Sola! (The Sun!)

Kjære alle!

Moves was this week! On Thursday, Elder Strange packed his bags and headed down to Tromsø. I'm going to miss you, ol' buddy! We had some good times together and met some great people :). Elder Badger arrived soon thereafter. Elder Badger is from Salt Lake, and has only been in Norway for 4 months. No one can wipe that awesome smile off his face - so he's basically perfect for Tromsø :D

It was a crazy coincidence, but on the exact same day that Elder Badger arrived, the sun came up, too! For a whole minute. And then went back down again. Now it's been way too cloudy for us to see any sun at all the past week :P. "Man, I'm just so tired all the time - how in the world did you survive the past 9 weeks?" exclaims Elder Badger. "I don't know, my friend. I don't know." :P

Speaking of which, since we've started working together, it's actually been really really tough out on the streets. No body has stopped, nor have we had any real progress with any of our current investigators. Everyone has been sick, depressed or too busy to meet with us recently. "Man, this place is a million times better than my previous area! People actually smile sometimes while on the street! And the branch loves us here!" says Elder Badger unsarcastically. "Elder Badger, your positive attitude is beyond me. I love it." So we've taken a look at how we're approaching the next transfer, and setting epic plans.

One epic plan we have is something that President Johansen shared back when I was a new missionary. He gave us all little moleskine books to fit in our jacket pockets. "This - is a revelation book. If you get an answer to prayer, you write it down. If you wake up in the middle of the night with sudden inspiration, you write it down. If you have a stroke of ideas while on the bus, you must write. them. down." - paraphrasing President Johansen. It's an idea that's stuck with me for most of my mission. I've written in my old one off an on, depending on my areas and circumstances. It has been an extremely valuable resource for self-evaluation, investigators, contacting and bonking methods, helping members, etc. But we thought it a great idea if we BOTH had revelation books. Just think of it: double the books, double the revelation! Therefore, double the results from the transfer! We're expecting big miracles here in Tromsø. Big. Miracles.

Like I mentioned before, Elder Badger's positive attitude has really kept me up recently, but I've been having a hard time adjusting to the difficulty out on the streets. "How in the world did I survive last winter in Mo i Rana?" "How is it even possible that I went hours on end out on those streets inviting people to learn about God, when we sometimes went days, even weeks without new people to teach?" It's funny how we sometimes learn things over and over again. This was merely a reconfirmation of testimony already within me: Obedience brings forth blessings from heaven. If you're miserable, it's most likely because the Spirit isn't with you. If the Spirit isn't with you, check to see if you're following the guidelines set for you as a missionary. I have a newly found love for the scripture Doctrine and Covenants 88:34 - "And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law (white handbook, Preach My Gospel, our leaders, etc) is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same." I am a living witness that I have been preserved (through -25 C weather, long hours of rejection and 64 days of darkness) by following God. There is no other possible way that we could be happy, smiling, and willing to go outside the next day if it weren't for His support. It's amazing. It is literally a miracle, which happens daily.

I'm sorry, this post may be sporadic and scatter-brained. We've had many many interruptions throughout the day, and now we're just plain out of time. 

"The Church is true and the Book is blue!" - to quote my cousin Ryan :)

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

p.s. thank you all so very very much for the birthday wishes! My jaw dropped when I saw how many emails were in my inbox wishing me a happy birthday - they are much appreciated!! I love you all!

My birthday dinner :P sorry it's a food picture - again!

Troller!, Invitasjoner, Gratis Qur'an, Herren's Beskyttelse, Reindeer, Sommarøy og Gryllefjord! (Trolls!, Invitations, Free Qur'an, The Lord's Protection, Reindeer, Sommarøy and Gryllefjord!)

Hei alle!

This week was filled with some awesome experiences!!

Our investigator I. has been investigating the church for over a year now. She's got a great heart, and a very spiritually sensitive side. She describes to us how she feels the Spirit - especially when meeting with us and during Sacrament meetings. She then also describes how she feels the Spirit in a much weaker degree in other churches - yet is much more attached to the other churches due to the social aspect (friends, family, etc). It's a very tricky situation to be in. I don't blame her for enjoying the social aspect of the other churches - we all desperately need sociality, especially in Norway. Although, there must be a balance somewhere. Following the Lord's way has always required some sacrifice. Many have left their friends, and even their families, in order to follow the truths that have been revealed to them by God. However, the Lord's way is always to invite. And indeed, that is what we have done with our investigator I. Maybe someday she will realize the copious blessings lying in wait for her decision to follow the Church of Jesus Christ. Or even better, go to BOTH churches! Truth can be found everywhere.

We finally met a Muslim missionary! I've heard rumors about their existence - and we finally met one in the flesh. He gladly accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon, and in return he gave us an English Qur'an. How grateful I am for the warm-hearted, open citizens of other countries! We'll be meeting with him later this week. Invite, invite, invite - that's the Lord's way!

It's been fairly rainy and icy all this past week - making for some dangerous road conditions. I was driving the speed limit, but that was probably a little too fast for the conditions the roads were in at that time. As a turn came on the right, a car suddenly pulled through, to turn left. With not much time to react, and thanks to Elder Strange's handling techniques he's been teaching me, I didn't slam on the brakes, but instead felt and hugged the corner, which resulted in no sliding, nor damages to anything. *whew!* Thanks be to an aware, loving Heavenly Father protecting us from a possible collision! And also thank you Elder Strange for teaching me how to drive in rainy/icy conditions. Us Southern California boys never got around to that type of driving training :)

Ice walkways. You wouldn't believe how many "close calls" we've had :)

Some other cool things that happened this week:

Elder Strange's Carbonara!

• Elder Strange made a bomb carbonara dish for the Swedish family, and I just so happened to tag along :P. Yum!




• We ate some whale and seal sandwiches - you don't get THAT opportunity every day!

Seal :)

Whale :)

• And we were assigned by the Branch President, and the Mission President, to go and visit a member who recently moved to Gryllefjord. It was fairly clear at first, but soon became very dark, cloudy and rainy. From what we could see, it was a stunning view most of the way to Gryllefjord. 

  

  Islands on the way to Gryllefjord!
  
  
  

  

   People actually live on that thing?!?

• On the way to Gryllefjord happened to be Sommarøy - a beautifully situated island covered in birds and fish! The water was a pristine, light blue. And the island had wild reindeer on it! Our first sighting of wild reindeer in the land! :D

  

  A view from Sommarøy

• 

  A REINDEER!

  

  More REINDEER!



Huh??

• Also on the way to Gryllefjord, was a troll. "Elder Strange. Stop the car, turn around, I just saw a giant troll." "Whaat?" Soon enough, we found ourselves at Senjatrollet - a small amusement park for kids covered in trolls (two giant ones, and many small ones, to be exact). The Senja region of Norway is known for being the "fairytale" part of Norway. Green and orange mosses, light blue waters, scattered islands, bridges and dark boulders. It's beautiful! So we had some fun :)

  

  The Thinker.

  

   I could take 'im . . . maybe. :P

  
  

  

  Elder Strange and the two giant trolls :)
  

  

  The two giant trolls!

  
  
  

  Once we arrived in Gryllefjord, the member E. related to us his conversion story. How faith-building and inspiring it is to hear how missionaries have worked before in order to help others come unto Christ through His restored gospel. One thing is for sure - E. was prepared to hear the message before the missionaries met him. So, us missionaries don't necessarily need a LOT of people - just the prepared ones who will act on the message once they have felt it.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God! Joseph Smith translated that Book by the power of God. That is evidence of his divine call as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator in these last days before Christ's Second Coming.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

p.s. I apologize for the darkness of the photos - there isn't much light here to begin with! And the lack of light results in lower quality photos :(

p.p.s.  I also apologize that almost every blogpost has food in it. Hahaha. We do what we can with limited light :)

Januar Takknemlighet (January Gratitude)

 This has been our view at the brightest part of the day. We've basically been living in a cloud the past week :P

 

Hallo!

Last night, I was poring over my journal from a year ago and relived a few memories. I called up Elder Farnsworth, and we reminisced a few moments while in Mo i Rana - it's amazing to see the differences and changes in ourselves, each other, our areas and situations in the mission. So much has happened, and so much has changed since then - all according to the Lord's merciful plan! Here's a list of gratitude I have, after reliving last year in Mo:

Bryce- 1 year ago in Mo i Rana

• Warm weather has pounded Tromsø this week! More 5C, rain rain rain this week. I'll take that over -30C, painful noses and extremities anyday!
• We can understand Northern Norwegian - finally! Haha. God has really blessed us there :)
• A car is a heavensend to an area so far north. Mo i Rana could really use one, too. Sadly, we heard that almost all European missions are having their cars removed in order to improve finding possibilities in public transportation. We wouldn't be able to visit most of our members if that was the case here in Tromsø.
• Instead of a handful of members in church each week - we have a handful and a half! Like I've said before, with more people in church, the Spirit just multiplies.
• Our Branch President is a doctor of naprapathy (a mix between massage therapist and chiropractor, kinda). He squeezed in an appointment with us this week, and boy do we feel like a hundred bucks. Walking around with backpacks all the time sure gives your shoulders some tension. He even did some acupuncture on me :P. Elder Strange can't stand needles - so it was pretty hilarious to watch his reaction.
• The Alta missionary apartment, that we just raided, has some kool-aid in it. Whoa I forgot how sweet that stuff was. Maybe it was because Elder Strange poured 1-1/2 cups of sugar instead of just 1. Maybe.

This past week, the APs, President and Sister Evans, Narvik and Bodø all came up for a visit. It was awesome, and rather relieving to see some other familiar faces around here. This darkness is really getting to us - we were all very open about that. 54 days and counting. Holy mackerel. Elder Weaver (the awesome Irvine missionary who came to Sandnes) is now in Narvik - and he's basically going through what I did in Mo i Rana. A new missionary - in Northern Norway. It was really powerful just opening up to each other and seeing how I had the exact same moments and feelings last year. The Lord wants us to be in contact with one another - that I am sure of. We were able to strengthen and support one another because of our experiences. Thank the Lord for those experiences: the difficult and the awesome!

Our coolest miracle this week happened on Saturday morning. After dropping off the Narvik elders at the airport, Elder Strange turned to me and said "we should get those packages out to our members today - Saturday's a perfect day." Alright! On top of the list was AJ. After finally finding his home, he said "I've been praying all morning - I needed somebody to get some medicine at the pharmacy for me!" The poor guy snapped his achilles tendon earlier this week. "Sure thing, let's take care of this!" The Lord inspired Elder Strange, so that AJ's prayer could be answered. How awesome is that? He even came back to church, after a good chunk of time away, and had a great experience. I wonder how many other members are out there, just waiting for a missionary to bonk on their door and invite them back to church?

Probably more than we can get in contact with, that's for sure! 

According to the locals, the sun should be out again in a week or so. Thank goodness. As a well-admired friend put it once: "Interesting analogy, that as soon as the Son comes out, people's moods are exponentially happier, and more receptive to the gospel :)"

Thank God for His Light of the World :D

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

p.s. Happy Year Mark, Gurt ol' pal :D

Gotta love the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Regner det? Virkelig?? (Is it Raining? Really??)

Kjære verden!

Leaving the church yesterday, we were extremely surprised to find giant puddles of water and slush everywhere! It's +5 degrees C, at 69 degrees north, in the beginning of January. Does something seem wrong to you all, too? Man, Norway is full of surprises everyday.

Before I go any further with this email, I must congratulate my mother on her birthday (thanks for helping me remember that one, Dad :D). All true vikings honor the rites of birthin' day! So happy birthday, Mom! I love you more and more as each day, apartment, investigator and companion comes and goes. I would not be near who I am today without my Mom. From taking me on random trips to California Pizza Kitchen, holding rockin' birthday parties at the Timberlakes cabin, or making me hold her hand into Costco (whether I'm 3 or 33, it matters not!) - my Mom is awesome. I love you Mom!!

Swedish Julmust (comparable 

to Norwegian Julebrus - but 

tastes completely, deliciously 

different :)

Fireworks all across Tromsø island!And Happy New Year, too! Another fabulous year come and gone,
I can hardly believe it. We were able to celebrate the New Year properly this year (last year was way too cold in Mo i Rana for my taste). We were able to be with that awesome family we spent Christmas with once again. The city was lit up in lights, and fireworks like 4th of July all over again. 'Twas an exciting evening :)

Torches on Tromsdalen

 Woo 2013! Who knew we'd make it this far?? :)

The Ice Cathedral!

The smoke from all of the fireworks

 "Some people have bread, but
 can't eat. Others can eat,
but don't have bread.
We have bread, and can eat.
 Therefore shall we praise the Lord" :]

This week, we received an assignment to go and get the summer tires for the Alta car up in Alta. 5 hour drive later, we were at a member's home hanging out with the famous Geir. He's a member here with a mental handicap of some sort - but an absolute musical genius. We were able to play on the piano together a duet from "The Entertainer" - it was really neat! It was sad to depart, but we really had a wonderful time at their home. Hopefully you can enjoy some of the pictures of our drive - they're a little grainy because there wasn't much light, nor time to stop and take lots of pictures. Enjoy!

One scripture that really spoke to me this week was Alma 38:4, when Alma speaks to his son Shiblon (the good one :). He says ". . . I know thou wast in bonds; yea and I also know that thou wast stoned for the       word's sake;" Shiblon was a good missionary, and had some tough times given to him! "And thou didst bear all these things with patience because the Lord was with thee;" I love how Alma says because the Lord was with him, he could bear those trials with patience. There have been plenty of times in my life I've thought "how in the world could God be here with me right now when I'm so darn miserable!" And Alma actually takes that into account in his closing statement in this verse: "and now thou knowest that the Lord did deliver thee." Caught in the moment, we have extreme difficulty trying to see the Lord's hand in our lives. But looking back, "now thou knowest," it becomes clearer as to how the Lord supported and strengthened you the whole time. And He really does. I am a living witness of that.

One of the greatest truths restored through the prophet Joseph Smith, is one that we hear extremely often: that God loves you. Against an apostate backdrop of God's "inevitable" wrath, hellfire and damnation, God the Father called Joseph by name and spoke to him. The whole entire world would be much brighter if each individual knew, understood and comprehended that God loves them personally and completely - regardless of any choices, behaviors, mistakes or sins committed - ever. Completely unconditionally.

That's the God I want to return to.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Some building and mountains!

Fishing Boats!

Gorgeous boats and bays

Jul og Misjonskonferansen (Christmas and Mission Conference)

Our Christmas Tree.

Our nativity and Christmas tree (decked out with Mom's decorations)

 Mine kjære brødre og søstre!

These past two weeks have been filled with wonderful holiday celebrations that I'll do my best to recount :)

Fairly early on the morning of Christmas Eve, Elder Strange and I packed up the car to go and visit a family an hour drive south from Tromsø. It turns out that it was a little further east, too, which made the weather much much colder. -16 C when we arrived, and -20 C during our hike through their farm! We truly enjoyed ourselves in their home - I love this family!

Christmas frost on our hike :)

 Mushroom on the side of a dead tree. Mind you, it's -20C

As Norwegian tradition required, we all dressed ourselves up extra fancy for the Christmas dinner, and enjoyed ribbe (pork ribs), with other meats and potatoes. 

Look how happy Elder Strange is!

Christmas dinner

The kohlrabi and potatoes were especially delicious because they farmed them right here in Balsfjord kommune. I've never had more delicious potatoes in my life! (Northwestern-potato-farming Americans, please don't be offended :P). After which, we read through the Christmas story of Luke 2 in Norwegian, German and English for all of the cultures represented in our little group. The Spirit of the Lord was abundant, and then presents were opened. It was a really special night for us missionaries :D

Riskrem (made from leftover julegrøt)

Scarf!

                      Elder Strange's Christmas Morning special: Chocolate chip pancakes covered in Skippy peanut butter and real fake syrup!

Norwegian Traditional Julegrøt. Always eat from the outside in - NEVER mix it! Some of us learned that the hard way.

Christmas lunch: Reindeer sausage and smoked salmon on open faced sandwiches. If that isn't Norwegian, I don't know what is.

On Christmas day we had some free time, so I finally finished a project I had worked on for a few days: an eternity scarf! They're really popular here in Norway, and I think they look really really good, so I decided to crochet one. Merry Christmas!

Yay for eternity scarves!

That evening, an American woman had us over with all of her neighbors for a traditional American Christmas/Thanksgiving dinner (Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and heavensent homemade stuffing!!). We were on cloud 9, and then we got to talk with our families!! It's truly surprising to realize just how much you fit it in, when you suddenly do fit in. It took 7 months of no verbal contact with my family to realize how very much I love them. I love you family!

The family on Google Hangout

The next day, we got on the plane for Oslo. The mission conference absolutely rocked - filled with a talent night, uplifting and inspiring messages from President and Sister Evans, games and ping-pong tournament (Elder Strange got second!!), and a historical overview of missionary work in Norway from the local church leaders themselves! It was an empowering, motivational conference. Now that I'm so pumped, let's give Tromsø our best!! I apologize, but the only pictures I took at the conference were of previous companions - sorry!

Elder Knudson! (MTC)

 Elder Godfrey! (Oslo)

 Elder Farnsworth! (Mo i Rana)

Elder Levine and Williams! (Stavanger)

Sadly, however, upon arrival home, I got a cold. I'm there with ya, Elder Crookshank. 

This church is Christ's; the Book of Mormon is the word of God - I felt the Spirit of God witness to me the divinity of that book this morning.

Godt Nyttår, Alle! (Happy New Year, Everybody!)

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

This is how dark it got on the 21st of December - the "darkest day of the year". People have been saying that it's been getting lighter every year. I was very surprised as to how light it was!!

The harbor down in Mortenhals on the 24th

 At the top - you can see some frostrøyk (evaporation) on the fjord