PIctures & Address

Kim Johnson new address:
Sister Kimberly Johnson Russia Samara Mission
Vodnikov Street 95-1
Samara
Samara oblast 443099
Russia 
I am not sure yet how much postage is.

March 13th 2013

WOW!! Thank you Elder Peterson!! That is just what I needed to hear! And to answer his question--I confess, it was me, I was praying for him. Him and all the other people in the Russia Samara Mission. That's so amazing, really. I can't wait to go. I can't wait to meet and serve and love those people. AHHHH. It's real, it's actually happening. We got our flight plans last Thursday!! We fly out of Salt Lake on monday (March 18) at 8:30am and arrive in New York (!!!) at 2:55 pm then fly out of NY at 5:35pm and arrive in MOSCOW (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) at 11:00 am (March 19) leave Moscow at 6:55pm then arrive in Samara at 8:40pm (I think this is all in mountian time). Long flights, and one looonnnggg layover in Moscow. You know what that means! Lots of opportunities to talk to Russian people who have nothing better to do than sit and listen to you while their waiting for their flight!! Whew, am I scared. Excited, but defiantely a bit frightened! I feel a bit how I did before I went to the MTC, unsure of the unknown. An elder from the younger district beside us, Elder Droubay is one of the most delightful and enjoyable people I've met. He listened to me to how I felt about leaving and he sat there and thought for a few minutes contemplating then starting writing me this story from the top of his brain.

 

There once was a sheep

Whom was so scared of sleep

Poor little terrified thing.

 

As night would approach

His cheer would erode

For night time brough about dreams.

 

Dreams, dreams, those strange little things

So unknown, so disheartening

How he wished that they wouldn't occur.

 

So each night he would sit by his family and friends

Staring into the void.

Til one night, whence he drempt

He couldn't sleep for no more

His eyes slowly fell shut.

Then he saw large fields

Perfect for prancing

With rabbits, butterflies, lilies!

 

How great! Oh how great!

His mind was freeing!

Oh why? Oh why had he waited?!

 

And as he awoke

He was happy. Yes, even grateful.

 

Fear brings joy.

 

That made my day. :)

 

So I'm thinking the best time to call you is in the morning at the Salt Lake airport so I could get the kids before they go to school and dad before he goes to sleep. That would be at about 7:30 or 8 mountain time so 6:30 to 7 your time. The other option would be to call in New York which would be at about 2 or 3/3:30 your time. I'm not sure which is better. The morning might not be so great since well, it's the morning. Also, am I allowed to call Teresa and Squire and Chantal?? I bought a calling card. It has 500 minutes on it but every call automatically takes 100 minutes. So what mose people do is call with quarters first to make sure you pick up then call them back on the calling card.

This weeks just been full of love. I don't think any district in the history of the MTC has loved each other as much as our district does. Honestly, they're the best. It's going to be so hard to part! We also have been blessed to have the best teachers. They are the most Christ-like, Spirit-led teachers and I've learned a ton from them and their examples. Our main teacher, Brother Richardson, is leaving the MTC and he had his last day on Tuesday. I feel that we were privleged to be his last district. We were also our other teacher, Brother Seitz's first district. So that's pretty cool.  We have a bunch of new Russians coming in again today and there's a slight shortage of teachers so for our last few days here we're going to be teacher-less. We're just going to be spending our class time hours studying together and helping the younger missionaries. There are two Russian speaking sisters that moved into our residence room. It's gunna be a crazy night tonight with all that unpacking and packing and suitcases everywhere but it'll be fun to get to know them a bit. :) Things have definately been winding down a bit as we prepare to leave. We don't have any investigators any more and we've gotten to do some pretty fun things. We watched the Restoration in Russian (which was amazing) and we've looked at a lot of mision pictures from our teachers and heard a bunch of stories. And President Harrison showed us pictures from Rostov where he served as Mission President. It is absolutely beautiful!! Our district has also been eating sack breakfasts together and writing little notes for the younger districts. And today we ate breakfast at the temple together and went to an endowment session together. It was so wonderful. I'm going to miss them and temple. Unless by chance I get to go to Kiev, I won't be going to the temple for quite a while!

To answer your question--yes I got the Katzner! Thank you so much!!! I love it. It's like a land all of its own. I go to look up a word and 20 minutes later I realize I never got to that word because there's so much interesting stuff! Russians have words for some of the wierdest things!

I haven't received a camera or my drivers licensce yet and I'm getting a little anxious for those two!

Well I have to go!!
 Love you!

CECTPA Johnson

March 6th 2013

The time is coming! I'm leaving in 12 days!!! I CANNOT wait. Or as you would say in Russian, I wait with no patience (they don't have a word for excited). They also don't have a word for wish. And I've also been told they don't understand sarcasm. They are a very serious people it seems. I have a feeling I'll fit right in. :) A new sister came into the district downstairs and she has already served for two months in Rostov (the mission just south of Samara) a year ago but came home for some medical reason. She gets to go back when we leave and we've been able to hear more about what it's like to be a missionary there which is nice since my teachers went to the Baltic mission and Ukraine. Anyway, she said that she LOVED it there and that the members are absolutley great! But she also mentioned that she was surprised at how sad everyone was and that they would just stare at you because you were happy and you were American and wearing dress clothes and a tag. That should be interesting... haha we got a taste of that in Mexico, mom. But I think hey, at least if they're already looking at me it won't be too hard to start a conversation. Oi, I just cannot wait. It will also be nice to get outside. Still love the MTC, it's still one of the best places on earth, but it's not in my nature to be satisfied with staying indoors all day. Especially with those beautiful mountains right above us. I now know why I didn't go to BYU. I would never have gotten anything done. I would have always been in the mountains or staring up at them. Ask Sister Lund, I get pretty distracted.... lol

So since I'm leaving soon we better get some business out of the way. I got those skirts and good job picking them out! I would have liked them but they were all too small. Not like "oh maybe if I loose a few pounds I could fit into them" small but like "I would have to be a concentration camp survivor to fit into these" small. Sorry!! And the thing is there aren't any return slips in them so I don't know how to return them and I can only send them out on my P-day and I only have one P-day left so I'm not sure what to do. I know that when I leave I can have someone pick up some of my things. So Squire could come get some of my stuff. That is an option if we need to. Don't worry about sending me different skirts, I think it's just too hard to buy things online, especially when I'm not doing the buying. And there's not really enough time, and I'm okay with what I have. Plus, you need to save your money because you and dad need to go on a mission!! That's random, but I've decided. If any way possible you should go when Emily leaves. Maybe you've already thought about it. :)

In the subject of buying things though it would be nice to have a pair or two of thermal garments. You can use my account.

If I didn't thank you for the stamps you sent me forever ago, thanks! And you even sent me tree stamps :) I love you.

MTC life is the same... we keep getting loads more people. The ratio of elders to sisters used to be 8:1 right before I got here and now when I leave a teacher told me that it will be really close to 1:1!! It's amazing! That means more missions and more people being taught. Good to hear about President Brown! Sister Caroline Hafen told me a few days ago and I think that's great! He's a great man and I'm going to miss him when I get back to report. Wonder who's next in line after him!

Speaking of which, I'm not sure where my setting apart blessing is. I think I sent it to myself in an email if you could forward it to me.

Also, please send me that picture of me and Teddi... I can't believe she's training! That's my girl!! ;) I use that mug she gave me all the time. For once I'm glad I didn't listen to you mom. ;) lol can you please forward me her emails if it's okay with her parents?!? I'm dying to hear from her!

One more thing. I need my driver's license hard copy before I leave!

 

Love you all so much!! I can't wait to call you in the airport soon!

CECTPA Johnson

 

P.S. Mom and Chantal were the only ones who wrote me this week. Come on. You can do better than that.

;)

February 27th 2013

Thanks mom! I should be getting it all soon then. :) and I took my coat to alterations and they said they could fix it!

I love your little story about Esmerelda. It makes me so happy that you and dad get to be involved with the missionary work going on in Walla Walla. :)

A few exciting things occurred this week. Last wednesday Sister Lund received her acceptance letter to BYU School of Music! which is like her life dream... it's very competitive and she worked really hard to get in. She practiced her clarinet for hours every day for two years while going to school and working a part time job. I'm so proud of her and I know she's supposed to be my companion because she's teaching me a lot about what it means to have a dream, work for it, and achieve.

Also exciting, Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke to us at devotional last night. :) Apostle #2 seen here at the MTC. and Sister Lund and I sang in the choir singing "Consider the Lilies" (I know that's one of your favorites mom) and apparently the camera zoomed in on us. So now everyone in the MTC has seen our face. Cool... not. Ummm other than that it's been a pretty normal week. I can't wait until I get to Russia and I'll actually have something interesting to say. But for now here are some things about everyday life here:

-The food: the thing I heard most about the MTC before I got here, actually isn't bad. At least that is if you're like me and 80% of your diet is fruits, veggies, and dessert. They have lots of fresh fruits and veggies at every meal. I think I ate pineapple 3 times a day everyday for like the first 5 weeks.

-I have gotten abnormally good at 4-square.

-The first day they give you a swipe card with your name and picture on it and you need it to get into buildings which (combined with the name tag) makes me feel super official. But in order to not loose that card I wear it on a clip at my waist which then makes me feel super dorky.

-We sing "Called to Serve" at least three times a week. Whenever I sing it I can't stop beaming... because I'm a missionary!!

-At devotionals or firesides whenever a song is announced by the person that is conducting there is an audible reaction from the congregation. Sometimes it's a 'yes!' (like when they announced "Come thou Fount") and sometimes it's a 'ahhhh' (when they announce "Called to Serve") or  it's an 'oh' or sometimes people just talk. It happens like every time and it always weirds me out.

-One morning I was sitting on the laundry room floor, an Elder walked by and said to his companion, "Maybe someone was praying for socks and you just got the bad end of the deal."

Sorry this was another super short letter. Either I'm running out of things to say as the weeks go on or I just get slower at typing. Another quick thing though. At TRC last week we got to teach a member from Saratov which is in my mission! It went really well-- we understood each other great and the Spirit was strong!  and it was a native! So that was cool and it was fun to talk to him a bit about where we're going. Also, have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Russian!?! It truly is a beautiful language and I could study it all day. Actually, sometimes we do study it all day and those are the best. I'm starting to read a lot from the Book of Mormon and the Liahona Sister Dyer gave me and am starting to make connections and understand why things are the way they are. I also get new insights that are different than the English version. Like the hymn "I Stand All Amazed" instead of the chorus saying "oh it is wonderful" it says "о это чудо!" which means "oh what a miracle!"  :) It just tickles me to notice those things.

Well talk to you next week!
Sister Johnson

Febuary 20th 2013

Hey there family,

I'm so glad you visited Barbara. I was thinking about her this morning and was sad that I didn't see her before I left. Next time you see her please tell her that I think about her often and that I say hi and want to give her a big hug. :)

Yes, I've seen Elder Pope a couple times and Sister Limburg! It's so nice to see people I know. Sister Lund still is always seeing people. I'm convinced she knows everyone in Utah. For her the MTC is like a big high school/family reunion. lol I've also ran into a few people from school like my relief society president from Rexburg (81st ward??) and Sister Stokes, Katie's friend who I don't think recognized me.. That's so exciting Matt is coming home soon!!!! I think and pray for him a lot down there in Brazil. I would LOVE it if he could dear elder me if he gets a chance before I leave. I'll have to remind you to ask him. Letters from home are great but letters from other missionaries are even better. Especially since I'm a bit anxious for what it's going to be like in big scary RUSSIA. It's still unreal that I'll be there in a few weeks. I was reading Elder Peterson's letter and I got so excited because one of the sisters he talked about is Sister Crane one of my olders!!! She went out a few weeks ago and is in his area!!!! He said that he went on exchanges with her and her companion and said she taught a great lesson to a 19 year old investigator. Just a few weeks ago she was HERE giving the talk at the mock sacrament meeting for MY investigator. Given, she was in the advanced group and I didn't understand a word she said... but still, that's going to be me soon, and like I said, it's kind of unreal to imagine. Our investigators here are doing well... just trying to get them prepared for baptism. :) They're both pretty solid. As for my Russian... it's getting along. We had our first full serious Speak Your Language day. We've tried it before but this time we were more serious about it and I don't think I said much more than 20 English words all day. It was SO hard! Speaking and understanding is getting easier but it takes so much brain power all the time. By the end of the day we were all so exhausted, but I suppose is was worth it. Brother Richardson testified to us that he saw the gift of tongues very clearly and said that is was one of the best SYL days he's seen at the MTC.  I'm starting to think that my teachers are a bit liberal with that whole "best _____ I've ever seen" phrase but Bro Richardson is a pretty honest genuine guy so I guess I believe him. It's just so hard to see our own progress. This Sunday I was called to give a talk. If I haven't mentioned, every week we're all asked to prepare a talk then they call on people randomly. I think it went well enough... only like half of the congregation could understand it anyway so... yeah lol the fresh new Russkis are thoroughly impressed with our skills. They help us to see how far we have come. The new districts are just great. They're like our babies and I love 'em to death. One of them almost went home.. the poor elder is only 18 and has never really been away from home. He was so homesick after the second day he said he wanted to leave. Within the next 48 hours though I saw a miracle. Everyone came together out of love for this elder and just prayed like crazy. I myself just knew that he had to be here. There was something about this elder that I knew he had to stay and I know he has to go to Ukraine. Somebody there needs him and only him. His district would keep Sister Lund in touch every few hours to keep us updated. The Elder couldn't make up his mind and put my heart on a roller-coaster. Then finally after he had for sure made the decision to leave, they turned to their teacher, Brother Kolokovski (really scary native Ukrainian teacher). I then witnessed Bro K take this Elder under his wing. They had a nice long (like 3hr long) talk out on a bench in the sunshine. I knew then that he would stay, and he did! He still looks like he's having a hard time though so I'll just keep praying.

As for me, things have been hard and great as usual (отлично как обычно = great as usual). I'm learning a lot and I can't begin to write it in this letter but one of the biggest things I've learned this week is to be patient. When the Lord seems far, he's not. He's just giving you room to grow.

Much love!

CECTPA Johnson

 

P.S. Fun fact about Russian: The word for 'sunday' and 'resurrection' are the same. Well like one letter off.  

 

Also, I sent Emily her letter finally and mom I wrote a note for you... there is one other thing I absolutely need--a Katzner Russian/English dictionary.

And I'm so glad Emily likes skiing and I'm jealous she gets to go so often!!! That's so fun!

Who Are You Boy?

Who are you boy?
For boy you are journeyed to this land of ours.
This land where I've endured my days.
And felt oppression kill my soul and force into some tight mold.
And teach me that I should not hope
unless I care to smell the smoke of my dreams that the Red Army tamed.

Who are you boy, from this land o'plenty,
teaching of God if there is any.
You have all, we have none.
Do you know what that feels like son?
And yet, you ask me to believe in something that I cannot see?
Some force you say will bring me joy.
Do you know what that feels like boy?
Where you're from, faith is free, but it has a price for me.

When I have pain, I have my bottle.
Hurt dies quick when you down it in Vodka.
That's enough to warm my soul.
I work, I sleep, the days go by --
I'm waiting for the day I die.

You don't understand this place.
You say believe, obey, have faith,
live life well, serve and give.
Here in Russia we just live.

Who are you boy?
Why did you come?
To save a soul who once was numb.
To teach a wrtched, hateful man who curse your help, refused your hand.
I thought that we were worlds apart.
So how is it that you knew my heart?
A fraction of my age you calmed my rage;
mercy paid my generous wage.
I should have been left behind.
It is hard to love my kind.

Hope in your heart, power in your hands,
Why did you come to this distant land?
I know now, it was for me.
The red curtain fell
but I was not free.
Until a boy from nations away
brought me my Lord, I bless the day.

He led me to weep at my master's feet,
the American boy I met on the street.
New and naive, still in his teens,
with a message to bring the world to its knees.

I thought the truth would come from another --
I did not know this boy was my brother.

Febuary 6th 2013

Wow, congrats Ashley and Matt!! :)
And it sounds like you all are having fun and doing well! Poor Mahonri though, I miss him.

This week has been a little hard for me.  Everything's just hard. There's a lot of pressure. And it just gets overwhelming sometimes. But it's all worth it in the end when you get to see a miracle or two. My favorite is teaching lessons. That's when I really get to see all our work come together, the Spirit's always there and I get to remember what it's all about. I remember why I'm exhausting myself of everything I have every minute of every day of every week. I do it because I love it. I love the people. I love the Gospel and I love sharing the Gospel with people.  This week we had a lot of success with Oleg, our investigator with a family. Sister Lund and I set up a mock MTC sacrament with our whole district. Everyone had a role to play and we had Sister Crayne from the advanced district give a talk and Elder Fernandez (the one from Tri-Cities) conduct the meeting. We forgot to tell him who was playing Oleg's 2 year old daughter though and he called her as activities director. That was an awkwardly hilarious moment... haha but it was great fun. The next lesson we had with Oleg we gave in room we have sacrament as if we were teaching him at church. My teacher said that he had never experienced such a peaceful lesson before as an investigator. Again, this lesson came at the most perfect time because I had really felt down that day... or the day before. But I've been thinking a lot about a quote from Joseph Smith or at least in the Joseph Smith movie that was along the lines of "the Lord has to bring you low so that he can take you higher." My experience here at the MTC has shown me more that anything else how stinking prideful, selfish, and faith-lacking that I am. That may sound weird and it's been hard, like I said. But I agreed to represent Jesus Christ. I put that name tag on every morning and it's His work. The more I get in the way with my own pride, the less work can be done. He's just trying to dig it all out.

So our district is becoming more like Frankenstein's monster each week. We have a new addition--Elder -----. He's one of the Olders that broke his foot so he couldn't go out to the field yet like everyone else. Poor guy, between that and his family not writing him, he's not doing so well. But he's still happy and fun to be around. Hopefully he can help us with our Russian too. :)
Also, we got our new tags this week!!!!! Like the ones we'll be using in the field with our names in Russian! There's so cool!
Love you!

сестра джонсон

Here's my guess at Ben and Emily's names in Russian.

беиджамин (Benjamin)

имели(Emily)

P.S. Sorry it was short today.