn't plan my emailing very well so I don't have any time- week, BUT!!! I'll try and scramble what happened in here.
So we went to see Hermana Moreno, our member, and she was outside. We're like- hey!!! She's like "Guess what? I'm going to Utah!" We're like "what!? That's awesome! How come?" And then she gets a pained look on her face and tells us how her only brother lives there and he's in a coma in a hospital over there. So she had to leave cuz she's the only family member that lives in the states!
We have been with that family like almost all week. Her oldest daughter, danny, is 19 and moved out to live with her boyfriend, but moved back to take care of their 4 kids that all are under the age of 12. Danny got a call on Wednesday that her Tio (Uncle) had cancer. She called us immediately, and luckily enough (o sea blessings!!) All our appointments fell through that morning. So we just went over there and helped her and helped her siblings with their homework.
I think it was friday morning, the elders came and gave danny a blessing. It just talked about how the Lord was always with her and he was aware of her and her situations and that He would help her. What a comfort, what something that we all need to hear! That the Lord is always near, and that He knows our trials, our weaknesses and that He's with us through it all. I love that.
Anyway, we explained to her boyfriend what a blessing was... then after the elders left we taught him the Restauration!!! So now we're teaching all our member's boyfriends. Haha. My last area it was the husbands... now it's the boyfriends... what next? Brothers? I have no idea. I love it though. I'm pretty sure I may only baptize men in my mission. It's fine. Anyway, his name is Eric, and he's super goofy. He reminds me of dad a little bit- his goofiness. He's so funny and has a lot of questions. he's very long-winded. Aka he talks for forever. So our lessons are really long with him. But he's really cool and! He came to church on sunday. With a scarf, a Jehovah Witness bible, and the pamplets we gave him, along with his book of mormon. haha. He's so great. Told us he'd get baptized, but he doesn't want to feel pressured, he wants it to come from his heart. So praying something will help him really want it so that it will come from his heart.
Uhm... Antonio came to church! Again! This time he showed up by himself in a white button up shirt!!! He walks in and he was like "where's my crew?" (or his girlfriend and her family) I'm like they're not here yet!!! Haha. He just came like super early. He's awesome. We didn't get to teach him this week... but it really is only a matter of time til he gets baptized.
Other miracles hmmm.... we talked to this guy that had been to our church before! Took the missionary discussions two years ago. So that was cool. Also, asked our investigator Janie if she knew the Book of Mormon was true. she's like "I prayed about it... TWICE. And I still don't know. But everytime I feel bad or stressed I go and read it and I feel so much better." We're like- Janie. There's your answer. And talked about the scripture in the bible that talks about the fruits of the Spirit. We extended a date for the end of this month. Praying that a miracle will happen and her boyfriend will move out so she can be baptized.
Did you see the Christmas Devotional!? Oh my goodness! So good! Elder Nielson's talk! So good!! And cute. LOVED IT!!!
I know the church is true! And that Heavenly Father is always near, whether we realize it or not. I know that He sends people or scriptures or experiences to us to help us grow and to help us know of His love. I'm so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and everything He did for me. And that I never have to be alone, because He's felt everything I've felt and knows exactly how I feel. I love this gospel!!!
I love you!!!!!! FOREVER!
Hermana Johnson
Week 33: 12/02/13
Hey hey!!!
Welp, kinda crazy week. It was FREEZING at the beginning but now it's good :) We're sitting at 70-something today.
We ate SO MUCH on thanksgiving. We had a lunch where we were stuffed full of food, and then I was too full for the rest of the day to even eat anything. We had Mexican soup, then like- turkey and salad and beans for dinner, and then we had mole and tamales and chicken with the best stuffing of my life at our investigator Jainie's house. Seriously we had three huge meals. Haha. It was so fun. Janie's girls are recent converts, and we helped them decorate for Christmas and sang "Feliz navidad" all night. Haha. I love that family!!! They have like a thousand little girls and it's seriously so fun to go over there. That whole family is so grateful for everything they have, and they really don't have much. They're such great examples to me.
Also we went on exchanges!!! Hermana Hogan came to my area, she's so awesome! She was our roommate at the MTC. We had a ton of fun- talked to a little family that was putting up their Christmas decorations, biked from one end of my area to the other (and she's not used to the bikes so it about killed her) and visited a less active who blows up balloons for a living, so she was doing that when we went and visited her, we helped her with that. So random, but so fun. At the end of the night Hna Hogan was like "You are a phenomenal teacher. Seriously, one of the best I've ever seen." It was like- the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me in my life ever.
Saturday morning we went to the temple with all our Recent Converts and Less Actives. And Antonio came!!! He and his girlfriend walked outside, and I went and got to be the towel lady at the baptistery. It is SO PRETTY. I love the Houston Temple so much!!! And Antonio came to church! He can pretty much get baptized whenever he wants to now. Just a matter of time....
Anyway, sorry, I don't have time for a good big email this week, but thank you for everything!! I know that Christ lives, and I know that this is His gospel. I'm so grateful for the changes it's brought in my life and in the lives of others. I love you all so much!!!!
Hermana Johnson
Welp, kinda crazy week. It was FREEZING at the beginning but now it's good :) We're sitting at 70-something today.
We ate SO MUCH on thanksgiving. We had a lunch where we were stuffed full of food, and then I was too full for the rest of the day to even eat anything. We had Mexican soup, then like- turkey and salad and beans for dinner, and then we had mole and tamales and chicken with the best stuffing of my life at our investigator Jainie's house. Seriously we had three huge meals. Haha. It was so fun. Janie's girls are recent converts, and we helped them decorate for Christmas and sang "Feliz navidad" all night. Haha. I love that family!!! They have like a thousand little girls and it's seriously so fun to go over there. That whole family is so grateful for everything they have, and they really don't have much. They're such great examples to me.
Also we went on exchanges!!! Hermana Hogan came to my area, she's so awesome! She was our roommate at the MTC. We had a ton of fun- talked to a little family that was putting up their Christmas decorations, biked from one end of my area to the other (and she's not used to the bikes so it about killed her) and visited a less active who blows up balloons for a living, so she was doing that when we went and visited her, we helped her with that. So random, but so fun. At the end of the night Hna Hogan was like "You are a phenomenal teacher. Seriously, one of the best I've ever seen." It was like- the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me in my life ever.
Saturday morning we went to the temple with all our Recent Converts and Less Actives. And Antonio came!!! He and his girlfriend walked outside, and I went and got to be the towel lady at the baptistery. It is SO PRETTY. I love the Houston Temple so much!!! And Antonio came to church! He can pretty much get baptized whenever he wants to now. Just a matter of time....
Anyway, sorry, I don't have time for a good big email this week, but thank you for everything!! I know that Christ lives, and I know that this is His gospel. I'm so grateful for the changes it's brought in my life and in the lives of others. I love you all so much!!!!
Hermana Johnson
Week 32: 11/25/13
Mom, :)
This week was good!!! I mean, everyweek is good, this week was actually kinda normal-ish... which is weird.
So! It's FREEZING!!! And... we're in a bike area. Also, we're porbres and we have no food in our house. Always obstacles before the miracles right?? Welp, this week we randomlly got fed like 200% more than normal weeks. Almost everyday someone gave us food. I was like- what!? What is this?? Heavenly Father loves us.
Also we went on exchanges. I went with Hermana Bennion who goes home at the end of this transfer. I'm seriously like the awkward teenager missionary. It's like in life when you're weird, but you're always around other people that are weird so you don't notice you're weird until you're around someone that's actually not weird?? Yeah. That was like that- except missionary work. I'm just like the little awkward teenager missionary that's just a tryin- but compared to a pro I'm nothing. BUT, it was so much fun. She's super funny and way chill. We had a ton of fun.
Also, we have a member in our ward, Hermana Barrios, who is HILARIOUS, and her kids are like- all inactive. We went over to visit her, and her daughter Irais was home. She's like 20, and we asked her why she didn't come to church and she pretty much said it was too early and she was too lazy to go. Haha. So we're like - COME!!! And Hermana Dorian's like "In the 7 months I've been here, she's only come once before." Anyway, I don't know, I was thinking as we were riding our bikes home and it was freezing and the wind was like - fighting against us and I'm like "what the heck am I doing!?" but then I thought "You know what, it would totally all be worth it if Irais came to church."
... and guess what. SHE CAME! (Have miracles ceased??)
I'm just learning the power and importance of prayer. And how much like- Heavenly Father wants to bless us, and He will bless us when we ask for it. Cuz otherwise we wouldn't really recognize His hand in our lives as much. Prayer+Desires+Faith = Miracles. Always.
Oh yeah! I forgot. Well, first of all we didn't get to see the family this week :( BUT we're going there for thanksgiving :) And! Jose, the kid in my last area that was just getting reactivated in the church, got his mission call! SALT LAKE CITY SOUTH!!! And he leaves in about a week!!! So if you see an Elder LAZO give him a two-handed handshake for me. He is the coolest person ever.
I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ and for what He did for me! I'm grateful I get to be with you guys forever! I'm grateful for answers to prayers and miracles every day.
Love you! The church is true!
Hermana Johnson
This week was good!!! I mean, everyweek is good, this week was actually kinda normal-ish... which is weird.
So! It's FREEZING!!! And... we're in a bike area. Also, we're porbres and we have no food in our house. Always obstacles before the miracles right?? Welp, this week we randomlly got fed like 200% more than normal weeks. Almost everyday someone gave us food. I was like- what!? What is this?? Heavenly Father loves us.
Also we went on exchanges. I went with Hermana Bennion who goes home at the end of this transfer. I'm seriously like the awkward teenager missionary. It's like in life when you're weird, but you're always around other people that are weird so you don't notice you're weird until you're around someone that's actually not weird?? Yeah. That was like that- except missionary work. I'm just like the little awkward teenager missionary that's just a tryin- but compared to a pro I'm nothing. BUT, it was so much fun. She's super funny and way chill. We had a ton of fun.
Also, we have a member in our ward, Hermana Barrios, who is HILARIOUS, and her kids are like- all inactive. We went over to visit her, and her daughter Irais was home. She's like 20, and we asked her why she didn't come to church and she pretty much said it was too early and she was too lazy to go. Haha. So we're like - COME!!! And Hermana Dorian's like "In the 7 months I've been here, she's only come once before." Anyway, I don't know, I was thinking as we were riding our bikes home and it was freezing and the wind was like - fighting against us and I'm like "what the heck am I doing!?" but then I thought "You know what, it would totally all be worth it if Irais came to church."
... and guess what. SHE CAME! (Have miracles ceased??)
I'm just learning the power and importance of prayer. And how much like- Heavenly Father wants to bless us, and He will bless us when we ask for it. Cuz otherwise we wouldn't really recognize His hand in our lives as much. Prayer+Desires+Faith = Miracles. Always.
Oh yeah! I forgot. Well, first of all we didn't get to see the family this week :( BUT we're going there for thanksgiving :) And! Jose, the kid in my last area that was just getting reactivated in the church, got his mission call! SALT LAKE CITY SOUTH!!! And he leaves in about a week!!! So if you see an Elder LAZO give him a two-handed handshake for me. He is the coolest person ever.
I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ and for what He did for me! I'm grateful I get to be with you guys forever! I'm grateful for answers to prayers and miracles every day.
Love you! The church is true!
Hermana Johnson
Week 31: 11/18/13
Okay so we taught that family!!! Oh man. Haha. The best lesson ever.
So we got over there and they just fed us a bunch of food just cuz we're missionaries away from our family and such. So we talked with them for a little bit, and they actually remind me a lot of you guys cuz they think my cheesy weirdness is funny... which a lot of people don't get. So obviously I love them. Anyway, we like sat them all down and started teaching the restauration and the spirit was REALLY STRONG. And then.... they asked a thousand questions! We seriously ended up teaching them about the spirit world and the kingdoms of glory and then about the ten commandments, we taught them the word of wisdom, and about baptism. Seriously, we taught them like- something from every lesson. Haha. And we were there for like 2 hours. And pretty sure they don't understand why our church is different... cuz after people started asking questions one of them would walk out and like miss an important part and DAH. So frustrating. I seriously got a little bit discouraged about it cuz they really are so awesome and I want this for them so much ... but we'll see. We're going to do everything we can. But yeah, we had our lesson with them and have another scheduled for this wednesday!!! Whoot!
Uhm... Hmmm.... something that I learned from studying the scriptures (and from life) this week was that miracles don't happen without prayer. Sincere, heartfelt, laying it all out on the table prayer. We have one of our investigators, Janie, who is SO prepared to be baptized, but she's still living with her drunk boyfriend that she doesn't even like but he won't leave. It is going to take a miracle, seriously. But I really think the Lord lets obstacles happen sometimes, so that we can rely on Him and come to trust him to help us get out of them. I think He just wants her to rely on Him, and He'll help her get out of it. And I was just thinking, I mean, I haven't had HUGE HUGE baptize a thousand people miracles on my mission (yet :)) but I've had a ton of miracles. And seriously every miracle has happened after mighty prayer, laying all desires and cares and burdens on the Lord and then saying "But thy will be done." And the Lord always blesses me with a miracle, even if it's different than I expect.
Also, I learned that power comes from trying to help others! Trying to lead them unto Christ! It's like Harry Potter and the Socerer's stone... where he's like "Someone that wanted to find it... find it... but not use it for his own, would be able to have it." (Or something like that) It's so the same way with the power of the Spirit! It's the Lord's work! And as we put all our burdens and care on Him and just trust him and ask for His help and His Spirit in order to help others, He gives us the power to do it! And He gives us the help we need, because we CANNOT do it on our own. Just like the five loaves and two fishes... we really don't have enough... but with His help, we can do miracles. It's all about asking and trusting.
ANOTNIO CAME TO CHURCH!!! Por fin!!! (Finally!!) His girlfriend, Gabi, (a member in our area) wants him to be baptized next sunday cuz that's a year after she got baptized. He totally could, it's up to him. We'll keep you updated :)
Anyway, that was my week. It was really great! I'm so grateful for this gospel, my Savior, and prayer. I'm so grateful for a Heavenly Father that loves me, believes in me and encourages me to be better every day. This church is the truth!!!
Love you!
Hermana Johnson
So we got over there and they just fed us a bunch of food just cuz we're missionaries away from our family and such. So we talked with them for a little bit, and they actually remind me a lot of you guys cuz they think my cheesy weirdness is funny... which a lot of people don't get. So obviously I love them. Anyway, we like sat them all down and started teaching the restauration and the spirit was REALLY STRONG. And then.... they asked a thousand questions! We seriously ended up teaching them about the spirit world and the kingdoms of glory and then about the ten commandments, we taught them the word of wisdom, and about baptism. Seriously, we taught them like- something from every lesson. Haha. And we were there for like 2 hours. And pretty sure they don't understand why our church is different... cuz after people started asking questions one of them would walk out and like miss an important part and DAH. So frustrating. I seriously got a little bit discouraged about it cuz they really are so awesome and I want this for them so much ... but we'll see. We're going to do everything we can. But yeah, we had our lesson with them and have another scheduled for this wednesday!!! Whoot!
Uhm... Hmmm.... something that I learned from studying the scriptures (and from life) this week was that miracles don't happen without prayer. Sincere, heartfelt, laying it all out on the table prayer. We have one of our investigators, Janie, who is SO prepared to be baptized, but she's still living with her drunk boyfriend that she doesn't even like but he won't leave. It is going to take a miracle, seriously. But I really think the Lord lets obstacles happen sometimes, so that we can rely on Him and come to trust him to help us get out of them. I think He just wants her to rely on Him, and He'll help her get out of it. And I was just thinking, I mean, I haven't had HUGE HUGE baptize a thousand people miracles on my mission (yet :)) but I've had a ton of miracles. And seriously every miracle has happened after mighty prayer, laying all desires and cares and burdens on the Lord and then saying "But thy will be done." And the Lord always blesses me with a miracle, even if it's different than I expect.
Also, I learned that power comes from trying to help others! Trying to lead them unto Christ! It's like Harry Potter and the Socerer's stone... where he's like "Someone that wanted to find it... find it... but not use it for his own, would be able to have it." (Or something like that) It's so the same way with the power of the Spirit! It's the Lord's work! And as we put all our burdens and care on Him and just trust him and ask for His help and His Spirit in order to help others, He gives us the power to do it! And He gives us the help we need, because we CANNOT do it on our own. Just like the five loaves and two fishes... we really don't have enough... but with His help, we can do miracles. It's all about asking and trusting.
ANOTNIO CAME TO CHURCH!!! Por fin!!! (Finally!!) His girlfriend, Gabi, (a member in our area) wants him to be baptized next sunday cuz that's a year after she got baptized. He totally could, it's up to him. We'll keep you updated :)
Anyway, that was my week. It was really great! I'm so grateful for this gospel, my Savior, and prayer. I'm so grateful for a Heavenly Father that loves me, believes in me and encourages me to be better every day. This church is the truth!!!
Love you!
Hermana Johnson
Week 30: 11/11/13
Okay so seriously this has been one of my favorite weeks on my mission so far.
So we took Antonio on a thing that we do called "Church Tours". Hermana Dorian and I had never done one before, but we practiced it in District Meeting that morning so we were like "Eh, why not?" It was SO COOL. We took him to the chapel and taught him about the "Santa Cena" or the Sacrament, and about the Atonement, and how we get to renew our baptismal covenants every week. Then we took him to Sunday School, and Elder's Quorum .... etc. Then! We showed him the Baptismal Font, explained to him what happens there. Then we just bore our testimonies on baptism. Then Antonio looks down at the font and says "I wonder when it's going to be my turn." We're like "Antonio! Whenever you want!!" Ah! The Spirit was so strong. He pretty much was like "I just want to come to church, this isn't a joke for me." Then he holds up the book of mormon and he's like "I know this is true. I just want to find out more okay?" He's SO getting baptized soon. Just a matter of when he'll get himself to church!!
Monday night I got a phone call... from Hermana Kennedy! My last companion. She was like "Guess what? HERMONO MARTINEZ IS GETTING BAPTIZED!" Oh my goodness. It was 20 years of prayers and faith and tears from his wife, and a lot of prayers and faith and tears from the missionaries too. Haha. So we went there Thursday night, and Hermano and his wife were just sitting there in a room full of missionaries. I was like "How you feeling Hermano!?" He's like "I didn't even know this was happening until two hours ago! I was at the gym!" Haha! I guess he told Hermana Kennedy that he didn't want to know til the day of because he wouldn't be able to sleep the night before. So he gets changed and I'm like "Hermano, who's going to baptize you? It's that guy with the big arms right?" He's like "Yeah, but his arms aren't bigger than mine." hahah! Anyway, we took a ton of pictures and then had a little baptismal service with him, us and the missionaries. It was seriously one of the most like- touching spiritual experiences of my life. That man would not be there if he didn't know with all his heart that this was the truth, that he was making a covenant with God. And everyone was sobbing. Hermana Martinez comes up to us and says "I'm never going to forget you all." Dah! Oh my goodness. Angels were there. And I'm totally coming back for their sealing next year. Prayers are answered. Always.
Okay, and Saturday! We stopped by to visit one of our members, Los Morenos, cuz it was their little 9 year old's birthday. We get there and our member was outside talking to her neighbor and all the kids were playing soccer. So I put down my bag and look at all the kids all antsy like and her neighbor's like "Hey, she wants to play!" and I'm like "yeah, I want to play!!!" And so Hermana Dorian and I run out there in our skirts and played soccer with a bunch of ten year old kids. Haha. I was like - "This is the life! I'm so in heaven right now." And Hermana Moreno's neighbor thought we were HILARIOUS. She would just laugh so hard everytime we touched the ball (and I did look like a rockstar compared to a bunch of little kids). Anyway, we ended up talking to her! She was like "Is it so hard being away from your family?" We're like - yeah, but we're teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and so it's totally worth it. She was like "That's right! Christ said that you need to preach the gospel!" Haha. Anyway, she was like "You two need to come over to my house on wednesday, I'm going to feed you." And she went and showed us her house and everything. Haha. She has the cutest little family and they haven't lived here very long so they all want to learn english. Anyway, it was super awesome. I'm like - holla back, soccer and spreading the gospel. This is the life!!!
I know prayers are answered. I know that God really does love us and wants us to be happy. And when our prayers don't seem like they're being answered, we just need to trust in the Lord and know that He has a better plan for us, and His timing will be perfect. Christ set the perfect example of "Not my will, but thine be done." I know that the Lord's way is always the better way. I know that the Spirit converts. I know that if we pray and prepare for opportunities to share the gospel, the Lord will give them to us, and He'll use who we are (even quirky, awkward, soccer-player missionaries in skirts) to bring to pass His work. This work is His work, this church is His church.
I love you!!!!!
Hermana Johnson
So we took Antonio on a thing that we do called "Church Tours". Hermana Dorian and I had never done one before, but we practiced it in District Meeting that morning so we were like "Eh, why not?" It was SO COOL. We took him to the chapel and taught him about the "Santa Cena" or the Sacrament, and about the Atonement, and how we get to renew our baptismal covenants every week. Then we took him to Sunday School, and Elder's Quorum .... etc. Then! We showed him the Baptismal Font, explained to him what happens there. Then we just bore our testimonies on baptism. Then Antonio looks down at the font and says "I wonder when it's going to be my turn." We're like "Antonio! Whenever you want!!" Ah! The Spirit was so strong. He pretty much was like "I just want to come to church, this isn't a joke for me." Then he holds up the book of mormon and he's like "I know this is true. I just want to find out more okay?" He's SO getting baptized soon. Just a matter of when he'll get himself to church!!
Monday night I got a phone call... from Hermana Kennedy! My last companion. She was like "Guess what? HERMONO MARTINEZ IS GETTING BAPTIZED!" Oh my goodness. It was 20 years of prayers and faith and tears from his wife, and a lot of prayers and faith and tears from the missionaries too. Haha. So we went there Thursday night, and Hermano and his wife were just sitting there in a room full of missionaries. I was like "How you feeling Hermano!?" He's like "I didn't even know this was happening until two hours ago! I was at the gym!" Haha! I guess he told Hermana Kennedy that he didn't want to know til the day of because he wouldn't be able to sleep the night before. So he gets changed and I'm like "Hermano, who's going to baptize you? It's that guy with the big arms right?" He's like "Yeah, but his arms aren't bigger than mine." hahah! Anyway, we took a ton of pictures and then had a little baptismal service with him, us and the missionaries. It was seriously one of the most like- touching spiritual experiences of my life. That man would not be there if he didn't know with all his heart that this was the truth, that he was making a covenant with God. And everyone was sobbing. Hermana Martinez comes up to us and says "I'm never going to forget you all." Dah! Oh my goodness. Angels were there. And I'm totally coming back for their sealing next year. Prayers are answered. Always.
Okay, and Saturday! We stopped by to visit one of our members, Los Morenos, cuz it was their little 9 year old's birthday. We get there and our member was outside talking to her neighbor and all the kids were playing soccer. So I put down my bag and look at all the kids all antsy like and her neighbor's like "Hey, she wants to play!" and I'm like "yeah, I want to play!!!" And so Hermana Dorian and I run out there in our skirts and played soccer with a bunch of ten year old kids. Haha. I was like - "This is the life! I'm so in heaven right now." And Hermana Moreno's neighbor thought we were HILARIOUS. She would just laugh so hard everytime we touched the ball (and I did look like a rockstar compared to a bunch of little kids). Anyway, we ended up talking to her! She was like "Is it so hard being away from your family?" We're like - yeah, but we're teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and so it's totally worth it. She was like "That's right! Christ said that you need to preach the gospel!" Haha. Anyway, she was like "You two need to come over to my house on wednesday, I'm going to feed you." And she went and showed us her house and everything. Haha. She has the cutest little family and they haven't lived here very long so they all want to learn english. Anyway, it was super awesome. I'm like - holla back, soccer and spreading the gospel. This is the life!!!
I know prayers are answered. I know that God really does love us and wants us to be happy. And when our prayers don't seem like they're being answered, we just need to trust in the Lord and know that He has a better plan for us, and His timing will be perfect. Christ set the perfect example of "Not my will, but thine be done." I know that the Lord's way is always the better way. I know that the Spirit converts. I know that if we pray and prepare for opportunities to share the gospel, the Lord will give them to us, and He'll use who we are (even quirky, awkward, soccer-player missionaries in skirts) to bring to pass His work. This work is His work, this church is His church.
I love you!!!!!
Hermana Johnson
Week 29
Mom,
Wow, Little Hailey is SO CUTE!!!! Oh my goodness. You have to promise me to send pictures of her every month. I'm so suprised to see everybody grow. Like Brant and Bryce. So big!!! I want to see beck and Hazel too!!!! I'm so glad everything went well with Jess and Hailey. Oh my goodness I can't believe I have another neice. She's totally part of the family, I can feel it!!! Ah, I just love her already!!!
Thank you so much for the package!!! I got it like- the day after halloween but whatevez. I still LOVE IT! And I'm so excited to make pumpkin spice cookies. :) Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
Yep, so the Hna Dorian and I are staying together. :) Super excited. She's really a great missionary. Just sometimes she thinks I'm super lame... and everything I do and say is wrong... She just gets annoyed really easily BUT, I don't know what's happened, like- most of the time it really doesn't bother me, where as in the MTC it really did. The Lord's here, with me, even though I'm far far far from perfect, I'm so grateful for His help. Love her anyway.
We had a crazy awesome week! Our like- favorite investigator (okay they're all our favorites but...) Leonor, the one that reminds me of Grandma V, MOVED!! She's in Hermana Rick's (My roommate from college) area now. We just spent all day Saturday helping her move. On friday night<x-apple-data-detectors://0> we went over there with a member and taught about the Sabbath day. As we were leaving she gives us big hugs and tells the member "I don't know what it is, but I always feel something when these girls come over." and points to her heart. And the member says "That's the pure love of Christ, hermana." Oh my gosh. Made me want to cry. Dah! I love this work.
Let's see... we had a ward party for halloween, it was so fun! The elders and the sisters in our ward switched name-tags and that was our dress-up. haha. Hna Dorian and I made a bean-bag toss and that was really great. For Halloween we didn't do much- taught an english class... which was AWESOME. Oh, and Also I ate a grasshopper!!!!! One of the members had a whole bag of cooked ones and I look at HNA dorian and I'm like "I'm going to do it! I'm going to eat one!" And I did! Got it on camera and everything. So that was my halloween "Candy". Wasn't too bad actually. Kinda crunchy....
I'm totally out of time! Sometimes I only get an hour... depending on where we go but... yeah!!!! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU! Thank you for everything, all the support and everything. There isn't a day I don't go without thinking how grateful I am for having such a wonderful loving family. I'm so grateful for you and for your amazing example!!!! Love you forever!!!!
Hermana Johnson
Wow, Little Hailey is SO CUTE!!!! Oh my goodness. You have to promise me to send pictures of her every month. I'm so suprised to see everybody grow. Like Brant and Bryce. So big!!! I want to see beck and Hazel too!!!! I'm so glad everything went well with Jess and Hailey. Oh my goodness I can't believe I have another neice. She's totally part of the family, I can feel it!!! Ah, I just love her already!!!
Thank you so much for the package!!! I got it like- the day after halloween but whatevez. I still LOVE IT! And I'm so excited to make pumpkin spice cookies. :) Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
Yep, so the Hna Dorian and I are staying together. :) Super excited. She's really a great missionary. Just sometimes she thinks I'm super lame... and everything I do and say is wrong... She just gets annoyed really easily BUT, I don't know what's happened, like- most of the time it really doesn't bother me, where as in the MTC it really did. The Lord's here, with me, even though I'm far far far from perfect, I'm so grateful for His help. Love her anyway.
We had a crazy awesome week! Our like- favorite investigator (okay they're all our favorites but...) Leonor, the one that reminds me of Grandma V, MOVED!! She's in Hermana Rick's (My roommate from college) area now. We just spent all day Saturday helping her move. On friday night<x-apple-data-detectors://0> we went over there with a member and taught about the Sabbath day. As we were leaving she gives us big hugs and tells the member "I don't know what it is, but I always feel something when these girls come over." and points to her heart. And the member says "That's the pure love of Christ, hermana." Oh my gosh. Made me want to cry. Dah! I love this work.
Let's see... we had a ward party for halloween, it was so fun! The elders and the sisters in our ward switched name-tags and that was our dress-up. haha. Hna Dorian and I made a bean-bag toss and that was really great. For Halloween we didn't do much- taught an english class... which was AWESOME. Oh, and Also I ate a grasshopper!!!!! One of the members had a whole bag of cooked ones and I look at HNA dorian and I'm like "I'm going to do it! I'm going to eat one!" And I did! Got it on camera and everything. So that was my halloween "Candy". Wasn't too bad actually. Kinda crunchy....
I'm totally out of time! Sometimes I only get an hour... depending on where we go but... yeah!!!! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU! Thank you for everything, all the support and everything. There isn't a day I don't go without thinking how grateful I am for having such a wonderful loving family. I'm so grateful for you and for your amazing example!!!! Love you forever!!!!
Hermana Johnson
Week 28
Okay, so let me tell you about my week.
It was ..... AWESOME (Imagine Brant in a sing-songy voice. that's how I said that just barely. Because it was that awesome.)
SO ... man. Once upon a time we have this really intense office missionary. I wish I could explain him to you but we'll just leave it at he's really intense. Kinda like Brother Kremin and Uncle Wayne mix. Haha. Anyway, he like- lectured me and Hna Dorian for like- not having our house clean, because if we want to have the Spirit, and the Spirit can't dwell in unclean places, than we have to have our house clean. And then he promised us TONS of blessings, like better relationship with God and each other, more people to teach, etc. So.... welp, obviously we did it and man, the miracles have flown!!!
Tuesday morning Hermana Dorian and I decided to pray about how many people the Lord wanted us to baptize in our area this year. Aka, before the end of the year. We put a lot of thought into it, and she came up with 7 people and I came up with six. So we kneeled and prayed, and said, literally, "Heavenly Father, is it thy will that we baptize 6 people in this area this year?" and the spirit was SO STRONG! And then we asked about 7... and it was seriously overwhelming! So we know that the Lord wants us to baptize 7 people in this area this year. It was an awesome experience.
Dah! Can I just tell you about something that happened? We just are in a bike area, and we ride down a Bayou bike trail every day (Goin down the Bayou... goin down the bayou... we're takin it all the way.... sorry, it gets stuck in my head every time) and I like- see this person sitting on this bench by themselves and say hi, and she says "Hola" back and all the sudden the Spirit hit me that I should go talk to her. And guess what. I didn't do it!!!! I have seriously been beating myself up for it for forever. I'm like "WHAT IF THAT WAS ONE OF OUR 7!?" Man, it still haunts me. Ugh. Always listen to the Spirit mmmkay??
Okay Hmm... I don't even know what else to tell you about! Once upon a time we randomly knocked on the door of one of our inactives and found another lady that got baptized like 20 years ago. What!? And then we talked to one of the neighbors of our members, and found out he had been baptized too! What!? They were just popping up out of everywhere.
We're teaching this really awesome mom named Janie, she's the daughter of a recent convert, also the mother of two daughters that got baptized too. She's SOLID. She's so cool, seriously. Just like- she's had the hardest life but she's like a champ. Anyway, the only thing that's keeping her from getting baptized is that she has to get a divorce, and right now it's out of her control. So we fasted with her this last Sunday that she'd be able to make her date for the 16th of November. We'll see.
Also, we had an English Class!!!! Oh my goodness, so great. We had this mom come from our ward, and her little son Elvis doesn't speak hardly any Spanish cuz he has like a little bit of a learning disability, and she doesn't speak English. Oh my goodness, I have never wanted anyone to learn two languages so badly in my life. We taught her how to pray in English. She's so cute!!
Anyway, we seriously met so many people and had a ton of awesome experiences but I don't have time to write them all! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the prayers. They help so much. Sometimes it just hits me how awesome it is to be here and to be a messenger of the truth. I love it. I know that God lives, and I know we gain faith by prayer and by having enough faith to "experiment upon the word." I really do know, and am learning more and more every day that God really does want us to be happy, and that everything is set in our direction to be happy and to follow Him, but we have to choose so.
Les quiero!!!! Muchisimo!!!
Hermana Johnson
It was ..... AWESOME (Imagine Brant in a sing-songy voice. that's how I said that just barely. Because it was that awesome.)
SO ... man. Once upon a time we have this really intense office missionary. I wish I could explain him to you but we'll just leave it at he's really intense. Kinda like Brother Kremin and Uncle Wayne mix. Haha. Anyway, he like- lectured me and Hna Dorian for like- not having our house clean, because if we want to have the Spirit, and the Spirit can't dwell in unclean places, than we have to have our house clean. And then he promised us TONS of blessings, like better relationship with God and each other, more people to teach, etc. So.... welp, obviously we did it and man, the miracles have flown!!!
Tuesday morning Hermana Dorian and I decided to pray about how many people the Lord wanted us to baptize in our area this year. Aka, before the end of the year. We put a lot of thought into it, and she came up with 7 people and I came up with six. So we kneeled and prayed, and said, literally, "Heavenly Father, is it thy will that we baptize 6 people in this area this year?" and the spirit was SO STRONG! And then we asked about 7... and it was seriously overwhelming! So we know that the Lord wants us to baptize 7 people in this area this year. It was an awesome experience.
Dah! Can I just tell you about something that happened? We just are in a bike area, and we ride down a Bayou bike trail every day (Goin down the Bayou... goin down the bayou... we're takin it all the way.... sorry, it gets stuck in my head every time) and I like- see this person sitting on this bench by themselves and say hi, and she says "Hola" back and all the sudden the Spirit hit me that I should go talk to her. And guess what. I didn't do it!!!! I have seriously been beating myself up for it for forever. I'm like "WHAT IF THAT WAS ONE OF OUR 7!?" Man, it still haunts me. Ugh. Always listen to the Spirit mmmkay??
Okay Hmm... I don't even know what else to tell you about! Once upon a time we randomly knocked on the door of one of our inactives and found another lady that got baptized like 20 years ago. What!? And then we talked to one of the neighbors of our members, and found out he had been baptized too! What!? They were just popping up out of everywhere.
We're teaching this really awesome mom named Janie, she's the daughter of a recent convert, also the mother of two daughters that got baptized too. She's SOLID. She's so cool, seriously. Just like- she's had the hardest life but she's like a champ. Anyway, the only thing that's keeping her from getting baptized is that she has to get a divorce, and right now it's out of her control. So we fasted with her this last Sunday that she'd be able to make her date for the 16th of November. We'll see.
Also, we had an English Class!!!! Oh my goodness, so great. We had this mom come from our ward, and her little son Elvis doesn't speak hardly any Spanish cuz he has like a little bit of a learning disability, and she doesn't speak English. Oh my goodness, I have never wanted anyone to learn two languages so badly in my life. We taught her how to pray in English. She's so cute!!
Anyway, we seriously met so many people and had a ton of awesome experiences but I don't have time to write them all! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the prayers. They help so much. Sometimes it just hits me how awesome it is to be here and to be a messenger of the truth. I love it. I know that God lives, and I know we gain faith by prayer and by having enough faith to "experiment upon the word." I really do know, and am learning more and more every day that God really does want us to be happy, and that everything is set in our direction to be happy and to follow Him, but we have to choose so.
Les quiero!!!! Muchisimo!!!
Hermana Johnson
Week 27
Okay Spanish .................... is coming slowly. hahaha. But good. uhm... Antonio will be learning about The Gospel of Jesus Christ here soon .... he seriously is the best. My favorite. He speaks a lot of English too. We called him after work one day and he was like "Ooooh, I'm too tired, could you talk to me in Spanish, my brain isn't working right now." But he totally was fine, He just always jokes with us about our Spanish. He's just great. He says he just really wants to know, and Hermana Dorian and I think once he gets to church he'll receive his answer. I have literally not wanted anything so bad for anyone in my life. He's awesome.
Houston weather is PERFECT right now!! LOVIN IT!!!!!! A little chilly.... I'm thinking I might need a coat for Christmas..... O before that. But yes, like I said, clothes. As soon as possibly possible. I would love it. Don't be afraid to get me anything crazy either, I'll really wear whatever. Okay, maybe not crazy.... but cute. Right? Okay.
Halloween is touchy for Hispanics. A lot of people think it's like devil-worshiping holiday and one of the sisters in our ward actually got like really mad about it and walked out of relief society while they were talking about the Halloween activity we were going to have. Oooh drama. That's something I do miss about my last area. The ward was so chill and nice. And like- everybody in it. Our district= drama free. This one makes me feel like it's a cool kid's club. It's like high school allllll over again, except our high school wasn't that bad. So great. But, you know, it's good. we played quidditch a few p-days ago!! It was awesome!!! I have pictures. One day.... :) We go to the mission office once or twice a week. Well..... actually once. If that. But it's a lot safer to send mail there.
Next transfer I believe is November 5th. I think Hermana Dorian and I will stay together in this area too. At least for one more, and then I think she'll move. She's been here her whole mission.
Sooooo great about Brant. And I'm sooooooo excited for Jessica. and little Hailey. When do you think she'll come!? Thanks for keeping me updated on the Grandmas. I sure hope Grandma Goodrich is doing well. And tell Grandma Gale I love her. And Grandma Vanderwood too... and thanks for the package and the letter that it was just what I needed, a little answer to a prayer. So tell her thank you thank you thank you.
Anyway, it was a good week. We met another nature-worshipper named Norm or something, and tried to argue with us that if we were made after the image of God than why weren't we perfect like Him. It was so stupid, he was just looking to argue. That's actually the first time that's happened to me on my mission, it was really weird. but you know, we're like- listen if you're interested than SURE, but if not don't waste our time. (we didn't really say that though)
Something that I'm learning is that Love really is the best teacher. Like- I'm glad I gave my farewell talk about how developing Christlike attributes takes time cuz once you get out here you realize you need them like all at once. Anyway, we went and taught one of our less-actives who's a 20-something year old single mom and is going through the hardest time of her life right now. And like- just out of a desire to help her the words just came to us as we taught about prayer and scripture study. It's so cool those times when you can just feel the spirit working through you, and I know that it happens when we do what we do out of love, cuz that's the way that Heavenly Father works. You know? Everything He does is out of love.
Also, we're teaching this lady named Elizabeth and we were teaching her the first lesson and in the middle of it she goes "You know, I've never been baptized." And we're like "Well, do you want to be baptized?" And she's like "... yeah!" We can help you with that! haha. She's awesome, and a good friend of our member, Hermana Moreno. So that's cool.
Also, Hermano Martinez from my last area is getting baptized!!! November 2nd, I'll let you know.
Well, tons more happened but I'm totally out of time. I love you!!! Let me know how the family history goes this week. Know that you're always in my thoughts and prayers!!!! Thank you so much for everything!
Hermana Johnson
Houston weather is PERFECT right now!! LOVIN IT!!!!!! A little chilly.... I'm thinking I might need a coat for Christmas..... O before that. But yes, like I said, clothes. As soon as possibly possible. I would love it. Don't be afraid to get me anything crazy either, I'll really wear whatever. Okay, maybe not crazy.... but cute. Right? Okay.
Halloween is touchy for Hispanics. A lot of people think it's like devil-worshiping holiday and one of the sisters in our ward actually got like really mad about it and walked out of relief society while they were talking about the Halloween activity we were going to have. Oooh drama. That's something I do miss about my last area. The ward was so chill and nice. And like- everybody in it. Our district= drama free. This one makes me feel like it's a cool kid's club. It's like high school allllll over again, except our high school wasn't that bad. So great. But, you know, it's good. we played quidditch a few p-days ago!! It was awesome!!! I have pictures. One day.... :) We go to the mission office once or twice a week. Well..... actually once. If that. But it's a lot safer to send mail there.
Next transfer I believe is November 5th. I think Hermana Dorian and I will stay together in this area too. At least for one more, and then I think she'll move. She's been here her whole mission.
Sooooo great about Brant. And I'm sooooooo excited for Jessica. and little Hailey. When do you think she'll come!? Thanks for keeping me updated on the Grandmas. I sure hope Grandma Goodrich is doing well. And tell Grandma Gale I love her. And Grandma Vanderwood too... and thanks for the package and the letter that it was just what I needed, a little answer to a prayer. So tell her thank you thank you thank you.
Anyway, it was a good week. We met another nature-worshipper named Norm or something, and tried to argue with us that if we were made after the image of God than why weren't we perfect like Him. It was so stupid, he was just looking to argue. That's actually the first time that's happened to me on my mission, it was really weird. but you know, we're like- listen if you're interested than SURE, but if not don't waste our time. (we didn't really say that though)
Something that I'm learning is that Love really is the best teacher. Like- I'm glad I gave my farewell talk about how developing Christlike attributes takes time cuz once you get out here you realize you need them like all at once. Anyway, we went and taught one of our less-actives who's a 20-something year old single mom and is going through the hardest time of her life right now. And like- just out of a desire to help her the words just came to us as we taught about prayer and scripture study. It's so cool those times when you can just feel the spirit working through you, and I know that it happens when we do what we do out of love, cuz that's the way that Heavenly Father works. You know? Everything He does is out of love.
Also, we're teaching this lady named Elizabeth and we were teaching her the first lesson and in the middle of it she goes "You know, I've never been baptized." And we're like "Well, do you want to be baptized?" And she's like "... yeah!" We can help you with that! haha. She's awesome, and a good friend of our member, Hermana Moreno. So that's cool.
Also, Hermano Martinez from my last area is getting baptized!!! November 2nd, I'll let you know.
Well, tons more happened but I'm totally out of time. I love you!!! Let me know how the family history goes this week. Know that you're always in my thoughts and prayers!!!! Thank you so much for everything!
Hermana Johnson
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