Alicia 12-5 MTC

Hey Mom and Family!

Thanks for the updates about everything! I am glad you survived going back to Durham ;) They are pretty great there. That is funny about Bryce :) Thanks for your dearelder letters and for all the other letters and emails. I am excited that you'll get to go see Michael. It's nuts to me that he is home tomorrow! Feels like yesterday- and also a lifetime ago. Things change so much so quickly!

Ok- so this week has been very different. Because it was extended they haven't had as much for us to do. So there has been some room to breath ;) As far as flights go- I totes forgot my iternary!! Guh! But I think I am flying out of Salt Lake at 8:30 in the morning. We have a little bit of a layover in Atlanta Georgia so I would either be able to call you then or in the morning. I am not sure at the moment.... I will be sure to write you a letter to let you know. It's crazy though! It went so fast! I love the MTC. I really want to work here after my mission... I dunno how that would work with me being at Utah State so we'll see if it ever really happens.

Other things that happened this week: Gosh! It went so fast! It feels like I emailed you yesterday! We did get a bunch of new elders last Wednesday in our Zone. That was exciting :) They have added a bit of variety to the bunch since they are going to either Boston or the Ogden Utah missions. Which means they aren't all from Utah or Idaho ;) In fact, we have some celebrities in our group! (Melanie you will love this) There is one Elder who was an Abercromie and Fitch model ;) ;) I'll hook you up, Mel ;) There is another Elder who played on a national basketball team (I think) or it was just a college team. North Carolina. His name is Elder White. We have another Elder who is from Mississippi Jackson which is where half of my district is going. And (my favorite) there is an elder who isn't in our zone whom we have nicknamed Elder-Singing-Asian-Kid. He is ALWAYS grinning from ear to ear. He is ALWAYS holding the door open. And often times when we walk through he starts singing :) Nephi's courage- Lalalalalalalala! Oh man he is GREAT!

What else is exciting... It has just been so relaxed. We don't have teaching as much- just our teachers roleplaying as progressive investigators from their own missions. That has been good. Sister Latu (my favorite teacher of all time) has been Linda. Linda is an elderly lady that is so logical about everything. We spent the first few lessons just trying to get her to feel. After many attempts, we went in there just to listen and follow the Spirit. We had an amazing experience where the Spirit touched her and she felt God's love. Ever since then we've been taking baby-steps to get her closer to baptism and recognizing the Spirit. The coolest part to me is that she is a Special Education teacher. She was an art major then felt prompted to change her major. Sounded very familiar to me :) It was crazy awesome when we made that connection. I am pretty much positive that I will meet someone like her out in the field.

Lawanna. We met with her for the last time on Thursday last week. She broke character at the end and kind of chewed ME out- not really sure why still. Amazingly the Spirit stayed with me as a calm protection. Her words kind of bounced off of me as the Lord told me that I had done nothing wrong. I was doing His work and if she didn't understand that it wasn't my fault. I have been learning to recognize the spirit more in my life. Turns out as long as you are living correctly, everything seems to come from the Spirit. Hm.... I think I like that :)

Ok so I am out of time again. Next week's email is gonna be way better :) I'll be in Tennessee!!!!! Man alive I am so excited! And super super scared! It is a lot easier to roleplay and thinking about approaching real people seems a touch terrifying. Thankfully the Lord is on my side. What a glorious work! Thanks again for all of your emails, letters and support. I love you all so much- Mom, Dad, Melanie, Jaron and Zach. I pray for you. Melanie, I got your letter. I am writing you back today. I am praying for you sweetheart. Everything will work out. Just remember you are in the Lord's hands. And your name has been in the temple for two weeks. I love you little sister. Whatever happens, I will always love you and know that you will serve the Lord regardless. I am praying for all of you. Prayer is amazing. Never take it for granted. And I promise you that angels are with you.

I will talk to you Monday!!! I love you so so so much!

Love for always,

Sister Alicia Johnson