Mo i Rana---First Snow!‏

First snow, in front of the local State Church; sorry for the fuzziness!

Hey everyone!

Mo i Rana is wayyyy different from Bergen. Extremely different. Well I can begin with my transfer over here. We flew on a twin-propellor 37 seater plane under the airline "Widerøe" (that information was mainly for my Dad :P). Really cool airline that even serves tiny dark chocolates mid-flight! (you need the chocolate to survive the darkness up here - trust me!). I must say I am very glad that Norwegians are so laid back. Both of my bags are slightly overweight, and my carryon bag is huge. Nope, doesn't cost anything extra - whew! The flight was stunningly gorgeous. I wish my pictures would turn out better (taking pictures through the plane cabin's glass doesn't help at all . . .). I cannot even imagine what this place looks like during the summer - it would be gorgeous!! I arrived on a very foggy day here in Mo i Rana, and met Elder Olsen.

Elder Olsen and I near the coast -
 *note* the sun is NOT over the mountain!

Elder Olsen is the man. First off, he's from Hemet, California (very close to Temecula). He's strong, understanding, and a hard worker. Precisely what I need right now at this time of adjustment! We have quite a bit in common, and have really hit it off well the past few days!

The adjustment from Bergen to Mo i Rana was huge. Bergen, being a big, busy place with a large ward, activities, lots of missionaries and so forth, is very different from Mo i Rana, which is a small town with a branch of 14 people. And it's just me and Elder Olsen. We're all getting to know each other very well. For example, church yesterday consisted of 5 people, including the missionaries, where we played the hymns, blessed and passed the sacrament and I gave a talk. That was all of church. Almost all of our time is spent outside trying to talk with people, or bonking on doors. Very different from Bergen. However this adjustment has really strengthened my dependence upon the Lord, and my sensitivity to the Spirit. We have seen some miracles occur as we have been let in a few times to teach (wonderful!!). One neat thing about being in a small town though, is that you can kinda set up a reputation in the city. Always say Hi, always smile, always ask for opportunities to help, serve, teach, etc. So that is really cool. Everyone is so surprised when we wave at them - it's slightly hilarious :P. Mo i Rana also has not seen the sun for a few weeks! Ahh good ol' Norway. We're just below the Arctic Circle - however I must say that Mo i Rana is colder than other towns up north due to the fact we are much more inland from the ocean! This is a fantastic place to see what us missionaries are made of :D. The Spirit continues to burn within us! And Mom, the Vitamin D is working great. Thank you thank you thank you!

Thanks to Jared I am still a consistent
 journal writer! Despite all opposition
otherwise! Haha

I must also describe the apartment here. From the stories I heard in the MTC, I never thought I'd be in a less-than-ill-repair apartment. Hahaha, how I am wrong! We live in an attic, I mean the upstairs, on the fourth floor of this house. Insulation is nearly non-existent, especially with the hole in the roof we've shoved blankets in. Our bathroom is broken, and so we use the basement (4 floor house, mind you) with a brisk concrete floor. Our kitchen is also in the basement, consisting of one bowl, a few plates and utensils. Haha! At first impression I was a little miffed, but now I kind of enjoy seeing what we can go through and still be truly happy. And hey, if we can survive this, what else is there to stop us?? The second day convinced me that this is certainly a full-body thermal 24/7 kind of a place. Surprisingly enough it hasn't snowed yet, though we have inches of frost on the ground. But we are here for a reason! And we have a great work ahead of us!

Well, tomorrow we leave at 4 am to go to Zone Conference in Trondheim (we may see the sun for a bit!). That'll be exciting. President Johansen can always fire us up properly for the next few months. I'll be honest in saying that the adjustment to Mo i Rana was really tough. Though through studies in the scriptures of happiness and on the blessings of sacrifice, the Spirit is burning brighter within me than before. It is incredibly true that the Gospel brings true happiness and peace, despite the situations we are placed in. It is completely possible to have everything going for us and we can still be unhappy, unsatisfied and have no peace. I see it everyday in Norway. Yet through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, prayer and scripture study and a great deal of effort, you can have happiness, peace and satisfaction. And besides, I've realized that the Holy Ghost literally makes people more attractive. Who wouldn't want to have peace of mind, comfort, satisfaction and a heart full of love?? Those feelings show on your face, as a witness to your testimony.

I love you all so much. I miss you all so much - yet the sacrifice is necessary for the blessings in store for me and you. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Continue to exercise faith in our Savior Jesus Christ - it is through Him that we overcome our circumstances and weaknesses. He takes care of the rest - and He lives and loves you.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

At times all that keeps us sane is Norwegian Donald Duck comics, herbal tea and donuts :P.

Packin' my bags, I'm headin' North!‏

The flight over to Mo

Hey everyone!

Transfers are here (every 9 weeks for the Scandinavian missions)! I'm heading up to Mo i Rana for Christmas! It'll be much MUCH colder than Bergen, that's for sure. But Elder Olsen and I will tear the place up. Here's my new address beginning November 9th:

 Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Mobekkgt. 32

8624 Mo i Rana

Norway

Our attic/apartment =)

A little miracle Elder Passey and I experienced this week: after a good solid day of contacting, and much rain, we were on our way back to the church when a random girl came up to us and asked "Hey is that church over there yours? What time does your worship service start?" "Why yes, 11:00, would you like a free tour?" "Sure!" Marthe is from Austria (my Dad's mission!) here on a study-abroad program in Bergen. We gave her a tour and she said she'd come to church! Really neat girl, hopefully she'll keep in contact. But it was incredibly comforting having someone come to US with a question like that. The Lord truly blesses the obedient :D

Home sweet home!

 This past weekend the Thomassen brothers were baptized. Us missionaries kinda took the family and split them up to be taught by different companionships. Jan and Kent are rock stars - solid in this gospel! The Spirit was absolutely wonderful at their baptism. Their family was so happy. Then on Sunday they, as well as George, were ordained to the office of Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. I was honored, and stunned, to ordain Kent. That was truly special. Moments like that make the whole mission worth it! Everyone was beaming with joy. The way of this Gospel is truly the only and lasting way to peace. Even better, however, was that their little brother Bjørn saw the joy his brothers received and decided immediately to be baptized later this month. Elder Passey and I were teaching Bjørn, and we were consequentially stoked. I am so excited to see where these brothers go in their lives - with God on their side!

Bergen has been an extraordinary experience. Words can't really describe what I've experienced here. Or in the MTC. And probably what I will experience the rest of my mission. But this I know: God does truly support and bless those who ask for His help, and then does something about it. The people here are angels. The love, support and encouragement we received from them are irreplaceable (and at times perfectly timed!). I have grown in love for these people - and it is sad to go! A big thing I learned from Norway thus far is that the adversary is trying to stop us from talking to each other. Whether by technology, pride or discomfort, the adversary convinces us to not talk with each other and give each other strength. Talk with each other! Support each other! Others' problems should bother us! And then help where we can - this is exactly what the Savior would do. And we have a baptismal covenant to do the very same (Mosiah 18:8-10). God's blessings will shed forth as we reach out to others where we can.

All of you are amazing - keep up the good work. I love receiving emails and letters - they really brighten those dark days (and those dark days are meant literally - not just figuratively). Mo i Rana will be VERY dark. I pray for a burning testimony to melt away that darkness. Your prayers support me in this - please don't stop :) thank you thank you all! May God be with you all! 

I've waited years for this day

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Edvard Grieg's Home pictures!

Edvard Grieg's home

His work area looking out on the fjord.

Edvard Grieg's view of the fjord

Hills near his home.

Me :)

George's Baptism!‏

Hey everyone!

We just had a baptism this past Saturday! George is a man full of faith in his Savior Jesus Christ. And he has really felt the power that comes from coming closer to his Redeemer. It really builds my testimony seeing the joy and peace that comes through a baptism performed by the proper authority of God! The Spirit flooded my heart as he entered the water. What a blessing Elder Passey and I have received from God!

Funny story though, earlier this week we were watching Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration with George. It was a little long . . . and the TV a little too quiet . . . and he totally fell asleep. I was immediately grateful for this experience I had with my Mom many years back when we watched The Lord of the Rings together. Every 5 minutes she'd fall asleep, and I would pause and summarize what happened. I was able to do the very same with George! My abilities were well tuned ;P sorry Mom! hehe.

Earlier this week my thoughts were drawn back to many people I know here in Norway who have a really difficult time with the evil that surrounds them. I was curious as to why these things happen to such good people despite their desires to do good. My mind came to a conclusion that I feel somewhat explains this. I call it a "spiritual vaccination." For those of you who are not familiar with vaccinations, it is a small shot given to the body which temporarily infects it with the very disease it is meant to protect you against. As your body fights against it, your body produces the cells necessary to destroy any second infection of that type. I therefore think that at times these bad things to good people because they have the resources necessary to fight it - and will thereby become more resistant against that evil for the rest of their lives. This is what I came up with. Not doctrine - but an idea! Spiritual vaccinations seem to happen frequently, for better or worse. But I am grateful for the knowledge that God has a plan for each of us!

Splits to Stavanger flight

Another interesting experience this week - I went on splits with an Elder in Stavanger (yes we do splits between whole cities). On the plane I recognized that they give out free newspapers on the way to the plane. As I walked past the newspaper stand I desired to pick one up to see if I could improve my Norwegian. Thought after mulling it over in my head for a bit, for whatever reason I decided against it. I disregarded the thought - but then once in the airport on the way back I saw another person reading one such newspaper. Little did I know - they are filled with sexual content! Whoaa!! And they're available to anyone who gets on the plane. Sheesh. I am deeply grateful for a Heavenly Father who works through His Holy Spirit to protect His servants.

Other than that though, the splits went wonderfully. It's interesting to see how the general community of cities act differently. Bergen is a big city - and therefore people think you're selling something to them. But in Stavanger they were more open to listen to our message. Really interesting, and a building experience.

Thank you all so much for the letters and support - I love them all! Please speak with each other, get to know each other better - for that is what Christ would do. I testify this Church is led by our Redeemer Jesus Christ. The future is filled with unknown, but we have been given a book filled with answers (whether received from the actual black words on the page themselves, or just the Spirit it brings). Hope you're enjoying home, Jared! Garrett, you haven't sent me a letter yet with the address back yet! Hope you're brushing up on your Chinese ;). Good luck Eric in Ukraine! You're going to rock that mission! With God, all things are possible! I love you all!!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Halloween in Bergen

It's easy to be down when it's dark!‏

Hey everybody!

How is everyone? I'm sure the weather is fantastic wherever you all are. It's amazing here! The sun is actually up today! It's been 3 weeks or so since I've seen the sun out. Bergen just rains, rains and rains. Yet one neat thing I've learned, is that the Spirit supports us despite our surroundings. "The world takes the man out of the slums, but Christ takes

Chillin' before bed

The Bergen Theater

Voss Cathedral

the slums out of the man." Those same supporting feelings are what got the pioneers across the plains. A purification and sanctification process not possible any where else. This mission is an amazing opportunity!

However the biggest problem when you're in an intense opportunity (such as a mission), is pride. If you think your desires will bring you the most happiness, think again. As we heard in the last conference (Elder Cook?), we will always be happier doing things the Lord's way. Therefore, by being humble (willing to submit to the Lord's will) you are therefore happy. This past week I thought I could do things my way, and felt the reproving result. The Lord chastens those He loves. I'm so loved! hehe

We took a train to Voss this past week. That was beautiful! Oh my word, the fjords here will knock your socks off. And I was also filled with gratitude for Bergen. Bergen is extremely warm compared to other areas in Norway right now. Voss was freezing! Luckily, as missionaries, we move around enough to keep us warm. Mom, thank you for the smart wool - they are deliciously warm!!

Another thing I have been learning is how to have fun despite everything around you. Being serious, sad and mopey is NOT what this Gospel is about! And sometimes it's hard to find something to laugh about! The gravity of the world seems to weigh down on you once in a while. Recognize that gift God has given you, and then open up to those around you. It really helps. One great experience was this past week we had an old man on the city train, really drunk, and he played the recorder for everyone! It was so sweet!

Speaking of talking with other people, I have really recognized a strong method Satan tries to stop this work of the Gospel from going forth: by keeping us quiet. Elder Holland this last conference talked about how the adversary tries to stop us from opening our mouths. This is literally applicable to the 

members of the church. When missionaries bring investigators, please talk with them and at least get their time and say "Glad to see you at church today!" When people don't feel accepted in our church something is seriously seriously wrong. For me, when I feel like being quiet and just sitting down being comfortable, I recognize that that is the adversary trying to stop my efforts in strengthening those around me. The same goes for each and every member of this church. And working through a language barrier is really uncomfortable and scary! I look forward to when I can easily understand others in this language. Everyone: please talk with each other - the adversary is trying to stop you from opening your mouth!! And if you feel insincere, open up to page 118 in Preach My Gospel.

Thank you all for your love and support! (Ken, your letter has gotten me through this week). Lara, I just received your second letter, I'll write a response next week! Hope you got my other letter. Your prayers are felt and appreciated. I love you all - open those mouths!


-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Mushroom, Mushroom

It's not every day you get to go to a Norwegian Funeral‏

Hey everyone!

I am sure all of you are familiar with those "Missionary Preparation" Mutual activities, or FHE activities where you learn how to iron shirts/tie a tie/sew on a button, etc etc. Well guess what! I actually sewed on a button this week - and I am so glad I learned how to do that! It's really not that hard, surprisingly =P

Earlier this week we had a Zone Conference over in Stavanger. It was gorgeous there! There's a soft spot in my heart for rolling grassy hills and sunshine. Bergen could certainly use the latter. We learned a lot, and it is just weird to see missionaries say their goodbyes. The flights to and from Stavanger were absolutely gorgeous as well - we flew over fjords and lakes! 

For Family Home Evening with the YSA this week, Øyvind and I did a TaeKwonDo demonstration. I was really grateful I was able to relate to him through Martial Arts, and also that I had some training on how to be a guinea pig. The next day I was really really sore . . . haha! He sure enjoyed his time! Speaking of other things that have come in handy, we had a lesson earlier this week that covered a lot of the Apostasy and Reformers - Thank you Liahona for teaching me all about that! - it sure helped during that lesson. As well, I had a discussion with a woman by our Plan of Salvation chalk drawing concerning the balance between science and religion. Thank you Liahona and BYU for that! It is truly amazing to see that science and religion both explain two parts of the same story. Science explains the how things are, and religion explains why things are. And together we obtain a greater understanding and appreciation for the world we have been given! I believe it was Brigham Young who said that there is no conflict between true science and true religion. Truth holds fast no matter the topic!

The Sandvika Fire Station (right next to the Sandvika Church)

A truly neat experience this week was on Friday that our whole district went to a Norwegian Funeral to support a family in the branch. The Sandvika Church was gorgeous, and the music exceptional (real organ and Norsk soloists and everything!). The downside to this experience was that everyone was so sad! Hopefully the people didn't mind having us missionaries sit in the back of church; though we would have loved to share insights as to why these difficulties happen to us. Thank Heavenly Father for the restoration of the gospel, and living prophets to which we can turn for answers and help! My testimony grows every day realizing how much people need this message! We see in the Book of Mormon that faithful believers more often than not have difficulties (social/physical/emotional/etc) - however we also see that despite those difficulties we are given joy and happiness! Either way in this life we will have difficulties, however with this gospel we can do so with joy! And that joy is deep, abiding, true and constant! Don't give up on it when times are hard, and more especially when they are easy.

Whale sandwich

Norway is one of the few places you can legally eat whale. We therefore had a taste! And it was gross! It was like soggy jerky. In better news, there was a picture of our district in the newspaper this past week regarding our chalk drawing! Sadly, it was all about the weather rather than our message. Yet still there was a picture of us drawing with the chalk, and that we were out to share our message. Pretty cool! 

You never really appreciate something until you no longer have it. My voice earlier this week was gone (maybe from yelling in TaeKwonDo). Luckily we had weekly planning that day so that I could rest. The members here were literally angels by giving us soup, cough drops and herbal tea (Mmm tea reminds me of good times with Jared and Micah :))! Ahh, Norwegian members are absolute gems once they are baptized. It is wonderful! 

Due to the fact that I received quite a bit of mail this week, I need to go write those letters! Thank you Lara and kids, I will write back as soon as possible. I'll send the letter to Mom so that she can forward it to you all with your new address. Thank you Carissa and Hillary! I don't know if I can write this week, we had deep cleaning today. Thanks Dad, I sent you an email already.

I love you all! Please share the Gospel to those around you, and keep those testimonies strong by doing so! 

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson