Alexander's Baptism!

Hiya Hallo! (Get some Nord-Norsk greetings in there)

  

What a nuts week. Hahaha. But as always, we were exceedingly blessed and supported here in Mo i Rana :)

The week began a little slowly, with a rough day. We decided to go out and shovel some snow for our investigator to remedy our hard day. It turns out our investigator's neighbor is extremely unused to nice people - so she was flipping out when she saw that we were removing snow from their porch, walkway, driveway and on top of the garage. Usually, service has its own benefits, but seeing that woman's face and reaction was supremely rewarding :D. "if you guys need ANYTHING, just come on in. Can I get some soda for you? Cookies? I can make dinner!" Hahaha, she is so sweet. It saddens me to see how "normal" it is to be self-centered in this world - then suddenly a couple of nice, unselfish people come in and everyone is surprised, marvelling. If I were to define what our work is doing, it's warming up the people - one greeting and wave at a time! I can't help but split into a grin when people are literally stunned by our kindness. Bahaha.

On Friday we had an extremely busy day filled with meetings and even a dinner! However, after the dinner we planned on riding the bus down to the station in order to take a trip to Mosjøen and visit Alexander. As luck would have it, the bus didn't come. With 10 minutes until our other bus to Mosjøen leaves, I call up a taxi. We then goose chase the bus far down the road and finally reach the bus! Conveniently, on the bus was a potential investigator we talked with for a good solid hour! Once we made it to Mosjøen though, Alexander was busy, and Eldste Farnsworth and I realized we now have no money to get back to Mo i Rana. That's a little nerve-wracking. With a little prayer, and a good dose of faith, we rummaged through Mosjøen for a mini-bank. By providential deliverance, we found it, had just enough money to make it back home, and even met with Alexander for a solid lesson (high-five to Farnsworth :P).

Despite the opposition otherwise, Alexander's baptism was planned for Saturday (the next day). That whole Friday we tried to get in contact with a member to be the witness for Alexander's baptism. Then, all Saturday 

Eldste Farnsworth, Alexander :) and I

morning we tried getting in contact with that member. Extremely concerned that the baptism wouldn't go through, we still felt we should go down to Mosjøen. It is absolutely nutty - the spiritual comfort that things will work out, yet not seeing any immediate solution to the problem (it reminds me of President Monson's experience with Peter Mourik at the Frankfurt temple dedication). We waited at Mosjøen for a few hours trying to figure out how to get a second witness, nervous that things wouldn't work out, yet still feeling that comforting influence. After a few calls up to the members in Mo i Rana, the rush and envelopment of relief soared over us when our awesome Branch President told us he'd drive the whole entire way down to Mosjøen. This man is busy, and received no sleep the night before! I could not, and still cannot, express my gratitude for our Branch President!! A precious soul entered the waters of baptism because of our awesome members in Mo i Rana. And on top of that, we got a free return trip back to Mo i Rana :D. As well, Eldste Farnsworth was a man, and got in the water the second time this month :P.

Our baptismal font!

I wish everyone knew the stress, efforts and lengths missionaries go to just to see someone taught and baptized. Haha - it is always easier looking back than experiencing it. Our Heavenly Father does the very same, and infinitely more on our behalf.

 The Gospel is the way to discern things for what they really are (Jacob 4:13).   

"...for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls."

It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are led, guided and strengthened to do what is right. It is through that Spirit that our relationships grow, develop and bloom. And at many times this growth and development is painful, making room in our hearts for the blessings God has in store for us :). 

I love this Gospel and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Kjør på!

        -Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

More of Farnsworth and I's deilig mat - Fiskekaker, Jarlsberg cheese, peppers and rice :]