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!!