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9/10/12  
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Nära och Kära,
This last week was so
full of adventures it was crazy. A busy week makes for time flying and its all
too crazy to think about!
Last Monday we had a
planned lesson with Alex but he never showed up and he never responded. We
still are not sure what is wrong there. But at the same time as he ditched us
we realized an entirely important element was missed during shopping. Toilet
paper. So we decided that on the way to visit our next appointment Amina. We
would stop by a nearby store and pick some up. Now I just imagine the swedish
population seeing this happening. Two syster missionaries in skirts with
helmets booking it up through the parking lots on their bikes passing a group
of 3 men speaking english, when one turns and yells, "Hey, you guys are
American Mormon missionaries! Get over here and talk to us!" After a bit
of deliberation and a couple silent prayers we decided to go talk with them.
Turns out they had been contacted before and recognized us. Robert, Kelvin and
James all have met the missionaries and wanted us to answer some of their
questions. It was unexpected but it seemed we were being lead by the Spirit. We
dont usually go to that store either! Robert invited us to dinner that night at
his place with his wife and daughter. We had another appointment but we are
working it out to visit them soon. We then were able to visit Amina. She always
has the most unique questions. This time it was a bit more about prayer. We
watched "Finding Happiness" and it was a bit too advanced swedish for
her so we clarified it and talked about the stories in the book that she is
still reading. It was nice to see that she is beginning to understand some of
the differences we have.
I tisdags we were
asked if we could meet with Amber and talk about our Personal Progress activity
so that we can be together on things and be ready for it. We were finally able
to meet with Annick. She has been away from church for a couple months and we
have had a hard time getting into contact with her. She is our Young Womens
president so we wanted to make sure she felt included in this activity. When we
were there it was a sweet experience as we heard that she had been meeting
members as she is on her way here or there and they all express how much they
miss her. Then also our Ward Mission leader has sent cards to invite them back
and members SMS her and tell her she is missed. She got a bit emotional about
it and told us that it is only the lack of work and popularity of them calling
her in to work on sundays that keeps her from coming. She is very excited that
we have this activity planned and is also planning to attend!
I onsdags we had an
opportunity to do some more service for Jock and Cat. They are in the process
of moving and both got really sick with some necessary items still at the old
place. We were able to help get those to them and clean up the apartment a bit
as a surprise so they wont have to stress as much once they are feeling healthy
again. With our Youth Activity, they now are in institute so they wanted to do
a pizza night. They all signed up to bring things and it worked out well all at
the church. Amber was able to come and attend as well. The Young Women really
enjoy these activities we are just trying to come up with activities that the
young men would like to attend. We thought pizza would certainly get their
attention but it did not.
I torsdags we had an
awesome Zone Meeting. Its pretty much zone conference without the leadership as
President and the Assisstents. Now I have always had a really difficult time
with role plays. Pretty much my entire mission I have struggled with it. I had
the opportunity to do splits and role play with Syster Winterton. It was a very
special experience. I ended up being my own investigator, (which I hadnt ever
done before) and she followed up and we really felt the spirit as we tried to
resolve his concern about baptism.
I fredags, after a
great weekly planning session we were able to visit the Palominos. They are
always so willing to feed us and have us over so we were a bit worried about
how to get them to church again. They live a 20 minute bus ride away and have 5
kids and so its a bit difficult to take the bus system. We came with the idea
of talking about things we do to strengthen our faith and a talk from the
september liahona. It really helped as after dinner we discussed the things
that they recognized as faith strengtheners. The traditional answers were given
and then sacrament attendance was brought up and partaking of that great
ordinance. We have invited them every time to come to church but it hasnt ever
been accepted really. So we talked with the kids about it and as we were
leaving Augustine made a point to say, "See you on sunday!" It
was a sincere prayer that they would be able to make it. This time we made it
to the bus stop in time and made the bus home which we were thankful for.
I lördags, the final
preparations for our personal progress night and a few appointments
cancellations. We were a while away from home and it began raining. It was a
bit depressing, no one was out and then the power was out in the building we
walked in to. It was a bit of a sad day.
Igår we saw a bunch of
miracles! The Palominos came! Mariela, Maria-Fernanda, Fransisca, and Augustine
all came together. We had our branch counsel and got a lot of feed back and
help planned for our investigators and with our Personal Progress activity.
Syster Ridl was able to help translate in young womens and I was able to be in
Sunday School and help strengthen our members. We set up times this week to
meet with our Ward Mission Leader and Ulf and Birggita. Solveig took us to
Högsjö so we could teach her husband Lars-Inge. He is awesome, just having a
difficult time understanding the love of God and Christ. He doesnt see how it
could work. Lars and Annalie came and ate with us there. We had a nice time
teaching with them and then being able to strengthen them as they drove us to
the church afterwards.
So many miracles and
awesome adventures being had here in Katrineholm its tough to get it all in in
a simple letter. But the short of it is its a blessing to be here and working
so hard and seeing miracles happen. Its great! Love you guys tons! Hope you all
have a great week and you find somebody to serve. Its pretty crazy to think
about sometimes how rushed we are to get things done. But I know that if we
slow down a little bit and pray for a chance to serve someone you will always
find those opportunites! (thats a challenge btw!)
Love you all!
Syster Juker