sorry some of my posts are not in order.  Hopefully Lisa can fix it when I get home

Dear Family and Friends, Nov. 5 2014

It is starting to get cold here but nothing like at home. A jacket is not even necessary all the time.

It is so wonderful that it rained in Oregon. It is a miracle to start your fast and have it rain that day. It was a wonderful birthday present for Elder Johnston on Saturday.

Elder Johnston was sent a package on his birthday—we picked up and had the Elders with us. He handed it to one of the Elders to open it while we were driving. They replaced the present with missionary pamphlets and Book of Mormons. Then they had him open it. “Oh, this is very nice, I can always use these.” He said. The Elders really could not contain themselves and really started laughing. What a fun thing to do. The elders are so great and their teaching is superb.

We are experiencing many wonderful things here. The spirit is strong in many of the homes we visit. We have been showing the video” Because of Him” on mormon.org. Such a powerful message of Jesus Christ. It really has made a nice feeling be with us as we show it to people.

We have some wonderful people here in our area. We feel so grateful to be here.

We had a young man drown last week. He and his brother was very close. The mom was very concerned about the brother, because he was not showing very much emotion and had not cried. She finally asked him if he was okay. His answer was so tender. “I remember what I have been taught at Church. I know where my brother is and that I will see him again”

What a wonderful testimony for all of us. The Lord does not leave us alone if we can only ask for His spirit to be with us and except it in our hearts.

May the Lord be with each of you in your own trials each day. We love and miss you.

The Johnston Missionaries in South Carolina  

Nov. 11, 2014

I have not told you about our apartment. It has two bedroom, a very nice kitchen (small) and the living room and Dinning room are together. It had been freshly painted and new flooring and carpet put in. the stove, fridge, and microwave are new. The living room furniture are new and a very nice table and chairs, the bedroom furniture is very nice also. We have a washer and dryer, which is wonderful not having to take our clothes to a Laundromat.

We walk up 17 steps to our apartment---but this way we are not hearing footsteps over us all the time. I appreciate that a lot because our floor is very creaky.

We have some very nice neighbors and a good safe neighborhood. We could go walking at night and be safe. We are in a very nice subdivision. This used to be a farm, so the area is not too old. There are 4 apartment buildings with 8 apartments in each building. The Elders live here and also another Senior Couple.

there are trees on three sides of the subdivision. And probably water too. In the wooded area, there are wild pigs, lots of snakes, raccoons, deer and maybe a few black bears also. So I do not think I will be walking through the woods even though they are very pretty---to LOOK at.

The Mission set us up in the apartment with all of the kitchen supplies that are needed.

There are several groceries stores here plus a Walmart. Also the gas prices are much lower here than we are used to. Yesterday we paid $2.69 a gal. It is a good thing it is low---we have put a lot of miles on our car. Our members live up to 30 minutes away in two different directions. Then to find another person you need to drive another 20 to 30 mins. The countryside is very beautiful to look at and even the homes in the towns are beautiful. So the extra driving is entertaining. Marion does have the oldest homes. Marion was established in 1789, and some of the original mansions are still here.

We have been having some wonderful times with the Elders and Sister Missionaries. They are such great teachers and love the people. It is really an honor for us to accompany them on their visits.

We are making great friends and wonderful memories here.

We miss ya'all take care---love the Johnston Missionaries  

Nov 17, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

We have been seen many miracles happen while we have been here.

On Elder Johnston's birthday it rained a lot at home. Sterling had planted a major part of our wheat into dry ground and was needing moisture very badly---the rain was at a perfect time for the wheat. What a blessing to have the rain come for us and everyone else. Now the snow covering the wheat will even be a greater miracle for the winter wheat. Heavenly Father indeed is watching over us.

There was another huge miracle here. Our Sister Missionaries were involved in a very serious car accident. They were really being watched over and protected because with only minor problems they are okay. The other driver had to be life flighted and was in the hospital several days.

There is a new Elder here. He is very good and we really enjoy working with the Elders very much. Such an inspiring thing to be able to be around them.

There are many of our visits each day that are not so great, but we feel if we can have one good thing happen a day---we are blessed. One night we were looking for an inactive member—in the dark---our GPS took us to what looked like a dead end. Elder Johnston saw a man just getting home, so he went over to ask for directions. It really is a polite thing to tell people who we are and why we are looking for a person. We look quite official in a suit, you know. I feel like sometimes people wonder what we are doing. Anyway, elder Johnston asked him what church he went to. He said he was looking for a different church to go to. We gave him some reading material and went back a week later. He is so kind and hopefully is interested. It is so wonderful meeting new people and trying to be of service to people.

We went with the Elders and helped rake up leaves for a lady today. It started out cold but the sun came out and it was fun.

Hope you are not freezing too much at home. We think of you all with loving thoughts because we miss you.

Love ya'all, the Johnston's   

__._,_.___

Dec 8, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Oh my, it is Monday again!!!

the time is flying by---we are so busy, but the work is so fulfilling. We raked leaves for a lady---made me wonder what my leaves at home are doing (under snow???). At least I hope there is snow!

We have received so many nice emails from friends. Thank ya'll for thinking of us.

One of the Elders asked us what the best part of our Mission was. I think for me is that the two of us can spend 24-7 together. We have had so many enjoyable times together. I really appreciate my husband a lot.

Rochelle (our daughter) just sent us a wonderful Christmas Present. She made gifts for us to give to our friends here. What a fantastic fun thing to receive!!! we will have so much fun giving them at Christmas time. Thank you Rochelle.

Our sister Missionaries have left us. The one young lady needed to go home so she could mend from the accident, the other has 6 weeks left and was sent to another area. We will miss them, but they are both in better places for now. The car accident was very serious and we are just very grateful they were kept safe.

I love Christmas time. The lights at night are so beautiful everywhere we go. The Church has put out a beautiful (short) video on christmas.mormon.org ---if you have not had a chance to see it---please look on line and watch it. It has a great message for each of us for Christmas. We are able to show it to people we see because we have downloaded it on our Ipad. Sister Peterson sent us a beautiful email with her feeling of Christmas and her love of Jesus Christ. May each of us have a peaceful Christmas full of love for our friends and those who we don't even know. Greet others you meet with a smile and act happy to see them. The responses you receive make it SO worth while. We miss everyone and especially this time of year—but we are trying to bring some joy to others here, so that makes it worthwhile.

We have a grandson that is on a Mission in Oregon, and another grandson going into the MTC at Provo, Utah on Wednesday. May they both feel our love for them, as they will be away from their families this Christmas time also.

We love you all and please know we are thinking of each of you.

With love, The Johnston Missionaries

Sister Christensen, sister Parker 

Elder Smith and Elder Retker

Elder and Sister Nolan

these are the Missionaries that were serving here when we
arrived in Marion, South Carolina

This is our good friend, Glen Arthur.  It is hard to catch him home but is worth the effort because he is such a good story teller. He coaches softball for girls---and has many tales about the experiences he has had.  there was a fire in his home--and he would not let us come inside until last week.  we only had a few moments to spare and was dropping off a video for him---but he would not take any excuses ---we had to go inside and see that his living room was ready for people.   He really is sweet.  His wife passed away some time ago and he has stopped coming to church.  we are trying to help him realize that he is needed back with us.

Heather Smith

The Fall Fest at the Marion branch   at church.   there was a wonderful turn out very successful.  there was a Chili Cook off.  Elder Nolan and Elder Johnston were the Judges

Lasonyia Williams daughter

Gloria Hayes daughter Serenity

Heather smiths husband and twins

Charlie Joe  Lane (Freeman)

Pres. Cabaniss's boy in the back
Heather Smith boys in front

Heather Cabaniss and Sister Nolan

Robin Beck   so sweet

the Sister Missionaries reaching into our trunk!!!

Our trunk made up for trick or treating

Here are some beautiful Homes in Marion  there are homes here that were built before the Civil War.  we drive by them daily and never tire of looking at them.  Lots of moss hanging from the trees and beautiful lawns--very well kept.  Of course they do not have to irrigate the lawns and they can even drive on the lawns ---it is almost indestructible.  

It is starting to have browner lawns in the end of November though.
I wish I could put more of the pictures on here.  I want to remember how beautiful they are.

Shelton and Brenda Freeman  with their Granddaughter Charlie Joe

they have become wonderful friends.  He had a very serious surgery just after we got here.  He is doing great now.  Shelton is a mechanic, has a wonderful garden.  they share with us all the time.   Brenda wondered if we don't eat Mustard Greens, Collard greens and Fat Back---"what do you eat in Oregon???"
Here they are cooking Thanksgiving Dinner.

Collard Greens and Fat Back

This is Hazel Thomas and her G reat Grandchildren.  they love us coming and pull their chairs up close to watch Mormon Moments on our I Pad.they are always good for several HUGS!!!

Little Girls really have some great hair style!!!  I have asked several of them if the beads hurt when they lay on them at night.   they all look at me like --what are you talking about---of course they don't hurt me!!!

 We ended up in South of The Border, South Carolina.  It is right on the border of North Carolina.  we had an inactive family that lived in Hamor and was waiting for the Father to come home.  We finally met Charles Brayboy about 6 weeks later.

South of the Border is very well advertised not really our cup of tea though.  We didn't have to be there very long.  Just to say we were there I guess.

Brook Green Gardens at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach South Carolina

we went with the Nolan's the first P-Day we had when we got to Marion,

South Carolina.

Dear family and friends, Oct. 27, 2014

we have really had an interesting week. On Friday evening, there was a Fall Fest at the church. There were 93 people there. They hold this event every year, has become quite the tradition. A chili cook-off is the big thing!!!! Elder Johnston and the Elder Nolan were the judges---sure grateful that I didn't have to judge!! there were lots of desserts too. Then there was a trunk or treat for the kids. We made big teeth on our trunk lid and red paper in the bottom of our trunk for a mouth. Kind of fun!!

Saturday evening was Stake Conference. The missionaries were asked to sing “We'll Bring the World It's Truth” there are about 50 in our stake. It was wonderful to sing with everyone—reminded me of singing as a family when Sterling came home from his mission. Almost made me cry. Then to our surprise they asked us to bear our testimonies first thing. At least we did not have to wonder all through the meeting if we would be asked. (one of the speakers did not show up).

The Sunday meeting was great. Afterward we had two of the recent converts ordained Elders. Such great men.

Our friends, Elder and sister Nolan, were transferred to Columbia to work in the office. We are getting another couple here next Monday—they are transferred from another area of South Carolina. They will be here for 13 months. Such a nice couple. We met them at our senior training a week ago.

Tuesday we are taking the sister missionaries to Columbia and on Wednesday we pick them up. We are getting a new sister and a new Elder. Plus the new Senior Couple. Lots of NEW!!!! keeps us on our toes.

Everyday we have at least one little miracle occur. Today we met with a recent convert and will get to give the new member lessons to them as a family. What joy to be able to teach someone.

We are starting a 20 day fast in our Branch for Missionary work. Everyone in the Branch will take one day and fast for the Missionary work to have miracles happen. It will be a wonderful experience to be a part of.

We love you all and pray that life is being good for you'all the Johnston Missionaries

 Oct. 22, 2014  Hello, What a wonderful week we have had. We picked up people to go to church with us and a lot of others came that were invited by other missionaries. What a thrill when people want to go to church.

We have also had some good meetings that we were able to attend. The young missionaries are so knowledgeable and so willing to share their testimonies with us. Really helps our testimonies to grow even more.

Tuesday, we went to Columbia where our Mission President gave us a wonderful message on Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. How to make it happen in our own lives. Gene R. Cook gave a wonderful talk about it. There are six suggestions that may assist you in exercising your faith in Jesus Christ.

1. Be believing with a desire single to the glory of God.
2. Commit yourself to do what ever you need to do to make that desire in your heart happen.
3. Then do all in your power to fulfill your part
4. pray , believing you will have your righteous desire, and they will come, in the Lord's due time.
5. Expect trials of your faith—for after much tribulation come the blessings
6. expect the Lord to act

Prayers that appear on the surface not to be answered, are often the ones that are answered the most meaningfully.

I pray that this will give you the same feeling it gave me. Of course you are not getting the whole hour talk like we received---but only the high lights.

We also got to see MEET THE MORMONS movie. It was wonderful!!! please go see it if you have not had an opportunity to do so already. And take someone with you!!!

Sure miss everyone---we send our love and especially our prayers for Brother May and his family.

Love the Johnston Missionaries in South Carolina  

Oct 13, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Every time we drive thru town or thru the country side looking for people—I see churches everywhere. We were told that South Carolina is a very religious state. What a great thing when on Sunday morning you see everyone around going to church. We have seen so many churches, that I was curious if it was possible to find out (approximately) how many churches there were. I checked it out on google and in the town of Marion there were over 40 that were LISTED. Who knows how many weren't on the list or out of the town. In the 8 towns that are in our branch---there are over 100 churches. In the county we live in over 3000. Amazing to me!!!

The cotton is really popping out!!! they must defoliate so the leaves die and then the cotton really comes to LIFE !!!!! So very pretty. I recalled how Aden said that he had a white Christmas in South Carolina because of all the cotton Blooming, that's what it looks like.

So interesting to go into a grocery store and find all kinds of flower plants, and garden plants for sale. They are still planting some things here. Very different. Never have seen Okra growing before. It gets very tall, 4 to 5 feet at least. They have to pick it every morning and will really get a lot off each plant.

It even has a pretty flower. We had some boiled and it was real tasty!!!

We spent Saturday and Sunday of last week at the church watching General Conference broadcast from Salt Lake City. We ate lunch and supper there both days. Of course it started at 12;00 and 4:00 both days. Was some marvelous talks we both really enjoyed it. Most of the time there were only the 8 missionaries there---we had about 20 at the Saturday morning session. We all had a spiritual time together.

Elder Johnston and I have been searching out lost people on the Branch records. We have driven lots of roads and most of the time I do not know where we are, just grateful for GPS. Have found a lot of people and talked to a lot of neighbors to find people that have moved. There are so many kind, helpful people in our area. It really has been very enjoyable to talk to everyone. It has also given us the opportunity to see the fields—crops growing, being harvested, the beautiful trees and mowed grass everywhere. They don't have water anything. Just comes this way naturally!!

Sunday was so good. We had over 60 people come to church. The speakers have only been members for less than a year and did an excellent job.

The Branch President's daughter fell out of the swing, and broke her femur. They needed to do surgery. They stayed the hospital 4 ½ days. They had 3 boys at home. We went over on one afternoon and spent the night. The boys told their parents that the Mormons came and spent time with them. Their mom said there were a lot of members of the church that helped out. They said---but they had us read the scriptures and have family prayer!!! Funny boys!!! We were the only Mormons that spent the night!!! It was nice to help out they are a nice family. Home schooled---so we got to be teachers too.

One day last week all eight missionaries and the Branch Mission leader went to a lady's home to do yard work. It was great fun!!! all working together. She was so great grateful for the work---her health is very bad. We went back on Sunday---there were leaves all over the lawn again!!! looks like fall is in the air.

We are so fortunate to be in an environment back home to have the opportunity to live in the country and have had work for our children to do. Seeing the kids in town—with nothing to do, makes us realize how very blessed we are. As we are meeting so many wonderful people here in South Carolina who are such good people, but are living without Heavenly Father's guidance, it makes our hearts ache to see how complicated their lives have become because of this lack of direction.

It is such a treat for us to be here,trying to help show Heavenly Father's love and concern for everyone—anyway we can

We sure miss everyone. It is a good thing everyone here is SO good to us---or we would hurry home. We do love it here. It is fun being a Missionary!!!

Love the Johnston Missionaries

PS-- look on our blog for pictures eldersisterjohnston.blogspot.com  

this is called THE GROVE  it is a bed and breakfast place that they give tours in    the 1800s'
has some of the original furniture in it   very beautiful  

 cut peanuts ready to harvest   there are so many on the vines

 they row them so they can be combined












this is a field of peanuts that are still green
so interesting to find the fields in so many different stages of development

these pictures were all taken the same day

Oct. 13, 2014

We really have met some fantastic people here, many in the Branch are not active any more. The ones we find at home have been so good to us. On the 14 th of Oct. Pat Woodward's family was one of our visits. Her brother is going to have surgery on this Friday, we are praying everything goes well for him. The artery in his neck is 95% blocked. He is going to a good hospital—with good doctors, that will help. He is getting a blessing, I was grateful when I heard that. He may need to stay down for 2 months. He is a Mechanic for Case International, and was telling us how to fix our tractor oil leak. Sounds simple---hope it is. He commented how the blockage makes the brain not get enough blood, so after the surgery he will be a genus again. His wife said—the optional word is AGAIN!!! They gave us some sweet potatoes. Have a wonderful garden. Asked if we like collards and mustard greens. Said we had never cooked with them before. He wondered if we like Fat Back---never had it---She wondered what we ate in Oregon!!!

Pat's sister, Sheila is inactive. She greeted us so warmly, invited us in the house. Her husband is a fireman and a paramedic. Such a gracious couple. Before we left, she had given me string beans from the garden and peppers. Then got some cinnamon rolls for our breakfast. Made us feel so welcome.

We drove by Durwood Lane's home. It was dark, gets dark so early, but someone was on the porch. ( everyone here has a porch to sit on.) we stopped and had a nice visit with them. He hauls logs and works long hours. He was very tired so we didn't stay too long.

Mary McCray was a fun visit. We had never been there before. As we knocked on the front door, she walked around from the back of her home. Asked who we were. As we walked towards her, she realized we were the missionaries and gave me a big hug!! then reached for Garold to give him a hug. Then she stopped and said “Oh, I'm not supposed to hug you but , oh well, I am going to anyway!!”

What a gracious lady. We could not visit with her that day, but she wanted us to come back and see her. We will call. The sisters visit with her every week and give her a lesson. Gave her the proclamation to the family.

We are receiving emails from a lot of friends. Really makes our day to hear from them. Last nite we got a text from Carol Cox asking if we were in the BIG storms way. Then my sister Bonnie text-ed the same question. Also received a email from Julie Blakeslee asking about the storm. Nice that we are thought about and worried about. Makes us feel loved.

A beautiful Fountain at Brookgreen Gardens at
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  

We visited this gorgeous garden on our P-day, with the other Senior couple, Elder and Sister Nolan.  

It would take days to see it all.  there are beautiful statues there also.

One of the Oak trees had a plaque saying it was there when the Constitution of  Declaration was signed.  Lots of moss drip from the limbs of the trees.  It makes you feel like you are in a "Never, Never Land".  

 

These are soybeans---makes the soybeans look REALLY tall
but our friend is actually standing in a ditch.   the really neat part was the soybeans were planted after a wheat crop was harvested.  wish we could pull that off at our place

 This is an old tobacco barn ---you see them every where down here.  They never destroy any buildings down here.    

 this is a grasshopper notice how BIG it is in comparison to the shoe!!!!

 there is grass everywhere you look---and the mow all of it.   so beautiful and green.   some yards will have acres of grass that they mow.

(Guess they do not know cows eat grass!!!!)

this is a field of cotton---they must spray it with something so the leaves die  and then the cotton can be harvested.

 This is cotton ready to be harvested.

this is an ant pile of FIRE ANTS---they are everywhere and their bite feels like fire.   they are very tiny but will sure hurt.  

we have gophers---they have fire ants