Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson, November 17, 2014

From: Tiffany Johnson <tiffanyj@myldsmail.net>
Date: November 17, 2014 at 2:36:13 PM PST
To: Tiffany Johnson <tiffanyj@myldsmail.net>
Subject: CHICO!

    First week in Chico! How do I explain how I feel.... Hum... overwhelmed.  But the new challenge is definitely exciting. I think this is the most exhausted I have ever been. When I get home all I want to do is run to my bed and just crash. However, that never happens. When we get home we have to plan for the next day, makes calls, and just strive to learn the people we are working with. It takes twice as  long to do anything. Covering two wards makes it so there is twice as much information I need to remember plus trying to remember who is in what ward. Its pretty stressful but thankfully its not all up to me. I have the Lord whom I have been relying on heavily. I literally pray all day everyday for patience with myself and learning the area. 

   There are times in the day were I just begin to stress out, I start to let myself over think everything and get myself really stressed. Then I simply say a prayer and ask for comfort. Instantly I am able to just stop think about the future and just thinking about what I need to get done right then. I am able to feel so much better and continue working. Its been a blessing to be able to pray and receive the comfort when I need whenever I need. Its something I know that I will never run out of either. I am able to pray whenever and for however long I need. That is how much God loves us. He never puts a limit on us. He never wants to stop helping us, if we have the faith to ask we will receive. This is my key for staying mentally stable and still productive with the work. 

   I first was able to really rely on the power of a prayer of comfort when I was preparing to teach at my first zone meeting. I had heard that our zone was struggling I also knew how much they despised the classic "sister training leaders". I wanted them to connect with me so that I can help them in any way that I can. I want to be a good example but also relatable.  To also add to the stress I didn't go to the leadership training that we were supposed to be teaching the missionaries about. So I was asked to teach on a lesson I didnt hear and my companion could hardly remember. So I stopped planning then just prayed. I then was able to collect my thoughts and share an experience with sister Kimura. She felt that it would be perfect to share with our lesson. We both started coming up with ideas until we felt prepared for our lesson. We called the Zone Leaders and told them to color coordinate with us and we brought doughnuts to share. We got there early and greeted everyone. I was surprised with how many of the missionaries I knew. 

   My companion and I got up and began teaching. I then stopped and looked out, no one besides a few sisters were really paying attention. So I explained that I was about to share a personal story and they better listen. I smiled and began talking. I looked out and almost everyone was paying attention. I shared my experience from my mission. They all laughed and then it got others to start sharing there thoughts on the topic. We sat down with comfort knowing that we just taught a great lesson. After the meeting some of the Elders came up and complimented us saying "Thank you so much for being the first sisters to actually connect with us. To talk to us like we were humans." I was touched my fears went away, I knew sister Kimura and I were called to this area for many reasons but one was to connect with the missionaries. To help inspire them to be better through joy. I believe we don't have to bet people up and point out there flaws to help them change. But if we lead with a smile on our face trying to be a good example more people will want to fallow or listen. I believe in being honest and open. I know I am not perfect so I don't want people to think I am better than them in any way. But I do want them to know that was most important is if I have a desire to be obedient and diligently striving to be better everyday. Yesterday is to teach how to have a better day today. Mistakes are to be learned from. I know we as missionaries all make mistakes. We aren't always as obedient as we would like to be. Repentance is for us too, we can improve and change day by day. Thats what I have learned from my experiences. I wish I could say I have been exactly obedient but I am more proud of the fact that I have made mistakes and am using the Atonement to change me. I have been taught by my experiences and have a stronger testimony. So for those sisters I am over, I want to help them learn the same principles. We are too hard on ourselves. We beat ourselves up and then get down because of our imperfections. Then we compare our worst sides to others best which creates nothing by hard feelings. 

   Each of us have our talents and reasons for being were we are. So why compare ourselves to those around us. God called us specifically for these callings in our lives. He needs our talents, personalities, and character flaws to touch the lives of those around us. I feel that know. I am able to connect really well with these people here because this is where God called me to be. I was needed. Thats a humbling thought and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to learn and grow. It isnt easy and its taking a lot of work. But I know that its more for my betterment then others. 

   I love each of you. Thank you for all you do for me. I couldn't do it without you each of you teach me so much. Love always Sister Johnson

Katelyn's surgery update

Katelyn's surgery went very well.  The doctor stated that the next couple of days are critical.  They will be watching her closely to make sure that her heart is functioning properly and that no infection sets in. 

Katelyn just before surgery.



Katelyn just before surgery with her parents, Eldon & Rebecca Johnston

 



Katelyn just after surgery.

Update on Katelyn Johnston--Surgery Tuesday, November 11

Rebecca and Eldon's baby girl, Katelyn, will be undergoing open heart surgery on Tuesday, November 11 in the early afternoon.  This is a major procedure to re-route her main arteries through the lungs (to oxygenate her blood) then back to her heart.  They will be making her heart a functioning 3 chamber heart.

Eldon writes:

     "Katelyn's condition is called "Tricuspid Atresia with a VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect).  Her oxygen saturation levels keep dropping, heart rate races to around 200 bpm, and she vomits.  She hasn't been able to handle her feedings for a couple of weeks now.  We have tried different medications to treat the reflux but she didn't improve.  On Thursday, we brought her in to Primary Children's for observation.  Friday she underwent a cath lab procedure to map and measure the internal pressures of the heart.  On Saturday she had a severe episode where her oxygen levels dropped to the low teens (75-85% is normal for her).  It took her almost an hour to recover to normal levels.  It was then determined that her next surgical procedure, "the glen", would be done sooner than later."

We appreciate all the prayers that have been sent her way and would love it if you could please continue to do so.  We will keep you posted as to her condition.

We send our love to all of you..............Jean

Katelyn Jean Johnston

Photo taken October 1, 2014