Alicia! 8-26-13 Bellevue, TN Thanks for the Prayers!

Thank you so much for your thoughts and your prayers. It has been a really weird week, but I am recovering and am almost back. I have been able to go out and work since Friday (a week after the incident) so that is an enormous blessing. I also want you to know how protected and blessed I feel. The Lord definitely put me in the right place for something like this to happen. I have been able to go to the Chiropractor a few times since the accident. The chiropractor is a member of our ward and is not charging me anything to get worked on. His name is Brother Sheldon Young. What a small world- he happens to be related to the Youngs in Bountiful, who are also the cousins of the Regis family! HUGE miracle! He has been so kind and has been helping so much. After I went last Thursday, I have been feeling loads better. They are doing traction and stretching out my spine. I have some stretches that I have been doing, a brace that I have been wearing and I come in to ice my back every few hours. Things are definitely improving. The ward here has reached out SO much to help... I cried as I read your emails to know how many prayers have been said in my behalf. I am so grateful... and feel in so many ways that I don't deserve so many blessings when so many in the world have so little. But I am ever grateful none the less. The ward brought us food and pillows and church videos to watch. They arranged splits at the beginning of last week so Sister Munafo could go out and work while a member stayed with me. They have given SO much to us... and we have a number of doctors in the ward who are very willing to help if ever they are needed. So all of your prayers led to many members and missionaries prayers and more help than we could even believe. I really want you to know especially how grateful I am for the Young family. A little piece of home and so much goodness. Please keep them in your prayers.

 

As far as the actual problem... I really don't know what to think. I am super nervous because at the hospital the xrays didn't show anything. I can move and walk and be fine for a little while, but my back gets really tired very quickly and I still can feel the nerves getting irritated in my legs and in a small section on my lower back. Brother Young says they should have given me an MRI to determine what the problem is and since we don't know, it has caused me a lot of stress because I don't know how fragile my back is. It could take the slightest thing to set it off again... and it was the worst pain I have ever felt. I have pain meds if I need them, but this is something that obviously needs preventative work. So we need to keep praying. I am going to talk to Brother Young again tomorrow and see what he thinks. Hopefully things just continue to improve. There is a neurosurgeon in the ward who has also worked with athletes. So that is an option. I can get some more exercises from her as well.

 

That is really neat that 89 people looked at my blog! And both Grandma Lu and Grandma Janet emailed me. :) So all is good. :) I am grateful for such a wonderful family.

 

It sounds like everything is going great back home. The house is going to be a dream. I am excited for you! How nice it will be to have it all fixed up and have the family home again. Sounds like a lot of fun. And you have the cruise coming up! That will be a blast! I am excited to get pictures from that.

 

As the work goes, I was definitely the slowest I have been so far on my mission. I think you are right, Mom, quality over quantity now. It is incredible though how all of a sudden the Lord is just placing people in our path though. Today we went shopping and had two people approach us. One lady has been reading the blog of the woman who was in the plane crash that is Mormon. We gave her a Book of Mormon and is now reading it. She says she loves Mormons! Pretty cool :) Yesterday we visited a less-active family and again had another person approach us and ask to learn more. It just goes to show that this truly is the Lord's work and He will make it work regardless of what is going on. He is hastening His work and people are being prepared.

 

Another cool thing going on- Sister Munafo (I sure love her. She is the best companion.) and I are in a missionary choir! We are going to go around the mission and sing at different churches. I am fortunate enough to have a solo. Very exciting! And I may get the chance to play one of the pieces on the piano. Yay! We will be sure to record some of it to send home.

 

Other than that, I am really grateful to be here in Bellevue. I really love the people so much here. You know what they say- you love who you serve. Well, all the members have reached out and served us and we have served them and there is a lot of love here. It really feels like home. Members have even wanted to take us places on p-day! How cool is that?! We went to the zoo two weeks ago :) that was really fun.

 

Ok, well I sure love you all so much! Thank you again for all you do and who you are. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is real. I have been comforted many times this past week as I have been able to get on my knees and pray. When you feel that you physically cannot do it, you learn to rely on the Lord even more. When I found myself on the ground a week from Friday, I remember crying and looking up at the ceiling and just offering up a sincere prayer for strength. A beautiful peace washed over me. Heavenly Father loves His sister missionaries. He sends us angels over and over and over again to bear us up. He is on our right hand and on our left. His angels are surrounding us. I know they are. There are days when I just don't think I can do it- but I trust in my God and He will provide. I love Him. I know the Atonement of Jesus Christ, my Savior, my Brother, my Friend, is very real and very personal. He has felt all and He can strengthen us to overcome all. What a blessing to have trials and challenges of all kinds that shape us and mold us and give us the chance to come closer to Him. I wouldn't be able to do it if it weren't true. I know it is. I love it. I love you and pray you have a blessed week. You are always in my prayers.

 

Love you always,

Sister Alicia Johnson

Alicia! 8-19-13 Bellevue, TN ouch:(

Just a quick email today. This is the most I have had to sit upright since Friday and it isn't very easy.

 

I don't really know what happened- I do know that after my morning exercises I jumped in the shower. Immediately after, my legs starting seizing up and I could hardly move. I pulled myself into the other room and rolled on the floor. We didn't have any ice packs- only ice cubes. So that did us no good. I laid on the floor for a couple of hours before it became totally unbearable. We went to a chiropractor in the ward. The Relief Society president brought us some food. Some neighbors gave me a blessing. We called the Assistants to get a ride to the chiropractor.

 

They tried to relax my muscles and relieve some of the pain but it didn't do much. So we headed to the ER. They put me in a wheelchair. It was SUPER painful and that is when my body decided to shut down. Sister Munafo wheeled me over to the bathroom and then everything started going in and out and fuzzy like static on a TV. I knew I was going and tried to tell them. The Assistants looked super panicked and didn't know what to do. I could hear them talking to me but I couldn't feel anything. It was the strangest feeling. Suddenly a nurse was tapping on my sternum. He asked me some questions and I felt so proud of myself for knowing all the answers. They wheeled me right in to get checked. I was really out of it for quite a while. I tried to convert my nurse immediately after I woke up.

 

They had me in a bed and gave me an IV and pain meds. They checked all my vitals and did some xrays. The culprit- a pinched nerve. Sciatica. Saturday I slept all day from the meds. Sunday I was able to stay awake a bit longer. And now I can move around a bit more. It is not 100%, but things are improving. They have members arranged to stay with me at night so Sister Munafo can go out and check on our investigators.

 

President Andersen should be giving you a call about the hospital stuff. I don't really know what they wanted me to do with it. Anyways, I love you all and pray you have a great week. I need to lie down again.

 

Love you always,

Sister Alicia Johnson

Alicia! 8-12-13 Bellevue, TN

It really has been a crazy week, huh? Are you amazed at how quickly the time seems to be moving?! It is out of control!! We just had another transfer call. AND a miracle occurred! For the first time in the history of my mission, I am staying with my companion AND in the Bellevue area! And I could not be more pleased about this. :) Sister Munafo and I get along so well. It makes things a lot more fun and things are really starting to pick up in this area. We just got a Ward Mission Leader and he is SUPER on fire!

 

Two days ago, I had the privilege of going to a Mission Leader Council with 3 members of the quorum of the 70. Elder Kipishke spoke to us and with us. It was incredible! He had each of us write down a question that we wanted to receive answers to and then he told us to "not take minutes" but rather to listen to the promptings of the Spirit to receive answers. It was a VERY revelatory experience. I walked away with a LOT of new ideas for my area and my assignments. It carried over into yesterday at church. My heart is so at peace here in Bellevue. It feels like home to me. This is the first area that I have really felt that. I LOVE the members here and I LOVE the investigators. We are experiencing miracles daily and are preparing ourselves to be instrumental in many more miracles this transfer. I wouldn't be surprised if I have found a new home. :) You know how some missionaries are in an area for a REALLY long time? I think Bellevue might be that area for me. Regardless, I will be happy wherever the Lord needs me. I am very grateful to be here though.

 

This week we worked with several new investigators that are honestly and earnestly seeking for truth. And many that weren't :) Yesterday we had a fun time with Ron (a first contact) who let us know how we were going to hell because we believed so much false doctrine and didn't read only the Bible. My heart was very sad for Ron. We see a LOT of people who are very convicted in what they believe. That is refreshing! But it is hard when the doctrine is so skewed and so false. All the things he told us contradicted themselves. I think the most incorrect and depressing false doctrine is the doctrine of Jesus Christ and God the Father. So many people have been led to believe that they are one. This in so many ways defeats the whole purpose of everything we do and the reasons we are here on earth. We are here on earth to progress and become like our Father. We, as men and women, were created in the image of our Heavenly parents. We came to be a part of creation and progress in families. I feel more and more sure everyday about this doctrine- the doctrine of the family. 2 Nephi 2 teaches us that family is critical to the plan and essential for our happiness. The more I learn about the gospel and the doctrine of the church, the more firm my testimony and faith is. I know that families are eternal. I know that God is our Father. I know He loves us. And that means the world to me. And regardless of what we are approached with, I stand with my testimony as a shield- and that feels so good.

 

Apparently... we have a 30 minute time limit on these computers- which no one ever told us about. So they want to us wrap up... Bother. Well, I just want you to know that I love you all so much. The work is progressing beautifully! I love being a missionary. I love learning about the gospel. I love sharing my testimony with others. This is the Lord's kingdom on earth. I know that. I am grateful for it. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love you all so much and I am very grateful for your testimonies, your love and your support. Have a beautiful, blessed week! I hope it isn't as weird as this one- it will be nice to have new floors. All your dreams are coming true! :) Mom, I hope you get feeling better. You are all in my prayers! Love you!

 

Love always,

Sister Alicia Johnson

So Sister Munafo and I pulled some strings to get a few more minutes emailing. It was kind of disgruntling to be kicked off like that... we really look forward to reading our emails and sharing our thoughts with you. We only get this short hour to an hour and a half each week to really think about all of you and how much we love you. We felt hurt when that was getting pulled out from under us. We will just talk to the computer peoples next week and see if they can have some understanding in their hearts....

 

We just had so many adventures this week and I was so excited to share with you! The hard part is, I always look forward to emailing and then when we actually get to do it, I can't remember what happened throughout the week. Do you ever feel like that? Do you ever feel like time is slipping out of your grasp and there is so much to remember and write down that you just can't do it? That is seriously everyday of my mission. What's more, I am hitting 9 months in two days. Hopefully, I get to stay with Sister Munafo until Christmas :) That would be the best! Haha!

 

There has just been a HUGE emphasis on families this week. We are working with a family that we found a week ago. They are in more poor circumstances and their living arrangements are hilarious (mattresses all over their front room- they seem to spend a lot of their time there). What was amazing was the power of the Book of Mormon and the gospel. We started to teach them and little by little, each child quieted down and gathered around. Distractions were removed and this family truly pulled together. What a sight to see! We are approached with so many different situations, circumstances and problems and we give them ONE solution: The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

There is another family we are working with. This is a part member family. We are truly experiencing a miracle with them! I think I may have mentioned them last week- H and S and K. H is still progressing. We went to his house Friday and he told us he was preparing for Sunday by reading the lesson! He asks really hard questions that really make you think. I LOVE it because it gives me a really good chance to have very effective studies and look at the gospel from many different angles and lights. The more I learn, the more true it becomes.

 

I love that we have a church built upon continuing revelation. I have been getting so absorbed into the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. There is so much we wouldn't know had it not been for Joseph Smith restoring and receiving so much doctrine! The book of Moses has found a special place in my heart. :)

 

Well, other than that, we did get to visit a beef jerky stand this week. In fact, we biked to it :) All the way down the highway! So many adventures upon the bikes! And we also biked in the opposite direction up the biggest hill I have ever biked... My poor legs were very angry with me. God sure loves us though. This place threatens us CONSTANTLY with rainstorms. This is perfect when it isn't actually raining. One day we biked to an investigator's house, stepped inside her door and it started pouring rain down. As soon as we were ready to leave, the rain stopped! The tender mercies of the Lord :) You know, we have so many little miracles all around us everyday. I think so much of what we have we take for granted. I have felt recently that a great emphasis must be placed upon our gratitude to the Lord. It is changing me as I focus on the positive around me. I am so happy :) Hey! I just had a thought! I don't know if I have ever asked you to pray for specific investigators, but will you keep a special prayer in your hearts for the investigators we are teaching? And also that we will see baptisms this transfer? We are setting goals to see three. We just need some prayers and support from the Lord :)

 

Hey! I sure love you all again! I am sending giant air hugs your way as I type. You are all my sources of light and strength. I am grateful for your love and support. Keep being amazing and have a blessed week! I love you always!

 

Love,

Sister Alicia Johnson

I am sending some pictures! Make sure you keep these... I can't always tell but sometimes when I send them it deletes them from my camera!! NO!!! All my priceless memories!!!

 

My spider friend! He builds his web in front of our mailbox every night and every morning he is gone... Cool!!

Alicia! 8-5-13 Bellevue, TN

Oh my goodness!!! I love trek so much!! Reading your email just flooded my mind with all of the memories. It was such an incredible experience. It helped me learn to appreciate the pioneers and it definitely built my testimony. Especially the women's pull.... I don't know if you remember me sharing this,but I was pulling in the front of our family's cart and the cart in front of us was struggling. My trek sister reached out and pushed the cart while we continued to pull ours. It was the most incredible experience I can remember. I remember reaching out as well and it was like a band of angels joined us. Every step was lightened. The weight was gone and the tears flowed freely. It is always a good reminder to remember that the Lord is there to take care of us. He wants to be there to aid and assist us. He gives us the strength to endure AND to help those around us. I have been reading about that quite a bit in the Book of Mormon recently. The first example that is like this is in 1 Nephi 17:1-3.

"And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.

And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children and were strong; yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.

And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if is so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish and strengthen them; and provide means whereby they can accomplish the things which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness."

There are a couple aspects of these verses that have really helped me this week. First, it is keeping the commandments. Second, pressing forward with faith. And third, doing it "without murmuring."

The last couple of weeks, my focus starting slipping a little bit. My companion and I would get carried away talking about things that weren't pertaining to the work. And then I started feeling like I really needed a transfer- a change of scene and then maybe things would be better. What I came to realize is that my attitude had drastically been effecting the work.

We still had success, but I didn't seem to care about anyone we were teaching. We would get home and I just wouldn't feel satisfied. So we set some goals to keep ourselves more focused and look at all of the things we have to be grateful for in this area and with this companionship.

Because of this change, I have been SO much happier! AND I actually feel like I have people to talk about because things are happening here! Just yesterday we had SIX investigators come to church! There were two in particular that I am really excited about.

The first is Hal. Hal has been married to a less-active member of the church for many years. He was raised Church of Christ and was very anti-LDS. A few years ago, Hal's daughter was baptized. She is a VERY strong. She has been home from BYU for the summer and this has changed Hal very much. He has softened up SO much to the church! For the past 4 weeks, he has come to church and stayed for both sacrament and the gospel principles class. Yesterday, Hal's wife, Summer, stood up and bore her testimony in sacrament. The look on Bishop Porter's face made me want to cry. This is a family that has been in many prayers for many years and now... things are beginning to change. Hal has been reading the Book of Mormon and when we go to teach him he has real concerns about recognizing the Holy Ghost... It is so amazing!! I love this family so much :)

Another investigator who came to church is Mack. Mack is 14 years old. We found him tracting. On Saturday we talked to him about baptism and invited him to church. His family hasn't seemed very interested but he is really excited about the Book of Mormon. A family in our ward went and picked him up for church. The 12 year old and 14 year old boys in the family stayed with him the whole time at church and made him feel very welcome. It was an incredible feeling to sit behind them and see them interact. I love this ward so much... I am so blessed to be serving here with Sister Munafo. I wish I could really explain all of the experiences that we have and the joy that we have felt as we have opened our mouths and testified of the truth.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is real. I love it so much!!! Thank you so much for everything you have done and continue to do for me. I am really happy that trek was such a wonderful experience. You will never forget it... I know I won't. My time in Young Womens really changed me for the better.

Also, this is kind of totally unrelated, but Sister Munafo has lots of food allergies. Because of this, we have been on a journey of finding whole, healthy foods that we can eat. A member of the ward, Sister Johnson (whodathunk?), has done a lot of research on different things to eat and where to buy them. SO we have been buying really healthy foods, but because of that, we might be going a tad bit over budget. I have had to pull some funds from my personal debit so that we could eat and not die.... I just wanted to let you know so that maybe you can make sure that I still have enough in my account. Plus! I feel like a million bucks! Going off of sugar and all that again :) We also have bikes that we ride every other week which is a total party :) Yay endorphins!!

I am going to miss the tree in the front yard. There are SO many trees here, but they have a LOT more lawn space than there is in Utah. Maybe I will bring some back with me ;)

Anyways! I love you so very much Mom, Dad and family! Thank you for being you and thank you for your emails and testimonies. Have a blessed week!!

Love you always,

Sister Alicia Johnson

PS~ Last week we went downtown and I found some souvenirs for you!! I just have to actually find a post office and mail them to you :) Cool :) I don't even know if they really have any special Nashvilleness- but I think they are cool :)

PPS~ Love you again!!