Did I ever tell you about MOAB?

Moab Utah is a wonderful place to visit and explore! We had 5 days down there in March and barely scratched the surface of outdoor activities we could do. My parents were sweet and rented a super nice condo for us to stay while we played for a week. The boys absolutely LOVED the hot tub. I think this vacation was the most active, yet most mentally relaxing one we have had for a long time. I didn't feel like I needed to go home to recover from the trip.








Watching clouds.


William kept wanting to hide and play in the sand in the holes along the path.

Alexander and William think that their Uncle Ben is the coolest! Ben was so sweet and played with them a ton. The boys still ask me every week if they can play with him.




We took the 7 mile off road path and went down and up crazy rock formations. Kind of like what is pictured above. There were several times we had to build up a tire path with rocks so we could continue on the trail. I admit, I took the kids off the 4 wheelers a couple of times while the men did the crazy stunts to get us to the end of the trail. I haven't been so nervous like that is a long time...it was a rush. It was my first time 4 wheeling off road as well!


Grandpa Johnson was able to come with my parents to Moab. It was nice to see him again. He loves 4 wheeling!



William's lovely fashion.

Thank You

Thank you for praying for the people of Japan. I am hearing stories of how ward members from the hardest hit area of the tsunami and earthquake had traveled down to the Tokyo temple and were doing temple work when their homes were destroyed. I can not believe the blessings the ward members have been experiencing during this trying time. It has reconfirmed my testimony that if we stand in holy places, doing wholesome good things, always trying to do good the Lord will protect us.

I knew I loved my mission but never realized just how attached to the people I had become until this earthquake. I was emotional for days and not sleeping well. My mind could not stop thinking and praying for the people I had met. It still makes me sick not knowing if every one of them has survived and are ok. I am going by faith just as I am sure they are as well.

My friend Sister Hirata has extended her mission another month. To our relief and gratitude her parents AND home survived the tsunami and earthquake, although the good majority of her town was devastated.

A couple weekends ago Bethany, my last mission companion who taught the gospel to Sister Hirata with me, came out for a sisters wedding. We were able to meet up on Temple Square and visit Sister Hirata. It was a special, emotional day.

I will be forever grateful for my experiences in Japan and for the special, eternal friendships created. As I think back to the things felt and learned on the mission, I realize that those moments are what have sustained and given me strength those sleepless nights taking care of sick kids,handling stressful economic situations and other challenges- overall making me a better mother and wife. I think it is possible to receive this strength whenever we stay true to the eternal course even when so many of the natural senses tell us to abandon the cause and save ourselves during a trial.