June 28, 2013
Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been
so busy. If anyone says they absolutely loved the MTC then they must
have never had to learn a language there. Spanish is extremely
challenging and it is frustrating to have that language barrier and not
being able to fully express my message with them. I love the MTC but the
language is really hard. The people here are amazing. My district is
super close and I feel like we are all going to be really good friends
for the rest of our lives. One of the elders in my district had an
interesting experience. Do you remember hearing about those two
missionaries that were killed in Texas about a year ago??? They were the
missionaries that converted his family. When he was told that they had
been killed he got this strong impression to serve a mission and
obviously you know how the story ends. He is serving a mission thanks to
those two missionaries. One of those missionaries knew he was not going
to be coming home and he still went out and served. Because of his
service so many people's lives are being touched. I have never been
challenged so much in my life but at the same time I know that what I am
doing is going to be sooo worth it. I am going to make an impact on
people's lives and I know if I live my life worthily that I will be able
to learn spanish and touch people's hearts.
This week was tough and I
didn't feel like my spanish was improving and I couldn't see
any results. When I went to the temple today I started talking to the
temple worker in spanish and didn't even catch myself until she gave me a
weird look. I am starting to dream in spanish now and some of my
thoughts are in spanish so I know my brain is beginning to switch over.
On sunday there was a broadcast about missionary work and I got to sing
in the choir for the 12 apostles. In the broadcast they talked about how
important it is that the members step up to the plate and start doing
missionary work as well. We are no longer planting the seeds in people's
lives we are now gathering the 12 tribes and everybody gets to be a
part of it. Also with the new announcement missionaries are going to be
allowed to use internet to communicate with people in those areas of the
world that missionaries are not allowed yet. The work is going forth
and I am so glad that I get to be a part of it. I love you all and hope
you all have a great week.
Love,
Hermana Larissa Johnson