In the sport of baseball, a curveball occurs when the pitcher throws the ballin a certian way causing the baseball to moving quickly to the intended target in a arc instead of a straight path.  In informal speech, we say that an experiance threw a curveball at us to say that an unexpected, surprise `hit` us. I got a curveball that I never would have seen coming this week.

 

When you´re a missionary and you try to predict the future, you´ll find that you´re almost always wrong.  After three transfers here in Castro, I thought for sure I´d be leaving Castro.  I have never been farther than the truth.  The day before transfers we recieved a special call from an unrecognizable number.  Elder Tavares was a little lost, so when he spoke he asked who was speaking.  A recognizable voice said, `Hello Elder Tavares, this is your President speaking.`  Immediately everyone froze and looked to the phone.  The following words will stay in my mind forever.  President said `Elders, I´ve considered your petition to put Sisters in Castro and think it´s a great idea.  Can you find a suitable house for the Sisters who will arrive tomorrow?`  Immediately we all jumped for joy and started making plans.  Finally, after 30 years of missionaries here in Castro, the sisters have arrived.  

That´s not all!

When the zone leaders called in, I was prepared for, `Elder Johnson will leave for Ponta Grossa`, but NONONONONONO.  Instead I recieved the information that I would become the District Leader!  More responsibility!!  And on top of that, when we recieved our new companions, it turns out that everyone knows more, has more experience, and has more energy than me!  Quickly I´m coming to learn that being a leader is another phrase to say being humble.

That´s it for now!!

Elder Johnson

These are random pictures taken in Castro!