August 1, 2011

Dear Family,

I was so pleased to receive your letter. It is always good to hear from home. I really can´t say that I envy you all, cleaning out the basement,... but look on the bright side, next summer Elder Johnson (the shortie) will have returned, and can help. Well a lot of things happened this week. I don´t even know where to start. I guess I´ll start at the beginning no?

So yeah, we went to the doctor, and found out that it was an infection. They gave me even more eye-drops. But the part about this whole experience is the miracle that happened. I don´t really know what happened, but the day after I started to use the drops, I could see!!!! It was the most amazing thing that could have happened. It was only in the infected eye, but I could see. Without glasses or contacts! You really can´t imagine how neat of an experience it was. It was just one of those little miracles that happen to remind us that God really does listen, and cares about each and every one of us. Yeah after that day I went back to being my normal blind self! haha oh well.

So we have been teaching a family of bread makers se llama Familia Lara. They are really great! You wouldn´t believe how tiring it is to make the dough in such grand quantities. We have helped them a number of times make the dough, and it always turns out to be 15 kilos or around that. They are really great though, and I really enjoy teaching them. They all went to the church the past Sunday, but there is a slight problem. The Dad does not want to have anything to do with us. There is always something, but yeah, we are going to see what we can do, and leave the rest up to the Lord.

So, the other big news is that my companion received his transfer, and left for Culiacan. I am of mixed emotions about that, but I´ll miss him. I received Elder Rovaldi. He is a missionary from the same generation as Elder Toledo. This means that he is going to end his mission at the end of this Transfer. I think that were are going to have a great transfer. The Lord has been preparing this area for the next change. Other big news! My "father" Elder Cope is going to end his mission on Wednesday. Really the time passes so fast here it is unbelievable. I celebrated six months this past week! I also learned something a little bit sad. Some Elders told me that letters that I send home could possibly not make it. They told me that a bunch of letters get stopped at the border. Oh well! ¡Ni modo! ¿Vale la pena, no?

Well, this is my simple letter. I hope you enjoy it.

I love you all so much. I am so glad for your support. It really means the world to me. I love Jesus Christ. The more I learn, the more I gain an appreciation for how much we really need the effects of the Atonement in our lives. It is a gift that cannot be priced.

Love,

Elder Johnson

p.s. Jackie, I love you very very much, and I want you to remember that you are a very sweet girl. You have a special place in my heart.

p.p.s. Benjamin, I love you very much too. You should forward your letters, and tell me how you’re doing.