Fri, Mar 18, 2011

Dear Family, Fri, Mar 18, 2011 at 12:06 PM
I was so happy to hear from you. There have been so many things that have happened this week.
This Wednesday, we received our travel plans, and that has been SOOOO exciting. We leave on the 28th, at like 6 in the morning, and arrive in Culiacan at 6 in the afternoon. I love it here at the MTC, but I am so excited to finally get out and serve the people in Mexico. It is going to be quite the experience not knowing that much Spanish. I take comfort in the fact that I am learning Spanish and not Japanese or something. And also that this is what the Lord has planned for me, and so he will provide a way for me to accomplish the tasks that are ahead of me. He is going ahead, and preparing the way for me.
Speaking of Spanish, we just learned this new form of conjugating this week, that doesn't exist in English! It has been super exciting and funny, because all of us are so lost. It will come with time though.
Probably one of the biggest things that has happened in the past two weeks, is that I have developed such a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. For the past few devotionals, they have been centered around the Atonement, and we have had many WONDERFUL speakers who have edified us. Then to top all of this off, in choir this Tuesday, we sang a song called "Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hand" It was so powerful, and as I have pondered the words in it, I have received such a love for Jesus.
Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands:
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
The Marks upon His side,
Then ponder who He meant to save,
When on the Cross He died.
We cannot see the Love of God
Which saves us from the Fall,
Yet know that Christ from wood and nails
Build mansions for us all.
Behold the outstretched hands of Christ,
Our God, who came to save,
Whose Love and grace redeems our souls
And lifts us from the grace.
Though bruised and battered as we stray
His guiding hands caress,
He washes and anoints with oil
Then in His arms we rest.
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
Look to your Lord and live,
He yearns to bless you with His Love
And all your sins forgive,
Oh empty is the heart of man
When it is filled with sin.
Come open wide your broken heart,
And let your Savior in!
Behold the wounded hands and feet!
Come touch and see and feel
The wounds and marks that you may know
His Love for you is real.
Then as you fall to worship Him
And wet His feet with tears,
You savior takes you in His arms
And quiets all your fears.

This is such a wonderful song. I know that my Savior lives. He loves me. He died for me. He died for us all, and that gives us such great motivation to do all that we can to live with God again. It is our responsibility to make that sacrifice is not in vain. I know that through the atonement we can live with our Father in Heaven once more. As a family. What comfort and Joy this sentence gives.
I love you all so very much, and hope that everything is doing well at home.

Love Elder Johnson
p.s. Jackie, you are the BEST!