Writings from West Virginia: My heart is staying in Wytheville!

I am leaving Wytheville after 7 months! This place has absolutely changed my entire life. I love it (especially those in the ward, those I taught, and the families I love) and I will miss it here. I am headed to Buena Vista! In BV there is SVU, a small college/university that actually is geared more toward the LDS community! One of my favorite authors, Orson Scott Card, teaches at SVU! I MIGHT GET TO MEET HIIIIMMMM! That is so cool.

The week has been full of goodbyes. Been crazy busy with everything. This is going to be short, because I need to get going, but here are some highlights:

Last Thursday we did service at the Food Kitchen! It was my last time, and it was actually really really fun. I love seeing how happy the people get by getting fed good food. It makes me smile when people get excited by something I do/did.

On Saturday morning, we got a call from G. He was having a hard time with some of his family, because they treat him really poorly. It was a great show of faith for him to call us and ask us to come over and talk with him. We shared some scriptures and really just chilled out and calmed him down. Elder Bean gave him an amazing blessing, it made G. and I cry. He also came to basketball that night, and I think the exercise was good for him too.

Sunday was Stake Conference in Pembroke! A member of the 6th quorum of the seventy, Alain L Allard, from Montreal, came to preside. It was a really awesome meeting. President Averett gave a great talk about Covenants, the associated promises, and the sacrifices we need to sometimes make to gain the blessings. I have a testimony that sacrifice brings blessings. The Lord never forgets those who "give up something [they] love to the God [they] love even more."

President and Sister Salisbury also attended Stake Conference! After the meeting, the Hillsville elders and I were standing next to the bathroom, waiting for Elder Bean, when up walks President! He pulls out these sheets of white paper that are stapled together, tells us that it's the information on where EVERYONE in the mission is going, and starts taunting us with it! Looking us up and talking all vaguely about our new areas/companions. Gosh dang it President! I still love him though. He is an amazing man.

I was so excited Tuesday night to find out that I was going to Buena Vista. For those who don't know, BV has a lot of personal meaning to a family member who is very close to me, and he and I are pretty close, so it is a huge tender mercy for both of us that I will be going there to serve. I am thankful for this chance, and it's just a testimony builder to me that the Lord really knows who we are and is watching over us.

Sorry this is so short! I love you all, but I have to get running. Busy day today too. Going on a hike! Have a great week, and make it the best one yet!

Love,

Elder Brax Johnson

Side note: Brax will be serving with Elder Numbers. They will be the Zone Leaders for the Buena Vista area.