2 1/2 Years Later

A Guest Post From Michael: It has now been two and a half years since I returned from my mission. Everyday I am blessed by the experience I had serving on my mission. The lessons I learned and people I met are forever etched in my memory. Perhaps one of the greatest blessings that I ever had was being able to meet one of my good friends in South Africa, Nkululeko Somacala. It all began one day when I was teaching a lesson in Sunday School at Church in the Hospital View Ward in Tembisa, South Africa. During the this lesson I notice a stranger sitting in the back. He had a scarf covering the bottom half of his face, and the half of his face that was visible appeared to not be very happy about something. About midway through the lesson the young man asked a question "Why can't Mormons marry people who aren't members of the church?" It was pretty easy to figure out the source of his anger and after the lesson when we had a moment to talk he explained that he had been dating a member of the church but she wouldn't let the relationship get too serious because he wasn't a member of he church. We were then able to explain about temples and how in the church we believe that families can be together forever. Finally, I asked if we could come by and talk a little bit more about the church, he reluctantly accepted my invitation. A few days later we met up and began to teach him about the restoration. The lesson went alright, but I still wasn't sure if this guy was really sincere or not. However, something changed between that day and the next day that we taught him. First of all, he beat us to the church house for our meeting by 15 minutes and gave us a hard time for being late. During this second appointment he was active in the readings and he was eager to learn more. Every subsequent lesson continued like this until the day that Nkululeko was baptized. Later on, when I had an opportunity to ask him what happened that caused the change he told me that his experience in reading and praying about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the Gospel changed him, he told me that the life that he had no desire for the life he lived before and wanted only to serve god. A few weeks ago I got an email from Elder Nkuleleko Somacala of the South Africa Cape Town Mission. He excitedly told me that he was fourteen months into his mission, was loving every minute of it, and recently had been called to be a zone leader. The joy that this message brought to my heart was perhaps the greatest I have experienced in my life. I will forever be grateful for the the decision I made almost 5 years ago to serve the lord as a full-time missionary. Through me the lord was not only able to bless the people I contacted directly but now the hundreds that people like Nkuleleko teach everyday. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Since his mission Michael has been going to school at Boise State University. In January of 2012 he married his beautiful wife Valerie. During his free time he enjoys playing soccer, making music, and writing for www.ldscases.com a website that specializes in selling leather scripture cases online.

HOMECOMING

I am so LAME! It is September 5, 2011 and I am finally putting this blog to rest!

Elder Michael Forrest Johnson returned with honor on December 4,2010 at 11:00 pm.
Michael's return was PERFECT! We had a great plan that would work out perfectly as long as the weather cooperated. Boise was slammed with a snowstorm the weekend before he got home and more was predicted to come. I was so concerned that something would keep him from arriving on time out of Seattle.
We planned that Kevin would be leave SLC so that he would be in the airport waiting for him. That is at his gate! Well, Kevin's flight had to be on time and Michael's too. IT WORKED! The look on their faces as they walked through the gate was PRICELESS!!!

Andrea, Ryan, and the girls all came to the airport. It was so late but it meant so much to have them there. The girls weren't quite sure what to think of Uncle Monkey being there, in the flesh! But it didn't take long for them to warmup. Sydnie was there of course and Logan Hyde. We had Melissa and Jeffrey on cell phones and did our best to include them in the excitement!
He looked so good...short hair...and SKINNY! He had a wee bit of an accent and was constantly slipping into little phrases of Africaans and whatever else!

I had made sure that we had a cell phone for him AND Jeffrey had done exactly what he wanted and had the music he had requested. I had it all set up on the fireplace for him to see when he walked in. The look on his face was awesome!

We had a wonderful visit, laughed til it hurt and finally said goodnight.
The next morning we met with President Vaterlaus at his office, and Michael was released. The FIRST thing he did was plug his music in! He was like a kid in a candy store!! We spent the day shopping for shoes, getting his drivers license, had Gandolfos for lunch and just hung out.
There are no words to describe the joy, happiness and relief I felt to have him safely home. Michael is such a great person. He is so fun to be around and it didn't take him long to get right back into things.
I am so thankful for the experience he had of serving a mission in South Africa. He left a boy and returned a young man. I know that the Lord watched over him and protected him. And more than anything, I know his mission will continue to bless his life everyday. It is not a sacrfice to send my sons on missions. I miss them, EVERY DAY, but I know the Lord will bless their lives forever, for the service they give Him.

I almost forgot that he picked up his guitar right away and sang for about an hour. It was truly "MUSIC" to my ears. That was one of the things I missed the most while he was gone. Hearing him singing and playing his guitar.

I am so grateful to have him home...and as we know it was 3 weeks later and Kevin had his call to...

THE END- the last email- THE BEGINNING

Check out the collar- only my boy!

Monday, November 29, 2010
well, BSU lost there first and last games they played while i was on my mission. Bummer! But that news about dallin briner was very sad. And it really does put things into perspective.
But i am very excited to see you all this week! thursday night is goingt to be hectic! we'll have to pray for the weather to co-operate from what i've heard there has been some crazy storms. i'll be on the plane. just make sure the runways ready!
I will take your advice for the flight dad! I'm hoping that i won't be too out of it when i get home!
the bad news this week is that i've had a cold and a terrible headache the last few days.... it's been pretty lame. THE BEST NEWS is that Sibahle got baptized! and that she is so powerful! i'm so happy i got to baptize on my last sunday! I'll send a picture! But you'll see it either way on friday!
But i will just bear a short testimony today.... because you'll be hearing my testimony non-stop for the next month. But i know that god lives, that christ is his son. that he lives as well. That Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that thomas s monson is a prophet today. The Church is true I have no doubt of that!
Have a great week!
-Elder Michael forrest johnson


On Mon, Nov 29, 2010 at 8:43 AM, Johnson, George (ACSO-Boise) wrote:
Hi Michael:

Well, you will be going to the Boise State game, but I regret to inform you that they will not be undefeated. We lost to University of Nevada in OT Friday night. So it was definitely a Black Friday! I’m not going to attach an article and pictures because I don’t want you to dwell on anything negative as you end your mission today.

It has been a long day of Bishoping, as I spent 4 hours with a couple who are having some struggles. So it is late and I need to be brief. I suspect your time is short as well. Tell us really quick what you have to do in order to get to the mission home and then make your flight home.

I hope everything went well this last week of your mission. I’m so proud (in the Uchtdorf way J) of your diligent service in South Africa & Botswana! I know Heavenly Father is please with you and that you will reap blessings from your missionary service for the rest of your life. We are looking forward so much to welcoming you home and I couldn’t help but think as I was meeting with the Priests today how awesome it will be to have you teach them next Sunday!

I hope you will use your experience serving the Lord this past two years as a pattern for your entire life, serving with diligence, obedience, faith, enthusiasm and love. I promise if you always do that your life will be blessed, your service meaningful and fruitful, and your joy great.

Son, thank you for returning with honor!

Dad

P.S. – Let us know if there is anything you need last minute. I can transfer cash to your account.

SEE YOU THURSDAY NIGHT – Oh and by the way, I’d recommend sleeping on your flight from Johannesburg to London as soon as you finish your first meal. Stay awake while you are in London Heathrow, then sleep after your first meal on the London to Seattle flight. Once on U.S. soil, do your best to stay awake as that will get your body clock on U.S. time. Once you are home, I’ll set you up on some Melatonin to help you get your sleep cycles on track.

Dear Michael,
I can hardly believe that this is the last email I will be writing you as a missionary. I remember when you left. Dad and I came home from the airport and stood in front of the fireplace and held each other and cried. We then looked at each other and got on with our day. Like Jeff, I was so pleased to have you serving the Lord, and being obedient. It was hard to have you gone, I missed you, but I was always sustained by the knowledge that the Lord would protect you and that you were in His hands.
As the time went by I could see the growth that was taking place spiritually and emotionally. I am indebted to the Lord for what missions do for my boys. I know that the last two years that you gave in service to your Father in Heaven will bless your life everyday, FOREVER. I know that as difficult as it can be to leave behind family and friends, music, etc, it will be even more difficult to leave those whom you have grown to love, and the land that has become your home. But the Lord has a plan for you and knows that it is now time for you to move forward. To begin preparations for the most important time of your life. Becoming a husband and father, beginning your schooling and career, and serving the Lord for the rest of your life. Not necessarily in that order! I know that you are overwhelmed with emotions, that the transition can be intimidating, but you will be fine. You will find that you are still the same Mikey with a twist! I cannot wait to meet you!
I am so proud to your mother, you are such a joy to me. I marvel at your ability to love, your positive attitude, your willingness to be obedient, and the joy you get from life. So many others have been touched by these things, and I know you will have many more opportunities to share your talents with others. The Lord has given you these traits to serve him and others and you have done a wonderful job. Thank you for the example you have set for Kevin. You have no idea the impact you have had on him. He loves and admires you so much. He is so excited to go his mission and I know that your positive attitude and efforts you have given have influenced him so much. He loves you! We all do.
I have tried to bear my testimony to you over time. But I have to say that I am just beginning to realize what my testimony really is and let it guide me. I am not making much sense but I have grown spiritually so much just these last few months. I LOVE the temple, I love the Book of Mormon, I love the Prophet and know that he is the mouthpiece of the Lord. I love our family and am so grateful that we can be together forever as we live the gospel. I am so grateful for the knowledge that the Lord knows us. And because He knows us can protect, guide, and provide what is best for us. I am so thankful for the atonement. That it not only makes up for my sins and shortcomings but allows a way to overcome my sorrows and pains. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and know He lives. He is the Savior and Redeemer of ALL mankind. And He loves us.
And so my son, I write this last email to you and hope you know the love I have for you. My heart is overflowing at the thoughts of seeing you again. I hope that you will leave knowing that you gave your best, that the Lord is pleased and that you will return with honor.
I pray your trip goes smoothly, that you will be able to rest- I know Dad will give you some good tips- and that you will be safe. I am 0-2 on my missionaries getting home on the day they were supposed too- so PLEASE don't miss your flights and GET BACK TO YO MOMMA!!!!
I love you,
Mom
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
BE NOT AFRAID...ONLY BELIEVE!!!

I want to say that BSU's loss has made such an impact on me. Rather the perspective of it has. It was sad, frustrating and nauseating. BUT, today we received news that Dallin Briner was killed in an auto accident, we will share more when you get home, we will know more, but it has made it all seem so trivial. Life goes on, time will heal, that is for BSU but a young man has been called home for a greater purpose. I am humbled by life's fraility and can only pray that I am ready when I am called home. Love ya!

I will post pictures of his return as soon as possible.

Getting Down to the End!

I won't hold him to crying but with a little "JEFFREY" magic, the "little boys" will get to go to the last BSU game!Can't wait for that!










Monday, November 22, 2010
BOISE...........STATE!..................BOISE!................STATE!.............
if i get to go to that game I will cry. i will be so happy. PLEASE IF YOU CAN WORK SOMETHING OUT!
Yes i will do a musical number.... i actually have arranged quite the version of o holy night.... but either way it's fine.
Well this week was crazy!! we had stake conference. but it was just a broadcast from SLC and Elder Oaks gave a talk and just went off about unrighteous traditional practices such as Lebola and others. IT WAS SWEET! and then sister ann m. dibb spoke and gave a nice talk and then Boyd k. Packer spoke. it was super. they even enjoyed elder packers talk even though he isn't quite as vibrant these days. then later on in the day we went to an investigators house and he was watching T.B. Joshua on the tv. he's a crazy nigerian pastor who commiting priestcraft to the highest extent possible. And it was pretty funny. He sent out "wise men" do go into the crowd and "pray for people" he would touch their heads with his hands and some would just sit down other's would flail around. then the man asked me "is this magic?" hoping for me to say "Oh no this is a man of god" but i was just like. "No, it just looks like their sitting down." he wasn't too enthused with my answer eventually we got him to turn it off so we could share a message. the whole point of this story is to point out how blessed we are not to be going to a crazy Nigerian money making prosperity church.
But aside from that the week was great! i'm looking forward to a great final week of missionary work! seeings that next week will be P-day(packing day) on monday and then driving to joburg on tuesday and then leaving on wednesday! so we're just gonna work super hard and make it happen! I don't know if i ever told you about our investigator Sibahle?? well she's getting baptized this sunday! so i'll get to have one last hurrah my last sunday! and then in december they will get to clean up the rest of the ones we have on date! But i'll tell you some sweet stories about her and other sweet investigators next week!
By the way, the orange jerseys for BSU ARE AWESOME! that's what i think anyways. i still can't figure out why you wouldn't want to be putting up decorations next week on thursday evening?? haha
ok well i guess we can just have a chat about my classes when i get back!
But i've been debating just leaving a super short email next week. but maybe i can stretch and leave a mushy sweet awesome one. haha
I can't wait to preach some blood and thunder doctrine to the young men. they will won't even look at girls or alcohol or drugs ever again, they won't even think of looking!!!....... or i'll just talk about the glories of mission and build them spiritually. i guess i can decide when i get to that point. i'm just in a joking mood today, i guess.
well have a great week!
i hope all is well!
i'll try to keep the trunky bugs away this week. but next week..... eish.
the church is true!
-elder johnson


Monday, November 01, 2010

Hello hello hello family!
wow it sounded like a great week in the sports world. aside from us
getting jumped by other teams! Don't worry all things will work
together for our good.
ya that 12 year gap until the michigan state games is a little long. i
think there might be a kevin curtis jr. by then.
So everything is still cool here. We are having a great time teaching
and preaching and working as missionaries do! We have 15 people on
date for baptism now!
We finally saw conference this week! it was awesoem. the priesthood
session was incredible! Uchtdorf is the man and Pres. monson was great
as well.
I heard there was a big stir about president packer's talk. but.... i
don't really see why. What he taught was in harmony with the gospel.
sometimes people like to find reasons to be offended. "he who takes
offence when none is intended is a fool"
unfortunately we only had 4 investigators attend! And sometimes the
talks go right over their heads.... it's hard for me to really enjoy
the talks because the whole time i'm worried about how my
investigators are understanding them!
So i look forward to being able to watch and read them again later
when i can really focus on it!
But time is flying! so i guess i'm doing something right!
We are currently moving and it is hectic! the people who are in our
new place ar not leaving in time! so we are stranded at other
missionaries flats. and i haven't had a clean shirt for like 2 days
now! so hopefully by tonight we'll be in our new place!
We also had some great lessons this week, but norman and mogorosi went
out of town again!! he works for the military and they are keeping him
busy!! EISH!
So i'm very happy and life is good. the weather is getting a bit more
interesting it rains once a week now which is a pretty nice change
from the usual 40 degree celsius heat. But i hope everything goes
well! this week! have a good one!
the church is true!
-elder johnson

Down to 2 more Emails

Today marks the 2nd to last Sunday that we will be needing to send emails to our missionary. At least for 6 more months!!! Kevin is hoping to have his papers in the weekend Michael comes home. He will put his availability date as April 30th! His call could come while he is home for Christmas break! CrAzY!!! But for now we are down to 11 days and 50 or so minutes til Michael comes home.

Monday, November 15, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! CRAZY TEXT AWESOME! haha
gee wizz. that was lots of birthday happiness. THANKS.
Ya Pres. and Sister Morgan are the senior couple in Gabs i see them almost everyday! they're sweet.
Well this week we had 11 at church! and a totally awesome solid new investigator named Sylvester! he brought his whole family to church! so that boosted our numbers! he's getting baptized in December.... so i miss it. but it's ok. WE had a crazy week! We drove to Mochudi to help the missionaries up there move flats and on the way up our Truck died! so we were stuck there all day that's why i didn't email until monday. but because of that the other missionaries who use the truck are dependant on us for lifts, one of them is Elder Hatch my former companion and his son Elder Bangerter. So it's been pretty fun. so the work is suffering a bit in our area because of it but it's keeping their area alive. and as ZONE leaders the Zone is our area so we have to sacrifice a bit!
Yes i got my package it was lekker!
The new companionship is great. except that it's almost over. elder rod is just a super chill awesome guy.
as far as school goes.... I like choir and the other classes i'm not sure about theatre though.... but i'll take a look at whats available and figure somethign out!!
Ugh.. the leadership council and zone conference were hectic. we had to make 2 30-45 minute workshops. 1 for each meeting. then book the chapel, book the food, provide the missionaries coming in from far away a place to stay. and just crazy stuff that ensues.
The job sounds sweet! I'll TAKE IT!
Well to be honest about my feelings about what lies ahead.... I'm scared... a little. I'll miss africa a bunch. But it's definately a new chapter that i'm looking forward to! There is a season for all things. I don't know if i will remember how to be sociable with women or if i'll be able to hug anyone. and i'll only listen to motab and watch BYU TV and the sabbath will start on saturday at sundown. and.... HAHA jk
and the college football world is in chaos. what else is new? gotta love the BCS.
I would love to teach the priests quorum i will whip them into shape!! even little tychster!
well the church is true! i'm loving these last few weeks! i'll definately keep up the pace!
-elder johnson

A Robbery? Are You Kidding Me???

Well, this is the FIRST "bad" thing Michael has told us about. I am certain there will be others that we will find out about when he gets home. I never worry about my missionaries while they are serving the Lord. I feel that they are in His hands and will be protected. Jeffrey had some wild stories that he told us once he was home and I am sure Michael will have a few. Keeping it quiet is the best thing for this momma!!
Tomorrow marks 3 weeks til he is home. I am so excited! With Thanksgiving right around the corner and all the preparations for the holidays, it will be here before I know it. Enough for now!

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Well... I am PROUD TO BE A BRONCO. where at least i know i'm free. And i won't forget the BYU students who can't let their faces get hairy! haha
well just to get the foreshadowing to a great homecoming story out of the way.... I had to buy a new bag and scriptures this week and we are missing a window in our car! :) So... hopefully my home funds can keep me afloat at the end of the month!
but that's enough on that, i'll tell you the rest in a few weeks!
So what's new this week? well we had a great lesson with Uyapho this week! we are still working with him it's gonna be a long hard road but we're gonna get him even if i'm not there for it! We also have had some great new investigators who are progressing wonderfully. We finally found out some of the concerns that are keeping norman from being baptized. So hopefully we can iron some of those out before the 28th. We're still hoping for that to be a VERY BIG DAY!
Wow, i hope that my room will be in good shape still. I can't believe it will be the same?!?!
It sounds like boise state continues to dominate! i can't wait to get involved with the school and sporting events and all that jazz! speaking of jazz, i was even thinking about doing choir there. but we'll see.
Eish... it was a crazy week. definately one to remember. And this week we have SO MANY meetings. zone conference and leadership councils. and we pretty much have to set up everything. it's good to be busy it gives you little time to think about anything else.
I'm glad to hear that jeff is loving arizona. I would love to go there again. hopefully we'll be blessed with a BCS game there.
And yes the big b-day is coming. i can finally say i'm 21 and i'll be an official adult in the countries i'm serving in. Over here you're not a legal major until your 21.
I loved hearing dad's story from his mission about crazy land lords. At least people over there only hate you because you're a "mormon" Here people hate me because i'm white. but they love me because i'm a missionary. And police don't help here, they hinder. :)
I realized i never really heard to many stories about dad's mission. But i guess we'll be talking a lot about missions in a few weeks so that will be a good time to hear some.
well i hope all is well! it was raining like crazy today. i hope it continues! its a good change!
the church is true
-elder johnson

The Work is Going Strong!

Monday, November 01, 2010

Hello hello hello family!
wow it sounded like a great week in the sports world. aside from us
getting jumped by other teams! Don't worry all things will work
together for our good.
ya that 12 year gap until the michigan state games is a little long. i
think there might be a kevin curtis jr. by then.
So everything is still cool here. We are having a great time teaching
and preaching and working as missionaries do! We have 15 people on
date for baptism now!
We finally saw conference this week! it was awesoem. the priesthood
session was incredible! Uchtdorf is the man and Pres. monson was great
as well.
I heard there was a big stir about president packer's talk. but.... i
don't really see why. What he taught was in harmony with the gospel.
sometimes people like to find reasons to be offended. "he who takes
offence when none is intended is a fool"
unfortunately we only had 4 investigators attend! And sometimes the
talks go right over their heads.... it's hard for me to really enjoy
the talks because the whole time i'm worried about how my
investigators are understanding them!
So i look forward to being able to watch and read them again later
when i can really focus on it!
But time is flying! so i guess i'm doing something right!
We are currently moving and it is hectic! the people who are in our
new place ar not leaving in time! so we are stranded at other
missionaries flats. and i haven't had a clean shirt for like 2 days
now! so hopefully by tonight we'll be in our new place!
We also had some great lessons this week, but norman and mogorosi went
out of town again!! he works for the military and they are keeping him
busy!! EISH!
So i'm very happy and life is good. the weather is getting a bit more
interesting it rains once a week now which is a pretty nice change
from the usual 40 degree celsius heat. But i hope everything goes
well! this week! have a good one!
the church is true!
-elder johnson
The pictures are just a random ones that I found online. But they show the beauty of the land that Michael has been serving in. I know the next few weeks will be very full of service, teaching and goodbyes. It will not be easy. But I know Michael will finish strong and do his best to the very end.