Clanging Clock

Dear Family,

 

I knew there were a lot of possibilities for this transfer, but I was pretty sure (about 99%) that I´d stay here with Hna. Folsom and possibly be a trio with a new sister missionary... not to be.

 

I´m training again, and opening an area in the city of Huelva. Here are some things President Deere told me about it: It´s on the Atlantic Coast, very close to Portugal. Christopher Colombus may have sailed from the city. There are about 200,000 people in the city. It´s the strawberry capitol of Spain, and possibly Europe. My district will consist of me, my hija, and a companionship of Elders.

 

Here are some things the members have told me about it: There are mosquitos the size of planes. I´m being sent to outer darkness. I´ll never get another bad transfer after this. And "only you would get sent out there, Hna. Johnson".

 

The funny thing is, as soon as I heard the name Huelva, I remembered my first time in the mission home (a greenie of 1 or 2 weeks), and looking at the mission board. I saw that there were no missionaries below the caption of Huelva, and asked President Deere why that was. I remember him telling me that the area had seen little success, and that they´d had to close it, but might reopen it one day.

 

Even though I´m a bit daunted, I think I´m ready for another adventure. I know that I´m teaching and testifying of the truth, and every day I´m more sure of it. Having that knowledge makes me very nearly fearless, and even though I know tough days are ahead, I just want to share what I know with the people I meet and invite them all to enjoy the same happiness I do. Whether they accept it or not will have to be their decision, but I hope I never tire of telling the good news to everyone.

 

I´m sad to leave my area behind- even sadder than I previously expected. Good things are happening here- we´re working on reactivating a family of 8 kids, and inviting the members that were too young at the time to be baptized- the daughter of the oldest daughter (about 25 years old) accepted, and I see such good things ahead of her.

 

Palma is making progress, slowly but surely, and she has a very strong testimony of the gospel. I don´t have any doubts that once she resolves the few problems she has, she´ll be a strong follower of Jesus Christ.

 

Uchena and Ana Maria that we left behind in La Palmilla both accepted baptism! The Elders in that area are working with the Polish consolate to try to work through the legal system so they can be married. It was good news to hear just before leaving the area.

 

I love each person I´ve met so much- investigators, active members, and less active members alike, and I know that Hna. Folsom and Hna. Nielsen will take good care of the people here.

 

I´m glad you all enjoyed the family reunion, and I can´t wait to watch the film festival myself when I come home in just a little over a year! Know that I love you all and you´re in my prayers.

 

Congratulations Annie & Nate! (Are you really having another boy, Brittany?! Ah well, the world needs more Elders!)

 

Love, Hna. Johnson

 

P.S. I chopped my hair.