Greatest Fear: Accomplished!‏

Hey everybody!

I cut my own hair!! Oh man was I scared to do it. Haha. It doesn't look too terrible. But one of our investigators told me I missed a spot. Boy did I miss a spot! - Bahaha.

Elder Crookshank (Mr. Cunningham!) sent me a simply wonderful letter this past week with the question "how have you changed most on your mission so far?" In order to answer this question, I thought I should do so on my email so he gets the answer sooner than later, and also share my answer with everyone else! I think I have changed the most in my perception of everything. My perspectives have changed drastically. I have learned that you can only do so much until you reach a limit (whether physically, spiritually, emotionally or mentally). And on a mission you're able to exercise those limits until you are miraculously able to accept them, and even at times go beyond those limits (through the Atonement of Christ). Cold, for example, is a very big mind-game. I have found myself both extremely joyous in the cold, and also rather miserable in the cold. What's the difference? Perspective. Another thing I've learned is to love others unconditionally. It's difficult here, but loving others is the only way out of it! From General Conference talk "Missionaries are a Treasure of the Church" I learned that love is the absolute most important thing a missionary can share with others. And if that's the most important thing to share: I can do that. I've learned how to have fun while everything around you looks dark (literally, as well!). There is no better way to lift your spirits than to tell a hilarious story from your past. (Thank you Garrett for our valuable stash of hysterical stories :P, you've kept us alive here!). But besides all of this I have very much learned how to deal with a LOT of imperfection. Whether in ourselves, others, apartments, the world, etc, there is a lot of imperfection. Yet through the Lord Jesus Christ are we able to overcome these imperfections and bask in joy and love! So to answer your question, Elder Crookshank, I don't exactly know if you'll recognize me when I come back: I can't see myself from the outside in! However, I can see myself from the inside out - and my inside has changed quite a bit. I'm sure yours has as well, I have no doubt! "How long can rushing water remain impure?"

Hopefully that made sense. We don't have very much time left, but I do want to say that I am extremely grateful for this past General Conference. I am able to read it when I eat, and it sure picks me up! I hope I'll remember these talks for the rest of my life.

No, no northern lights yet, despite the fact that I set my alarm for the middle of the night to check and see! I love you all so much; I feel your prayers. Stand strong on the foundation of Christ!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnsonq

 

Bryce and his new companion Elder Farnsworth when they were in the MTC‏

Godt Nytt År!‏

 It's actually a clear day! Hurry, take a picture!

Hei alle!

Norwegians celebrate their New Year very much like Americans celebrate the 4th of July: tons and tons of fireworks! It was really neat for a while, until we had to go to bed trying to sleep through the ambience of exploding substances the rest of the evening. Really neat experience though! Isn't it also comforting to know that if the world ends this year, by timezone (as prophesied by that one guy), that your missionary in Norway will get the brunt of it firsthand?? Hehe.

As for this week, needless to say, holidays are tough times for missionaries who don't have many places to go :). But on the other hand, we're also at times filled to the brim with such exceeding and exquisite joy that we wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the whole entire world! Oi, what a roller coaster! I suppose that's all a part of enduring to the end: being solidly faithful through both the lowest of lows and most extreme of highs (by the Spirit, mind you!).

I would like to express my gratitude for all of you faithful members of the church who continue to love and serve one another and are steadfastly attending church! Us as missionaries adore you and appreciate you more than we can comfortably express. I suppose we're slightly biased, however, since other missionaries don't have the same experiences that we do, here in Mo i Rana. But if they could, they would appreciate and love you beyond expression! You are all so blessed, and are indeed a blessing to the community you are in!

Mo i Rana is coming out of the ashes now, after the holidays, so we are ready to dig deep and hard into the snow this week! One of the best things about working here in Mo i Rana is the time we have to improve our storytelling skills. Stories can make the hardest of difficult days a breeze. Another great thing about Mo i Rana is that we met someone who actually challenges our beliefs! I was very surprised not very many people challenge our belief here in Norway, but we did meet someone! And it has been a simply wonderful experience teaching, directly from the scriptures, why we believe what we believe. It builds my testimony all the more that us missionaries are trained in our lessons (Restoration, Plan of Salvation, Gospel of Christ and Commandments) and in love, and the rest of study is up to you and the Spirit. The Lord gives us so much freedom and abilities to choose in that which we study and learn to best apply the doctrine to the individuals we meet. I love it.

I know this work is God's work. Joseph Smith was God's prophet on the earth, just as Adam, Abraham and Moses of ancient time, and today we have Thomas S. Monson who leads this Church as Christ would if He were on the earth. What a blessing it is that we have that knowledge. I love you all so very much - continue being awesome!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

 coooold!

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

Key to Norwegian: Vowels‏

Hey everybody!

My Dad recently asked me where I go for emails. And before today it was always the local library! However, now the library is closed until February, so we found a little cafe today. I'll do my best to write what I can!

Awesome Christmas lights!

This past week has been simply wonderful. I believe it was Spencer W. Kimball who stated that when

the Christmas season arrives, there is an outpouring of the Spirit across the entire world. And that even includes Mo i Rana! We have had many incredible miracles happen this past week! To begin with, I passed the fated Norwegian Driver's License test! Not many missionaries are able to pass it, but by the grace of providence, the test was passed! One funny note though: in the license picture we're not allowed to smile. So instead I decided to make a huge frown since "no smiling" was allowed (youtube video "Validated" - highly recommended!). But the woman wouldn't allow a huge frown either; aww darn. Hehe! A cheesy toothless smile sufficed in any case.

This describes very well
our investigator Andrew :P

Another miracle this week was that the Assistants came down for splits with us. Elder Carmichael recommended some Norwegian pronunciation books from the library: and let me tell you my Norwegian has blossomed! It's all in the vowels for Norwegian. Not only am I able to pronounce things correctly, but I can also discern the different ways other Norwegians pronounce their vowels, and therefore my comprehension increased as well! I speak with much more confidence, and the responses I receive from the people is a day and night difference! It's wonderful! The Lord truly blesses His missionaries!

As for Christmas, we will most likely spend it with our new convert Andrew :D. He will be baptized

tomorrow in a fjord, which is extremely exciting! I'll make sure to get some pictures. Yes Mom, we'll Skype for Christmas. I love you all so much! Know that the Christmas feeling is the Spirit of Christ. Through His gift to us we can be at complete peace and have true happiness! Ha en god jul!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

P.S. Merry Christmas to you too!!

What us missionaries look like while contacting!
Our bright "refleks" so we don't get hit, and our fuzzy hats too!

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!

Let the Lord Help You‏

Hey everybody!

Do you all have your Christmas decorations up yet? We do! Hopefully you all can see the picture I've

The extent of our Christmas decorations :)

included. Norwegian Christmas decorating is as follows: green leafy shrubs and trees covered in big white lights, garnished with little red gnomes. It's quite beautiful, really! They also all have these Hanukkah-looking lights that they have in their windowsills. I'm really grateful because it makes late-night bonking rather entertaining :).

Earlier this week I was able to take a train northward up to Bodø on splits! To describe the mid-journey scenery in one word: Hoth (the planet from Star Wars). Except darker. However Bodø was a very pleasant place! I was able to work with Elders Isaksen and Tedrow and really improve my abilities talking to people and having fun while working! Elder Isaksen is heading down to Puerto Rico pretty soon, so I was very grateful to work with a true Norwegian for a day! Especially the first Norwegian Elder to go and serve Spanish-speaking!

Johnson & Olsen, Mo i Rana's missionaries! yeeaiah!

This past week I've really learned that it is absolutely essential to have fun while you are on your mission. Whether it's walking in a really straight line, telling crazy life stories to your companion or just laughing about otherwise strange occurrences, all are necessary to work better in your mission. So don't forget to have fun! And chocolate helps. I have finally figured out why Norwegian chocolate is so good: because what else is going to keep them going when it's so dark?!

One interesting thing I learned this past week was from Elder Vanderhooft. He quotes C.S. Lewis pretty much every week, and I love it. C.S. Lewis is one of my heroes. The quote was about repentance. When we repent, are we facing up to the fact that we sinned and we're giving that over to the Lord, or are we trying to rationalize the sin and make excuses so it seems not as bad as it was? Because honestly, making rationalizations and excuses is really a waste of time. Instead, clearly admitting and restituting the sin and giving it to the Lord is repentance. And therefore, once we have done all we can (rationalizations and excuses aside), the Lord forgives us and is willing to comfort us. And then a thought struck me: "But are we allowing ourselves to be forgiven and comforted?" Many times we make mistakes and hold ourselves to them "oh look, I made a mistake, I'm a bad person." But after you repent, the Lord remembers it no more, and we cannot allow that mistake to bother us in terms of our goodness and worthiness. You are whole again! The quote really opened up my mind on how much the Lord is willing to comfort us if we just open our hearts and minds to Him. C.S. Lewis is the man!

Andrew and I in his hybel!

Investigators: My Mom requested I include more information regarding my investigators. I will do my best! We have been teaching Andrew - he is the man! I've never met anyone, especially this young, especially in Norway of all places, have so much faith in Jesus Christ. It's astounding to me! He's a wonderful guy who just ate up the Book of Mormon. That was a really neat experience. We're continuing to meet up with him and bring him closer to Christ through the message of the Restoration! We have also been teaching Elizabeth who has always been friends with the missionaries. Only very recently has Mo i Rana been opened up to missionaries again, so we found her and she is interested in learning more. The Lord has blessed us enormously here in Mo i Rana :D.

So everything is going great here! The Lord is building us immensely here, as well as building the church here in Mo i Rana! I hope you're all doing great as well. Take some time to study the Christmas stories from the scriptures - that is where the true Spirit of Christmas can be felt. I love you all, keep up the good work!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson