Æ ska flytt nordover! (Headin' Northward!)

Heleisen verden! (One last Stavanger-dialect greeting for the road!)

Wow. Has it been 4 months already? The Stavanger area has been like walking on sunshine ever since I arrived. This place has definitely been a blast - memberwise, investigatorwise, missionarywise, companionwise, citywise. Everything has just come into place to make it the best experience thus far. The Lord has been very merciful and generous to me these past four months, for which I will be eternally grateful. Now He has a plan for me a bit further north: Tromsø!

Tromsø is an island in the middle of a fjord way up north by Alta (Alta being the highest latitude missionary area in the entire world, Tromsø being the second). It is world-renowned for its northern lights (rated #1 in the world by some), and it's two and a half times larger than Mo i Rana! No empty streets for us :). Elder Strange will be joining me in Tromsø. He's one of the most energetic missionaries we have in the mission - so we'll be tearing it up together in the holidays! From what I've heard, Tromsø has a branch of approximately 3 families (2 in Tromsø, and 1 that skypes in from Svalbard), and a few others. It's going to be wonderful getting close to all of them these coming months :). Tromsø is a university town. One of Norway's best medical schools is in Tromsø . . . so I'll definitely have a peak in there. Prepare for miracles - and some new boots!

Below is another perspective of where Bryce is 

Here's the new address:

Vardevegen 205A

9018 Tromsø

This past week has just been spectacular. Our ward mission leader skyped us AGAIN. This time from London. My definition of a ward mission leader has gone from zero to hero this transfer - hopefully I can be as epic as him! We've also had very much success praying with members and investigators to help them receive missionary experiences. One of our investigators was so excited about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration DVD we gave him that he gave them to his friend immediately after getting them from us! Like this man said from this video from the hurricane Sandy tragedy, (http://vimeo.com/53357089) "When the Spirit of Christ sinks deep into your heart, you just want to serve and help your fellow man." Whether by sharing the gospel, or cleaning up the flotsam and jetsam of a national disaster, it is what Christ Himself would do.

I. has been following us for the past few days for a school report on missionary work. Love those vikings!!

We had the wonderful opportunity to have a zone training meeting this past week. This month's theme is "preparing for baptism," so the theme revolved around our own personal conversion and change of heart. Or in other words, the "why" behind baptism. That was one of the most spiritual testimony meetings I have ever attended. You could cut the Spirit in that room with a knife, it was so thick. It was fascinating to note that almost every testimony born began with their family, and how their family engaged them to act on some prompting, or raised them in an environment susceptible to the influence of the Holy Ghost for them to gain a testimony. The family truly is the best place to learn and apply the principles of the gospel. Baptism exists in order for man and God to establish a stronger relationship. For us to commit ourselves to Him and His will (by keeping the commandments, and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost). And for God to more abundantly bless us (through comfort, promptings, and more than we can currently comprehend Mosiah 2:41). 

The sisters made a bomb lunch for our district! MMM.

Speaking of baptism, K. was just baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday! This wonderful man has been investigating the church for almost the whole 4 months we've been here. It has been an honor and a pleasure to extend to him commitments in which his faith could grow. I find it very fascinating how a testimony can be grown. Either 1) you could gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon and thereby know that Joseph Smith was a prophet or 2) you could get a testimony of a principle or law that Joseph Smith revealed to us, to find out if he was a prophet. K.'s experience was the latter. By following the Word of Wisdom, K. knew for a fact that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that the Book of Mormon was true. The Lord works in mysterious ways - and how wonderful it is to watch His work in action!

Awesome cupcakes made by a member family. MMM.

The announcement that we were leaving Stavanger came pretty hard to the ward, and especially to K., but we all know that it is according to God's will. As we say: "The righteous never need to say good-bye!" Just: "see you later!". As the work of the Lord moves on, and hastens ever increasingly, let's reach out to those around us and love them. 

Remember that Christ's two greatest commandments began with "Thou shalt love".

I shall therefore love. John 14:15.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

 Elder Weaver having his first experience with oatmeal. No I'm not kidding.

Gratulerer til Micah!, 101 nye folk å undervise, Sandnes Splits, Ekte Omvendelse og Martin's Eksempel (Congratulations to Micah!, 101 new people to teach, Sandnes Splits, True Conversion and Martin's Example)

Another gorgeous Stavanger sky. Ahh this place rocks.

Hallo hallo hallo!

First of all, congratulations to Micah on your engagement!!! That is simply wonderful news - especially since I have actually met your fiance! Hopefully I can continue following in your righteous footsteps throughout the rest of my life. I try to "earn my pillow" each day too, thanks to you :). Best wishes to you both, and we shall be united again!

This past week, President Evans set a "standard of excellence" for our mission to find 100 new people to teach within one week. Normally, our mission would find between 40 and 60 on an average week. As we set our minds to it, prayed, and gave the extra effort - the mission found 101 new people to teach!! (49 of which just from the west zone alone with only 7 companionships!!) I apologize to you all who don't really understand this number stuff - but it was extremely exciting for us to achieve this challenging yet reachable goal for our mission. The Lord can help us when we set and work toward worthy goals!!

Mission Conference, October 10, 2012

Elder Weaver (the awesome new missionary from Irvine!) and I got to hit up Sandnes on splits on Friday! Woo! We had such a blast. Sandnes was just opened 4 months ago, due to a revelation President Evans received a year ago when he received his mission call to be Mission President. It is a booming, young town full of young families. Nothing less than a perfect opportunity for us to share the message of love, forgiveness, faith, restitution and even good, wholesome recreational activities. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that will save the world from the calamity of its own self-destruction - and its best effects can be seen in the family unit. So we contacted and bonked up a storm to go find people to teach. We dropped in on some members - who made the best mexican dish I have had on my entire mission. Beans, rice and chicken. It, of course, helps that the wife in the family IS from Mexico. I learned a lot that splits - especially that our gospel message is centered on families. Elder Weaver is a stud!

Sandnes splits with Elder Weaver!!

We also met with K. this past week who is preparing for baptism. He began inviting all of his friends and family to his baptism, and he received some negativity back from them. It was so sad! He came to us with a few questions which we were more than happy to answer. I want to testify before you all that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints IS Christ's church. There exists no more christian organization than Christ's own restored church today (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/new-round-of-cleanup-projects-scheduled-by-mormon-helping-hands). Salvation comes by no other means than faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. Also, the potential of man is realized through our faith in God. We can see clearly in the Bible that we, as children of our Father in Heaven, have the potential to become perfect and like Him. (Romans 8:16-17, Hebrews 12:9). Why else would Christ command us to become such? (Matthew 5:48) Does it not make sense that we, as children of God, become like Him just as we, as children of our mortal parents, become like them? God does have a plan (Moses 1:39). We do have a future ahead of us, after this life (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/he-is-risen?lang=eng&query=he+risen). And a long path of progression on the way to perfection lying in wait. Is it not exciting that we can continue to learn, develop and become better everyday? Life is amazing!! These truths were realized in our lesson with K. - and confirmed by the witness of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 10:5). Remember, that the truth of ALL things can be confirmed by the witness of the Holy Ghost. K. felt it, and so did everyone else in the room.

On Sunday evening, there was an open house at one of our member's homes. It was held for Martin, who is a recent convert (2 or 3 years ago) from Bodø going to serve in the Portugal mission. Through much excitement, and high emotions (man it's weird to see it happening to someone else!), you could tell that the members were delighted to have him serve his mission. A few speeches later, the Spirit was very strong, and my companion and I were caught reflecting on our own missions. How amazing missions are! The members testified of how missions were some of the best two years of their lives; how, after giving of yourself for 2 whole years, you found yourself given the most in the end; how there will be tough, difficult days, as well as splendidly blissful days ahead. As we were caught in the middle of this, we took a few moments to thank God for our wonderful missions. A mission, again, is the best gift God could give to a 18 year old kid. And I'll be forever reminiscing the hardships and the bursts of ecstatic bliss from my mission.

God be thanked for His great care and preparations for our well-being and futures!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

p.s. I apologize for the lack of photos - it's dark and winter again. Tune in next spring for another slew of great pictures ;)

Familie Hjemme Aften, Kristus Støtte, Halloween Fest, Bergen Splits, og Preikestolen (Family Home Evening, Christ Statue, Halloween Party, Bergen Splits and Preikestolen (again!))

Kjære dåkkar!

I just read my last email. This week wasn't nearly as epic as last week. My motivation to write an email just died - haha!

Tree of Life depiction

Some members asked us to hold a family home evening at their home. We opened up the children's picture Book of Mormon and read the story of the Tree of Life and drew it on our own pieces of paper. It was awesome! After which we looked up all of the symbols and applied it to our own lives. If you can't see it on the picture, I have a missionary in a boat on top of the river of filthiness saving souls :P. We are here to save lives - especially those of future generations through their present-day families! There is no greater work in the world.

Elder Levine's fabulous artwork ;)

One morning we took some time to observe the Christ statue here in the St. Petri Church. I know you've all seen it before - but it's still inspiring. I can't wait to visit the Rome, Italy temple's visitor's center with statues of all of the 12 apostles (which marble will be take from the Carrera quarry!).

Christ Statue in the St. Petri Church

Coconut gelatin eyeballs!

Linus from Peanuts

On Wednesday it was Halloween! Happy Halloween! I saw one kid with face paint the whole entire night - and no candy. People outside of America don't take Halloween seriously, I guess. Some members

Pumpkin fettucinne ravioli - MMM.

invited us over for a "Halloween-themed" dinner. Pumpkin fettucinne ravioli? Amazing! Then a coconut gelatin dessert that looked like an eyeball. MMM. It was a blast besides the fact that nobody dressed up except for me. I was Linus from the Peanuts :)

Another member family here in Stavanger has a son out on a mission currently serving in Bergen. I went on splits with him this week! Rushes of flash backs came and went as we took the Bybane (city tram) and contacted out on those gorgeous streets. I forgot how pretty it was in Bergen! Also very common in Bergen were the old folks who didn't like us very much at all. Ahh yes I fortunately forgot about them. However, we enjoyed ourselves very much, and much learning was done! G. found some time to meet with us too!! He was baptized on the 29th of October last year.

The good man George and me :D.

What a crazy coincidence I was able to see him again after an entire year since his baptism :). And I promise he smiles a lot more than it looks like. Hehe.

Last night there was a concert going on right where we were going to contact people. Darn, that's just too bad. I love festivities.

Concert by Breiavatnet

Today we hiked Preikestolen - AGAIN. And we loved it! Elder Weaver and Sister Bingham had never been - so it was a pleasure. Thank you thank you to Isabel who let us all drive with her all the way up! It was an absolute blast.

Preikestolen round 3 :)

From mission conference and a mission-wide survey we recently took, our whole entire mission expressed that we want to become more Christ-centered. Out of all the chapters in Preach My Gospel, the mission voted that they wanted to learn (in descending frequency of votes) 1) The Gospel of Jesus Christ 2) Christlike Attributes 3) How Can I Recognize and Understand the Spirit?. It was a very clear indication that we all wanted to become more Christ-centered. Due to that, we have been challenged by President Evans to read all of the 4 Gospels and all of 3 Nephi before the end of the year. I am so excited to begin this study. It's going to be very productive and very inspiring to read quickly through the life of Christ, and His work after His death and resurrection. For anyone who feels so inclined (or inspired) to join me - please do so :D

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Reindeer meat - I ate Blitzen!

Dalsnuten, Dyprengjøring, Banking, Misjonærforberedelse, Splits og Misjonærkonferanse! (Dalsnuten, Deep Cleaning, Bonking, Mission Preparation, Splits and Mission Conference!)

The best panoramic picture ever. Elder Levine = Morphius :P

Heleissen!

Words cannot express what has taken place this week. It's incredible!! The Lord is truly at the helm.

Last week, we did some deep cleaning (and boy did this apartment need it. Whew! P.S. mildew is easily destroyed by a chlorine/water solution) and hiked Dalsnuten. Gorgeous fall colors were everywhere!

Fall colors!

ON TOP OF THE WORLD feelings.

The sign we didn't follow at first . . . Read your scriptures!

And as a side note, make sure to always follow the signs to the trail. It was strangely symbolic that we went the exact opposite way the sign told us to go, and we found ourselves in a slightly precarious situation once we actually stopped. We repented and found our way back. It turned out well in the end :D.

Follow those sign posts!

While out bonking we received the age-old classic "from the second floor" answer. The man came out on his balcony "Yeah??" "We're missionaries out to share a message about Jesus Christ!" "Well I'm christian!" "Then this is the book for you!" "Hold on a sec, I'll be right down!" Whaa?? Hehe. It is always refreshing to be so well received.

Did you know that Alma 2 is basically the War in Heaven just redone in a different setting? Yeah, it blew my mind too. Thanks be to Elder Levine :)

Due to a letter earlier this week (Thanks, Austin :), I have felt that I should share some mission preparation advice for all of you preparing to go. Here goes!

1. Go to seminary (You told me not to include this, but I did anyway :P)
2. Establish solid scripture study patterns NOW. I would recommend at least 30 minutes per day. Mornings are best. Always include some of the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel. Study that which is most relevant to you now. (For example, I remember reading PMG chapter 13 before my mission and falling asleep multiple times. Now, I am giddy to read that chapter. "OH. THAT'S what the ward mission leader is supposed to do." or "Wow, our Bishop is awesome at his job!" etc etc.). For BoM studies, I highly recommend going from beginning to end with a certain topic in mind (Christ's strengthening power, or patterns of good vs. evil leadership, etc) and underlining everything according to that topic. I one day want to have a bookshelf filled with copies of the Book of Mormon according to topic.
3. Take prayer seriously NOW. No body likes getting information-dumped. Neither does God. He wants to hear your feelings and your thoughts, not a grocery list of concerns and worries that may perhaps not be in your best interest in the long run. He knows what you ought to pray for. He can help and let you know. To everyone I recommend prayerfully considering and applying this articlehttp://www.lds.org/ensign/1976/01/before-praying?lang=eng&query=before+praying+bassett

   

   Classic Joseph Smith First Vision pose :D

4. Approach Preach My Gospel less like a manual and more like scripture. Meaning: pray beforehand and during your study of that book for understanding. It was written by prophets and apostles - it IS scripture. Treat it like scripture.
5. Start writing down your personal testimony and experiences of each of the principles of the Gospel. Missionaries are MUCH more powerful when they can testify of something personally. Whether it's tithing, chastity, the word of wisdom, the Prophet Joseph Smith, President Monson, prayer or scripture study - have a personal experience of each in order to testify boldly and undeniably for your arsenal. How did we defeat Satan before we came down to earth? By the blood of the Lamb (Christ's Atonement) and our testimony! Keep it sharp.
6. Go on splits with the local missionaries. Practice teaching with them. Ask for suggestions as to how you can improve your teaching skills.
7. Eat well and stay in shape. It'll help keep your energy and spirit's up - even when things are tough-
8. Date! In groups, of course. We need missionaries with social skills - most of which are best learned while on a date. Missionaries work best when they know how to work with people and help them feel comfortable. 
9. Don't forget who you are. Do not bury yourself and become a missionary robot. God gave you your talents and personality for a reason - don't hide them. Remember, it was YOU who the Lord called and prepared beforehand so that you could go on this mission. Hold all of the rules, be 100% obedient, and watch your personality blossom. I've seen it in my fellow MTC group and previous companions. It's amazing.
10. Expect to change for the better, despite the difficulties of missionary work. The Lord will shape and form you to be well on your way for the rest of your life and on into the eternities. God is in control. Trust that.

On Wednesday, we had too many appointments one night for the both of us (first time in my mission ever!!), so Elder Levine and I went on splits with members. Elder Levine went with Bro. R. to help an investigator to stop smoking (the missionary stop smoking problem is awesome - highly recommend it! He hasn't smoked since he began :D). I went on splits with a priest in our ward to meet with our investigator D. The Spirit was present the whole time, the testimony that the priest bore was perfect, and it was focused the whole time. I couldn't have asked for a better splits! 

Thursday and Friday we had a mission conference with President Teixeira from the Seventy. It was a wonderful two days to recognize our weaknesses, and how we could overcome them and achieve great things in this mission. Our big focuses right now are finding new investigators, reading PMG everyday, using the new PMG DVDs (which are great by the way), and involving members in our missionary work. I cannot tell you what a difference it makes when a member his or herself finds someone and introduces to the missionaries. A system of support is already in place, and the relationship between the missionary and that investigator is already solid in a teacher/student relationship. Members ought to be friends, and missionaries ought to be inviters (we are to Invite - and teach when necessary. Notice that to teach isn't anywhere in our purpose!). So go on out there to your local investigators at church and invite them over for dinner. That makes a world of a difference.

Our MTC district at mission conference - our last chance together! Elder Williams couldn't make it because he was helping out another missionary that had to go to the hospital.

Now it's time for a huge story that I'll try my best to recount:

Motorhomes are extremely convenient . . . .

The sisters here have an investigator named M. She lives all the way up in Haugesund. She was prepared and ready and excited for baptism on the 27th, but due to some complications, by Thursday she suddenly had certain fears and doubts. The baptism was supposedly "called off", but on Friday night we prayed together and felt extremely peaceful and comforted. We knew that things would work out. Sure enough, the next morning we were driving up the coast toward Haugesund without much of a plan other than going to surprise her. After a few calls, and a while out in the city, scouring it to find her, we got a call back from her that there was an emergency situation at her work so she had to work today. She wouldn't be off until 3 pm. My companion and I had an appointment back in Stavanger that evening, and had to leave by 2 pm. Now unsure of what to do, and that peaceful reassuring feeling gone, we scrambled for ideas of what to do. After another good prayer, we felt that we needed to stay and support M. We made certain arrangements that evening so that our appointment would work out that evening. 3:30 rolled around, and we sat down with M. at a picnic bench with a stunning backdrop of rolling green hills and the ocean (Western Norway, I tell ya!). Through much inspiration, and an influx of the Spirit, the lesson was extremely uplifting and inspiring. We read Alma 7 together and discussed concerns and needs. The sisters were awesome with questions and timing - it was so cool! By the end, you could cut the Spirit with a knife, it was so thick. "So can I be baptized tonight?" "Of course!" Haha! Through some arrangements with members, we got in a motor home and made our way to Sagbakken (gorgeous little bay - perfect for baptism). At 7:30 that evening, 0 degrees celsius, we stepped out into the water with car headlights and moonlight showing the way. Shivering and shaking, we made our way further into deeper water. However, once she was under the water she described it like this: "as I was under, I felt this warmth and comfort like I've never felt before. I may have been under the water for 10-15 minutes it felt so refreshing." She came out of the

 water not shivering whatsoever - and we made our way back to the motor home to warm up. The Spirit was present throughout the whole day - it was such a quaint, lovely experience! With some chili and dry clothes, we warmed ourselves back up, then my companion and I drove home :D. We were so amazed and stunned as to how everything played out and worked in the end, even though we had no idea of what to do to begin. We were "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand what we should do." (1 Nephi 4:6). Despite all odds, the Spirit led, and God moved with us. After hearing her experiences receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, she said she had never felt anything quite like it. Warm, and peaceful. God always holds His end of the covenant.

Baptism is a sacred promise that God provides to each one of us. An opportunity to allow Him to bless us in an even greater degree. We can all feel this power when we attend a baptismal service or partake of the sacrament on Sunday - IF we reverently approach it and open our hearts.

If we so desire His comfort, God will never leave us comfortless.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

 Baptism is a sacred promise that God provides to each one of us. An opportunity to allow Him to bless us in an even greater degree. We can all feel this power when we attend a baptismal service or partake of the sacrament on Sunday - IF we reverently approach it and open our hearts.

If we so desire His comfort, God will never leave us comfortless.

                 ~Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Harald Haarfagre's tombstone - now with good lighting :)

I recommend looking up Harald Haarfagre's story. It's pretty epic.

Elder Weaver, while playing farkle, rolled 6 1s. Is that insane or what?

Ei flott uke :D (a great week!)

 Kjære alle sammen!

Heya! This week has been amazing - another God-given week to us extremely privileged and blessed 19-21 year olds :D (soon to be 18 ;)

Our rockin' ward mission leader skyped with us at our usual time for our missionary correlation meeting! SKYPED us - while he was on a business trip to the states. We are so blessed to have such a hard-working, dedicated ward mission leader on our side.

Stavanger sunsets. Oh man.

Like sunsets at home.

On Wednesday, I was graced to have Elder Donahue come join me here in the busy town of Stavanger! Elder Donahue just arrived a month ago (with Elder Weaver's group) so we had some good learning opportunities there. I have never trained, so it was a very good experience to see what it's like being companions with a new missionary. They're on fire - filled with desire to go out and share the word. I love getting that fire riled up in me, too! Even when it rains the whole entire day :P . . . like it did that day. Haha. I learned from him that I should probably slow down a bit in my speaking, because people think we're just out to sell something - which we're not! We're on a mission to save souls! Love is the most important thing a missionary can share. And when you're speaking a million miles an hour, people usually have difficulty feeling that love. Did Christ speak very quickly? I don't believe He would.

We had a very interesting discussion with a leader of one of the local churches here while on that splits. He was testifying to us of how we are all a fallen, sensual people due to the fall of Adam and Eve. True! And also how we cannot do anything by our selves to become saved. True! And how Christ paid the price for every weakness, sin, misdeed and pain that ever would be experienced by mankind. True! And how because He did that, everyone in the whole entire world is saved and will live with God again. Not quite. I testify that God will not force any individual in the least amount to make them come to heaven. He has provided us our ability to choose for ourselves, and He will do nothing to infringe upon that gift. That is why He has provided the Holy Ghost to influence us in a positive way (just as the devil influences us in a negative way), so that we may be able to choose fairly (2 Nephi 2:27-28). We must yield ourselves to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and put off the natural man in order to prepare ourselves for heaven (Mosiah 3:19). Christ continually knocks on our heart, begging for us to open up, so that He may come in and change us. Remember, it truly is as simple as choosing to look to Christ, and we will be healed. (Alma 33:19-23 - "if ye will")

Oh yeah, we found a lizard on the sidewalk. I didn't think lizards even existed here. Norway surprises me everyday!

Lizard!

MMM lizard.

We finally got some Julebrus (the seasonal Christmas soda). I must try each type that exists (much like my root beer connosieur moments with Jared :P). Thus far, Hamar julebrus is the best!

Julebrus! The one to the far left, is the best red one. The 4 glass bottles - the award-winning Hamar Julebrus.

On Saturday, I was able to accompany Elder Earl in the area of Sandnes (15 minutes south of Stavanger, 70,000 people) (Stavanger population: approx. 110,000 I think?). It was on a slow, rainy day, but the gågate (walking street?) still had a few people on it. The restaurants were packed with people. I was back in Mo i Rana! - few people on the street, and plenty of people to wave at in the restaurants. I was in my element! We had a great time. We taught this one girl whose father is atheist and mother is Christian. Norwegians believe very strongly in holding beliefs independent of one another (therefore, as a parent, you should not influence your child one way or another - let them choose for themselves, etc). So we were hosted by this very interesting family to teach them how we believe we can find God. The girl was willing to pray and read to find out, but the father wasn't. I want it absolutely clear that God cannot be found unless we are willing to humble ourselves before Him and accept the counsel and guidance He will provide us. God will not force an unwilling heart. It is up to us to find Him. That is the test of this life - will we find and follow God and His commandments? We are here to walk by faith - not sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7). That was a great experience. 

The second person we taught together was this woman who was blasting gospel music when we walked in. Haha! I love gospel music. As we sat down and began teaching her, she opened right up about her previous spiritual experiences regarding prayer and receiving answers. What an amazing woman! Her heart was truly prepared, for when we began to relate to her the message of the Restoration, a blazing Spirit filled the room. It was one of the more powerful moments with Joseph Smith's First Vision experience I have experienced in my mission. I testify here and now that I felt the Spirit confirm to me that night that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to that 14 year old boy. 

Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. Amen.

On Sunday, it was a wonderful and refreshing Sunday filled with the busyness of mission life :). That woman I just told that story about wasn't planning on coming to church the next day, but something prompted her to come. She began clapping at the end of each talk during sacrament meeting. Haha! It is so wonderful to have lively, spirited people to church! 

This gospel IS exciting. It is the way back home. The more we understand this journey back - the less it becomes a marathon, and even less than a race. But instead a giant exodus or pilgrimage through the journey of life - all helping one another back to God. He is willing to help us - but are we willing to accept that help?

The choice is simply ours.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

P.S. the last people I got letters from (very recently) were Mike and Carissa. I heard that some of you haven't heard back from me - I always write back! Hopefully your letters didn't get lost :[

Kjøttkaker, poteter og urter. Very common Norwegian dinner.

Høst ferie, kaldere og farger, sonekonferansen, D.!, pepperkaker og Drammens første stavskonferanse! (Fall break, colder and colors, zone conference, D.!, ginger snaps, and Drammen's first stake conference!

Stavanger, of course!

Hei!

Ok I have 15 minutes. Ready go!

It's fall break here in Norway! Everyone gets a week off - and the weather has been gorgeously brisk. Bright blue skies, and a nippy wind. The colors make it all worth it.

Red, yellow, green oh my!

Winter is definitely coming on - and we're pretty excited. We've already busted out the Christmas music in our apartment (Halloween isn't generally celebrated here in Norway . . . .)

On Wednesday, President Evans came down and gave us a big push for going from good to great! We

Our weekly planning session battle plans!!

were all spiritually uplifted and enriched from the experience. A big presentation was given on contacting on the street as yourself, not as a robot. We, as children of our Heavenly Father, have been given certain personality traits, and have experienced certain things in our lives that make us more effective in the areas in which we serve. Therefore - use those gifts God has given you in your missionary work! I know there are few missions that actually go out on the street for most hours in the day (Norway is one of them), but use your God-given talents in any possible way you can!! Also at the conference, the sisters in our group gave their burnimonies (or in other words, their final testimonies at a zone conference before returning home.) Our MTC district's sisters are going home already?! I was super surprised. But just seeing the growth that we have all made - in amazingly positive ways - is a testimony to me of missions. The Spirit was warm and comforting through the testimony meeting. The Lord's work is on the earth!

Our investigator D., who had the neat General Conference experience has been doing awesomely this week. We had him over at a member's home for dinner, and they all happened to speak the same

Norwegian language studies (I'll have to explain later)

language! Norway has to be one of the few countries where you have so many language barriers. Here you have people from all over the world trying to find a better way of life by moving to Norway - and it's full of Philippinos, Africans, Spaniards, Brazilians, Americans, Iranians, Chinese and the list goes on. Especially here in Stavanger. So when we have a member who speaks the same language as your investigator, it helps a LOT. D. has been progressing very well - and despite the language barrier, he's got some deep, well thought out, sincere questions. Those types of questions are candy for missionaries :)

Our pepperkaker bins beginning to pile up :D

Pepperkaker are ginger snaps in Norway. They come out every Christmas time. And they are amazing. And our apartment has busted through 9 bins so far. After 3 days since we began. We're trying to see how many we can go through before the season's over. Hahaha - they're so good!!

The Drammen Stake had its first stake conference this past weekend! A historical event indeed. The Lord has established Zion in western Norway :). It was a wonderful experience - they even received a patriarch! What a great strength to all of the members and new converts here in western Norway. As well, our Bishop here in Stavanger spoke in

Personal study journals (topic, chronological, and meetings)

Stake Conference and gave us missionaries a shout out. It was hilarious, because he made one of our inside jokes 10x funnier. Our inside joke is that everyone knows one of our investigators as "the doctor" and hardly remembers his real name at all. As if his title as "doctor" gives him credibility to investigate the church or something. Haha. Anyway, in the bishop's talk he mentioned how we all prepared for general conference and how the doctor was scrambling with his notes because of the answers he was receiving to his questions. Haha! 

This gospel, as well as this church, is true! It is a bright shining ray of hope in this ever darkening world (taken literally here in Norway!). My testimony of missionary work grows every day because I continually realize how much it has changed me, and continues to change me, on my eternal progression, eventually leading back to my Heavenly Father. Pray for God's love - and He will fill you to the brim :D

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

A deadly duo for confounding false doctrine :) - used extremely frequently