October 17, 2011

My Family,

We have officially started the last week of the transfer. I feel like I just started this transfer with Elder Hernandez. My Zone Leader said something that really stuck with me. "The time flies when you are working hard." I guess that really is so true. You get so caught up in the things that are happening, and trying to reach your goals, and helping the people that you just lose track of where the time goes. We have been pretty busy, and I have not put in too much effort to write in my journal this transfer. I should probably work on that.

Well, that is really great that Zach and Sy received their calls. They will do great out in the field. And Alex comes home next week? What? Has it really been two years? I really cannot believe how fast it just flies by. It is definitely a unique experience. For every person, it is different. It just depends on the attitude that you have. That is really applicable to life. If you have a good attitude and you trust in the Lord, things will just work out. Probably one of the best things that I have learned in my time here so far would be to SMILE. I never thought of myself as a unhappy person, I just did not express to many true emotions. But I really have come to realize how much our appearance affects other people. If we, as missionaries, have a smile on our face, and a good attitude, the people recognize that, and they feel the need to find out why we are so happy. Gospel means good news right? So if we are bringing this "good news" to the people, shouldn’t we show it? (go ahead, you can say it,... I am pretty smart sometimes) haha

Well, yesterday I had the opportunity to give a talk in sacrament meeting, again. (this is now the third talk I have given in this ward) And this time they left me for last! Woohoo! It was really fun. As you can imagine, giving talks never has been my strong point, and then adding in the language factor, it is quite the experience. All in all, it is not as bad as it sounds. My Spanish was not perfect, but then again, the people understood me, so at the end of the day, it is okay. (that rhymed) I talked about receiving personal revelation, and how it is vital on our journey to Eternal Life. I ended up speaking for like 15 minutes. (which by the way is a record for me)

So we have had many opportunities to try our faith this week. We were not able to find very many new people, and those who we did find did not go to the church. We had a very awkward experience this week to. We were teaching the Family of the Hermana Alma, and at the end of the lesson, her husband offered to give us a ride to our house. He stopped the car a block or too away, and just started to spill everything out. All of his problems, all of his mistakes and all of his sins. He was looking to us for answers, and solutions. We were able to comfort and teach him. After this experience, I that I thought for a while about what would have inspired a full grown man, like 45 years old, to confide in two 19 year old boys. God has a plan for each and every one of his children, and through the spirit he guides them to us. It has not been the first time that odd things have happened. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the phrase "I do not know why I let you guys in, I never let anyone in my house".

Well, this gospel is true. I love it. and I love you all. I pray for you every day, and I hope that everything is going well for you.

With Love,

Elder Johnson