Memorable happenings on Memorial Day

Hey everyone!

I'd say this week has been eventful, but then again, that is nothing new. I have settled in nicely to the new transfers, though I will have to move again soon. Apparently, Elder Goodsell, my new companion, is returning home early this Thursday, so by the time some of you read this, it will have already happened. Luckily for me, the rest of my district (one companionship) is living in a two-companionship apartment, but the extra bedroom is currently empty. So it seems I will be going into a tri-companionship with Elders Lindsay and Reeves, at least until the next Transfer Conference. What is more interesting, is that this is the apartment I had just moved out of. Well, I left a couple things back there on accident anyway, and I do like that shower better. 

The week has not been too bad, however. Elder Goodsell has been more outgoing and neighborly than Elder McElwain, so we have spent more time hanging out with the elders living on our same floor. It has been quite a bit more fun than staying cooped up in the apartment! I just hope that it can keep up without him around...

Work has been going quite well, and I am a bit proud of my progress! This is because I have been noticed for how well I can research Danish records, so I am now recognized as a research assistant for the country. This means that, instead of just helping out guests with computer problems, as is the main responsibility of Young Elders in the zone, but I will now directly help patrons get started on doing research in this country, and help them find their Danish ancestors. I feel like this is nice, steady progress for me! I hope to become able to work in some more countries now, and be able to serve better for as long as I serve in this zone!

How did you all spend Memorial Day? I am sure it was a nice celebration, to remember those who had died for our freedoms! Now, when you are serving a mission, you don't get to directly celebrate most holidays, and I don't know if Memorial Day is an exception in most missions or not. All I know is that the Family History Library closed down in recognition of the holiday, so the Young Elders had a "day off" of sorts. This does not mean that we had a day to ourselves. The first part of the day was kicked off with a breakfast of pancakes and bacon prepared by and served to the Young Elders (I was in charge of the bacon, along with Elder Lindsay). After that, we hiked up to the Salt Lake Cemetery, which contains the graves of many notable church figures. After this experience, we returned to watch the movie Forever Strong together (this is the movie featuring a Coach Gelwex, whom you may remember presented a fireside to the Young Elders of the mission a while back). 

The next thing we did, the biggest event of the day, was a service project. The project of the day was going down to Jordan River Park, and removing thistles growing along the river. We did this job in companionships: one wielded a shovel to remove the thorny annoyances from the ground, and the other grabbed them up and put them into trash bags. Of course, me, being the lucky guy that I am, got to tackle the second part of the job. It didn't help that some of the thistles were as tall as a couple of the shorter Elders. I am not complaining, however, it is good to serve in such a manner. All in all, it was a pretty good experience for us all, and we got to eat pizza after. So, it has been a good, memorable Memorial Day. 

Finally, last Sunday, I was called on to prepare a lesson for Priesthood Meeting. I did not have a ton of time to prepare, as I only got word Friday. Fortunately, from some mission-supplied New Testament reading articles, I found a talk given by President Monson back when he still served as Second Counselor in the First Presidency titled "The Paths Jesus Walked." It is pretty much what it sounds like, though that is quite general, and I would advise you to look it up and give it a nice read-through. Anyway, through prayer, study, note-taking, and a bottle or two of root beer, I was able to pull together the lesson, and for a first time on the mission, the lesson went well! 

So, for a shorter six-day week since I last sent an E-mail, it has been quite an adventure. My loss of my current companion will virtually guarantee that I will get yet another new companion next conference, and maybe even a new zone. But now is not the time to think about that. For now, I must focus on serving to the best of my abilities in the International Zone, especially with my new responsibilities. So, I will let you know how all that goes as it happens. Your weekly challenge from me is a repeat of a previous challenge, because not only am I running a bit low on original material, but because this is, put simply, so important! President Monson, in the last General Conference, has implored us to study the Book of Mormon every day to strengthen our testimonies. And so, we must read this if we are to make it through the challenges of this day and age. So, I challenge you to keep reading it every day, and study it as you read. Take notes, highlight significant scriptures, and memorize the best. If you do so, I testify that you will have stronger testimonies of the lord Jesus Christ. Okay, that's all from me for this week. Have a great week guys, and know that I love you all!

From,

Elder Bryce Petersen

Change of everything but scenery

Hey guys! So, it's that time of the month again. My P-Day is actually not on Wednesday, but I got special permission this time. My P-Day got assigned to Tuesday at Transfer Conference yesterday, which would have meant that if I didn't do something, I would not have been able to send this E-mail until next Tuesday. So here I am, typing this out for you. But expect my next E-mail to come Tuesday. This change will be better for me, as I will be able to fit choir into my schedule more easily.  This is not the only change for me, however. I had a feeling I was going to be experiencing more than one change when I got a moving notice in the mail, warning me that I was going to move switch apartments soon. The apartment which I moved into is a pretty nice apartment! It is only big enough for one companionship, which I don't mind too much. This apartment is still much better than the one I was on before, which was partly underground and quite dark. This one was on the top (3rd) floor of the complex, meaning I got a balcony, which even has a nice view of the Salt Lake Temple! The only downside is that I am no longer living on the same floor as the laundry room anymore... I have also changed companions yesterday. My new buddy, Elder Goodsell, was actually district leader of the International Zone before Elder McElwain. He had to get sent home on medical leave right before I came into the mission, however, due to a cyst in his leg. But he is back into the action now, and we are both serving together. As for Elder McElwain, he will still be serving in the Library, in the Access Services zone. That is the zone which covers some of the more behind-the-scenes aspects of serving in the library, such as reshelving books and checking the availability of certain books and films, among other things. The new district leader of International is actually not Elder Goodsell, but surprisingly Elder Lindsay. I am not surprised because of any doubts as to his competence in this position, but rather to how new he is to the mission - I think he came in just before I did. I do believe he will serve as a fine leader, and I wish him the best in this new calling. Oh, and speaking of International Zone, that assignment is the only thing of mine which did not change at Transfer Conference. I will still be serving on B1 of the Family History Library, and I will still be helping people there, and I will still be working on my Danish.  Now for things that don't directly relate to my transfer. The night before the conference, we had a Hail and Farewell dinner to celebrate the elders who would be finishing their service withing the next two months, as well as welcome the new missionaries joining us in serving the Church. Elder McElwain was among those who was recognized as leaving us soon - one month from now, he will be returning home to Amarillo, Texas. I don't cry often, but if I did, I probably would next month. I do like that guy. But, that's how the mission works. Another interesting side note is that, in the same group of people leaving soon is actually our Mission President. He ships out the same day as Elder McElwain. He will be missed by us all. He is a great leader, I think, and I'm sure he will do well with whatever he does afterwards! Speaking of new guys, the new missionaries (who I learned both shared the first name Brandon) have gotten quite used to the new system, and I am excited to serve with them. I should be seeing the both of them around, as they are both serving in the library. Elder Hartner (who actually came here from Logan, I don't know if I mentioned that in my last E-mail) got assigned to Hosting, which is essentially where first time visitors go to find their way around the library. This means he will likely take a guest or two down to our floor! Elder Buers, on the other hand, is serving in the Discovery Zone, the interactive Family History exhibit on the main floor of the library. I'm sure he will have some fun there! I am excited to see where the mission takes these two new Elders! There are a couple of people who have asked me about my trip to Goshen, and that will happen exactly one week from now. So, I will be able to send an E-mail to you the day before that happens. The trip seems exciting - I have seen some pictures taken there, and it looks even more interesting than I have previously imagined. But I will have to remember to buy some sunscreen for that - some people just get tan from standing in the sun one day, but I do not, so I will have to deal with that.  Finally, I tried making pulled pork sandwiches last Sunday, with homemade mashed potatoes for a side, and homemade cinnamon rolls for dessert. Everything went well, and I was quite proud of myself! I feel like I can really put together a nice meal if I put my mind to it! I may have to collaborate with Elder Goodsell for a nice meal or two, because not only does a good homemade meal taste amazing without the drawback of a restaurant's price tags, but it is also really fun to make! Well, that's all from me for the week. Service is still pretty good to me, and I do enjoy doing this work. My challenge for the week is such: organization is time, and time is extremely valuable. Money and possessions can be recovered if lost, given enough hard work, but time, once lost, can never be reclaimed. The easiest way to save time is to properly organize, with lists, goals, and schedules. So, work towards organization, and you will find you have more time with which you can do whatever you want! Now, have a great week everybody! From, Elder Bryce Petersen

Notable visits, new buddies.

5.17.17 Hey everyone! I would say that this has been quite a week, but by now, that phrase has probably become a bit redundant. Each week here has been it's own adventure, and each has brought new challenges and experiences, but overall, it has been great!  First and foremost, as most of you ought to know, last Sunday was Mother's Day. It was a very special day for mothers everywhere, and it was especially so for mine own, and many other missionary mothers around the world. This is because I, as well as the other missionaries on this mission and others from around the world, had the opportunity to call home, and talk to our families in real time. This time, however, was very new to the mission. This is because, for the first time in this mission, we were given permission to use video chats to communicate with our families. This means that our mothers could see our faces, and vice versa. A senior couple, the Tappens, were assigned to let me and Elder McElwain use their computers in their apartment so we could contact our parents. It was great seeing my family gathered around the coffee table, just as we did when Tanner called home when he was on his mission. However, the microphone on the Tappens' computer was broken, so I had to use their phone to call my Mom, and use it as a microphone of sorts. It was still great communicating to my family like this, and I am already excited for next time! This, however, was not the only notable thing to happen this week, as I am sure you have all guessed. The time of the month has arrived for the mission to welcome more Young Elders to the family. This means that me and Elder McElwain, who keep a room open in our apartment for this monthly occurrence, get to have new roommates until the next transfer conference next Tuesday. These new people, an Elder Beur and Elder Hartner, seem very excited to be in this mission, and I am sure they will do great here. I am excited about Elder Beur, and his love for music and desire to join the mission choir (which I may have forgotten to mention is called "the Elijah choir"). This is great news, not only because I like meeting new people who also like music, but also because the Elijah choir definitely could use more members. Him and Elder Hartner seem like alright guys, and I do think the mission will be as good for them as it is for everyone, including myself. I look forward to seeing them both around! Speaking of the choir, we did have a performance yesterday for mission conference. Sad to say, I showed up a bit later than I would have liked to. The performance itself was alright, though it could have been better. As for the conference itself, we were blessed to have the head of the Church History Department of the church, Elder Devn Cornish, give us a talk. It was a truly spiritual experience to have him there with us. Luckily for me, I will get to hear him speak later today, as the choir will sing for another session of mission conference. I am excited to hear him again! Elder Cornish is not the only general authority to have shown up this week, however. Last Sunday, Mother's Day related happenings aside, was business as usual until Elder McElwain recognized Elder Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve sitting in the rostrum. He was not even on the Sacrament handout - he just decided to drop by for a visit. The remarks he made at the closing of such a meeting were, put simply, about his being proud of what we have been doing as a mission. He then left us with an apostolic blessing. That was truly an experience, to have him visit us as a mission, and it reminded me that our mission is truly blessed to be working among the leaders of this church. As I hinted before, Transfer Conference is coming up in six days. I do not expect to be transferred, as I do not believe that the mission would transfer Elder McElwain. This is because this will be his last transfer conference before he returns home, and I do not think he would be reassigned for just one month. The only reason I can think of for me being transferred is if one of the new Young Elders, for some reason, takes my place as Elder McElwain's companion. So, in short, I do not expect to be transferred, but anything could happen. There is a chance my P-day will change, though. This means that I will send out an E-Mail some other time of the week, and it could very well be Tuesday, which would mean you may not hear from me for two weeks. If this is the case, then I am indeed sorry. But, "nevertheless, not as I will, but as [Heavenly Father] wilt (Matthew 26:39)". I will let you know as soon as possible how this goes! And such have been my happenings for this week. I will not have time as of right now to send out personal E-mails, as I will have to go soon to practice with the Elijah choir for mission conference. But, I will send those out later today. More of you will have more opportunity to read and reply to such E-mails in the evening anyway (or so I have heard). My challenge for the week is such: if you have watched General Conference, then you know one of the things President Monson talked about was reading the Book of Mormon every day. I can testify that such study will protect you, and my challenge for all of you is that you read it every day for at least 15 minutes. Also, do so with a prayer in your heart, that you may know it to truly be the word of God, and know of it's surety. Anyway, thanks again for the support you are all giving me from back home. May God be with you all!  From, Elder Bryce Petersen

It has only been a week?

Hey guys!

Well, this last week has been quite the week here in SLC. Right after I finished typing out my E-mails, me and Elder McElwain took a little field trip to the Pioneer Memorial Museum. It is essentially a collection of a bunch of artifacts detailing the early settlers of the state of Utah, including a bunch of photographs of early pioneers. I looked for some of my own ancestors, but sadly, I was not able to find one. I will have more opportunities to visit the museum again, however, and there I hope to find someone I am related to!

The biggest reason this week was so busy is because of all the firesides and meetings we have had. I have attended three in just these last four days! The first was presented last Sunday by an Elder Evans, who has done work with the Church welfare program. He has shown us some of what the church has done to help disadvantaged communities in undeveloped parts of the world, as well as share some inspiring messages about doing service for others, and paying tithes and offerings to the Church. The second presenter was quite the character. His name was Elder Gelwix (or at least that's how I THINK it was spelled). That name probably sounds familiar to you if you have watched a certain rugby movie called Forever Strong, and that is because he does take part in that story (not as an actor, but in the actual events the story is based off of). I do not know the story, but his presentation was also quite inspiring. He has shared some experiences with his being a mission president, all revolving around a central theme of listening to promptings from the Holy Ghost. The final presenter, the one who talked at mission conference earlier today, was Elder Nielson, the executive director of the Church's missionary department. We were all honored to shake his hand before he shared his message on the Atonement, and it's power to strengthen us, as well as cleanse us. 

Among all these different firesides, of course, my service in the mission field carried on as usual. I have been trying to learn more with a bit more effort than I have been putting in before. I have, of course, been working on learning a new language. I feel like I am learning a little bit more every day! Of course, I have still been helping out around the library as usual, though this is still technology related issues. I feel like I am good enough with Danish research, however, to take a test to certify me as a research assistant (NOT specialist) for Danish records. I will have to look into taking the test so that I may be able to help out a little bit more!

I have talked before about a new service model the library has been implementing, and so far, we have already made a couple of modifications. As a result, I have attended a couple of training classes for some of the changes made to the model. We are still getting used to things, but we will eventually settle down, and be able to run smoothly. I do feel like I will have to get used to it, as I do not think I will be leaving this floor soon. Elder McElwain is leaving in two months, and I do not believe he will get transferred with so little time left, especially in his position as district leader. I do not see why they would separate us for the same reason, so I believe I am here to stay - for another month, anyway. 

And so, this has been quite a week. I am still enjoying myself, however. Life has been good, especially since I believe I am now well-stocked on my more basic food items (flour, eggs, etc), so I can now buy higher quality goods (no more margarine for me!) as well as some  ̶d̶e̶l̶i̶c̶i̶o̶u̶s̶ healthy snacks! I hope everyone is doing well at home, though it does seem like you are! My challenge for the week is a bit different this time. Because I know there are some people reading this email who are not members of the church, I have chosen something which can apply to everyone! So my challenge is this: every day, we have opportunities to serve others. Some of these may be a bit more obvious than others, but sometimes its these smaller things which can be so very important. So try and keep an eye out for opportunities to serve others. If you begin looking just a bit harder, I can promise you that you will find some way you can make someone's day just a little bit brighter! And so, I leave you all with that. Have a great week everyone!

From,

Elder Bryce Petersen

From Mom: 

We can't wait for Sunday (Mother's Day) so that we can Skype with Bryce!!

Better Late than Never

5.3.17

Hey everyone!

Okay, so the only thing that changed at Transfer Conference was my P-Day. I am still working on the International Floor, my companion is still Elder McElwain, and I do not have to change apartments. You will be getting my E-mails on Wednesdays now, though. Sorry about keeping you guys waiting! I can't say I am a huge fan of the P-Day change, as Wednesday is the day on which the Choir practices. That gives me less time for all my P-Day stuff. Oh well, I can't change the weather, I can only adjust the sails. 

The mission has been given quite an opportunity this month. We will be travelling to Goshen, Utah, to visit the LDS studios, where they make certain Bible videos and the like. We will be able to tour the facilities, and even do a service project of sorts there. This will be my first time leaving the Salt Lake City area since I first arrived on the mission, so this is a very interesting activity! This will happen on the 31st of this month, so I will let you know how that goes!

However, some elders got to go today. I have no problem with this, aside from the fact that they used all the vans. This means that Elder McElwain and I did not get to take them to shop at Smiths. Instead, we had to shop at Harmon's, the grocery store which is within walking distance of the apartments. Don't get me wrong, Harmon's is a very nice grocery store with good quality merchandise - almost too good, however. It is a pricier place to buy food than Smith's and Walmart, so the missionaries don't shop there often. However, me and Elder McElwain were able to make it work within the limits of our budgets, and I think that we got everything we needed!

Aside from the Goshen trip, the mission sometimes does make special trips. Mostly, these are temple trips, to add more variety than going to the same old SLC temple every time. Last Friday, the young elders made such a trip to the Bountiful temple. It was a great experience there, just as it always is. I was even able to give one of my names to another missionary! We did eat lunch while we were there, which the mission payed for. After that, it was business as usual in the day.

Yesterday (my old P-Day), the International zone had a zone photo-shoot and recognition luncheon. I am not sure how often the zone does a photo-shoot, as this was my first one, but the luncheons are a monthly thing. Essentially, they are to recognize the people making progress in their research learning. I was recognized at the last one for passing off the basic Level 1 training. I guess this goes to show that the mission is beginning to go by faster for me, as this last one doesn't seem so long ago. I still do have a long ways to go, though. 

Well, I think I owe a couple of people some personal E-mails now, to further verify to everyone that I did not get hit by a bus or something. Again, I am thankful for all the support I am getting from you guys, I truly do appreciate that. My challenge for the week is this: the temple is always a wonderful experience, and I would advise you all to make temple worthiness a goal, and a conscious effort. If you are behind on church attendance, begin showing up a bit more often. If you are having trouble keeping a commandment, then try a little harder to be a little better. That is my challenge for you. Stay awesome, guys, and know that I love you all!

From,

Elder Bryce Petersen