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