June 13, 2011

First off my bad for not writing for a while. But i hope all is still good. Im not close to the volcano so you dont need to worry about that. But how is everybody? Congratulations Kayla for getting your letter in choir thats pretty cool! Speaking of choir all the missionaries in our zone we had to sing for stake conference here. We sang Come Come ye Saints with parts it was really cool. THat was yesterday. And the power did on the street the church is on so they plugged a generator in and it took a while to get things working so there was no lights or the microphone didnt work either. But it was good. But by the time Elder Ferreira of the 70 got up to speak it had been working. He just got called to the 70 this past general Confernce. HE is really good. The people in Chile have a hard time going to church because it is cold and sometimes raining. And during stake confernece the heater didnt work but when he got up to  speak, he said "I know its cold right now, but thanks for coming, and he went on to talk about the pioneers and how they walked in the snow and it was 20 degrees below zero."  I got to ride in the same car as him! Elder Gil and I were walking to an appointment after our english class we teach, and he saw their car, and he asked if he could give us a ride because it was raining and it was kind of far. It was cool, his wife is real nice to.

  And on Sunday we baptized Eduardo. We are really blessed because weve had two baptisms that pretty much walked into our hands. And Eduardo was one of them. His brother is a member and his mom is trying to return to church. They are a real nice family. Yesterday we had a family night with them and i ate 5 completos.. They are those hotdogs but they have tomatoes and avocado on them haha. They are good. But his baptism was nice, and at the family night his mom said the closing prayer, and she said to bless Eduardo to be a good example, and their dad was there and he is less active, and they are divorced, but she said to bless him that he can find the faith to return to church. It was a real special experience. They are a good family they only have room to grow in the church im excited for them.

  Then on saturday Elder Pulver and I went on a mini change and we went to go teach Fernando the guy that speaks english. But he wasnt there and his dad was in their negocio there little store  and he was drinking with his friend, and his friend was way drunk and we were talking to them and the drunk guy was grabbing Elder Pulvers arm and moving him around like a puppet it was funny. And i asked the guy if he liked Curico Unido the towns soccer team, and he un zipped his sweater and he was wearing a Curico Unido jersey and he started pounding his chest it was funny, we couldnt understand what he was saying. But enough about our drunk guy experiences.

  This week was good. WE set two baptismal dates with these two kids that come to our english class they are real cool. They are cousins and they are both about 15. And we taught some other good lessons to. We found this less active family. We actually met their son knocking on doors one day and he said they were less active. So we went back on time and only the mom was home and we taught her. And this time when we went back the dad was home with the mom.We found out that the dad had been a branch President and a Bishop and had a bunch of other callings. And their two boys who are like 24 and 27 both served missions. ONe in Pocatello Idaho, and the other in Argentina. But one lives in Vina del MAr and the other in Spain right now. And they said they were sealed in the temple together. It was real sad to see that they lost faith over a couple of preoblems. But we sharëd a lesson with them, and the mom started  to cry when she told us about how they all had been to the temple together and now they are less active. They are a real nice family and we are gonna continue sharing with them and trying to reactivate them.

 And then yesterday we went and got our clothes that were washed from the families that wash them. And the family that washes mine wasnt at stake confernece so we asked why they didnt go. And they said when they went to the temple they said that some people were irreverent and stuff but their experience inside was good. But the said they didnt go to church because of that. But its sad to see people like that that loose faith over little things or pride. The reason that we go to church is to remember the sacrifice that Our Savior Jesus Christ made for us and to be spiritually uplifted. We go for that reason and not for other people. So it just makes me sad to see this happen so much.

  We have had two little earth quakes while ive been here. When one happened it was while Elder Gil and I were talking to this lady at her door, it was real cool. it shook for like 10 seconds. Then one happend last week in the morning at like 630. It was cool. They were cool though. But theres nothing to worry about though they are little ones.

  But those were the biggest things that have happened lately. We also have been teaching this one Lady for a while. her two younger sisters have been baptized. when we taught her last week, she said she was having trouble making some decisions and she was having a difficult time. But we shared a scripture and asked her how she could get help and feel better. ANd she said by reading going to church and being baptized! So that was good. So pray for her that she will continue to grow. She has a daughter that is 9 and she is 29, but her daughter wants to be baptized, but her dad said she cant. And he lives in another city they are divorced so hopefully one day we can run into him and talk to him. BEcause he doesnt even know whats going on or live with them. But keep praying for us! thanks for all your prayers and love it really make s a differnece in Curico Chile!

   Keep praying, reading, pondering, and going to church it is a marvellous blessing!

                         love,

                                Elder Johnson

May 30, 2011

This week was great. We had Zone Conference in Talca. So we went there on Wednesday. We got taught about how to plan better, how to teach The Most Important Thing, and pres. talked to us about the parable of the ten Virgins and the lamps and oil. And how we need to see if we have our oil, and the right kind it was pretty cool. So that took all day. And then the next couple other days Elder Gil had to do some interviews for baptisms. So one day he went to Molina for a mini combio. So he worked with Elder Porter and i worked with Elder Porters comp. he just got here this combio. So we were both pretty new. his name is Elder Larson. So we visited this menos activo family, Familia Carrasco, they are the family with Nicolas and Catalina who we just baptized. We shared 2 NE 31 18-20 about perservering to the end after baptism. and we went to another ladies house taught her about reading the Book of Mormon we shared 2 NE 32:3, and then we went to see if this one girl was home who we have only contacted. And she was and we taught her about our message and about baptism and how we need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. But for Elder Larson it was his first week in Chile, so i taught all of the lessons and he gave his testimony. But it was crazy because i taught all in spanish. The Gift of Tongues was working that day. It was a cool experience i learned alot from it. And the next couple of days Elder Gil and I had to go to other sectors to do some interviews. So while he did interviews I went and worked with the other comp. So I worked with Elder Hernandez. Hes from Peru. We taught a couple of families it was great. He just got here to. Hes funny, the only sentence he knows in spanish is Whats up man! haha Hes a good guy and missionary. On saturday the church in Molina finally got finished so we went and played soccer with a bunch of little kids. Elder Porter from Molina said only like 5 kids were Mormon, and the rest were random kids.It was fun!  The court was all wet so every one was slipping and sliding around it was pretty funny. But Sunday was a great day. We didnt have much success all week because we were gone all wednesday for the conference and the other days we were in other sectors so we couldnt do as much teaching and contacting as we liked. But at church we had 4 investigators come! One was Fernando. The guy who lived in New York for 15 years ands speaks english, and he brang his friend. So that was sweet. And the Class was about Temples and Family Geneology. He said he liked it it was great. He said Why havent i ever come here before it is great here i feel good! So that was a miracle it was great. Heavenly Father is definetely watching over the work here in Curico. And we also had a lady we are teaching come to, and this other kid came. His mom and brother are already memebers. Hes 9, and he has a date set for the 11th of June. So that was great. I learned that as times get tough, always around the corner there is something marvellous around the corner waiting for you to find it!  But the work here in Curico is moving forward thanks for all your prayers, and love. It means alot and i see it working here everyday.   Did a cleaning session in our house today. we did some vacuuming and sweeping and picked up some stuff so its looking pretty spick and span! haha. But everything is going great, I love this missionary work its a good time and I love to watch as people strengthen their faith along the way to baptism, it is a blessing and a miracle, and i am truely grateful. I keep you guys in my prayers.                                                                                con cariño,                                                                                                Elder Johnson

May 23, 2011

Baptism of Catalina and Nicolas Carrasco 

Baptism of Eduardo

Soccer Stadium in Curico

Hiking above the City of Curico

May 16, 2011



 Hola Familia!

We found this family who lived in New York for 15 years. And Elder Lulla and I went on a mini change for a while while Elder Gil did some interviews. Elder Lulla has only been out for one combio more than me. Combio is change is spanish. So we went and taught him and it was great. Everyone thought these 2 little rookies wouldnt be able to do anything on their own. But we taught him the Restoration, and a little bit about the Atonement, and then i committed him to baptism and he said yes! He already prays and stuff, and he has a good attitude about things. But we think he might have some problems with some commandments. But he has alot of faith and believes he can receive an answer to his prayers! he didnt make it to church yesterday, but we still got to teach him alot more. We taught him about the Book of Mormon. And then the next time we taught him about the Atonement. And then he asked a question about cussing. and we both said we dont have a problem, and he said he was trying to fix his problem. And then I thought of Ether 12-27 and i told him to read it, and right after he read it he was all wow that makes sense. That explains it all. So i hope we can help him out and get him ready for baptism.

 And then this saturday is the baptism of Catalina and Nicolas Carrasco! It was cool because their family went out of town this weekend and their parents decided to let them stay with a mom that the mom works with! it was a miracle! They are way excited to get baptized, and their little brother who is 6 always says i want to get baptized too! haha they are a great family. and the mom makes baked goods for a living, and she always gives us these little cakes that are delicious!

  So its been a great time in Chile so far! I still wont trade it for anything. Today is combios. So we had a litle bbq and made some churri pan. its like a little sausage in a piece of bread and we played soccer. It was fun.

  Ill be with Elder Gil for one more combio. then he goes home! Hes great im so blessed to have him. Its hard because hes a great teacher, and the way he does stuff is golden. I just want to remember all of it and write it down! he just does it all in a loving way by the Spirit. I dont know how he does it. I hope i can be half the missonary he is. But ive got 6 more weeks with him, and im gonna start writing stuff down, and realize that we were put together for a reason. Im gonna be sad to see him go. We are always having a good time, never a dull moment.

  Thats cool for Kayla! her banquet for swim, and variety show! is she gonna beat box? She seems like she is awfully busy. Tell her im proud of her and to keep up the good work! And i love her! And Chancho too! thats sweet that Fathers and Sons is coming up that was the funnest i remember when we went to those bad boys and busted out some hobo dinners. Tell him to be good, and try hard in school, and keep his room clean!

  O yesterday it was sweet. i went out for about an hour and a half and did contacts witht this kid from our ward who is going to Mexico on his mission in 14 days. It was sweet, we talked to this one guy for like 20 minutes on the street. He was unloading firewood, and i asked if he needed help, and we started talking and we gave him our number. but he lived in a different sector. but he was a golden contact he is good. We didnt get his address which was bad. i asked for it like 2 or 3 times, i should of asked again and got it. but i hope he calls us. I could pretty much understand what people were saying when we went out, and i was talking to them. So the Gift of Tongues was working! This is the best place in the world I love it!

I pray for you guys every night! I love you guys! And i hope everything is going good!

                                                                Con amor,

                                                                               Elder Johnson

May 9, 2011



 New Missionary Conference in Concepcion

 Hola Familia!

       So today we had a zone activity and we went bowling! haha it was fun it was only like 3 bucks to play 2 games. We had a good time. Ill send pictures next time i left my camera.

 So last week i left for Concepcion at like 3ish, and had a 5 hour busride. when we got there we had to wait in the terminal for some other elders to come, and the Zone Leaders had to sort out where all the Elders that came were gonna sleep.

 I stayed with the Zone leaders of Concepcion. I got some Once they were nice. Once(ownsay) is just like their little dinner they have here. they make like hot chocolate or some other one called ECCO and they have Pan which is bread, and some deli meats and cheese, and butter.

  All the elders that have been in the mission for about 6 months or less, got together to get trained on how to teach these 8 simplified lessons that work with Preach My Gospel. So Pres. Humphrey, Hermana Humphrey and the Assistants taught us some lessons and they fed us. And after the first day i went tracting with one of the Leaders i was staying with. His name is Elder Gallo. hes from Columbia. hes real nice. We went to find some people to teach but they were busy. But we went to this one house that they contacted before, and we found out she was a less menos activo(less active). so we taught her a lesson about The Sabbath, it was good im sure she has realized what she has been missing. So hopefully she went to church this week.

 The rest of the week was pretty normal. Elder Gil and i just went tracting alot, and taught a couple lessons. Its been kind of tough though. no one really wants to listen or they have something else to do.

   So here in Chile everyone has a gate in front of their house. So if you want to talk to them you have to say AWWLO! so its kind of hard to say since im a gringo so Elder Gil laughs at me sometimes because it doesnt sound right or i sound like a girl! haha but im getting better. Elder Gil is a great trainer. Everyone that i meet says that he is the best missionary in the mission. I believe that he is! he can teach very well. he like makes it kind of fun, but the spirit is there, and he explains stuff right to the point but they understand. I hope before he leaves in a month i can figure out his spirit. But it is truely a blessing to have him as my companion, he is a great example for me.

 So hopefully this Sunday a girl that we are teaching will be ready to be baptized. she has been taught for over a year and we have been working real hard to get her to read and pray. But i think she is starting to come around. last week we had Once with her and her family, and she had Tea. so right after we taught her a lesson on the Word of Wisdom. It was great. So we will probably have a baptismal interview with her this week sometime so well pray for the best.

and then next week is the baptism of the brother and sister. So that is pretty exciting we have been waiting for that for a while. They have two younger siblings Josepha who is like 4 and Vicente who is like 6. they are crazy! haha they always get their Book of Mormon out when we come over to teach, they are a great family.

 so thats it for now, till next week. I hope all is going good still. keep doing good in school Kayla and Tyler! im proud of you! i love you guys con todo de mi corazon!

                                                             Con Amor,

                                                                             Elder Johnson

May 2, 2011

It was a good week on Friday we took an 1 hour 45 min bus ride out to Licanten towards the beach.  There are two elders out there so we had the whole zone go and do contacts throughout the city to help them out it was pretty cool.  12 of us ate in this little restaurant.  I shared this big plate of French fries, sausage, onions and an egg all mix into one with another elder.  I should have taken photos my bad.  But I got some of the country side.   

We found this family that lives in New York for a couple years so they speak English so I’m pretty excited to start teaching them.  They own this Negotio way down the street.  Negotio are little stores that people have connected to their house.  They sell like vegetable and bread and a bunch of candy and soda and other stuff and they have these little slots machines in them that everyone plays.

Yesterday we were having a lesson with this less active family.  They got into a bad car crash and got hurt pretty bad so they are having a tough time with things.  So I shared my story I had with my neck and bore my testimony it was pretty special.  God really does put you where he needs you and where people need help.  The spirit was really strong and we shared a scripture about faith too.

But everything else is going good today.  Today at 2:30 I’m traveling to Concepcion.  It’s a 5 hour bus ride.  They have nice charter buses here.  All of the fairly new missionaries go there for a couple days of training so we stay at some members house I guess and hang out in the mission home.  I hear that President Humphrey and Sister Humphrey spoil us so it will be good. 

April 25, 2011