I picked a really bad time to miss out on a weekly letter.
The past two weeks have been so busy. It feels like ages since transfers. I've
got a lot to cover, so here goes.
New area and new companion- I'm in Mission Creek of the San
Antonio East Stake. We cover from downtown San Antonio (including the alamo!!)
all the way south to the 1604 highway. This area is exactly the opposite of my
last. The ward is small, and super diverse (which I LOVE). There are tons ( I
don't want to be specific here) of less actives, which means there is ALWAYS
work to do. The area in general is much more...humble than the one I just came
from. I don't mean this in a derogatory way, but it truly is the ghetto. Lots
of gangs. Lots of problems. Lots of opportunities to help people!!! As for my
new companion, Elder F, I couldn't be more exited. He is awesome. He's a
new trainer but he loves missionary work and he loves people. He is full of
optimism and enthusiasm, and we will do and have done great things together.
Next week I'll send a few pics, along with a very special Christmas card from
our district. By the way, the district here is legendary for being the tightest
district in the mission, and I believe it. We're all super good friends
already.
When I say that this area is busy, I mean it. I just barely
finished meeting everyone that is being taught yesterday. There are so many investigators
(mostly from part member and less active families) to even mention them all.
The biggest quest and struggle we have right now is just getting me to know
everything. There is so much to remember. There are so many names places and
situations to keep track of. It is pretty overwhelming. The area is pretty
extensive, and so we have a car full time. It is nice, but at the same time I
miss the exercise from biking.
Like I've said before, most of the work we do is technically
less active work. That means we find and teach those who have, for whatever
reasons, not been to or involved with the church for an extensive period of
time. This kind of work is rewarding and frustrating at the same time.
Rewarding because we are able to teach the families of these people who have
not joined the church. Many times these families have children, spouses, or
other close family members that live with them who need to hear and learn about
the gospel. It is busy, busy, work. There is never a shortage of people to meet
of things to do. It's frustrating, because it is hard to see these people who
have lost the drive that they once had to follow Christ.
I've had so many experiences, and I wish I could tell all
the incredible things that have been happening, but there is just too much!!
Really quick, let me just say that fasting does wonders for spiritual
sensitivity. Me and my companion have fasted three times already this transfer,
and I've seen the spirit's guidance like never before. In one instance, we were
driving to the home of an investigator (E) who had been progressing really
well. Earlier that week she had comitted to baptism, and made some huge steps
in being ready for that change. As we were driving to her home both me and my
companion felt this feeling of...dread almost. We knew that something had
happened. We got there and sure enough, her boyfriend (the source of most of
her struggles) was back. We entered the home and just felt awful. E was
talking with her mom, and she shoved the phone at my companion. Elder F proceeded to be cussed out and railed against by her mom via cell phone. As
Elder F struggled to calm the mother, I talked to E. She began
expressing doubt after doubt that had been fed to her by her boyfriend and
family over the past few days. She had given up on following the word of
wisdom, and just abandoned the testimony that she had gained. After 45 minutes
of this Elder F finally joined me in talking with E. The incredible
thing was, both of us knew and could voice her own doubts and struggles before
she even expressed them. The spirit was with us. We both testified with all of
our hearts, and left, by saying that it was in her hands now. It was a painful,
terrible moment. Especially for Elder F who has been working with that
family for months on end. We left that house devastated by what had happened,
but so grateful for the presence and support of the spirit in helping us know
what to do and say.
Once again I'm out of time way too soon, but I hope this
letter has been extensive enough.
My love to all,
Elder Johnson
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