Hey everybody!
One shovel at a time! How do you move a frozen
mountain? You use a pick first, then a shovel at a time! This week Elder
Olsen and I finished a big part of our service project for our Branch
President. Unfortunately the big pile of dirt completely froze over this
last time around, so we used a pick and finished moving it. It really
shows me how much those Young Men projects prepare you for a mission.
The projects accomplish a lot more than just achieving the final
objective, or building your muscles! It builds you as a person! Boy am I
grateful for all of those projects.
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| Freezing faces while bonking on doors! yeeah! |
Speaking of building you as a person, this whole past week has
really done that to me as well! Bonking on doors in -10 degree weather
is an invigorating experience. Luckily the moon and stars are absolutely
gorgeous, and can keep one entertained for quite some time! I've also
really tried to reach out in being grateful for more things. Hopefully
you all have read the Ensign/Liahona magazine for December - it's very
much focused on gratitude! I took the "gratitude challenge" near the
beginning of the issue, and that has really picked me up in these cold
times! Everyone should do it!
For example, I am extremely grateful for the warm socks my Mom got
for me. There's no other way to survive here! I am also grateful that I
learned how to sew a button in Bergen, so that I could adjust my
techniques and sew my slacks back together when I busted the derriere
seam earlier this week! This last Sunday was also spectacular. When you
have a good Sunday, it makes the rest of the week completely refreshing
:). I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who gave us His Son, who
thereby gave us the sacrament!
I apologize I don't have very much time to write this week, but we
are alive and well :). Please pray for me as I take my driver's test
this next week for a Norwegian license - I need as much help as I can
get! I love you all - please enjoy the Christmas season, especially with
your families and friends close. I have very much come to appreciate my
family and friends beyond measure around this time of year while on a
mission. Remember that it is only through Christ that we receive true
peace, joy and comfort - regardless of our circumstances! "God Jul!"
-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson
P.S. If any of you all have
funny, uplifting talks (Bro Bytheway, etc) or albums, please send them
to me on my email! We could always use a good laugh here!
Yes I do have an iPod. I'll cherish these forever, buddy!
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| The Moon in Mo i Rana's Sentrum, with Christmas tree! |
