Dec 28 - Ayacucho

Hello All,

It was so fantastic to talk to you guys this past week. Our Christmas was great here in Ayacucho. We were able to visit some members and eat with them. It was great to see your faces, Granny said that everyone is growing up and changing and it was crazy to see how much things have changed.

This week we had christmas dinner with a sister and her family. We ate turkey and salad!! Sooo good! We were only able to stay until 10, but it was great! It is funny because the tradition here is that they start the party and opening presents at midnight. They go until like 5 in the morning and then they pretty much sleep the whole day on Christmas. A little different, but it is interesting. Also, they do fireworks for like 10 minutes straight starting at midnight.

We finally put a baptism date with Jose Carlos. We are going to work with him to be baptized on the 23rd of January. We will do our best to help him progress and become converted to the gospel!

I love you guys sooo much and alot!!

Elder Johnson

Dec 21 - Ayacucho

Hello All,

[Jen mentioned that she might have told a friend's daughter all about him and that she might have agreed to meet him after he gets home.] Haha thanks mom, I really owe ya one for all the hard work that you have been doing ;)

This week I am so excited to talk with you guys. I am going to be calling you today to set up a specific time on the 25th. Really for us whatever time works just fine, and so probably in the evening at like 5 or 6, whatever time everyone is there!

This year it is weird because Christmas has sneaked up on me. It really doesn't feel like christmas, also because it is rainy here in Ayacucho. I am here in the time of rain. From December to March, it rains almost everyday here. I thank you dad for buying the coat at Mr. Mac. I remember saying, nooo I am going to be in Lima and I won't need it. haha Now I have eaten my words haha :)

Good luck in your surgery dad [I had nasal surgery this week], I am sure that you will sound fine. haha. I hope that I can talk as well haha a lot of times now in English, I forget words. For example, the other day i was talking to elder Utai (an elder from Farmington), and he said that he was really disenfocused (spanish = disenfocado, english = unfocused) haha that is just a sample of how butched our English ends up :)

I love you guys soo much and can't wait to talk to you guys today!

Elder Johnson _Baby

Dec 14 - Ayacucho

Hello All,

This week has been great! Last night we had a family home evening with a family that we are teaching. His name is Daniel who is an investigator and his girlfriend is a member. They are planning on getting married in February and then Daniel can get baptized. He is awesome! He accompanys us even more than the members do haha. He goes out to visit with us every Saturday in the morning. He knows all of the lessons and I can't wait until he gets married and baptized.

Tomorrow we are going to go to Lima to have a Christmas Party with President. We are going to have a white elephant exchange as well as watch a movie together as zones. It is the 6 zones in Lima and us Ayacucho. I can't wait!

The other day we found another scorpion in our room! Ahh, Spiders are bad but scorpions scare me. I have heard that if we get pinched then it is a serious medical condition. Pray for me that I won't die here in Ayacucho hahah. Just a joke mom don't worry :)

All is good down here in Ayacucho. Next Monday we are going to call home to coordinate the skype call. We will do the call on the 24,25, or 26. We as missionaries are good with whatever, and so whatever day is the best for you guys! I can't wait!! :)

I love you guys sooo much and a lot!!

Elder Johnson Baby

Dec 7 - Ayacucho

Hello All,

HAPPY WEEK OF JEN!!! (from your favorite child) haha I hope that your birthday was great! :)

That's great that you were able to have Sara, Vanessa, Lauri and Donny all over for your birthday. I wish I could've been there, but at least we will be able to talk during Christmas. I'm excited to be able to see your faces again and see how you are all doing.

This past week we went to the Zoo! haha the zoo in Peru is just a little different than in the states. The highlight was that in the middle of our visit there a monkey got loose and began to run around the park! It was awesome!

We are still working with Juan and Jose Carlos (sons of Susana). They are both great we have really established a good relationship with them. We are praying to be able to extend them a baptism date this week so that they can be with their mom, enjoying the blessings of baptism. Pray for them that they may be able to open their hearts and have the desire to follow Jesus Christ.

I love you guys soo much and a lot!!

Elder Johnson Baby

Dec 1 - Ayacucho

Hello All,

This week I didn't have any transfers and it looks like I'm going to be here in Ayacucho for 6 months! The area is beautiful but at the same time it is really hard because there are many catholic traditions and people are willing to listen to us, but don't have the desire to change, despite the fact that they understand the restoration. It is really frustrating, but being able to work with such humble people sure is a blessing.

That is great that you were able to get together with Grandma and Grandpa. Send my love to them and I hope that they are continually doing good and enjoying the company of all the family. It is crazy to see how the cousins are growing up and changing. It will be weird to return back and everyone is preparing to go on missions and college and everything. Thanksgiving here is.... nothing. haha. I actually forgot that Thursday was thanksgiving until my companion said something about it. I didn't even get turkey or a chance to beat my record on rolls! haha. I guess we will just have to wait until next year :)

We are now working with Juan and Jose now. (the children of Susana who got baptized two weeks ago). They have a lot of potential and we hope that they will be able to progress towards a baptism. They don't have a date yet, but I will let you know when they come around!

My new companion is named Elder Chira. He is from Piura which is in the north part of Peru. He is awesome and we are excited to work together to see miracles in our area.

I love you guys sooo much and hope that everything is good.

Love you guys!

Elder Johnson