October 28, 2013

This was on a door that I knocked on three times. After they didn't answer I figured it was safe to take a pic. I don't why people have to freak out like this. Ha.

 Right before I caught a turtle! yay! Still so proud of myself for that one.

 

Sis Sablan still freaking out about her fish.

                Family,                 I LOVE YOU!

Well, as always, things here in SO. FLO. are going grand! we had another great week! while we were biking on Thurs, I got a flat tire! I some how ran over a screw.... the (kind) Elders said that they would fix it for me! I caught a turtle- it was not on purpose! We were picking up a YW to come to do missionary work with us and there were these kids fishing in the back yard. So I figured I would make use of my time and through a few casts.... on my third one I caught a turtle. He put a fight though and as soon as he got to the bank he snapped my line. His loss I was going to take the hook out! It was pretty fun though! We are still helping lovely with her personal progress. We are trying to help her finish integrity so she can get a ribbon by Nov 6. We will be cutting it close but I know we can do it! The ward trunk or treat was a blast! All of the members dressed up and it was so much fun! I love the members of the Wellington Ward! Today for p-day we went fishing. I helped Sis Sablan catch her first fish ever. She was freaking out. The whole time she was reeling in a tiny fish she was screaming ha. I also was with her when she pet her first horse.... that girl needs to come to SV for a visit! We did a lot of finding this week as we do everyone until we find people to teach! Keep us in your prayers please! It sounds like Jake is doing much better in Mexico! I am happy to hear he already baptized! He is going to help so many people there that's for sure!  There's not too big of an update this week! I sure do miss all of you and look forward to seeing you soon! It's going to sneak up on all of us and I'll be home before you know it!
 

Well family, I hope that you have a great week! I love you all so so so much! I can't even begin to express the gratitude I have for you and all that you do for me! Hopefully one day I will be able to express it to you! I will talk to you next week! Oh and next week I will be emailing on Tues! It's transfer week! CRAZY! I love love love you!

xoxox sister johnson

October 21, 2013

 Shaking the hand of an apostle of the Lord

 At the ocean. This is Sister McKay, she lives with us.

 Oreo Cheesecake!!!!

 Missionaries (about 180)   Click on photo to see full view!!


 

FfOaRmEiVlEyR- - ->

This week was amazing! Especially hearing from Elder Dallin H. Oaks. All of us missionaries were sitting together for the picture and as he walked in the spirit filled the room so powerfully and quickly. It was amazing. I know that he is called of God and that he is a modern day apostle of the Lord's chosen prophet, Thomas S. Monson. Shaking his hand was amazing as well-I couldn't believe it! My friend Gina got a really good pic of it! I am so grateful for her! His message was great! Some of the main points were temples, holy ghost, testimony, and our life long calling of serving the Lord. I learned a lot and took great notes. He talked a lot about a missionary release and how we need to continue to do missionary work after our missions. He made a lot of funny comments too. While talking about a missionary release he said "we need to be prepared for our releases. I know that mine involves a mortician." he also made some good/funny comments about dating and hanging out. He said that "hanging out isn't a sin but that it is really close to one." I am really grateful for the opportunity that I had to learn at the feet of an apostle. Sis Dougal and I sat front and center! It was fantastic! It was my last time seeing Sister Tuia! I was really sad! It's hard to leave and to see others leaving as well. She gave the closing prayer at the conference and was just crying. I fear my time is not too far around the corner. I am excited to see Sister Tuai again after the mission! We learned a lot together!

I feel bad that Jake got so sick this past week. I am anxious to hear from him this week to see if he is doing better or not. I pray that he is! I got a Halloween card from Sheri this week. Her and Kirk have always been so good at sending cards to us every holiday no matter where we are! It's very thoughtful of them! I also got a package from Aunt Bobbie and Grandma Johnson with a bunch of homemade goodies and a cute scarf! I am grateful for them and all they do to support us missionaries! Sis Dougal and I just love our ward here to pieces! They are amazing. It is true dad, every area becomes my favorite! I have so much love in my heart for the members of the ward here! We have been making cookies and taking them to the leaders to express our gratitude and it has really strengthened our relationships with them. We also have been committing families to hold family prayer. And I encourage our family to do the same. I have seen the difference it makes in the lives of parents and children. It is something so simple. I know that as you do our family with receive unity and strength within our relationships. Sister McDougal (RS Pres) took us to Cheese Cake Factory this week! It was so yummy! We all got our own piece of cheesecake too! We were in heaven! That is only my second time eating there! We had a family invite us to there home for Christmas. It was a bitter sweet thought to think that I won't be here then. The mother on the family reminds me a lot of Dana we told them that Sis Dougal didn't even know if she would be here then. The mission has transfers on the 18th so people will be moved around right before Christmas this year. This Friday is our wards trunk or treat! We are excited to go! It will be fun to get some of our investigators there too! :) They are doing dinner and games! This past week we helped with the relief society lesson and the teacher gave us a whole bag of candy for helping. Just what we need right? ha. That's okay we will share it with a lot of people!

This Sunday my heart filled with joy as I watched our recent convert, Mario, pass the sacrament for the first time. Mario is incredible. He has had a lot of experiences in his life that have helped him to build a strong relationship with the Savior. As he passed the sacrament, he had the biggest grin on his face and the up-most reverence for what he was doing. They asked him to help a minute before sacrament started and he did a fantastic job. There is no greater happiness that comes than seeing someone embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ into their lives and to apply the atonement of Christ into their lives. What was a blessing on top of that was that Mario brought his niece with him to service. Before we found Mario we were teaching her but her mother didn't want them to meet with us. Then we found Mario and its made all the difference. We pray that the mothers heart will continue to be softened and that their family will be able to come unto Christ through baptism because of the example that Mario is setting.

This past p-day we went to the ocean and down town Palm Beach. It was a lot of fun! A member took us! She does a lot for us missionaries. She is in the other ward that meets in our chapel! This p-day we don't know what we are doing yet. We might play sports with the elders or carve pumpkins. We are for sure going to buy white shirts for Mario because he doesn't have any. It will be a great day! We have lots of knocking to do tonight. We are really trying to find! We haven't baptized this month and so we are working hard to find! We know they are here there is no doubt!

I am happy that the boys got their elk! That was a quick hunt! Yeah for jerky! I miss that!  I hope that everyone has another great week! I know Jake and I will on our missions! It's definitely not peaches-n-cream all the time but pretty dang close! I LOVE YOU! Talk to you next week!
xoxoxo

sis johnson

October 14, 2013

Johnson Family & Friends --->

Another week has flown by for me in my mission and I can't believe that Jake hit his 2 month mark. I will never understand where the time goes! 

Thank you for sending that package mom! It had just what I needed in it! The sticky notes were so cute! Me and my companion were wondering where you got them from? They are adorable! Thank you for sending my contacts too!  You are super mom and I LOVE YOU! I was also wondering if I could get Jake's address from you so I can write him. Thank you! 

This past week for p-day we went to Buches Wildlife Area. There were just a bunch of animals. It was fun! When I saw the deer and the ducks I just thought of the boys hunting haha. In two weeks our ward is having a trunk or treat and we are really excited to go to that. We are inviting all of our investigators! It will be a lot of fun! I remember going to the one in Etna growing up in WY and taking Bri one year too! 

Dallin H. Oaks is coming on Saturday and I cant wait! I am so excited for that! I'm preparing by reading one of his talks each day! I can't believe I will get to shake his hand. That's kind of a BIG deal! I am so excited! I've been setting some goals like you asked me to dad. :) thought you might like to know that!

This past week I got to go on exchanges with my trainee again. Sister Ellett. we had an amazing spiritual experience. We had parked at a home to follow up with a family we have been teaching. We spoke with them briefly and then went down the street to leave a prayer with a family that we had seen outside. After we had a great experience with this family, we started walking back to our car that was just up the street. There was a man outside washing his car and Sister Ellett said, "I'm going to go give him a card." I was so happy that she wanted to do that! because his hands were full he asked her to set it in the garage and that he would look at the card after he was done washing his car. As we walked away I felt prompted to turn around and offer to say a prayer with him but, I kept walking to the car (I had a little fear in me). When we got into the car and all buckled in, I turned to Sister Ellett and said," sister we need to get out had go say a prayer with that man." She jumped right out of the car, we blessed him and he really appreciated the prayer. This increased me testimony and it is something that I will never forget. Time and time again I am reminded of the importance of following the spirit as soon as we get a prompting. I am grateful for experiences like these that help me remember the gifts that I have been given from God. It was also a blessing to see how she is improving and growing in her mission. 

Today for p-day a member is going to take us to the beach! That will be fun! Thank you for all your love and support! I know that I have the best family ever and I'm not afraid to tell everyone! Man it's crazy to think that Brandon leaves so soon! I will just miss him by a week! I hope that all of you have a great week and can feel of my love! I keep all of you and especially Jake in my prayers always!

xoxoxo love sister johnson

October 7, 2013

 Our favorite place to knock..........

All the food she gave us!

Ice cream from Bishop

Family,

Oh how I love conference weekend! I have so many fond memories with the family on this weekend. I remember a lot of the time for the spring session we would be traveling and listen to it in the car. Conference weekend went by so fast for me! It always does now a day! I remember when we were kids and conference used to take so long and so much of our time. Now it flies by and leaves me wanting more. I believe the greatest message I got from conference was that of member missionary work. It's caused me to reflect and begin to set goals for the member missionary I want to be when I return and for the rest of my life. I too encourage you, as did many of the speakers, to pray about who you can share the gospel with and to invite them over to hear from the missionaries. I can't begin to tell you the blessings I have seen just since Jake left for his mission a short 8 weeks ago. I pray that our family can see the many many blessings from our service. Last night our relief society pres. came over and brought boxes and boxes of food for us. She stocked our shelves and our fridge. We couldn't believe it! I was overwhelmed, again, with gratitude for all of the service that many here are offering me. I don't doubt that Jake is getting taken care of as well.

I was also wondering if you can send me Cassie Seamons e-mail address. I need to write her. I got a letter from Krista Nielson this week! She's awesome. She will be graduating from BYU-I.  I feel like it was just yesterday we were all in young woman's. 

I was able to receive a lot of guidance and direction at conference. I cant wait to study the talks. I went really wanting to know what more I can do to endure as well as increasing my ability to receive personal revelation. I was blessed to be given just the direction I was in need of and more! I am so thankful for a modern day prophet and for the organization of the church! 

This week I made taco soup! it was super yummy! Trying to get back in to the habit of cooking actually meals. My dieting out here has been well... NOT AT ALL. and I'm just looking forward to feeling good and healthy again. We found out this week that we have 181 missionaries in our mission! That's quite a bit I must say! There are new areas opening up left and right. It's been fun to see the mission grow. Sis Dougal and I just found out today that on Nov 5 we get to go to the Ft. Lauderdale Temple to help trim the chandeliers - I am beyond excited! I almost started to cry when I found out! Only the sister training leaders get to help so I am definitely counting my blessings! 

I have felt Gods awareness of me more than I ever have. I see promised blessings that are found in my patriarchal blessing come to pass and I feel the trust that the Lord has in me.

Dad it sounds like fishing went really well! Thank you for sending the pic. We will have to go fishing next summer I don't know how I feel about ice fishing. haha. I am glad you got to go to Utah mom and spend time with your family. I cant believe Brandon leaves so soon for his mission. Dana e-mailed me and it was nice to hear from her! I can't believe Gracie is in jr high. I hope Jake is doing well! I won't hear from him until next week which is okay! I pray for him all the time. I know he is doing a great job! 

i love you all so much and hope you have a great week! i will talk to you in 7 days! woot woot! 

xoxoxoxoxoxo sis johnson 

September 30, 2013

 My plant is growing haha

 PJ time

 Yes, every drives "donked" cars 

Exchanges




FAMILY--->

hello hello, first off, I love you all so much! It was great to hear from you today! I didn't hear from Jake which is a bummer I hope he is doing well! I will try to answer all your questions and share some fun details from this past week!

I will be watching conference at the chapel unless we go to a members home. There are a few homes we've thought of going to but, have not asked them yet. It depends on what sessions our investigators come to. I had the same thought that you and I were watching the RS conference at the same time-- sort of haha. Because it was 8 pm here and 6 pm there. It was incredible and I was to happy to hear from Pres. Monson. I was looking for Cassie the whole time and never saw her! I will have to re-watch it! I had a feeling she would be in it! I cant believe I missed her! 

It's still really hot here in FL. The evenings and mornings are just right! With a nice breeze! That's fun that Jake has a blog! I'm impressed with your comp skills mom! You will be teaching me how to use a comp when I get back. Now its all backwards! haha. I'm glad my application is complete! thank you for taking care of all of that for me! it helped more than you know! Sis Dougal just smiled when I told her she was popular at our home! I cant wait to see all of her videos! All I know is I love that she sings for us each night! 

 

I'm so grateful for Bobbie, Grandma, Lani, and all others who are supporting me while I am out here! Words fail to express my gratitude. In fact I had an experience this week that really just dropped me to my knees in prayer of gratitude. So as you know, I had a filling in my tooth fall out at the beginning of the year. I was really blessed to find a member in the Pines Ward (my last area) who put in a temp. filling. She told me it would last til I got home so I thought I was good! and she saved us a lot of money. Well the other day I was eating noodles of all things, and a big piece of that same tooth chipped off. I was worried because I didn't want you to have to pay for it- I felt really bad. As the mission nurse had me calling around different dentist offices, I remember one of the YSA from my Palm Beach ward telling me of a LDS dentist here in the area. It came as a stroke of inspiration. I called her up and got his info. They got me in right away and he fixed it up quickly. I went to check out and pay and.... they didn't charge me anything. It was absolutely free. My heart swelled within me for the generosity of this man. He is in the stake presidency and spoke two weeks ago at stake conference. He also just moved into our ward and came to church on Sunday here for his first time. I didn't even know what to say to him I was just so grateful. I will send his address home next week so you can write him a letter. I will be writing him one today. 

Exciting news! Elder Dallin H. Oaks is coming to our mission in a few weeks! I am beyond excited! I can't wait to hear from him and to be taught directly, in person, by an apostle. Sis Dougal leads the music at all meetings so I get to sit on the stand by her! yay! so I will be sitting by him on the stand! woohoo! The temple is still moving along here. I can't wait for it to be done! I wish it would be done by the time I leave but I don't think that's going to happen! I really really really miss going to the temple! I plan on going often when I get home. It's something that I am going to make the time for. 

We are working with a couple less active families that are really trying my patience. I've been praying for understanding as to why people go less active. When people tell me why they aren't coming to church its always the craziest excuses. I recently listened to a talk by Elder Bednar that opened my eyes and helped me to know how to better work with those who are less active in the gospel. I suggest you listen to it as well it offers great advice.This month I am really focusing on charity. in Moroni 7:48 it states, "My beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love(charity)..." As I have been praying daily for this God has really blessed me with many opportunities to show love and compassion towards others. After a meeting with a less active member yesterday, I realized that God is answering my prayers and helping me to become more like him. She had fallen away because she didn't feel like her calling had come from God. I was shocked, but strived to say and do what the Lord would do in that situation. It helped me to remain calm and to fulfill my purpose. I am grateful for opportunities like such to gain Christlike attributes. 

This past week we only went on one exchange due to transfer meeting being on Wed. It was so nice! I loved it. Sis Dougal and I had a lot of time to work in our area together and we were able to get a lot done. I went on exchanges with a sister who is from Nigeria. She actually went to BYU-I before she came out. We didn't know each other though. As I was with her all day I got to know her and it allowed me to be humbled. She hasn't seen her mom in three years or been home in five years. She can't e-mail her family weekly because they don't have computers and she can't write them because they would have to walk hours to the post office there. She communicates through her brother that lives in the states. There are people who go through so so so much more than I do. I need to be grateful for ALL that I have. We had such a fun day together. We worked one of my old areas in Palm Beach. The area that I opened with my trainee. We laughed and had a great time! Being a leader can be hard at times. I'm constantly striving to uplift, strengthen, and motivate others. I love when sisters take what I share with them and run with it! It's a huge blessing to me. 

By now I'm sure you've heard that Cheyenne and Matt had their baby boy. She has sent my many many pics and he is the cutest thing ever! I'm so happy for them. Halie just emailed me and her and Mike are doing well! Her two kids are growing up so fast! I can't believe how fast time goes! Everyone here thinks Bri is adorable. I have her pics all over the house-- we just love her here! 

Thank you for taking the time to email me! I hope that you all have a great week! I love you to the moon and back!

xoxox love always

sis brooke johnson