Julehelgen! (The Christmas Weekend!)

Hei alle!

How was everyone's Christmas?? Ours here in Mo i Rana was simply fabulous!

We decked out our room pretty awesomely once we got the supplies :)

The week before we had a Mission Conference where all the missionaries in all of Norway gathered in Oslo for a big conference. It was strengthening and edifying to say the least! And at times hilarious, hehe. We received the opportunity to watch the film "Seventeen Miracles." Have you seen the before? Oh my goodness that's a good movie: but be prepared to sob your eyes out. Oi. It is incredibly strengthening to me to see what sacrifices needed to be made, for whatever reason, back then for us to be here now. The foundation we are built upon in this gospel is solid, and is supported by the strongest, most Christ-like individuals. We have a magnificent heritage, and much to live up to!

Gift from Branch Member

The day before Christmas, a member here in Mo i Rana texted us saying : "Are you guys home?" "Yup, we are!" "Okay I'll be right there." She came by with some of the best Norwegian food there is - and with presents as well! She is literally an angel (according to Jeffrey R. Holland) here in Mo i Rana! We are extremely grateful for her and her example: she is one of the most selfless, loving people I know. She even included fresh squeezed orange juice in the groceries, which as my family knows, absolutely completes our Christmas! Ahh so wonderful!!

The holidays primarily consisted of sleeping, reading scriptures, watching Church videos (Joy to the World! It's a good one!), working out (oh how heaven-sent), and writing letters. With no proselyting allowed, we did what we could! At one point we went outside for a walk, and let me tell you something amazing about Norway! Around Christmastime, Norwegians light candles on every gravestone in a cemetery.

Church and lit cemetery

On a snowy, dark day, it looks amazing. My pictures don't nearly do justice to its beauty, but I tried! The cemeteries here are always around churches, and it looks amazing.

Lit gravestones

Keyboard at Church

However, our church that Sunday consisted of Elder Olsen and I singing songs, and giving our talks to each other. Hehe! What funny memories.

Skype was fantastic! One of the quickest hours of my life - wow! Apparently I look chubby, or something along those lines (I'm looking at you, Mom & AR :P). haha! And yes, I recently weighed myself and I have gained 17 pounds since I left on my mission! All muscle of course! Hehe :P. We do what we must to stay warm around these parts! Also apparently I have an accent? I have no idea what they're talking about. But talking with my family was wonderful and refreshing. It's good to know you all really do exist ;). Specifically, thank you Christiaan & Anna Rose for being there, and thank you Putnam's for helping them out so that they could be there!! Thank you Duncan and Emily for also  being there; and feel better, okay?? It meant a lot to me to see you all there! And thank you Ford's and Hope's for the Christmas cards! It's wonderful to hear from you! And thank you parents for the Christmas package: I don't think I'll ever run out of dried fruit for the rest of my life - you  know me far too well :D.

Elder Olsen and I on the way to Skype our families.

 Package from home!  I am happier than I look.  I promise!

As for me, I couldn't be doing better except that I want to see these sweetawesome new church Bible videos. We don't have the necessary means to watch them. *sigh* maybe next year. We are so blessed to have a Church that keeps up with all technological methods in order to bring the Spirit!

I testify of the truthfulness of this work! God is not only building Mo i Rana, but He is also building Elder Olsen and I. We are honored to serve our God here, in the Arctic District of Norway. I love you all so much! Have a wonderful New Year!!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Elder Olsen got a sweet picture of me!

I love refleks

Me, today, on the way to do emails! Woo! Hehe