I cannot believe that I´ve been a missionary for two months! (Granted, only the last 3 weeks really count). Still, there are moments in the day where I see my chapa (missionary tag) out of the corner of my eye and realize that I´m really here, and that I´m actually a full-time missionary. I don´t think I ever really foresaw this, but I´d rather be here than anywhere in the world. Sometimes I do miss the family, but I know that it wouldn´t feel right if I was at home now, so give the little ones a hug for me and let them all know I miss them.
Where to start...I think I already told you about this miracle when we skyped, but right now we´re teaching one of Hna. Cano´s former investigators that fell off the map, and we found him again in the street. He is so good- he has so much faith in Christ, and we´re working toward his baptismal date in June.
We´re also working with the mom of the girl that was baptized the other week- it´s a little tough because she´s always falling asleep in the lessons, but she´s excited for her baptism, and she knows that the gospel has changed her daughter for the better. It amazes me how much faith these people have when they commit to live the commandments- it´s a lot to ask of them, but they really trust in the Lord and have faith that he´ll fulfill his promises.
Another miracle happened when we were meeting with members to give a lesson on how to invite their friends. At one woman´s house, we told her what we´d be teaching, and she started laughing and shouted into the kitchen, "Hey, Maria! Want to come to church with me?" The woman came into the room and started asking us what we believe about what happens after we die. We taught her the entire plan of salvation, and I think we´ll be teaching her again in the future.
One thing I´ve seen a lot is how much people truly desire to believe in the plan- it really is so merciful, and almost too good to be true. When we teach the sick that they can have perfected bodies after they die, or that couples can be married forever, or that we can see our loved ones again, their hope is visible in their faces. I haven´t met anyone yet who had major doubts about the doctrine of the gospel- some are just afraid to leave what they have behind, and trust that they´ll be blessed by following Christ, no matter how difficult. The people that do decide to trust are changed, and a new confidence and serenity comes into their lives that you know wasn´t there before. I love this work!
The members here are so wonderful- the ward mission leader is a maquina, and he really pushes us to work with the members to bring others to Christ. Even though a lot of the food is strange, I´m learning to love it (still working on tomatoes). The members always feed us generously, and they always welcome us to teach them and invite them to invite others.
There´s one family here that reminds me of the Mulcahy´s (the sons at least), and being in their home is so familiar, so it´s always a blessing to eat there. Plus Magdalena makes this delicious dessert called natilla... mm... Anyway, the family lent me their flute to play a musical number this week, and if I get it down, I´ll record it and send it home so you can listen.
Thank you for sending me emails about how you´re doing, and how your kids are doing, and what Matt is scheming, etc. I love you all, and even though I miss you, and sometimes worry about you, I know I´m in the right place, and I´m doing important work. Take care! I love you!
Love, Sister Johnson
The Street Where I Live
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