Life Takes Only Seconds to Change

From: Jennifer Juker <jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, Mar 12, 2012 at 7:16 AM
Subject: Life Takes Only Seconds to Change

Nära och Kära

This week has been simply one for the books! It proved to me that no matter what you plan on, it doesn't always work out that way. From lessons to planning and setting goals everything can change in a matter of minutes. We experienced a lot of that this week. The one thing that we could rely on, besides each other, was our faith and hope in the Savior and His hand in our work! He never leaves us alone and He will never leave any of you alone, of that I am certain!

Last Monday, we took some letter writing time, nap time and package picking up time. We got our orders of Book of Mormons and got to lug them home. It was a fun journey. We met with Leif again and had Swedish study. Its been really cool to get to know the YSA and to uplift them. They really have been opening up. While we were learning from Leif, Markus, our investigator dropped by the church to say hi and let us know that he wasnt going to be able to stay for FHE that night. It was very considerate of him and we got to follow up on his reading. He has been reading and asked his sister some questions! We are excited for him! During FHE we talked about goals and were able to testify about how they help us. We then had an activity of Jennifer and we got to play darts. Alex came and he and Leif ended up being on my team. It was Great! We all opened up and it was a great experience. We are going to work on getting to know more about them and how to help them become active again.

Tuesday, my visa is close to expiring so we were able to take time on tuesday to go to Göteborg and get it renewed. Its taken a lot of time with others whom I have helped do it so we thought it would take a while. It ended up taking less then an hour! We were excited. I talked with Mom about how as a missionary you don't have time to be sick and to sleep extra. On the way home from the Migration office I got hit with a wave of sickness. I think Heavenly Father was trying to teach me a lesson. You have to take care of yourself before taking care of others. I was very uncomfortable on the train but fell asleep in the sun. It was way different from home. I can't do that usually. As we got home to Jönköping, I felt even worse. Syster Schneiber decided that it was best that I have a nap and we could plan after I woke up. I was miserable and slept for a long while. Syster Schneiber was great and got a lot accomplished while I was sleeping. I tried to help but I was just sick. It was really difficult to just relax as a missionary and sleep. We talked about how its difficult for both companions who are together. It was difficult to feel productive but we got appointments set up and I was only super sick for two days. Now Im doing much better!

Thursday it was interesting to get to study and not be sick! I am so thankful that it didnt last too long. We had district meeting and Äldste Rice taught about how the Book of Mormon answers the questions of the soul. We came up with some questions that we thought our investigators could have and then switched questions and got to look up scriptures from the Book of Mormon to answer them. I was fully aware of the completeness of the Book of Mormon when answering questions but during this meeting my mind was opened up even more! I know that the Book of Mormon is true and has been given to us at this time so that we can have those answers that we all seek. No matter the situation you are in, we can find solace and comfort in that book. I have done it many times before coming to Sweden and that knowledge has only become stronger as I have been able to temper it through many different experiences and questions from various people and some of my own design. The Book of Mormon is the book to read and try if you haven't ever tried a faith before. I love it! We then had dinner with the YSAs before getting to teach Johannes again. We gave him "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. He really liked it and I think it helped him resolve a concern.

Friday We had a lovely weekly planning time! We have joked around about how planning is about the hardest thing for Syster Schneiber and I to do together. Teaching, Finding, and loving are all easily done but when it comes down to planning its like pulling teeth. BUT, not today!! It went practically seemless! We got great ideas going for the upcoming lessons and all the things that we are going to get done! We were both feeling sick and we didnt want to get our members children sick so we cancelled with them and got to eat at home before meeting with Sabrina! We got there a couple minutes before she arrived. She brought a friend! It was a blessing! Heavenly Father knew that we were not doing well healthy wise and we were able to teach him about the Book of Mormon. He wants to meet us again as well! He comes from Ghana and is awesome! Sabrina brought up a concern about spending so much time at church. "Come on Three hours!" Gershon was able to help relieve some of her hesitancy as he told us he spent 5 hours at church every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Thats a lot of church! We are still working on relieving that concern but we know its there.

Saturday We met with our ward mission leader because I was sick on the normal Wednesday time. He brought up things in Ward Counsel on sunday and gave us great ideas about how to help our investigators and those less active members we are working with. It was great to again share our work and have someone care so much about it. We then had a lesson with Li and Wilson our chinese boys! The YSA are going to the temple this next weekend and we are going as well. We wanted to have them come with us. Li  hadnt been ordained yet. So we taught about the temple and priesthood. There were great mormon messages on lds.org that helped get them excited about the Blessings of the temple. They are going to meet with Bishop Wallgren before church and hopefully they will be able to go! We then ate lunch at home and studied language. I had forgotten about transfer calls coming until I was left with the phone because it was difficult to concentrate. We got a great session of language study in before heading to visit less active members. While at the bus stop we started talking with a young girl waiting for the bus. She heard in our accents that we were from the states. She then switched to English with hardly any accent. It was pretty cool. We switched numbers and hopefully we will meet up with her soon. As we rode the bus up to Dalvik President called. I was handed the phone to answer. I didnt expect a call so when he said I will be training my jaw dropped. Syster Schneiber was sitting accross from me and she said that the picture was priceless! I am super excited and nervous and worried all at the same time. I know that I will have to rely on the Lord to do this right. So the Syster Schneiber and Juker journey is coming to an end. Its been a great experience to be able to work on so many characteristics that will bless me for the rest of my life. I have really learned so much from her about myself and about how to be the best me. She is awesome. Now she is heading to Allingsås with Syster Sprague! They are going to rock that place! We were able to stop by a few members houses and an old investigator when Sabrina called us. We were able to meet with her a short while before Syster Schneiber started to feel the same way I was feeling on tuesday. We stopped by a members home to see if we could do anything to help. They said we could walk their dog. It reminded me of Kaiser and she softened lots of people's hearts. Missionaries just need puppies, then Swedes will listen! We were able to stop by a less active YSA as well and she got to talking with Syster Schneiber. It will be great to get to know her better as well.

Sunday Church was great but was best was that both Li and Wilson came early to church and talked to Bishop. Li got the priesthood and they are now going to go to the temple this weekend with the YSA! Äldste and Syster Rasmussen talked about how it was one of their goals and we were able to help them accomplish it! The talks in sacrament meeting reminded me of going back to the basics. There were talks about the Book of Mormon and the importance of reading your scriptures and of developing a testimony of the Prophet. It was great! In Relief Society we talked about the Priesthood! We were excited that Wilson and Li were there in their meeting listening to the same lesson. Sabrina came as well, so we were able to teach her about the priesthood as we translated for her. During Sunday School Niklas taught about the Holy Ghost and Sabrina was able to apply it to a question she has about her life. We then met with the Thörn family! They had us over for dinner and we talked to them about completeing our member program and whats their next goal. They want to have an activity each month where our investigators can come over to their house and play games and get to know them. Its going to be awesome. This program I think will really get the members involved in our work. I look forward to starting it with other members in our ward soon. Then we got to watch the CES broadcast of Quentin L. Cook. (Definitely one to watch over again!)

On Sunday I was able to complete my reading of Jesus the Christ! It is an amazing book! Here comes challenge time! Read it! =) Whoes up for the challenge? I know it will change your life because it has strengthened my testimony so much of the Savior. I didnt recognize that we know so much about Christ. Its not a simple read but its so worth the time. Its taken me 10 months to complete and I have just learned so much from it. Now challenge number two, a little less complicated. Elder Cook said in his fireside to YSA age people that we must not wear a mask but be true to our faith, that we need to spend time on developing Christlike attributes and make goals to continue in righteousness. First off watch the fireside! Its not too long and its great! http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/languages/ces-devotionals/2012/03?lang=eng here you go =) Just making it a little easier! Secondly, make a little time to do a self assessment. Figure out what it means to wear a mask, how you can spend more time in developing attributes of Christ and what goals you can set to be better. I know that as I have tried to do this I have had an eye opener experience to the good things i actually am doing. No matter how low we feel we really aren't doing that badly if we can just have faith and pray for help. Heavenly Father is always listening and like it says over and over again in the Book of Mormon "his arm is outstretched still." We just have to reach up and take it. He wants to help. I know he does! He has helped me so much over and over again!

I hope you all have a great week and that you can add me and my new companion to your prayers. I know how essential prayer is in this life and I know he will answer your prayers too. Please! Love you all Have some fun this week!

Syster Juker

Kärlek

From: Jennifer Juker <jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, Mar 5, 2012 at 7:28 AM
Subject: Kärlek

Nära och Kära

This week has really flown by but we have had many miracles involved as always. We are working on building our faith and noticing Heavenly Fathers Hands in all that we do. Have you noticed anytime this week where Heavenly Father has helped you along? I completely believe that if we notice and are grateful for those times when we are blessed our odds of recieving another blessing go way up. Just a thought for you this week!

This week we were able to do exchanges! It was the second time for me but the first for Syster Schneiber. I got to stay here in Jönköping with Syster Erickson and Syster Schneiber went with Sprague to Allingsås. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot from eachother.

Last Monday, was a bit hectic as we were going to try to go to a museum where they made the first saftey match here, with Äldste and Syster Rasmussen. We got emailing done and shopping headed over to the museum only to learn that its closed on mondays just like every other museum here. It definitely makes it difficult to see them when our pday is always mondays! Oh well, we were able to book our train tickets and get to Göteborg pretty quickly. Its pretty interesting how much there feels like home to me. Ill admit, I took the wrong spårvagn this time but I was able to fix it and get us there in the same amount of time! Äldste and Syster Anderson were there and were surprised to see us. We talked with them a while and were able to talk with Mette for about an hour before Syster Erickson and I had to leave to go back home. The train ride home was fun we talked and got to know eachother and we were only delayed about 10 minutes. We got a message from Sabrina that she was leaving the church and wasnt going to stay for Family Home Evening. We texted back and she said she would wait for us in Willy's. We talked with her there for a few minutes before having to make our way to the church. She decided to give it a chance and see if Heavenly Father would really bless her studying after she went to do church activities. I translated for her and we talked about indexing in preparation for temple work. It was a good chance to teach her about temple work. She had a lot of questions and we were able to clear them up for her. She enjoyed it and we had some fun! Our plans for tuesday had drastically changed by the time we were home to plan. Pretty much the whole day cancelled besides Sabrina. Nightly planning was great! We planned to visit less actives in the area that we hadnt heard from in a long while.

Tuesday, upon waking up I realized we had told a member we would be able to help her move on tuesday. Shes bound to a wheel chair and was moving to a rest home sort of place. Luckily we remembered after trying to visit a few members who were not home. We got to her apartment and her two sisters and one of their husbands were there helping her. They were so thankful that we had come to help. At first they thought that we were the home service for Siv. It was funny. We were able to help construct boxes and take things down off high shelves for them. We went and got things out of the attic and helped move things that they couldnt do because of being older and such. It was a great blessing that we remembered that we were going to help. She only had that day to get stuff done. Heavenly Father helped us to help one of his children in need. We were able to get rid of old food supply that had gone bad. It was interesting to pour out expired food after opening the can with the old fashioned can opener. Syster Erickson and I really bonded. We talked with her familly members a bit about the church and gave them each passalong cards if they ever needed help. It felt good to be able to help someone in need. Siv had asked her home teachers and visiting teachers but they were all busy so it was great that all of our other plans changed so that we could help her. We went home and ate, grabbed our gym shorts for a relief society activity then headed to the church. We played volleyball and we had a couple less active members we are working with attend. It was great to run around and be with them. We really enjoyed it. Then we taught Sabrina about repentance. It was awesome because the sunday school lesson on sunday lead perfectly to repentence. She undestood and wants to pray about if she needs to repent. I am so thankful that we are given the opportunity to choose to repent. We can choose to have those guilty residue that sin leaves behind or we can turn to the Lord and try to fix it and be forgiven and be cleased once more.

Wednesday, We had to take a bus to Borås to trade back. It took a long while and there were not that many on the bus. We were able to talk to a couple and then did some studying. The February Liahona is AWESOME! You all need to pick that one up when you get a chance. I was super tired and I picked it up thinking it would help me fall asleep but it kept me awake and the Spirit is so strong thoughout each article. Anyway back to the travels, we left the bus driver with a passalong card. We had 10 minutes until our return trip. We got together and learned that someone had changed our outgoing message. We fixed it and laughed about it. We shared all the things that we learned from our exchange with each other on the bus trip back. We had a great lesson over lunch with The Nilson Family. We talked about the first presidency message about prayer. The Spirit was strong as we all noticed the blessings we have experienced through prayer. Heavenly Father really hears each prayer we pray. We then made a bus out to Mullsjö. This experience was completely a miracle. We had never been out there before, we had no maps but we had two less actives we wanted to go see that members had asked us about. We got into the town and called Helena up. We werent sure what stop to get off at. We read off a random street sign and she told us to get off at the next one. So we did, only to be on the complete opposite side of the lake that we wanted to be on. We asked a woman on a bike for directions and she said its a long walk but cut through this park and it will save you some time. So Syster Schneiber called Helena back and began to tell her our situation when a car turned the corner. An older lady stopped as she saw us destressed. We told her of our predicament and she helped us out. We were able to visit Helena and she is wonderful! We are going to help her get back in the game. We then got a ride across town to Erika's house. They know eachother! It was cool to see them greet eachother. Her kids are super nice! We got to know about how she became a member and were able to testify of the Book of Mormon. She showed us the walking path to the train station because the busses had stopped coming. We were able to use our camera and take a picture of the map so we could take it with us. We talked to a few people who helped with directions. I had a flashlight so we were good to go. One particular spot we got a little turned around and said a prayer, Heavenly Father helped us out as we walked a little bit further the wrong direction and then we turned around. We made it back to the train and it was great. We sat next to a man on the train who is neighbors to a member of the church. As we left the apartment at lunch Syster Schneiber wanted to be sure we had Books of Mormon so we did. We were able to talk with him a bit and give him one! It was awesome! Heavenly Father prepared the way for us and it felt great!

Thursday It was Äldste Norrs birthday so we all got Sushi, well besides me, but I ate it! Ill send a picture. We had a really great district meeting about how to increase our faith. Syster Rasmussen let us get rid of our pre concieved ideas about people. It was a great activity! Äldste Rasmussen got us thinking about what it means to have more faith and we read our own names into some scriptures it was great! Then to celebrate Äldste Norrs birthday we went and got Semlor. I think everyone should learn how to make them! They are deliceious! We then went and helped another family move. Her dad is less active and he was there. We were able to talk to him about his missionary experience and got some great perspective on the way we can interact better with Swedish people. We talked about the conversation as we went home and how important it is that we listen with our heart and not just our ears. We are able to be tools in the Lords hands as we really care and love the people we are talking with and not just trying to steer the conversation into something we can tie the gospel to. We went to the center and taught Johannes about recognizing the Spirit and praying sincerely. It was awesome as we sat in district meetings and gained further inspiration on how we could help. Benjamin was there and the Spirit helped us all understand eachother. So before going to bed I picked up the old Rubix cube Syster Jenson gave me and I SOLVED IT! I was so excited! I took a picture of it!

Friday, We had our apartment inspecition and got some things settled there. We then were blessed with a ride to the Wiklöfs apartment. Edith made us lunch and we were able to eat and help clean! We got to talk about missionary work and those we can pray for together to help them become ready for the gospel. After our travel home we did some language study before belting down and getting some serious weekly planning done. We have great plans for this week and it felt great to have it done. We then ate dinner and I got sick. It was difficult! We got to have a phone call with my MTC group to celebrate our 1 year missionary service. It was cool to have all of us on the phone and to hear some stories before going to bed.

Saturday, We went out to Råslatt to visit our Chinese members who live there. We had and awesome lesson with Li about living up to the promises we have made through baptism. We read the sacrament prayer and asked him how we can do those things. We figured a way to do better is to come to two hours of church instead of just one. So thats where we are starting. Reading more in the Book of Mormon and then also coming to church. We were able to stop by Wilson and talk to him about helping with the lesson in sunday school. Then we went to the church to meet with Albert. He wouldnt answer his phone. We did have Maggis come though so we were able to teach her about a member program that we are doing that she wants to do. Then we had a lesson with Sabrina about the Restoration and Caroline came. The YSA here are awesome and really willing to be in on teaches. I love it! It strengthens them as they are able to see our investigators grow and bear their testimonies as well. Sabrina is progressing greatly and is praying about baptism. She is awesome. We then met with Rebekka and her Dad who is also less active. We were able to share an awesome spritiual thought and get him thinking about the spiritual experiences of his mission. It was cool to see the Spirit touch his heart again. Its like a sacred moment that Heavenly Father blesses us with to help remind us that we are never alone.

Sunday, Testimony meeting was the BOMB! So many members went up and bore pure testimony of the Book of Mormon, of Christ, and of the Holy Ghost. It was an incredible meeting to be apart of. The Spirit was so evident, you could practically cut it with a knife. In Relief Society we got a music minute of a song that was awesome. Something about "I saw a candle burning brightly" It was so cool. It was set to the movie Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration. The Spirit was so strong. Then Aurora gave an awesome lesson on Visiting Teaching and how its not from a book. Its from heart to heart. Thats why we visit its not because of the numbers or the tracking of the church. Its because we really do care about eachother. We were invited over for dinner at Mattis' house. We had difficulty planning a spiritual thought for 3 rambucious girls. We went through many different activities before church and then on the car ride over it was nailed down what we needed to do. It was a team building activity I did in high school with my freshmen. We found a scripture to tie in keeping the commandments and we felt the Spirit leading. As we finished eating and got the activity prepared we got a little nervous that they wouldnt like it. We carried on though because we knew it was what we needed to do. The girls loved it, participated and then continued playing it after we left! Heavenly Father really does bless us when we are willing to listen and follow his guidence.

I should make a theme song for this CHALLENGE TIME thing! This one is a little bit tricky so I hope you can follow it. This week I learned a whole lot about love. I pretty much thought I understood love before coming here to Sweden, boy was I wrong. Love is anything but cookie cutter for everyone. Love is something that if done from the heart you can feel it. I think that sometimes as people we get caught up in this whole "this is the way we have done it and this is the way it will always be done". I dont know that that is necisarilly true (wow I am bad that is wrong but I dont have any idea what would work). Love is something that is shown through our actions. If we cookie cut something for everyone its not with our heart. I dont have any idea why it took so long for this to take root in my heart but now it has. All we do shows our love, the challenge for this week is to take a look at your actions and consider your reasoning. To make a concious decision to show your love and to listen with your heart not just with your ears. I've noticed that as I have forgotten my agenda for a minute and been able to focus on the people we are talking to and show them that we really do care. After all that is exactly what Christ would do!  I promise that the Love you show only multiplies in the return to you from Heavenly Father.

Thanks for the love and support! I love you all and hope that you all have a great week!

Love Syster Juker

Choose Eternal Life

From: Jennifer Juker <jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net>

Date: Mon, Feb 27, 2012 at 1:22 AM
Subject: Choose Eternal Life

Hejsan!

This week has been another testimony to me that when we live worthy of the Spirit and try to recognize its hand in our lives we are blessed and guided even more fully. So many times this week we had our plans be a little bit different then (I have no idea -en or -an too much swedish!) normal and questioned it a little bit but prayed and confirmed that it was right. Then by the end of the day we looked back and saw that it truly was Heavenly Father guiding us in His work. After all we all are working for him, we would be foolish to try to do it alone. Yup it's been a year since I was set apart and I am still working at always remembering those simple truths of the gospel. Anyway now to the happenings of this week!

Monday!

I really enjoy p-day here, Its a day that we can write and take it easy. We actually planned to take a nap and accomplished that. Other missionaries would think that's a lame use of time but with being so tired during the week. It's the best! We again met up with Leif and had swedish study with him. He is really great and helps us understand things like crazy swedish grammer rules. At YSA FHE we planned a heart attach for one of the young adults who we felt needed some upliftment. We went out into the parking lot a they were finishing up there activity and put them on her car. She was super excited and definitely made her day better. She said that she put them up in her room and that she is grateful that we are in Jönköping with her! She is also planning on serving a mini mission at the end of summer. So we plan to meet with her and introduce PME to her. She is awesome!

Tuesday!

This was an awesome day where we felt led by the spirit by the end of the day. We went to visit Inger, a member who lives in a nursing home. She finds it hard to talk but understands and likes visitors. We went by to visit and she was out in the foyer area eating with a couple other ladies. We pulled up chairs and began to talk with her as she ate. Another woman at the table saw our tags and was very upset that we were there. We tried to ignore her but she wouldn't even let us talk with our friend. We ended up moving Inga to another table and talking with her there. She still was upset. She kept telling us to leave and that Inga didnt want us there. Well Inga did want us there and she wanted us to read her scriptures, so we did. She really responds and it's awesome. As soon as we began to read from the Book of Mormon, the other lady was quiet and remained quiet so we could finish our conversation and leave. There really is such a  power in the Book of Mormon. We are so blessed to have it in our lives. Just think a second to where you would be without it, I would think that its not a very good place. At least for me it's not. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father has given us such a simple task as to read a book, pray about it and then have peace for the rest of our lives if we follow its precepts. Anyway back to the day, We left with our testimonies uplifted and happy again. The day was beautiful! On the way out Syster Schneiber said hello to a man with headphones and he took them out asking if he knew us. Of course we didn't but it became a conversation and we are going to meet with him sometime soon! We then went to visit a less active member but she wasnt home. We left a message on her answering machine and decided to sit outside on the swing set to get the calls made we needed for the day. It was wonderful, we were able to soak up some sun, call our investigators and talk to people as they walked past. Its amazing how drastically peoples mentality changes with a little bit of sun. They are way more willing to talk with us. We then had to catch a bus back to the church to meet Sabrina. We had Jennifer with us and we taught about faith. We explained it with the analogy about knowing the wind but not seeing it. She understood it. She recieved what she called "inspiration" about how just because you have a religion doesn't mean you have faith. She clarified things for herself. It was great to watch! Then as she would relate it to us she said, "When I was athiest..." We were stoked! She is progressing and reading in the Book of Mormon! Its awesome!

Wednesday!

We met with Pär and President Nilsson. The lesson went so well! It was exactly what Pär needed and a few things that we needed to hear as well. We watched a general conference talk titled Choose Eternal Life. From the last conference. It was awesome. I'll explain that for my challenge at the end =) We then had lunch with the Rasmussens and the Bishop and his wife. We thought that they work so hard as leaders of this ward and sometimes its hard to see the fruits of their labors. We showed them the video "Validation". (This was the weird inspiration we just followed) Despite having to have to figure out how to translate Validation into swedish it worked wonderfully. We were able to see their faces lighten with the fact that we noticed the things that they were doing even if it seemed like nothing is happening. It was great. Then Syster Rasmussen had been doing some missionary work and we were able to make some stuff happen with that. A lady in a travel office has some ancestors who moved to Visalia/Tulare area, but they have lost contact. She wants to figure out what happened so we were able to go meet with her and find out more information. It was great to testify of the eternal nature of families. During this lesson our phone began to ring! It was a welcomed surprise as we recieved a phone call from our long lost Albert. He has been going crazy with studying and writing his thesis. We were able to answer and Set up an apointment for later on. We even got Wilson to come with. We followed up on his trying to stop smoking and he said he quit for a week but then with the stress of things he started again. He has though made significant progress. We are going to get things back on track and help him find that peace again. We then met with Melanie the Relief Society President to get some ideas on how we can help the women in our ward and help in visiting teaching. How do you gain a testimony of visiting teaching? I gained mine by doing it, is there any other way? Let me know =)

Thursday!

We met with Jamie and taught him of the Restoration. It seems like he wants us to fix his problems, but he wont read in the Book of Mormon. We want to help but it's difficult to help someone who won't really listen. We are working on it though. For district meeting we had a wonderful lesson from Äldste Rice. He showed us the importance of the Book of Mormon and of testifying often. It was great and has really stuck in our minds. Afterwards we had planned to heart attack a members house for their birthday. We went out to her house and her whole family was there celebrating. We felt sheepish as we were invited in for cake and ice cream. We stuck around and did it as a surprise to her bedroom door before leaving. She also wants to participate more in lessons and things with investigators. We think it will be a way to help strengthen her! She is awesome and has been sick for a while now so we will see how that goes. Then it was back to the center for dinner with the YSA. There were a lot of them. It seems like they trust us more now that we have been around a little bit. They are willing to talk with us and ask us questions. It feels like we are making a difference. Johannes came and we talked with him about goals to set to become more active in church. We ran out of time so we couldn't watch the talk but he promised that he would as homework. Afterwards we talked a bit about his hospital experience and things as he got his jacket. Then out of no where came Isak. A YSA that I knew in Västra Frölunda. It was great to follow up with the goals that he had made last time we had talked.

Friday!

We met with Cecelia and had a good talk with her. She is still very strong in her reincarnation beliefs but we bore testimony about the Book of Mormon and incouraged her to read more often. Then in perfect timing we were able to visit the Wiklöfs and help them clean. It was very cool to exchange what we had learned recently from the scriptrures. I love hearing other peoples testimonies and applying what they have learned to things that I haven't ever thought about before or already know. Its such a strength! We were then able to head home and do weekly planning. It went really well and we are working out those problems by listening to each other better. We met with Sabrina that night with Ann-Sophie and watched Faith in Christ. Its sometimes difficult for people to understand Christ when they haven't heard stories from the bible. So we started there. After the video she told us that it sounded too much like a fairy tale. We bore testimony and were able to have her think a little bit. In the end, the Spirit was strong and she had lots of questions to ask Heavenly Father about. It was great.

Saturday!

We met with our ward mission leader and got a lot of different ideas to help the ward. Niklas is awesome! We were then invited by a less active to go and see her Handboll game. It was awesome! I had never seen such a sport. Its like a mix between soccer, basketball with the intensity of like waterpolo. I always wondered why she came to the center with Blackeyes and broken fingers. Its a brutal game. I'm excited to talk with her about it tonight hopefully. We then went to the church to eat lunch and met with Albert. But he never came. He just forgets sometimes. We were then able to visit Hannah's open house, she just got married. She is super kind and was happy to see that we could make it for a little while. Ulva was there, Markus' mom, so it was great to talk with them about sharing our testimonies! We went home and were able to do our companionship inventory and get things organized for the week. It went well and we have great plans to achieve our goals.

Sunday!

We had to meet early at church to practice for our song in sacrament meeting. We missed the bus and had to walk. It was interesting to walk and just have a little time to think about the Savior. We were excited to see Sabrina walk in dressed in a skirt on time for Relief Society. On Friday she asked if it was really important to go to all 3 hours. We testified that it was and she came! She is awesome! She told us that something wonderful happened after we had met on friday. It makes sense to her and is good! It was great to hear! In Sunday school we had 3 less actives in our investigator class and Syster Rasmussen was able to come in and testify. It was great to see everyone feel the spirit as Niklas taught the class. After church we talked with so many members about being involved this week with missionary work. then we were able to have dinner at a members house. It was great. We prepared for next week and studied some language.

Today we are doing splits with Allingsås and so we are excited. Thats why we wrote so early today. Lots to do. So now its time for Challenge time! P.S. Im still waiting on those lists from last week =) So there is this talk http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/choose-eternal-life?lang=eng&query=choose+eternal+life Choose Eternal Life. There are four different points towards the end of this talk. My challenge to you is to evaluate your choices and their consequences. It's a daunting task but it will help you to more fully choose eternal life. We are, no matter who we are, or where we are, making decisions that will affect us and our future forever. I know that and I have contimplated those decisions I have to make daily and consulted the Holy Ghost and our Father in Heaven He leads us. This week has been a testimony builder of that fact for me. No matter what we do we can be forgiven but if we make the right choice in the beginning we take out a lot of the heartache and pain of being silly.

I hope you all have a great week and remember to keep smiling. Our Father in Heaven Loves us each individually! 

Love you all

Syster Juker

Nearer to God

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	Feb 20 (6 days ago)
to john, me

Nära och Kära

This week has been one for the books! Its been a crazy amount of ups and downs and all arounds. Any place you can name, emotionally that is, we have been there this week! But the best thing is that we survived it and witnessed many miracles because of diligence and faith despite difficulties.

I måndags we "tog det lungt"! We did some letter writing at the appartment. As I was writing our phone rang, but we couldnt find it. We searched, but by the time we found it, of course the answering machine got it. It was Sabrina, our investigator. I immediately tried to call her back. She was leaving a message. I waited and then listened to the message. It was absolutely nothing. My thoughts went to she probably dialed us from her pocket and didnt notice, but my heart said call her back. So I did! She was very discouraged and you could hear it in her voice. She told us about the difficult day she had had and how she felt like a failure. It was difficult to hear but I just tried to lift her up and be positive. She didnt know who else to call, so she called us but felt silly about it so couldnt leave a message. We invited her to the YSA FHE and she accepted. We invited some of the YSA to take care of her and make her feel welcome. They were awesome and she really felt at home. They played games and she was right with them playing it was awesome!

I tisdags we visited a Christian American lady named Ruth! She is very strong in her faith but loves talking with the missionary and inviting them over to her house! She showed us around her apartment and described that she was having a difficulty with her computer going into sleep mode when she needed it to be on. We talked a bit about it. Syster Schneiber said "If I could I would." I thought I probably could, but only if its in english. I told her I could try, luckily it was english. I resolved the issue and she was very grateful. She has a problem in her joints so we did some service with her and cleaned out some cupboards. She shared her experiences with faith and a lot about her life. She is an awesome lady of faith! We talked a little bit about our faith, she remembers a young man who she dated when she was younger who was a member. So she has only good things to say about the church. We are going to go back and help some more and give her a Book of Mormon to try our for size. We then did some more service and helped Hannah a member in our ward paint some chairs for her new house. She is getting married this next week so we talked about goals and making goals with her husband for the next 6 years so that they work together towards the same goals. She said it was a great idea and that shed like to do it. We got the chance then to teach a zero lesson to a member and practice. Since Syster Schneiber and I are still figuring the best way to work with eachother it was great. We got to know her more and how we can help eachother better. Also a few ideas on how we can help members in our ward. Then was a little trip to visit a less active that our bishop thought would be interested. He had difficulty remembering what age he got baptized in. He seemed a bit set in his ways, as he offered us beer and then remembered that we don't do that. It was funny. His wife and daughter were really nice and seemed more interested then he was at the moment. He lives by a member so we might do some splits and try and create a friendship there.

I onsdags we had lunch with Annalisa, our member who doesnt know english. She is awesome! She had Bergit there too so we got to know each of them better. Bergit writes in to the newspaper and bears her testimony on opinion papers who stand for the same things that the church does. She is a woman of great faith as well. She gave us a referall of a man who wrote in about familys and the importance of them. We then got on a bus to do some service at Melanies house. We were able to get some stuff organized and in storage for her. We got off at the wrong stop and had to back track a ways, then up a super steep hill, all the while having to use the restroom. It was one of those few occassions where you remember why everyone said to take part in every bathroom opportunity as a missionary. We had a lesson with Amin, it was incredibly difficult. We wanted to begin with a prayer and he plead with us not to. Im not sure why we didnt do it but we didnt, we were trying to be courtieous to his wishes. The plan was to just teach the first point of the Restoration. "God is our Loving Heavenly Father". We had a few scriptures and we began to share them with him when his science mind took over about atoms and tiny particles. It was difficult to feel the Spirit in that lesson. Afterwards we felt drained and that he needs to want to test it, not to prove it. Then there was a 180 degree flip in our day as we had a lesson with Sabrina. We had Jennifer come too. We taught the Plan of Salvation and the Spirit was really strong. Sabrina recognized that she felt comforted and that it felt good to hear about the message of the Plan of Salvation. We explained what that was and she really wants to learn more about how she will know what she needs to do to keep the feeling around.

I torsdags we had district meeting and I was asked to teach. I taught on Teaching in Unity and Relying on the Spirit. If you think of it, they are the same. We are teaching in Unity with the Spirit if we are really working on doing things right. I was able to learn a lot while preparing and the Spirit was around to enlighten us. WE then met with Äldste and Syster Rasmussen and shared a message about district meeting with them. They were busy getting ready for the YSA activity for friday. We had a lesson with Johannes where we had Benjamin with. We really wanted to create a spiritual experience for them. We knew we wanted the focus to be on the Book of Mormon and how it can help us. We talked about favorite chapters and about where Johannes is in his journey through it. We planned to read some together just from where he was, when Benjamin brought up his favorite part being Alma 32 and the seed, because its simple but complex at the same time. So Ta-Da the Spirit delivered! It was great, the discussion unfolded nicely as we talked about nourishing our seed. As we ended we asked Johannes if he had felt anything as we've been meeting with him regularly. He said yes, but its not a tree, maybe a strawberry plant! We laughed with excitement as he recognized that he has felt something!

I fredags we helped Edith clean her house. Torstan has been getting better! The Spirit and happiness was certainly a part of their apartment! They are great! As we were getting ready to leave she came up to us and said that she couldnt do it without us. Torstan asked me "Did you think that you would be in Sweden washing old peoples floors on your mission?" I didnt have to even think when I replied, "det är värför jag är har!" That is why I'm here, to help those who need help and find those who don't recognize the help that is readily at hand for them. We had to then check bus times to visit Pauline and print out something for her. We were able to strengthen Syster Rasmussen in a second where she was feeling pretty down and then on to catching the bus. We shared some experiences and were able to share a conference talk about the Savior with Stephan. We want to help the members get to know him. We then had the Chinese Night with the YSA. We got there early and Li and Wilson were there preparing food and Sabrina was there talking with people. It was a great night. We were really bummed that Albert couldnt come. Sabrina loved it and got to know everyone well. We had to leave before it was finished, but it was great and we heard that she stayed till late with the YSA playing wii. She is getting along well with all of them.

I lördags we had our meeting with Niklas. It was great! He always gives us great new ideas and ways to help people. We have been having some issues in doing planning. We have not quite figured out how to plan in unity. I guess is the best way to say it. We spent Saturday in a serious planning session and companionship inventory as we try to figure out what is not working in the planning aspect of our companionship. We think we got it nailed down to listening. Sometimes it seems like we don't listen to eachother when we are speaking. So if you could add that one to your prayers that would be helpful. We made some cookies inbetween planning in our ward and for the YSA. We didnt have butter so we used apple sauce and it turned out really well. We hope to one day recreate those. Sabrina called us later and was worried about going to church for 3 hours. We talked to her about it and gave her some scriptures to read and she resolved her own issue and said she would see us there.

Igår we had a wonderful day at church. As Relief Society was going to begin with Sabrina, Äldste Rasmussen came in and asked if we were expecting a man to come to church today. Syster Schneiber was talking, so I went to see who it was. It was Emanuel, our old investigator. We had sent out a reminder to our investigators to read their scriptures and that we hoped to see them at church and he recieved it and showed up to surprise us. He attended priesthood and they talked about the Plan of Salvation and had a lot of questions he wants answered now. So we are going to make time to meet with him. Sabrina enjoyed church and then we had our choir practice so she sat and listened. She really enjoys church music. I want to share with her some of my favorite hymns. We then were invited to a members house for dinner. They invited us with investigators and the Rasmussens. We ended up having 10 people for dinner. It was really fun and spirit filled. The day just got better as we met with the Thörn family and talked about the blessings the gospel has given us. Which leads to your favorite time! Can you guess?

Challenge time! This weeks challenge is simple but can lead to more if youd like it to. We made a list of the blessings that we have recieved from the Gospel of Jesus Christ or from being members in His church. We gave the family 5 minutes to make their own list and then we compared them. Its amazing all of the  blessings that you have recieved and will recieve as we are faithful. I want to compile a list so as you do this feel free to send it to me. I think of it as if we were to make a pro and con list about the blessings we recieve and the things we could lose by sharing the gospel. One list would be very small. The blessings list is the one that we are offering to our friends and neighbors as we talk to them about the gospel. Its great! How can we deny them of those gifts when we are so thankful for them already. Its cool to think about. 

I hope you all have a great week and that you count those blessings you are blessed with even when you don't necissarily notice them. They are all around you I promise! Love you all!

Love,

Syster Juker

Overcoming Challenges

From: Jennifer Juker <jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, Feb 13, 2012 at 4:09 AM
Subject: Overcoming Challenges

Nära och Kära,

This week has been unlike any other week of my mission. Many wonderful things and many difficulties, sounds just like life right? At least that's what I hear. Take a second and think about your life, how many miracles do you have faith to see? How many difficulties can you feel on your back? Remember who is always there to help you through them both and also "and it came to pass" every moment passes, cherish and learn from every second. Im putting it into practice here in Jönköping!

Måndag-an easy going day of letter writing and cleaning. Ending with some Language study with a member who is an awesome teacher preparing to serve a mission! Then we attended the Unga Vuxna (YSA) Family Home Evening, They asked us to do the Spiritual thought. It went well and we were able to befriend them so they dont think we are so weird and different from them. We are working on gaining their trust so they can believe in our words. Just like Ammon and the servants of the king in the instance of the Sheep. (Alma 17)

Tisdag- We had a chance to finally do some weekly planning in the morning. It felt weird to be in the week we were planning for. We felt a whole lot better about our week afterwards though. We were able to meet with Pär our less active member who knows he is missing something from his life. He is a great example despite his situation. He is committed to coming to church every other week because its difficult at home if he were to go each week. We thought it was a great place to start. He is sincere and wants to change, I love people like that! We then created a center report from on the computer, just like the one we made in Göteborg to report to the missionary couples about the work that is accomplished in the center with the YSAs and everything. We were able to meet with Sabrina and talk more about the Book of Mormon and began reading with her. She is really searching, may not be aware of it right now but she asks the best questions and we just want to help her understand everything! The most interesting lesson on tuesday was with Amin, he is a university teacher and very inteligent. We knew this before meeting with him so we thought about using a scientific method take on Moronis Challenge. He took control of the lesson but once we had a chance to talk we could feel the spirit as we talked about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Its awesome how powerful that story is! He committed himself to reading the book and praying. He gave the closing prayer and it was great. We will see if he will put the science on pause to let faith grow. We had a member present and he helped explain things when Amin didnt understand. It was awesome. I am so thankful for members who are willing to come and teach with us.

Onsdag-Plans we had planned changed before we even finished studying in the morning but it was all for the best! We met with Albert, who is awesome! We talked about the Non-Smoking Program and how he can overcome the addiction using those 15 steps. At first he was reluctant and talked about how he had tried to stop before but had never been able to do it. We shared with him the steps and how faith plays a major part. By the end of it he was excited and looking forward to it all working out well. He really is willing to change everything to be a disciple of Christ. Syster Rasmussen wanted to visit a less active family who live on an island nearby but Äldste Rasmussen was sick, she decided to see if we could do it. Our plans worked perfectly and we were able to be with her. We had a little 15 minute drive to the ferry and we were late, so we ran from the parking lot to the ferry and barely made it. It felt super weird, but weirdly at home, to be on the water. Syster Schneiber and I took pictures out on the deck as many people were in their cars just doing the normal travel thing. We were excited and taking pictures. We found our members in their car and got in to get to know them. It felt super weird and more car sickly to be in a car on a boat. The stablilizers on the car vs the waves of the boat just made me sick. We got to know them a bit and then got to go to their house, see their garden they have in the summer time. We talked a lot and invited them to church. They said that if we made a transporter they would be there. We joked around about working on one. We plan on having a member invite them over for dinner after church. So they have incentive to come. We were keeping track of the time and then all of a sudden it was time to go. We left sprinting to the car to get back to the ferry. But we made it! We talked to some ladies about crocheting and then we realized we had stopped (the boat) we were on the dock, new cars loaded on and they were going to raise the ramp as we came out of the passenger rooms. It was really funny. We made it back to Jönköping and had enough time to update our area book and get the records updated.

Torsdag-We had an awesome lesson with Jamie, we talked to him about the Restoration but he just had so many things on his mind he needed to talk. We listened a while and then told him we couldnt really help with problems because we haven't ever been married but we do have a Bishop who you could talk to. He agreed and we thought about teaching him about priesthood blessings. As the thought came to my mind Syster Schneiber was speaking but we tied them right together and he was able to recieve a comfort blessing before our district meeting. The District meeting went really well as we ate at the Italien and Greek restuarant and had a discussion and role play about listening and asking questions. We really realized how easy it is to make a zero lesson sound like an interview. We got to role play and get better. It was great. We then had our coorilation (spelling??) meeting with our ward mission leader. He is great! Not only does he listen and congradulates us when things are going well but he also has great ideas and is willing to help in all aspects of the work. He is an amazing strength to our work here in Jönköping! We had dinner with the YSA and they were super nice. We met with Johannes and talked about Christs Atonement. He had been thinking a lot about Christ since being in the hospital. He works a lot and is stressed so it was great to talk with him with a member who seems to really connect with him. We think that we can strengthen both of them as they strengthen each other. Its great!

Fredag- We got to do some service at the Wiklöfs house. She is an amazing woman! We helped clean after eating lunch with her. We planned a surprise for her, so as she was out of the room we hung up inspirational scriptures and quotes to help her remember the strength that Heavenly Father has given her. She saw one and thanked us. We gave her a hand massage as she shared experiences from her mission in Chili with her husband. We did some greatly inspired weekly planning! It was great, it seemed this week that was the most difficult time of the day for us. We are working hard at working in unity and its tough but its worth the challenge. We got some planning and focus done for our goals with working with the YSA and we feel pumped to get to work with them all. We then had another great lesson with Sabrina. We shared the Restoration with her and Caroline was there to testify on how she figured it out. The Spirit was great as we shared personal experiences and as she prayed to know if God is there. She is awesome! We invited her to be baptised when she knew it was true. She felt a bit taken back because she hasnt learned so muchy yet. But she agreed that she would do what is expected of her if she finds these things to be true. I was able to talk to Caroline a second and she shared that just being with us on lessons has strengthened her testimony and got her back in the groove of sharing her testimony. The work with the YSA does work! We just have to invite them to lessons where the Spirit can touch their lives! We had a member dinner with the Strömberg family and they were great. We helped take down some Christmas curtains and helped with dinner. We talked about goals and made some for when their daughter graduates from High School. Just like the ones I have from 6th grade. It is cool but now I have the responsiblity of keeping in touch and mailing them to them in 6ish years.

Lördag- We finished our weekly planning and did studies and I was super sick. It was really not all that fun. I was in pain and wasn't really sure what to do. Luckily Syster Schneiber is super caring and wanted to just take care of me. We did a lot of work from home, from the area book and calling people as I was in and out all day. We got this next week planned with tons of stuff to do and it does feel great. The Rasmussen's were out of town but we asked for a blessing and got one on Söndag.

Söndag- After studies we headed to the church and I talked with so many people it was great. I think something switched in my head, that it really doesnt matter that I can't speak perfectly with the members. They are my safe zone of sorts. As I am more willing to talk and mess up with them I wont make silly mistakes as we talk to people out on the streets and on the busses. In Relief Society we had a great lesson on Christ and his attributes. In Sunday School we were able to be in the YSA class because our investigator didnt show up. We learned a new perspective on the Tree of Life. If you read it in 1 Nephi 8 and 11. Compare the tree to Jesus Christ, the fruit to the Atonement, the rod to the scriptures and the word of God, and Lehi as a Prophet not just a father. IT takes on a whole new perspective. Especially with the different groups of people mentioned in the dream. Thats CHALLENGE TIME! Read and apply different interpretations of the tree of life. I know that as we try to apply what we learn and live after that knowledge that we are blessed for our efforts and that Heavenly Father is happy when we study and apply those sacred records that He has prepared for us in this day and age. Its pretty incredible that records from so long ago can be applied in our every day life to make them all better. I am so thankful for the scriptures and the opportunities I have had to get to know them more personally since I have been on my mission. What are two things that we need to be able to partake of that fruit? just a question to direct your thoughts. We had another meal with the Robayo family and it was great. They are so kind and worry about us. They all enjoy cooking so we always eat well when we visit them. We then went and visited some less actives that members of the ward have asked us about. Äldste Rasmussen then returned back and we were able to get blessings from him. Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need and we just have to be able to listen and be humble enough to do what He asks of us.

Today we have done what we did last week and it seems that that is the trend. We will see what happens here today. I love to hear from anyone and everyone who reads this. Just know that I will respond in letter to your email. You all are great examples to me in the great Love that God has for each of us individually as you search for ways to serve each other. I love you all and hope you have a great week! Talk to you all again soon!

With Love and Hugs,

Syster Juker

Faith and The Spirit

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	Feb 6
to john, me

Nära och Kära!

Oh Man do the weeks fly by. It seems that that is the exasperation I feel each week as I realize another week has flown by. Sorry if it gets redundant but it is still truth! This week has been a great one, as the Spirit was able to lead us through many situations that could have been very difficult but were not because the Spirit could lead us. Im so thankful for the guidence of the Holy Ghost and our ability to live worthy of it, when its a part of our lives we are able to be guided in the most simple ways, to make our own lives better. Its a built in self improvement agent we just have to tune into it everyday. I love it!

Anyway down to this weeks business!

Måndag, we were able to take it easy and right letters to our dear family members. It was great, did some cleaning around the apartment and ended the evening having language study with a member who is really skilled at teaching and is preparing to serve a mission. Its awesome! Then we had the opportunity to attend our YSA FHE. They are defininitely different then Göteborg but they are super nice and we are excited to get them on teaches and participating in missionary work.

Tisdag, we had our language study with another member who speaks only swedish, it was a great experience for me. They corrected something that I had written in Swedish and there were not so many mistakes. I thought there would be a lot more. But then again thats how I sometimes think about my language skills. We were able to go home for lunch and a time to set up appointments for the rest of the week. We had a great zero lesson with an investigator who is athiest. They have a hard time understanding why bad things happen. We taught them how to pray and they were willing to give the closing prayer. It was awesome! We are looking forward with teaching them more. We then met with a member of the Svenska Krykan (a prominant church here) she wanted to know more about our church and teach us things about hers. It was interesting to ask her questions and see their insights. After she answered all of our questions we were able to teach her the first lesson. She is also interested in recieveing a Mormons Bok. She was really kind and knowledgeable. It was cool.

Onsdag, we met with a less active member when our investigator didnt show up and taught them a bit about the temple and recieveing more blessings from going there. They would like to prepare to go and go with a group. I think it would be awesome if we could get something like that organized in our ward. So we are working on it! We were able to go visit Pauline at her house as a member drove us out. She would like to get her Patriarchal Blessing so we are organizing and studying with her to help her prepare. We had miracles happen after studying swedish after lunch. We were going to find some referalls that our member teach on tuesday gave us. None of them were home but we were able to stop by a member families house with less active children and we were able to help them out and do their dishes. We had a great conversation with one of them and they really opened up and we were able to testify of the strength that we can recieve from praying and coming to church. Its pretty amazing how much better our lives can be if we but pray in faith and attend 3 hours of church on sunday. (I'd have you know that my spelling has decreased exponentially since learning swedish-I just spelled hours ours and left it until I went back and edited! Yay for learning languages!) My life has been about going to church for along while now but every time I go I still just feel that my batteries are recharged and that is where I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to be doing and I feel all of those blessings throughout the rest of the week. So to continue, we were readjusting plans in the evening and decided that we should name the people we had talk to that day. It was around 7 pm and we were on our way to a lesson with a less active. Our standard of excellence is 10 contacts a day. We realized that we had talked to 7 people. We were then redetermined to reach that goal and talk with more. Heavenly Father blessed us with people to talk to and we were able to talk with them. The lesson with a less active turned into a member teach as a potential investigator wanted to know more as we talked about the Restoration through the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was great! We set goals had faith and attained them with Gods help! It was awesome!

Torsdag, we were out the whole day and it felt AWESOME! We left early to meet a less active but there was a misscommunication and he thought it was friday morning so we then did companionship study as we waited for our district to come together to have lunch. The Zone Leaders showed up and we were able to have lunch. We had talked about Semlor (a not from sweden treat that sweden has picked up) Äldste Norr hadn't ever eaten one and they are only out a few times a year. So Syster Schneiber and I opted to walk to the church, so the elders could drive. We determined to buy them semlor as a treat and they wouldnt expect anything. As we got to the church I tossed my wallet on top of my bag in the institute center room. Noticing a bag of semlor already on the table. I just laughed and went to the restroom. We ended up having 10 semlor and 8 people including the Rasmussens to eat them. They were trying to be nice and we were too. So we all had a treat! It was commical and enjoyable. We each gave 2-3 minute talks from the first chapter in PME. The Spirit was really strong and we learned a lot about how things work as a missionary and how we can know that we are doing well. We then taught the Word of Wisdom to an investigator who wants to be baptized that we knew had a problem with it. We planned to teach it one way and it went another way but the lesson was lead by the Spirit and we were able to show him the blessings of living those commandments. They are determined to change those habits and know that Heavenly Father will help them. It was great. We then were able to eat dinner with the YSA and get to know them better. We are working on building a relationship with them so they don't think we are weird. Right now it seems like thats the feeling. Then our investigator who has moved to Stockholm came to say goodbye and write in our Buddy Books. He is very kind and will soon be getting baptised.

Fredag, that was an intense day. We met with the less active who thought he wrote himself out of the church who really hasnt but has noticed that something is missing in his life and wants it back. Äldste Rasmussen was able to attend and help testify of how we can help fill those holes in again. He is really kind and we enjoyed talking with him and assuring him that we could help him. Then with our investigator who is working on following the Word of Wisdom. We organized his baptismal calander and he chose to make goals each week to lower his smoking and coffee intake so that he can quit! He is awesome! We then went to a members house to help clean up and eat lunch. We ended up doing a lot as her husband was really sick and had to be taken in Ambulance to the Hospital. We gave support in a time that was needed and that was also lead by the Spirit. We thought about cancelling because our investigator who was going to come cancelled. We both just felt like we needed to go. We ended up staying longer then expected and still hadnt packed for Sisters Conference. It was intense as we waited for the bus and then realized we wouldnt make our trian if we stayed on the bus. We had to call the Rasmussens and they were our Saviors as they were able to pick us up, we sprinted around our apartment packing in three minutes and then to the trainstation. We made our train! It was awesome. We made our connection too, a man contacted us about us as members of the church having multiple wifes and our stance on polygamy. It was interesting as we corrected him and he continued to tell us we were wrong. The next train was an overnight train, we felt like we were in Harry Potter as we had a whole compartment for part of the trip by ourselves. We talked a lot about faith on the train ride. Why is it that we must live by faith and can't live by knowledge? Have you ever thought about that? Im thankful that we can live by faith. I believe it enables us to have agency. If we had knowledge we would be considered foolish to believe anything different. Once in Stockholm Syster Oscarson picked us up and took us to the Mission home where Syster Detinne-Cassel, Dabb, Erickson, Sprague were all already there. It was awesome to see Syster DeTinne-Cassel because I havent seen here since we left with our trainers. It felt like a reunion. Especially once Syster Vistaunet arrived with Syster Francis! The last time I was in that house was when I first got here and I was with those two. We had a cool reunion and it was great. We talked for a long while and caught up on everything about our families. We were a bit chatty and stayed up a little late but I think it was what we needed as systers, we arent around eachother so often.

Lördag, Conference was amazing we learned about how important preparation is. How to do a zero lesson. How to included our members in our work in every aspect. Systers are now going to go on exchanges (splits) We get to go with Karlskrona which is super far away in Malmö zone. So that will be awesome. Syster Vistaunet and Francis are there. We are looking forward to doing that. We really enjoyed Syster Newells talk. She helped me to realize that the gospel is not rigid. It is a moving and living thing. As we become ourselves and are able to adapt and change we are able to apply more doctrines and principles to our lives. It was super cool. She instigated a sort of self reflection in a lot of us as we thought about how we are doing as a missionary in Sweden. We went a little long so our  exit was about the same as our entrance as we gathered our things hopped on a car to the train station and ran to our train. On the train ride back Syster Vistaunet and Francis were with us and we were able to switch seats so Syster Vistaunet and I talked as Syster Francis and Schneiber talked. We all learned a lot from eachother and it was very benificial.

Söndag, we were able to teach our sunday school investigator class as our Ward Mission Leader is still sick. We were able to have members and our less actives we are working with be with. Church was awesome! The testimony meeting was great. I felt the spirit witness to me the truths that each person shared with us. After Sacrament meeting we sang in a womens choir We are singing The Olive Tree but in swedish and with a few different parts. It will be awesome. We were then invited to a members house with the Rasmussens for dinner. Then to another members to help them continue in our program. They were both thankful for the time we have taken to help them become better missionaries and everything. I really love working with them. Another plan we have is to take this program to our less active and part member families to get them excited about learning and sharing the gospel.

Well you know what time it is! CHALLENGE TIME! President Newell has challenged us missionaries to every fast sunday to read Alma 32 and Ether 12 as well as do the Christlike Attribute Activity at the end of Christlike Attributes section in PME. This month was the first since he made that request. I know that I have felt a different spirit come as I have had the time to reflect on my application of my faith and other attributes which our Savior Jesus Christ has. I would like you all to read those two chapters and do the activity. There are not many activities that are so organized as those that are in PMG. I know that as you take the time to do that you will know how you can improve and adjust to make faith take a larger role in your life. With this we, as a mission have been promised that as we, as missionaries, increase our faith we will be able to do twice the work we are able to now. So I would like you to think about and send me and email or letter =) about how you increase your faith as believers of Christ. Next week Ill share what I have learned if people respond to me!

I love you all! Thanks so much for your love, support and prayers! I hope you all have a great week and make good Choices!

Love you

Syster Juker