The field is brown and crusty and looks like Texas

FAMILIA!!! As Katie just said to me in an e-mail...I'm a real deal missionary!!! Here are my updates....

First and foremost, I have never been happier. I know that sounds cliché because every missionary says that but it's true. The combination of KNOWING that Christ lives, having a desire toa change/repent, being committed to living the gospel, always having the spirit guide and comfort me, and helping others feel the same is enough to make me the happiest person on the planet. Anyone can have this, you don't have to be a missionary!

Leaving the MTC was kind of sad. I had so many awesome experiences there and met the coolest people. My district was soooo hard to leave but elder mongkeya and faber came to NM so its all good. 

Getting to the field was soooo awesome. I was dead tired and most if the first day went in one ear and out the other, but that night I had one of those experiences when you know the church is true with every part of you. We were driving and the sun was setting over all of ABQ. (look up ABQ NM sunsets...they are gorgeous)...and I couldn't help but think about how real God is. I have always felt closest to him when I am near his creations, and this was no exception. I felt so comforted, and so "at-home". It's hard to describe but I know God loves the people of NM just by seeing that gorgeous sunset. It is evidence of His love for all of His children, and His desire to bless us. And I have a desire to help the people here to be able to look to God and feel the love he has for them. It is as simple as just looking up and seeing the sunset that has been there all along. 

The second day I got assigned to El Paso TX and met my companion. She is THE BEST!!! She is way good friends with John and Lincoln (my cousins) and we figured out I have actually met her before!!! (Side note to Brandon Turner: remember that random music thing at my cousins house? Ya we literally sat right next to my future trainer. Whoa.) 

Hermana Thomson is my soul sister. She has only been out 12 weeks and apparently was so stressed to train, but she is doing a killer job. She is a great example of obedience and faith. Every day we have to rely on the spirit SO much because she is new to Spanish and I am really really new to Spanish. I have grown so much in my testimony of prayer and following inspiration. It is so beautiful and humbling to see the work going forward when we both are so new to this. (Honestly though you would think Hna T has been training her whole life. She rocks.)

My first day in the field we decided to go tracting. We prayed, got out of the car, and she asked me where I felt we should knock. I think God was trying to build my confidence a little bit because there was an amazing family behind the first door we knocked. The spirit was so strong when we talked to them. It was awesome. And I could share a billion other experiences like that just from this first week! It is so cool to be stumbling over Spanish....or even not know what to share about the church, and then have the spirit take over and all of the sudden the gospel is being talked about in Spanish and I don't even know what's going on. It's awesome.

Two awesome highlights to share:

WE HAVE A BAPTISM!! Fist in our area for over 3 transfers. This guy, Ruben, walked into the church a couple days before I got the field yelling "does anyone speak Spanish?" Hna T and her comp just happened to be there and were able to talk to him! I showed up and he had already had his first lesson, but I have helped with the second and beyond. He has epilepsy and a few other problems that make it hard for him to have a job or go to school (he's 22), but he lives with his mom and just enjoys life. He has such a sweet spirit and a huge willingness to learn and follow God's plan. He is so prepared and so excited to be baptized, and we are so excited for him! 29th of OCT!!! 

But last night Ruben got a little to happy about the gospel message and tried to kiss me.....he got me on the cheek. So I have some repenting to do....and tonight when we teach law of chastity we are also going to sneak in some mission rules. Anyway...that's a memory for the books for sure.

THE DAY OF MIRACLES: We call last Thursday the day of miracles because sooo many cool things happened. We started the day with two great lessons and I don't have time to explain those, but they were awesome. Then we went to the church to meet a referral Luis but he didn't show. So we sat down on the grass, next to a fence, to do our language study. I felt the spirit whisper to me that I needed to pray for someone to approach us...so I did. And right as I closed my prayer a head popped over the fence. CHA-CHING. I was blown away. My companinon had to do all of the talking cause I was still dumb-struck. Turns out he is the father of a boy that used to be taught and he wants to missionaries to come back into their lives. DONE.

After that we had a couple more appointments where again, the spirit was so strong. After leaving a baby shower for Emirita (our investigator who just moved into town...the ward threw her a baby shower....it was awesome) we decided to try by Cynthia's house even though she is never home. She had only had the first lesson because she was found right before I got here, but apparently she was interested. So as we got out of the car Hna. T grabbed a Libro De Mormon....even though she had already given them one. She said she had a feeling we would need it. 

Well as we walked in we ran into Cynthia's boyfriend. He said he was leaving but would come right back in a few minutes. So we went in and got to know Cynthia and her son. Her son was hard to talk to because he is 10 and has ADHD...can't focus super well. But all of the sudden I started sharing the story of the stripling warriors and he was attentive the whole time. He loved it! Pretty soon the boyfriend came back and he was super interested. We taught the whole first lesson and they were all so engaged. At the end I invited them to be baptized and the boyfriend (Adrian) said....."this is all true, I don't see why not!" HA missions are awesome.

Oh then at church on sunday the guy who stood us up, Luis, came shuffling in to sacrament meeting with his walker! The guy is like 80 years old and decided to get up at 8:30 and come check us out. Whoo!

Anyway...I keep pinching myself because I'm so happy. I still wake up every day a little confused....trying to figure out if dad is making breakfast yet or if Braden, Cole, Seth, and Tanner are coming over... and then I'm like WAIT I'M ON A MISSION! Haha...it makes me laugh every morning. lol. 

Anyway...that was super long and I got to go.....but that's my update! I love this area soooo much...our ward is awesome...everything is great. Just want to say that none of this would be happening if the gospel wasn't true...so if you don't know, you can find out!

LOVE YOU ALL

Hermana Jo

(P.S. I saw Spencer Smith! He seems good and happy!)

Dad just hit me with a bunch of questions....so here is a P.S. for the group e-mail.

My apartment is sweeeettt. We have the classiest yellow chair and indian print sofa. I get green smoothies every morning so you could say I'm a happy girl. The trip from the MTC to the field isn't important. it was long..tiring...I got drenched in the rain....and I got to call the fam. Also....ya my comp is awesome...just have to say that again. We are best friends already. Ummmm if anyone wants to send me healthy nature snacks I wouldn't complain...missionaries can't afford my usual over-priced organic crap. and I realllllllyyyyy love getting letters (COUGH COUGH SAM AND MOLLY HOW DARE YOU GO TWO WEEKS WITHOUT TELLING ME ABOUT YOUR LIVES) 

oh and PPS shout out to the Rhotons for their AWESOME letters. that was so fun. Mitch and I opened them together at the MTC!

Best Six Weeks of My Life...No Sarcasm

Hello family!!! I have SIX DAYS LEFT in the MTC. Wow things are getting real. I will really really miss it here. The spirit is soooo strong. I literally have been living in Zion's Training Camp. I LOVE my district and my teachers so much. My district has become really really close. It's a really great thing, until our inside jokes make us bust up laughing in the middle of class every 5 seconds. I have not laughed as much in my whole life as I did this week. A day with my district is easily as entertaining as a day with my Hillsdale Homies (shout out...miss you guys<3). Yesterday in particular I got elder Faber laughing so hard that he was doubled over and had to grab a trash can because he thought he was going to puke. I don't even remember what I said...but I guarantee it wasn't THAT funny. But being cooped up in a classroom for 9 hours a day makes anything hilarious. On top of my district making me laugh, Katie won the dear elder competition this week. That girl is hilarious....We read all of her letters out loud and died at all of the random things she says. If you don't know my sister....bummer for you. She's awesome. 

This week, one of our teachers left to go get married (so selfish) and we have really been missing him. His name is brother Workman and he is more than likely one of the three Nephites. He is the nicest, most caring teacher in the world. He has changed the lives of all of us, just by being who he is. He is so centered on Christ and humbly represents Him in everything he does. It has been so amazing to have him as a teacher....just remember this e-mail when you hear Jared Workman get called as a general authority in 60 years. It's going to happen.

Being centered on Christ brings me to my main learning theme of this week. Christ said "Come unto me all ye heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Of all of His commandments, that is the command he gives that makes the most sense. Sometimes we get so caught up in all of the aspects of the gospel. There is so much to learn to do, improve on, and perfect. It can get really overwhelming at times. But what is this gospel really about? It's about Jesus Christ. It is a MIRACLE that He was able to save us from our sins. If you think about it, how perfect and just God is/has to be, we should be lost and fallen forever. But by some miracle God created a way for mercy to overcome justice so that we can be clean and return to live with him again! That way is Jesus Christ! He suffered for all of our sins, and afflictions. It truly is a miracle. BUT that doesn't get rid of our personal responsibility to be good. Because how do miracles happen? Through faith. (Ether 12 haha...<3) So we have to have faith in Him and take that step to go to Him! He knows that we will make mistakes, but what does he ask? "Come unto me" and what does he promise? "I will give you rest." His arms are out-stretched in mercy ALL OF THE TIME. He is just waiting for us to come to Him. He doesn't care if we have never made a mistake in our lives or if we are the worst sinners in the world, He just wants us in his arms. (hah..side note: I realize every day how many mistakes I made. Even when I thought I was doing good, I was missing the mark. For example: People come up to me all of the time and say "Sister Johnson!"... like they know me and are excited to see me. Turns out basically my entire YSA ward is here and I don't recognize/know ANY of them. How is it that they all know me and can remember my sunday school classes/talks/testimonies in detail but I don't even recognize them!!! This has happened more than 8 times....I'M TERRIBLE! I was missing the mark big time. Teaching about Jesus and not caring about anyone I was teaching? ew...I am the worst. Thank goodness for repentance am I right?) Anyways...back to the point. Christ doesn't want us to sin or to stray from the path, but he would never punish us for trying to get back on the path. He just wants us in His arms. And I KNOW, because of the miracle of his atonement, he will get us back to live with Father in Heaven again. And he will make our journey to get back so sweet, happy, and peaceful. 

SO this is my advice to myself this week as all of the crazy mission stuff is unfolding. Trying to figure out how to be a better teacher, companion, sister training leader, friend, sister...I truly believe that the answer will always be Jesus Christ. If you want to be better, be like Him. If you don't know where to go next? Go to Him. If you don't know what you should be doing? Do what He did. Just look at his example and try to follow it. I know that as we try to follow Him, even if it is just by smiling at someone or being a friend to someone, He will bless us for walking in His footsteps. 

Thanks for all of the love and support! And especially for all of the e-mails about conference!!! I forgot to say this but it was SO FUN to spot Natalie and Katie out in the crowd. And I got to see Nick and Nat at my temple walk this week!<3 So awesome!

I love you all! And I loveeeee being a missionary!

Hermana Jo

P.S. Said goodbye to Bobby Hinkley this week! He was headed to Taiwan! And GUESS. WHAT. He is companions with Zack Johnson the best cousin evvvaaaaa (that's just a saying I <3 all of you equally. Had to clarify because I'm pretty sure that out of the 150 people that get this e-mail my cousins make up more than half HA) Anyway Robert is the MAN. I remember in his farewell talk he said "Thank you all for getting me to where I am today...but don't take too much pride in that." Lol...funny kid. GOOD LUCK ELDERS JOHNSON AND HINKLEY! 

"AUSTIN CHAMBERLAIN IN THE HAOUSE!"

"a photo collage of what happens when we decide to get REALLY productive and test all of the filters on my camera with a mini photo shoot. You're welcome"

"Cool filter right?"

"Jackhijo and Johnhijo"

"Good to See You All At Conference!"

Hola Familia y Amigos!

It has been another life changing week in the MTC! Here are a few updates before I get into my awesome experience singing in GENERAL CONFERENCE!

-I got to go to Walmart this week because my comp needed some medicine. It was sweet to be in the outside world, but passing my old apartment and campus was so weird. I can't believe i'm saying this...but I miss BYU. HA everyone stop laughing at me...thanks. lol. 

-I was teaching a lesson and somehow I told our investigator that I've been married for a month...when he looked confused I tried to say I was embarassed...but I accidentally said "I'm pregnant". At least I had already told him I am married right? lol... afterward I learned the ACTUAL phrase for 'I'm embarased'. I've needed that phrase since the beginning of time....

-At one point this week the sun was hitting the mountains PERFECTLY and I could remember so clearly what it felt like to bike up the hills every day. I totally teared up and my district thought it was the darnest thing. I don't think I'll ever live it down. I can just hear my hillsdale buddies laughing at me and calling me "NEATURE GIRL" hahaha miss you guys<3

Craziest experience just the other night.So my companion is Hermana Jackson, and the other two sisters we are with all day are Hermanas Dodds and Boyson. Boyson is 29, Dodds has a lot of social struggles and has a hard time fitting in (probably and ongoing struggle... not just with us) and Jackson has the patience fuse of a roman candle. Everyone is going through their own struggles and doubts, but we don't really relate so sometimes the frustration just builds. Literally there is no way any of us would have been friends in normal life. We are all SO DIFFERENT. Hermana Dodds was struggling the other day and asked us to make her an appointment with the president. We were worried about her...but I think the annoyance was at all level where we just put it out of our minds (no bueno). That night at a devo, Dodds and Boyson left their stuff saying they would "be right back" A half an hour later the devo ended, people were headed home for the night, and we couldn't find them anywhere. Jackson and I started looking and we realized pretty quickly that they weren't anywhere to be found. We got the security office involved and everything. Being the STLs, having a time crunch of 10 minutes before we were supposed to be in our residence, and being partially at fault for hermana Dodd's stres, we were freaking out. Especially Jackson. She had given Dodd's the evil eye this morning (I swear Satan came out of her eye balls) and we both knew that had something to do with this disappearance. It was pouring rain and we were walking around...until Jackson suggested we run. That lasted for about 15 feet and she about died. Bless her heart. Any way we prayed we would find them, and that we could know how to love them and help them. It was a really good moment for us to realize that they were probably somewhere safe, but we needed to do a different kind of rescuing. We finally found them. Dodds was in a room on her knees sobbing uncontrollably. I wrapped my arms around that girl so tight....the Savior really loves her and I could feel it so strongly. I said a prayer and words started coming out of my mouth that I have never thought. It was crazy. I learned so much from what was said.... . We sat on the ground, all four of us, and some major growth/healing went down. I thought of what was said in conference. "The way you see [someone] is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become." (Robbins) Hermana Dodds was feeling like an outcast, and like she couldn't do the mission....probably because that is how we saw her. Since then, as we literally and figuratively put our arms around her, she has been doing so well. Just a great lesson in learning to love, and a night I will probably never forget.

Oh my goodness conference! Literally one of the coolest days of my life. We arrived early to warm up and went straight into the "Little Theater" where they do Savior of The World at Christmas time. I remember going to the play when I was 12, sitting in the back row, and feeling the most overwhelming confirmation that Jesus lives. It was the first time that i KNEW He is our Savior. I remember the moment so clearly. I sat in the exact chair I was in when I was 12, and thought about all that has happened since then. Once I had that testimony that the Savior lives I had so many awesome experiences that reaffirmed that. I remember being in the play a few years after, actually getting to play an angel in this show all about Jesus, and feeling SO STRONGLY that Jesus loves us. I remember sitting in my spot on stage during a show and wanting to never leave. I felt so close to the Savior and the thought of the show ending and going back to the real world made me sick. I didn't want to lose the peace I had of KNOWING. There is no better feeling than being close to the Savior, and (like was talked about in conference) knowing him. 

I thought about high school and a time when my faith was really struggling. I remember a time when I felt that I didn't believe in anything. I struggled with the same things a lot of people do....I didn't get the church's stance on some social issues...I didn't want to feel like my destiny was to be a mother/ relief society lady....I didn't like to go to church...I didn't like accepting that God lets bad things happen.... and lots of other things. Kind of crazy and sad to think that I was so far off the path. I remember showing up to church one day, (pretty sure I went home half way through...but I decided to come back to be at YW with my sister).... Anyway I remember sitting in the lesson getting so mad and offended by what was being said....I thought I was for sure never coming back. But then the teacher stopped talking and played a slideshow of pictures of the Savior. I didn't look up until the end...but when I finally looked up it took my breath away. It was a picture of Jesus with His arms outstretched. My heart softened instantly....I knew him. He is my friend...and I would never deny that He lives. I remembered that relationship that I had with Him...and all of those times when I had KNOWN that He loves me. I decided to rebuild. As I read the scriptures and attended church with a humble heart I felt like I was learning everything from scratch. As I did this, all the happiness and peace that I had felt in the Little Theater at the Conference Center during Savior of the world came back.

As I sat in the theater this weekend I thought about all of these experiences and felt so grateful. "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." Heleman 5:12

That is exactly what happened. Because my foundation was Christ the rest of my testimony could fall apart....like a house getting destroyed or something (or whatever you want to picture) but because I had that foundation I could rebuild. I don't think very many people know that story....I wanted to share it because I am SO grateful for my testimony now and all of the turns I've taken to get on a mission, and so that my family can know that nobody is perfect. I remember sharing that story with one of my friends once and he was SHOCKED to hear that I have ever questioned my testimony. HA! Who hasn't? Anyway.... most of all I share it because of what was said in conference. Elder Rasband told us to record the times when we KNEW the gospel was true and to think about all of the ways the Lord has blessed you. He literally begged us..."do not forget". It was so powerful. Our minds forget so quickly, just like how I forgot about the times when I KNEW.

Write you experiences down, SHARE them, SEEK more of them, TRUST them, and LIVE the testimony you have gained from them. Even if your foundation is built upon a feeling you had when you were twelve when you were watching a play about Jesus...I promise it is enough. JUST DON'T FORGET!

While we were singing in conference I was SO nervous. I eventually chilled out as we got singing. I was just thinking about everyone who was tuning in and how lucky I am to have such awesome family and friends. The best part was when we were singing "I'll go where you want me to go". I was thinking about Molly, Sam, and Katie and how CRAZY it is that I left them. But then we sang the line "So trusting my all to thy tender care, and knowing thou lovest me, I'll do thy will with a heart sincere, I'll be what you want me to be." 

Whoa. It makes so much sense. I left everything that matters to me in God's care.... Trusting that he will take care of it all.....and the key to trusting is KNOWING that he loves me. That's it. If you know He loves you, you can trust him. Simple as that. I know that this gospel isn't about having a strong community of people, getting our food storage together, mutual, or any of the things I used to think I needed to have a testimony of. It's about the relationship between YOU and GOD. That's it. The rest will come. When we find that relationship and learn to trust Him we will be lead to know truth. We will be on a road of true happiness! 

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8: 35-39
Peace and Love! 13 more days in this crazy place....Shout out to Eyring! He was lucky enough to serve in the same mission as me (lol so backwards) AND lucky enough to have my mom almost marry his son back in the day. HAHAHA SORRY MOM...love ya)

"part of loving your companion is making sure she was ready for the picture"

"IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD!"

 "Snuck in here to grab a pic of the old dressing room from the Savior of The World Days....then got stressed cause I was alone and I'm a missionary. That's Bad! You can see the anxiety on my face....alone...taking a selfie...sneaking into places...too many rules broken at once." 

"Happy to be out of the MTC"

"Shout out to Trump making a guest appearance at the priesthood session. Make America Great Again! SIKE that guy is a racist...not the guy at preisthood. I'm sure he is a good guy and has a great future as a trump impersonator. 

 "guest appearance of Vocal Point and a mini eagle reunion."

GET PUMPED FOR THE WEEKEND

Hola Mi Familia! 

I'm at my half way point in the MTC and this might come as a shock...but I don't want to leave. I need a lot more time here. Turns out that becoming the missionary I want to be isn't going to happen over night! We have a progressing investigator that we are working with and our first few lessons went well...but we couldn't get the guy to smile or really connect. I was getting so discouraged. I was studying so hard to figure out what to do differently and we finally just gave up and walked into our 3rd lesson just relying on the spirit. We started talking about our families and making jokes and Melvin (the investigator) totally opened up. We had a great lesson and the spirit was so strong. I don't know how God does it...but he does. After in our "lesson review" with the teacher he told us we were doing well and that he knows I have given up a lot, and God knows, and that he will help me. It sounds simple but it was a breakthrough for me. 

Okay this week was great...food was lame...I miss running and biking mucho...me and my comp got called as Sister Training Leaders for the zone....we are teaching lots of lessons....my district is crazy...blah blah blah. I want to update everyone on the stuff going on here but what I really want to talk about is what is happening THIS WEEKEND. Probably the most important thing happening in the entire world this week. General Conference!

We have been practicing like crazy to be ready in time for the Saturday afternoon session. For those of you who don't know, tune in at 2:00 to General Conference THIS SATURDAY (it should be on a local channel) to hear some great messages. 

We are singing some inspired songs, and I just want to take a second to share my feelings about them.

We will open with "Joseph Smith's First Prayer". I am so excited to testify of the restoration in this song. I can't tell you how strong the spirit is even in practices. If the first vision is being spoken of, the spirit will come and testify of it. Members, if you want to skip this part it's fine...but I really feel like telling a little overview of how the church was restored for those of you who haven't heard. 

Christ's established His church on the earth way back in the times of the Bible, and we learn about it in the Bible. In His church he called apostles with the authority of God (the priesthood) to represent Christ and direct His church. After Christ atoned for our sins and was crucified the apostles were eventually killed as well. With their death, that direct power from God- the priesthood- was lost. As time went on the church broke apart as doctrine and truth were distorted and changed. Without the priesthood, nobody had the authority to direct the true church right? A lot of time passed (like a couple thousand years) and in that time many many churches began. People wanted to be close to God and to know his truth. In the reformation great people like Martin Luther made the Bible available to people and paved the way for religious freedom. It was all in God's plan to prepare the world for His gospel to be restored to the earth again.

In 1820, in New York, a 14 year old boy named Joseph Smith (if you haven't heard this story I bet you have heard the name) wanted to know which church to join. There were many churches in his area, and his family was very religious, but he wanted to know which was the one that God saw as the right one. He was reading in James 1:5 where it reads "if any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God." He went into the woods near his house where he could be alone, and knelt down to pray out loud. He had one question: Which church is true. In his own words he described what happened next:

 "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, who's brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-- "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

God the Father and His son Jesus Christ came to the earth and told Joseph that none of the churches were right. Through Joseph Smith God restored the fullness of the gospel. He restored Christ's true church with all the doctrine and truthfulness with God's own power. 

It might sound crazy to some that God the Father and Jesus Christ came to earth and restored their true church through Joseph Smith. But I know without a doubt that it happened because the spirit has testified of it to me. I asked God in prayer just like Joseph Smith asked for wisdom, and the spirit whispered to me, through a good feeling in my heart, that it is true. We all can do the same. Ask sincerely, and the spirit will answer you.

Thanks for putting up with that. I know that some people who read my letters don't know how this all came about and I really felt like sharing it. I want people to know what we are testifying of and why it is so so so important. As we have practiced I have realized that the gospel is either the true gospel of Christ on the earth today, or it's not. There is no in between. We either have the fullness of God's priesthood and prophet's who speak His will...or we don't The Book of Mormon is either the true word of God, or it is the false words of man. The work we do in temples is either of God, or it's not. There is no in between...and it is up to us to find out. If any of you have a real desire to know if this church is true, if God really restored the Church of Jesus Christ today, then you can find out for yourself. Ask in prayer with a pure heart- willing to listen to whatever the spirit wants to teach- and you will know. I know it is true, and I know that the other thousand missionaries who will be singing with me know it is true, and that all the men on the stand know it's true. I am so excited to hear from the apostles of God! I believe that they are called of God to lead this church. I can't imagine those men being part of some conspiracy or being confused...I know they KNOW God and His Son. 

Oh gosh I just love that message. That's why I'm out here...because once people understand that Christ want's them to have his gospel they can come unto Him and have happiness. He wants us to have peace, joy, eternal life, to be with our families forever....and so much more. If any time in conference this weekend you feel that good feeling of the Holy Ghost in your heart, act on it. That is the spirit letting you know for yourself that this is the restored gospel and that God wants you to have all of the blessings of it.

The second song we sing is "Baptism". I love that we get to sing about this because through baptism we commit to follow Christ and strive to be close to Him. It goes right along with the missionary purpose: We invite others to Christ through faith, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Good stuff. Plus, when we are baptized we are that much closer to eternal life with our families! How cool is that?

Then we will sing "I'll Go Where You Want me To Go". This one really get's me because giving my will to God is something I'm working on...every single missionary who will be singing is working on this. We all left families and loved ones, hobbies, opportunities, personal time...seriously it feels like a lot some times. In our district we have a 29 year old sister who left her life as a 4th grade teacher because she felt she should come. She, like me, went back and forth for the first few weeks to know if she should really be here. Trust me the MTC isn't always a pleasant place...you want to make sure you heard the Lord right if you are going to endure 6 weeks of this;). We have an elder who left his girlfriend when she was already really struggling. He gets some tough e-mails from her and wants to go home to help her so bad...but he is trusting God and knows he is here to help others learn of God's plan for them...and that if he does that the Lord will take care of his girl. There are so many other amazing people out here who have left A LOT. It's so inspiring. The words say "I'll go where you want me to go... I'll say what you want be to say...I'll be what you want me to be..." That's hard stuff. It sounds simple... I guess it is simple... but the humans in us think we know better when really all we have to do is trust the Lord and He will lead us on the right path.

"Hope of Israel" is the last one. When I was a little kid, my Sunday School teachers would teach about the last days. I got ideas in my head about going off to battle to fight the forces of Satan and standing next to Jesus fighting with Him. I've always kept that image in my head...kind of silly...but maybe more real than I thought. The other night after we practiced the song our director said something like "Do you know who the Hope of Israel is in this song? Do you know what the battle is?" I looked around....we are all God's army (the Hope of Israel), and we are here in training so that we can go fight for Him. I know it sounds dramatic...but when you hear the song you will get it. I know we aren't in this crazy place for no reason because the spirit is here working closer to all of us than ever before. We are getting ready to go to the battle front and work hard! Pretty sure Satan hates all of us for that reason...and that's why it hasn't (and won't) be easy. He hates us, and the prophets, and the apostles, and every person who has a testimony...or even wants a testimony. Don't let him discourage you. Don't let the protesters at conference deter you from the message. We know it is of God because where God's work is going forward, Satan will be there fighting it. I'm willing to put money on who I think will win....hehe. I have a testimony that this is the work of the Lord and that this is the generation that will not end in apostasy!

Dang I used to hate it when missionaries did this in their e-mails....just tell me about the food and your companion and make me laugh. Geeze..... That's all I ever wanted out of a mission update. But I'm a missionary on a mission...so sorry but not sorry. I really have nothing else to say right now other than that I'm feeling SO much love and SO many prayers. I love you all and I can't wait to see you this weekend through the TV screen!!!

Love,

Hermana Johnson xoxo

P.S. I'm going to be wearing a turquoise blue shirt...up in the top area cause i'm one of the tallest. Watch all the sessions....but just don't turn off the choir for the Saturday afternoon ;)

"That crazy little guy in the back is elder Mongkeya...he reminds me of braden smith...so we obviously get along"

"All headed to New mexico...obviously need a little more time in the MTC cause we can't shake our loyalty to the gangs."

"Mi Companera Favorita"

 "ANGELA BELETTI from the SECOND GRADE! She was the STL for our zone and now we are taking over for her...big shoes to fill"

"Year" 3 of the MTC

HOLA FAMILIA! So great to have made it to my second P-day....it was an uphill climb for sure. Just a few great things that happened this week....with a SWEET announcement at the end of the e-mail...so stay tuned. 

-Comps are hard...but I'm learning. 

-Molly was the dear elder champion...but again thank you so much for everyone who has written me. Every time I get a letter it makes me so happy!

-Shout out to Braden for surviving the CCM! Best of luck in Florida<3

-I'm learning that I must have had a bit of a confidence issue at home....lol stop laughing katie. I know I worry way too much about what people think. I get called on to sing here several times a day in groups or leading music or solos...whatever it is I can sing 900x better than ever before cause I'm not panicking about what people think. It's so weird. And I go play volleyball all of the time and it turns out that when I'm not petrified of what everyone will think if I mess up, then I can actually play! And I totally keep up with the elders! It's way fun...

-I really love the mountains here, but every time I look outside I think of the glory days when I could run up the canyon and bike in the foothills...and Sundance...oh man sundance<3

-I lost my scriptures...good thing I don't need them ever...oh wait....I'm actually super sad and praying like crazy that they turn up

-MITCHELL GARNER IS IN THE CCM!!! 9th ward homies this is for you: I was walking down the hall and we made eye contact, then took a double take, then the most dramatic non-huggy reunion took place. We were both tearing up it was so funny. That guy is POWERFUL. He will make such a good missionary!

Okay so I figure I'll just tell it like it really is here at the MTC. I'll just be real and hope that someone out there will relate to it.

I'm assuming everyone knows the story of Christ walking on water, and Peter walking on the water toward him. As he walked the winds picked up and he looked away from Christ. He began to fear, and of course, started to sink. He had to call out to Christ to save him...and the Lord said to him "Oh ye of little faith". It's a lesson in faith vs. fear...in not doubting the faith that we already have.

Every day here feels like a life time. I step out in faith, hoping the Lord will provide, but when discoragement comes I remember that I don't have to be here, how great it will be to get home, the life I am excited to have after mission and so on....And of course that gets me thinking of coming home. Really, the hardest part about being a sister is that we don't have to be here...I don't know what each individual belief is, but here in the MTC it is clear that we can leave anytime and it will be okay. We don't have a duty to serve. But, I have a duty to follow the promptings that the Lord has given me. So it was a wild week of questioning my promptings, thinking down every possibility, and doubting my abilities. And being so frustrated that I am the one sinking and I can't keep my eye single to the glory of God.

 On day 9 I woke up feeling good...thinking about how I'm helping my family and how time will fly and I will be back with them in no time...then I realized it was day 9. HAH I'm surprised I didn't pack my bags right then. But as I went through the day I got angry at myself...why can I preach all day that the Lord loves us and we should trust him, but I can't do it myself? Finally, I prayed for help to know if I should be here. I opened my scriptures and read Ether 12:6. It says, "I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." 

I felt pretty dumb...I know the Lord just wants me to have faith. Then I had the weirdest prompting: Heavenly Father would soon let me see a family similar to a family I will teach on my mission. Honestly it was weird, but strong. The next day at the temple we sat down on the grass. A white dude was holding preach my gospel, talking super sincerely to a Hispanic woman holding a baby. she had two other kids running around and the woman looked so stressed out...there wasn't even a light in her eyes. The two little kids ran up to us. Lewis and Martha (SO CUTE) They were just chatting it up with us, (from what we could understand they are 4 and 2) and asked us what church we go to! I told them all about primary and they ran up to their madre and asked if they could go to primary. The guy teaching her smiled and the lady started laughing...I had the most overwhelming feeling of love for that family. And I wanted to help them have the gospel so badly. I was also shocked that Heavenly Father blessed me with that experience...I knew it was no doubt from Him. All of the sudden I am so excited about the work! And I feel dumb because I shouldn't have been focusing on myself all week...I should have been thinking about the people who need to be invited to Christ. This really isn't about me, it's about them. The second I started thinking that way all of my worries went away. 

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." -Matthew 6:33

I know that "God will consecrate our afflictions for our Good", and that he will never lead us astray. Sometimes we have to give up a lot to build his kingdom, but it will all be worth it. Just trust Him!

If any of you have questions, doubts, struggles...really anything....read "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence" By elder Holland. Seriously, it could help with marriage, school, jobs...and definitely missions. 

And finally a little bit of my fave Hymn: 

"Savior may I learn to love thee, walk the path that thou hast shown. Pause to help and lift another, finding strength beyond my own. Savior, may I learn to love thee Lord, I would follow thee."

And for my final announcement:

TUNE IN TO GENERAL CONF! YOUR GIRL HERMANA J HAS BEEN SELECTED TO SING IN THE MTC CHOIR!!!!!!!!! HUGE BLESSING I CAN NOT WAIT!!! I haven't been able to freak out yet because 1500 people who applied weren't selected. Super sad, but I'm pumped. They don't know I slaved 4 years away in sonous prepping for something as DOPE AS THIS! Today, the MTC isn't so bad. I will be wearing a blue shirt hehe. I will try to get on camera for you all (last week at a devo I prayed I would be on camera so Braden could get a little smile cause it was broadcast to the CCM and it worked....so maybe it will happen again? lol)  HECK YA!

More Pictures

"Someone tell this boys mother that he is KILLING it in the MTC"

" A much needed reward after teaching the first discussion to our "investigator"

"Practicing my missionary skills by getting elder roe to commit to a biking trip two years in advance"

"Sun in our eyes and feeling fine. On our way to an espanol lesson"

SHOUT OUT TO OUR HOME GIRL VINNY! WE LOVE YOU!

The fortune Annie opened 10 minutes before entering the MTC

Hermana Johnson and Hermana Jackson

Annie's District!

Pictures(:

"Shout out to my GH Girls for hooking me up with the sweet skirt!" 

"All I want to do is run up that mountain"

"They let us off campus and we didn't even run away"

"Of cours I would be the only one to pose"

"Package from Katie with all the essentials... including a white sweater"

"Getting ready for P-Day with chalk lipstick?"

Annie and her district at the temple