Made it to Oregon!

We were able to talk with Elder Johnson for about 20 minutes on Wednesday, August 9th.  He had made it through security and had a little time before it was time to board his plane to Portland.  It was so great to hear his voice.  Brynn was so sad that she missed his phone call to her while at EFY at BYU in Provo.  She knew he was going to be calling, but missed it by a few seconds!  She was happy that he left a message at least.

We waiting all day and into Thursday to hear that he had made it.  Thursday afternoon we received an email from his Mission President:

There were 30 new missionaries arriving to the mission that day!

President Takeota, Elder Johnson, sister Takeota

Dear Brother and Sister Johnson,

Sister Tateoka and I were so pleased to greet your missionary at the Portland Airport!  Attached you will find a photo of your newly arrived missionary at the Mission Home.  We thank you once again for sending your missionary to us.  We will take good care of him and know the sacred trust you place in ourselves and in the Lord.

Kind Regards,
Oregon Salem Mission

Then later on Thursday evening, we received an email with a few pictures of Elder Johnson eating SNAIL!  Now, for any of you who really know Kaden, you  know that he is very picky about foods he eats--especially with the texture.  Ha ha  I laughed out loud!  Then, a video was posted on Facebook of him eating it!  That was priceless.  I'm unable to save it and post it here--so if you want to see it you will have to to to Denise's Facebook page.  We are so grateful for members of the church who take time to send pictures and messages to us!

Escargot for dinner!

Elder Folkerson, Elder Johnson, Sister Taylor, Elder Hunt, Elder Chamberlain

Elder Folkerson and Elder Johnson

We have not heard from Kaden, but we do know he is serving in Salem, in the Salem 5th Ward.  His companion is Elder Folkerson who is also a Zone Leader.  They are living with another companionship, Elder Hunt (also new from the MTC) and Elder Chamberlain.  We are excited to hear from him on Monday!