How do you move a mountain?‏

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.

 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!

 The Moon in Mo i Rana's Sentrum, with Christmas tree!