even though you probably couldn´t tell, it was so good to talk to so many of you yesterday. Yes, I spent most of the time crying or trying not to cry, but I want you to know I´m doing better than you think.
Even though I get frustrated with the language a lot, the other missionaries say I have really good pronunciation, and that for being out for only 2 weeks (is it three now?) I´m doing great, and that I´ll have it down pat in a month. And really, i do understand what´s going on in conversations, and can translate for other people pretty well. It´s just when someone asks me a question, I become a deer in headlights.
Fun fact: I´m the first 19 year old sister missionary this area has seen, so I´m something of a celebrity among the member families- a few of them have told me they want to take pictures with me because it marks such a historic moment in our church. The district and zone leaders have told me several times that I´m a maquina- a machine- which is apparently a good thing as a missionary. It just means I work hard. I don´t have many talents yet, but I am trying my best.
And honestly, I do love the work. There is nothing like seeing the light of the gospel spark behind someone´s eyes. There´s nothing more beautiful than having the answers to someone´s deepest questions, and watching them take it in like parched earth soaking up rain. Nothing. And even though I miss you all, and it´s hard to think about what´s going on at home, I´d rather be here, because I know that this is my one chance to serve my Savior with all my heart, might, mind and strength. I´ve grown to love Jesus Christ in a way I didn´t know was possible, and there is nothing I¨d rather do right now than serve Him.
The people really are so kind. The members feed us well, and are willing to help with the missionary work. There are definitely some characters in our ward, and I can´t wait to get to know them all better. Even though most of them just talk to Hermana Cano (knowing I probably can´t respond), I know that they´ll warm up to me. The kids already love me because I talk about Babe and Coons and will listen to them prattle about how "cocodrilos y pirañas son peligrosos". If only adults liked those sorts of things.
Spain really is an incredible place. I love walking down tiny alleyways and seeing clothes hanging out on a line above my head, and little boys playing soccer in the street. I love that almost every store is a bakery or an ice cream shop (if only I had time to stop). I love that "¡Madre mia!" is a legit expression here. Spain is beautiful, and I´m glad that I get to serve here.
I love you all, and I´m grateful that those who had the chance talked with me on Sunday. I´m so blessed to have you as my family. I´ll be praying for all of you!
Love, Sister Johnson
(ps. Picture is of Estela´s baptism, with Victoria her mother who has a baptismal date later this month, and Elder Fowkes, the district leader)
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