Elder Johnson

"Nathan won't be here next Christmas"..."Shelby will be married by the time he gets back" (won't happen, but it's been said)..."So many things will change while he's gone"...and the list goes on.

Just a little background to who Nathan is...he is part of the family. Enough said. I have known Nathan for about 9 or 10 years.  He has become like a brother to me, and one of my best friends.  We have been through so much together.  He has gone on every trip or family outing the last 10 years.  Every time our family gets together, he is right there. He is a brother to all of us, and we are so grateful for him.

He has been called to serve in Japan as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (I can't remember exactly which mission) I am SO excited for him. We have all been waiting for this day to come, and it is crazy that it is already here.

Tonight was the night....the night to say goodbye.  I really didn't think it would be that hard. (I don't have a brother of my own, so it is a new experience for me) We said our goodbyes, and none of us cried....at that moment. I was so proud of myself for keeping my composure, and then it hit.  The moment my sister and I got in the car and pulled away, we lost it.  It's hard to say goodbye to someone that close to you. But we know that this is what he is supposed to be doing, and we are grateful that he made the choice to serve the Lord.

Here are some pictures from the last couple of years: (I wasn't big into taking pictures when I was younger)

Graduation for both of us

California

Our CRUISE!!

 Elder Johnson,

All of us will miss you terribly, but we know that this is what you need to be doing. Thank you for being such a great example to me by serving the Lord. You and the people of Japan will be blessed because of your service. I know you will be a great missionary!! Good luck! Love ya lots!

Shelby