La Semana

"This week I got a new companion. His name is Elder Escalante and he is
from Peru. He started his mission in our area so he already knows all the
members. I am super excited for conference and also Easter.
I love the fact that we get to listen to a Prophet of God and remember Christ,
 and all of the things He did for us, in the same weekend. I love you all!'   

Around Addis

We went Ajaere to a Water Project Handover. Afterwards, we made friends
 with these boys who were playing a game with sticks and a clay disk.

Just another relaxing drive in Addis,

This restaurant has famous quotes
painted all over the walls.

Elder Johnson's week in pictures...

Elder Johnson looking tall.  A matter of perspective.

A special treat.

The reason for the work.

A privilege to perform the ordinance.

Born Free Park Outside Addis Alem

 

We saw tortoises, monkeys, 8
cheetahs and 6 lions. I think the
lion on the top left wanted to eat us. 

Eight Months on Mission

"Ha ha, well its true, I have 8
months in the mission today.
It has probably been the fastest
8 of my life and for that I am
pretty sad.  I wish I could start
over with all of the things I
know now. I really had a great
week and really I am just
enjoying every second of my
mission."

"I really know that the Gospel is true and
lately it has changed from just being part
of my life to being my life. I think this has
been the best change I have ever made.
I love you all and I hope you all have a
great week."        Love,  Elder Johnson 

This is the rat in their shower drain. He is kind of cute.

Lalibela

More pictures of Lalibela outside the Rock Churches.
These huts used to house priests close to the churches. Then
we walked out the gate, past some olive trees, and up a street. 

The view out our window at the Top Ten
Hotel. Below is the inside of our room. 

 

Ben Abeba is a restaurant on a hilltop in
Lalibela with amazing views and
 interesting architecture.

The Rock Churches of Lalibela

Eleven Churches were carved
out of red volcanic rock about
1200 AD by King Lailibea. This
is Bet Medhane Alem, the largest.
There are 3 empty graves inside
for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Each church has a chanting
room, a holy room, and a Holy
 of Holies. This is Bet Maryam. 

A wooden footbridge takes visitors
over a deep gorge to Bet Gabriel
Raphael.

All were carved with a chisel and
hammer. Most are smooth with fine
details but some are roughly hewn.

The tomb of Adam in
Bet Golgotha.

We walked through 50 meter dark tunnel
 representing hell and coming up out
into the light of Heaven. They do not
let you use a flashlight. You put one
hand on the right wall and one on the
ceiling and keep walking forward in
pitch black darkness. This is the exit.

Bet Mariam with a lot of
symbolism, the star of David,
a dove, an all seeing eye,
different crosses, and
Jacob's Ladder.

The many niches carved in the outer
walls were tombs. The skeletons have all
been removed except for three.

Pathways and tunnels connecting the different churches. Below:
Baptismal fonts deep enough for immersion but now they sprinkle and pour too.

Three views of Bet Giyorgis. The whole
church is built in the shape of a  Greek cross.

People used to be able to walk
up the Straight and Narrow
Path. If they were righteous,
they didn't fall off.

Since this railing was near the path, we
will call it the iron rod. 

Door with many large nails so
noone could chop it open.

Frescos 

The curtain of the Holy of Holies
but only the Highest priest could
go inside.

Bet Emmanuel

Bet Abba Libbanos

The shortcut climbing out of Bet Giyorgis.