Bonjour Family and Friends!

The second week went much better than the first week. We now have two teachers who teach us in three hour shifts. The other five hours we have personal study, language study, and companionship study on our own. We have more of a schedule now so things are running a lot more smoothly. You can tell the Elder's who have never moved away from home because we had to explain to them how to do laundry.. They were shocked when we said they couldn't just put everything together at once and that they could DEFINITELY not put their suits in the washers. The MTC Presidency talks a lot to us about trying to stay focus and not to get distracted by "flirting." We assured them that won't be a problem because we all feel more like their mother's than anything. This week has been full of a lot more laughs than tears so that's always a good thing! Finding joy in the little things has been really important. 

Studying hard (or hardly studying) in our classroom

Thanksgiving here was such an unique experience. In the morning we went to a devotional with Elder Oaks. He gave quite an interesting talk. He focused a lot on the history of Thanksgiving and our Founding Fathers. He told us that we need to pray to heal the wounds of our nation. He read a couple of quotes from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Afterwards he said, "I wish our leaders today would say things like they did." Everyone started laughing because you could tell where he stood with his political beliefs... haha. I do agree we have some incredible Founding Fathers who no doubt were men led by God. He also talked about how we always have things to be grateful for because even during afflictions the Lord pours out his blessings upon us. After we had a "Thanksgiving" lunch and it was probably the best meal I have had at the MTC. In the afternoon we did a big service project. We put together 357,000 meals for hungry children in Utah. It's amazing how many people are in need of service even in our hometown. It was great day spent with lots of uplifting words and lots of service. I hope thanksgiving was great for all of you! 

Temple Walk with my companion Soeur Brown

This week I am taking on a "Challenge to Purify." The definition of purify means to sanctify or to make clean. We all have things that are limiting us from reaching our full potential or from becoming what Heavenly Father wants us to be. As we "purify" our lives and get rid of those things that are holding us back from becoming more like the Savior, we will be able to better reach our full potential. "Who you are and what you are, is more important than what you ever say." (David A. Bednar) The things we do and how we act when we think "no one" is watching will leave much more of an impact on others than what we ever say. One of my favorite quotes comes from the Lion King when he says, "Remember who you are..You are better than you've become." As we remember who we are (Children of God) we will make better choices and want to strive to live a more pure and virtuous life. The challenge to "purify" can be applied to all our lives because none of us are perfect. Luckily, we don't have to do it alone. We can ask for help from the only pure and perfect person who ever lived. Through the enabling power of the atonement we can be given the strength to purify as we resist those temptations and overcome those weaknesses that are holding us back from our potential. 

Thank you for all your examples of pure and virtuous living. I definitely have lots to be grateful for! 

Love, 

Soeur Johnson 

"We must not forget the source of all our blessings" -Abraham Lincoln