Merry After Christmas!

We are having a zone p-day and Christmas party here in Buena Vista, so we had breakfast with everyone and the elders have been playing dodge ball and football, but you know how I've never been one for team sports...and I really can't throw a ball accurately anyway.... so we thought we'd come email instead.

We had to clean up our apartment from the Christmas aftermath, and put our mattresses back in our room. If they didn't take up our entire living room floor we might have just left them for a little while. Jumping on them and having a pillow fight was quite entertaining - especially when you have pantyhose on your head contorting your face. :) But it was fun trying to make Christmas morning as much like home as possible; except I never slept by the Christmas tree with the lights on all night before. But we figured, since Santa Clause probably isn't allowed in Sister Missionary apartments all by himself, he wouldn't be visiting us anyway, so it was OK to sleep by the tree :) I took the before and after pictures - just like mom would have wanted :) And of course I had to turn on the Christmas music before I could open my stocking.

Then we just had a good time visiting members that invited us over to eat and some of our investigators and the old folks at the nursing home that we play bingo with on Saturdays. They are so funny. And they seemed grateful to have visitors. All in all it was a good Christmas. Sister Andersen says she's glad it's over so we can get back to work, cause nobody wants to talk to you over holidays.

Well, it sounds like everyone had a good Christmas, and I laughed so hard at your story about all the little plastic bottles! That's hilarious! I wish I could have been there for that. Anyway, Sister Andersen just informed me that we don't have very much time before we need to be back, so I gotta go. I'm sorry I never have anything profound or interesting to say, but I can't think when I feel rushed! Well, talk to you all later. Love you all! And have a Happy New Year! Drink some Martinelli's for me!

Christmas Zone Conference

Hello everybody!

We just had our Christmas Zone conference and one of the elders that was in my MTC district was there; so it was fun to talk to him and compare stories. And it turns out there is an Elder Johnson in my district here that is related through Joel Hills. I keep running into people that know people I know; it's funny. For instance, I had to speak in church on Sunday-the first time as a missionary and they only gave us a day or so notice; I guess such is the life of a missionary... We were supposed to have a huge ice storm Saturday night, so we were hoping that they'd end up having to cancel church, but no such luck :) Just kidding, it was actually a really good experience for me. Sister Andersen is so funny. She gets so nervous she shakes really bad, and so as we were singing the closing hymn, she was still shaking so bad that her voice was shaking and I couldn't stop laughing because she sounded like she was pretending to be an opera singer! Good thing we were behind the chorister... Anyway, before I spoke, Sister Andersen told me to introduce myself a little to take up more time, to leave less time for her :) so I did. Afterwards I had several people come up to me and tell me that they knew so and so from Phoenix, or worked at Anasazi, but in particular this one girl came up and asked me if I knew Lara Ackerman because she's her sister! Lara works in the office at Anasazi and is one of the most amazing people I know. It's a small world. Oh, and one of the elders in my district told me there is an elder in the mission who went to George Wythe. I don't know his name, but I think he said his name was Elder Cluff?

So like I mentioned earlier, we had our Christmas Zone Conference on Monday and Tuesday and it was really kind of neat because President Cowley drove all the way down here and drove us back up to Charleston to spend the night in the mission home. He had a strong feeling that the missionaries needed to feel the spirit of being in the mission home this Christmas, and he read a quote that said how only the home can compare to the sacredness of the Temple, and so since we don't have a temple in our mission that we can visit, he felt that the mission home was the closest thing and wanted us all to be there. It was really nice. There is a huge room in the basement with a bunch of bunk beds for the elders, and a bedroom upstairs for the sisters, but there were 6 of us including the pair of elderly sisters, so us youngsters slept on mats in the living room under the Christmas tree! It was fun. And I got everyone's Christmas letters! I didn't know if I should read them then or wait till Christmas, but I decided I would read them then :) Thank you so much and for all the love and support everyone gives to me. I know I don't show all the time how much I appreciate every one of my family -but I do.

I've never thought I was a good teacher, but I keep having to be reminded that teaching is not really about me telling people anything, it's inspiring them to learn it for themselves. I don't think I'm a very good missionary either, but last night we were visiting with a less active girl and I was reminded that one of the biggest parts about being a missionary is just loving and listening, (kind of like being a trailwalker at Anasazi :) But she has just been having a hard time, and as we just listened to her and showed her we cared about her and not judging her, she began to solve her own problems and feel the spirit and to feel for the first time in awhile that she really does want to change some things in her life. I don't do any of the real teaching, it's the Holy Ghost who does that. I just have to always remember that, and I'll be a good missionary.

I will still be able to email next Wednesday. Christmas won't count as a P-day, we're still expected to make visits to our less actives and investigators- and it looks like we will be busy all day long with people wanting us to visit them and feed us! Ward members signed up to feed us all day long! I'm going to get fat out here, I just know it! Especially because they fry everything or cover it in butter.

Well, I'm out of time, but know that I love you all and I will talk to you on Christmas!

~Sister Melissa Johnson

First Week

Hey All Y’all (that's the plural form of y’all, which is singular, in case you didn't know)

I guess you want to know all about Virginia and my first week. Well, it was kind of hard at first because I just feel so inadequate and unprepared, but I'm loosening up a bit now and really the people here are hilarious! There's one family (or rather clan) that has been around forever and there's tons of them and they have names (well, nicknames, but nobody calls them their real names anymore) like Tonky, Butterball, Pinto; it's so funny. And of course there's always a Bubba around. And one of the grandsons (who's in his 30's) says things like "Gegoobleedoo!" and "Hootie Hoo!" "Good-time-a-day!" It cracks me up. And I guess people get excommunicated and re-baptized out here all the time; it's kind of crazy. Sis. Andersen says it's kind of a part of the culture of just switching churches all the time when you don't like someone. It cracked me up, one of them was so excited to show us this DVD she bought of a fire with Christmas music playing in the background - just like they broadcast on TV on Christmas morning. She kept carrying on about how pretty it was.

And then the other day I was so happy, the bishop's family (the bishop was actually originally from Mesa) fed us burritos! But they put ketchup in the beans, how weird is that? And they thought it necessary to tell me how to fold and eat a burrito! ME! I thought it was hilarious.

Well, I'm running out of time. But it really has been a great experience, and I promise I'll tell you more about it all. I feel kind of spoiled though as a new missionary being put in this area, with so many members and already have 6 baptismal dates scheduled in the next couple months. I might get the idea missionary work is easy...:) But when my trainer leaves to go home in January, I guess it will be all up to me here, so I better learn all I can! Well, love you all!

I'm in Virginia!

President & Sister Cowley

Sisters Johnson & Andersen

Hey Everyone!

I'm in my first area now - Buena Vista, Virginia. My new companion is Sister Anderson and I am really looking forward to being trained by her. She seems really awesome. I think she's like 34 or something and everyone tells me she's amazing. So I'm not the oldest missionary in the mission! The city I'm in is not pronounced like it should be, and I'm told I shouldn't make that mistake - so pronounce it Byoona Vista :) It's a really small town, but the campus of Southern Virginia University is in my area. It snowed like crazy here today and it was a long drive from Charleston down here to Virginia. It's beautiful here; I really can't wait to see it in summer and fall. My Mission President and wife are really nice. You can tell he just really cares about every single one of his missionaries. And there's no such thing as a handshake with him- it's all hugs (except for with the sisters, cause he's not allowed- but we get to hug Sister Cowley instead). The Mission home is really nice, and like everything has that old, back east feel :) All the brick buildings and Christmas decorations are kind of fun. The Capitol building in Charleston has a real gold plated dome, it's really pretty.

I think I'm going to like it here. Oh, and before I forget, my P-days will be Wednesdays.

Well, I'm glad you're getting a kick out of my letters - and I'm glad it doesn't come out too negative when I complain :) But I did know what I was doing when I prayed for patience. I remembered what you always told me, but I figured I'd take whatever Heavenly Father threw at me because I'm going to need to learn it :) But, man, that girl could talk, non-stop to whoever would listen and so I had to hear the same stories probably like 9 times. She just couldn't seem to let anyone else tell a story without having to tell one back. But I have to hand it to her, she's not at all afraid to talk to people about anything, so she will be a good missionary.

Guess what? They say it really doesn't snow a whole lot here, but today it is snowing like crazy. Well, I'm sorry this letter isn't more interesting, but I'll try to write more later when I can actually collect my thoughts. I love you all!

P-Day! Yay!

Finally, I'm able to use the email. Even though this is a preparation day I still feel like there's no time to do anything, I just barely got my laundry done and p-day's almost over. We get to go to the temple in just a few hours so I'm really excited for that. And then it's off to class again. And the dreaded Referral Center... You know how much I hate phones! And now I have to answer them sometimes and take calls from all the people that call in for the free DVDs and books offered on the Church's commercials and pass-along cards. Actually today will be my first real day doing it; I was only training on it last week. I'm probably going to start crying just ‘cause I hate phones so much... I don't know why it scares me so much- maybe because it's real people I talk to and it really matters what I say to them and the impression and spirit they feel from me will be what they associate the Church with-it's reminding me what a huge responsibility I have to be the best person I can be and really practice and know what I preach. In the MTC it all still feels like pretend, so I'm glad I'll be leaving soon, because I know I'll really only learn by doing. You know what though, talking in front of people doesn't scare me as much as it used to and I think that part will be OK for me.

I got the greatest pirate letter from Sally; my whole district was jealous. Tell her I loved it, and I'll try to write her when I have more time.

Well, it snowed a little here for the first time this year, but it didn't stick. I'm kind of glad, I can do without the snow. But the cold isn't bothering me as much as it used to, I guess working out in the wilderness for so long has it's advantages. They turned on the Christmas lights here at the MTC, too. I love Christmas lights!

I don't really know what all to tell you about, it's just been a lot of class and meetings and note taking here at the MTC, with a little bit of making fun of the elders in my district in between. :) I just think of them as my little brothers. We got them all singing "In the Jungle" the other day, it was great. Oh, so you want to know the next episode in the saga of my companion? She fell and sprained her ankle, so she's on crutches. It's kind of funny the way it all has worked out though. As you can tell I've been kind of having a hard time with her and I've really been trying and praying for help loving and helping her. And I think in a way, this was an answer. I've been forced to help her with everything! Carrying her books, opening doors, helping her down stairs, walking really, really, really, slow with her everywhere we go so that we're always late. But it's been really good for me- a great exercise in patience. :) So God really does answer our prayers - just not in the ways we expect. I've actually learned to appreciate Sister Taylor in a lot of ways, and I know that was Heavenly Father’s point in making me serve her. Well, I don't have very long on this computer, so I better go. I love you all! I'm glad you all had a good Thanksgiving. And Thank You so much for all you do for me!

Thanksgiving Day

On Friday, I was passing a mirror and I glanced at myself and I had to stop – I saw myself all dressed like a missionary and that black missionary name tag stared at me. I almost didn’t recognize myself, and then it struck me, “Whoa, I’m a missionary! How’d that happen?” I could never really picture myself as a missionary before – and there I was. Even more amazing to me, I realized, was that I actually, really wanted to be a missionary. Who would’ve thought? For the first time in my life I have that desire, to share the gospel with others. I guess I’ve finally realized that it has made all the difference in my life and really does bring true and lasting happiness. And now I want everyone else to see the difference it can make in their lives, too. And not only does it amaze me that I’m really a missionary, it amazes me that Heavenly Father trusts me to do it. Me, with all my weaknesses, faults, and mistakes I’ve made. Guess I’ll have to work hard, not to let Him down.

Well, life here at the MTC is definitely quite an adjustment for me. Luckily, I only have to be here three weeks. Not that I don’t like it, I think it’s the fact that I’m sitting in a chair, inside, all day long that gets to me. Actually, it’s driving me nuts. I’m used to hiking all day long and being outside 24-7! Sometimes, I sit or stand next to the window and pretend. I actually got to go outside for a gym period the other day. It felt so good! I just ran – with the sunshine on my face and the breeze in my hair – the whole time. It’s also great to wear pants every now and then instead of pretending to be all proper in a skirt all the time. But as soon as I get to West Virginia I’ll be able to be outside a lot more and get plenty of opportunities to walk. So that’s why I’m glad to only be here three weeks. But I’m learning a ton and the spirit is so strong here.

One of my teachers, Bro. McNeal, I really like. He’s so enthusiastic about missionary work; he literally bounces off the walls (OK, so not literally, but pretty close). He’s so happy and energetic and knows his scriptures so well that we’ll have a five hour class and not know where the time went. I tried to convince them to have class outside or let me sit on the floor or something just for a little variety, but they wouldn’t be convinced…

So there are six Elders going to West Virginia with me and my companion, Sis. Taylor. So it’s the eight of us, and the two sisters in my room who are going to temple square, in my district here in the MTC. And guess what? I am related to two of the elders. One, Elder Rogers, says he descends from Joel Hills Johnson, and the other, Elder Downward, says he thinks he’s descended from Benjamin Franklin Johnson. Funny, huh? Of course, I’m the oldest one – I haven’t met any missionaries so far that are my age or older. All the elders in my district are barely 19 and the three sisters, barely 21. But nobody had any clue I was 25 until I told them, so I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Either I look younger than I am, or I act really immature. :) I also ran into, here at the MTC, a girl that went to George Wythe College who Brian knows, and also one of the guys I went backpacking in the Wind Rivers with. So that was fun.

So, do you want to hear my iron story? The first day I got here I went to iron some of my shirts because everything got wrinkled in my suitcases, but the iron didn’t work, so I was kind of at a loss what to do because I need to look professional as a missionary. But I decided to just go to bed and figure it out in the morning. And guess what? The next morning I had a revelation! :) The first thought I had when I woke up was “throw the iron on the floor”, so I did – five or six times. And it started working! And it’s been working ever since. My companion thought I was funny, she still does. In fact, she says I’m a lot like her older sister who she really gets along with well. She also told me that in her setting apart she was told she would learn a lot from her first companion. I told her that didn’t mean me, but her first companion in the field. :)

For Thanksgiving we had a special Thanksgiving devotional and Jeffrey R. Holland came to speak to us. That was a lot of fun. It was a more informal speech, so he was being really funny. We even got some pulpit pounding. :) He got really passionate about getting it into our heads that we can’t teach others without being converted ourselves and to make our experiences on our mission a part of the rest of our lives and not just let it be an episode that we’ve gotten through and then done with.

Now, I’m about to participate in a humanitarian aid service project putting together first-aid kits. So I better go. Thanks for the letters!

Love, Sister Johnson

P.S. I found a scripture that I really like that helps me when I think I can’t do this. The second half of Moroni 8:16: “…Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.”

One of my other favorites in Helaman 5:12:
“And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

OK, I really have to go now. Love you all! M.J.

I'm Official!

Sister Melissa Johnson entering the MTC

(Missionary Training Center)

Aunt Loni and Uncle Marvin

I never went to bed on Monday night, but stayed up packing until it was time to head out the next morning. Just too many people to visit! My Aunt Loni picked me up at the airport in SLC, took me to her home to get some sleep, then we were off shopping and having lunch, touring, then dinner...and ice cream! I finally curled up in front of their cozy fireplace and fell fast asleep. So I'm rested and ready to go!

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Well, here I am sitting on my top bunk (I did claim the bottom at first but then my companion said she was afraid of heights, so I gave it to her…) writing to say I’m alive and well. And I haven’t cried once today (so there, mom) but it seems everyone around me has been… I don’t know, I guess I’m just ready to get going. Apparently I will be able to email starting next Thursday (not tomorrow) which will be my P-day (preparation day).

My EDD (estimated departure date) is December 4, so I’ll be here three weeks just like I thought.

You know, everyone keeps saying the time will drag, but I think it is going to go by so fast for me. Like today, lots of people were saying it seemed really long, but I don’t know where the time went! I think working at Anasazi really messed up my sense of time.

My MTC companion seems really interesting. She’s from Texas, but has a little of a speech impediment which she had a speech therapist for who was British, so she has quite the interesting accent. And she talks non-stop so I get to hear it a lot. Yet she sings opera and from what she says other people say she’s really good. She’s also not afraid to ask questions – even the obvious ones. But it will be great.

I’m surprised how comfortable I already feel. Usually I’m really shy and self conscious in new situations – it just always takes me a little while to adjust. But I feel really comfortable with just being myself. I’m sure I’ll still be a little self conscious when I’m in classes – after all, I’ve only been here half a day so far.

Well, I have to get to bed. I will try to write more later. Love you all! I know I’m where I’m supposed to be!

Posing for Mom

My four nieces

The BEST siblings ever!
(nephew hiding on the left)

Gathered for Good-byes

Surrounded by my Family

Farewell

It's all not real to me yet. I enter the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo on Wednesday November 14, 2007. (I felt I had to clarify what MTC stood for because I was talking to a guy I was working with the other day and he thought I was saying "empty sea" and I thought that was really funny.) Anyway, my plane flies out from Phoenix to Salt Lake early Tuesday morning and I'll spend the day up there with my Aunt Loni and Uncle Marvin who will take me to the MTC the next day. Craziness! It seems like just yesterday I was only thinking about maybe going on a mission and now I'm really going to spend the next year and a half of my life in West Virginia.
It's tradition for a missionary to speak in church before they leave so I will be speaking in my ward (Tempe University 3rd Ward at the ASU Institute Building- 1000 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe , AZ 85282) on Sunday, Nov. 13. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. if anyone would like to come.
My younger brothers came down from Cedar City, UT to spend the weekend with me before I leave, so my whole family is here! That doesn't happen very often. This weekend is going to be busy, busy with all the little last minute things I need to do before I go. It's a bit overwhelming. I don't think the whole mission thing is going to really hit me until I've been in the MTC for a few days!