Alicia! 10-21-13 Bellevue, TN...Send Prayers!

Hi everyone!

 

I don't really even know where to begin. It has been a very, very challenging week. We have some very difficult choices to make here and it has put a lot of strain on the work. I don't even really know what to say other than we need your prayers.

 

I remember a quote from a general authority. It said something to the effect that when we haven't done anything wrong and we are still undergoing trials and pain, it is because the Lord is stretching us. He is trying to help us reach a greater height- and like all growing experiences, this stretching generally entails pain. What a different kind of challenge too! I know that I have dealt with emotional challenges before, but each is unique. This is a mental and emotional struggle that is reaching a new height.

 

Another analogy from another general authority- we all begin life or callings as an acorn. We don't really know what we are doing. But we begin to grow and the Lord begins to qualify us for the callings we have. After some time, we become a giant oak tree that cannot be moved. We FINALLY have it all figured out! Then- next thing you know- the Lord begins to shake your trunk. An acorn falls and you have to start all over again. Things were almost too easy with Sister Munafo. We didn't really seem to struggle much at all. We got along. We loved the work and the people. We were focused on our purpose. There are some new challenges this time around and a lot of responsibility resting upon my shoulders.

 

Regardless, I am keeping my chin up. I know that the Lord is in the details of our lives and it has been made known to me by the Spirit how divinely inspired this companionship is. The Lord has placed a great trust in me. Now, I just need to trust in Him.

 

You know how President Hanks talked about a specific person that I am coming on my mission for? I have been thinking a lot about that ONE specific person. I just can't quite put my finger on it... I feel that it could be so many people at this point. But maybe more specifically, the Lord was trying to help me. This mission has influenced and impacted my life in a greater degree than anyone else's- I am sure. I know that I have changed. I know I have more changing to do. The Lord has blessed me with this mission. Hard as it is, I wouldn't want to leave. Not ever. I love it too much. And each growing experience helps me to walk a bit closer to my Savior as I get down on my knees. His power is real. His love is infinite... I am so grateful.

 

You know something else? Despite the challenges and the frustration of feeling like I am not working as hard as I would like to- the Lord is still blessing us with miracles. Maybe they aren't baptisms. But they are real. We have been working with a woman who has been less-active for some 30-odd years. Missionaries have been visiting with her for a few years now. We have invited her to church again and again with no results....

 

Yesterday we were standing out in the foyer waiting for Ward Council to begin. I turned around and standing there was Sister Lawrence!! I ran and hugged her and started to cry. In the midst of our greatest challenges, the Lord continues to reach out in love. He is softening hearts and changing lives. Sister Lawrence stayed for all three hours of church... I couldn't be more grateful... Oh I wish I could truly express my feelings!! The Lord is real. He is involved in the smallest details of our lives. He loves us.

 

I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know that the power of the Atonement is the changing and saving power that heals us and gives us the ability to find peace and happiness. I know that if we seek Him in prayer that He will answer. I know that He loves us. Seek Him this week- we could all do better to understand our Savior's gift for us. And, as Preach My Gospel says, "As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase. You will feel, as Lehi did, the 'great … importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth.'"

 

Daddy, especially now as you are praying for missionary opportunities, I know that understanding the Atonement is your greatest tool in overcoming fear. And Mel, as you work on your papers, same thing.

 

I love you all so much. I am grateful for your prayers, support and emails. Have a great week and know how much I love you!

 

Love you always,

Sister Alicia Johnson

Alicia! 10-14-13 Bellevue, TN

(NOTE: Sister-Alicia Johnson is the search to find her new Facebook page)

What would I do without my wonderful family? The gospel is all about our families. How grateful I am to be blessed with the best family in the world. My apologies for not mentioning sweet Taryn in my last letter. I love you Taryn!!! I just can't wait to get to know you better :)

 

Well... this week... so there has been a lot going on. My companion has experienced a great loss. On Friday, she asked to meet with the mission president. He gave her some bad news about a really close friend of hers. His name is Colt Kunz. He had been serving his mission for about a month andon Wednesday he was killed in an accident. It has been a challenge. She has already been struggling with homesickness and now this.... When we got the news, I didn't really know what to do. President and Sister Andersen had me come into the room with her and they both looked at me and said, "We are so grateful that you have Sister Johnson." I can't even tell you... I just started tearing up thinking, "What in the world am I going to do...?" I don't even know. The thought just kept coming, "Just love her. Just love her." So I have had to be very patient and very thoughtful this week. Like the week I hurt my back, this trauma has caused us to have to slow down a bit. That is difficult since we are trying to get her adjusted to the work and the missionary life. Did I already tell you? This is her first time being away from home. She put in her papers, got her call in a week and a half and was in the MTC 7 weeks later for only 12 days. So she has been in the mindset of a mission for probably only about 2 months. That is not any time at all. And there have been a lot of challenges for her already. Will you please keep her in your prayers? And the Kunz family? It was a big deal for him to go on a mission... I can only imagine what this loss means for his family....

 

We tend to think we are unbreakable- but life is so fleeting. I am grateful that we have the knowledge we do of the Plan of Salvation. I was studying this week about the Atonement and I felt the Spirit whisper to me with peace and comfort that it is all true. All of it. I felt so grateful to feel that... I am grateful to know that Heavenly Father loves me and He loves all of us. There have been deep moments of anguish, sorrow and pain, but I have always seen the hand of the Lord in the angels that He has sent to my side. Never in my life have I been alone... And there are so many that don't know that He has not left them alone! That breaks my heart. I can't imagine walking through life without the knowledge of a Heavenly Father who loves me and a Savior who walks beside me. He has sent His Spirit to speak to us these truths. He is the Comforter. I have felt His power too many times to ever be capable of denying it. I know it is true.

 

We tried to work hard this week. Again, it was a struggle. I felt a bit frustrated because I HAVE to be working to be happy. But we are seeing progress in some of my favorite people :) The C family is doing great. And Cindy is progressing beautifully as well. Please keep them in your prayers as well. They are very close to the truth- which also means that the devil is very near. They need all the prayers we can give them. Also, Charles and Ethan and Mack. Pray for them too. Please.

 

On Saturday I received special permission to go to Cheryl's wedding! My sweet Cheryl from Bowling Green :) I love her so much! It was President and Sister Andersen, me and one of the Assistants that were able to drive out to see her. It was so special to be apart of that... I am so blessed... maybe Cheryl was the one person that Heavenly Father prepared for me... maybe. She is so special. I love her a lot.

 

I love you all so much. I know that the gospel is true. I pray that everyone has a blessed week. You all mean the world to me. I know that Heavenly Father lives and He loves you.

 

Love you always,

Sister Alicia Johnson

 

PS~ I am getting on Facebook again. I will be adding you as friends. I have heard too many success stories about Facebook and I have the courage to try it again. They should be sending you an email or letter about rules of Facebook. You are all allowed to be my friend, but you are encouraged to only comment and post things that are related to testimony and experiences of that sort. I hope that it all goes well :) That also means that I have to shut down the other account for some time... so if you request people to add me that would be great :) Thanks so much!! I love you!

Alicia! 10-7-13 Bellevue, TN General Conference Thoughts

I wish, oh I wish that you could understand what a mission has done for me. There has never been a time in my life when I have felt closer to the Spirit- to the influence of our Heavenly Father. And because of this, as I was watching Conference I felt a real concern for the eternal welfare and happiness of those that I care about the most- my beloved and wonderful family.

 

Mom, Dad, Zach, Jaron, Melanie and my beloved grandparents, please do not lose sight of the things that matter most.

 

This was THE MOST powerful General Conference I have ever witnessed in my entire life. The entire Conference touched on principles and doctrines that the world is trying so hard to crush. I know that the Lord is hastening His coming- I feel the pressure and the enormity of this mission. I feel the weight of thousands of souls that cannot be lost. Today, I read through my Conference notes. This was the takeaway from my journal today:

 

"I have never experienced a Conference quite as powerful as this. I have never seen in the eyes of the prophets and the apostles the certainty of these last days. Fundamental issues and principles were addressed. Yet, regardless of circumstances, trial and the falling of the world around us, it is CLEAR the direction to take. The path shines brightly before us and it is marked by eternal truths of obedience and covenant-keeping. If everything falls apart- I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES. I have FAITH in Him. I have FAITH in His Atonement. I have hope in His resurrection and I KNOW that if we SERVE GOD FIRST, we will never fall. We can choose the winning team. The Spirit is needed in this great work. The pressure is on and WE MUST ACT. We must ACT and CHOOSE NOT THE UNCLEAN THING. CHOOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS. And when we fall- get back up. Repentance is real. Never forget that YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD. You will ALWAYS be HIS child. You are His. And His love for you is real and certain.

 

SERVE GOD FIRST. If you choose Him, your power and influence in an immoral world will NOT fade. Your light will remain as a standard and a beacon that Christ is, and forevermore will be, our Redeemer and King. I KNOW HE LIVES."

 

I know He lives. I know it. I don't know what is going to happen to us in this life. I don't know what trials are going to beset us. I don't know when God will call each of us home, but I do know that He has provided for us the way to live. He has promised us happiness and hope and help if we lean on Him. I have watched the gospel change lives. I have watched people make decisions and covenants to follow Him. I have felt the redeeming love of the Savior. I know that He lives.

 

One of our incredible investigators sat with us at Conference and took copious notes on the messages being shared. At the end of the last session, the Spirit came over me so strongly to commit her to baptism. I began to ask her how she felt, if her questions had been answered. I told her the next step for her would be baptism. She says she still has questions- but I know that God will answer them. I know that she can and will know that the gospel has been restored in these last days. And never has a message been so important.

 

Mom, Dad, Zach, Jaron and Melanie- you are in my prayers. I love you so much and want to be with you eternally. It hardly matters what trials I am going through here on a mission- they make me stronger. They push me to be what Heavenly Father wants me to be. I challenge you to watch and listen to the conference talks again and really listen to the Spirit. Act upon His call for whatever it is that you need to do. Do not be afraid to act. We are in the last days and the Lord is calling each of us to perform His work. There is always something more we can be doing- but if nothing else, live worthy to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost. Never compromise your standards for something that seems worthwhile.

 

I am stepping off my soapbox now... I love you all. You matter so much to me. I pray that you will be blessed this week with safety and peace.

 

I love you always,

Sister Alicia Johnson

Alicia! 9-30-13 Bellevue, TN

Hey there! I can't believe September is almost over!! Time is moving SO fast! I know that I still have some time left on my mission but I am closer now to the end than the beginning... and that is starting to scare me a little bit. I have really finally come to a point where I LOVE my mission and all that it brings. I am happy with the work and the people and the gospel and everything. I don't really want to leave! But I only have 5 transfers left... I NEVER thought I would get to this point. And things are challenging in a different way now. I have a new companion and all of the missionaries that played an important role in the beginning of my mission are gone or beginning to leave. My friends are all leaving... It makes it more of a reality that at some point I am going to be leaving as well... But I am eternally grateful for the time I have had and will continue to have. The Lord isn't done with me yet! I have a lot more growing to do :)

 

So... Sister Munafo is gone. I really felt like I was losing a part of myself when she was leaving. I cried hard.... but I knew that I had to be strong for my new companion. I know what it feels like to be new and having a companion that is invested in YOU is so important. I can't look back (I will turn into a pillar of salt!), instead I have to move forward with faith and begin a new chapter of new miracles.

 

My new companion's name is Sister Hadfield. Small world- ready? She is from Driggs, Idaho. Yep. She is 19 so she knew of Michael and Marissa but wasn't close to them. Also, she went to hair school in Rexburg Idaho with my dear Sister Munafo. Small world! She is awesome. I can't believe what the Lord is trusting these new missionaries with. She decided to put in her papers, got her call within a week and half, went to the MTC 7 weeks later and was only in the MTC for 12 days before being flown into the mission field. She hasn't had much time to process all of the changes- so a lot of the things that I had to overcome in the MTC will have to be overcome here in the field. It blows my mind a little bit- but it just makes me realize how much trust the Lord has in her and in me. My dreams of teaching in the MTC have become a reality in many ways with training. It is a similar experience.

 

The great thing is she loves the investigators we have and, like Mom said, we already HAVE investigators which is a huge blessing. I always think I am pretty good at dealing with change but sometimes there is so much to take in that processing takes a while and it is harder to be happy. That is one of my goals for this transfer- to BE HAPPY and grateful for everything that comes our way. We really want to get these people progressing towards baptism. There is SO much potential in this area, we just need to start pushing a little harder and working a little harder. Bellevue hasn't had a baptism in over a year! It's definitely time.

 

It is already getting colder here too. I think I notice it more because we are out in it more. I can't believe it either! Seriously... time is moving too fast. I am really excited for General Conference! We have several of our important investigators planning on watching it. I can't wait. It is like the super bowl for missionaries! Haha! Only too true :) I can't believe that Russell is coming home already too! Has it really been 2 years?!? Wow! And Mel!!! I am so excited that things are so close! She could be like Sister Hadfield- or it will be more like me and be a 4 month wait. Who knows? I am excited.

 

I love the work. I love the gospel. This is the best thing I have ever done in my entire life. I love being around people and watching them learn and accept the most important message in the entire world. God lives. He loves us. He has restored His truth to the earth and the Book of Mormon gives us this truth. It is so beautiful and it has truly changed me. I love you all so much and pray that you have a blessed week!!!

 

LOVE YOU ALWAYS!!

Sister Alicia Johnson

Alicia! 9-23-13 Staying in Bellevue

Hello Mom and Dad and Everyone!

 

So this is going to be a quick email. We have received our transfer calls and today is just a bit crazy. I am trying to email everyone quick notes- but just know that I love you. I love reading your emails. You are the greatest support system I could ever have!!

 

Saturday evening we got calls..... I am staying in Bellevue. And training a new companion. Which means my beloved Sister Munafo is leaving me...

 

This has been the hardest transfer call yet. I love Sister Munafo so much. She has been such a light! I just know you all would love her because we were laughing together about every tiny little thing for the past 4 and half months. She is amazing. She is getting sent to Cookeville which is in another zone so I might not see her again for another year or so... :( I haven't really experienced this yet on my mission. It almost feels like I am going home that is how sad I am. I love her a lot. But I know that the Lord knows much better than either of us and we both have more growing to do.

 

Last night, we were able to perform for the last time in our missionary choir. It went super well! I got to sing a solo, "My Heavenly Father Loves Me." Thankfully I didn't break down crying but when I had to play the piano I couldn't feel my hands at all- they were so cold! But thankfully, the Lord helped me to play the best I have in a long time. That is an enormous blessing as they recorded it last night :) So we will have our own copies forever! Yay!

 

Bellevue is still wonderful. We got really independent the last couple of weeks having full-time car and a trio. We could go anywhere and talk to anyone. It was awesome! I hope my confidence stays up without my other half.... Sister Munafo is AWESOME at contacting random people. No more off-days for me! Training always pushes you to step outside your comfort zone- which is what I need and what Bellevue needs.

 

It is exciting though to be in an area long enough to see people progress! C, one of our sweet investigators with 10 cats, drove all the way to our choir fireside last night. Sister McKee's nurse and also another incredible investigator, came to church. H was at church. C, my Bowling Green miracle convert, was at the fireside as well. She is getting married! To the man who introduced her to the church! She is trying to get the mission president to give me permission to go to her wedding. Haha! She is so funny :) She is like this spunky, blonde, biker-chick who isn't afraid of anyone. She was hunting down President (who said he would have to pray about it) and then eventually just asked Sister Andersen who said, "Of course!" Haha! It was really funny :) So hopefully that really comes to pass.

 

Also we have met with M several times this week. He is making awesome progress! The light of Christ is shining in him again. He got a priesthood blessing a couple days ago and is preparing to come to church fasting on the 29th.

 

I love missionary work so much! It is my entire life! I can't believe I only have 5 transfers left.... One hand... It is so weird because it is going much too fast. I am excited for Mel to come out too. I have never been so happy.

 

I love you all! The gospel is true! The Book of Mormon changes lives. I have seen it over and over again. Read everyday- you will never regret it.

 

Have a great week!!

Love you always,

 

Sister Alicia Johnson

Alicia! 9-16-13 Bellevue, TN

To my dearest family:

It was fun to read your emails this week! Wow that cruise sounds like it was a blast and a half! Haha! Especially since Dad gained 8 lbs... Man alive! That is incredible haha! I also loved all the fun remarks about "beautiful Ensenada". Love that place! It smells delightful! The dolphins sound really cool! Maybe someday I will get to do that too :) That would be fun :)

I am glad that it was a safe, fun trip (even with the scary strangers at the dinner table haha. You know something funny, once you come out on a mission all the rules change. We talk to strangers ALL the time, we give away our phone number and we talk to EVERYONE. We even eat at strangers houses... my how life changes once you are a missionary). :) Now back to life... That can be really hard. It is like pdays! You try to do fun stuff but it doesn't last very long and throws off the groove of the everyday. And yet- if we didn't have pday we would probably go crazy!

We are having fun today :) We are in a trio! Did I tell you that last week? At first we weren't quite sure about a trio. You see, Sister Munafo and I have gotten very comfortable with our little way of life so we weren't sure what would happen with another sister. Great news! Sister Vandenberg is amazing! We have so much fun! She is an excellent teacher and brings such a sweet spirit and then when it is just us back in the apartment... well that is when the crazy gorilla fighting and lightsaber wars happen. It is entirely too much fun! I think everyone is only too aware of how much fun we have because we also have a LOT of energy. We are like this crazy force of energy and excitement and fun. And the gospel light of course :) We have at least another week together... And Saturday is when we find out about transfers.... :(

I already know that things are going to change and we have been a bit emotional about that (at least we were for a few minutes). But one of the greatest things that I have learned while on my mission is how to relax and let the Lord be in charge. Having anxiety isn't going to change anything. It just makes you unhappy. So, "I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord." It will be hard to leave if that is what I have to do, but I know that the Lord has a special plan for me and for all of his children. I can see what God sees in me and in those around me. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." I know that the Lord has placed me in each of my areas with each of my companions for a very special reason. There are lives that can be influenced every where we go. So I look forward to finding out what the Lord requires of me now!

We had a bunch of exchanges this week (we never have a normal week anymore haha) and a miracle happened! M, who we found the first week in the area is back in the picture! He is working on overcoming some addictions and has slipped in and out of the picture the whole time we have been here. We think this time he may have better chances of getting back. Who knows? We are teaching him tonight so keep him in your prayers.

WE HAVE THE COOLEST INVESTIGATORS!!! I LOVE BELLEVUE!!! This area has really helped me grow and become so happy. The people we teach are absolutely incredible. While on exchanges, Sister Vandenberg and Sister Munafo were able to teach a Presbyterian minister and five of his congregation. They invited us to church and we went yesterday. It was really cool! I love going to different churches and seeing where people are coming from. They have SO much truth but there was a very tangible difference in the Spirit of the worship service.

(Maybe it was the eletric guitar. I don't know ;)) The pastor was great too! Definitely a man of God. Very humble and sincere. He taught about becoming like Christ and asked if we had truly looked at our hearts recently. What is in your heart? What is your intention and motivation when you do good? Is it Christ? The pastor pretty much runs the show and says all of the prayers. He does the interpreting of the scriptures and gives it to the people.

Now contrast that with what we have. We have a church that is run by the people, for the people. We all have a chance to speak. We all have a chance to teach. We are asked to study and learn for ourselves. We have reverence and respect. And we have the priesthood authority to administer the sacrament. I really prayed to know during each of the services and to become very aware of the Spirit in each meeting- and the Lord answered my prayers with such an uplifting, sweet, strong sense of the Spirit from the sacrament service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I KNOW that the church is true- in every sense of the word. It helps us to change and become more like the Savior. It offers us the chance to really develop a relationship with our Heavenly Father. It gives us MORE. There is MORE in MORMONISM.

I love the gospel! It is true. It is amazing to be here and watch the light of Christ begin to work in the lives of the people I have come to love. After all this time, they are beginning to really love the Spirit that the missionaries bring to their homes. They desire it. I am incredibly blessed.

I am so happy! I love you all so much and pray that you have a wonderful week!

Love you always,

Sister Alicia Johnson - of the Tennessee Nashville Mission (the greatest in the world)

These are pictures from my comps camera so please please please make sure they get saved! Sure love ya! My camera deleted some of these good ones... 

James Shaw's baptism. I don't know if I said much about James. He is a young man that another young man invited to church. He came to our ward but is now in the YSA branch. He was baptized about a month ago. We were primarily the ones that taught him so he was half our investigator and half the YSA Elders... :) he is great! He has the priesthood now and is SO happy! Yay! Happy faces!

And us in the car last night driving home from our choir thing. We look SOO good!

 This was my last district of last transfer

These are from the Parthenon :)

So they are changing the music rules around here. We are no longer supposed to have any music players- just CDs. These are the approved CDs. And I don't really have any! So if you feel so inspired I wouldn't mind having one or two of them :) We can only have these specific albums. Which is ok by me :) I have been listening to a lot of conference talks which has been wonderful. I wouldn't mind having some of those burned if that is possible. I will be sending my music player and a memory card in a package home. We all have DVD players in our apartments and CD players in the cars so I don't need a CD player- just the CD. Thank you so so much! I love you!

Approved Music:

·         Jenny Oaks Baker

·         Alex Boyer: Sacred Hymns

·         James Conlee: Sunday

·         Lex De Azevedo: Variations on Sacred Hymns

·         Mormon Tabernacle Choir

·         Nashville Tribute Band

·         Reflections of Christ

·         Vocal Point: Lead Thou Me On

I have added to the list. New to the list are: Hilary Weeks, Lower Lights (Hymn Revival 1 and 2), Jenny Phillips, and Mindy Gledhill (The Sum of All Grace).

Yay! So if you want to send some of these you can! Sure love ya!!! 

Alicia! 9-5-13 Bellevue, TN

Also! Hello family! This is my weekly family email. Monday was holiday. Tuesday I was in a meeting all day and Wednesday was temple day. I have been doing very well health wise. I sure love you all!!! Yay!!! The temple was AMAZING! I have never had quite the experience in the temple like I did yesterday. What a blessing to be a covenant keeping people and to have all the blessings of the restored gospel. I love you all so so much and pray that you have a wonderful vacation! I love you!!!

 

Love you always,

Sister Alicia Johnson