1st Week in Barstow

Man, what a week! Our P-day was rescheduled to Wednesday this week because we went to the temple. The Redlands temple isn't in our mission, but it turns out we still get to do sessions there twice a year, which is pretty awesome! 

To catch you all up on what's been going on: I am serving my first Transfer in Barstow and I am in a Tri-panionship with Elder Rudolf and Elder Infanger. Yes, we do have to have all our beds in the same room and yes, they do touche XD. They are both a couple of really great guys and I am learning so much from them. Everyone told me that Elder Rudolf is the best trainer and I wouldn't doubt it. He is an incredible teacher and helps me out a lot. It's kinda funny.. before we were assigned to our trainers Elder Infanger pointed at me and said, "I call that one!" Hahaha he and I clicked really well! We all have a good time together and I am so blessed to have both of them as my trainers.

Man, Barstow is a pretty neat place. In a lot of ways it reminds me of the setting on the tv show, My Name is Earl. We have taught a variety of different kinds of people and I think it's so neat to meet all of them. There are a lot of people that are living in some pretty harsh conditions and have a lot of problems going on in their lives. 

Yesterday we went to visit a less active member's house. It turned out that he was a 32 degree Mason (33 is the highest). It was really interesting. He was telling us how Masons aren't about turning bad men good; they are about making good men better.

I am learning so much out here and am learning to love the gospel more and more each day. 

Stay positive!

-Elder Johnson

Elder Blake Johnson with Barstow Missionaries at Redlands Temple