Howdy!

On July 13, 2010, Elder Johnson wrote:

Hello Family!

First order of business: my district has been eliminated. My companions and I were moved to another district, new teachers, and a new branch. That's just how missionary work is though. My new MTC mailbox number is 96, but Tuesday is still my P-day.

A few words about some things: The Provo temple is interesting. It was built in the 70's and looks like it; weird shape and slightly resembles a muffin with a lit candle on top of it. The inside is large and has many stories. One thing is for sure, I like our temple's organization system way better...Not that it's bad here...This is one of the busiest temples in the world, which is cool, but...I don't know...Gotta love Utah.

The cafeteria had "gyros" for lunch a few days ago...They weren't anything like poppa Pete's.

The USPS recently put out some stamps entitled "Cowboys of the Silver Screen." They don't sell them here, but if you feel so prompted, I would enjoy some for the remainder of my time here, to put on my letters.

My companion Elder Sonntag is auditioning for a musical number for one of our upcoming devotionals, along with the accompanying piano, there is a cello part. Being in the practice room with them made me remember and miss the nights I would fall asleep to Shakira playing her cello. She is way better than the guy we have, but I don't dare tell him that. Some people can really bear testimony through music, like Shakira on her cello. This last Sunday we had a devotional from Jenny Oaks Baker, who is the youngest daughter of Dallin H. Oaks, and a violinist known around the world. It was cool because Elder Oaks was there, and the whole devotional was music. You ought to look her up, she can really play.

I came across a scripture in Mosiah (3:20) I think you will enjoy.

Our new district leader held a testimony/getting to know each other meeting a few days ago. I am excited to meet and get to know and work with my new district. At the end, our district leader told all the new guys what he admired about them. He told me that I was wonderful and meek, and when my investigators look at me they will see Christ. It touched me and my heart was burning inside me, a testification of the truth of the Gospel and of my Heavenly Father's love for me. I love to teach and am so excited to go out and do so, because I so want the people I teach to feel that love that radiates from Him for us!! I know my Savior lives! Because He lives, I am! Because He lives, I can live forever! Because He lives I never ever ever have to be alone! Because He lives I can be with my family and those I love, happy, forever! Because He lives, I can believe something enough to teach it! And I DO believe!!!

This next week will be interesting getting to know new teachers, but it won't be too bad. The guys in my district are great, hard working guys, and they will be great missionaries.

I love you all so much!!!

Elder Iver A. Johnson