Week 101, December 15 - December 21, 2014

Family,

Merry Christmas!!

Well here goes, next time I email you I will be 1 day from takeoff, Man how time flies.

I want to share, this week I had the opportunity to go back to Lucban and attend church there. Needless to say I was excited to see everyone, we left Saturday, we waited out on the highway and took the classic means of transportation, the 1990’s ,Mitsubishi van with faded black and pink leather seats, a van meant for 3 rows but somehow they managed to put in 4,  up into the mountains, it was great to see that view again, the green mountains with the clouds of fog running down like water, Its amazing.

We came into Lucban and It was almost like coming back home, everything looked familiar, I remembered all sorts of little moments that I shared with my companions while working there, the Bakery where we would buy asado bread, the eatery across from the house, the roads where we walked and talked with so many people, the plaza where we taught the deaf each night, It was all so crisp in my memory, It was like it happened yesterday. So needless to say the emotions were running high,

We went to the apartment first, and while passing through the door I remembered where on my second day after church as a result of jet lag and fasting had passed out on the ground out of exhaustion and sleeping for about an hour before Elder Knight woke me up and helped me up to the 3^rd floor to the bed. Elder Encinares was talking with the other Elders downstairs so I went up the steep stairs by myself to the 2^nd floor, and I turned left to our study room, there was a mirror hanging on the banister across the room, as I looked into the mirror, I remembered my first day in that room, I remember how honestly scared I was, I remember thinking I am so alone, far from my house, I can’t speak Tagalog, we’re re-opening, I don’t know what to do. I was so filled with doubt. But as I walked into the room and looked into the mirror I thought about how God had taken that frightened, doubtful 18 year old boy and over the past 2 years has nurtured his faith, increased his knowledge of the gospel and helped him to become something so much more than he could have become on his own, and when I thought of his love for me, the tears started to flow.

 I got control of myself and we were able to have the best 2 days ever, visiting with those who were baptized in my time there, seeing their lives change so much in just the short time I’ve been away, finding them active and anxiously engaged in the Lord’s work, seeing them with their family members whom they have invited also to partake of the gospel and the happiness it gives. It’s the best Christmas gift I could ask for, it gave me a glimpse of the divine.

Man what a mission it has been, Its been the best choice I have ever made, I have finished my course with joy, and I know this next week will be hard as I say goodbye to the country and people I love, but as I think about it, change is constant, It’s the only thing that really is, and I know this is just the start, and what a start its been.

I know Jesus lives, God the Father loves us, this is His Church, and he leads and guides us today through a living prophet

In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Love you,

Elder Johnson ii

Week 100, December 8 - December 14, 2014

Hey Mom! Im on! How are you guys? Im reading your update right now, Its hard to believe I only have one more p-day left after this! It goes by way to fast

Family

Its really amazing to think that I'll see you guys in just 2 short weeks, It will be amazing to come down that escalator and run to give you all that big hug I waited 2 years for. For Max it'll come faster than you realize!

I was thinking directly from the airport we should go to the temple square lights! I'd love that.

Its also sad to think of all the faces I've grown to love that I'll be leaving here in the Philippines. 

Its strange I hear as you get older naturally you start to think about experiences you've had, Ive felt that way a little bit this past week, Im old in the mission, and often find myself just reflecting alot on all the experiences i've had, all the Lord has taught me and thinking how I can wrap it all up and apply it in my life after the mission. Its been amazing this week to study the atonement and realize how extremely little we really understand about that event, but realizing that as He always does the Lord has given us enough information to help us to understand, accept and apply it in our lives.

Its been fun to be out and doing the Lords work as christmas is close, last year I think the Christmas season here in the Philippines was so foreign to me I didnt appreciate all the amazing traditions they have and how even thouh its in a different place, its not how i'm used to celebrating it, the spirit of Christ is still there, its a time that binds families and boints their thought towards our savior. I love it and am looking forward more than ever to it just 10 days from now. 

The work is great, I feel good and everything is looking up. I feel overwhelmingly blessed.

If you havent yet watch the video He is the Gift on lds.org. and think of ways that you can #share the gift!

I love you all so much.

With Love

Elder Johnson ii

Hey I think i'll just do the BYU application and really give it some though once I get home, its not due until Feb 1, I think if I stay focused now and give this last two weeks to the Lord, he'll bless me with what I need to say in answer to those questions when I get home.

has it snowed in the valley yet?

Im in a pretty sketchy internet shop, so I dont want to put my card in the computer, next week i'll send alot of pictures!

Week 99, December 1 - December 7, 2014

Hey family, p-day is today! we survived the typhoon yesterday! Im on if you want to go back and forth i'm reading your letters right now.

Hey coop!

I love my new companion! I don't think theres been a companion yet in my mission I haven't loved, you can learn so much from everyone when you see the good in them! Man how I am going to love seeing you again! You guys should wait and we'll celebrate christmas on the 30th when I get back! :)) Thanks for all your letters throughout my my mission coop, I love you so  much!

Never forget that

Elder Johnson

Family!

Thank you for your prayers, we were not as effected as was forecasted by the news in the Baguio, Im healthy and safe, I am thankful the Lord saw fit that it be so. Im a survivor of two of the largets typhoons in history, thats one to tell the kids :)

Man what a week here in Siniloan 2nd Branch,. things are really looking up, the weather was fantastic headed into the Baguio, the people are kind, the house is really shaping up, there are 3 really amazing Elders in there, they all have the potential to be so great, the other companionship Elder Lopez and Elder Alos went this week from days like Tuesday, when according to Elder Encinares my new companion being up at 8:00 and out the only time they were out the door was to be at a dinner appointment at 6:00 p.m. sort of days to days where they follow the schedule and were dressed before we were, Its amazing to feel the difference in the apartment, the spirit was there in great abundance on Friday and Saturday, The first day we really spent some time cleaning the residue of the past few months from the kitchen, off the desks and on the floors. It was amazing to feel the difference, everything looked brighter, we then sat down and planned, Elder Encinares and I sat down and talked about what had been done the past 6 weeks, he openly confessed really nothing had been done besides playing basketball and the occasional lesson. We talked abut those outside of our home who were suffering because they don't know the gospel of Jesus Christ, we came to both a mutual understanding and tinge of sorrow for that lack of knowledge they had and we also realized there was a way to fix it, to get out and work. I took that moment to commit him to repent, he did so willingly and seemed really excited to go out and help others. This branch is absolutely amazing, filled with Return Missionaries and members who are willing to work and excited to see those missionaries who are willing to work with them. So this week we sat down with our branch president as well as several other "key" families and asked for assignments, we've been doing them and reporting back. I can see that slowly the trust is coming back, we are trying to make our way around to each family and get to know them, teach them Lesson 1 and really let them know were here to help. were reading Preach My Gospel and trying to draw from it a new idea that we can apply each day. Its working.

As the time continues to move forward with no hope of stopping it I find myself wringing from each personal and companionship study every drop of revelation I can, I find myself savoring even more the opportunity to help others each day. I find so much joy in doing what the Lord expects me to do. The life of a missionary is a simple one, Its repeated every day, but maybe that's what eternal life is all about, simplicity and spirit combine with good works. Its a surefire formula for success.

Im continuing to read the gospels, how beautiful life would be if each person took one attribute described in the sermon on the mount each day and tried to apply it to their life. It would be truly fantastic the change that would take place in our homes and society. I see the depth in the words of the Master more than ever.

I absolutely love having Elder Encinares as a companion and I'm so excited to continue to do what the Lord expects us to do over the next few weeks. He makes me laugh :)

Thanks for everything

I'll see you guys so soon its not even funny!

With Love

Elder Johnson ii

Week 98, November 24 - November 30, 2014

Hey Family,

I love you guys. 

The week was fantastic, I got some news, I'll be transferred on Wednesday, my new area is Siniloan 2nd ward, in Siniloan Laguna I'll be going there to finish out these last few weeks. Its amazing how God really loves to stretch us. As soon as we feel comfortable he says, my son, that's great, but when your ready to grow once more, let me know.Its 3 Elders that really have been more than a small headache to President Mangum, but seem to have willing hearts and made some strong commitments to change, and we believe they will, but president said that they need a good seasoned veteran who will do what he's supposed to there to help them in the process, so thats where i'll spend my Christmas, that's where the Lord has called me. I'm so excited to see what adventures await!

Yesterday was stake conference here in San Pablo stake, we listened to some very capable leaders strive to guide their stake here to become more established. Its amazing to listen to their council, They provided statistics and talked about goals, and their other focus was on self-reliance, its a doctrine of the gospel that is often hard to hear for a lot of the members here. According to the statistics, over 63 percent of the stake here in San Pablo is either unemployed or not making enough to provide for the daily needs of their family. It was sad to hear, and its so obviously true as you walk around. I have come to know of a certainty on my mission that there is nothing that is temporal, all things truly are spiritual, and the gospel isn't just made to lift us spiritually. but temporally, it teaches the correct principles which when applied in any field, within the church or outside of it produce a good result.Like work, Its a hard thing to do, work, but its something that fits us for celestial glory. Often the peace and spirit that was once brought into the homes and lives of members here in the Philippines is replaced very quickly by the despair and clutching grip of poverty. Its a hard thing to watch, but the Lord has provided a way to overcome that poverty, he has programs set up that aren't being taken advantage of, there is a promise from a prophet of god that if these programs are followed the outcome will be success, I think often times that desire is not there, James E. Faust said something profound he said " The first step to faith in Jesus Christ is desire or want for something more." Often times this is what lacks in each of us, greater consecration often dosen't come as contentment creates a false sense of peace, we always have to want more, in righteousness and as we continue in obedience, god blesses us with what we need and more. Its amazing to see how someone who has the desire for more in their life, when paired with the true and restored gospel of Jesus Christ, can completely change. It made me want to have those righteous desires constantly, It reminded me to never be comfortable with the person you were yesterday, because if we get too comfortable we can forfeit the person we can become today and tomorrow and forever. SO choose something today in righteouseness that you don't feel content about, pick a question you don't know the answer too, change something in your personality that you know could be more Christlike, then study it out, go to the Lord in prayer for help, and today he will help you change it, and when it happens, don't be content, do the same thing tomorrow, and next day and forever and slowly through the miracle of the glorious atonement we can be fit to live with god, and stay there eternally.

I know its true.

The time is going too fast, I have 3 more letters, I can't wait to talk face to face, Thanks for the support and prayers. The lord has so much more in store for us.

Love you 

Elder Johnsonii

Week 97, November 17 - November 23, 2014

Hey Family,

Man what a week, it's Wednesday, not the normal e-mail day, we've had a really interesting few days, The past week has been absolutely fantastic, filled with alot of changes here in the office, Elder Talanoa is no longer here, he's been transferred to the island of Marinduque, It was hard to say goodbye to him, but I know its a blessing that he has time to get out and serve others to his fullest capacity, I'm thankful for the things he has taught me. The other change is in the Assistants, Elder Bodkin my batchmate was transfered last thursday alongside Elder Talanoa, He is going to spend his last 5 weeks in Lucena, try and get things rolling there again. Elder Burbidge, form Washington is the new assistant, he has amazing faith, a great attitude and a real willingess to serve the Lord, It's been fun to see him adjust to the roll, and see how the lord has helped him to develop charity and see the good in each missionary, its fun to talk with him each night and see how we can help the mission to develop that culture of righteousness. Elder Daduya is now my new companion in our threesome here in the office, he's a filipino, and has a n amazing attitude, he has a quiet dignity about him, he just does his job with a smile not expecting any sort of reward, he's taught me a lot already.

We had the chance to deep clean the house on Wednesday, I forgot how nice it is to live in cleanliness, all the other housemates seem pretty keen on cleanliness, its been good, it's a real principle that the spirit can be felt in greater abundance in a clean home. Its hard to maintain often but as we put forth the effort, just as in all other things, the blessings come

We keep learning and growing each day, we have different challenges that we face each day, different things come up, but were becoming better as an office in communicating, letting each other know whats going on each day, and helping one another in our various assigments. Its been fun to see how the experiences I've had the past few months are able to answer questions and be be of some assistance as we go through the weeks. 

We have been out working alot the past few days, I feel that in the past there was a certain unnecessary anxiety felt over office duties that could have possibly waited for a later date for completion, Its been good to have some new Elders in here that I'm training at the position. I think the work outside the office and the work inside got kind of backwards, we've really been focusing on not letting that happen anymore, We are working missionaries, the office is just simply an added responsibility and not a career, I really want to impress upon these two new office Elders is to never get those two swapped around, We are going to leave the office every night we can to go out and teach, The salvation of souls comes before our duties in the office. I have felt that as we put studies and proselyting first, the hours in the office become more efficient, more gets done, the day seems to go by quickly and in the end you find that somehow you were able to fit it all in, There is SO much work to be done here in Alaminos ward, and were excited to do it. 

There are certain days in the mission that really make you reflect on the past two years, this past Monday an Tuesday being a few of them, Monday evening we left on a bus for Manila with the 18 other amazing Elders and Sisters who will be departing on December 30th. We stayed Monday evening in the Manila Airport Hotel, we slept pretty sound after our trip to the world famous Mall of Asia. It was an amazing feat of architecture, Every single department store you can think of was there. It was amazing to think of how much money was inside of those walls, It was a bit of a shock to see how much there really is to buy and it made me think of how the mission has taught me that that even if a person had the money to buy each and every thing there that there still would be a lack of true contentment in their life. It made me think of how wealth is truly just another tool god has established on the earth to help us to learn to develop attributes like his, If we seek wealth to establish his kingdom, he may bless us with it, AI feel often times he chooses not too because he knows what effect it would have on us if he did, I saw many examples of what it can do to a person on Monday night. It was strange to think that I was already there in the hotel in Manila, that that was the 30 day mark, but nothing made me realize how close the finish is like the day after. Tuesday we woke up and ate breakfast as a group in the hotel restaurant, and took the short ride over to the immigrations office. It was interesting to see just how many people were there, every skin color on the earth was there. I talked with a chinese man who knew broken Tagalog, I spoke with a nun from a small island called Malter off the coast of Europe, I talked with an Indian Doctor who got his PhD from Oxford and was living in the Philippines. and the best part was I was able to place a Book of Mormon with a Nigerian catholic priest. It was amazing to see the blend of cultures and It made me think of how god really has a place in his heart for each culture, that there is no race he doesn't love, Its amazing to think of how he has created culture once more as a tool for each of us to overcome natural tendencies and become like Christ, to disregard common culture to conform to the culture of Christ. 

After the immigration office, we made our way over to one of the greatest place on the face of the earth, the Manila Temple, I've driven by it several time in my time here in the Philippines, but I cannot describe what joy I felt at the thought that this time I had the chance to go inside. It was an emotional time as we entered in and felt a silence that I haven't felt in two years, we went back out and were greeted by some old friends, Sister Vanessa Aotriz, and Sister Malig, two former sisters here in San Pablo Mission, and after the shock of seeing those two, we saw Raymond Calling, former Elder Calling, a dear friend of mine from the mission, and lastly Elder Diamse, my companion from the MTC, I just wrapped him up so tight, Its was so great to see how much he's grown, there was just this light about him, I loved it. We entered in all together to the session, we got dressed and I enjoyed a quiet moment just looking at myself in all white and thought that there was nowhere else i'd rather be. I felt complete. The session was amazing, I listened so intently to everything said and listened as the spirit testified to the truth of the promised blessings accompanying our covenants made in the the temple. It went so fast, The best part came as we entered the celestial room, I saw Elder Diamse there, we embraced and he headed out, I went over and sat down on the chair and wathced as the sisters came in, then Elder Bodkin, I looked at him, and then over at SIster Aotriz and as we made eye contact, I was overcome with the spirit, thinking about all the amazing people I was surrounded by and the amazing journey the past two years has been, the tears started flowing, 

I went in with questions about what to do when I get home, but I feel I was answered frankly, I heard a voice saying Son, finish your mission and let everything fall into place. I know that that is what is best and thats what i'll do. 

As we walked out of the temple and looked out at the billowing clouds in the skies of Manila a ray of sun came through as if the heavens were literally opening, I turned around to see the smog of manila turned a purple and orange by the setting sun and I realized how much I never wanted to leave that moment, In the best place, with the best people, in the best two years of my life. It was amazing. I'll never forget it. 

So that was the week, I'll see you guys so soon, and I know the reunion will be joyous. Thanks for all your prayers

Mom Thanks for your help with BYU,

Dad, Keep it up Im praying for you

Max, thaks for your excitement, keep your head up, nothing easy is ever worth it!

Little ones, Man I cant wait to see you, Know how much I love you

Thanks for the Christmas pics :)

Love

Elder Johnson ii 

Week 96, November 10 - November 16, 2014

Hey family!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I love you more than words!

Thanks so much for the pictures and videos! Its been a really great week, were coming up on transfers, its been a bit of mixed emotions as the batch that will be departing Tuesday came in last night, it was fun to catch up with a lot of them, we had some time to visit last week it was really strange to think that the next batch that walks through those doors will be ours and its coming up on us way too fast. 

We had a sneak peak at the transfer board and my picture has not yet moved, there is another office Elder coming in, Elder Talanoa is transfered, and were becoming a threesome, so there could possibly be some changes, but right now everything is still pretty up in the air. I try not to think about it, I know that anywhere I am is inspired, the office is a place that you need someone with some experience to answer some of those questions that only experience can provide some of the answers for, its a need, so we'll see what these last few weeks bring, I think president's got a plan to let me finish it out in the field. It'll be fun.

The work just seems to make the days fly, I'm safe healthy and happy, it was just a good week of missionary work. with not too much to report.

Dad thanks so much for your letter, I had to walk outside and take a minute for myself to get my emotions back in control. I'm so thankful for your testimony that served as my crutch till mine was grown. I loved hearing it, i've printed it off and i'll keep it forever. I love you.

Bailee and Aimee, I feel like im looking at different people. you guys have grown so much, Im so excited to make some awesome memories when I get back,

Tuck Coop and Maximo. you guys too, Im so excited to see you, and actually meet maximo in person haha, It'll be a good day, and was that pokemon on the screen in the basement? thats pretty cool :)

Say hi to everyone else, give them my love :)

Week 95, November 3 - November 9, 2014

Week 94, October 27 - November 2, 2014

Thanks for the note, Im glad your all doing well! It makes my week complete :)

Dad, work sounds awesome, Im excited to hear about all the things your doing when I get back, 

Siblings, all of you are so cool! Im so excited to see how you've changed for the better in the past 2 years!

I'll give those options for school  and work some thought and prayer, were going to the temple on the 25th so I hopefully can gain some further light there! Thanks for all your support :) 

We had an awesome experience hiking earlier so i'm late, your probably pretty tired, i'll keep sending pics and write an update, you can feel free to go to bed, just know i'm happy and well, trying hard to stay focused and bare down for these last few weeks, i'll give it my al

Week 93, October 20 - October 26, 2014

Hey there,

Its been a good week, we are doing well and feeling healthy. Its been so strange to see the days go by so quickly, we are working hard as we can, and helping to get the Moran's up to speed, Nothing too eventful happened, Its kind of a blessing when its like that, I think i'm so constantly engulfed in these great days filled with the spirit that they all blend into one.

The ward here in Alaminos is so great, it has so much potential, but its going through a little bit of a lull in attendance and general good spirits right now, yesterday we were down to 4 in attendance in the Elders quorum with the Elder's Quorum President and his first councilor both absent, so last week with the help of Bishop Baliwas, the bishop here, we didn't teach from the manual but spent the entire hour of Elders quorum talking with the 4 active Elder's here about how we could get the others back. It took them a little while to understand the concept of planning out specific visits and counseling about specific names, but by the end of the hour we had 6 specific names of those who they felt we should start with in reactivation efforts as a quorum along with specific days, times, companionships and plans on how we were going to get out and see these 6 Elders this week. It will take some effort, but it's a start of a good thing here, I can feel it. 

I had the opportunity this week to schedule the trip for our batch to Immigration in Manila and the prayer has been answered, were going to the temple on the 27th of November! I'm so excited!

I found a Preach My Gospel in spanish and I've taken up learning it again. It's coming back slowly.

I love you all

The gospels true, live it!

Elder Johnson

Yea, thanks for not talking about my departure too much, there is a rumor I might get out of the office for the last transfer, Im not sure, we'll see what the Lord has in store..

I love you too!

I gotta go :)

I'll send some pics when we get back

Tuck, keep it up, way to crack down and do well in school, it's definetly worth the effort lvoe ya

Be good, be safe

Elder Johnson

October 14, 2014 -Travel Itinerary arrived today!

CHURCH TRAVEL CWT                          DATE 14OCTOBER14

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  MISSIONARY TRAVEL                        WILLIAMSON/MASON LE 329730-R

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SERVICE               DATE  FROM           TO             DEPART  ARRIVE

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BODKIN/CHRISTOPHER BURNETT  323240-R

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BROWN/SHALEE JO  383719-R

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JOHNSON/ZACHARY TAYLOR  334468-R

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WILLIAMSON/MASON LEE  329730-R

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Week 92, October 13 - October 19, 2014

Well, here we go, 11 more

It was really a fantastic week, we're just training away, the Morans are really doing great, they came in at an odd time, but there is always things to get done and they really are good at it, now we just have to get the flow of how things go, what our deadlines are, what reports need to be in, and when as well as who does them, I think in just a few weeks, we'll have them up to speed.

The days are really flying, I've come to discover one of the hardest parts about having high hopes and good planning is you begin to see how little time you really have, Theres so much to do and as days are packed with meaningful activities every hour, hours seem to become minutes and weeks like days.

This week we had the opportunity to help move a group of 4 sisters to their new apartment, This was my 5th opportunity to  do such a thing in the short time I've been here in the office. Each move we learn more and more and seem to get a little better, this time it was moving the sisters from one apartment to 2 separate apartments, one on the ground level, but the other was up a 2 story staircase with a really sharp 180 degree turn in the middle, which presented a whole new challenge, it involved getting a new fridge, wardrobe and stove as well as all the other odds and ends in an apartment that were lacking. So we picked things up, and put them down, drove back to the house, picked things up and put them down again. and repeated the process for a good portion of the day and into the night, we managed to finish  and be on the long drive home by 10 p.m., With the hymn "Simple Gifts" by MOTAB playing in the background, Elder Talanoa and I looked at each other with sleepy eyes, and white shirts coated in dirt and sweat and just laughed, we don't really know why we do it, but we know its gods will, and the joy you get from each drop of sweat that comes as you try to build a bunk bed, or each step we take while carrying that fridge brings us joy

I don't just feel, but I know that the Lord is preparing us all to become something great, the office is just part of my training, just as each experience is in this life, I know that no where else could I have obtained the skills  of moving houses that will be so needed as a home teacher and member of the Elders Quorum. Here in the office I've learned the value of being not only knowledgeable, but being teachable and using those around you to constantly learn in a wide range of subjects. Each person here has taught me something, and I can't wait to see who God places I my path in the future, and to see how if I make myself teachable he will help me to increase in that knowledge of things both spiritually and temporaly, for the benefit of others, in everything from the proper way to pack a truck to developing meekness.

I love you all. This gospel is true, keep studying and praying, do those 4 things Elder Scott mentioned and the Lord will NOT let you down.

66 Days till Christmas :)

So this past week everything broke, my watch band snapped on the casio dad gave me and The wood heels of the clarks loafers I found broke off, I was just wondering if it was possible to get some cash to pay for the resoleing of the shoes and possibly a new watch?

Were coming down to the end here and there were a few things I wanted to get done as souveniers, there is a really cool woodcarver here, he is a member and he does small wood carvings for pretty low prices,I'll get some pictures for you!

Elder Johnson

Week 91, October 6 - October 12, 2014

Family 

Thanks for the email, everyone seems to be doing well, I like tuckers date, she seems genuine. Your an example of courage to me Tuck, way to just go for it, Maximo looks like a young Johnny Depp, Handsome devil, woof haha I hope you guys had fun.

Wow, I just realized yesterday I only have 12 more letters, 12 more updates, 12 more weeks in the best 2 years. Its really been strange, We've had to do a few drives over the past few days, many to Lucban, and back through Tayabas where I had my first district meeting , I got a few letters from those in past areas in the pouch system talking about how great the blessings of the Lord have been since their conversion to him and his church, and it really got the nostalgia going, I thought of how truly amazing the past 2 years have been, I thought of how many people the Lord has placed in my path that have changed me, and I really thought of how small my roll was in his work, but by really trying to do my part no matter how small it was, how much I have grown. I saw how true the saying by Jeffery R, Holland was in conference, He said 

"A journalist once questioned Mother Teresa of Calcutta about her hopeless task of rescuing the destitute in that city. He said that, statistically speaking, she was accomplishing absolutely nothing. This remarkable little woman shot back that her work was about love, not statistics. Notwithstanding the staggering number beyond her reach, she said she could keep the commandment to love God and her neighbor by serving those within her reach with whatever resources she had. “What we do is nothing but a drop in the ocean,” she would say on another occasion. “But if we didn’t do it, the ocean would be one drop less [than it is].” Soberly, the journalist concluded that Christianity is obviously not a statistical endeavor. He reasoned that if there would be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety and nine who need no repentance, then apparently God is not overly preoccupied with percentages." 

If we think of how small of a statistical part we all play in our influence on the world at large as one person, the numbers are laughable, so why then with so little physical results do we continue to get the reassurance that God is pleased with the work we are doing? I came to the conclusion that God really dosen't care about how you are emulated in his service, but what he does care about is how his service is emulated in you.

I can bare testimony that his holy arm is manifest in every nation, that the stone cut out of the mountain without hands continues to roll forth, and it will continue to roll forth regardless of our participation or lack there of in it. Its absolutely amazing to see what he is brewing in this amazing land of the Philippines, all we need is the patience to see it all play out. I was reminded of a quote I read by Neal A. Maxwell, He said.

"When the veil which encloses us is no more, time will also be no more, Even now, time is clearly not our natural dimension. Thus it is that we are never really at home in time. Alternately, we find ourselves impatiently wishing to hasten the passage of time or to hold back the dawn. We can do neither, of course. Whereas the bird is at home in the air, we are clearly not at home in time—because we belong to eternity. Time, as much as any one thing, whispers to us that we are strangers here. If time were natural to us, why is it that we have so many clocks and wear wristwatches?"

I've often thought of that, the church here in the Philippines is not perfect, many times things don't function, often I've been in tears as I thought of how much more I thought people could benefit from it if it was perfect, If it did function, if they just did a little bit more, I looked for the bad, but immediately as I changed the way I was looking, as I developed true patience, I understood that It wasn't my church, that it's Gods and that he's been at the head of it longer that anyone else, I began to see the good, I thought of fathers that had been in the bondage of vile sin that had been freed by the atonement in their lives, I thought of priesthood quorums, and of families sealed in the house of the Lord, and all of the hours of service that had been exerted and the many many lives that had been touched by the spirit in the short 50 years the church has been here. 

If we think of statistics, time is often included, we know God is not concerned with it in the slightest bit, We are strangers in it. When faced with problems that seem daunting, Gordon B. Hinkley often said, "Don't worry, things will work themselves out". He had learned patience, 

Patience is what helps us to look at the world with new eyes.it makes the seemingly menial everyday actions of Church membership no longer menial, but exhilarating and preparation for an eternal inheritance, Times of trial only when viewed from beyond the bars of time can be viewed as a blessing. 

I know its true.

Those are just a few thoughts, I've grown to love pondering. 

The word is I'll finish up my mission here in the office, Im still with Elder Talanoa, He is doing great, Its a blessing to be with him, the Morans are coming along and learning their responsibilities with ease.

I'm happy and healthy. trying to do more to get as big as Tucker, as well as to help ELder Talanoa lose some weight (we even tried bench pressing the bed) we rode bikes this morning around the lake, Thank you for your prayers I can feel them, they strengthen me. 

Im so thankful for all your influences, collectively and individually on me. Our family is litteraly 

the best on earth. Remember that.

I love you all

Elder Johnson ii    

We are going to look at an apartment for some sisters, Im in the middle of my extremely extensive and detailed report of the week, I'll finish it when I get back and email it to you with some really really awesome pictures.

Max keep going, keep enjoying it, dont just endure, but enjoy. Write down all the weird stuff you see, because eventually it dosen't seem weird anymore, I promise. Love each moment, 

I love you both

Elder Johnson

Week 90, September 29 - October 5, 2014

Max is in Taiwan! Thanks for his letter, he looks so happy, our family is so cool!

I cant wait for the snow! 

Its strange, we are in a transfer week again, it happened so fast, I will be staying here in the office as well as Elder Talanoa, he will be training Elder Moran on the finances and I'll keep training Sister Moran on the mission secratary duties. They are from Draper, like a block away from our house, they live off of willow springs drive, Gilly Olsen is in their ward, Its really strange that we didn't know them, they are so nice and its been fun to see them adjusting to mission life.Each transfer day we have seems to come faster and faster, After 6 weeks, we will be the oldest group of missionaries in the mission 

Wow, everyone looks so good! 

So the week went so well we have been slammed with things to do, we had a Mission Leadership Conference, Training of the new office couple and still carrying the load of doing those things we haven't yet taught them, and opening and refurbishing of several apartments in Preparation for transfer day on Thursday. Its been alot, I never really realized how much it takes to keep a mission afloat. Its good when you see that you're doing good. 

The first really great experience we had was in a little town called Victoria Laguna, In it is a small branch of the church that hasn't had missionaries in it for nearly a decade. There were some problems in the past with several different gangs and drug lords causing trouble in the area, so the missionaries were pulled and the Elders from a neighboring city were able to come and try and support it for the past while. President Mangum decided he wants to put missionaries back in, so we went, we looked at several apartments, keep in mind this is a small town that has an economy that runs off the fishermen from the nearby Laguna Lake, so none of them were great, but we went to one more, and it turned out to be a winner, not only because of the quaint little apartment that was rented out to us, but because of the Landlord and his family. He was very kind, and very very wealthy, usually the wealthy tend to shy away from anything that has to do with another religion here in the Philippines, but he seemed very open, and as we were talking about contracts, it led to who would be living there, the missionaries, their job, and why they do it, he  was really impressed at how well our volunteer organization functions. He was excited to have us in his home, he said he was a former government employee along with his wife here in San Pablo, and knew exactly where the church was, we invited him to learn more, and hopefully over the next few visits we can get a book of Mormon in his hands and get that family as the core of this small branch in Victoria

The second came as we attended a baptism of an entire family that came as a result of the newly engaged office referrals program here in San Pablo Mission. The referral system has always been there but no other office Elder wanted to put the effort in, but Elder Talanoa and I hit it hard and got it up and running, It was amazing to see as 7 of them went down into the water, as we watched the restoration DVD, I really reflected on how great of a work this really is, Its amazing, to think that a 14 yar old boy saw god and it started all of this, if its just a story there is no way, in the logic of those who believe that it was such, that that story could spread as it has and change so many peoples lives, its true, theres so much in store, and I 'm so excited to keep seeing it roll forth. Its fun to be a part of.

I love you

Elder Johnson

Week 89, September 22 - September 28, 2014

Family,

I hope you’re well,

Thanks for the update!

Aimee and Cooper! Happy Birthday, man you guys are so big now, I can’t wait to get home and hug you both, I’ll make sure I find some cool things to bring home from here as a present, I hope you have a great day, Know that I miss you and love you both so much.

Its been a great week, full of adventures, the Hansen’s have left so the craziness continues, Its just Elder Talanoa and I swimming in the ocean of organization and tidal wave of tasks that it take to stay on top of the 4 man job as just 2 Elders, but the Lord has helped us, and amidst all the office work we managed to get in some proselyting as well.

Dad you asked about my companion, His Name is Elder Sione Filia Talanoa, He is full Tongan, of Royal Tongan bloodline I might add, but grew up in Utah until the age of 5 and then moved to Australia where he went to school, he played Rugby and was very sought after and eventualy went on to play professionally one year in Japan, before he left on the mission he was presented a 200,000 U.S. dollar per season contract with a professional team in Australia but turned it down because he knew he’d made a covenant with god to come out on the mission, he is 300 pounds of pure muscle and can run a sub 12 second 100 yard dash, He’s so nice, and has the biggest desire to help others, he’s been in the office awhile now, 6 months, and he might go 7 to help in the training of the new couple, the Moran’s , who just arrived today. Transfer week is upon us so were just not sure whats going to happen. He leaves in April, so he’ll get a good few months out in the field before the end comes.

Man it comes quick, the weeks are flying.You asked about our proselyting time, its been very limited lately as we’ve been swallowed up in things to do since the other couple left, but I think in 2 weeks we’ll be back to normal, and oh how I want to be, Imiss going out and talking with others, There’s nothing like it, and this last 6 months, that’s the good time of the mission, you finally feel comfortable with it all, Its been fun, and the office has been great, but I hope I get that last 6 weeks as a normal proselyting missionary to leave it all out on the field.

This week our great experience came as we visited a less active family, tha Carandangs who really want to make it back to the temple. It is honestly amazing how spiritually mature this couple is, they are both in their 60’s and have been members since the early 80’s, but had a time where they just fell away, but through an inspired left turn, and being in a place where we normally wouldn’t go, at a time that really wasn’t common for anyone to be outside, they were outside and we saw them and are helping them in that process to come back. This week they weren’t able to attend church, as we visited them later that night there was a solemnity in the air, we asked how their week was and they said that there niece had just died in childbirth, and neither the baby nor mother made it, we stayed silent for a moment and soaked it in, and then asked about what the plans were moving forward. They said to us that they would happily be the speakers at her funeral and that they weren’t able to attend church earlier so they could attend to the legal matters, as well as healing their family members because of the death. Nanay said, you know, everyone in my family calls me a p[positive thinker, but I know its just the gospel in my life. I feel at peace, she said, I know that if it wasn’t for the gospel I wouldn’t have made it through this trial,It seems like the trials have doubled since we came back to church just a few weeks ago, but  I know god wants us to grow, so he really has given us a lot to grow from these past few weeks.  She burned with testimony. It made me think about their situation, there is a whole lot of real world problems going on  in their lives aside from the death in the family, but she continued in faith and commited to come to church this week, her outlook on life, and death is completely different because of the gospel, she has been changed by her testimony of Jesus and his atonement,  I was glad that our visit was able to help each one of us in the room to be edified.

As I look at the Philippines, I see so much good, god has created in the short span of 50 years priesthood men and women, It is truly amazing, he can take what the world calls a foreign faith, plant it in foreign soil and in such a short span of time, using the extremely limited capacity of mortal man,  produce such tremendous fruit, It’s his work, It continues to roll forth, the lords hand is brewing over the Philippines, Time is so worldly, and as we glimpse into the future, I can see this land and all others on this earth and others coming to thrive and develop because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because of his church, and the life changing power it has.

So that’s the week, I know the gospels true, remember that.

I love you, You deserve longer letters,

Dad, Im excited to talk to everyone I can about being a health care executive. Thanks for being my number 1 fan always.

Mom, I love you

Tuck, Bay, Aimee, Coop, Keep doing what your doing, be good, and get ready to be amazing missionaries some day.

Max, thanks for serving the Lord, it means the world to me.

Love you all forever

Elder Johnson ii

Week 88, September 15 - September 21, 2014

Hey Mom, 

Were off to manage some things with a landlord at a faraway apartment, I'll try and e-mail when I get back!

Get me an update on you guys,

Love You!

Elder Johnson

Later that night....

Family,

Thanks for the update, you all sound like your doing well, Tucker's job sounds great, i'm a fan of sushi, we'll have to go when I get back, everyone else sounds busy as ever, but busy is good, I can see the Lords hand in the life of the Johnson family, thanks for your prayers for me, I can feel that blessing in my life.

Last week I sent a photo of a little lady in a green blouse standing behind me here in the office. That was Sister Hansen she and Elder Hansen have been the office couple here in San Pablo, and they left this week, They have trained us well for the task at hand over the next 3 weeks, the new couple the Morans (from Draper 16th Ward) arrive on the 29th, so until then we are doing a 4 man job with 2 of us, and once the new couple do arrive, we have the responsibility to train them on their responsibilities as mission and financial secretary. It has been a little crazy trying to handle everything the past few days, and I know there will be alot more adventures to come over the next week as we try and hold down the fort. Its been fun to see how the Lord has blessed us to be able to remember it all, each night as we plan we ask the Lord that the Holy Ghost might bring to our remembrance the things that we must do, and he answers that every time, we get down a solid list of things we know we have to do, and afterwards really just sit quietly and wait for the spirit to come and let us know what else he has for us to do. Every night in that silence thoughts and impressions come to our minds of something we really need to do, often times something that in the business of the day has slipped our minds, and then we go out each day and ask the Lord to help us in our efforts to get those things that we've planned for done. 

It has involved some late nights, but somehow with his help we manage to get it all done, Like yesterday, It was a jammed pack day, we had taught some lessons to a few less active families here right after church, we came back and attended the weekly office meeting with President, which is always a good experience, we touched base with him and the assistants, on where people were going and what was happening this week, we worked out the logistics and saw how we could help one another and afterward really cracked down on the office work that needed to be done, and slowly but surely knocked off everything from the list, and when we looked at the clock it was later than we'd thought, We didn't realize how tired we were until we had to make the walk back home, but we came to appreciate the tender mercies of the Lord, It just so happens that here in the Philippines, each Barangay, or neighborhood has a shuttle and volunteer night guards and drivers for emergency response, but more often than not that shuttle is used to give a lift home to those who have had a little too much to drink and really shouldn't drive their motorcycles back to the house, so there they were at the end of the road just talking in the back of their little shuttle cab, we said good evening, and I dont know why, whether we appeared as if we were drunk or they were just feeling nice, they asked where we were going and offered us a ride. It was such a simple thing, but it made us so happy, it filled us with more energy, it honestly helped me wake up again at 6:30 because I remembered that the Lord blessed us, he'd given us that blessing after we'd done our part, so it makes you want to continually do your part, and it makes you think what your missing out on if you don't do your part. But he really helps us when we strive to accomplish his purposes.

I love my companion, he is so awesome, such a hard worker, and so nice, he's always smiling and just willing to help, he loves the people even those that are hard to love, and he is the epitome of change that the mission can bring to someone as well as the blessings that follow dedicated service. I learn alot from him each day not only about love, but about cars, computers, construction, he's a do it all guy and has alot to offer. The assistants are great, they really are working hard to get the area here in Alaminos rolling, its a really tough area, its not too often that doors are slammed or curses said against you here in the Phils. but here in Alaminos the people can be hard, but god has prepared those souls to accept the gospel, or accept it once more and return to the truths they love. Its always a continuous upward movement. I enjoy every second I get with President and hi wife, they fed us chicken quesadillas the other night, its the first one i've had in almost two years, and it was fantastic. I learn alot from them, President is so business oriented, he has been really successful in that regard. he really trusts the system and is not afraid to "growl" at some people as he calls it to enforce the system. But he shows forth so much love, and its unconditional. 

The other night we were waiting for something in the car, the sun was going down and we saw a group of kids, it looked like they were starting something, so we got out and walked over to the group and all the sudden they formed a line across the road, so we just joined them as one of them counted, 1,2,3, go, and we started running down the road in a race, we got to the end and just collapsed and laughed with them, and as I looked out at the sky at the sunset, with the silhouette of the concrete houses and palm trees in front, I thought of how much i'll miss this place, Time goes fast, and if you let it so does the growth in the love we can each have for our fellow men. I love the Philippines, I love the people and I am grateful for the time god's given me to take care of them and do my small part as best as I can. Its been the best choice i've ever made.

So things are going great, The gospel is as true as ever, and I know that there are blessings in both ministering and administering to others needs and were doing alot of both right now here in the office.

I love you

Elder Johnson

Office Elders!

Week 87, September 8 - September 14, 2014

Hey there Mom, Were off tomorrow morning to an island to move a senior couple back to the mainland :)

 so I wont catch you guys to go back and forth, i'd love some pics, and i'll e-mail you all when I get back tomorrow evening, I love you!

Elder Johnson ii

So i've prayed alot about it, USU or BYU, and Ive decided I want to try to get into BYU. I know my GPA isn't that impressive but I was thinking I would be an RM, and could get a good ecclesiastical endorsement from both President Peterson and President Mangum and try for the 2015 Summer semester, it's less competitive, and once you're in, you're in, I wrestled with it in my prayers, BYU or USU, but as I asked about BYU, I just got this prompting saying "Its my school", It felt right. So I'd like to work, and work hard when I get home to provide myself with what I need for a year. I eventually want to try to get in to the University of Minnesotas MHA program, and eventually their internship, It really seems like it gives some great opportunities to its graduates, 

Would it make sense to take a few classes at UVU to help bump up that GPA before I tried to get into the Y? 

For Dad, What would be a good undergraduate degree to help me get into the MHA program at Minnesota? could I work with you and live in Provo while taking those classes at the same time or would I have to look for other job opportunities?

I think the truck will be hard to give up, it's a classic, but its the perfect highschool car, I think if I was going to Provo, and back too often it wouldn't make it, I really want to look into maybe an older subaru, something that would last quite a while and be economical to get me where I need to go. The money we get from selling it we could just apply to that.. It will be pretty hard..but It seems best, and it will be close, just within the ward.. Man there are some good memories of that truck..

Its a sad day :/

Max is going to nebraska, thats pretty cool! He's going to do so well.

Hey Mom, I gotta run out really fast and do some errands here, were coming back, I just wrote max, I'm wiring you guys an update, hopefully dad can get some input in on the going home process, Just wait for that update,

I love you!

Elder Johnson