Another week down and out! How the time flies when you're having fun. A lot of great stuff is happening, with plenty of trials to make it all worth it!

This week the big event was a "helping hands" service project that we participated in on Saturday. As part of a nationwide outreach, each church unit chose another religios denomination in need of a helping hand. Here in Corumbá the Branch came together to put in concrete and plumbing at another church building. 

For those of you who aren't familiar with the brazilian construction process, let me tell you it is a lot of work. The toughest part involves mixing sand, rock, and cement with water to make the concrete. The mixing however is always done by hand with a hoe. I spent a couple of hours as the designated "cement mixer", and can now mark that one off as a job never again to be taken. I woke up Sunday morning with a super stiff back, and I'm still feeling the effects of that particular service project.

My soreness aside, this week was pretty great. We were able to mark the baptism of Emerson jr., and get permission from his dad who isn't a member. Emerson is a great Young Man (14 years old), who's mom and sister we've recently reactivated. It's great to be having a lot of sucess with these part-member families. 

This upcoming week is the last of this transfer, so next week I'll have some transfer updates!!

Até mais!

Elder Johnson

1. district t-shirt

2-4. helping hands project

Another great week! We got back from Campo Grande on Wednesday, and while we were there we met President and Sister Oliveira! They're a great couple, and they're bringing a lot to the Brazil Cuiabá Mission. Along with the training, they had individual interviews with all of the misionaries. During the training they talked about the importance of "opening our mouths" and talking with everyone about the incredible messages we bring. "There's no school like the old school" as they say. Horay for street contacts and knocking doors. Sometimes, that's just what it takes. In my interview with President, among other things he told me that I should probably decide on something to do after the mission....yet another sign that my time here in Brazil is drawing to a close.

Anyway, because of some miss-marked tickets we ended up getting a ride on the "executivo" bus back to Corumbá. It was wonderful. Slept the entire ride long.

We got right to work here in Corumbá, and finially had a break through with Gonzalo and his family. Once again there is hope for them. It won't be easy, but with the Lord's help it will be possible to help them really make these covenants with our Heavenly Father.

Among other things, our District put on a Branch Activity all about the Book of Mormon. We all dressed up as BoM characters, and I was Nefi!! I never knew you could make a costume with a blanket, towel, tie and saftey pin, but it turned out all right.

I hope everyone has a great week!

love,

ELder JOhnson

To Everyone,
This week marks the long-awaited mission President change. President Reber is heading out, and President Oliveira will take charge! After such a long time working with President Reber, it'll be a change for sure, but I know the Lord prepares his leaders. I can only express my gratidude to President Reber for everything he did to love and help the members and missionaries of this mission.

Other than that big news, the week here in Corumbá was just a lot of work. We are being blessed with the ability to teach a LOT, but now our challenge is to involve the members and teach with them!

As for great experiences, there were two different moments that were just awesome. First of those was with Marcus, a young man preparing to go on a mission of his own. Every once and awhile, we stop by his house to keep him exited, and this week we had a neat experience with him. I was trying to think of a scripture we could share with him and Alma 29 came to mind. As I was opening up, Marcus said that had read a question about a certain chapter...he proceeded to open up his own Book of Mormon to...ALMA 29! Thank you Holy Ghost.

Lastly, we finished up the week yesterday with a "family night" at Isac's house. His parents were having a rough time, so we set up this activity to try and lift their spirits. We all had a great time. We invited another couple (Sydney and Yolanda) and took advantade of the activity to celebrate their 1st annaversary as members of the church!!! I truly love the people here in Corumbá and seeing them happy makes me happy.

Here's to yet another week!
Love,
Elder Johnson