Underverk!

Jennifer Juker	9/10/12
to john, me

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