These dang michiganders

June 10, 2019

Hi! It's been a while!

Let me catch you all up on what has been going on. Saturday was a sad time knowing that it was our last classes as a district. Sunday even more so because we said goodbye to half of them. Sunday we had fast Sunday which was so awesome. We also did a musical number as a district which was "If the Savior stood beside me" and I hope each of you can ponder the words of the song and think about how we would be if we knew the savior stood beside us. He really is beside us in all things and knows exactly how we feel. That night we also had a departing devotional which was awesome and we got to hear from the MTC presidency. 

Then Monday we didn't have very much to do because we didn't have any lessons to prepare for, so me and Sister Kenney accidentally took a 3 1/2 hour nap. No worries though we just missed a couple things, but it worked out. Word of advice--don't nap in the MTC and if you do, make sure your alarm is right.

Tuesday was a party because it was Elder Day's birthday! Shout out to that guy and all the treats he shared with us. We also got to hear from Elder Gong in the devotional which was so amazing. I loved how he mentioned that we need to stop looking at ourselves through the world's mirror but instead through heaven's mirror to see the reflection God sees. So powerful to realize that God looks on the heart and that we shouldn't worry about the other things of the world. 

Wednesday was crazy! The elders traveling with us missed the bus to get to the airport but they made it before the flight left. We landed in Detroit and our flight to Lansing got delayed for over an hour, and we ended up flying on a different plane. After we landed we went to the mission home and had Sister Brennan's homemade cafe Rio. So bomb. Also Michigan is so beautiful. There are trees everywhere and it is so green. So because there were too many of us to all sleep in the mission home, me and another sister slept at the STL's apartment. Tragically, after getting reassurance from one of the STLs, they said no one has ever fallen off the bunk bed but low and behold, I was the first. I have a gnarly bruise on my arm but it's too funny. 

Thursday I met my new companion! Her name is Sister Nuttall and she is so sweet! We also went to ARP with one of our new friends that night and that was fun. Friday was definitely a tough day with Alfonzo dropping us out of nowhere. We also door knocked and got ripped apart by this guy. Little did we know, his address was on the "places to avoid" notes. Live and you learn I guess. 

Me and Sister Nuttall, my trainer

Saturday was a lot of fun! The weather was so nice so we walked to the Tridge for our study time. We also met with country Mike. LOVE that guy. We also were able to meet with Roger and Heidi and we seriously love them! The hard part about Michigan is that everyone loves to talk so we almost can never get a lesson in haha. These Michiganders really make it tough but we do our best to squeeze in doctrines when we can. Then we went to this awesome food truck night to do some PC and ended up getting a ton of bomb food too. We also met with Kyle who just finished his new member lessons which was lots of fun. He is awesome. 

Us with bomb food

Sunday was also amazing. The Midland 2nd Ward cares so much about missionary work and they will help us however they can. I accidentally forgot my tag when I got to church but thankfully only one person called me out for it. We also had zero of our six people come to church that had committed before. That was sad but we will help them get there. We also got to have dinner with the James. I LOVE THEM. We have a whole plan as to how Sister Nuttall is going to marry their son. It is amazing. We also read the Book of Mormon with Cheryl over the phone which was awesome. 

This turtle lives near the Elders' apartment

I can testify that this is the true church and we really have the restored gospel on earth. The Book of Mormon is such a blessing and I invite you all to please read it whenever you can. 

Love you all! Enjoy your week!

Sister Riana Johnson

2201 Ashman St

Apt #2

Midland, MI  48640

riana.johnson@missionary.org