I still can't believe that the time is going so fast. I am getting better at my (European) Spanish and feeling more confident in speaking. My companion is very shy and doesn't like contacting in the street or on the bus. I learned a lot while being in Salt Lake City (we talked to everyone on the street) and at first I was scared to be here because the Spanish is way different, but you know what? I have to be confident because I´m a missionary! (I'm glad I'm getting better.) My companion things I will be a trainer soon --- like next month soon. I would love that honestly. It’s exciting to think about!
Monday (2nd) – We went to eat
at Subway! It was nice having American
food, and wasn't as good as at the Subway at home, but it was still a good
Italian BMT. :)
Later we met a referral that we got from the
Elders. Her name is Ana and she is from
Honduras. She told us how she wants to
know the truth and wants to read the Book of Mormon and find out if it´s
true! She mentioned that her Dad died
last November. I bore my testimony about
the Plan of Salvation and about the Book of Mormon. I told her that this wonderful knowledge
makes me happy and that everything usually works out. It was a neat experience and Hermana Rejon
and I have high hopes for her.
Then on our way back to the piso, Hermana
Rejon was feeling hungry for some pan con chocolate (croissant with chocolate
melted in the middle). We stopped in
this store and after we ordered I got to know the owner of the store a little
bit. His name is Francisco and he told
me about his grandchildren. I asked him
if he and his family would like to go to church. He said he didn't have time. I asked, "You don´t have time for
God?" He told me no. How sad, I thought! He then asked me, "Is God more important
for us or are we more important for God?"
To which Hermana Rejon responded that it should be 50-50. It was an interesting conversation and we
bore our testimonies. Guess we made a
new friend and maybe in the future we can talk more.
Tuesday (3rd) – We had a
District meeting today. During it, I was
reminded of something that my Zone Leader back in Salt Lake City asked my
companions and I. That was when we wake
up in the morning and get out of bed, "Do you believe that you are
actually a representative of Jesus Christ?
That you are called by God and have this power and authority?" I shared this question with my District. It really makes you think about things. I am grateful for this leader I had and that
he listened to the Spirit and asked this question. It has really changed my perspective and way
of thinking.
Wednesday (4th) – The Bishop
gave us a list of families from the Ward to visit. So today we went around and
started visiting these people. They are wonderful and love the missionaries so
much. It felt a lot like Visiting
Teaching. It was incredible to share
experiences, scriptures, and testimonies.
These people are amazing. Amidst
the frowny faces and smoke and busy life of Sabadell, there are homes that
truly are like houses of God where you can feel the Spirit and God´s love when
you walk in. What a wonderful
feeling. I have really gained a
testimony of the importance of the home and the environment that should be
there. I hope someday when I have my own
home and family, it can be as good.
Thursday (5th) – There is this
wonderful family with less actives and non-members. They love the missionaries
a lot also and always invite us into their home. We all sat at the table and started teaching
the Plan of Salvation (my favorite to teach!).
It was incredible and the Spirit was SO strong. Maria, one of the women was concerned about
the resurrection. My companion seemed to
struggle with trying to explain it. And
then to her and my amazement, I was explaining this concept that I don´t know a
lot about. My companion was super
surprised and Maria started tearing up and it all made sense and worked out
perfectly.
Heavenly Father knows every one of us individually. He knows our concerns and doubts and the
desires of our hearts. He will always
answer our prayers...probably in ways we don´t expect. We just need to open our hearts and always be
worthy to have His Spirit with us.
Friday and Saturday I don´t have notes for
sorry!
Sunday (8th) – Besides being
Easter, it was also my Mom's and my niece Jasmines birthday (Jasmines
first). I definitely missed the
traditions we have and celebrating with them, but tried to focus more of my
thoughts and studies on Christ our Savior.
Here in Sabadell, Easter is just like any other day. I told my companion Happy Easter and she told
me that people don´t really say that in Spanish. She said thanks, anyway!
We met Filadelfia today. She is from Bolivia and is 27 years old and
was so excited to attend church for the first time! She didn´t know what to expect so I started
telling her about it. After the first
hour she wanted to leave! We talked her
into staying for the second hour. We attended a great class taught by a
returned Sister missionary. Filadelfia
liked it so much that she wanted to stay for the third hour!
She even rode the bus back with us and wanted
to know when she could see us again.
Some members invited her to their house tonight for an FHE! Members are the key to missionary work. If you haven´t talked to the missionaries
yet, maybe you can and ask them if there is any way that you can help
them. Missionaries need the members
help!
Then last night we met Mustafa from Senegal,
Africa. He has amazing faith and was
almost crying while talking to us about how the world is so wicked now and that
no one believes in God. He bore his
testimony about his strong faith in God.
It was incredible to see the light of Christ shine in his eyes. AND he was so excited to get the Book of
Mormon! He asked for one in French and
for one in Spanish. He wants to keep the
French one and give the Spanish one to one of his friends.
It was incredible and we will look forward to
seeing him again.Good ending to the week. I love being here and I am feeling more comfortable. Missionary work is so amazing.
I like this quote:
"Everything that you have to give to the
Lord, has its origin in Him (time, 2 years, strength, gifts, talents, tithing,
etc.) except ONE thing: your Will. He
does not have your heart, nor your mind, unless you give them to Him. It is the only gift you have to offer that He
does not already have. And so when you
give yourself, you truly give Him everything." How incredible is this?
I love you all. Have a good week.
Love,
Hermana Johnson
My son just got his call to S Korea and goes to the mtc in a month. Seeing how awesome you are doing gives me hope for him. Thank you.
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