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| A gorgeous "sunset" on the fjord |
Hei alle!
Thank you thank you thank you ALL for the continued birthday
wishes!! I have absolutely loved receiving emails and wonderful letters
and even a sweetawesome package filled with a never-ending supply of
candycanes in it! I will do my best to respond to all of the wonderful
wishes thoroughly and sufficiently - though it may take a few P-Days!
Ahh I love you all.
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| Whaaat? |
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| My birthday carrot cake! (carrot cake isn't so bad!) |
News flash: we're getting an apartment! I mean, a new apartment! As of this Wednesday the first, our new address is:
71 Sørlandsveien
8624 Mo i Rana
Norway
I'll make sure to check the previous address for extra mail or
other things that may arrive there - so no worries if you sent it to
that address!
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| My birthday with Torstein |
As for this week it's been a huge series of ups, a couple
downs, and being way tired by the end of it all. Remember: tiredness is a
sign of a good missionary! Let me tell you that it is an absolutely
remarkable and touching experience when an investigator solidly bears
testimony to you that he knows God lives, the Book of Mormon is God's
word, Joseph Smith was God's prophet who restored the truth, and that
the Holy Ghost watched over and protected him. "Eg vet at Den Hellige
Ånd pass på meg" (I know that the Holy Ghost watches over me) will
always resonate in Elder Farnsworth and I's ears. It is the best
experience in the whole entire world - especially after such dark times
in the past - and makes every hardship worth it. When an investigator
knows from God (not just us) that this is truly His church and His plan
for us, and that His love is specifically and personally real to each
and every one of us - that makes the coldest, darkest day burn with
angelic flame. I love being a missionary.
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| Our new apartment! (second floor!) |
Another experience this past week was that when all of our
investigators left for the weekend, we felt the harsh reality of what
life is like without investigators :P. But we still had a good day!
There is no shame in a full day of finding. One neat experience was when
we went out to bonk we really specifically asked for guidance as to
where we should go. "How does stjerneveien sound?" asked Farnsworth.
"That sounds really good." I reply. On our way there . . . I feel really
strongly to go try the building on the right (on Langmoheia). Hmm.
Strange. As we tried the first door: she told us to come back at a later
time. Sweet! The second door: also told us to come back! The third
door: a teenage kid opened the door slightly ajar while talking on the
phone. We of course offered the Book of Mormon, and he motioned for the
book. He snatched it out of my hand and immediately shut the door.
Hahaha!! Fourth door: we received a specific return appointment! What a
blessing indeed! The Lord is always willing to bless us - all it takes
is asking, and then working for it :).
It is awesome to hear all of my friends out on missions and working
their tails off! As the blood of Ephraim, missionary work courses
through our veins - it is the destiny and lifeblood of our existence! No
other work will bring greater joy. And if I did feel greater joy I
think I may become consumed. 2 Nephi 4:21. Mosiah 5:2-4. Missionary work
rocks.
I love you all, and hope to continue hearing from you all. Invite someone to church! It'll bring you true joy :D.
-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson
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| Our district meetings every week over the phone (at times painful) |
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| A missionary apartment. Fruit, vegetables, deodorant, hair gel, and cereal all on the same table. |
