Musical Fireside!‏

Hey everyone!

We had our musical fireside last night, which went wonderfully! It was more of a music and the spoken word according to the First Lesson in Preach My Gospel. Elder Passey and I coordinated and wrote it, and it seemed to just come together at the end - awesome awesome!! Dad, I played "For Our Day" from EFY by Steven K. Jones and Sam Cardon, and also "Beside Still Waters" by Grietje T. Rowley (Look this one up, it's amazing!). The whole evening was fantastic, especially the songs written and performed BY the people in the branch. "Bønn" by the Gjevik's was amazing. We were really glad it turned out so well, and we feel the branch is strengthened, but we wish there could have been more investigators! The Spirit was there, and that would have been a perfect opportunity for them. Ah well.

Portal fans, anyone?

So I actually had time to write 3 letters this week, so Carissa - expect a full envelope. I also had time to get a snow jacket today! Life is grand!

This past weekend we had President Johansen come down and visit us for District Meeting, which was a spiritual feast. Only obedience will give us the opportunity for success here in Norway, and we need that opportunity at every chance we have. We also learned that the Spirit is never static. The Spirit is either increasing or decreasing in your life (particularly on the mission) you must therefore be sensitive to promptings and ideas you receive. President Johansen gave all of us small moleskine books

Found this little guy on our way home one day

for writing down ideas and thoughts we receive at anytime during the day (or night!). And that has been a wonderful, wonderful blessing. I encourage all to do the same! Pray for inspiration, then listen throughout the day, and write them down. We are promised that the rate at which those revelations come will increase!

The work here is coming along - at times incredible and at times discouraging. Yet only through extreme heat and pressure are diamonds formed - constant improvement is the purpose of life! I hope you all are seeking that improvement. I really learned this week to be filled with love. It is extremely important to be filled with love, and seek every way possible to increase that love within yourself so that you can then share it with those around you.

Great to hear about the wonderful weddings! I wish I could have been there! Thanks Mom for the pictures - I really enjoyed them. I'll also make sure to visit Edvard Grieg's house before I leave Bergen!

This next week is General Conference everybody!! Watch it! Sup from it! President Uchtdorf has counseled we are ENTITLED to personal revelation from General Conference. I'm way excited to partake of it (especially since I feel like I understand much more what it's like to be a Latter-day Saint in a world of lesser standards from being a missionary, and also reading my grandfather's conversion story. What a stud!!)

General Conference in Bergen

General conference for us is quite different. We get Relief Society and Morning Saturday Session on Saturday night, then on Sunday we get Priesthood, and the next three sessions, and the final Sunday night session next Sunday. Luckily we don't have to have them recorded on tape and sent to us. Or only hear it on the radio. Isn't technology amazing?? It's the only way this church is possible! Just look at the whole second half of the New Testament to see what happens when there's a lack of communication and direction.

Alright I have covered everything I can think of. I love you all! Your support is extraordinarily appreciated! Christiaan, thank you for the email, I realize our tracting efforts seem quite similar :P. If I can think of stories you can send me, I'll let you know. oh one more thing: everyone please send me mission stories! They are an incredible source of hope and comfort knowing someone else has also experienced this. Including family history stories as well - I loved reading about the Tanner's. Please send me more. Okay! Again, I love you all! Until next week!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

p.s. thank you Mom for forcing me to play piano back in the day, it's paying off extremely well here on my mission :D

CHINA!!!‏

Dude, you're kidding me!! Completely kidding me. All of these years of dreaming to go to Norway and China, and we both get to go there!! That is absolutely nuts. Haha!! I can't wait for our stories and experiences :D. Gah! Hahaha.

Well everyone, my buddy Garrett got his call to Hong Kong, China, and it is nigh unbelievable!

Ominous, eh?

Bergen Stav Kirke

So hey everyone! I feel more alive than I have in a while. This week was awesome! The Atonement is real and this Gospel is true! And going around telling people that feels amazing. I hope you all enjoy the pictures (yes, enjoy the Ancient Norsk Church Garrett, saw it this morning!! Didn't go inside though because it cost $20. The other ones are free from what I've heard!) There are mushrooms everywhere and the city is gorgeous when there's some sun!

We studied some family history stuff for missionary work because apparently it's a huge hobby in Norway, and I found out that I have Scottish blood in me! Scottish!! Scottish, Danish, Swedish and English. That's awesome. I was so excited after I heard that. And also one of my grandmas was born in Nauvoo (Rebecca Hill). That is so incredible! It's empowering to think about those on the other side supporting us in our work here. So! I would love some more stories about my family, that'd be great :D.

One thing we've found to be rather successful here in Bergen is to go out by the lake and draw a giant chalk picture of the plan of salvation (Frelsesplanen) for people. It's a great way to talk to people! We've found many potential investigators that way, and my Norsk has really improved. Note to future missionaries/anyone who will explain the plan of salvation effectively: The Plan of Salvation is centered on Jesus Christ - therefore you must use Him as your needle through the tapestry of the Plan. It is only possible through Christ, and the Holy Ghost can powerfully testify of the Plan when you speak of His role as Savior to make it possible. 

Another thing. I've been having a hard time with patience recently. And since I have studied the Christ-like attribute of patience and thoroughly sought to obtain it, my joy in this work has blossomed. I highly recommend in everyone's personal study to take some time to obtain and develop these attributes - for it is more important to be a missionary than to just do missionary things! (including member missionaries!) However, both of them bring blessings! Go and perform missionary work - it is the lifeblood of this Gospel and brings so much joy! 

Did I mention Bergen is the home of Edvard Grieg? Sweet huh! We're performing our fireside next Sunday. The music will be incredible - the members here are gifted musicians (particularly vocalists). Also, it doesn't snow too badly here. The weather stays warm enough to be rain, and yet cold enough to still tell you it's Norway. I've certainly been warm so far however :D - I even found an extra jacket (not waterproof, but warm!) in the apartment. I'm looking around for a good snow jacket though. It's going to be cold, I know it will.

Thank you all for your support - I feel transformed through the Atonement and I experience joy everyday in this work. I am really excited for this next week. I haven't received any mail yet, but I look forward to it! . . . some day! . . . . . Haha. These p-days where we get emails feel like Christmas. Vitamin D will really come in handy, I hope I get it! Congratulations to all of you getting married - I wish I could be there! I'm excited to see little cousins running around pretty soon :D. I love you all so much. I've never done anything harder, yet more satisfying and joyful. It's truly the Lord's work! Take advantage of the gift Christ has given us!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Sunset in Bergen 

Ulriken

Growth growth growth!‏

Hei!

I hope everyone's having a great week! Mine was certainly a growing one. That is for sure. I am finally being exposed to parts of the world I had no idea about beforehand. Glad I'm learning some life lessons! - even if it is the hard way. But it is wonderful to know that if you are willing to do the things God has attached some serious blessings to (D&C 130:20-21), the blessings will come. And they're coming!

One really surprising piece of news - I was in church yesterday looking for a seat in Sacrament meeting, and I saw a man holding his hand out to me, and after tracing the hand up to the face - it was Brother Pulsipher! Brother Pulsipher was my next door neighbor way back when, and now lives in the wine country in Temecula. What a surprise! I sat with him and his wife during church. It was great to see a familiar face from back home. We got a picture, so I think you should see that soon, Mom.

The work itself is coming along! One thing that really helped all the missionaries here was we went to a very central part of the city, by the lake (for those of you with google maps . . . .) and we used chalk for a huge drawing of the Plan of Salvation. We taught so many people that day! It was really neat. A literal miracle we experienced was after a few hours of contacting in the rain and not very many positive responses, we decided to go and pray for one teach - just one teach. So we did, and the third person we contacted was totally positive and we gave a Book of Mormon to! Yeah!! That was a really surprising, yet wonderfully timed answer to a prayer. Other than that, we are continually out finding, teaching less actives and trying to find more people to teach! If any of you have anyone you know who would be interested to hear our message, please let us know! ;)

The language is coming along - the language barrier slowly deteriorating. I can finally focus again! And I love it! Ahh, what a blessing our minds are. The Bergen dialect is particularly difficult due to a strong German influence - so understanding is slowly coming along, and speaking is certainly weird because I speak so differently than them. Norway is so varied in its dialects! It's a really neat experience to be here and experience them all.

So this week I realized it is very difficult to go and contact for hours in the rain. I feel bad for the people we stop because they're just stopped getting wet in the rain! Haha, but little do they know the wonderful blessings possible through our message (1 Cor. 2:9-11 - I found the scripture, Ken!). It was particularly difficult on Friday when Elder Argyle and I (both brand new missionaries) had to go on splits for the day. And we had a full day of finding! What a learning experience that was. Haha. I'm sure many who have gone on missions can completely imagine our predicament. We are still in one piece, however, and wiser for it. There is a promise in the mission call that states that if we diligently study the scriptures we will find the motivation to continually be obedient and work hard. I am holding that promise to the test, and praying fervently for the strength to go and find more people. I testify that all things are possible through the Atonement made by our Savior Jesus Christ, and that we can tap into that power through the scriptures (Moroni 10:3-5). Therefore, pray! read scriptures every day! go to church! fulfill your duty! And you will be immensely blessed beyond your imagination.

About the ward size, the ward is pretty big for Norway, about 60 people. We have wonderful members who are supporting us (especially with our fireside performance in two weeks). Turns out I'll be accompanying a violinist and a vocalist! We shall decide the song soon, and I'll let you all know.

I wish I could send some pictures! I forgot my cord this week (as well as last week . . .) so I hope by next week I can send some! Micah, please send me some scripture chains. I would love to use them, especially for member teaches. Please send them! Other than that, I am alive and well! Thank you for your prayers, I pray for you as well! This Gospel is true, and is directly applicable to our lives. We just need to use it. I love you all!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Paradis, Bergen - First week in Norway!

Hei Hei alle!

Where to begin? I have no idea! Well, the last few days at the MTC were truly special. A wonderful Norsk testimony meeting, reminescence about kebabs (even though none of us have had one yet . . . until now! But that'll come later), and sweet encouragement from our teachers. A fantastic final few days in the MTC, and we were off to Norway! There was almost a delay where we missed our first flight, but through a miracle we made that flight. Mom, it was wonderful to talk to you! Carissa, I hope you enjoyed your voicemail. Bahaha.  Then 45 minute layover in Chicago, and made that flight. The flight across the Atlantic was super nice! Only 7 hours to London, and I sat next to two very nice, not big, smelly, loud or obnoxious people. It was great! and then we had a few hours in London. Besides the fact that we felt totally smashed by jetlag, and tried to stay awake through the day in order to adjust asap, we thoroughly enjoyed London! We even met a super nice recent convert by the name of Maurine who apparently had a lot of connections to Norway. So that was way nice, and she kept us awake thank goodness. By the time we flew to Oslo (capital city!), the fact that we could speak Norwegian instantly flew from our minds. Well. More like understand. Yeah, we can speak a little Norsk, but to understand?! It was impossible that first day! Oi! So that was no fun. President Johansen met us at the airport with the APs - wonderful people.

That first night our MTC distrikt stayed at the mission home. Sister Johansen made an absolutely delicious Norsk meal of kjøttkaker (meat cakes) og kjøttballer (meat balls) with brunn saus (brown gravy) and salad (salad ;)) and rødkål (red cabbage) and bringebær syltetøy (bringberries jam - which taste like mild cranberries MMM. :d). We had a testimony meeting and bought our dynes. Dynes are incredible! I haven't slept so well for 2 months! . . . or maybe that was just the MTC pillows. But the dynes are everything I ever wanted - and mine, at least right now, smells like good-smelling hamsters. I love it. The night very soon became late and we only got about 4 hours of sleep before our first day. A quick good-bye to all of the MTC distrikt, and I was on my way to Bergen. Yes my first area is Bergen - Bro Jaffa was right! I talked to a fine Oslo man on the way over. (Thank goodness too - the Oslo dialect, Bokmål, is really crisp, clear and even has some English in it). Teaching real people is so different from the MTC. At least in the MTC you get the most common, or most difficult situations. These real people have like . . . real opinions . . . and real beliefs and thoughts which I've never thought before (being a homeschooled Mormon California boy). Heaven help me become familiar with these people soon!

There are 61 total missionaries out in Norway right now, 8 of us in Bergen - which is a huge group compared to normal! 

Sisters Ray and Steven and Elders Sessions, Spencer, Perry, Argyle (from the distrikt), Passey (my comp.) - great people that I'll get to know better. The first 2 days were bright and sunny, which is the exception here in Bergen - that's for sure. Apparently Bergen holds the world record for the city with the most days raining in a row (the number is pretty darn close to 365). Other than that - it is incredibly gorgeous here! Many bright red, yellow and white houses against a dark forest background and fog. And lakes everywhere. Oh. It's so pretty. And the rain isn't too bad - just very light rain which a jacket takes care of no problem. Turns out there's one of those old Norsk cathedrals in the skog (little forest) near my hybel (home, place where we sleep) that we'll check out next P-day! I swear, I could totally see trolls running around in the mossy skog coming and pulling on our ties. And mushrooms growing around our feet. So neat!

So Elder Passey is my trainer! He's an experienced missionary from Cedar City. Really nice, laidback, yet hard-working guy. We immediately started teaching less-actives the first day I got here. Way cool.

Elder Passey and I 

Except I can't understand a word of what anyone says. It's extremely frustrating. If I could understand what people say, then I could know what their feelings are, and how the gospel can apply to them. But instead I just sit there saying "kan du si det igjen? Beklager, kan du gjenta det?" oi! Very frustrating. With time my ear will adjust to it. On Saturday we went contacting for my first time. Let me tell you: I was wayyy nervous. But the scripture that says I will go before your face, and my angels round about you and my spirit in your hearts is REAL. I felt so supported and happy while contacting, even though my heart was going a mile a minute. When someone stops to talk to you it is the best feeling in the world! That happened 4 times, and we even got a return appt. with Imano, who we're teaching tonight! Contacting isn't too bad. I just want to understand people and try a bunch of different methods of contacting and can therefore be more useful. Ah. Time time time . . . . such a frustrating thing.

The ward here though is phenomenal!! We were warmly welcomed by the whole ward - and even better I could take notes trying to understand everyone's dialects which helped immensely. Church is amazing, I hope you all know that. An amazing opportunity we have to go and feel joy. Our investigator George attested to that! It was truly neat. Afterward there was a dinner at the Berg's home. Surprisingly we ate curry, which made me think of Tanner! Hope you're doing great! They even made a green which chocolate ice cream topping in tribute for the "greenies" that just came in. Extremely kind of them, I love this ward! Though, I have had 2 people come up to me and say that I look like I'm 14 or 15. Are you serious!? 14 or 15? Haha! Europeans are so open, it's great. Elder Passey and I are putting together a music fireside for 3 weeks from now open to the public with the message "God is Our Loving Heavenly Father". I'm way excited. Especially since I'll practice a piece and not lose my piano skills!

A little bit of how I feel right now. Umm . . . . lost. Haha. The jetlag itself wasn't too bad at all, at least when it comes to sleepiness. On the other hand, trying to focus is what is extremely difficult for me right now. I can hardly teach a lesson in English, and I felt so confident in teaching in Norwegian before I left! Dang jetlag. That will reside with time though. I also feel lost because I can hardly understand a word of what people say, which makes me a useless missionary as of right now. At least I can smile and look like I'm 15 though, right??

Now to answer a few questions my Mom had which you all may be interested in: Turns out their snow coats are not quite in season yet, just wait a few weeks and they'll be ripe. I saw a really sweet one today, but it was 2000 kroner (approx. $400). I'm going to need a small rain coat (probably if I can't find one in the hybel) and a snow jacket . . . Hopefully I can find both under 1000 kroner (approx. $200). Today though I did find my dream backpack! Super comfy, fancy and durable (Bergans, for those of you kjent with Norway). The backpack and the new pocket dictionary did make quite the dent in the wallet though . . . . Norway is so expensive. A haircut for example is $50 for a male. Oi.

We get around by public transportation on the bybane (city train) and buses. In a few weeks I'll be able to start my drivers license stuff, but I won't be driving here in Bergen - and there's a good chance I'll be here until at least February.

The dialect - almost everyone can understand me, but I can't understand a word about what people say to me. So I can definitely share the gospel message, but hardly apply it their lives. Time and effort. Kom igjen, minne!

Living conditions - the hybel is a nice little apartment thing under a house with one bedroom, one bathroom, and even a living room and kitchen! It's typically cold, but a really nice place. However, it was an absolute dump when I got here. Thankfully we have some cleaning supplies.

Everyday - every day has been so different because of little things I've needed to do, but it seems like a lot of traveling from place to place, trying to talk to people, sitting waiting for buses, also trying to talk to people, teaching less actives though I can't understand a word, and even some contacting.

The people are very private and to themselves. Which I apparently forgot before I came. And they're also very quiet. Thankfully Elder Passey let me know I was basically yelling at people with how loud my "Heisann!" was about two hours in. Yup. Good timing, friend. So yeah, with 3 hours of contacting we were able to speak with 4 people and 1 wanted to speak with us again. Once I have the different methods of contacting down, it'll be a blast!

Okay I think that's all. Congratulations Anna Rose and Lindsey for going off the top!  I hope Mammoth was a great trip! Carissa and Hillary, thank you so so so much for the package. The bread sustained me in London. Though my Swedish friend was depressed to see that there were no pictures in the package - haha! I don't think I have any other questions to answer, so send me some mail! I don't have any time to write letters today, but hopefully next week! Here's my address:

Elder Bryce Thomas Johnson

Nattlandsia 5

5231 Paradis

Norway

One more thing! I ate my first kebab today! It was delicious. Yet according to the veterans here it wasn't so good. Kebabs are like a pocket made out of pita bread filled with meat, vegetables and an amazing sauce. It is wonderful! I'm excited to try out more places.

Okay! I love you all! You're wonderful! Please pray for me - I know the adjustment will go quicker. I still love this, and am excited for the future. Until next week!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

First place I ever contacted!