Saturday is P-day for me in the MTC :)

Dear Friends,

Wow! This week has gone by quickly! It feels like just yesterday I was dropped off. I've been here for almost 4 days now. I am learning so much so quickly. I never understood what Ryan* was talking about with learning things really quickly. It didn't make a whole lot of sense, you know? But now that I'm here, I can tell you that your testimony does not grow slow here. It jumps in leaps and bounds!

So, my companion is Elder Sorenson. He is from Rockland, California and is 19 years old. In my district is Elder Stallings, from Ogden, Elder Carter, from Cedar City. (They are headed to Calgary.) Elders Buttars, Young, and Mullennax are also in our District. They are headed to West Virginia just like Elder Sorenson and I!

We met our District and Zone leaders on Wednesday night. Elder Clarke and Elder Olivera are our Zone leaders until Sunday. Elder Clark WAS our District Leader until Thursday night, when we met our Branch Presidency and Elder Carter was named District Leader.

Speaking of Leadership positions, guess what? Elder Sorenson and I were named Zone Leaders! Woo hoo! Responsibility! We don't technically start until Sunday, which is when orientation is. We get two new Districts on Wednesday, when the new Elders show up. Elder Sorenson and I are over them until Sunday, when we get ready to leave and they get their own Zone/District Leaders.

I thank all of you who have sent packages and letters. I love getting them, and hearing about how life isn't a whole lot different. (Looking at you, Hank*. ;D)

It's alright to be sad that I'm gone, but don't forget why I'm here, to take The Gospel to the people of West Virginia. Remember that, and remember to write, and I'll be home in no time.

I love all of you! Stay strong!

- Elder Johnson

Elder Braxton Thomas Johnson
JUN17  WV-CHAR
2009 N 900 E Unit 150
Provo UT 84602

Jenn's addition:
*Ryan (and Kyle) are his cousins and best friends. Ryan is serving in the Thailand, Bangkok mission
*Hank is his uncle, Brax traveled with him when Hank spoke at firesides, etc. He is one of his closest friends besides his cousins.