Nye Leiligheten (the new apartment!)

A gorgeous "sunset" on the fjord

Hei alle!

Thank you thank you thank you ALL for the continued birthday wishes!! I have absolutely loved receiving emails and wonderful letters and even a sweetawesome package filled with a never-ending supply of candycanes in it! I will do my best to respond to all of the wonderful wishes thoroughly and sufficiently - though it may take a few P-Days! Ahh I love you all.

Whaaat?

My birthday carrot cake! (carrot cake isn't so bad!)

News flash: we're getting  an apartment! I mean, a new apartment! As of this Wednesday the first, our new address is:

71 Sørlandsveien

8624 Mo i Rana

Norway

I'll make sure to check the previous address for extra mail or other things that may arrive there - so no worries if you sent it to that address!

My birthday with Torstein

As for this week it's been a huge series of ups, a couple downs, and being way tired by the end of it all. Remember: tiredness is a sign of a good missionary! Let me tell you that it is an absolutely remarkable and touching experience when an investigator solidly bears testimony to you that he knows God lives, the Book of Mormon is God's word, Joseph Smith was God's prophet who restored the truth, and that the Holy Ghost watched over and protected him. "Eg vet at Den Hellige Ånd pass på meg" (I know that the Holy Ghost watches over me) will always resonate in Elder Farnsworth and I's ears. It is the best experience in the whole entire world - especially after such dark times in the past - and makes every hardship worth it. When an investigator knows from God (not just us) that this is truly His church and His plan for us, and that His love is specifically and personally real to each and every one of us - that makes the coldest, darkest day burn with angelic flame. I love being a missionary.

Our new apartment! (second floor!)

Another experience this past week was that when all of our investigators left for the weekend, we felt the harsh reality of what life is like without investigators :P. But we still had a good day! There is no shame in a full day of finding. One neat experience was when we went out to bonk we really specifically asked for guidance as to where we should go. "How does stjerneveien sound?" asked Farnsworth. "That sounds really good." I reply. On our way there . . . I feel really strongly to go try the building on the right (on Langmoheia). Hmm. Strange. As we tried the first door: she told us to come back at a later time. Sweet! The second door: also told us to come back! The third door: a teenage kid opened the door slightly ajar while talking on the phone. We of course offered the Book of Mormon, and he motioned for the book. He snatched it out of my hand and immediately shut the door. Hahaha!! Fourth door: we received a specific return appointment! What a blessing indeed! The Lord is always willing to bless us - all it takes is asking, and then working for it :).

It is awesome to hear all of my friends out on missions and working their tails off! As the blood of Ephraim, missionary work courses through our veins - it is the destiny and lifeblood of our existence! No other work will bring greater joy. And if I did feel greater joy I think I may become consumed. 2 Nephi 4:21. Mosiah 5:2-4. Missionary work rocks.

I love you all, and hope to continue hearing from you all. Invite someone to church! It'll bring you true joy :D.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Our district meetings every week over the phone (at times painful)

A missionary apartment. Fruit, vegetables, deodorant, hair gel, and cereal all on the same table.