Baptism!!

Hello Family!

Straight to the good stuff - JACOB AND SAMANTHA WERE BAPTIZED!!! Saturday was the happiest and best day of my life! Everything in our program went perfectly, our wonderful ward was very supportive, I got to play my flute which was so nice, and I really felt so much love and joy during the service:) Seeing a baptism is always so magical to me, and especially with these two it was a special moment. I'll never forget the image of all the little ward kids gathered around the font, me and Sister Israelsen sitting on both sides of Daisy watching, and just the quiet reverence and sound of the water as they went down and came back up clean and brand new. I could feel the spirit as they were baptized and I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love them so much and are so proud of them for taking this step. 

We helped them afterwards and when we opened the baptism door Samantha was shivering a ton because she said the water was freezing haha! Oops! We didn't even check the temperature, we just assumed it was warm haha;) But there's always some sort of funny story at baptisms right;) And even through the shivers they were so happy and couldnt stop smiling!:) As a family they went up to bear their sweet and simple testimonies about how they're grateful for the church, their family, and everyone that came. What touched me the most was what Daisy said. She said that the best way to describe her feelings is that "we're finally home." They're home. Tears filled my eyes as I heard her say that:) This gospel is true and this is where we can truly feel God's love. I feel so blessed to have helped them come home and now be a part of their family forever. Singing Families Can Be Together Forever with them at the end was special too, knowing that we are all part of God's family and we can all live together forever because of Jesus Christ. I love this sweet family, I love my Savior, I love the joy this gospel brings and the peace we can feel, and I love my Heavenly Father:)

Saturday night we had our ward Christmas party which was AMAZING! We had a little nativity put on by the primary which was adorable:) Samantha was the angel. Then we went upstairs and ate delicious food as always. They made around 600 homemade empanadas! What?! They were so good and they gave us tons of extras to take home:) I love my ward so much! We have the most amazing members who are so willing to serve, go the extra mile, and I want to be their friends forever!:)

Now for the rest of the week... on Friday we helped a less active member redecorate her tree (her husband tried but she didn't like it so we redid it haha;) ) and it meant the world to her! She was so so happy, so I would like to thank Mom for teaching me how to nicely decorate a Christmas tree haha! Then on Sunday, oh boy. First of all they received the Gift of the Holy Ghost so that was super wonderful! Yay! But Sunday night we were just riding on the bus and I was standing in front of a little family talking to them, and then all of a sudden the little girl threw up on me!! Haha what?! I thought it was kind of hilarious. Super nasty and I felt so bad for the poor little girl, but I still keep laughing about it haha! Her mom felt terrible and got wipes to wipe me down and clean my coat. But yeah, that was crazy. And I washed my coat today so no worries:)

We helped a cute new family move in to our ward on Monday which was so much fun! Service is the best! Keep finding ways to Light the World, because really it just ends up lighting your world and making you feel better!!:) Also we had our first little bit of snow Sunday night, but it wasn't enough to stick!

I'm so grateful for this time to serve as a missionary:) The joy I've felt especially from Jacob and Samantha's baptism, that pure joy that is so great and full, doesn't even compare to the joy and love that Heavenly Father feels and has for each one of us when we take steps to come closer to Him. He loves us and has made it possible for us all to live with Him again. I know it's true, I love Him, and I love His plan!

I love you all! Thanks for the prayers and love:) Make it a great week!

Love, Sister Johnson

1-4 Baptism Pictures!:)

5-6 Christmas Party Nativity

 Helping the new family move in!