December 12, 2011

Dear Family,

This week was really great. As always, the first week of the transfer is filled with new experiences, meeting new people and getting to know your companion. Mine has been filled with that, and a whole lot more. This week we had the opportunity to go to Culiacan as a Mission. Well, actually everyone except for the Baja. In Culiacan we were able to play dodge ball, and really just have a day of relax this Thursday. When we played the Mexicans vs. the Foreigners, the odds were pretty bad. There was like 70 Mexicans and 30 Foreigners. It is okay though, because we played hard and came out Champions in the end. Then in the afternoon we had the chance to have a testimony devotional of the mission. There really was such an amazing Spirit there. We slept in a house in Humaya with 7 other Missionaries. Due to the amount of space allotted, I was resigned to sleep on the floor. After two good nights of sleeping on the floor, I have come back to Los Mochis with the resolve to keep sleeping on the floor. It really is quite fun. I have like 4 blankets for padding, and two others to keep warm, so don’t feel too bad for me. I am enjoying myself.

So, the more and more that I have thought about my return trip to Libertad, the more and more I have come the think that there must be something really special that I must do or experience here. I need to be alert, and keep my eyes out for all of the things that have been happening in these days. It really has brought back some great memories though. Hours and hours of contacting has really been great for my system. I really do enjoy it. But despite that, we really cannot do that much contacting, because it is not really considered using our time effectively.

Well, this week is awesome, I love being a missionary. I know this gospel is true. I do not have one doubt about that. I have seen it bless the lives of so many people, including my own life. I know that this really is the best investment of my time that I could do, ever. And when it is all over and done, and the dice have been rolled, I am the one who really comes out with more blessings than I could possibly ever imagine. I would not trade this time for anything. Our bishop said something yesterday that really stuck with me. He was talking to a mother who was about to send her son out on a mission. He said, "You send a young boy out to be a Missionary, and he comes back a Man, and a faithful Priesthood holder." I love this work, and I love my Savior. There is nothing more.

Love,
Elder Johnson