Salt Lake City Mission - 2012 Week 9 (Last)

February 27, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

I'M GOING TO SPAIN!!!
So excited yet so sad at the same time.

I’m flying out Wednesday morning.  The flight leaves at 11.  We have a layover in Atlanta, Georgia.  All the Visa waiters are on same plane. (Yay! Hermana Marshall and I will sit together hopefully!)  We will get to the Madrid MTC Friday night. We will stay there for a week (hopefully go to the temple!)  Then off to Barcelona (have to say goodbye to Hermana Marshall...sad).  Then I will be a missionary in Barcelona!!!

Get to talk to my family for 5 min at the airport Wednesday morning.

Let me tell you about my week:

Tuesday (21^st) – We taught a little girl named Rain who is 9 years old.  She was a referral and we had been trying to contact her for a long time.  We finally found her and brought a member with us so we could get into the house.  It turns out that this member (the Primary President in Rain's Ward) is related to my brother- in- law David Rohde!  I introduced myself to her and the first thing she asked was: "Are you Dawn's little sister?"  Small world.  Rain knows everything and basically taught us the first 3 lessons.  She's ready to get baptized.  She's adorable and so excited to have the missionaries over.

There’s something that I have noticed since being here.  People are so excited to see Sister Missionaries!   Everyone always asks when can we feed you, when can you come to our house, when can you teach my friend.  It's wonderful.  Even in Wal-Mart or at fast food places people are either offering to pay for us or are so excited to say "Hi" to us.  If not that, then we get strange looks.  (haha.)  But it really is incredible and it has really made me think more about my call and about who I am and about whose name I have over my heart-about who I represent and what message I bring.

Wednesday (22^nd) – TODAY I FOUND OUT ABOUT MY VISA!  I was knocking on doors with Hermana Magdaleno and we had just left a house and were so sad, because the boyfriend doesn't want to marry the girlfriend. They have the most adorable son together.

Anyway, so we were dragging our feet as we were walking through the parking lot when Hermana Magdaleno listened to a voicemail from the Mission office asking for me.  I called back and Elder Linder says, "Sister Johnson, there may or may not be rumors that your Visa came in."  I asked, "Is it a rumor or a fact?"  He said, "It's pretty much a fact."  At that point I started jumping up and down, almost hit Hermana Magdaleno.  I couldn't believe it and was so excited!   Then we saw an investigator that we are teaching.

Then we tried helping an old man cross the street and he couldn't really hear me. I got teary-eyed.  Just felt the overwhelming love that Heavenly Father has for this man. (It was probably mixed in with the shock of having my Visa!).  We visited with the wonderful Sanchez/Mota/Amaya family.  I was emotional as I told them I was leaving.  Love them so much.  I have wonderful memories and experiences with them.

Previously, when I was in the Provo MTC I kind of had a feeling that I would get sent to Temple Square or the Salt Lake City Mission, if my Visa didn't come.  Then I did!  When I got here to Salt Lake City I kind of had a feeling that my Visa would come at the end of February or the beginning of March.  It seemed so far away at the time.

But I promised myself and Heavenly Father that I would try not to think about Spain and do my best while I'm here.  I haven't prayed much for my Visa to get here and haven't talked much about it.  When people would ask why there are 4 of us, I would tell them that I was waiting for a Visa.  I wanted to give my 100% here :)  I've grown to love the people here.  It's so hard to say goodbye, yet at the same time I feel that there is a pretty good chance that I will see them again next year when I move back up here to Utah.  Glad that I will live close to them (as long as they don't move away).  All of us have already made plans of what we will do together next year. :)

I feel so grateful that I was here. I loved it!  Even riding the bikes in the cold turned out to be one of my favorite things ever, (haha) and I might actually miss it.

Friday (24^th) – We took District pictures.  Sister Marshall and I then left for the Mission office.  We got there at 11:15 A.M.  We met up with the other last two Visa waiters (out of the original 8 that were reassigned here with me).  I realized I was lucky that I was assigned and working in Rose Park because I got to speak Spanish everyday almost all day long.  I always got to teach people.  We had 8 baptisms.  We had native speaking companions and never got transferred.  I am so blessed.

Then the four of us went down to the Provo MTC.  We found out that 73 Visas for Spain came in!  Nine of us were temporarily assigned (between the Salt Lake City Mission, the South Salt Lake City Mission, and the Provo Mission).  A lot are still in the MTC and I think the rest of the Visas are for missionaries who haven't gotten out to the field yet. How great is that?

We met the Spain Consulate and signed a paper saying we got our Visa issued by him.  We got our Passports back with our Visas inside!

It was interesting to be in the MTC again.  As I was walking in the halls I saw a guy I knew from my volleyball class back at BYU and I saw one of my former residents when I was an RA in Helaman Halls.

I just felt so different being there.  I have learned so much since being out in the field.  While in there I was thinking about some of our investigators and hoping they were okay, or thinking about what was going on in their life that day --- crazy how much I have changed, learned, have grown, and have so much more to learn and so much more growing to do!

After we left the MTC, Elder Linder treated us all to In-In-Out! :)   Best treat!  Then I fell asleep in the car on the way back up to Salt Lake!  Then had a great rest of the day!

Saturday (25^th) – Antonio's baptism was one of the best baptisms ever.  He was so prepared and it was so spiritual and very emotional feeling being there.  This was the BEST thing before leaving for Spain.  Antonio is incredible!  Someday I hope my testimony will be as strong as his.

Sunday (26^th) – Church was great.  We went to an English speaking Ward to visit and sit with Rain.  It was emotional during Sacrament meeting thinking that that will probably be the last English speaking Ward I will go to for a year and 2 months at least!  And it was wonderful because the Spirit was so strong and the members are always so happy to see Sister Missionaries.  The carne asada dinner with the wonderful Cabrera family who love the missionaries so much was great, too.  We took some pictures.  It was sad to say goodbye.

Monday (27^th) – Today:  Got wonderful e-mails from my parents and bought stuff at the store to prepare for my trip to Spain.  I need to pack.  We made a video of inside jokes with my wonderful companions. We're throwing a surprise birthday party for Hermana Harris. She's 23 today!

I am going to Spain in two days. :)

It’s hard to believe.
Thank you so much for your prayers, support, and your love and for your letters.  I love you all so much.

Continue going to church, pray, and read your scriptures --- 3 key things.  Just do them and your life will be so much better and happier.  Be patient with yourself and others.  Serving in the Ward and caring for the fellow members are also keys to helping build the kingdom of God, receiving blessings in your life, and for being happy.

 
Love,

Hermana Johnson

Salt Lake City Mission - 2012 Week 8

Thank you all again, for your letters!  I sure appreciate them. Good ol’ Salt Lake City is doing well.  This week was pretty rough but that just made certain miracles stand out even more.

Tuesday (14th) – Valentine's Day! AND a couple of our investigators got married!  We all went down to the marriage office where I got to be a witness! I was excited!! :)  We took pictures and they were so happy-what a perfect day too (weather)!  They have been together for 8 years and have 3 super cute children. Abril is from Chihuahua, Mexico and Marcos is from Guanajuato, Mexico.  Now they're working on a baptismal date.  We visited Sister Mayberry.  She is incredible.  In her closing prayer she said "Father you have changed my life and I thank you for that."  It makes me teary eyed when I think about that sometimes.  Her prayers are so simple and honest and come straight from the heart. I want to be more like her.  We had a good Mexican dinner with a girl named Edith from Chihuahua, Mexico.  We're grateful for these wonderful people who support us.

We visited with 10 year old Marcos.  His parents don't really like the church but his mom is good about taking him every Sunday.  He just wants his family to be happy and united.  He's an incredible 10 year old kid and I am learning more and more about the meaning behind the commandment "become as a little child" because they're amazing!  We asked him to read in the children's Book of Mormon (for homework) but he told us he doesn't like to read. Then he said "Wait!  I think I already read this" (the story of Joseph Smith) then he told us the Joseph Smith story and then as he kept turning pages in the book, he told us about Lehi and his family and about returning to Jerusalem and about the angel visiting Laman and Lemuel and then about Nephi killing Laban and why that was so important and then about Lehi's dream!  He got up to page 24!  Wow!  It was a miracle because his parents were both in the room and listening and we were surprised.  I know that this softened his parents' hearts and I know that they will most likely let him get baptized.  The Spirit was so strong. :)  Then, in his closing prayer (which his parents participated in) he said, "Dear God, the Sister missionaries told me that I've learned a lot and remembered a lot.  I'm really proud of myself and glad that I remembered.  Thank you for sending them to me.  How amazing is that?  Oh, the joy of being a missionary.  I LOVE IT!

Wednesday (15th) – We had a great lesson with 26 year old Benito.  He just wants to learn more and needs to be more confident in himself because he already knows a lot!  We brought a recent convert with us, who was incredible!  LOVE having members with us in our lessons.  I keep thinking when I am back home I am going to help the missionaries out because I know how much the members help!!!  (hint hint.... :))

Thursday (16th) – Had a great lesson with 24 year old Nestor.  All four of us Sisters went and the Spirit was so strong as we were teaching him about the Restoration.  We had him pray to know if the Book of Mormon is true.  I peeked during the prayer and looked around the coffee table at all of us kneeling with our arms crossed and eyes closed, what a special moment.  It made me tear up just realizing this beautiful moment.  He wants to get baptized on March 10th!

Friday (17th) – Kenya is a 14 year old gorgeous girl!  She is learning slowly and really wants to get an answer to her prayers.  Diana (a recent convert also 14 years old) shared with us her experience about getting answers to her prayers.  Then Hermana Magdaleno shared her experience how she came to know the Church is true.  Then, I bore testimony about how I feel the Spirit. :)  I have no doubts that Kenya will get her answer.  Kenya's mom's heart has softened now.  We are still working on the Dad.  We are going to visit them Friday.  I can't wait!

Saturday (18th) – Knocked on doors of a whole apartment complex!  It was rough, but so grateful for honest people who say "No thanks I am not interested." However rude it may be (their tone of voice or facial expressions.  Then we know we aren't wasting our time with them.  One man even tried to Bible bash with us.  Oh well.  We found a lot of less active families and had some great lessons with them.

Sunday (19) – Hermana Harris and I got to teach the 14-18 year old Sunday School class.  I love teaching High School aged kids and it was great teaching them about the Atonement.  We had a meeting with the new Bishop.  He is very funny and personable and really wants to get things done.  He and his wife are from the Dominican Republic.  It's funny how he switches back and forth from Spanish to English in his conversations.  He is being such a strong supporter. :)  I have a feeling this coming week is going to be great!

I love you all and I am so grateful for this Gospel in my life.  We are so blessed to have this knowledge! Please don't take it for granted.  2 Nephi 9:39- "Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal" S.M.I.L.E.   We have so many reasons to smile. :)

Love,

Hermana Johnson

Us sisters around Christmas time (Sis. picuasi) and Julia's daughter

Us with Dory (the one that I told you about the Patriarchal blessing)

Us eating lunch with our zone and the Mission Pres and his wife at Tucanos

February SLC Mission Pics - 01

Joaquin's baptism, Baptized by Elder Jeffries

Zone Conference

Salt Lake City Mission - 2012 Week 7

February 13, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

I still am so grateful and blessed to be in this area where we can find Spanish speakers everywhere!  The other Visa waiter that is left here (besides Hermana Marshall and I) got transferred to an English speaking area.  So I am glad I am still here in the Spanish area.

We have been knocking on a lot of doors trying to find new people to teach.  We need to strengthen our faith because we know that people are here and that they're prepared to accept the gospel and be baptized.  We need to be worthy to listen to the Spirit and to find these people.  We pray for it every day but I know we can for sure work harder and more diligently in the middle of the day.  (The toughest hours are between 12-4.)

I still love my companions and we have been getting along well and when we are not, we are able to talk things out and set goals to be better. We love having fun and joking around...so when there's tension we figure out how to get rid of it fast!  It's been great. :)

One exciting thing was visiting with Sister Mayberry again on Tuesday.  She was so happy because she was preparing to go to the temple to do work for her mother.  How cool is that?  It was awesome to see the joy on her face. I didn't really think about the impact I had on her, but she told me a lot of special things.  Honestly, it was the Spirit...and I have been working with her friend and we've been talking a lot about patriarchal blessings.  She thinks hers doesn't apply to her anymore. I felt inspired to ask her if she would get her blessing out and then pray to Heavenly Father for help in understanding and finding something that could apply to her life still. Then I told her to read over it once and then read over it the second time while taking notes of things that she thinks that could still apply to her now.  Then I told her to pray again and give thanks for the wonderful blessing that she has.  She said she was able to find a few things in there the second time reading it that still apply to her life.  She told me that she was so grateful I told her to do that and she is going to try it again because she needs to "let down her pride and be more teachable." :)  What a wonderful example.

This inspired me to look through my patriarchal blessing.  I studied it one morning during personal study.  I am so grateful that I have it.  I can't wait for our recent converts to get theirs as well. There are so many things in there that help me and I love it.

Transfers were on Tuesday and Sister Harris thought she was leaving... she's been here for a while.  We were dying because the Zone Leaders (who usually tell us around 10) didn't tell us until 2!!  We are all staying, which is good.  We really work well together.

Transfers brought new changes in our District.  Our District is now bigger with the new people.  We still have Elder Dreiling as our District Leader, who's a funny guy.  I love District and Weekly Planning Meetings on Fridays.

Everyone: Thank You for the wonderful mail you have sent me!  I am so grateful for the support and feel very uplifted :)  I am for sure enjoying it while I can because I know once I get to Spain I won't be getting mail as much...or as often... so... Thank You!!!! :)

Saturday we had the Ward's Valentine's Day party. Un baile en el barrio North Star.  As missionaries we can't dance of course but we went because we invited anyone and everyone we talked to. It was tough to listen to that music and not dance!  But we loved seeing people in the Ward come together and it really unified them.  We took a lot of pictures and videos.

Sunday....  Very busy!  Sundays are probably the toughest days sometimes.  We knocked on so many doors in the morning to wake people up for church.  It was raining, then snowing & cold, and so early in the morning.  No one came to church: sad. :(   The Bishopric was changed.  A Spanish speaking brother who was originally in an English Ward (was a counselor in the Bishopric there), now is the Bishop.

It's up to us personally to feel the Spirit at church and I love going to feel the Spirit.  It's good to take the sacrament and renew my baptismal covenants and to learn more about my Savior and how I can become more like Him.  I love going to church just to be in one of Heavenly Father's sacred buildings, too.  Church is wonderful and is one of God's commandments.  If you don't love church, you might want to try and figure out what you need to change so you will love it.

I love praying to my Heavenly Father.  I know without a doubt that He knows and loves me and all of His children personally.  He tests us and tries us so that we can learn from our experiences; so that we can grow; so that we can humble ourselves and rely on Him more.  He loves us unconditionally-no matter what.  He hears and listens to ALL of our prayers....He really cares......

Love you all.... Have a good week. :)

Love,

Hermana Johnson

p.s.    http://mamawinnsplace.blogspot.com/2012/02/north-zone-conference-january-11th.html

https://picasaweb.google.com/102252096605740113332/20120111NorthZoneConference?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJSl9K7l4L_rlQE&feat=embedwebsite&gsessionid=alwj8MlM4lZAi0VOLBLHyA#

Salt Lake City Mission - 2012 Week 6

Wow!  Time is flying by!

Dear Family and Friends,

I love the temple!  Today is P-day and at the last minute, we found out that we could go to the temple. Iit has been closed for cleaning and this is the first day it opened.  We really wanted to go so we woke up happy and worked hard on finding a ride.  We barely made it to the 8 A.M. session.  We were the last ones in there.

It was probably the best session I have ever been in so far.  I was focused and my mind was opened to many ideas and thoughts.  I was sitting in there thinking about how many of the prophets have been in the same room that I was in.  It was an incredible sight and feeling.  Then when the session was about to start, I was thinking about all of the people who we are teaching and who just got baptized.  I really want to be in the temple with them and share this joy someday. :)  The temple is beautiful: everything about it.  Missionary work and families are great. The history of the church and the restored church on the earth is great.  Life is great and we are so blessed!

Right now we are in the Family History Center in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building by Temple Square.  Have you ever stopped to read all of the signs around Temple Square?  They're wonderful. I saw an engraving on the wall outside with faces sticking out and it says:  The Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Unto All Nations.  Then it lists the different languages for the words  "The Book of Mormon"....." El Libro de Mormon", etc.. :)

The Book of Mormon is wonderful.  I wish I read it more before my mission.  I look forward to personal study every morning so I can read, mark, and write a little more about my thoughts.  I try to apply it to my life and also like reading about the good examples of past prophets. We are so lucky to have this book.  I know it's the word of God.

The power of prayer is so great. This week I heard wonderful prayers spoken by people of all ages. One investigator named Marcos, who is 10 years old, is amazing.  He wants his family to be happy and to do the right things. His parents don't like going to church. They take him but always leave after Sacrament meeting.  At the beginning of last week, Hermana Magdaleno and I were teaching him more about baptism (he's a little scared of the whole concept). When we were about to leave we asked him if he could say the closing prayer.  All of his family were sitting at the table but had not been paying attention to us the whole time.  He shyly asked us if we could say the prayer with all of his family.  We thought:  Of course!  Why hadn't we thought of that?  It definitely was a humbling experience for Hermana Magdaleno and me.  We waited for them to quiet down.  They realized how important it was to Marcos and finally stopped talking and then he got shy!  Hermana Magdaleno helped him say it and it was so sweet. "Thank you for the Mormon ladies who came over to my house to teach me."  It was such an incredible example to us and his family.  Can they see how important this is to him?  Hopefully their hearts will soften soon.

Later on during the week, Hermana Harris and I went to Marcos'.  We switch companionships every two days, and we taught him that we all lived with Heavenly Father before this earth life. We lived as spirits and then we were born and now live on earth in our human bodies.  I used my glove as an example – spirit=hand; glove=body).  He had a lot of questions.  He offered to say the prayer at the end.  While we were bowing our heads and waiting, Marcos said: "Wait, can I ask you a question?  What do I call you guys?  Like sisters?  …because we are all God's children and all?"  We smiled and I said " You can call us sister missionaries."  Then he prayed: "Thanks for sending these sister missionaries to teach me. Thank you that I lived with you before as a spirit and now that I am on the earth so I can grow and learn and experience things. Thanks for the chance to explore the world and discover new things."  It warmed my heart and I felt joy, feeling that little children are so important.  We need to become like little children and open up our hearts and minds and have a desire to learn more.  We need to be kind to everyone and realize that making seemingly little mistakes (like Marcos' example of tripping his little sister) is not okay and we should have the desire (like Marcos does) to receive forgiveness and be clean.

We've had the opportunity to teach a lot of children lately.  Last Saturday an 8 year old girl named Destiny was baptized.  Her Dad's in jail and has been for a while!  Her Mom's been raising the kids on her own and tries really hard to get them to church.  Destiny is adorable and smart!   (The other 8 year old we're teaching is Maya).  Destiny's baptism was great!  We even got Marcos' Mom to take him and stay to watch it, so that he could see what it was like.  I had the wonderful opportunity to play the piano again (really wish I practiced more before my mission....). Destiny was so happy and afterwards we were invited to her house for homemade tamales.

I have been there every time to teach Maya (the rotation has just worked out that way). Her sweet Abuelita still surprises me by making popcorn on the stove when we come.... love it :)  I got this great idea that we should help Maya make a book!!  She has a hard time remembering things that we have taught her.  So we bought her a flowery spiral notebook, stickers, scissors and glue.  We cut out pictures from old Ensign church magazines and from pamphlets that we pass out.  Then we had her glue pictures of things we've already taught/talked about, such as Joseph Smith, The First Vision, Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon, Prayer, etc...  We had her write the words in Spanish and in English on each page next to each picture.  Joseph Smith Jose Smith, The First Vision La Primera Vision, etc.  Then had her write down a sentence about each subject: Joseph Smith.  "He talked to God and Jesus."  (Book of Mormon)  "Tells about God and Jesus."  …simple sentences that she created.  It has helped thinking of basic gospel object lessons in simple terms. Her faith is strong and her prayers are sweet (just like Marcos').  It's been a blessing and a great experience teaching her.

Eduardo is still doing great.  He is so happy and told everyone he knows that he's getting baptized on Feb 25th!  It's really been a joy teaching him and we are amazed by how much he knows already. He's spiritually in tune.

Please pray with your families-brings power, unity and blessings!  I love you all!

Love,

Hermana Johnson

SLC Mission - New Years 2012

Salt Lake City Mission - 2012 Week 5

Dear Family and Friends,

This last week was a wonderful one!  I can testify that miracles happen and that my mission president was called of God and he receives inspiration to help us missionaries.

Transfers are coming again next week...I just wonder what will happen with Hermana Marshall and I regarding visas --- transferred to new areas?  No idea.  Hermana Harris thinks she's leaving.  She's been here during 3 transfers.  This is the only area she's ever been in since being out of the MTC. Vamos a Ver.

Monday (23rd) – We finally went to a P-day activity!  I got to play my favorite: Volleyball!  It would have been better if some elders would've rotated and shared the ball.  Haha.  Poor Hermana Marshall got hit pretty bad in the face during dodge ball.  It rained/snowed.  We are SO GRATEFUL to have a car-until Feb 8th.

Good lesson with 8 yr. old Maya.  She is the sweetest girl ever.  I just want to take her home with me (I find that with a lot of these adorable kids).  We watched the Restoration movie. She didn't really understand it; big words in English.  So I explained it using simpler words. :)

Tuesday (24th) – My favorite lesson to teach is about the Plan of Salvation. That's one of the main reasons I came on a mission.  It is because of this amazing knowledge that I am so blessed to have. Without this knowledge, I don't know if my family or I would have been able to get through Jared's death. When people ask me why I'm serving a mission, I often tell them it's because of this wonderful knowledge.  I am so lucky and it would be so selfish of me to keep this to myself.  I love teaching the Plan of Salvation; especially now that I have my very own "dibujos" or like drawing things.

Did I write about Eduardo from Cuba? I met him 2 weeks ago out in the rain.  The other sisters went back later on and he said to them that I was the nicest person that he has met since moving here, and that I showed genuine love for him when I asked him if he needed help with his car, twice (not like I could have really helped him ..ha) but it was worth it because it made such an impression on him.  He is amazing!  He is very spiritual, and loves when we teach him and just wants to get closer to God. He called us angels sent from God --- me out in the rain an angel?

Wednesday (25th) – For the first time we got to the rotation where we got to eat dinner with our ward: (North Star).  The Mexican food has been great.  We even discovered a little Mexican tiendita down the road from our house that makes decent food as well.  It's next to a store that plays Mexican songs on a loud speaker --- got to love it.

Our investigator named Sarahi told us the saddest news.  Her husband won't allow her to go to church and does not want us teaching their children and "confusing" them and doesn't really want us teaching Sarahi.  She is sad and wants to go to church and be baptized on the 11^th like planned. She wants her kids to learn. They love listening to our lessons. We were sitting at her kitchen table talking with her, and tears filled up in my eyes as I listened to her.  I thought about the situation and realized the tears were because, even though I barely know her, I love her spirit and feel her frustration.  I love being a missionary and being able to feel God's love that He has for His children.  I try to be an instrument in His hands and have a wonderful blessing and opportunity to feel this love.  I gave her a hug and bore my testimony about fasting.  We will be fasting together (4 of us and Sarahi) Tuesday night.

Thursday (26th) – We had interviews with Pres. Winn.  I still feel a bit out of place because I am waiting to go to Spain, but he's great and this weekend I really gained a testimony that he has been called of God and that he can receive revelation to help us individually.  He gave us advice for our language study and we tried it Friday and miracles happened.

Beverly made us a good Honduras dinner.  It’s fun to be with her. She's so happy now that she has the gospel in her life.  We taught her about temples. She can't wait to go. We shared our feelings and love for her and she shared her feelings and love for us.  It was special. :) :)  It’s going to be so hard to say good bye to her someday. We already have a list of things we want to do together after my mission.

Saw Antonio who is 23 years old, has a strong desire to get baptized.  He is trying to figure things out with his girlfriend.

Friday (27th) – We taught  Norma Norescal (from trailer park where I had an adventurous experience a couple of weeks ago --- a story to tell after my mission, for sure).  I followed Pres. Winn's advice for language study. I had the best lesson I have ever had on my mission!  In this small trailer, the spirit was so strong and incredible. She's getting baptized on Feb. 18th.

Saturday (28th) – We had an interesting experience with a 91 yr. old practically deaf in-active man.  I've been getting better at Spanish ever since Pres. Winn's advice.  I can feel the Spirit so much stronger and also feel the love that Heavenly Father has for all of His children.

We got to teach Maya. I love her.  We got her mom's permission for her to be baptized Feb 18th :)

Sister Mayberry's baptism!  She was amazing and her example is incredible. I have learned so much from her. She is my "adopted grandma." :)  The Spirit was strong and it was nice that so many people went and there was a pianist, a chorister and a beautiful program with musical numbers and talks and I got to give the opening prayer. It was truly one of the best gifts our companionship could've received.  It was great.

Sunday (29th) – We had a good meeting with the Bishop.  We expressed our concerns and he expressed his interest in them.  Some changes are now going to happen. This Saturday all new recent converts will be able to do baptisms at the Temple. :) Then we are going to have a class to teach recent converts, the less active, and investigators at the church on Thursdays.  He is also working on getting callings for the recent converts.

We have been praying a lot to find someone who can get baptized this week: Feb 4th.  I put sticky notes all over our house and put a list of possible people that could be ready.  We had been trying to contact a guy named Javier Luna.  It was a miracle.  We found him at 8:40 P.M.!  He just got back from Mexico (had 1 lesson with Hermanas. Harris and Picuasi back in November) and is ready to get baptized!  The spirit was so strong and his heart is so pure.  He has a picture of the Salt Lake City temple in his apt.  He wants to go to the temple so bad.  He's going to make it!  He's getting baptized Saturday!!!! :)  How incredible!

Monday (30th) – Today!  First of all, it's the second week in a row that my companions and I have reached the Standard of Excellence set by President Winn!  Second of all, last week our whole zone got the Standard of Excellence which is every companionship!!  So for lunch today, Tucanos restaurant was full of about 35 missionaries!! :)  President Winn paid for us all!  We went to the Gateway (shopping mall built for the 2002 Winter Olympics).  I have many memories there-weird... haha.  Our zone almost got the Standard of Excellence again this week but 3 people didn't make it to church.  But our companionship did and we will again this week because of Javier. Today has been great so far.

I am so blessed!!  Baptisms are amazing.  I feel so lucky to be here and this last week was one of the best.  I love this gospel and Heavenly Father with all my heart.

Thanks for your support, love and for all the wonderful letters I have been receiving and for your prayers and friendship and for everything. My heart is full. :)

I love you all.
Have a good week.

Love,
Hermana Laura Johnson