Mission to Norway 1970-1972 Brent Grigg Section 1

Mission to Norway 1970-1972

Brent Leland Grigg

Section 1

This is a blog created to share mission experiences and thoughts from Brent Grigg's mission to Norway from 1970-1972.  I hope to share positive experiences and thoughts that could be shared with your family in your Family Home Evenings.  I am gleaning thoughts from his mission journal and will be including a few of the slides that he took while in Norway. 

Some of this blog will be my summary of his journal entries and others will be direct quotes from him.  I have included short excerpts to show his humor, insights, and testimony.  Someday, some of you may want to read his journal in its entirety.  As his children and grandchildren read this blog, I hope that everyone will see his love and desire to serve his Father in Heaven and the people of Norway.  I plan to include a post each month throughout 2023.   

Section 1.  Pre mission thoughts and preparations

Brent received the call to the Norwegian Mission on January 9, 1970.  

He was set apart for his mission by President Clair Johnson on March 1, 1970.

He entered the Mission home on March 7, 1970.

He left Salt Lake City on March 7, 1970.  

He arrived in Drammen, Norway on May 8, 1970.

His mission President was President Johannson

Brent records that his farewell program was on February, 22, 1970.  He commented in his journal that he was the first missionary to be leaving from the Boise College second ward.  He records that he gave his poem entitled, Hva Stel Jeg Jgere? and expressed his thanks to all his friends.  He also says he "mentioned the loss of his beard which was very unique considering the circumstances".   (I think we will all wish he had said more about the beard)

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March, 1970

Brent entered the mission home in Salt Lake City on March 7, 1970. 

Mission to Norway 1970-1972 Brent Grigg Section 2

              

March, 1970

Brent entered the mission home in Salt Lake City on March 7, 1970.  His first companion was Elder Christiansen from Washington.  The missionaries gathered together at 4:00 that afternoon to hear from the mission president, President Jaussi, and sang, "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning".  Brent wrote in his journal that night. "There were 312 missionaries ready to serve God to their fullest capacities." He also said that he was made the group leader and expressed hope that he could function and perform according to God's wishes and desires.  

March 8, 1970

"At 3:00 we were given an insight of the temple ceremonies and procedures.  I was greeted by President Moore and given instructions by Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve.  Sang, We Thank Thee O God, for a Prophet. " 

March 9, 1970

"What a peaceful day. I spent from 7:00 AM until 4:00 PM in the house of the Lord.  O what a marvelous experience to feel so close to my Father in Heaven.  We not only did temple work but met in the highest chambers where the Priesthood meet to receive instructions not to be known by the public.  We were presided by President Harold B. Lee. He answered questions pertaining to temple work.  Those things I cannot tell anyone outside of the Holy House of God. We were then told about the laws of tithing and fasting by Robert L. Simpson of the Presiding Bishopric.  What a most interesting man."

March 10, 1970

"Our message from the first Presidency was given by President Eldon Tanner.  His message was to remember the importance of the Joseph Smith story, to obey mission president and learn to love my companion.  Dare to be different and do God's work."  Elder Sterling W. Sill told us to be a problem solver and not a problem maker. Find the solution to all problems.  Elder Bruce R. McConkie lectured on missionary work and Hartman Rector, Jr. spoke on ordinance work.  Spencer W. Kimball talked about church organization. What a powerful man!"

March 11, 1970

This was the last day at the mission home in SLC. Brent left for Rexburg Idaho to go to the Language Training Mission that was housed at Ricks College

Salt Lake Mission Home taken the day Brent left for Rexburg 

to the Language Training Mission.

Elder Christiansen (1st companion)

Salt Lake City Temple

 On the back of the picture Brent has written, 

"An early morning snapshot with the golden sun on it" 

3/12/1970

Mission to Norway 1970-1972 Brent Grigg Section 3

 

It was hard to choose what portions of Brent's many posts from his journal to include when he was in Rexburg, Idaho at the LTM.  (Language Training Mission).  He spoke of many General Authorities that came to speak to them and hours of study as he prepared to learn the Norwegian language and prepare to leave for Norway.   I have tried to include lessons he learned, experiences with pre mission life, and his increased desire to serve the Norwegian people. It's fun to feel his excitement for his upcoming mission.   

March 11, 1970 

After spending 5 days in Salt Lake City at the Mission home and a whirlwind of speakers, temple attendance, and instructions Brent left and arrived in Rexburg, Idaho at Ricks College. He recorded in his journal.

"When upon arriving at Ricks College I received Elder Winder as my companion. I guess that since I was given the key to the apartment that I am now the senior companion.  We had dinner and were taken to class immediately.  We learned the Norwegian alphabet and tried to memorize a prayer. " 

March 12, 1970

"Among my accomplishments I learned a very simple testimony. It is very hard to get my tongue to move and mouth to work to get such words out.  I felt God's spirit so strong as we stood and bore our testimonies in our mission language."

                

March 14, 1970

"We had our first MIA here in the mission field.  We saw pictures of Norway and Finland.  I played the piano and boy did I make mistakes.  Oh well, that's the way to learn. In scripture class we learned of the nature of the Godhead and it made me so humble.  I still cannot believe that I was and am in this position.  I have waited so long for this opportunity.  Now I close this day and do in thy son, Jesus Christ, Amen."  

March 17, 1970 

"My accomplishments were not as I had predicted.  I guess I just didn't try hard enough.  Tomorrow lets see if I cannot complete the first discussion and the Joseph Smith story. I know I can do it.  All it takes in mind and willpower. " 

March 24, 1970

"The day finally happened.  I received my first handshake with a member of the church Presidency.  President N. Eldon Tanner spent 1/2 hour speaking to us giving us words of encouragement.  His wife was also there, and she gave a few remarks also.  President Tanner said, 'Missionary work is the greatest call we can receive.  We are a spirit child of God and can become like him.  Magnify the priesthood and you can do anything'."

March 27, 1970 

"After going through the temple for the third time I really enjoyed it.  It brought back memories of my first time through with Mom and Dad.  The spirit that was there was simply wonderful.  I took some pictures at night and am hoping they will turn out." 

April 5, 1970

"We played an April Fools joke on the four other zones.  It was really funny.  We changed scripture rooms on them." 

April 6, 1970

"What a wonderful day! I accomplished much.  My feelings and spirit is so high.  Especially after seeing my first Solemn Assembly of the sustaining of the first Presidency of the Church. Joseph F. Smith, N. Eldon Tanner, and Harold B. Lee.  I was really filled by the spirit of the Holy Ghost."  

April 10, 1970

"Received no letters from anyone. I sometimes wonder if anyone even remembers me.  Oh well! the less letters I receive, the less I think about them." 

April 12, 1970

"We had an unusual breakfast.  We ate out of paper cups (sugar crisp), sweet rolls, and orange juice.  It was really an experience."   

April 14, 1970

"At this point I would thank my Father in Heaven for all that He has given me.  For my ability to concentrate and to be able to learn this language so quickly.  I thank Him for my parents, for they have given me the support needed in the mission field.  I thank him for my testimony, for it has helped me to learn and understand the life I am to live.  May He continue to be with me, to love and guide me through my trials and tribulations, in Jesus' name Amen."  

April 17, 1970

 "In one more week I will be really scared anxious, nervous, and happy, because I will be getting ready to leave Rexburg to go on my mission.  I pray that Father in Heaven will give the courage I need to accomplish a better learning in the next week.  I hope I can plan my days so that there is a purpose to all my studying.  I give thanks to my Father in Heaven for the blessings I have received in the past seven weeks.  I know not the words to express to Him.  I will do my best to follow the example of Jesus Christ. This, I say in Jesus Christ's name, Amen. " 

April 30, 1970

"I am hoping that I can learn to love the people over there. I will try my hardest to overlook faults in the people and in my companion, I pray the Lord will help me and I ask for his help in Jesus Christ's name, Amen. " 

May 6 & 7, 1970

This was Brent's last day in Rexburg. His parents, Darin and Karen came to say goodbye. He went to SLC, then Denver, New York, and finally arrived in Norway.  

May 8, 1970. 

"I  arrived in Norway. . . . . . . . "

 

   

Mission to Norway 1970-1972 Brent Grigg Section 4

May 8, 1970

I arrived in Norway and met President Johnson and his wife.  We got our bedding and went to bed. We awoke at 3:00 and were on our way to receive all visual aids that we need.  I spent $53.75.  I'm now on my way.  I learned a lot and now must retire.  I am really tired and hope this be be how busy I am for the next 22 months.

                                                                    President Johnson

May 9, 1970

President Johnson was kind enough to give us a nice free tour of Oslo, Norway before our companions showed up to take us to our various hybels (house or apartment)  at 10:00 am.  Elder Bylund, my companion, came to pick me up.  . . we went to downtown Oslo and I checked in with the police and received permission to be a minister here in Norway. After running around town for a half a day we finally made to my first hybel.  It is at Lundvision3, Oslo.  From what they tell me it is the best here.  The room is located behind a house and is very big in size.  There are two beds and tables.    

May 10, 1970

What a Sunday! It was interesting but very much boring.  It was hard to understand what was said.  I had the hardest time trying to stay awake.  I really do enjoy the people here.  The members seem to have a real spirit about them.  They are so kind and want to learn so much.  We are the church to them.  As one lady said, we need you to teach us.

May 11, 1970 

My first day of a lot of things.  I knocked on my first door and it was slammed in my face.  I was luckier on the second one.  With the help of Elder Hoskins and I were able to give a Book of Mormon to an investigator.  It was very rewarding. 

I can't believe all the walking I did. It seemed like forever before I would have the day end.  I even fell asleep in one discussion.  It was a good thing that the lady we were talking to was a member.  It is going to take so long to learn all that I must so that I can be an effective teacher of the gospel. 

May 14, 1970

I want so much to reach out and tell everyone how I feel.  I imagine that I am just not being very bold.  I want to make a commitment to myself from now on I will rely on the Lord and let him help.  I have a good knowledge of Norwegian and know that when the right person comes along then I will be given the right things at the right time.    

May 17, 1970

This Sunday was really really different.  We celebrated the Independence of Norway.  It was quite an interesting parade and graduation.  I stood all day watching bands and children perform for the King.    Then I saw the Russ parade where all the graduates show off to the people.  I took pictures to help me remember it.

(Based on a Danish tradition, the Russ are high-school students marking their graduation year, the peak bash happening during the May 17th festivities. The modern Russ celebration began in 1905.  Graduates would don red caps and carry bamboo sticks with ribbons in dedicated Russ parades.)  

     (Brent did not take this picture of a parade celebrating Norway's independence. It is off the internet. He always used to say he would always remember our wedding anniversary because it was the same day as Independence day in Norway.) 

May 18, 1970

...the most exciting things happened.  I had the opportunity to tell a person about the gospel. I greeted a gentleman, and we walked around the building a few times and then I began to really get brave.  I started asking questions and just when he decided to leave, I bore my testimony and all of a sudden, I felt calm.  We started talking and before I knew it I had brought him to the reading of the Book of Mormon and he actually gave me his address and said he wanted to read the book.  I received my first referral in just 10 days.  What a thankful missionary I am today.  

May 24, 1970

I had the opportunity to give my first talk in Norwegian.  It was pretty much extemporaneous.  I talked about my family and bore my testimony and told them just exactly how I felt about my job as a missionary.  It was quite a good experience for me.  I thank my Father for this day.   

June 1, 1970

. . . . Our evening was fantastic with Grete.  She is going to be baptized. Wow already I am blessed with the opportunity to see one of my investigators come into the water of baptism.  She had received a spiritual witness from our father in Heaven that she was doing that which is right.  She received a warm feeling after walking all day Sunday.  She new it was right.  We then gave her the 6th discussion and I couldn't believe how well she answered the questions.  We were so happy that our fasting was not in vain. How wonderful! 

(Brent recorded many, many days of tracting door to door in June.  They had some success and other times were discouraged)

June 21, 1970 

It seems that I have received somewhat of a spiritual witness that I feel my efforts have not been in vain.  Especially after the 19th and our big day of fasting.  I am just so happy and filled with joy.  My testimony is so different now.  To think that because of a young boys inquisitive mind and wanting truth that we have today the true Church of Jesus Christ restored in the latter days.  I feel that I could shout it to the housetops if the Lord would but loosen my tongue. I know the gospel is true with all my heart.  I will never deny my testimony.  I feel that tonight I must talk to the Lord from my heart.  

                                                            .        

                                                         

Brent talked in his journal of taking pictures of fjords and castles.  He took the top one of the fjord but the  castle was taken from the internet.  It is the Akershus Castle and Fortress, built in 1299.  

 

Mission to Norway 1970-1972 Brent Grigg Section 5

 

It's hard to decide what to include each month and condense 3 months of Brent's mission into only 2 or 3 pages.  He wrote so much more about the people, the weather, and the love he and they had for the gospel.  He didn't put much information on his slides so I am not sure if they are with the current companion or the area they were taken in.  

July 1, 2020

The morning seemed to be just a lot of tracting.  We did have a nice time talking to a gentleman who was really funny. He believed that we accepted Joseph Smith as Christ. It was impossible to tell him differently. 

July 3, 1970

What a great day! I tried something that I have never tried before.  I kept my mind, actons, and thoughts to the Lord. Boy, did it help. I can hardly believe the difference it made in my day.  My Father in Heaven even gave me the ability to communicate with a few people better than I have before. I hope I can continue It sure helped the day go better. 

July 10, 1970

. . . . My feelings at this point of almost 4 complete months is that a missionary must learn how to budget time and forget himself.  He must act as a disciple of Christ, be cheerful, and do that which will help their companion out.  I found that as long as I act myself and not worry about what my companion thinks then  I am much happier.  If they do not like something, they will tell you.   

July 22, 1970

We tracted up an old contact of Elder Evans and she invited us back about the end of August.  We decided to enlight our day so we visited Sister Heisto.  She told us all about her trip to Paris and was it ever exciting.  I sometime wish I could travel around and visit like that.  I might after my mission.  

July 26, 1970

Sunday was a great day.  I met Brother Johansen.  What a guy! He looks so young and yet while you are around him you feel so much at ease.  He was so kind and he took us to Holmykolyn  Restaurant for a Sunday dinner, the best I have had here in Norway. That night we spent the most wonderful hour talking and getting to know each other.  I hope someday that we can be together up in the North country.  He is truly an idol to follow.  

August 14, 1970

My most important hope is that the Lord will help me to keep my spirit up.  I use the spirit of the Lord to teach by and to do that, I must obey the commandments given me as a missionary in the missionary handbook. 

August 19, 1970 

(Brent talked alot about "torv". Google says that it means square or open place in market .)

Well, the torv was really great. To begin with, Sister Hansen was there and she will be baptized tomorrow.  She sure told me some cool stories she has had about her coming in contact with the church.  I am sure glad to see her happy.  It is really a happy feeling to see someone come into the church. She is the first person I've contacted on the torv that is going to come into the church.  I am so happy because the Lord is actually helping me to come an effective missionary.  

On the Torv I was given the opportunity to tell two people about the church.  One as interested but had a date, the other one decide to read the Book of Mornin and do as I ask and ask God if the book was true.  

Aug 21, 1970

This was the first day I worked with Elder Jackson from Salt Lake City.  We began the day by deciding to tract but as we began to talk, we started brainstorming and decided to try and tell the king about the gospel so we went down to the Castle. We talked to the king's guard and was told that we must go through the American embassy to receive permission to talk to the king. So we then started street tracting.

August 30, 1970

This day was one of fantastic happenings.  Elder S. Dilworth Young and his wife spoke to us in Sacrament Meeting. What a pair of good talks.   I remember Sister Young telling about her experience after being married to Brother Young when she took on his name. She compared it to taking on the name of Jesus Christ when you partake of the sacrament.  Brother Young told the people in the church to get on the ball and start making acquaintances with their neighbors. What a way to know that he was actually inspired of the Lord for he said after the opening, "I am in the Lord's hands to tell you his will". 

September 6, 1970

Sunday is a new beginning point of my mission.  Elder Bylund is moving to be a district leader over Gestifold and I received a new companion in Ekeberg, Elder Gridseth.  I am looking forward to see how things will turn out. 

September 10, 1970 

We did a lot of tracting today which was not too bad except for the weather.  It was raining like buckets and I didn't think my umbrella would last but somehow it did.  

September 11, 1970

Today, was a windy rainey, cold day.  My companion was still sick.  So I studied and read and studied.  I was just about all studied out when 5:00 came and we finally were able to begin to tract.  What a night for tracting. We went out with 2 Book of Mormons and came back empty. We fixed a special date with one wonderful family and have a good chance to tell them about the gospel.  I am sure enjoying my time with Elder Gridseth. We are going to have fun the short time we are together. 

September 20, 1970

Today being Sunday we went to church as always.  I was asked to watch the door when the bishop came up to me and asked me something. I thought it was about the door so I nodded yes.  Well just before the sacrament service was over I was caught with the reality that I would be giving a talk.  I didn't believe it at first but it was true.  My name was called and announced and I walked up unprepared and bore my testimony. 

September 24, 1970

I had a very wonderful feeling enter in my mission today.  I actually felt a real love for the Norwegian people.  I just wanted to see them happy as I am.  You might say that I felt as Nephi when he wasn't able to soften the hearts of his people. I hope I will always remember this feeling and hold it to me as I come to each and every door.  

September 25,1970

That evening we started tracting and after a couple of houses we came to one and as usual knocked on the door.  A man came to the door and said, "The Mormon missionaries--shall we talk to them?"  We came to find out that they were from the states and doing research work.  What a real nice family. I wish them luck on the coming days while he is furthering his education.  

                                                              Ekeburg, Norway (from Google) 

 

Mission to Norway 1970-1972 Brent Grigg Section 6

 October 4, 1970

A Sunday that I should never forget.  When it came time to start testimony meeting I just knew that I must bear my testimony. So that I did.  What an experience. I talked about 3:7 of 1 Nephi to try and touch the heart of my investigatore, Fru Engstrom.  Now the evening will be spent tracting.   

October 8, 1970

I placed a Book of Morning to one real nice fellow and then we received a return appointment to him on the 19th of this month.  I also learned something today about myself that will really help me.  I must learn to control my expression and disapproval.  I'm going to have a lot while here on my mission so I had better learn how to control myself.  I must learn to understand the investigator on their level.   

October 10, 1970.  Now I am waiting for our baptism. My first real baptism. It doesn't seem possible. Our baptism was a wonderful experience.  She was sure happy looking. I'll never forget it.  My opportunity was to confer upon her the Holy Ghost.  What a very wonderful experience. I cannot quite explain how it feels.  The Lord did help me to think of the words I needed to give her the strength she will need.  After the ordination I can remember her saying.  Takk, which means thanks you. 

October 18, 1970 

Today is my mother's birthday, age forty.  I sent her a tape which contained such things as my baptism and my patriarchal blessing was also included on it. 

October 28, 1970

It has finally happened and very unexpectedly.  My first snow fall here in Norway. It started snowing about 9:00 AM and continued until heaven know when.  It is still snowing.  We continued tracting until 8:15.  We were cold and the wind was blowing and snowing and we had to walk about 3 miles.  I felt so tired after the days work.  But it was successful. It was a very enjoyable day even tho the weather was miserable.  I must say that the net 6 months is going to be very hard. 

November 6, 1970

November 6th was a day of getting my self ready for a move to Kristianund.  I went to the mission home, seen the greenies, and talked to the mission president about Kristiansund.  I left for the airport at 10:15 and met Elder Lewis at the airport. We came straight home and started getting ready.  

Kristiansund is a small town.  The people seem very happy when we just talk to them.  I hope that when the time comes to start tracting that it will be the say way.  

November 11, 1970

We had dinner with Bestemor, which was a stew called Lapskaus. It was good. I ate my heart out. We the had some strawberries that were just fantastic, especially with cream and the like.

Bestemor (This means Grandmother in Norwegian) 

Now came the time for our bath at the public bath house. It will be my first. It was nothing bad. We had a good shower and rinsed off and then stood in a heat room for some time.  

November 27th, 1970 

After packing and baking and relaxing, my companion and I took our bags down to wait for the boat and as usual the boat was 45 minutes late.   Once on the boat we were off enjoying the pie and root beer  and cookies that had been made.  I became sea sick and went to bed.  

November 28,1970

We were up at 7:00 on the boat and went to the church in Trondheim.  While there I met all the Elders on our team.  I was sure impressed with them all.  We had a real nice Thanksgiving banquet with all the trimmings.  I sure did enjoy it.  I felt so relaxed and at home for a change.  After our meal we cleaned up and then conference started at 2:00 PM.  Conference lasted 5 hours and then I had my interview with President Johnson.  He sure did help me out.  It was like an answer to prayers.  

December 5, 1970

We went down town Christmas Shopping.  

December 13, 1970

Sunday was a very fun day.  We went in to church and I had to lead the music. What an experience. 

The evening was spent at Bestemor's.  It was sure nice to watch Elder Mann become a member of Besta's family. She has so many friends that were missionaries.  It is simply unbelievable.  

December 17, 1970

We decided to buy Bestamor a table today and then get us a Christmas tree. It helped a little bit to get the Christmas spirit.  

December 18, 1970

We sure had a wonderful full day while working with the Elders.  Elder Kiser and I really had a wonderful time.  We used the Christmas cards to help know the area and we were even successful with placing the Book of Mormon to one gentleman that said he would be interested in hearing and reading the Book of Mormon.  During the day we received many great and promising call backs.  It was fun to work with Elder Kiser. 

December 24, 1970

Now we begin our big Christmas Holiday. It is going around and becoming better acquainted with all the members.  They have all invited us out to eat and enjoy this Christmas season with them.  Our first appointment is with Bestemor. We had many things to eat.  More than you can imagine.  Bestemore received a table and my companion and I received a small Viking Ship. It was sure great. We ended the evening with a small snack and came home to hit the sack.

December 25, 1970

Christmas day was spent with the Hyelkrams.  We had a big dinner.  It was sure fun.  After dinner we had atens which was a cake! There was Bestemor along with us all.  After my companion called home and I slept as much as I could.  The evening was spent eating fruit continually and then watching the T. V. 

Elder Grigg is Santa

Mission to Norway 1970-1972 Brent Grigg Section 7

 January 4-5, 1971

I sure didn't feel well after the nights sleep. I have been homesick and fight to receive the spirit of the Lord as I once had it.  (later in the day) I went to the doctor and was told that I have an infection in my sinuses. He gave me some Penicillin pills and told me to come back in a week.  We went to the Post Office and there was my Christmas package.  I have many doubts about having another sent from home.  This is what happened.  We opened a package from Bud and Joanne. It had all kinds of cookies and manmade small goodies. That was sure kind of them.  When I opened the large package from home, it had a calendar from mom, dad gave me a shirt which I really needed. I received some new temple garments and some peanut butter, some deodorant, amd toothpaste and face cream, and some cookies from Joe and Sharon. It was sure nice that they all sent so much. I have just one regret. (I must not forget mother's fruit cake and Bud and Joanne's) When I opened the package it looked as though it had already been opened. There were cookies all over on my shirt and garments. There were just many things I could see. I just hope that the next Christmas will be more organized.  I was really disappointed in that the package had been opened and that a few things were missings.  

January 20, 1971

(Brent talks a lot about being sick all through January.  He and his companion still find time to
tract and visit with new investigators.) 

I just cannot believe it! My companion is now overcome with sickness.  Will we ever be able to work here? Despite my companion's sore throat we went to see  Brother Stand. We sure had a wonderful and spiritual discussion.  I have so many thoughts about him.  The progress we could make if we could only bring him into the church. I imagine that with is position it will take awhile. The rest of the day was spent reading and trying to keep myself busy. Of course it wasn't hard at Bestemor's. We ate just about everything.  

February 1-6, 1971

This week has sure gone by fast.  I guess it is all because we were busy in the work of the Lord. We seemed to accomplish much. It feels good to be back on the right track. It feels great to be well again.   

February 14, 1971

Sunday was Mother's day here in Norway. I bought some flowers and gave them to all the mothers that were in the gren (Branch). It sure seemed worth the money to see the smiles on their faces.  We went for a Sunday walk to see the German (brinkers?) and to take some pictures. It sure felt nice to be out and relax.We had an appointment at 4:00 and went and just had time to bear our testimony.  Then Sacrament meeting and to Bestemors (Grandmother). (She is the lady that fed the elders and took such good care of them).    

February 20-28, 1971

We have received a most wonderful help from Elder Overeson and Elder Price. They have seemed to show me how much I have missed by not being a little more aggressive and more willing to show by example how a real missionary works.  I must really try my hardest to be a total missionary. 

March 8-10, 1971

Well it finally happened, I received word that I would be moved to Moss as CDL (District Leader?)

So the next two days were spent preparing and sending all my farewells.  It was sure hard to say goodbye to Bestemor and the rest, but I imagine that is the way a missionary's life is.  Now we are in Moss the 12th of March and I really believe I will start liking it here. We have some real wonderful investigators.  

                                                                                Moss, Norway

March 10-17, 1971 

I have become very busy. It is getting harder and harder to find time to write my experiences.  I guess I should make a much more better effort of writing these precious memories.  The Lord has really blessed me with the opportunity I now have to teach people as I should.  The Lord seems to have many ways of teaching us principles that we must learn of.  

This evening we, Elder Kjar and I had the most wonderful discussion in my whole entire mission.  Faith of a person that wants to do the work of the Lord, that is willing to obey the commandments given by our Father in Heaven.The Jesse family really did do one thing that I will be willing to state.  They handed Elder Kjor the tobacco, and coffee along with a pipe. What a faith he and his family have,  One that holds them united and keeps them doing the Lord's will. Now since he has such a big faith he wants his mother and every neighbor to hear the truth.  He even wants to put his son's name in the paper, baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. 

March 28, 1971

A beautiful Sunday morning and day. the sun was shining and it was a real great day for the Lord's work.  We went to church and with that came an invitation out to a Danish family.  It was sure a wonderful dinner and a nice teaching time. 

Well I am beginning a new better me after seeing the importance of living the commandments and trying to ready myself to the next calling the Lord might have me do. 

March 31, 1971

I believe that the winter is beginning to leave and that the spring is 
really coming in.  My throat even feels better.  Yes sir, it will be a wonderful summer her in Norway.  . . . . . . . I can wait to see what happens tomorrow.  

                                            Information from Norway in some of the pamphlets the mission 

                                                        made each month for the missionaries in Norway.