Monday, July 9, 2012

Fjerde Juli! (4th of July!)

Hallo!

This week has been filled with so many different things - I think I'll cover them in a chronological order :)

Last Monday after emails we took a bike tour to many different churches found in Oslo. We went to the St. Olav's Catholic Cathedral,
St. Olav's Cathedral!
and tried to visit the Trefoldighets Church, but they're only open on Wednesdays. Bummer!
Trefoldighets Church!
I am so glad we have permission from President to take a few hours off of P-Day so that we can visit these sites when they're actually open. It is extremely common for Norwegian shops to close around 3 or 4 pm. That would be economic suicide in America! On the other hand, it's quite nice because families can be together and at home in the evenings. Build up those families, people! We also visited the National Gallery museum this week. I felt bad for the other missionaries because they took 10 minutes to see everything, whereas I took a whole hour. There were a few pieces of art of the "Ride of the Valkyries" from the Ring Cycle - and another of Leif Erikson (sp?) finding the American continent. "I just don't appreciate art, I guess!" my companion said. Haha. It reminded me of that 8 hour long, semi-excruciating museum trip with Garrett way back when we were 14. Some experiences will never leave my memory banks :P
Ride of the Valkyries! (You tell 'em, Wagner!)

On Tuesday we helped the Isaksen family move from Oslo to Romerike. After giant furniture, book cases and even a piano - we finally made it to the beautiful, rolling-green-hill countryside of Romerike. Big difference from big-city Oslo! Only us two missionaries were there to help pack the truck, and we had 6 total on the unpacking. It was also easier to move everything into the new house than from the old house. These two things made a 2 and a half hour difference of packing/unpacking time! The coolest part was that the Isaksen family had their extended family there, including Bernt - who served with my Dad in Austria in the 70's! Way cool!! He asked all about if my Dad ended up serving in the Air Force and flying planes, etc etc. Yup, that's definitely my father :)

Wednesday was the first Zone Conference with President Evans. Everything was great! Especially because it was the 4th of July! We made sure to provide burgers, watermelon and delicious salads.
Grillin' Burgers with Elder Strange!
Our opening and closing hymns were the national anthem and another patriotic song. I felt bad for our three non-American Elders in our Zone (Torjesen - Norway. Heimdal - Iceland. Chapman - England) - but we celebrated anyway! 

Thursday we received permission to visit a member during her golf tournament. Cecilie is a professional golfer here in Norway - and we had a wonderful time! Unfortunately for me, however, my allergies almost knocked me out. The course was very large and very open (not many trees).
Big, open golf course!
Quite different, and very beautiful. We were able to teach many people who came up to us ("Who are you guys anyway? Jehovah's Witnesses??" "You guys can speak Norwegian!? Whoa!!" etc etc).
Hauger Golf club
That also reminds me of this 15 year old kid that ran up to us yesterday. "Hey! Are you guys Mormons? I watched the south park episode!" For how much we receive that very same comment from people - I think south park has done a quicker job at getting our name out to the world than we missionaries have. Oi. But he mentioned a few things I'd like to share! He said: doesn't your Book of Mormon encourage you to be racist against blacks? I was very pleased to point him directly to a chapter in the Book of Mormon explaining that that was certainly not the case. In the book of Jacob chapters 2-3, the prophet Jacob warns his people, as well as us today, regarding three great and destructive sins. Pride, chastity and racism. In today's modern society we have had a huge issue with these very same three problems. I am very grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who inspires His prophets, ancient and modern, to help us know what to defend ourselves against, as well as what to do in order to achieve peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come! Once I started teaching this kid about chastity he said "are you married?" I said no. "So you've never had sex??" I said "Nope!" "Du aner ikke hva du går glipp av! (You don't know what you're missing out on!)" Haha - what a funny experience. But we testified to him of the promised blessings of lasting happiness by knowing God is there, and following His commandments. 


I've started reading the Book of Mormon in a fashion presented by President Johansen. He said that he reads a little bit of the Book of Mormon every day from a paper-back copy with a certain focus each time through. When he finishes one copy, he picks up a new one, as well as a new focus. He now has a stack of old, beat up paper-back copies of the Book of Mormon for tons of different times through. I want to do that for the rest of my life! 


Another thing I'd like to share is from Henry B. Eyring's "Families Under Covenant". http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/families-under-covenant?lang=eng . I love taking simple promises made by our modern day prophets and apostles and putting them to the test. President Eyring asks us to pray every day to gain and keep a sure witness that the priesthood keys are with the apostles and held by Prophet Thomas S. Monson. The promised blessings he made are very clear: "The answer will come with an increase in determination to lead your family, in your feelings of hope, and with greater happiness in your service. You will be more cheerful and optimistic, a great blessing for your wife and family." What a simple commandment and spectacular promise! Ahh. I love this Church.

I testify that this Church is Christ's Church. He is at the head. We have no reason to fear the future - for Christ is at the helm. He is our Savior and Redeemer from every injustice, and every unfairness (Preach My Gospel pg 52). It is up to us to accept Him, and follow Him.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson