Hermana Laura Johnson: Salt Lake City Mission

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