MTC Distrikt 37F (3)‏

Hei Hei!

Wow, it has been three weeks already! But also, it has only been three weeks? Seriously, days feel like weeks and weeks feel like days. Time is a loose thing here at the MTC.

The MTC is getting harder: it really shows your weaknesses, but it's grand because you can then strengthen those weaknesses before you're sent off to a new place! Taking advantage of the Atonement is a great blessing and is truly shaping me. I'm only 3 weeks in and I feel very different. I can't imagine two years. Also, the food is getting to me (3 weeks in . . .). Mom, thank you a million for the bentonite clay. It makes me feel amazing. There's nothing like downing volcanic ash before going to bed. On the other hand the MTC is getting easier because planning is coming much more easily to me and my Distrikt. I love it. Personal study is one of my favorite times of the day!

My study desk and chair

I want to share with everyone what helped me most before my mission. First, reading the scriptures with a study journal to write thoughts, questions, impressions and really awesome things (Helaman 8 and 9 are so intense!). Writing these things down really helped me recognize the Spirit. Second, establishing independence beFORE the Mission. Namely, going to college for a year really helped me know what it's like to be on your own, in a sense, and truly rely on the Lord to help you. Third, Mom teaching me the basics (laundry, food, . . . . we never got around to sewing though, haha). Seminary was a great preparation: just seeing if you can commit yourself to the Lord at 6 am. Even dating I would say helped me immensely prepare for a mission. Guys are dramatic too! And you need to know how to cope with people who may be offended. To all of you preparing for missions (ages 0-19) read the first verse of Come Come Ye Saints. It rocks. Preparing for a mission is hard, but I can really see how it has paid off. Especially seeing the varied distribution of elders.

Some random events that have happened:

Some people are Dear Eldering the wrong Bryce Johnson! There are 3 or 4 of us here at the MTC - and I don't receive notice of that until 3 days or so later. Just make sure you have the correct information! We consecrated some oil, and that was really neat. I've never done that before. It was Eldste Williams' birthday on Sunday! We celebrated with cake and . . .  study time. He just turned 19, that youngster. Eric would be stoked to know I met an Elder 

Cunningham! I hope he will be graced with such an opportunity when he is here :]. Speaking of devilish handsomeness, my brown suit and Marc & Miri's Express tie are the talk of the town here at the MTC. They're the only things I get compliments on! Did I mention I love harps? On some of the movies we watch on Sunday nights, there's one with awesome harp. We are starved for music here at the MTC. That was something I really learned to give up this week. by the way! I saw Tate and Uncle Garenon youth.lds.org! I was so surprised to see their smiling faces listening to an iPod. I really like what the church is doing with their websites, especially the youth one. They're really modern.

Elder Knudson and I.

Our investigators are coming along. Eldste Knudson and I are teaching well, but we have much to learn before we head out! I'm really glad we have 9 weeks here, just so that we can figure out some basics about teaching in another language first. We need to emphasize the importance of personal revelation through the Book of Mormon and prayer, and understand that they must find out the truth for themselves! We have a teach tonight, so we'll really focus on that.

Recently I have had some really awesome experiences reading in the Book of Mormon and D&C. First in D&C 88:34, it expresses the way we are sanctified and what we receive through sanctification. Being a missionary, that is a crucial element to your preparation before you leave. We are set apart from the world to go and share the Gospel message that the truth has been restored and the true way to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come are here on earth! The feelings of the Holy Spirit are so strong with missionary-work - as they should be - for a missionary cannot teach an investigator to be converted further than the missionary is. Another amazing experience I had was just pondering the life to come and the wonderful promises given us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Just imagine that for a few minutes the most amazing, celestial existence possible, and then realize it's even grander than that! I love this Gospel.

P-Days have become much busier now that the temple is up and running again. We went this morning, and it was a wonderful experience. I can't wait for there to be a temple in Norway. I think that may be the next goal after a second stake opens up there (that's the goal for the end of this year!).

I think that's all I have to report for now! So I shall share one of my favorite scriptures på Norsk!

"Og Eli sa till Samuel: Gå og legg deg. Og blir det ropt på deg, så skal du si: Tal, Herre, din tjener hører! Og Samuel gikk og la seg på plassen sin."

You are all wonderful! I can feel your prayers and they are much appreciated and felt. I especially enjoy your letters of encouragement and advice (Mom, Mike and Carissa, thank you so so much!). I love you all!

mye kjærlighet!

We're going to miss this baby!

Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson