tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70070363524279085612024-03-08T03:20:28.680-08:00Hermana Mikayla Boren in Argentina!Mikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-36283128555900695212014-08-11T14:21:00.006-07:002014-08-11T14:21:48.268-07:00Keep On Biting the MoonDearest Family,<br /><br />Thank you for the updates, as always. I love to hear your adventures from Bike rides to weekend movies to what you learned in Sacrament meeting. My heart and prayers are with you. And Soon, I WILL BE WITH YOU TOO! Gah! Isn't that exciting?<br /><br />Two tuesdays ago we head over to Naty & Dario´s home. There is always A TON Of people there, the family situation is a complicated one. But all the neighborhood kids feel very welcomed over there, very loved, so on top of the family there are a whole bunch of Friends that are always there. Naty and Dario had traveled to Cordoba, the 20 year old daughter Belén was in charge but Had company over and was less interested in letting us stay to teach. The kids--the numerous group of 12+ kids or so--were outside jump roping. I had a flashback in my mind of the scene from the Joseph smith movie, when he has the running race with all the little pioneer boys. I felt impressed to take a moment to play with them, so sister Briggs & I placed our bags onteh side of the yard and I shouted "¡Me toca a mi!" I jumped in to the twirling rope as the kids chanted "uno, dos, tres, cuatro . . . " I got to 16 jumps or so and then hermana Briggs and the other kids took their turns. I paused a moment to think about How we could turn this moment into a teaching experience, and then made a deal--if I jumped more than 25 jumps then we would all pause and read from the Book of Mormon. They all heartily agreed and twirled the rope faster and faster to try to get me out. I prayed to just make it to 26 because at this point my wool tights were slipping down and I felt like Bert in the Mary Poppins Penguin Scene. I got to 26 and we dropped the rope. Tito, age 8, Joana, 12, and Pamela, 15 went running inside to look for the Book of Mormon copies while Ale, Milagros, Dillan, Facundo, Micaela, and other neighbor kids gathered with Hna Briggs and I on the outside carpet. We prayed and read for a while in Alma 40 about the Resurrection. Some were a little riled u from the Jump Roping but Facundo, age 9, and Micaela, age 12, were eating it up and beaming when we spoke of Christ.<br /><br />This Work is SO worth it to me. Many of the Kids--I'd go to say ALL of them--come from dysfunctional families and broken homes. Many of them have said that they want to learn more and come to church with us. Hermana Briggs and I are hoping to teach them soon, in their families with their parents. There is no balm so powerful as the atoning power of Christ! I have seen families grow, heal, laugh together, cry, and start to make lasting memories as they have learned and applied the doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The people, the FAMILIES of Galvez are no different. Great miracles await their families too. I pray that the Lord will soften the hearts of the parents of these cute jump-rope kids.<br /><br />I wrote in my journal on August 6th, "It was an interesting day. Hermana Briggs and I have felt uner the weather, I have a bad chest cold and she has all the symptoms of the flu. We headed out after she'd gotten some rest aas we knocked in front of a little blue house when she whispered to me, "I NEED A BATHROOM." WEll, just as she said this a little gray-haired woman mosied outside the front door and to the gate to speak with us. I was very cordial, "Somos las misioneras de la Iglesia de JesuCristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días . . . Oh, ¿Cree en Cristo también? Maravilloso . . . " I was trying to be formal and respectful but also knew that my Companion needed me to take action. Before the woman ended with a "Chau Chau" I asked "Podría dejar pasar mi compañera para poder usar su baño?" or "could my companion please use your bathroom?" I was so grateful when she smiled and said "Si, pasen." While Hna Briggs glede to the Lou I began to chat with this kind woman and her 30 year old daughter who is pregnant, Both are named Nelida. THey are humble, sweet women and began sharing wtih me their concern in raising well-mannered, good-valued children and grandchildren in today's world. I opened to Moroni 7:12-13 and explained about the way we can discern in order to protect our families. They enjoyed the message we shared, had a prayer, thanked them for the use of their Bathroom and wouldn't you know, we set a return appointment for Saturday. It was a tender mercy. :)<br /><br />In The evening we headed to Sergio's to see how they were doing, a stop-by visit, nothing more because we didn't have any sisters that could come with us. Hermana Briggs gave Sergio and Gabriel pass along cards with Jesus on them to share with their friends and family. Sergio began to explain that the day before he had been in the Doctor's office for a bad headache and began talking with a woman in the waiting room. She began to explain to Sergio that she didn't attend any church any more. Sergio began to bear His testimony about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. She expressed that two elders had visited her years before. Sergio asked if she had felt happiness and peace when she had listened to their message. She expressed that she Had, and Sergio smiled and told her that She can feel that way again, and if we (the Sister Missionaries) could come by and visit her. She said yes! Sergio has to double check on the address but he was so excited to tell us about it. Hna Gallegas, a mini missionary that served here before us with Hna Dean, sent him a text a few days back and asked how church attendance was. He responded "Maso." (Mas o menos, or so-so). She then told HIm that within weeks the attendance should be 70+ people, and that He has a responsibility to make that Happen. HE took that invitation personally. Hes such an example to me, he isn't even a baptized member of the church yet and he's out sharing the Gospel. Then he goes on asking where he can buy a hymnbook and if we could please start teaching him about tithing, because he and his family want to start paying their tithes. Hna Briggs and I could Hardly keep up with Sergio's earnest questions and the three little ones who asked us for another time around singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." Or "I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints." They are eating up EVERYTHING we are teaching in Primary and bring us so much joy to see them already living the Gospel with such Fervor.<br /><br />We are overwhelmed by the tender mercies Heavenly Father is just POURING over our heads here in Galvez. Sergio & Gabriel & Aylén & ESteban are among the Tenderest of Mercies in my mission. Hna Briggs & I feel between them and Pichy's family, we have our own Gálvez family.<br /><br />So blessed."<br /><br />Friday was my last Zone meeting. Our zone leaders are absolutely sweethearts, they know that Gálvez is far away from EVERYTHING, like a land island, and so they bought us Peanut Butter in santa fe and gave us a whole container. HEAVEN. They shared incredible workshops on effective planning and how to develop Christlike attributes. At end of the meeting were the good-bye testimonies of the finishing missionaries, and it was a strange walk up to the front. I bore my testimony through smiles and with teary eyes the reality of this marvelous work. I shared that the only way we can truly love others is by asking, we have to ask God to fill us with the pure love of his son because there is no way we can create it without him. I explained that although I have to take off my missionary plaque in a few weeks, I am forever grateful for the missionary plaque that Christ has painted in my heart for me. I explained that the greatest sacrifice was leaving my family behind, but in doing so God opened my eyes ever wider to see and to love my spiritual brothers and sisters and serve them as the great big family that we are. We closed by Singing the Spirit of God, one of my favorite hymns. Hand shakes and kindly "Goodbyes" and "See-you-laters" were exchanged.<br /><br />Sunday I awoke with so many attacks from Satan in my mind. Feelings of inadequacy, thinking awful things like "you're not good enough" "you've failed on your mission" "why didn't you learn that sooner?" "what kind of failure are you going home as?" and on again. It was awful. I prayed for relief and searched in my personal study for understanding and pleading to feel my Heavenly Father's love and acceptance and to cast out these unwelcome feelings of self doubt and fear. I know that faith can't abide when I feel that way! My sweet companion, Hermana Briggs, offered me words of love and support in comp study and I found some scriptures that helped me feel better. When we headed to the little chapel in the afternoon and I began teaching primary, a rush of the Savior's love washed over me as the children began singing "Amad a Otros," "Love One Another." I felt immediately relief, confidence, understanding that God loves me! And that he is proud of and pleased with everything that I have sacrificed and offered on my mission, and that I will NOT return in vain. The 4 kids in our little primary gave me smiles and laughter and wanted nothing more than to sing the primary songs--they're quite fond of Music and Sharing time, which is just fine by me, We're kindred spirits those children and I. The spirit surged in that tiny warehouse chapel primary classroom. I thank my Father in Heaven on High for the way I felt the Love of Christ in that sacred Moment in Primary yesterday.<br /><br />My dear family and treasured friends, DO NOT DOUBT YOURSELF. God loves you. You are his child, he knows you perfectly, and YOU ARE ENOUGH. Trust in his commandments, follow them, and you will be happy. Of this I testify!<br /><br />To close, I want to share something I've been pondering in Preach my Gospel under the section "The Power and Authority of Your Calling." It states on Page 4 "Missionaries are to go in the power of the ordination wherewith they have been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of great joy, even the everlasting gospel. You have the authority to preach the gospel. If you hold the priesthood, you have the authority to administer the ordinances thereof. As you prayerfully and worthily exercise that authority, you will receive spiritual power, which is evidence of the reality of your call. Do not be afraid or shy about fulfilling this commission, just as the Sons of Mosiah, you are to teach with the power and authority of God." I would like to direct this message in particular to my brothers Austin, Tyler, Jordan, Corey and my cousins Matthew, Spencer, Josh, Tanner, Devin, and Brendan--THIS PARAGRAPH APPLIES TO YOU TOO. Each of you have the Aaronic Preisthood and have been ordained to the office of a Teacher or above in the Aaronic priesthood. Did you know that it is your duty to share the Gospel, too? It says concerning the responsibilities of a Teacher in D&C 20:59 "They are, However, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ." That is my same responsibility, there at the end, as a missionary my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ. Don't forget the power in your priesthood, as I must not forget the power in my calling that was given to me by the authority of the priesthood. Boys, I love you. Carry on doing a great work and a wonder in your corners of missionary work in Utah. I love you! Don't be afraid to share the gospel.<br /><br />And keep on biting the moon :) It's a Hna Briggs, Hermana Boren Phrase. It came from a night when "Bite of more than I can chew" and "shoot for the moon" got samwiched together. Keep on biting the moon!<br /><br />With love, ever so much love for all of you, For the people of Argentina, and for my Savior,<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-67741443239430854252014-08-04T20:15:00.000-07:002014-08-05T20:15:49.613-07:00Kamkwat TreesQuerida Familia,<br /><br />LOVED the many pictures you sent of your staycation. You made me have quite the craving for some smores. MMMM . . . . Looks like your having some fun in the summer Sun. Give Grandma Nae my love and I hope her knee gets better soon. That countdown chain gave me a reality check and I got real excited. Just know that I love you, and I keep you all in my heart as I continue to teach others about forever families. I am grateful for our family and our efforts to live the family values of the Proclamation and Mosiah 4. Keep working hard and playing hard. I LOVE YOU¡ My prayers too are with grandpa Terry in the hospital. <br /><br />They have Kamkwat trees in Argentina. Who knew, right?<br /><br />I have such little time to write today, I hope its not a dissappointing letter. Lots more to come next week, I promise. Sergio and his family are going strong. They bring us such joy, they are the first to come to church and are on their knees praying every night together as a family and before every meal. They are noting the difference in the level of laughter, joy, and ability to perservere through their hardship. We feel so much purpose in Galvez helping their family learn these gospel truths and preparing to make covenants with God. <br /><br />Hermana Pichy, pronounced PEACHY, has been one of our most loyal sisters to accompany us to lessons. She could be a Harper relative, she just has that sincere, but loud laughing party loving hard working good doing personality. I love her and we are grateful for her support and influence.<br /><br />We are knocking doors, walking the dirt streets under starlit skies and winter sun and striving to talk with all of God's children that Cross our path. We love Gálvez and feel of God's tender mercy in sending us here.<br /><br />That's all for now, Im sorry it's a whimpy letter we just have so much to accomplish today. You're in my prayers. God is good. He lives, I know he lives¡<br /><br />Love,<br />Hermana MikMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-11168088140708476922014-07-28T20:13:00.000-07:002014-08-05T20:13:59.898-07:00Celebrating Ebelia's 74th with a Birthday Cake and Family NightDearest Family,<br /><br />Looks like you all are the tan ones now and I'm the "pale and whitey" as Austin used to say. Hope the summer sun is just a blast! Enjoy the SOL! You brothers of mine are just handsome kids.<br /><br />God is too good to me. But really, TOO GOOD. I feel spoiled with all of the miracles and joy that is bursting in my heart these days. I feel that every transfer it just can't get better, but it does. Every time. Hermana Briggs and I are kindred spirits, we have so much in common. We both love poetry and live to write, we both have desires to be exactly obedient, have the same mission backpack, crave chocolate at the same moments, etc. I feel that Heavenly Father is so good to me. She and I are working hard, we know we have such little time together and we want to take advantage of every moment to learn from each other. She gets me ready for the life ahead and I get her ready for the mission ahead. She amazes me, she gave a 20 minute talk yesterday and she's only been in Argentina for 2 weeks. She is teaching me so much and I learn all the time how God Qualifies whom he calls.<br /><br />I have had a heart to heart with Mormon and Moroni again this week. Mormon explains at one point that he ceases to write about the wickedness of the people to refrain from saddening us too much by their wickedness. I think of him and his tender, considerate heart towards us and our testimonies and feelings despite the cruel and bloodthirsty world that surrounded him. And Moroni's bravery to continue living a virtuous life even when he's the ONLY ONE left of the Nephites. I admire them both and recognize the same love, and parent-child guidance-obedience in my relationship with my parents. I hope to be like Moroni and follow the council and diligent example my parents offer me, like Mormon gave. How often I have felt like Moroni in receiving letters of love and guidance from my parents in the mission field! The Book of Mormon truly teaches us how to be HAPPY in this life, I know it.<br /><br />Okay, GÁLVEZ. We have so much work to do, this area is such a blessing to us! The joy of our lives at the moment is the Acevedo Family. Sergio, a single father who has had to raise his 5 kids ALONE for the past 7 years (His wife abandoned them, I don't know the whole story since he doesn't like to talk about it in front of his Kids) has always had a faith in God and has long looked for the truth. About a month ago he saw Hermana Ordoñez and Hermana Dean, the Hermanas before us, and felt he should talk to them. A few weeks later he saw them in the same place and again felt he should talk to them, but resisted. The third time he saw them in the same place, he got off his Motorcycle and went over and talked to them of his own volition. They soon went to his house for a teaching appointment, and after some diligent prayer and reading in the book of Mormon and attending church, he chose his own baptismal date for the 16th of August. He is a ROCK, as are his children. The oldest two have recently left to live with their Mom for a little time, she apparently came back into the picture recently and they are trying to mend the parent-child relationships between the kids and Her. It's a mess, but luckily the Gospel is bringing them so much happiness. Gabriel, age 11, Ailen, age 9, and Esteban, age 7 are so attentive. When we gave them the comic style Book of Mormon Stories book they read it all in 2.5 days. Each night they kneel together as a family for family prayer. They are the first to come to the chapel on Sundays. Sergio says he knows that this is the true church, it's the help that he's been looking for for years in his Struggles as a Single Father raising his family. He delights in the happiness he sees in his Kids. At nights when he comes home tired from work and he isn't always up for reading, Gabriel--this solid, solid as a rock 11 year old boy--sits his Dad down and begins teaching him what he read from the Book of Mormon and asks him if they can read more. Esteban stood up in Primary yesterday and said that if we feel afraid we should pray that Jesus can Help us take the fear away. Needless to say this sincere family has humbled our hearts and amazes us all the time. We love them so much and are striving to help them prepare in every way for their baptism the 16th of August.<br /><br />This week as an effort to get to know the branch and start getting a firmer grip on the area, we went to visit a Grandma Sister in the Branch named Ebelia. We began to chat and discovered that she has never married, has been a member of the church for 37 years, hasn't any kids nor any relatives that live in Gálvez. Also, that her Birthday was this past Tuesday and nobody remembered, nor did she celebrate. I whispered to Hermana Briggs "My Mom would not be okay with this! We have to celebrate her Birthday!" Well, On Saturday night I whipped her up a birthday cake out of the Yogurt Cake recipe Hermana Rasband taught me, decorated it with Dulce De Leche Frosting and grated coconut. Sunday we invited everyone at church to come with us to her home that night at 6 pm. We showed up with a giant candle in the middle of the cake and sang her "Que Los Cumplas Feliz!" and shared a family home evening lesson in her Home. Her smile and delight was so worth it. I thought of President Monson and how he cared for all those 80+ widows in his ward, and how he United that little ward in Salt Lake City to be a ward family, to love and care for one another. Hermana Briggs and I set a goal that our work in Gálvez must have the goal of uniting this little branch in this little outcast city to be a true branch family. That's the only way it will grow. THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IS SERVICE. We also wrapped up my gospel art picture book and gave it to her. She ADORES artwork, and we figured this would be the most fitting birthday present of any.<br /><br />Sundays are an adventure. Yesterday We both taught primary, I taught Gospel Principles, Hermana Briggs gave a talk, and I offered a musical number--a capella solo of medley Abide With Me and Abide with Me Tis Eventide. We had 15 souls yesterday, we're making progress. 1 more than last week! After church we rushed with our Branch President to the Hospital, we went to visit the YW President who had some type of sudden vertigo/stomache disease (I don't understand medical Spanish yet, so I didn't quite get the details) but he Gave her a blessing and we offered our love. Our Branch President is going through a personal challenge of 2 of his 4 kids that are suffering distinct forms of Cancer. He is such an example to me of serving this little branch 2 hours away from his home. Everyone has so many distinctive challenges. We must be loving and patient with those around us, we don't know what personal crosses they're carrying. But the Savior does! It brings me such comfort to know that.<br /><br />I love you all. Please, oh please, never forget how much I love you!<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-42185535738954253182014-07-21T20:04:00.000-07:002014-07-23T20:05:18.890-07:00Fourteen SoulsQuerida Familia Mia,<br /><br />Heavenly Father expects a lot from me these last 5 weeks.<br /><br />Tuesday night after a day of saying my goodbyes and packing my suitcases, I laid down in my bed in the dark of the winter night after saying my bedtime prayer. Hermana Rasband was still praying before I got up, and a few moments later after I had already started to doze off she came over and surprised me with a hug and said, "You'll do great things in Gálvez!" I hugged her back and said thanks through a heavy sigh and keeping the tears back. It doesn't matter how many times you change areas, your heart breaks every time. I love Paraná, it´s streets will forever be sacred ground to me.<br /><br />Wednesday morning I got up at 2:30 am to shower and get ready. At 3:40 we left for the terminal, and by 7:30 I was in Rosario. When I arrived I was greeted by several of my missionary friends who were there for transfer day to coordinate and receive traveling missionaries. Hermana Alicea was among them, it made me happy to see her :) Hopped in the taxi with 3 other sisters and headed to the mission home. We had a great discussion with the Taxi cab driver about his family, he has an 8 month old Daughter that he said is his world. We explained How God is his loving heavenly Father, how he wants to have a relationship with this man just as he thrives on the relationship he has with his 8 month old little girl. We shared the book of Mormon with him, the spirit was strong as we pulled up to the brick CASTLE of the mission home.<br /><br />Sitting in the Mission Home Parlor with the other Trainers I was brought back to so many memories of a year ago, when I came to the mission home with Hermana Ferraez, when I played the Pump Organ and found out that Hermana Alicea would be my companion again. Can it really have been a year since those treasured memories? Soon Presidente Zanni was instructing us, my heart full of so many memories and emotions. The new missionaries entered the room, and a young Sister that dresses in the same style as Hermana Alicea, with great big blue eyes like her was among the Sisters. Her name is Hermana Briggs. And come to find out, She's my new companion! She is INCREDIBLE. She is from Holladay Utah. She's previously done Humanitarian work in Cambodia, has helped build an orphanage in Mexico, has visited Costa Rica, and has SO MUCH FAITH and SO MUCH LOVE. We've already shared some great moments and are excited to serve together in Gàlvez.<br /><br />We spent the night in Paraná because Gálvez is far away . . . from EVERYTHING. It was good to hug Hermana Rasband and To hug and talk to Hermana Dean. Galvez is her previous area, and she is now serving in Paraná . . .we did a flip flop :) she gave us some good heads up info on the little branch so that we could be prepared upon arrival. She also gave us the keys and address to our Apartment. Details . . . :)<br /><br />We arrived in Gálvez at about 2 pm on Thursday. I was so relieved to finally arrive and start getting to know the area. IT's a little town like Cañada de Gomez, safe and secure, nothing like the city I just came from. I'm getting used to quiet town life again! it looks like we just fell out of beauty and the beast. We took a taxi to our apartment and started settling in, then cracked open the area book and started planning, figuring out who our investigators are, finding a map, getting oriented. Gálvez is a tiny branch, about 12 or 15 people attend church every week, and the branch president is imported from Santa Fe every week to preside and conduct the ward. There is SO MUCH WORK TO DO, I don't have any time to be trunky, and that's the best part about it. There's a fantastic family we're currently teaching, a single dad and his 3 kids, his name is Sergio. More details next week, but pray for him and his family and their progression!<br /><br />Saturday Night, Hermana Briggs and I found our way to the chapel. It is a warehouse that they've converted rooms in it to be a church. When we entered I was overcome by the spirit. Hermana Briggs asked if I would like to say a prayer, I said I would, we knelt and had a sacred moment with heavenly Father. We offered him our thanks to be serving in this little town and pleaded for his help, offering him our will to work with all our hearts so that we can see this little warehouse chapel full.<br /><br />Sunday we had fourteen souls in sacrament meeting, Sergio and his 3 kids were the first to come to church. :) I taught gospel principles and gave a talk, Hermana Briggs taught primary for 2 hours all by her lonesome (she's a BOSS!) on her first Sunday in the mission field, her first time speaking spanish in a foreign country. I am amazed by her and know that God has a great work fo us to do.<br /><br />I love you with all my heart, my dear family! <br />Pray for us, Pray for Gálvez. God is Good.<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-48109267094994832652014-07-15T19:56:00.000-07:002014-07-23T19:57:19.605-07:00MilagrosDearest Family,<br /><br />I don't know where to begin. Firstly, that I love you :)<br /><br />Next, today is my last day in Paraná. I was called last night by asistant to the President, Elder Holloway. I will be training a new sister, and whitewashing a new pueblito called Galvez, about 1.5 hours away from the city Santa Fe. I've been there once before in divisions, and it's a beautiful little town. There is work still for me to do. I feel such a peace. I will miss Paraná with all my soul, I've served here the longest--6 months, the third part of my mission--but God has work enough for me to do, still. he needs me in Galvez, and instead of fear or anxiety, I am filled with faith and a passion for the Work. We will testify, we will teach, and we will baptize! Hermana Dean, who served with me visa waiting in the Watac, will be taking my place as Capacitadora and as Hermana Rasband's companion. Hermana Rasband and I have such a special quirky friendship that i know will last for a lifetime, I will miss her but knowing she's from American Fork (and the fact that I already know where she lives) brings me a lot of excitement for adventures to come.<br /><br />I thought I was done being the greatest blood donor to Argentina's Pestilence Society, but the Mosquitos and Spiders somehow returned this week with the unusually warm winter weather we've been having, and I'm covered in the red bumps that are normally characteristic of summer all over again. Que cosas che. <br /><br />It has been an incredible week! Tuesday we enjoyed zone meeting, which is always uplifting. It's neat to learn from my companion and the zone leaders as they give workshops, as well as from the other missionaries as they comment and share their insights. Wednesday morning we had "Meet the President" zone conference, where we got to know Presidente Zanni and his family better. Presidente Zanni is so inspired, as he spoke he answered several personal revelation questions I have debated recently. I know he has been called to be the mission president of this mission for a reason at this particular time, and I feel honored to learn from him and his sweet wife. A tender mercy came as I played the piano for prelude music, his little girls came running into the chapel and over to where I was playing, and threw their arms around me in a great big hug! After the meeting Elder Higginson asked me to do the R2D2 noise, Jordan. I did it for my district int the MTC to the best of my ability, I can't do it nearly as well as you, but now I'm renown for it amongst the Elders. It's the best :) Thanks for lighting up my life, little bro.<br /><br />Wednesday I saw one of the most surreal experiences of my life. The streets were DEAD as Argentina played Holland. Not a breathing soul in the street except for a few wandering stray dogs. Hermana Rasband and I walked in absolute silence for about 5 minutes. Well, at about 7:45 the streets went beserk. The winning penalty shots of the semifinal game set the Argentine world on an emotional fire, the streets flooded all at once with men, women, and children of all ages and sizes with number 10 MESSI jerseys, blue and white flags, and blaring bugles as they horned their victory, trucks and motorcycles bustled their way through the streets with people aboard screaming at the top of their lungs while throwing their fists into the air. I felt like I was thrown into a scene from the Hunger games, I have never seen such a cultural manifestation of a soccer victory. It was hilarious, moving, scary, and patriotic all at once. The World Cup . . . kind of a big deal in Argentina.<br /><br />Friday and Saturday I enjoyed serving with Hermana Sanders on divisions in Sunchales, a little town that bases its industry in making Dulce De Leche and distributing milk. It is a clean, pristine, story-book kind of village. While I was with her I felt the strongest impression that we needed to practice extending the baptismal invitation with every one of the investigators we visited. Although some of them mentioned that they didn't want to change religions during the lesson, I still invited them at the end after testifying of the importance of Baptism by Priesthood Authority. We taught a woman who is an etern-igator and has listened on and off to missionaries for 12 years, a 17 year old young lady named Eliana, and two abuelitos whos kids are members, but the wife just can't stop smoking. Each time they denied the baptismal invitation. But Saturday morning we went to the home of the Familia Villareal. There was a quiet peace about this home of a mother, father, and 5 girls. This particular lesson it was just the mom and the two littlest daughters. The mother of this family, after being invited to follow the example of Christ through baptism, accepted gladly. Hermana Sanders gave me the biggest smile, and it was such a tender mercy to be there with this Sister as she finally saw someone accept the invitation. She has been working so hard in Sunchales with her companion, and it was neat for her and I to both see someone soften their heart. There are many who reject the message of the Restoration. But those that accept it--they make all the tears and heartache and rejection SO WORTH IT!<br /><br />Sunday was Supernal. Rosa came to church in a skirt with her hair and make up done beautifully. She looked like she could have been the Relief Society president already. Eric was all smiles during all of the meetings, and Brenda, Rosa's daughter and Eric's sister, CAME!!! It was a miracle to have her in Church! After Sacramente Meeting Rosa dressed in white and entered the waters of baptism. She just glowed! We had so much support from the ward, they all pitched in to bring desert and refreshments to enjoy after the baptismal service. The spirit was strong! Hermana Rasband and I were just CONTENTAS. Soledad was finally able to make it to church again, her visiting teachers went to pick her up and help her with the twin babies and the other 3 rambunctious boys. My heart was FULL.<br /><br />Gabriel is doing great :) About 2 weeks back he kept canceling our follow up new convert appointments. I was worried about him dodging spiritual things, wondering if he had fallen into some of his past addictions or something. One night we called him to see how his reading was going in the Book of Mormon, and in turn shared a scripture in Helaman 5. Since this point, his latest thing has been sending us texts quoting scriptures he has particularly liked in his personal study of the Book of Mormon. He quotes the scripture and then tells us to read it, very Gabriel-like, extending his own commitments to US. Well, this past Sunday he came to church dressed up nice in a white shirt and church sweater, told us that he would like us to teach him more so that he can better prepare to receive the Aaronic Priesthood, told us he has a Reference for us named Lourdes and gave us her number, and THEN kept bugging us throughout church and the baptismal service to know when we can have a lesson to be able to teach him. To top it all off, he wrote in Rosa's baptismal book the sweetest testimony and signed it "HERMANO GABRIEL SCHMITD." I about fainted. He's using the title HERMANO. He's going places, that punk kid.<br /><br />I love Paraná, I love my mission. I am overwhelmed with Gratitude for the numerous blessings God has given me in this BANGARANG Jungle City. I will miss it more than I can imagine, but the gratitude wells in me more than anything. Someday I'll come back here again. I've got to. But even if mortality keeps me away, I am comforted to know that my brothers and sisters of Paraná will be my neighbors in Heaven. We've got to be firm in the faith, and we'll take our place JUNTOS at the right hand of God.<br /><br />I love you all, take a look at Chapter 4 of Preach my Gospel under The Spirit and Conversion. Let's study it together this week and then share what we learned in our next letter.<br />Con cariño,<br />Hermana Boren<br /><br />p.s. Ty, Jordan, Josh, and Spencer--I hope EFY is an absolute blast and htat you are even stronger in your testimonies now. I love you guys!<br />p.s.s. Corey and Dad, congrats on the 15 mile bike ride! WOOHOO! <br />p.s.s.s. AJ, I hope work is going great and congrats on buying a new car! One of my goals before my next birthday is to learn to drive stick shift. Will you teach me? Oh, and another goal: Learn to ride ripstick. Will you teach me that too? Love you!Mikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-33116430689723140302014-07-07T14:37:00.001-07:002014-07-07T14:37:23.473-07:00I Forget Myself and Give it all to HimDearest Family,<br /><br />Happy 4th of July (Late). I hope it was a great holiday, enjoying time with Grandma and Grandpa and enjoying hot weather! I had a fantastic holiday. I spent my fourth of July wearing a scarf and overcoat inviting others to come unto Christ, teaching the Word of Wisdom to Rosa, Eric's Mom, and seeing her eyes light up as she agreed to live this commandment of God. It was a great way to spend Independence Day and I'll never forget it. Last fourth of July was my 3rd day in Argentina, and I spent it moving apartments with Hermana Ferraez in Venado Tuerto. I'm excited to see what happens next year! :)<br /><br />This week has been spectacular. You know life is good when one of your greatest sources of stress is finding baptismal clothes adequate for 6 foot 5 man named Sebastian. He's doing fantastic, accepted a baptismal date and is reading at least a page in the Book of Mormon each day. He loves our church meetings, especially the Hymns. We're excited for him and keep cracking up about his story. That's got to go in the Liahona someday, "I met the Sister missionaries in the street and they thought I was going to rob them until I asked them what church they were from." How embarrassing and delightfully funny at the same time!<br /><br />Yesterday, I wrote in my journal the following: "This is how i wish forever to feel! Today and yesterday I have felt a joy that goes beyond description. This is my joy, my soul here, my laughter, my content. To invite others to come unto Christ and to walk by their side as they have faith, repent, enter the waters of Baptism, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am JOYFUL beyond description. Rosa accepted living the word of wisdom, tithing, and law of chastity without batting an eyelash. She came to church today even thought she and Tatiana got lost and she felt sick on the way. She will have her Baptismal interview tomorrow night and if all goes well, she will enter the waters of baptism on Sunday afternoon, July 13th. Hermana Rasband is so cutely excited in all of hte lessons and when we weekly planned she wrote a number 1 with jubilance in our goals for investigators baptized and confirmed . . . We are FELIZ. It is neat to FEEL empathy, love, sadness, compassion, etc. at such a magnified level. So much more, now. I feel that I was somewhat under an apathetic cloud, for a time, before my mission. But now I see that Christ has changed me. I understand now that there is no limit on How much love we can feel for others, nor is there any place we should find hate in us. I love my Savior for the person He's changing me to be, and for allowing me to feel of HIs love. My deepest desire is to bring others to feel of the same, as Lehi Did in his Dream (see Nephi 8). I am just SO HAPPY! A joy beyond what I can describe, beyond words. I only hope I can remember forever what I feel in my HEART forever, right at this precious moment in time."<br /><br />That paragraph pretty much sums it up for me right now. There's so much anguish, disappointment, grief, frustration, etc. that we suffer as missionaries, but when it comes to moments like these, it's all worth it. We just have to forget our griefs, our desires, our plans for the future, etc. And give it all to him! <br /><br />Presidente & Hermana Giuliani honorably finished their 3-year mission this past Monday evening and are now living in Provo, Utah. I am so grateful for all that my mission President and his wife have taught me. I will most definitely be going to their home often in Provo to drink matte and talk in Castellano and ask for advice on living life in the real world again. I feel pretty lucky to have the opportunity to learn from 3 different Mission Presidents and their wives. Presidente & Hermana Zanni serve here in Rosario now, and they are a young couple! they are both about 43 or 44 years old, about your age Mom and Dad. They are from the Provincia San Juan, the Western side of Argentina.<br /><br />We had Consejo de la Misión on Thursday, we woke up at 2:30 a.m. to get ready and left from the Paraná terminal to go to Rosario at 4 a.m. ¡Asi es la vida de la viajante! We arrived around 7:15 and headed straight to the mission home, were we enjoyed breakfast in the Mission Home Garage with the other Zone Leaders and Hermana Capacitadoras. Hermana Zanni came in to give us a hello, and Mom, I met your Argentine twin! She is shorter than me, but is skinny, gorgeous, and does her hair just like you do. My eyes even welled up, she just reminded me so much of you! She said hello to all the missionaries, but somehow at the end of breakfast we got to talking just she and I. She has never served a mission before but is very excited to be here with her Husband serving in Rosario. Her father found the church when she was 11 years old, the Missionaries rang their doorbell. She and Presidente Zanni have 7 kids, 3 older boys and 4 younger girls (exactly the same pattern as your family, Dad!). The oldest son is on a mission in Taiwan and the younger 6 live in the mission home. After Breakfast we headed to the Fisherton Chapel and enjoyed learning from Presidente Zanni, His Wife, Elder Eliosoff and Elder Higginson about how to work better with the members, what Christ expects of us as leaders and how we should follow his example, etc. There was a powerful spirit as our new Mission President addressed us. I just love him and his wife already and look forward to the work we have to do together. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch, Presidente brought his kids to the chapel and they are just a hoot. Ana, age 4, Carolina, age 8, Julieta, age 10, Laura, age 15, Santiago, age 17, Leonardo, age 18. We ended up playing with the little girls outside for a small while later on and I was in Heaven, I miss kids!<br /><br />So much more to tell you and so little time--I want to end by sharing something I've learned from Preach My Gospel recently. I'm sorry I've been a slacker at including this part of our Family study recently, forgive me for that. Page 198 of PMG, Bear Testimony Frequently in Chapter 11 KEEP COMMITTMENTS. We learn the following:<br /><br />"To bear testimony is to give a simple, direct declaration of belief--a feeling, an assurance, a conviction of gospel truth. Sharing your testimony often is one fo the most powerful ways of inviting the Spirit and helping others feel the spirit.<br /><br />Bear testimony several times in each lesson, not just at the end. Bear testimony that what your companion has taught is from God.<br /><br />People may sometimes intellectually question what you teach, but it is difficult to question a sincere, heartfelt testimony."<br /><br />I love this quote from preach my gospel. We must share what we know, we must declare it from the Heart. And whatever the world may say to rock our logic or reject our words, we must stand unashamed. <br /><br />"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life. "<br /><br />With Love,<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-34857595188940715722014-06-30T12:14:00.000-07:002014-07-06T12:15:58.838-07:00La Rica Chipa PanHey Fam,<br /><br />So good to hear about Girl's camp, Mom. It sounds like it was a memorable one! I only had time to do a quick skim of the letter but I printed it out so that I can do a real, thorough read after cyber time of the wonderful spiritual experiences of Girl's camp. <br /><br />The Title of the email: One of my favorite Argentine foods that there is. It is absolutely DELICIOUS! Chipa Pan is a little ball-shaped bread that has cheese cooked into the bread dough. They are apparently originally a Paraguayan recipe that bled over from Paraguay to Corrientes & Entre Rios Argentina. They are delicious and I try hard not to eat too many.<br /><br />Today we went to Argentine Walmart, we didn't have time last week. And let me tell ya, it blew my mind to be in a walmart again. It was so big and so clean and so American, Hermana Rasband and I just looked at each other with a grin so wide with surprise! It was as thought we had been dropped onto American soil! We hurried up and down the aisles and soon realized that although it is big and clean, it is still very much Argentina. No peanut butter, Cheetos, Seedless Grapes, Chex cereal, or flip flops to be found. But we did find microwave popcorn, which made us really excited until we realized that we don't have a microwave. We started to laugh and count our blessings and buy our favorite Argentine things that were there instead--dulce de leche filled donuts, alfajores, etc. We had fun :)<br /><br />Tomorrow marks 14 years that I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, and 1 year since I left Tacoma Washington to come to Argentina. Both anniversaries have been blessings beyond wordly description! I reflect on my life as a member of the church and my 1-year life now as a missionary in Argentina, and all I feel is just a heart full of love, spilling over with Gratitude. God is so good to me, I don't feel deserving of all of the blessings he's poured upon me all my life. My deepest desire is to share that love with others!<br /><br />Yesterday, Sebastian (yeah, that really tall guy that we thought was going to rob us but turns out to be really nice) came to Church again. We hadn't been able to get ahold of him during the week until Saturday night, when we invited him once again to come. He was grinning all of sacrament meeting, and made several comments in Gospel principles, where we learned about keeping the Sabbath Day holy. The ward has been great, Hermano Alarcón and Juan Pablo Montenegro are both Priesthood Brethren that have really reached out to him and both offered to come to lessons with us this week. They are good member missionaries too because they started talking to him about baptism, and how the sacrament is the renewing our baptismal covenant. It was supernal! We have a lesson with him tonight!<br /><br />Rosa, Eric's mom, also came to church! She made it to church even before we did, and Eric--in every class and meeting--was at her side helping her find the scriptures and learn how to sing the hymns. He leaned over to her during the sacrament and began explaining that the bread and water represent Jesus Christ's Body and Blood, his Atoning sacrifice for us. I offered a little prayer of great thanks during that quiet moment of Sacrament Meeting, as I sat on Rosa's other side, listening to Eric's gentle remarks, explaining everything to his Mother with such love and testimony. The Gospel Blesses Families. She still has a baptismal date for the 12th of July, this weekend if all goes well she'll have her Baptismal Interview. Thank you for your prayers! <br /><br />This week I enjoyed divisions with Hermana Galán from Mexico, she is beautiful, tiny tiny tiny, sincere, but a spitfire all at once. Mexican Tinkerbell is the only way I can think to describe her. During my division with her, Priscila Mansilla, a 17-year-old Laurel from the ward, accompanied us. She wants to serve a mission in two years and is so prepared, she brought her scriptures with her to the lessons. We picked up teaching Humberto again, we crossed paths in the street the other day and he told us how much he's missed the spirit since we stopped teaching. We taught Humberto with Priscila and between her and Hermana Galán, the Spirit was surging in the room. They bore pure testimony about the power of Prayer, Priscila shared the scripture "Ask, and ye shall receive. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you" and Hermana Galán shared that Heavenly Father wants Humberto to have this goal and miracle of being baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I am so grateful for these two women and the power of their testimonies. I love divisions because these Sisters teach me every day how to be a better missionary and where I need to improve in the language, work, faith, in discipleship.<br /><br />I wanted to give an accounting for where I'm at in my summer Goals--I'm almost 3/4 way through my journal so I will be finishing that goal soon and starting yet another journal! As far as memorizing words, I'm a little behind and have only memorized 200. As for the Book of Mormon in Spanish, I'm in Helaman now, going strong. Thank you notes I've only written 4, so I've got some repenting to do. How are all of you doing in the Summer Goals you've set?<br /><br />I am out of time, But know always that I love you very much!<br />YOU ARE LOVED!<br />Hermanita BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-33206008594330048152014-06-23T18:40:00.000-07:002014-06-29T18:41:03.792-07:00I'm Feeling 22, Juggling Fire, and Being Interviewed by the Paraná NewsQuerida Familia,<br />
<br />
Thank you for your birthday wishes. I love you all more than you know! Thank you for the 22 beautiful years of life that I've been able to spend with you! And though I've had all of my 21st year apart from you physically, I have felt you near spiritually on so many occasions. ¡LA BENDICIÓN MAS LINDA DE MI VIDA ES LA FAMILIA QUE TENGO! I thank my Father in Heaven every day for all of you.<br />
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It has already been a marvelous day. Firstly, it's my first and only time to have a Winter Birthday, which I think is pretty cool :) also, Because we are Sister Training Leaders (o Capacitadoras), my comp and I each have our own phones. Hermana Rasband has been scheming this past week with Hermana Sainsbury and Hermana Shotwell of 5 Esquinas B through text, and this morning while I was in the shower Hermana Rasband sneakily let both of them in. They had gotten up a little early to make me breakfast and get ready, and came over from their apartment at about 7:15 and waited outside our apartment til the "coast was clear" from Hna Rasband. When I came out of the shower they were standing with a giant pink sign that says "FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS" and started singing while I stood there in my towel. I was so surprised I even screamed, how embarassing! It was really sweet of them. We enjoyed crepes with peaches and syrup, and the sisters stayed for Personal and Comp study. They're just the sweetest. My phone began blowing up with phone calls this morning from President Giuliani, Hermana Alicea, Hermana Van Wagnen, Virginia (a ward Member), My District Leader and the Elders that live with him, and Hermana Martinez all calling to wish me a happy Birthday. I feel so loved! Later today we're getting together to eat Authentic Argentine Pizza and take a field trip as a zone to Walmart to celebrate (who knew! There's a WALMART in Paraná! I'll tell you how it compares next week.)<br />
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The street jugglers in Paraná have kicked it up a notch. It's nice because the big cities always have the most skilled street jugglers. With the cold weather, they've kicked it up a notch and light some of their juggling bars on fire. It's kind of intimidating to cross the street sometimes because in the middle of the crosswalk there's a man with dreadlocks down to his knees juggling fire, but we always find a safe way to mosie around him. I wish I could describe how neat it is to see them dance and juggle at the stoplights. Like live magicians that just poured out of the novel INKHEART onto Argentine Pavement.<br />
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This week Hermana Rasband and I both traveled to Esperanza in the Provincia of Santa Fe. Usually one of us stays behind and the other travels, but this week we had the privilege of both going to work with the Sisters in Esperanza for another CHOQUE DE FUERZA. While We waited in line to board the Colectivo, Two random folks from the Paraná News, with a news camera, light, microphone, and everything rushed to us and shoved the microphone in my face and began spurting the question, "HOLA, COMO TE LLAMÁS VOS?" And I responded that I'm Hermana Boren, and I'm from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They began asking If I was traveling for the long weekend (This past Friday was Dia de la Bandera, or Argentine Flag Day), and we explained that we're headed to Esperanza to preach the Gospel of Christ with other Missionaries there. They looked a little miffed that this was our response, but I just smiled and they walked away, looking to flash interview other people. I have no idea if it actually made television but it was a fun chance to share at least the name of the church with the news caster and camera man. Every day is literally a new adventure!<br />
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Esperanza was so much fun. Hermana Rasband served there before for 6 months, so it was like going to Disneyland with a little kid she was so excited. The other Sisters, Hermana Haynes & Hermana Wilde, only have 2 beds in their apartment, so I set up camp on the tile floor with a few blankets. As the little bear kid says in Brother Bear, "It was the fifth or sixth most coldest day of my entire life!" It was a fun mission sleepover, filled with laughter, hard work, and spiritual experiences. It's amazing to see what 4 determined sister missionaries can accomplish in an evening. We found several new investigators, Contacted A FUL, Invited many to baptism (many declined, pero no importa). My favorite part was singing hymns and Comp study. The spirit filled the room as we had a 4 part harmony to Joseph Smith's First Prayer.<br />
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Saturday Morning we were Back in Paraná and had a miracle. Rosa, Eric's mom, was FINALLY home. We taught her the Restoration with Eric and Tatiana there, and the best part was that Eric taught half the lesson. He explained the first vision in his own words, offering his sincere testimony to his smiling mother, explaining how he's come to know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and that this is the Restored church of Christ. His words were simple but so sincere, and the light that filled Rosa's face was without words to describe it. She accepted our invitation to baptism without hesitation. Now the struggle is helping her come to church, But I know that the changes she's seen come to her son's life through his Church Membership will help her feel that desire. Thank you for your prayers for this family! We're still teaching Brenda but she is having a real struggle with the word of Wisdom. <br />
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Gloria, our beautiful, 57 year old investigator who lives right on the River Paraná is doing Great. She also has accepted a baptismal date and she is always excited to learn more when we go to her home. <br />
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Paco, a homeless reference we received from Hermano Coria our ward mission leader, 1) EXISTS (we have had the hardest time finding him because he's a homeless person. We began thinking he was Hermano Coria's imaginary friend or something, we were told that sometimes he hangs around a certain Meat shop or in front of this house. Well, we finally found him!) 2)Had a great family night lesson in the Coria home with him this past Monday 3) CAME TO CHURCH YESTERDAY! 4)Told us he's been reading the book of mormon and sharing passages with his Sister, with whom he sometimes stays the night. We are so excited for him and know that the Gospel will get him sober, change his life, and help him learn to be self-reliant and have self confidence.<br />
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Last story--Sebastian is a 6 foot 5 man that we thought was going to rob us a few weeks back, it was during the quiet time of the siesta and he walked up to us REALLY fast, we were a little afraid. When we saw him smiling we were a little less afraid. First he asked if we were Jehovas Witnesess, and we explained that we're actually from La Iglesia de JesuCristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días. We explained where the church was and at what time and gave him a pamphlet of the Restoration. He said he'd come to Church the next Sunday and walked off. We were both so surprised we forgot to even ask him for his address or number! We felt so stupid afterwards and felt like we'd lost out on a big miracle. This is about 3 weeks ago. But, HE CAME TO CHURCH YESTERDAY! And we're going to teach him this week!<br />
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God is Good. He loves us. I trust him and I know that I must always trust him and keep His commandments in order to be happy.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the best 22 years :) Sepan que los amo con todo mi corazón y que mando un abrazo gigante. Sé que Dios me ama porque me mandó a ustedes! <br />
<br />
CON AMOR,<br />
Hermanita BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-53837399383749747422014-06-09T17:35:00.003-07:002014-06-09T17:35:52.577-07:00Querida Familia Mia,Querida Familia Mia,<br /><br />Every week brings new adventures. This week 6 companionships from our Zone banded together at 8:30 am on Thursday morning, dressed in Jeans and T shirts, and began helping an Argentine family in Parque Gazzano of Paraná build their home. We shoveled cement into buckets, passed the buckets along a human assembly line, which included Elder Allendes on a ladder, where other Elders and Men were waiting on the roof to pour into the ceiling frames they had made with 2 x 4s to complete the cement ceiling. It was so much fun! We got the Roof done in 5 hours, which is pretty darn fast as far as Cement Argentine roofs go down, and the family was so grateful. They cooked us choripanes for lunch (it's like a bratwurst sausage in a sandwich) and of course gave us Coke to drink (another Argentine favorite) and kept saying "Gracias! Gracias!" for our help. It was service, but it was so much fun that I hardly felt worthy of their thanks. They are currently investigating the Church and are in Elder Alderetes and Elder Watkins´area, which is also part of our Ward. We are hoping they continue to listen and progress. We were SO SORE the next day that it hurt to kneel down every time we prayed, our legs, backs, and arms were spent. But it was good to have worked out so hard. Dad, please, leave me the lawn and the weeding and cleaning the car when I get home. I know you'd never thought I'd say it but I miss Saturday jobs! <br /><br />This week I have discovered all over again how fantastic the Book of Alma is! I have always found light from the Book of Mormon, but I feel that my mission has taught me to truly feast. This week I was blessed by the example of Alma. During their time in Ammonihah, Amulek and Alma suffered the bribes and persecution of men opposed to the church, were thrown into prison, smitten on their cheeks, had their clothes taken away from them, and suffered hunger and thirst. The most heart wrenching is when Amulek and Alma had to watch Amulek's people--all those that had listened and been baptized members of the church, including, I believe, Amulek's family--burn alive in a fire. I cannot imagine the personal gethsemanes these men had to suffer in this area of their mission. But after fleeing Ammonihah and organizing the church in Sidom, Alma 15:18 says the following: "Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, therfore he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zaraheml, and took him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations, and strengthened him in the Lord." What an example Alma and Amulek are to me. Amulek is who first invited Alma to his home and ministered to him, gave him food and drink and a place to stay. Then, after their mission and trials together, Alma took Amulek to his own home to help him in his need. Alma was all the family Amulek had left. This scripture teaches me the importance of serving our family and our friends in their moments of need, but also to accept that service. Alma and Amulek not only preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, but they lived it, and they ministered it one to another. <br /><br />We have some fantastic Investigators right now! Emi is one of my favorites (oops, we're not supposed to have favorites! My bad!) She is a young, MARRIED mom (the marriage part is a miracle in Argentina!) 26 years old. She and her Husband live in a humble home with their two kids, Dulcinea age 4, and Giovanni, 8 months. They are a loving little family and Emi has such a hunger to understand the Book of Mormon. We shared the paragraph from the Introduction of the Book of Mormon that states "The Book of Mormon . . . tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come." She especially liked that part. She is considerate, kept asking us if we needed anything. Somehow in the conversation we found out that she was short on lemons, and she likes to make a hot maté with Lemons when she has a cold to help her feel better. Well, seeing as she had a cold for all of her sniffles, we hurried to a nearby verduleria after the lesson and scrambled back to her house with 4 lemons to give her. I love finding small ways to serve the people we teach, the Sisters and Elders we serve with, and the Members in our ward. Like President Giuliani said last week, The Gospel of Jesus Christ is Service.<br /><br />Last week we were really bummed because we had given our all to help our investigators come to church and no one showed. We had even walked clear to the Río Paraná to look for one of our Investigators that same morning, and in the end didn´t come. We were downhearted because we want so much for these people to be able to grow and change through the repentance process and coming to know Jesus Christ. When we arrived at church there was a young couple that came into Gospel Principles that I'd never seen before. I thought they were investigators of the other Elders or Sisters, but I felt during Sacrament meeting that I should sit with them. It was Hermana Rasband´s turn to play the piano so I mosied over to where they were sitting and asked if I could sit with them too. They smiled and said of course! Come to find out the Young man is named Adrian, he's from Concordia and is a member of the Church. The young lady is named Maria Ines, she lives in our area and was interested in learning more from what her Boyfriend had shared with her. We began to talk, later they invited us to lunch on Friday and she is now a new investigator. They are both Studying Crime and Discipline (or something . . . its basically detective and police school) here in Paraná, are 21 years old, and are both the nicest people. Heavenly Father taught me in that moment that we're not in control, we can only do our best. His mercy is HIS MERCY, and we need to be patient about that. Our surprise miracle, Maria Ines, taught me that Heavenly Father is aware of us and our efforts and even though things don't always turn out as we have planned or hoped, we will always have reason to rejoice.<br /><br />Yesterday I had another adventure of leading the 5 Esquinas Choir in Stake Conference. It was so much fun and I'm so happy for how it turned out. We had about 12 Sisters and 12 Brothers that Participated. Hermana Rasband and Shotwell Sang, also Elders Alderetes and Watkins who serve also in the same ward, and Hermana Sainsbury played the Piano. We make a great team. We've seen some fantastic support from the Ward Members now with wanting to accompany us to lessons which also Makes us Ecstatic, of course. Woohoo! This work can only move forward if we work unitedly as Members and Missionaries together.<br /><br />Love you my dear family. May your week be full of Laughter, Spiritual Experiences, new adventures, good food, summer sun, and Feeling God's love for you.<br />Con amor gigante,<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-45013107740931620312014-06-02T17:33:00.000-07:002014-06-09T17:33:59.309-07:00¡Super Verde!Dearest Family,<br />
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I am happily and delightfully overcome thinking about Casey and Austin and Bridger and Michael and their graduations from high School! I hope you know, all of you, Austin's buddies included, How much I love you! I am excited for you and glad to hear of the success of such a big step. Keep working hard, and keep your goals now fixed on the University Graduation!<br />
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First and foremost: I'M STAYING IN PARANÁ! The transfer calls always give me a little anxiety, but I will be staying. I love this crazy jungle city and the people in it so much, it was comforting to know that my time here won't end (for now). I will have the blessing of continuing in the work in my beloved Paraná. Hermana Rasband and I are just the best of friends so we're delighted to have another transfer together. But Elder Vergara is leaving, and I feel like He's my brother, so I'm sad! We've served 8 months in the same district and seeing my Chilean friend leave to another zone is hard, but I'm grateful for many life-long Friendships God has blessed me with on my mission. Hermana Reyes and Hermana Aragon, also dearest friends from Chile and Mexico, recently finished their missions and I miss their wisdom and company. I'm striving to learn to just love and accept the time I'm blessed with each of these powerful children of God.<br />
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It has been one of the best weeks of my mission. Last Tuesday we had a "Choqe de Fuerza," which basically means several companionships from the zone band together (under the direction of the zone leaders) to contact and teach up a zone in just one area of missionaries, for a few hours. Well, we had the blessing of getting our Area picked for the choque de fuerza. Hermana Rasband and I made sure to prepare, we copied our area map and labled the green-colored section of the map "SUPER VERDE" so that each of the companionships would have a proper guide. In this particular region we have very few investigators and few members and less actives . . . we don't have much of anything and feel that the church has some need of growth here! We assigned a few former investigator adresses to each companionships to give them some basis. At 5pm we 6 companionships of missionaries set off into The area and began our work! It gave me such an excitement to know that we were all working diligently at the same time in our area, raising our voices and sharing the gospel. When we regrouped the majority of the missionaries had contacted a couple good call-backs (people that asked us to return), but our Zone Leaders Elders Topham and Vergara had a downright miracle. They encountered Susana and her 5 kids. Susana recently separated from her Husband and is living in a tiny home her Mother formerly lived in, it had been partially burned in a fire beforehand. She and her children listened eagerly. Susana and 3 of her Kids accepted a baptismal date for 28 June. We are delighted to be able to teach them and are grateful for this miracle from our SUPER VERDE choque de fuerza.<br />
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Thursday was Consejo de la Misión, We always have consejo at the beginning of the month for all of the zone leaders, assistants to the president, and Sister Training Leaders. This one was particularly special because it was President & Hermana Giulianis' last Consejo.We will miss them so much! Hermana Giuliani offered a beautiful testimony about how her responsibility as Mission President´s wife, as told her by Sister Nelson, was to make us, the young missionaries, Disciples of Jesus Christ. She expressed that the only way to do so was becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ herself, and how the mission field has taught her to lose all fear and trust in the Lord. He never left her alone, she was always protected and always in good company, no matter how much work or service she has been required to offer. President offered a fantastic talk about Sacrifice in order to become true disciples of Jesus Christ. He shared a line that I hope to have engrained in my mind forever and ever. "The Gospel of Jesus Christ is Service." He then went on to say that God gives us each callings at different times, and our responsibilities change with every calling, but our Obedience is always required 100%. That brought me such peace. I will not have to arise at 6:30 every day for the rest of my life to be a good Disciple of Christ. I need to obey the commandments and stick to my responsibilities in whatever Calling God Gives me, and I'm gonna stay FIRM IN THE FAITH. I appreciate the counsel President always gives, every Consejo answers my prayers in my different concerns and needs of my heart. Whether I'm concerned about how to help the Hermanas of the Mission, how to help my investigators, how to better work wtih the Ward Members in Paraná, President always offers me counsel that allows me to find the answers I seek. Revelation is real!<br />
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I wish ever to have more time to tell you the miracles and tell you all how much I love you. Please know that you are in my heart always, that I think of you and pray for you often, and know that God is keeping you well while I'm away. Thank you for the examples you are to me. Boys, keep strong in your Summer Goals. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. I hope you'll each add to your summer goals reading the Book of Mormon in Entirety. It is one of my summer goals to read it completely in 3 months, I hope you'll join me, Mom, Dad, Austin, Tyler, Jordan, and Corey.<br />
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Con amor que no quepa en mi corazón, y un abrazo gigante de SudAmerica,<br />
Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-78201618797829997382014-05-26T21:13:00.001-07:002014-05-26T21:13:52.196-07:00For Unto Us a Child is BornDearest Family,<br /><br />Austin James, remember that one Christmas we were driving through Provo Canyon, Dad was Driving us someplace--I think we were on our way to take the "Polar Express" (Heber Creeper) and Handel's Messiah came on the Radio. "For Unto Us a Child is Born . . . Unto Us . . . a son is given . . . " You and I had a miniature obsession with that song and used to echo call it back and forth to each other while we were cleaning around the house. This week I was thinking of you as I was in Rosario for Tramites, or Visa Paperwork. Elder Hill, from my MTC district, is the current Mission secretary and runs all of the Passport Visa Paperwork stuff. He was driving, and Elder Topham and Elder Higginson (also from my MTC district) were in our group of 7 that had Tramites that day. I think all of us Yankies are feeling a little bit of the Christmas Spirit with how cold the weather is turning here in the middle of May, and Elder Hill put "Handel's Messiah" in the CD player of the Mission Van. I missed your voice echoing it back to me, Austin. But the Tramites were quite an adventure, Driving in Argentina is like the Indiana Jones ride and a part of me never stops praying until we are safely parked again. We had to take our fingerprints all over again (they had us clean our hands from the ink afterwards with an oobleck-looking gritty putty) and wait 5 hours in a line for migrations. The 4 of us had plenty of time to catch up, we recounted all of our crazy stories together from the MTC and the miracles we've seen since then. Hermana Shotwell, who has been in the field 5 weeks, was my travel buddy during this time (she is also from the Zona Paraná, we had to leave our companions behind to go to Rosario) and I loved getting to know her. She was a Cheerleader in High School and is from Saint George, and is SO CHRISTLIKE. It is such a neat privilege to come to know so many young people who love the Lord.<br /><br />What a fantastic week, La Verdad! I've been enjoying my miniature calling as the Choir Director and I'm coming to realize that no matter what happens to us or what calling he extends to us, Heavenly Father gives us the capacity to do it. The Ward members are so excited, I don't know that they've had a choir in a real long time. Pray for us! Stake Conference is the 8th of June and Presidente Giuliani will be listening! We hope to invite the Spirit as we sing "Loor al Profeta" (Praise to the Man.)<br /><br />Funny stories--I already mentioned this at the beginning of my mission, but the men here cat call at the women sometimes. At first it scared me because I couldnt understand what they were saying, but now that I can understand it's just downright funny. The best recent cat call has been "SHAKIRA!" LIke the Pop singer of "WakaWaka". Hermana Rasband and I just started cracking up this past Monday. Que Cosas Che.<br /><br />Recent Convert Eric Martinez´ 19 Year old sister Brenda began meeting with us this past week. She didn't even hesitate to accept a baptismal date, and she's preparing to enter the waters of baptism the 14th of June. She is so shy and soft spoken, just like Eric, but so sincere. Eric had her all prepared, he already told her about Joseph Smith and the first vision and they had read in the Book of Mormon together and Everything. She explained to us that she has seen a real difference in Eric since his baptism and she wants the same for her life. She also mentioned that when they read the Book of Mormon together as a family, they are far more united and have much more peace and love in their home. We are hoping to teach Eric's 15 year old Brother Gaston and his Mom, Rosa, soon. <br /><br />We've also had all kinds of Tracting miracles this past week! We have Investigators just "coming out of the woodwork" as Elder Christensen says in the District. We have more than 17 investigators right now and are finding new ones almost every day. We are supplicating the Lord for help to be able to teach all of them and to have discernment to know whom we should focus on, whom is prepared to make covenants with him, and if all of them are prepared, we hope to know where to find time to teach them with our crazy schedules between trips to training meetings and divisions with the Sisters. It is a delight to have so many people eager to listen to the Message of the Restoration and with desires to change their lives. A broken heart and a contrite spirit are truly essential to change and come unto Christ.<br /><br />I have a true testimony that God knows us individually. This past Saturday I was having a really off day. I was down about my imperfections and my incapacity to help everyone that I see when they don't want to listen. I was frustrated with agency, human weakness, and my own human frailty. We went to Ward Correlation meeting, where Hermana Shotwell, (who serves with Her companion Hermana Sainsbury in another region in Paraná but within the same ward boundaries), came up to me and gave me a great big hug. "Are you okay?" She asked. "I know that somethings up. You're just not yourself today. I just want you to know that I love you and while you are the ones calling the sisters to see how they're doing, you need someone to ask how you're doing too." I hugged her again and about cried in gratitude. I don't have a lot of really hard days, don't worry Mom :) But when I do have them, Heavenly Father never fails to send me an angel. Saturday night it was Hermana Shotwell. There are such simple ways we need to serve and love those around us! I am so grateful to have been raised in a home and a ward where expressions of love like this one are offered so freely. Kindness is our Religion. <br /><br />I love the Work, I love my mission. I love the Lord and it is His name that I carry on my name tag and in my Heart! I pray to worthily carry his name always as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I Know he lives and loves me! And I know he lives and Loves you, Mom, Dad, Tyler, Austin, Corey, and Jordan!<br /><br />With Love,<br />Hermana Boren<br />MikMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-88564961008063689742014-05-19T19:06:00.002-07:002014-05-19T19:06:35.461-07:00Today I Ate OctupusQuerida Familia Mia,<br /><br />You'd better believe it. We went to an all-you-can-eat buffet today for P day. We live right off the river Paraná and I thought, well, it's now or never to try the weird water-creature food. My last Birthday I decided I wanted to have 25 adventures before my next birthday. This week I have completed many new adventures--Principally eating an octopus tentacle, but also included is becoming the ward choir director, teaching music in a foreign language, teaching a 14 year old Argentine boy named Elías English, and wearing a Grandma Shirt to church from an Invesitgator in Santa Fe, her name is Sunilda. I am so grateful for the mission field! It actually wasn't too bad. Tasted like chicken.<br /><br />Miracles, miracles, miracles. It doesn't matter how long I've been in the field, they never get old. Recent Convert Soledad had her twins two weeks ago, and the Relief Society has completely taken over offering the best help! I have been so relieved, especially because as Missionaries there's not a lot of help we can offer--we aren't allowed to hold or pick up children as part of the Legality rules as missionaries. The Relief Society President, Bibiana Moretto, spent an over-nighter with Sole her first night. Nancy and Virginia, her recently called Visiting Teachers, have also taken shifts helping her out at the Hospital. Soledad's family has really stepped up as well--she had formerly been estranged by her parents, but after Sole was baptized, then began apologizing and offering to help watch the other 3 boys, etc. While Sole was recovering in the Hospital, they completely repainted, organized, and Cleaned Sole's small home and built an additional room for 11year old Stefano and 9 year old Giovanni to share. This is truly a miracle and I have seen how Soledad's relationship with her family, her self confidence, etc.Has completely taken a turn for the better since her decision to be baptized. I love her dearly and am so grateful for this shining example of a Single Mom leading her Children in the ways of the Gospel. I have a fervent hope that a widower member of the church will move to Paraná and will come into her life and they'll be married and sealed in the temple . . . .<br /><br />Other Miracles--the reality of Revelation. I was on Divisions with Sister Van Wagnen from my MTC District. That morning in my Personal Study I read about Nephi and the scriptures that relate his marriage and later when he has children. Both scriptures are followed by how blessed he felt of the Lord. During Companionship study, Hermana Van Wagnen began relating how concerned she is about a few of her Investigators who are co-habitating without being married, and her desire to teach them the importance of Marriage and the law of chastity. I shared with her what I had just read in Nephi and she excitedly thanked me, excited to be able to share what the Book of Mormon has to say about this God given law with her Investigators. It was a miniature miracle of Divisions. The following two divisions we had similar miracles on both ends--Hermana Gudiel from Honduras taught me that we need to be WORTHY in order to be able to teach the Gospel to our investigators, if we aren't worthy the spirit won't testify of our words. Hermana Hawkes from Texas taught me that real Charity is an understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am learning so much about companionships by serving with many different temporary companions--at times 2 or 3 different sisters in one week, aside from Hermana Rasband--who teach me from their own experiences and spiritual strength. I feel as though I have 32+ sisters!<br /><br />Another Miracle: Finding Elías! Hermana Rasband and I were in Paraná on different days this past week doing divisions with Different Sisters, trading off the area and traveling to be with other Sisters in Santa Fé and Entre Ríos. It's always an adventure in Divisions because we don't know exactly where our companion went with the other sisters the day before, etc. Well, I was with Hermana Gudiel on Thursday in Paraná. When we prayed about where to contact, we both felt very strongly that we should go to the street named Tacuarí. We contacted and found the home of a 14year old boy named Elías, I had met him in the street 2 times before with Hermana Diorio but had no way to contact him again. He is an English student and wants to learn to speak fluently. It was a miracle to find him and we told him about the English Classes we'd be starting in the church on Saturdays. The very next day at the very same hour, Hermana Rasband was in Paraná with Hermana Contreras from Chile. They both felt very strongly impressed to contact the street Tacuarí. And would you guess who they met? ELÍAS. The very next day. This time they got his phone number, too. We've started teaching him English and are hoping to teach him and his Family about Jesus Christ and the Restored Gospel soon. I have a testimony that God is concerned about the One, and He is very aware of his son Elías. Paraná is a city of more than 380,000 people. He directed us to the same door two days in a row, without any communication between my companion and I. Miracles!<br /><br />Emiliana is another young woman we began teaching this week. She is 27 or so, is a lawyer, and was fascinated by the idea of another Testament of Jesus Christ. We invited her to baptism but she said she'd need to think about it first.<br /><br />Recent Convert Dora who was baptized in Hermana Diorio's and Hermana Aragon's time is doing fantastic. She is a little forgetful, we think she has early stages of Alzheimer´s (she's only 63!). She came to a lesson at the church way too early this week, we were still in District meeting. She came with her non-member son Damian who has a few learning Disabilities, and our District Leader Elder Alderetes invited them on in to our meeting to be part of our practice. We set up the chairs to be like a colectivo bus and had Dora and Damian be people on the bus we had to contact. It was so much fun and out of the box! Dora forgot it was a practice and began bearing her testimony to me on the imaginary colectivo, and how she came to a knowlege that this is the true church. It was a divine, supernal moment. Damian told Elder Alderetes and I that he knows this is the true Church, he's just not ready for the committment yet. He's getting there. Afterwards we went to the Family History Center and Damian and Dora loved it, they began telling the members there all kinds of stories about their grandparents and the history of Paraná, etc.<br /><br />One of our latest favorite friends in the Ward is Priscila, a 17 year old laurel who accompanies us one evening of each week to our lessons. She wants to serve a mission in two years and is doing fantastic testifying and even contacting a few doors. We're proud of her, she's like our little sister.<br /><br />Hermana Rasband is just one of my bestest friends. We started singing Hope of America songs the other day during breakfast and began cracking up because we're from the EXACT SAME CULTURE. "We're the hope of AMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERICA. Rise and shout for AMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERICA. We're the brave we're the strong where the dreams belong!" During morning excercises we sometimes share our childhood crushes. I told her about Cody who bought me a christmas present with his own money when I was 5 and she told me about Reese whom she fondly watched on the elementary School playground from afar. This is probably way too much information, excuse me. But I just wanted you to feel how real the friendship is :) She has taught me to make Yogurt cake and I have made her her first tapioca pudding. Thanks for the Tapioca, Mom. We are a united, hard working team striving to show the Sisters their Worth and to value exact obedience in the mission field. Companionship studies are my favorite time of day because we both share our testimonies of the Book of Mormon and answer each other´s prayers with the truths we share.<br /><br />I made NO bake cookies for the Elders this past District Meeting with the Peanut Butter Aunt Kristen sent me and they have since declared war, they want to make cookies that beat mine in quality. They're still working on their secret recipe. :)<br /><br />I love you forever, my family. I like you for always. As long as I'm living your MIKSTER I'll be. This is God's Church. He lives, and he loves you! He hears your prayers! Never forget this truth.<br />Con muchisimo amor y cariño de todo mi corazoncito,<br />Hermanita BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-16829886082387693242014-05-13T20:30:00.001-07:002014-05-13T20:30:12.151-07:00FrecklesDear Family,<br /><br />Such a Joy to see you Yesterday! You are a Gorgeous group of people. GUAPO, Like I told you, Dad. You all look Healthy, Happy, Handsome (beautiful for Mom and Grandma) and Well. I couldn't stop replaying our conversations in my mind after we had to finish our skype call. Hermana Rasband asked me later about the Saloon Doors and the Pitstop . . . I cracked up and couldn't believe our conversation took us to that memory. Oh, it's good to know that while we've grown and changed on both ends of the Hemisphere, we are still family. We'll never stop being fluent in Our love languages and ability to laugh and communicate and enjoy time together. I'm really looking forward to that again :) But I'm not getting too trunky, don't worry! We are working hard and giving our All to the Lord.<br /><br />When I was a little girl I had a friend in 4th grade named Alexis who had many freckles. She told me once that they were Kisses from the Sun, and then proceeded to tell me that I didn't have any. I remember searching in the mirror one day for freckles, looking between my nose and cheeks to see if maybe the Sun had Kissed me yet. And they never came, and I felt a little bit of envy, wishing for a moment to be something that I wasn't, and wondering why the Sun had kissed other people and why it didn't like me enough to kiss me. As I grew older I had other friends who lamented their freckles and wished to be freed of them. We all lamented gifts or traits that we didn't have and were frustrated with the reality of who we are. I've thought this week about freckles as I have talked with some of the Sisters in the mission who struggle with depression, self confidence, and comparing themselves with others. We all have different talents, traits, and beauties. We must never forget that while the world shouts that we will never, ever, be good enough--there is a God on High that is our Father and sees us for the Beauty of our creation. We are precious in his sight. I am grateful that my time in the mission field has helped me come to a clear understanding of how the Savior sees me as I have carried his name. The other day we were walking down a lamplit sidewalk after a long night of knocking doors and appointments that fell through. I was feeling less than adequate when I felt, out of nowhere, an overwhelming warmth swell in my heart. I felt like I do when I open a letter from Mom from home or when Dad used to put Farside Comics in my lunches and I just knew that he loved me and was thinking about me. In this moment as we returned to our apartment, I felt as though the Savior was hugging me, Spiritually, and expressing his love for me and the work I am offering to bring God's Children to a knowledge of their redeemer. I felt beautiful, confident, loved, and worth it. I felt comfort that while I am imperfect, the work that I do is consecrated by the Atonement. When I give my all and it isn't enough, it's okay, because He's more than enough. How I wish for all of you to feel that way that I did this past Tuesday, too. You are beloved. You are worth it. You are more than you think you are. Those of you With Freckles are Beautiful, and those of you Without are Beautiful, too. <br /><br />Much love and More Letters to come next week,<br />Hermana Boren<br />Mik :)Mikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-89362176039538129942014-04-28T11:49:00.002-07:002014-04-28T11:49:46.809-07:00Santa Fe, Are you there?Hola Familia!<br /><br />This week as I rode to Santa Fe to meet my new companion, Hermana Rasband, Jack Kelly's voice from Newsies kept playing in my mind over and over. "Santa Fe, are you there? Do you swear you won't forget me!? If I found you would you let me come and stay?" That song has a whole new meaning now, seeing as Santa Fe is an entire province (or "state" we call it in the US) where I have spent the majority of my mission. Santa Fe is also the capital city of Santa Fe, Province. Santa Fe, my mission, do you swear you won't forget me? I have thought often about the influence we make upon the people God places in my life. My deepest desire and greatest hope is to bring others closer to Christ, and if there's anything I don't want Santa Fe and the dear people in it to forget, is the message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ that we've brought them.<br /><br />Everything has been going FANTASTIC with Hermana Rasband. She is an absolute DOLL and is such a hard worker. This week we have been bombarded by MILAGROS (miracles). About two months ago we had a special Pday on the banks of the Paraná, and when we got to cooking choripanes, we realized we forgot the parilla (grill iron). So a few of the Elders went around to the local houses asking if they could borrow or rent one. They stopped by a closeby kiosco painted bright sherbet orange and the couple that live there kindly let us borrow their parilla, the Elders also asked if they could return to share a message of Jesus Christ another day. This family accepted, and this part of the banks of the Paraná happen to be our area. The elders passed us the reference and we stopped by a few weeks ago. The Mom of the family answered the door and had us sit down, and before we knew it she began to cry uncontrollably. She explained that her 17 year old son, Kevin, while he was washing his motorcycle outside 2 months ago an electric line broke, he was electrocuted and he died immediately. She was inconsolable and overcome with grief. Hermana Diorio and I began with a prayer petitioning for her comfort and immediately felt impressed to share scriptures about the Resurrection and the Spirit World. Marta (this sweet Argentine Mom) began to calm down a little. We invited her to read the Book of Mormon and set an appointment to return. Hermana Rasband and I went back to her home this past Thursday with 17 year old member Priscila Mansilla, and to our surprise, Marta was a lot happier, a lot more composed, a lot more relieved. She brought out her Book of Mormon and began to explain that ever since she began reading she has felt such peace, and has been able to better deal with the loss of her son and have hope again. She told us she read all of Alma 40 and then began saying that she was fascinated about an account of a man who had to leave all his riches behind and travel with his family accross the sea in order to save them spiritually. We recognized by the end that she had read all of 1 Nephi and had begun 2 Nephi in the short time we had left her the book. She said she has a goal to finish reading the Book of Mormon, and also expressed her gratitude to have originally met those missionaries who borrowed the grill iron. She expressed that ever since she first met missionaries she has felt more hope and that she believes the message that we're sharing. She isn't married so we couldn't put her on date for baptism, but we did invite her to pray to know if the church is true and if she and her family should be a part of it. She is such a rock! She said gladly that she would. MIRACLES. <br /><br />Hermana Rasband and I also taught Sylvia this week, a woman that 8-month-pregnant Recent Convert Soledad met in the street a few weeks ago (her twins STILL aren't born!), and by coincidence we also passed by in the same moment they were talking and got her address. She is a Philosophy teacher and mother of 2 young children. When we discussed the gift of the Spirit and the Fruits that it brings (Galatians 5) she looked at us with a longing in her green eyes and said, "Que maravilloso sería sentir así," or "How wonderful it would be to feel that!" We told her that she could, but she needed to fulfill her part in the promise by asking God if the Book of Mormon was true, and reading it with real intent. She also accepted and we're hoping she's another Marta :)<br /><br />We have found several new investigators as well through the prayer tracting system that Presidente Giuliani has given us. It is amazing to see the difference when we put our faith in prayer and asking Father in Heaven where HIS children are prepared. He knows them far more perfectly than we do. <br /><br />Preach My Gospel study this week can be found in the roman numeral page V of PMG. This part is the first presidency message. It states that there is no more compelling work than missionary work, nor any that rings greater satisfaction. It also states "Every missionary has an important role in helping to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Missionary work makes us one with God and His work. Heavenly Father´s work and glory is to bring to pass our immortality and etrnal life. When we work to bring about the same, or Missionary Service, we become more like God. Our will becomes His, our Joys become His. Isn't it amazing? It concludes stating "More happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among His children." I testify to that! My mission is the hardest thing I have ever done. But it wouldn't be fair not to tell you that it is by far the greatest fun I have ever had, and the sweetest and purest and sublimest joy to see My Argentine and WaTac brothers and sisters come unto Christ. <br /><br />Remember always that "The most important of the Lord's work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes." Harold B. Lee.<br />The greatest missionaries I know are my parents, for that reason :)<br /><br />I love you all! I will be talking to you in only 2 short weeks for Mother's day, AHHH! :) Details to come next week. Love you, love you, love you more than you know.<br />Con amor mas grande que los cielos y un abrazo mas fuerte que el poder de un oso,<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-31104338282776336372014-04-22T14:02:00.004-07:002014-04-22T14:02:56.253-07:00His Will, Not MineDearest Family,<br /><br />Firstly, thank you for the magnificent pictures and the more magnificent Easter eggs in them. All I have to say is WHAT TALENT! What artwork put into those hard boiled eggs. Here in Argentina all of the Easter Eggs are homemade hollow eggs of CHOCOLATE with frosting that seal the edges together. They are delicious, and I will have to make some when I come home for you to try!<br /><br />BIG NEWS From Paraná. Hermana Diorio is being taken from me to open an area, whitewash, and train a new sister in ROSARIO. Words don't explain how depressing it is to say goodbye to a companion who you just LOVE. Hermana Diorio has been an absolute doll and sister to me, to see her go is more than a tough one. But, Hermana Rasband will be my next companion. And you know what? She is Justin Rasband´s little sister. Justin Rasband is my friend from AF who I went with to Prom my Senior Year :) Small, small world, right? Sister Rasband is wonderful, an absolute hoot, and I look forward to learning from her. Just sad to say goodbye to Hermana Diorio knowing that she is from Argentina and it will be hard to ever see her again in person. But thank goodness for Skype. On top of that, she received news this morning that her Grandpa passed away this morning. She began to cry and hugged me for a long, long time when President Giuliani called. I held her tight and she said she knows that Heavenly Father couldn't leave her with me as a companion because I'm her family now, and it would be too easy to face this trial if I was with her. That she needs to press forward alone, helping another new sister focus on missionary work. She amazes me. She is so strong and so selfless and so involved in serving others. She helped me stitch myself up in some of the wounds, emotionally, I had after Cañada de Gomez. Oh, it makes me emotional to type right now. I will most certainly bawl as she heads away on the cole for Rosario tomorrow. I love her so much! But I know that this time, this transfer, this change is due to God's will, not mine. and his plan is always perfect, not mine. So it will all be okay, and I know he'll take care of Hermana Diorio when I can't be there physically for her.<br /><br />GOOD NEWS too is that Hermana Alicea was just called to be the Sister Training leader of the Southern half of the mission! She is SO STRONG and talented and I will be blessed to see her every month in Mission Leadership Council! WAHOOOOOOOOOO! <br /><br />There's not much time for me this week, but I wanted to finish with a thought from this past week about Easter. My favorite Easter Hymn is not translated into Spanish and can´t be found in the Spanish Hymnbook, but I snuck my english hymnbook with me to Church on Sunday. I am one of hte 2 pianists for now, and as postlude I played this hymn in honor of the Easter Sabbath Sacrament Meetings of years past:<br /><br /> That Easter morn, a grave that burst<br />Proclaimed to man that "Last and First"<br />Had ris'n again<br />And conquered pain.<br />.This morn renews for us that day<br />When Jesus cast the bonds away,<br />Took living breath<br />And conquered death.<br />3. Thus we in gratitude recall<br />And give our love and pledge our all,<br />Shed grateful tear<br />And conquer fear.<br />My favorite verse is the last one. Christ, through his Atonement, Death, and glorious resurrection gave us the strength, knowledge, and power to overcome all fear.<br /><br />All my love, and more news and spiritual experiences to share next week (I hope to hear from yours as well!)<br /><br />Love forever, for always,<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-31291329476368735262014-04-14T18:58:00.000-07:002014-04-19T18:58:53.833-07:00Shore, Lights, and Troubled WatersDearest Family,<br /><br />I was 10 or 11 years old. Aunt Kristen, Devin, Corey and I were relaxing in a gray raft in the middle of Mirror Lake, fishing. I was hoping to catch an albino trout--something about a fish being albino just made them more exciting. Tall mountain peaks, principally Bald Mountain, towered up into the sky blocking the skies around us. Without any warning, a storm rushed over the lake and a downpour of rain and lightning began to rage around us. Aunt Kristen, bless your heart, began paddling with all her might towards the shore amidst the stormy waves. Corey and Devin began to cry a little, and I said a little silent prayer, a child's plea for safety. All my lessons about electricity in Mrs. Beckstrand's 3rd grade class began rushing back to my mind and I remembered strongly that lightning and water don't get along. Amidst wind, storm, rain, and lighting we made it safely to shore, my blessed Aunt paddling we 3 little ones all the way. When we arrived, our families were anxiously awaiting. They helped us out of the water and on to safe shores, where we quickly changed into warm clothes and cuddled up in our sleeping bags in the warm safety of our tents. I didn't find out till after I was in the warm safety of shelter that I had, amidst the storm, caught an albino trout at the end of my pole.<br /><br />I have reflected upon this experience from my childhood this week as we have encountered hundreds of people truly lost in the sins of the world, lost in the tempests of temptation that rage recklessly around us. My heart breaks for every pregnant teenage mother, every smoker, every youth with gaged ears, every drunkard in the street, people that we pass by and try to teach daily. My heart breaks to see the sins of the world and the confusion that the Adversary invokes in the hearts of the people. I want them, so desperately, to stop and listen to the message we have to share! They are lost amidst a storm that will not stop until the Savior comes, in a relentless sea with winds and beasts of men and devils.Where is their pilot? Where is their lighthouse?<br /><br />I have also been reflecting this week upon the story that we read in Ether about the Brother of Jared and his people. Under the direction of Father in Heaven, they build 8 barges to cross the sea to the Americas. The Brother of Jared supplicates the Lord for the light that his family needs during the journey by touching the 16 stones that he forms out of ore. The Lord grants his request, and the 16 stones shine to light their way during their year-long journey. In Ether 6:3 it says, "And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness." Although they were many times "Buried in the depths of the sea," they had light during the storms. Verse 7 we read "And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah, therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters." Finally, after a journey of wind, hail, storm, they finally land in the promised land. It states in verse 8 "It came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters, and thus they were driven forth before the wind." The winds NEVER ceased for them. But they were lighted and guided along their way. They made it safely to shore, and once there, they sang praises of thanks to the Lord.<br /><br />My dear family, Where is our lighted stones of our day, to guide us amidst the troubled waters where we find ourselves? I want to testify that they are the scriptures, they are the words of the living prophets, our light comes from family values and choosing only to watch clean media and choosing to share the gospel with other people. Where is our light? I KNOW that as we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and his servants we will be strong, we will have the power to make it to Shore as Aunt Kristen did and the people of the Brother of Jared. It does not matter what faces us. If we hold fast to that which we know, we will not fear however wicked this world becomes. We will not only be guided by light, but will also become lights for others to follow during the storm. See "Brightly Beams our Father´s Mercy" in the hymnbook for more details. "Master, the Tempest is Raging" and "Jesus Savior, Pilot me."<br /><br />Sometimes we may think that we can go a day without reading the book of Mormon, or why we should have to listen to old folks talk about food storage in general conference. DONT LISTEN TO THOSE THOUGHTS! Remember the Titanic? Nobody thought it could be sunk. And then this giant ship, this unbreakable, unbeatable, great artwork of a Ship got Sunk by the piercing of an iceberg. Remember the song? "It was sad . . . SO SAD! It was Sad . . . SO SAD! It was sad when the great ship went down, to the bottom of the SEA . . . " (I have Dad's voice singing it in my mind right now.) We cannot afford to sink. Never forsake your light, never forsake the lighthouses on the shore--the Apostles and Prophets. And never forget the master who calmed the storms of Galilee and gave Peter the power to walk on Water. Our Savior does the same for us in the latter days. But we can never afford to take our eyes off him, or we will lose our faith and sink among the waves.<br /><br />I love you. Keep the faith. Keep your light! And other seamen will be saved by your example as you shine. I love you all with all my heart!<br /><br />Con todo mi alma,<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-2221437544337107242014-04-07T18:56:00.000-07:002014-04-19T18:57:03.771-07:00I'm Getting Old, Rees!Dearest Family,<br /><br />I often heard my Grandpa Phil say to my Grandma Reesa, "I'm Getting Old, Rees!" on treasured Sunday Afternoons in their Highland Hours. As the years rolled by I think I heard it more and more often. This week I felt the need to say to someone, "I'm getting old, Rees!" My companion, who has almost the same time as I do in the mission, and I often lament that we're just not as young and sprightly as we once were in the mission. We get sick easier, our backs start to feel achy breaky from a year of carrying scriptures and pamphlets and water bottles to stay hydrated, and feet sore from walking miles and miles every day. Yet we have NEVER been happier in the mission field than we are right now! I think with our steadily tiring bodies, our spirits get ever stronger, and that's the best part. It's worth it. And someday we'll be resurrected anyways, right? One of my favorite scriptures I think of on days when we're really tired is found in Doctrine and Covenants, that we should waste and wear out our lives beating down Satan and his works and bringing our brothers and sisters to the light. Every sacrifice and tiresome day is SO WORTH it when its for this cause.<br /><br />A couple Argentine things for you to enjoy:<br /><br />Here they say "Principe Azul," or "Blue Prince" instead of Prince Charming. <br /><br />A common term of endearment amongst older couples is "Media Naranja," or "Half an Orange." This means basically my half of self, my other half, or like Keith Urban says "My better half." I think It's darling.<br /><br />"Macenudo." Its a word that means "Superb" and just hearing it makes me smile. Also used amongst people of an older generation. I just love old things!<br /><br />Here in Argentina, when someone wants to sell a car, they don't go out to buy window paints or make a sign to post saying "For Sale." Nope, nothing like that. They simply fill an old water jug or 2 liter soda bottle with water and put it on top of there car. It's a universal symbol here that means "For Sale." <br /><br />The weather here is much more liveable now :) The heat wave is finally leaving and we are beginning to enjoy autumn. I am so glad to stop being a sweaty hippopotamus. The tropical trees are changing colors and their leaves are falling, and the days get darker faster. I feel like it should be halloween time but it's only April . . . silly me!<br /><br />Yesterday was General Conference! And also the 184th Birthday of the Restored Church. Yesterday Morning there was an absolute DOWNPOUR of rain, and because of that the broadcast connection was down. We couldn't listen to or watch conference until 10:30, and even then it was a last resort--they pulled the secretary office computer into the hallway and put the speakers on full blast. It was moving to see 60 plus Argentine latter day saints watch a tiny screen in absolute silence, sitting on folding chairs in a cramped church hallway listening to the words of the living prophets. Every day that passes here I realize more and more how blessed I am and have been my whole life. Never forget to count your blessings!<br /><br />General Conference was like Christmas for us as missionaries. So much Spiritual enlightenment! Saturday Morning we went tracting in our 500 baptisms prayer sector of the day, and while walking back to the apartment and Evangelical preacher stopped us and began angrily shouting at us, saying that we were respecters of persons, that we didn't help the poor and needy like we should, that we were false prophets and that God would condemn us for our works at judgement day. It was just uncomfortable and kind of sad. Elder Holland's first talk on Saturday could not have had more perfect timing. We sometimes go through ugly experiences to defend what we know. But when we have the Savior on our side, we have no need to fear. All of our Recent Converts made it to conference except Sole and her kids (the twins might be coming this week!) and Humberto our investigator also came. It was an absolute delight to see so many new members--Dora, Rocio, Gabriel, Eric--Listen for the first time to General Conference and gain a testimony of living prophets. Good golly, I love being a missionary!<br /><br />Preach My Gospel Study--OBEDIENCE. My dear Brothers Austin, Tyler, Jordan, and Corey, if there is anything I have tried to be an example of as the oldest kid in the family, it is Obedience to God and Obedience to our Mother and Father. As it states in page 122 of Preach my Gospel, "Obedience is the first law of heaven. IT is an act of faith. You may sometimes be required to do things you do not completely understand." I want to ear my testimony to you that it truly is the first law of Heaven. Heavenly Father has asked us to believe in him and his Son, and obey his commandments. I promise that happiness in this life comes from obedience to God. It leads us to have all of the other Christlike attributes if we obey with Faith in God and His Promises. "As you obey, you increase in faith, knowledge, wisdom, testimony, protection, and freedom." Obedience makes us free. Remember that when Mom and Dad ask you to do something. Halfway across the world I want to tell you that Mom and Dad know what they're doing! Follow their teachings, follow God's teachings, and you'll be truly happy and truly free.<br />All of the Scriptures on obedience are fantastic, but Make sure you read 1 Nephi 3:7. God Doesn't ask us to do anything impossible. With him, we can do anything and we can accomplish anything he asks. When we are obedient, we are worthy of his help.<br /><br />Love you Mom, Dad, Austin, Tyler, Jordan, and Corey! GROUUUUUUUUUP HUG!<br />GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TEAM!<br />Sister Mikayla BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-1685301899782384562014-03-31T17:02:00.001-07:002014-03-31T17:02:04.924-07:00I Tasted and Knew of the Goodness of JesusQuerida Familia de mi corazón,<br /><br />MOM!!!!! I am so so so so so so proud of you and the missionary experience you prayed for--and had! Taxi contacts are one of my favorites because it's a captive audience. Thank you so much for your example, for following the spirit and talking with Abdul from Afghanistan, and offering him a Book of Mormon after sharing your testimony about the reality of a loving God in heaven. Good golly, I wish I could have been there, but what Xenia said is TRUE. I am so proud of you and the missionary you are, in word, conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity (See Timothy 4:12). Onward Christian Soldiers!<br /><br />There's a favorite song of mine that has come to my mind over and over and over again this week. I know you're familiar with it,<br /><br />"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason,<br />Leaving something we must learn. And we are lead to those <br />who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return.<br />Well I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you." <br /><br />Galinda sings this song in one of my favorite musicals, "Wicked." This is what I feel towards every one of you, and towards every person that I encounter in the mission field. There aren't coincidences! God plants people in our lives who shape us, help us become better, have wisdom to offer us. As we pass hundreds of people on the street and talk to hundreds of people each day in Paraná, I can't It was a joyful week. This week we had divisions with Colón, a little tourist town about 4 hours drive from Paraná, on the River Uruguay. And guess who is serving right now in Colòn . . . wait for it, drumroll . . . HERMANA ALICEA!! Oh my goodness it was such a delight to see her. There are four sisters in Colón, and I didn't have the opportunity to be her companion for a day (I had the privilege of divisions with her Companion from Ecuador, Hermana Macias) but I did have a few moments with her while I was with the other companionship of sisters, with Hermana Maza and Hermana Calderón. They have neighboring apartments and the four sisters in Colón are like a family. Hermana Alicea truly has become one of my lifelong verybest friends and seeing her and the miracles they are working in Colón gave me a new energy to keep working and loving and serving as they are ever doing. We sang our favorite hymns together "Come Thou Fount" "Be Still My Soul" "Homeward Bound" "We Thank Thee o God For A Prophet," etc. I am so blessed that she is from Las Vegas and won't be too far away when I return home. Family, I can't wait for you to meet her. You will love her so much too!<br /><br />Hermana Diorio and I keep on keeping on here in Paraná, doing a lot of searching for new investigators and a lot of nurturing the recent converts. Gabriel, Eric, Soledad, Giovanni, and Stefano are all facing trials that come to many recent converts after their baptisms. It is hard to leave the world and enter the Church, they leave behind a lot of the customs and unhealthy relationships behind, having to stretch and grow to fill their new lives with the wholesome of the gospel. Pray for them, they have strong testimonies but need blessings and strength. <br /><br />During 500 baptisms contacting these past weeks (see my email from the past week to know what I'm talking about) We encountered a delightful couple named Pipo and Adelma. They are in their 70s, and Hermana Diorio felt very strongly that we needed to talk to them. They were getting out of their car and entering their garage on the other side of the street at the end of the block, but we went with the prompting and scurried over to talk to them. They were just a delight, invited us into their home--Pipo held the door open for us like a classic gentleman--and had us sit in their soft chairs in their front parlor next to the garden. This is in the uptown Paraná, there`s a lot of different scales of economic status here. As we began to share our testimony of the book of Mormon, Pipo piped up and said "Tengo algo a mostrarles," and headed into his personal library for a moment. When he returned, he had two copies of the book of Mormon that looked like they were from the 70's and 80's period, one was light blue with an angel Moroni on the front. Apparently two different members gave him copies decades ago. We were flabbergasted as he began to explain he needed a little help understanding who Nephi was and why his story is important. We gladly explained that that's our job as missionaries to teach. So we gave Adelma her own copy and began to also testify of the Restoration, prophets, How we have the book of Mormon through the Prophet Joseph Smith, etc. It was incredible to see their eyes light up! We invited them to baptism and they resisted because of their Catholic roots, but we hope with General Conference this weekend that they will gain a testimony of the Priesthood and Prophets. We'll wait and see. Miracles. <br /><br />Humberto showed up to church yesterday. We hadn't taught him for two weeks because he wasn't progressing, but he explained to us yesterday that he has felt different--an absence of peace--since he stopped coming and we stopped having lessons. He wants to come back and still has a desire to be baptized. We have hopes that he'll keep commitments this time and will be able to be baptized April 19th.<br /><br />I love my companion. Hermana Diorio and I have service wars--one morning I'll sneakily make her bed while she's in the shower, and the next morning, she sneakily makes my bed while I'm in the shower. When I left for Colón this week I left a note on her pillow, only to find that she had written "I LOVE YOU" in my planner a few weeks before. It makes life so MARVELOUS when we love others and are loved by others. Like Dad always chose to sing in family night, "There is beauty all around, when there's love at home." It's true! The Mission Field is no exception!<br /><br />I hope you enjoy General Conference this week! Enjoy the words of the living prophets. They are true servants of our Heavenly Father with his Authority to administer his Church. I am more than just a little excited, General Conference is like a Christmas Present for me. And how special it will be to have the Sunday Sessions on April 6th, the anniversary of when the Church was Restored on April 6th in 1830. <br /><br />In closing, I have been studying in Mormon this week, and was brought to tears when Mormon explains in Chapter 3 verse 12: "Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heartñ and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for themñ nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts." Mormon was truly the last line of righteousness that there was amongst the Nephites, along with his son, Moroni. He loved when it wasn't easy to love and prayed for his brethren, but they continued in wickedness. I was also touched to know that God did not abandon his faithful servant. Mormon was worthy to have a calling and administer to others, but there were none worthy to be his home teachers, bishop, priesthood leader. Mormon explains in Mormon 1:15, "And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus." When Mormon was utterly alone in righteous doing, the Savior himself visited Mormon and administered to him. We have a merciful, loving God, as you and Abdul discussed in your taxi drive, Mom. He never leaves us alone, to the point that if no one is worthy to be our home teacher, he sends his Son Jesus Christ to minister to us. I testify to that love. I have been blessed all my life by worthy, Priesthood holding servants of the Lord, and they have been his hands in my life. I taste and know of the goodness of Jesus, too.<br /><br />With much love and a hug and an Argentine kiss-on-the-cheek (p.s. prepare yourselves for those!)<br />Hermana Mikayla BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-7671042688086925812014-03-26T14:04:00.000-07:002014-03-26T14:04:39.051-07:00Face PlantDearest Family,<br /><br />The weeks fly faster and faster here in the Mission Field and at the same moment, so much has happened since I last checked in, that it would take a whole week to tell you about it. Remember that time we went to Disneyland and mom took over 1,000 pictures in one week? I feel like the mission field is that way, EVERY WEEK. And we still recount memories of every trip of Disneyland that we've ever had! You will still be hearing my stories of the mission field decades after I return. And Im sure that in the year and a half I've been gone, you, too, will have stories to tell me for a long time. <br /><br />I'm sorry you had a hard fall in B'ball this week, Ty. I had a rough tumble this week too. I proved, once again, my inability to walk with grace :) As we were walking home from a lesson with Soledad, Gio, and Stefano I tripped over my own feet and face planted it in the middle of the street. Yep, you betcha, I totally biffed it, and ruing a red light, thank goodness. luckily I escaped wtih only a skinned knee and hurt pride. How embarrassing! This marked my third full-body trip and fall in Argentina, the first being in front of my apartment in Venado Tuerto and the second in the terminal in Rosario. Good times . . . <br /><br />This week was a lot of door knocking and a lot of searching for NEW investigators and a lot of closed doors and not interested's. But it was nevertheless SO REWARDING. The first miracle came in a letter from my recent convert Darren T. in Gig Harbor and his wife Brandi. They are doing FANTASTIC, Darren is cub scout leader in the ward and just received the priesthood. He and Brandi are planning a Temple Sealing this year! I couldn't have been more tickled pink for them. And so filled with the Spirit. It is a supernal joy to see people grow in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love them so much and pray always for their well being. <br /><br />I also received an incredible pair of letters from Corey Joseph, who told me that he recently finished reading the entire Book of Mormon! I was so delighted to hear that, Corey J! I believe last year in the MTC I issued you and the other boys a challenge to read it ALL before I get home. To Ty, Jordan, and Austin--where are you at in your reading? You've still got 5 months :) Mom and Dad, you can be in on the challenge too! We'll celebrate with something special this September. I know this book is true and living by it's principles has blessed me beyond measure. Keep up the good reading in the best book there ever was! <br /><br />Favorite moments of the week included a lesson with Soledad and her Kids. We had an object lesson about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which included putting the steps of "Faith" "Repentance" etc. in a latter, using masking tape on the table as a physical representation. After about 20 minutes Giovanni, age 9 couldn't concentrate, and began peeling the tape from the table and sticking it on his face, to the point that only his nose holes and eyes could be seen, underneath a mask of masking tape reading "Fe" "Arrepentimiento" "Bautismo," etc. It was one of those moments of absolute, rolling laughter. I love kids!<br /><br />Eric is doing great, coming to church faithfully every week. He came to church wearing the red checkered tie we gave him. We will be having a Family night lesson in his home on Saturday to help share the gospel with his mom and younger Sisters.<br /><br />Our mission currently has a challenge of 500 baptisms for the whole mission before the end of April. To accomplish this immense goal (it's hard to find people to baptize in Argentina!) we have a plan of action given by President Giuliani, inspired by God. We chose a region of our area each day where we will be working, and pray separately in our Companionship for forgiveness from God and then inspiration to choose the correct streets to contact. We write our own, separate lists of 10 to 15 streets where we feel inspired to go, and then compare our lists with the lists of our companions. We end up with 3 to 5 streets in common, and from those streets we pray over again to know which 1 or 2 streets we should contact. The spirit takes a huge role in this process of elimination. When we decide on 1 or two streets, we prayerfully go to that area to contact each house we have time for. And we have seen miracles! Heavenly Father knows where his prepared children are. We have had a lot of miracles finding this week. It reminds me of following the spirit with Sister Young to know where we should knock Doors. We have found 5 new investigators this week in this way. We will be praying to help them be baptized in the month of April!<br /><br />Preach my Gospel Study: HOPE. "Hope is An abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill his promises to you. TI is Manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance . . . when you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good." This paragraph shouts "MOM!" to me. Anyone that knows you, Mom, knows that your glass is more than half full, ALL of the time! I know that this HOPE that shines in Christ and the covenants you've made. I was raised by a mother who KNOWS (see Alma 56:47-48). It doesn't matter how many obstacles piles up in your way, you continue with this trust and confidence that "Those are wrinkles in life . . . it's gonna be okay!" Thank you for that constant example, Mom!<br />"The unfailing source of our hope is that we are Sons and daughters of God and that His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, saved us from Death."<br />See the Hymn "Press forwards Saints" along with 2 Nephi 31:20<br />Also see Ether 12:4,32--We need to have Hope to get back home.<br /><br />Fun fact-- Hope in spanish is ESPERANZA. Beautiful word, huh?<br /><br />LOVE and HUGS and KISSES!<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-55929667267787182402014-03-17T13:54:00.000-07:002014-03-26T13:57:13.801-07:00Humble HeartMis Seres Queridos,<br /><br />I had a humbling experience last week. During my language study I realized that my whole mission until this point I have been pronouncing the 'e' in 'JesuCristo' like the long e we use in English. In other words, I have been pronouncing the Savior´s name and the name of the Church WRONG my entire mission. It was a humbling moment to realize no matter how many leaps and bounds I have made in my ability to testify in the Spanish Language, I'm still imperfect and have leagues to go! So I have been practicing all over again saying the Savior's name and striving to evaluate the rest of my abilities to notice the flaws and try to polish them. Not just in the language, but in my obedience as a missionary, fulfilling every aspect of my calling, etc. It has been a good excercise that is helping me learn to rely more fully on Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ, and to have patience with my human failings.<br /><br />It has been a busy but marvelous week. Part of my calling here in Paraná with Hermana Diorio is "Las Hermanas Capacitadoras," known in English as Sister Training Leaders. Basically we're the visiting teachers of the Northern part of the mission, and we have the privilege of doing companion exchanges or divisions with 30 or so sisters. We have two divisions weekly, and so it involves a lot of traveling which is really neat. I have the joy of not only learning from the incredible people of Paraná, but also learning from the other Sister Missionaries and the people of La Paz, Santa Elena, Sunchales, Rafaela, Galvez, Colón, Concordia, etc. It has been a humbling but treasured experience. This week I had the joy of doing a "Choque de Fuerza" in Galvez with Hermana Aragon, Hermana Ordoñez, Hermana Dean (who was a visa waiter with me in the WATAC) and my companion. We 5 sisters spent the day in Galvez in two companion ships of 3 and 2, contacting up a storm and teaching in every home that let us enter. We saw miracles! Something I've learned during my time in this calling is that when we are united in our Missionary Purpose of inviting others to Christ, we can teach in Unity with ANY companion, even if we have only known them for a matter of hours. It was like a sleepover that night with the 5 of us under the same roof, 3 sisters on the floor and 2 in the bunk beds. A total blast.<br /><br />Church was an adventure yesterday! Soledad started having contractions in Sacrament Meeting, and 5 of the Relief Society Sisters soon had her in a classroom laid between folding chairs with pillows and ice on her forehead. Two brethren gave her a priesthood blessing and luckily the contractions stopped. Her little fraternal twins are only 7 months, and we are just hoping they make it to the 8 month mark. Many memories of my early childhood, when you were pregnant with Tyler and Jordan, Mom. :) We are delighted with the way the Ward is fellow shipping Sole and her Kids. They are well taken care of and it brings us a sigh of relief to know that they are watched over. The Relief Society Sisters held an activity to sew baby clothes for Sole's twins this past Wednesday, lots of little knitted booties and felt beanie hats and Argentine wunzies. It's gonna kill me not to be able to hold them--it's a missionary rule that we can't hold babies or kids :( But obedience brings blessings!<br /><br />Eric is a rock. He was confirmed yesterday. Saturday we had a lesson with him, and when we turned to Moroni 6, we were so surprised to see verse 4 marked up. We asked him what he liked about that verse and he began to offer his testimony of the importance of coming to this Church and the way it has changed his life. His backpack was open and spilling it's contents onto the floor, I glanced down and saw the Gospel Principles book, all of the pamphlets from our missionary lessons, and--I couldn't believe it--even a copy of preach my gospel. Miracles! <br /><br />Preach my Gospel study for the week: KNOWLEDGE.<br /><br />Paragraph #1--Seek learning by study and also by faith. See D&C 88:118. We've got to seek learning out of the best books, and have FAITH in the principles we learn. The best books we have are the scriptures and the words of the living prophets--the conference edition of the Ensign magazine. Heavenly Father asks us to gain an education of Science, History, Math, etc. too. See D&C 88:78-80. When we fill our lives with learning, we are far more able to serve the Lord. I cannot begin to list the many skills I learned from my parents that Have been to my benefit and advantage in serving the lord on my mission. mowing lawns and weeding for service in Gig Harbor, Washington. Maintaining a clean house despite the daily hustle and bustle--always cleaning the sink as the "last dish." Handling finances in a budget--it works just as great with Pesos as it did with dollars. Even down to reading scriptures out loud, on a regular family study basis, it has helped me here learn and grow tremendously in my Spanish pronunciation and literature as I have practiced aloud in habit. We ought to take every opportunity to learn life skills, ask humbly those whom surround us to teach us what they know, and seek learning by study and by faith. Faith is an essential element of ALL learning. When I study Spanish for 30 minutes daily, I have to foster faith that Father in Heaven will Help me Remember what I've studied and apply it in order to teach His Argentine Children. <br /><br />My examples of Knowledge is my Father! My Dad is always learning something new--whether it's a new software language for computers, how to create his own app, creating a new furnishing in his wood shop, reading a new book, etc. My Dad is always learning! He has so many life skills it astounds me. He knows how to frame, how to sheet rock, how to fertilize the grass just right so that it comes up greener than St. Patrick's day in the spring. My Dad is also so apt to teaching by doing, an essential attribute of a true teacher. My Dad taught me Algebra by helping me DO algebra, and giving me homework sheets in the summer to help catch me up and prepare me for the following school year. He gets up early Saturdays to get our house and yard in order, and oft times has awakened us at 7 or 8 o clock Saturdays to help us get to work. Sometimes, Dad, I loathed waking up. You know that. But I can't thank you enough for the work ethic it has given me in the mission field. We do hard things, we get up early, we work until we do a "Dad" job and we do it over when we're lacking quality--but the rewards are beyond describable. And I am forever grateful for that. The hard work paired with knowledge and learning has helped me realize that I can do it!<br /><br />Paragraph 2: How can scripture study help us gain a testimony? Also see D&C 42:61, Alma 17:2-3.<br /><br />"Peter Lists knowledge along with Faith, Patience, Kindness, virtue as necessary aquisitions for a divine nature." -Bible Dictionary. See 2 peter 1:3-9<br /><br />I love you my family! Keep working hard at work worth doing!<br />Love,<br />Hermana Mikayla BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-67821261972396531972014-03-11T14:55:00.000-07:002014-03-11T14:55:19.218-07:00I Will Never Be the SameDearest Family and Friends,<br /><br />I heard an EFY song for the first time this week that says the following:<br /><br />"I will never be the same, I have felt his love and there's no looking back.<br />There's a fire that will remain, it's written in my soul, is a witness of my own<br />My faith is taking root and I've tasted the truth. I am forever changed, <br />And I will never Be the Same."<br /><br />This song explains exactly what I feel in the mission field. I love the Savior. I have tasted of his love, and it is sweeter than I ever imagined! And I will never be the same. I've got to keep strong and keep on in my faith and Testimony. I know that reading the scriptures and prayer and continual discipleship MUST be part of me forever!<br /><br />Some wonderful letters from home this week. Thank you to all who support me and love me and write me your miracles and adventures from home. The Thackers, Sister Ashley Brown, Sister & Brother Holiday, The Gurney Family, and my Family--I love you! Also, Mia Sandberg, I got your letter a few weeks back and I am sure excited to meet you too! Thank you for thinking of me, my sweet new neighbor! <br /><br />Argentine moments: Yogurt comes in a liquid form here. Almost as liquidy as milk. When it spills you feel you've just had a Klingon war and when you drink it in a mug it looks like you're going to majorly overdose on PeptoBismol. But it's delicious, and is my typical breakfast. Hermana Diorio has had some Kidney problems lately and to help her feel better the Doctor recommended that she eat flour and sugar sparingly. I have been trying to be the supportive companion and accompany her in avoiding anything with gluten or sugar, and have lost 8 pounds during my time in Paraná. WOOHOO!<br /><br />It has been a rewarding week. Gabriel has done a complete 180 degree turn. This week we were on a street corner at night trying to call down a taxi after a Family Home Evening with the Coria family, and when we couldn't get a ride, he began walking taxi to taxi in the pouring rain at the stop light, asking if they were free, and when the cars were rushing by he was whistling and trying to call them down and saying he would accompany us home if we couldn't get a taxi. Hermana Diorio and I just kept looking at each other like "Is this really Gabriel?" He has become a gentleman all at once. This week he came to church for the first time in a white shirt and tie and we were absolutely delighted. He is making leaps and bounds of changes. I so hope he can make it to the temple trip they're doing this month in April so he can be baptized for his deceased father. It's quite a pretty penny and so I hope he can make it to Buenos Aires with the ward. Take advantage of having temples so close to home! I am jealous, I wish we had one close in Argentina!<br /><br />We have had quite a miracle in Eric Martinez as well. I wrote in my journal March 9, 2014 "Today Eric Martinez entered the waters of Baptism. He is such a miracle. We met Him 3 weeks ago today, when Tatiana first brought him with her. Tatiana Coria is a young lady of 17 years in our ward, the reserved and lovely daughter of the Coria Family. She is 30th of my 33 redhead count. Eric is her 23 year old boyfriend. In our 2nd lesson he interrupted when Hermana Diorio began to invite Tati to pray, and said that he wanted to say the prayer. It was startling because He is such a quiet guy. But he offered a beautiful prayer, thanking father in Heaven for the oportunity he has to be baptized. It was one of those moments when the spirit REIGNS. Strong and present. The same lesson he explained he was reading in 1 Nephi 17, and during the week he had been confused in one of the chapters he read. he sent Tatiana a text and she invited Him to say a prayer asking for more understanding. He read the next chapter and it cleared up all of His questions. He explained that He felt that was a definite answer to His prayer. Oh, it was an incredible moment. The Book of Mormon is True!" Eric was Baptized this past Sunday and will be confirmed this coming Sunday. We have people coming out of the woodwork wanting to be baptized. Have I mentioned how much I love Paraná!?<br /><br />Hermana Diorio and I are RE FELIZ because we will be staying together another transfer. I don't know what I'll do when I'm without her. Throughout the mission It is just depressing to have to say goodbye to a companion you have grown to love (I have been lucky to have loved all my companions by the end of our time together) and each time it becomes harder to change companions. It makes me relieved that someday when I get married I can just keep the same eternal Husband companion forever and not have to change for any transfer :) We are staying here in Paraná!<br /><br />I am short on time so I will save my preach my gospel study for the next week. know that I love you and pray for each of you. I'm going to have an E.T. moment here, BE GOOD! Do the righteous things and keep loving the Lord, and you will do as the People of Nephi and "Live after the manner of Happiness."<br /><br />Much, much, much love,<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-30455497849958647362014-03-04T15:32:00.002-08:002014-03-04T15:32:38.558-08:00Dr. Francisco SolerDear Mom and Dad and Austin, Tyler, Jordan, and Corey,<br /><br />Our Street name is Dr. Francisco Soler. I feel like we should be in a scary story book living on a street with this kind of name. It makes me smile, and I can just picture you Dad reading a story in a pale-green-pants accent about a young girl who lives in a village of bizzare people, off a big river in South America. ;) Love you!<br /><br />It's been a rewarding week. I can't explain how much I love my companion, Hermana Diorio. She is an absolute "Amor" as we would say here in Argentina. Who was your favorite companion, Dad? I know you had some rough ones, like Positive Mental Attitude, but who was your favorite? I feel so silly for having never asked you more about your mission, Dad. What Advice do you have for me in my last stretch of the mission field? Advice for living in a foreign country? For patiently perservering? I would love to hear some of your mission stories again now that I'm in the field, and I can relate so much more! I think often of your cockroach lint-ball when I see a cockroach in our apartment and frantically look for the broom to attack it. So many stories we'll have to share when I can return, so many I have to hear from you and so many to tell. Write me a few Japan Stories if you have the time.<br /><br />My Preach my Gospel study for this week is on Virtue. Paragraph #1--"Virtue originates in your innermost thoughts and desires. It is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards." Virtue, from what we see here, is the Good that we do and are in our inner selves. We learn in the scriptures that we will be judged someday according to our works and the desires of our hearts--not just our outward expressions of discipleship, but our inward expressions as well. I believe this falls in line with the way we think about other people in our minds, too. If we outwardly serve someone but inwardly retain a resentment or frustration towards them, that kind of makes our thoughts like a worm eating away at an outwardly pleasing apple, isn't it? We need to maintain virtue of thought in many ways, but kind thoughts to others--and kind thoughts of self/being patient with ourselves too, are so necessary, so we can have pure white insides to match our outsides. See D&C 38:24. My favorite line is the last one of this paragraph-- "What you choose to think & do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue."<br /><br />Corey Joseph, you are my example of Virtue. There is no question in my heart or mind that you are thinking pure thoughts! You are far too busy thinking of constellations or your next homemade board game or the rotation of planets or a story premises from your latest book to entertain impure thoughts. And when you are alone, you are far too busy writing thoughtful heartfelt letters to me or to other people, jumping on the trampoline, etc. to entertain any kind of impure action. I hope you know that your kindness, your desire to learn from the best books, and follow what the Savior would have you do is an example of Virtue for everyone you meet. I want to be more virtuous as you are, and my earnest prayer is that you will never loose this attitude of Virtue in your life. Guard it, keep it, and let your light so shine with Virtue to the world forever and always! Staying firm in the gospel and following the counsels Mom and Dad give you will keep you clean and white and virtuous. <br /><br />Paragraph #2--"Virtuous people are clean and pure spiritually." How do we clean ourselves up spiritually? The repentance process--and our opportunity to be baptized and to partake of the sacrament--gives us the chance to be clean again. That's why going to church each Sunday is so important. We put our faith and agency in God's hands as we repent and partake of the bread and water. In doing so, God makes us clean again and helps us have the strength we need to protect our Virtue throughout the week. But we make mistakes, from Monday to Saturday, and in order to protect our virtue we must return again and receive divine help through the Sacrament. Without it, we are more and more vulnerable to fall into temptation. What other suggestions does this paragraph offer about virtue and being a virtuous person?<br /><br />Paragraph #3--How do we protect our minds stage? Hum your favorite hymn is a good way to start.<br /><br />We live in a terribly wicked world. I see the effects of sin and the lack of virtue that comes from lives straying from the gospel and desperate searching for happiness amidst wickedness. My dear family, I want to testify of the miraculous power of the atonement as I have seen Men and women of Argentina and Washington cast the world aside and become Virtuous as they have kept the law of chastity for the first time, left behind coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol to keep the word of wisdom, taken off work to attend Sunday meetings & keep the sabbath day holy, read the Book of Mormon, and become fully clean through the waters of baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Repentance is real. Virtue is real. It is my prayer that we can be a standard of virtue for all those that come in contact with our family.<br /><br />2 peter 1:3-7 -- what does virtue ultimately lead to?<br />D&C 25:2 -- What rewards come from virtuous living?<br />Article of Faith #3--What should we seek?<br />D & C 121:45-46 Where does true confidence come from?<br /><br />I love you 6 people with all my soul! Never forget that. There are reminders of you everywhere, and it keeps me strong remembering the solid, Virtuous people that you are. Never lose sight of the real goal of this life, we are here to prepare to return to live with Heavenly Father. Death isn't it. There's a lot more to go after this life, and we need to be ready for it. If you don't know if the things I'm telling you are true, or if they seem nothing more than just a good idea, I want you to take a chance and read the Book of Mormon again. Think about what it teaches and compare it with the world and what the world teaches. And I invite you, too, to offer up a silent, but sincere prayer, to ask God if it is true. I promise he will answer. It might take a lot of reading, and a lot of pondering, and a lot of battling--but you will receive an answer! I know the Church is true. I am a Mormon--I know it, I live it, I love it.<br /><br />Love, forever, Mik!Mikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-43900536628635463682014-03-04T15:28:00.000-08:002014-03-04T15:28:02.214-08:00Crocodile PattiesWow, i don't know why but this letter didn't send, it was just chilling in the drafts. Happy reading!!<br /><br />Dearest Family and Esteemed Friends,<br /><br />There's a little town up the Paraná river called Santa Elena. I had the privelege of doing divisions with one of the Sisters from Peru, Hermana Siapo, in this little town this week, and discovered that they make milanesas de crocodilo, in other words, crocodile patties there--cooked like chicken fried steak. I didn't even know crocodiles live in the Paraná. Argentina. New things to be seen and learned every day. I love serving a mission in a foreign country because it's really taught me to CHILL OUT. We see so many strange things every day that it's just taught me to go with the flow and just rejoice in the oddities of life, like street jugglers that juggle in between red and green lights to earn a little money, the greasy shirtless tire-changing man who we pass every day, horse drawn wagons that pull up next to a corolla in the street. All kinds of everyday adventures! :)<br /><br />This week was truly a miracle. Every day I have woken up so much more excited to be awake than to be asleep, and gone to bed wanting to hurry up and wake up again to see more miracles. I wish I could describe it. Life in Paraná is like living a storybook. It's far from easy, but it is so much fun! I love how the gospel makes life not just livable, but full of joy and adventure and memories and lots of love. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY, and I love Paraná, and I love my companion. I have a desperate, hopeless wish that I can just serve here for the rest of my mission. We'll wait and see.<br /><br />Saturday was the baptism of Giovanni, Soledad, Stefano, and Gabriel. Words can't describe the joy. It was a wild day, full of looking for keys to fill up the baptismal font, later cleaning out crickets and cockroaches and spiders from the font, filling it up, talking with the stake members who had a stake-wide youth activity the whole day before the baptism and trying to convince many of them to stay and offer support, running back and forth between the church and our apartment getting white clothes organized for 4 people of various sizes, cooking pizzas and cake and banana bread for refreshments, making phone calls because many people canceled on us to give talks, etc. Needless to say there was a LOT of opposition, and we had even been planning and preparing all these things for the whole week! Mom, I don't know how you did it for our baptisms. So beautiful, so organized, with marvelous music and talks and books for people to write us notes in, etc. THANK YOU! But it all worked out. At 6 o clock, everyone began arriving at the church. Gabriel was first, and he just grinned. He has changed so much, and the punk in him is turning soft. He got changed into his baptismal clothes, and when he came out all in white instead of his torn up jeans and polo shirt, my heart rejoiced! I felt the spirit so strong and sent up a prayer of gratitude and mutual rejoicing with my Heavenly father. He had taken out his eyebrow piercing and everything. He looks really serious from the pictures, I wish you could just see him smile. <br /><br />Mario B., my recent convert from Venado Tuerto, ended up giving the talk on Baptism. Another moment of happiness :) To see this miracle of my early months of the mission standing strong in his Faith.<br /><br />Soledad--What an ALEGRÌA filled my heart to see her in white with her large, round pregnant tummy of twins. Her little boys were so excited to enter the waters of baptism to, we had to all but hold them back so their mom could go first. She was all smiles as she walked in to the warm water, and so calm. Her little 4 year old Adriano wanted to climb in, too! The spirit was strong, there was a peace amongst all who watched This mother enter the gate. Her two sons followed, and Giovanni is still so little that the water came up to his neck. They were all smiles. Gabriel was baptized last, and the joy that filled me to see my Spirit Brother be washed clean--there aren't words supernal enough to describe it. He had truly repented, and left his old self behind to become a new creature through the atonement of Christ. After the baptismal service, Elder Vergara gave him a hug and asked, "Como se Sintió? Bien?" or "How did you feel? Good?" Gabriel smiled and said "Mas que bien." "More than good." We got talking about learning languages, and Gabriel told me I'm getting better and better in my Spanish. I told him it'll be the same for him with a language if He goes on a mission to another country someday. Elder Vergara asked him "Servirá la misión?" "Are you going to serve a mission?" and Gabriel responded "Si, por que no!" "OF course!" I about fainted again of happiness. The Ammon effect has had a real hold on my lately!<br /><br />Soledad gave Hermana Diorio and I a gift yesterday, two pencils. She began to get a emotional as she explained that they are two pencils with erasers on it, and she thought before she found the gospel that once something was done and written and said in life, there was no erasing it. She expressed her gratitude to have learned from us that there was a way for her to be clean again and erase the mistakes of the past, and start new. It was another supernal moment.<br /><br />God is Good! We have challenges, we have moments of weaknesses, and we have personal Gethsemanes. I want you to know, I want to testify, that God also gives us moments of Celestial glory in this life. They are his tender mercies to us, to help have the joy as promised as a result of Adam`s fall. I experienced a little piece of Celestial Glory this past weekend. <br /><br />Study on Preach My Gospel-- DILIGENCE. Paragraph 1--What type of work is diligent work? This paragraph expresses later that diligence in missionary work is an expression of your love for the Lord and His work. My current calling in the church is to be a missionary, so this applies to me. But if you take out missionary and put in any other calling, it means the very same. Diligence in your work as priest`s quorum president or passing or blessing the sacrament or young women`s leader or nursery teacher or webelo´s leader in scouts or home teacher or visiting teacher or Bishop or organist--diligence in every calling in God´s church demonstrates our love for Him, and each is highly important, because in each calling we are serving, directly, one or more of God`s children. And when we are in the service of our fellow beings . . . I know you can finish this line with me . . . we are only in the service of our God. The last part of the paragraph states that "when you are diligent, you find joy and satisfaction in your work." This goes with any work, but especially on the Lord´s errand. My high school choir teacher, Ms. Lois Johnson, once taught me "doing something really hard and doing it really well, that's real fun." I feel that this line describes perfectly the work in the Lord´s kingdom. It's hard, but when we do it well--we do so diligently--that's true fun.<br /><br />Paragraph 2--LEts take a look at D and C 58:27. This goes for not only the Lord's kingdom, but our little kingdom of the Boren bunch on C. Drive, doesn't it? We do and should do many good things of our own free will to glorify God & bless others. We must also work when we are tired. Sometimes I am BEAT when we come home at night, having walked at times 11 or 12 miles in the day with hours without sitting down and talking with dozens of people. And when we come home there are still clothes to fold and phone calls to make to investigators and dishes to wash. I have come to accept that If I want to be a diligent servant of God, I will NEVER stop being tired. But we can pray for guidance /strength in all things, all our righteous efforts. And we WILL receive it.<br /><br />My example of diligence is JORDAN PHILLIP, my Brother. Jordan, remember the Basketball season of 2012-2013, right before I left on my mission!? Your poor team was getting creamed when you started. And I remember you initiating practice after practice with Ty, Jordan, Jake, Josh, and the rest of the Gang in the church. You would go after school, on the weekends, Saturday afternoons at times for 3 or 4 hours at a time. Your Diligence in bettering your game was a serious drive for you and for the other boys. You kept practicing and kept going, and though you lost every game before I left, you won almost every game after I left. You were killing it out there! I was sad to miss seeing your hard work pay off, but so proud of you and the work you and your team did, the diligence and hard work and HEART you offered. You didn't give up or get discouraged, you saw the goal and you went for it. I hope you will guard this Diligence in your heart always, bud. Keep being diligent in making us smile with your marvelous jokes, your incredible comics that I treasure in the letters you send, diligence in your church callings and your responsibilities as a Teacher, diligence in your school work, diligence in your work and love in our home. You are my dear brother, my friend, and my Diligent example. <br /><br />Scriptures: D&C 123:12-13 Why diligence in God's work is so crucial. Save our brethren and ourselves from the bonds of sin.<br />D&C 123:14-17 Why we CAN be diligent, why we MUST be diligent.<br />D&C 10:4 For when we are tired<br />D&C 127:4 For your diligence in Temple Work :)<br />Mosiah 4:26-27 How diligence relates to Agency.<br /><br />I love you ALL! Giant group hug from real far away. In 3 days I will have had 1 year entirely of the greatest adventure and blessing in my life. Thank you for your support and love during my mission, lets make the next 6 months the best yet!<br /><br />Love,<br />MIK<br />Hermanita BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-20193978976261888782014-02-23T19:13:00.004-08:002014-02-23T19:13:48.107-08:00True ChangeDearest family and friends,<br /><br />Thank you for the news, the happy, the sad, the unexpected. I am delighted to know I have a new little cousin named CALVIN! Oh Kate and Brett, my sweetest delighted words of Congratulations. I can't wait to cuddle that new little baby! And my sweet friend Cami Fox for her wedding announcement! And good luck with the new job, Papa San!<br /><br />I want to start today with my study on Humility if you'll permit me. Preach My Gospel, Christlike Attributes, under Humility.<br /><br />Paragraph #1--It lists some important elements of humility here.<br />1-Submit to God's will<br />2-Give the Honor to God<br />3-Gratitute<br />4-Acknowledge that I need God's Help<br />5-Trust in God<br />6-Acknowlege God, His power, & Mercy<br />7-Confidence to do God's Will<br />8-Trust God's Servants<br />9-Obedience<br />10-Hard Work<br />11-Serve Selflessly.<br /><br />Paragraph #2<br />Elements of a Prideful Person:<br />1- Greater trust in oneself than in God & His servants<br />2-Put the things of the world above the things of God<br />3--Prideful people presume they are better than other people.<br />4--Give themselves the glory.<br /><br />It's so important to remember that pride was the downfall of Satan. All of the elements above listed under pride were exactly what got him kicked out of Heaven. On the other hand, let's look at the elements of humility. Who was our perfect example in demonstrating these attributes? The SAVIOR.<br /><br />Some thoughts I have sketched in the margin of my PMG-<br />-Insecurities can be pride too (because we trust too much in ourselves and too little in God and the Atonement of Christ)<br />-Humility is knowing your relationship with God<br />-If you're filled with love, your scars and wounds heal up.<br />-Humility is a choice--not an absence of Pride. A conscious effort to recognize God's hand and his gifts to us.<br />-Evaluate your intentions.<br /><br />One of my best examples in life of Humility is my Brother, Tyler. Tyler, you are a hard worker. you have worked hard in our home since the time you were little, helping Dad clean out the Garage, mow the lawn, help frame the basement, etc. You often spent whole Saturdays at Dad's side, laboring alongside him. Your interest for how things work even led you to a choice experience to operate Brother Larson's tractor-claw-machine (don't make fun because I can't remember what it's called) to help dig a hole for the trampoline in the Gummow's yard. Not to mention your hard work on your films. but through all of this I don't ever remember you bragging about any of your work to anybody, even though your work is incredible! You are a humble, hard worker. You are obedient to what Mom / Dad ask and do your best to follow their instructions when they give you an assignment. You SERVE SELFLESLY. I have seen you befriend so many young men in our ward when they were knew, and you brought with you many of your other friends to help them and become their buddies as well. you are a humble server. This attribute will help you and bless you throughout your life, but especially in the mission field. You will be an edifying, humble rock to your companions and the investigators and members you meet.<br /><br />Scriptrures on Humility: Mosiah 4:1. Humility leads us to pray.<br />Mosiah 4:12 What blessings do we receive from Humility?<br />Alma 5:27 Humility, as we read here, is kind of a BIG DEAL. Why? What do we lose when we are prideful?<br />Alma 26:12 Give the Credit to Father.<br />Matthew 26:39 Christ's ultimate act of Humility was the Atonement.<br />2 Tim 3:1-5 pAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO VS. 2. These verses describe those who are prideful.<br />1 Nephi 15:7-11 We have to be humble in order to gain a testimony.<br /><br /><br />It has been an awesome week, to say the least. Soledad and her sons Giovanni and Stefano told us on Monday when we invited them to baptism that 1 March was way too far away, and that Sole wanted to be baptized on February 22nd because its her birthday and if she waits till March 1st, she's afraid there won't be room for her in the font for her tummy so huge and swollen with twins. She's due in early may but I wouldn't be surprised if they're a little premature because they're twins, like Ty and Jordan were born early. She is such a doll, with three young sons of 11, 9, and 4. It was quite the adventure to teach all of them all of the rest of the mission lessons this week, but they are so willing and so desirous to be baptized. Stefano and Giovanni were so well behaved and listened so well. They are half way through 1 Nephi in their own personal reading, and I am so delighted to know them and see their progress. I love them so much, they had their interviews this past Saturday and they will indeed be baptized February 22nd. Sole dropped Coffee without a problem and agreed to keep the law of tithing even though she's a struggling Single Mom. I just wish you could meet these people, they are such examples of faith. And it tickles me pink to teach a family, at last, in my mission!<br /><br />Gabriel also has progressed by leaps and bounds and will also be getting baptized this Saturday teh 22nd. He's been kind of abandoned by his mother and his Dad died several years back. He has had a rough life and one of the members brought him into their home, that's how we found him--a reference from this family. He is a character to say the least, punk all around, but I love him with a sisterly love. His life will be so blessed in the gospel, he has dropped all addictive habits all together, and even sings the hymns on Sunday at church. He's developed a crush on a recent convert of 27, and when we invited her to a lesson, he all but fainted when he saw that we had invited her. <br /><br />I am elated with joy to see these people growing and changing, and this Saturday these 4 will be entering the waters of Baptism. OH! It's a joy that comes from seeing our brothers and Sisters come to know the savior and the true changes that come from knowing him and becoming like him.<br /><br />Humberto is still progressing but he didn't come to his baptismal interview. He was working and has been putting work before coming to church now, he has taken up several jobs on Sundays so that he can collect money to buy a house so that he can live with his young daughters again. They're in a bad situation living with the Mother and he wants so much for them to live with him. We just want him to See that when he puts God first, everything--including finances--will fall into place. It always works that way. When we pay our tithing, when we go to church, when we give our lives to God--He helps us obtain our righteous desires. We're still working with him and praying our hearts out to know what we can offer to help him progress.<br /><br />All for now, Amor del centro sincero de mi corazoncito, saludos brillantes como las estrellas, y amor hasta la luna y un abrazo como el sol. love you forever,<br />Mikayla Reneela<br />Hermana BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7007036352427908561.post-6000820888825622002014-02-13T13:22:00.004-08:002014-02-13T13:22:29.831-08:00Fire in Our HeartsHello My Family,<br /><br />Another week of adventure in Paraná. I wish you could be here, truly. It's a city always moving, always bustling, and full of Jungle. There's nowhere like it. I love it here and have so much to tell you!<br /><br />Firstly, let me tell a miracle I missed writing last week. One of those moments when you just know God is watching over you! When I first rode to paraná and got off the bus, I walked off the double decker bus and hugged my new companion and Hermana Telfer (yep! My companion from the MTC who was in trio with me and Hermana Alicea), and then a hug to Hermana Haynes. I shook Elder Vergara's Hand (he's my zone leader now! I could have hugged him too, my Chilean District Leader from Venado Tuerto, but I didn't don't worry), And then Elder Adair (who turns out to be Mrs. Dole's nephew, she was my 1st grade teacher!). And then I turned to shake whom I thought was another Elder's hand, when to my surprise, before me stood Mario B. I'm pretty sure I gasped like a fish gasps for water when it's caught above surface. I beamed my widest grin and exclaimed in absolute surprise, "MARIO?!?!?!" And he smiled his mischevious smile and explained that he had asked the Elders in VT where Elder Vergara had gone to, and packed up shop and moved on over to Paraná only a few days before. And when he found out I was coming too, He accompanied them to the terminal to greet me. I was so overcome with surprise and delight and so many wonderful memories from His Miracle Baptism in September that came flooding back to my memory. I scurried to one of my suitcases and pulled out a tie--the black one with green stripes--that my family sent me. And I gave it to him. And we took a picture. It was one of those tender, FLASH photo moments of absolute, unfeigned surprise and delight I will never forget. It was so good to see my recent convert from those miracle days of Venado Tuerto once again. God sure loves me.<br /><br />MY COMPANION IS SO AWESOME! I wish I could put her to words. I love Hermana Diorio so much! She's kind of a shy cookie, but has finally started opening up and showing her goofy side and she is a HOOT. I love her sneaky side smiles, her faces of feigned desperation. Teaching with her, my goodness, I am learning SO MUCH! She knows how to help the investigators feel loved and comfortable, which helps them open up and feel comfortable to ask questions. She also knows how to listen. Somewhere in Preach MY Gospel it talks about how the investigators should talk 60% of the time and the missionaries only 40%. She knows how to do that, and I'm seeing the fruits of that kind of labor first hand. It's MIRACULOUS work here in Paraná, and I owe it to Hermana Diorio and Hermana Aragón before me and the LORD for all the work they've been doing together here in the 5 esquinas ward. Such a joy to see these miracles first hand and to take part in the lessons. I feel like Ammon when He faints from Happiness in the Book of Mormon.<br /><br />Gabriel, our 19 year old punk investigator, but absolute ROCK in his desire to be baptized, has come to church 6 weeks in a row. He told us this week that he hasn't smoked since Tuesday and we are SO EXCITED for Him. Hermana Diorio told him "Con ese progreso puede leegar a su bautismo por 22 de Febrero" ("With this progress you can make it to your baptism on the 22nd of February") to which he responded "Yo llego donde quiero." (Basically . . ."I do what I want"). PUNK! XD But so awesome at the same time! He's had such a hard life and I'm extremely delighted to see him growing and softening with the light of the Gospel. He has a goal to finish High School, and I have a dream of seeing him on a mission. OH. And he also starting preaching the gospel to his friends. KIND OF A BIG DEAL.<br /><br />Humberto also is taking leaps and bounds. He too has dropped smoking altogether and is SO DESIROUS to enter the waters of baptism. This sweet man starts every lesson off with His testimony of the truth of this church, God's love for Him, and the changes He's seeing in His life. He is ON FIRE with the Gospel and calls us to make sure our appointments are solid, or when he can't make it. Any missionary will tell you that's a MIRACLE right there. We're praying for Him to keep his other commitments and the other commandments. <br /><br />This week I had the privilege of going to a Mission Council, where we learned from President Giuliani the 4 elements of true conversion. He explained that while Obedience is the first law in heaven, it isn't the only law! Laman and Lemuel were obedient, they left Jerusalem and built the boat--but why do we love Sam and Nephi more? We should be earnestly working to be truly converted, too. The four elements are the following--<br />1. A desire to do good<br />2. No rebellion against God<br />3. Sharing the Gospel<br />4. To be filled with LOVE.<br /><br />To finish, I want to share my Preach my Gospel moment for Study. I didn't get the chance to finish my Study on Patience with you last week, I got run short on time. I wanted to share who my example of Patience is, after we read the Second Paragraph of Patience in Preach my Gospel. Austin James, my oldest younger brother, is my example of Patience. I have been quite the older sister and some times too much of a boss in my lifetime, but Austin has loved me and been patient with me just the same. AJ, you helped me get Jackie dog ready in the mornings when I was running particularly late getting ready for the day before school, you helped me calm down after my one fender-bender and you were the only person with me (remember when you told me to call Dad first, not to call Mom because you didn't want her to worry?), you did the Dishes for me one Sunday when the Relief Society leadership meetings ran a little long in the Single's ward and I got home later than usual to do them. I know you may not remember doing that act of service, but I sure do. I remember when you patiently taught the little guys at the kid's camp with me, and they LOVED you. You patiently played with them, prepared the snacks and crafts by my side. You even patiently agreed to put on a costume for mad scientist day, and dressed up to be my Egore. I love you for that, J bird. Despite my moments being bossy or and olderly sister, you have patiently kept loving me just the same. Thank you for that Christlike attribute I so admire and love in you. Keep it up!<br /><br />Scriptures: Alma 26:27. If we are patient and keep on keeping on, God will give us Success.<br />Mosiah 24: 9-16. Prayer helps us receive the patience we need.<br />Alma 17: 10-11. What will God help us become if we are patient?<br />Romans 5:3-5 Patience in tribulations allows us a greater ability to LOVE.<br />Romans 5:8-11 Christ's patience with us & His love for us.<br /><br />Next week I will continue with the next Christlike attribute, Humility. <br /><br /><br />I love you! Never forget that! Know that we are burning bright with the Fire of the Gospel in our Hearts. I love being a missionary. Dearest Brothers of mine--Austin, Tyler, Jordan, Corey-- NEVER lose sight of serving a mission. We give a moment to God here in the field, and he in turn gives us our Life.<br /><br />Love, forever, your Sister BorenMikayla Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803762706186176259noreply@blogger.com0