A Donkey!

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	Jun 11
to me, john

Nära och Kära,

Well this week was pretty much a test of endurance. We (Syster Pool and I) are pretty sick of the endurancy tests that keep coming our way! We have been able to hold  up alright anyway, Heavenly Father always helps us out when we ask! Test him, it works everytime we have faith!

I måndags it was a chill pday then we visited the Robayos who came back from Columbia. They are a great family and always do everything they can for the missionaries. We then had FHE with the YSA. I translated for the Reynolds, they are understanding more of things though so its great to see them excell at understanding the language. There were a couple less actives who came and it was great.

I tisdags we had a busy day. We met with Sandra and showed her the DVD on the Second Harvest and got her jazzed to do some more missionary work. She shared with us her conversion story and how much initative she took in order to find the church herself. She typed in Jesus Christ in a web browser and it came up with our church website. (lds.org) She looked around a bit and liked what she saw so she found the nearest building and came and knocked on the door. Of course with Heavenly Fathers timing the missionaries were inside and able to teach her right then and there! Shes incredible. We were able to meet with Wilson and talk about the last lesson with Li and figure out what is the best thing to teach next. He really enjoys doing this missionary work as well. We were able to meet with Emelie too. That was by far the highlight of the day. She wanted to know more about temples and we weren't really sure how to go about it. Syster Pool prepared a bunch of thoughts from the special edition Liahona on temples and we just went with that. Marina was with us and the Spirit was strong as we testified of the truths we know through the temple. At the end of the lesson we went to leave and she gave us hugs, we told her we loved her and she said she loves us too! It was a great lesson and Im thankful that I was able to be here for it. Our plan was to go out to Bankeryd and find some members that we are not sure about. We havent ever met them and they dont show up to church. So we headed out on a bus I had never been on before (naturally Syster Pool hadn't either) We had a few maps printed off but they didnt help us on the bus route. We got off finally and had to back track a ways. Then like always when you are out in the elements It began raining. We were able to find out some new information before having to tredge up a steep hill to our appointment with the Schelins. It went really well and they are excited to help also with missionary work. We talked about their son serving a short term mission, he already has all of his money saved to serve a full term mission but for some reason hasn't yet. Hopefully we can get the ball rolling soon for him. 

I onsdags we had an incredible lesson with Niklas and Lasse. Lasse had a lot of questions like usual but Niklas was really able to help answer them. We then had to make our way to another Schelin house. They asked for ideas on what to do if the invite we give them isn't well recieved. It was interesting to be asked that question. As missionaries its something we face everyday and now it seems to not faze us. Agency is part of the plan is the only response I really could give. Wednesday was National day here so we saw some festivites it Rådhusparken with Lasse. He explained some of the normal things that happen during he celebration and it was rather different than the 4th of July at home but quite enjoyable all the same. We had a dinner with the Nilssons and showed them the DVD and then helped the Reynolds with some language. They needed help with Pronounciation of swedish. It feels good to help people out. 

I torsdags we had a lovely district meeting with Äldster Ririe and Norr. We felt the Spirit as we did some role plays. We made some calls to some old TUs in our phone as we waited for Maggis to come. We got her introduced to Preach My Gospel and she is looking forward to our program we want to do with her. We had language study afterwards with Johannes and the Spirit was present there as well. He answered questions about his testimony and his priority for church. it was great. 

I fredags We had an interesting day as this was when Marcos was coming home to meet with us the last time before his baptism on saturday. He said he would be back early afternoon. We went and helped the Wiklöfs and I took some pictures with them because it was  my last time with them. Then we had lunch with them and met Li at the church. He just got back from England and is here in Sweden till Tuesday and then he is going to China. We talked with him about the Second Harvest and showed him the DVD. We got to translate it into english for him which was cool. He seems to be excited to get down to business in missionary work when he comes back to Sweden. We did some weekly planning before meeting with Niklas and discussing things for our ward counsel on sunday. We got a frenzied call from Marcos saying that he didn't feel ready but that he was thankful for all the work that we have done for him. It hurt to be so close and then let down. He said he would see us in church but he didn't come. We will try to keep contact.

I lördags we had a great lesson with Lasse in which he said many times things like "If Im a member" or "when I am a member" It was great to see what he is thinking about as we teach him. We talked about the prophets and testified that it is through the Book of Mormon that he will know the truth of all the other things and commandments that we have. We just have to read a book and ask God. Its pretty simple and yet so many don't. We've got lots of work to do! Wilson then asked for some help with his thesis. He came and we started to help with the english side of things and realized the Reynolds could help and we could go out. So we did and traded spots. We went out and visited some members to visit and show the video it went well. We stopped by an open house that one of our members invited Marcos to hoping that he would come too. Sadly he didnt. We had a dinner at a Schelins house and it was great we were able to get to know them better and get them jazzed to do missionary work. They opened up there home to us whenever we need it. Which was great, they also accepted a challenge to invite someone this month to church. 

I söndags, so many people came up to say goodbye it was hard to keep track of who I talked to and even what we were talking about. It was a great experience. Lasse came to church and enjoyed it like usual but Marcos was no where to be seen. It was saddening to both of us. We did feel the spirit and Abraham was at church and we were able to help him with prayer. We met with Caroline and she shared her mission experience with us. It was cool. We shared the DVD and she thought almost immediately of a friend that she has had for a long time and now we are going to contact her sometime this week. Miracles do happen if we are but patient and faithful and doing all we can. We were then able to have dinner with the Malms and share a sprititual experience that got their childrens attention and kept them busy with a puzzle. Then we visited a few other members who were missing in action and show them the film as well. 

Idag we went to Stadsparken and got to see a bunch of different animals and just be out in nature a little bit. It was great. This evening we were asked to attend FHE and it will be great I feel it!

Challenge time! This one is easy- invite someone to church, now that doesnt have to be sacrament meeting but it certainly can be. Just some sort of church activity. If we aren't invited to change we most likely wont. I know that as you invite someone to church in some way you will feel your testimony grow and the missionaries will like you even more when  that person actually shows up in a meeting =)

Love you all! Have a great week!

Love 

Syster Juker

He Did, So We Do Not Have To

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	Jun 4
to me, john

Nära och Kära,

So change is in the air! Evidently some people already know that at home. Its funny to think of the changes in missionary work communication wise. In the beginning of missionary work, the letters were few and unreliable. Now the family knows or has heard from others about a transfer coming up! Thats crazy talk but I love it! =) I am thankful that things will change because that is what is needed it seems.

Last Monday we had a unique opportunity as we had an FHE planned with a member family. We went to what we thought was their house. But it was a less active member family with the same last name. It was incredibly funny as they opened the door and we realized it was the wrong house. We got to talking and found out more of their story and why they are less active. Some discrepencies in the church history evidently. They professed to be lost causes. I just smiled and he questioned why. I told him that they are far from lots causes. My family is a little less active and they are not lots causes. Heavenly Father knows exactly where you are and wants you to just take his hand back into his fold. We invited him to church! (He actually came!!!) We then made our way to where we were supposed to be but it was too far away so we ended up resceduling and attending the YSA FHE. 

Last Tuesday it seemed that everything we planned cancelled and changed in some sort. It was a bad day for our companionship so after we visited the Bishops wife we came  home and tried to figure things out. I studied my scriptures as my companion was having a bad day and I had no idea what to do. She was angry and I couldnt change any of it. It was a stressful day to say the least. 

Last Wednesday we had our 12 week follow up call. We had all of the companionships on the phone who just finished the program and we were able to talk about what we thought about the program. It was interesting. President Newell asked us about role plays. Frankly I dont like them and neither does my companion so it was difficult to get in the mood to do them. So we didnt do them as often as we should have. We were honest about how often and why. President Newell thanked us for our honesty. We then had lunch and  met with Marcos. He really enjoyed talking about tithing and fasting. He asked if he could pay his fast offering  before he was a member. It threw me off guard so I had to ask Syster Pool. I didnt think it was possible, but was still unsure. She agreed with me and it all went well. We then got Syster Pools Skätteverket stuff done so that she can get a personnummer. Whenever I have gone to that place it always takes a long time. It was raining and we were unsure of where it was and had an address. The time was getting close to closing so we asked the Reynolds for some help. They greatfully came to our call. We got there and were in and out within like 10 minutes max. It was great! We made a stop by a member who is having a tough time and heart attacked her before heading to the Robayos for lunch. The Reynolds came as well and we were able to share the Second Harvest DVD with them and invite them to invite someone to church this month. We got out of there a little bit later than intended and made our way to Råslätt to have another lesson with Li and Wilson. Wilson was already there and talking with Li. It was cool to see the difference this lesson with Wilson. We met with him last week and talked about the first lesson. To see how he felt about it and made a more secure lesson plan. Wilson pretty much taught and we testified. It was really a special experience as he taught in chinese. Syster Reynolds was sitting on the couch next to us and turned and said, "He is teaching him how to pray isn't he?!" He was speaking in a complete foreign language and yet through the spirit we could all feel the essential truths that Li was being taught as Wilson described how to pray. It was a sweet experience. We were all given water at each stop that we were at and by the end of our trip it was definitely ready for a bathroom break. But in the church there are only 2 stalls in the womens restroom. So as we pulled into the church parking lot Syster Reynolds said, "Wait!" and began to describe the situation. Syster Pool chimed in, "Are we going to draw straws?" It was a funny experience. All in all it worked out we forgot about the handicap restroom. We were thankful.

Last Thursday, oh my how things on this day changed a million or more times. We had it all worked out for Marcos to have his interview before district meeting. at 12 noon. He called us and said at 11:30 he was not available to leave work at that time. In fact not until 4pm. Now this was a problem because the district leader needed to catch a train at 3 for splits with the zone leaders. It ended up working out though. We had Äldste Nelson interview him after district meeting. We talked about finding people and learned of our goal of 2,000 contacts for the month of juni. Its going to be interesting because we have troubles contacting. But we are doing good so far. Almost as soon as the interview was done and everything Lasse showed up and we were able to answer some more of his questions. We planned to talk about the restoration and watch the restoration video with him. He really opened up to us and the Spirit was strong. He admitted that he hasn't ever talked so much religion with his friends then he has right now. They ask him questions that he can't really answer and it makes him feel foolish. So he wants to begin taking real lessons with us. We were thankful for that. We had our language with Johannes and that was a little frustrating but it went well. We talked about he hymns and asked him to read them even if he doesn't sing them. He said he will try. 

Last Friday, We took our second harvest DVD out to a few members and it really seemed to help them see the goals we are working towards as a mission and the reality as how it will happen. Then did weekly planning. We attended a "summer party" with the YSA for dinner as they celebrated summer on a rainy cold day. The plan was to bbq hotdogs but it ended up being an inside activity and we were able to set up appointments for the next week. 

\

Yesterday, church was awesome. I had a cool experience yesterday in church as I was asked to translate for Syster Reynolds in Relief society. Syster Nilsson (from the rs presidency) gave the lesson on Elder Bednar's Talk "The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality" It was a really special experience to be the translator. I do it almost every week but this week it was different. I really had to work on it. It all worked out well and the spirit spoke truths to my heart and also to Syster Reynolds. We learned about how most of the time we have this misunderstanding that the Atonement is only a cleaning agent. That we can only have the power to be cleaned from sin. But there is also a part of the Atonement that gives us the ability to have strength and power when we feel like we don't have any at all. I know that I have done that. Assumed that because I haven't made that many mistakes that I havent been able to partake of the Atonement fully. But in reality in each sincere prayer that we give to our Father in Heaven we are partaking of the Atonement. Asking for a little help and some strength to endure and continue on. Thats a part of the Atonement too. My favorite quote from this article (though you should read it all =)) is "You and I in a moment of weakness may cry out, 'No one understands. No one knows.' No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He felt and bore our burdens before we ever did. And because He paid the ultimate price and bore that burden, He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy in so many phases of our life. He can reach out, touch,  succor- literally run to us- and strengthen us." I have felt this so many times on my mission. There have been days when I have thought, "i can't do it anymore, its too hard, the people are too stubborn Im tired of rejection," etc, etc. But the second those thoughts come around I know whose detrimenting power those lame threats are and turn to our Savior, in a humble prayer and tell God, "This is tough, Im having a tough time, that agency thing? what were you thinking?" etc etc and He is able to give me the comfort I need to get up off my knees and get to work again. Another day on the job. He definitely knows how we have felt. He doesn't necissarily take the trial away but he makes us more able. He allows us to continue our growing experience and be trained with His help. Its a tough experience but I think Im beginning to grasp the concept and now I turn more fervantly in prayer to Him who can actually help instead of being stubborn and tryin to do it alone. Take it to God and be strengthened. We can complain, we just need to rely on the Lord to get things done. Complainning, its in a hymn in english that I can't remember right now, But something like "to hear my souls complaints" He wants to know so that he can strengthen us when we are so weak that we cannot stand. Then in the YSA class I was given another opportunity to translate. It was a lot more difficult as the teacher spoke super fast. But for the most part I was able to keep up. We talked about Authority, how Moses and Elijah got their authority and how it all was restored eventually to Joseph Smith. Another testimony to me of the reality that Joseph Smith really is the prophet of the Restoration. After church we went on search of signing up members to show the Second Harvest DVD to. It went well and we got a bunch of appointments. We helped stack the chairs because it always seems to be the bishopric members alone who get it done. This time it was the missionaries. We were then invited to the Reynolds to have dinner with them. They are great and we really feel of their strength when we are with them. We then had an appointment with a part of the Malm family. Now they have a lot of children so I tried to come up with something that they could pay attention to so that they can watch it as well. The idea was to count how many missionaries are in the video. We didn't think that one through. They counted but were not so excited. All of them are willing to invite. In fact one of their daughters have already done that this month. It seems encouraging. I was able to take a little time yesterday evening to walk out by the lake and pray to Heavenly Father about Grandma. I took some pictures and got a lot of comfort and such of things. She is where she needs to be and so are all of us. =)

As for a challenge for this week I really learned a lot about the Atonement on sunday. I may have told you before but this time please read that talk!  "The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality" by Elder Bednar and let me know what you learn. I know that the Atonement is the greatest gift that we have all been given the opportunity to take part of. I am so thankful that our Savior took it all upon himself so that we can do not have to suffer. Take it to him and he can carry it so you don't have to: i know he will because he has for me.

Thanks for the love and support! Love you all tons and tons!

Love 

Syster Juker

Let it Begin!

From: Jennifer Juker <jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, May 28, 2012 at 7:29 AM
Subject: Let it Begin!
To: john juker <tugcaptn@hotmail.com>, Nancy Juker <njuker@gmail.com>


Nära och Kära,

My heart is with you all! Isn't it great to have the knowledge of the gospel at a time like this? Sure its tough but just think of the amazing reunion taking place on the other side! Grandmas got to be about the happiest she has been in a long time! Here in Jönköping its been an interesting week capped off by an interesting pday in which I left my planner at home so i get to try really hard to remember everything that we did this week! Yay! Lucky me!

Well this won't be the most organized of emails home because I can't remember much and so I hope you enjoy reading it anyway. This week we taught people that we usually teach. It's been some rough times here but we are working through them. I think my favorite things that happened this week was when we got a referral from up north Umeå. We got a call that a man had called the temple to see if he could be baptized. Now obviously there was some teaching to be done but it was a blessing in a time where we were really having a difficult time. We were able to go out and visit Leif on Tuesday. We hadn't ever met him before but I had talked to him on the phone. It was actually quite a funny experience on the phone because my Swedish accent is almost non existent because I just can't hear differences in sounds, whereas Syster Pool's accent is like perfect and her understanding was lacking for a bit. So I got to call and he heard my accent and tried to speak English with me. It took him a long time to say anything, and it seemed to take everything out of him. So In swedish I told him that I've been here for a while and I can understand swedish I just have an american accent to it. The conversation went a whole lot easier after that. He told me pretty much his whole history and we set up a time to meet. We went out without a map just a google map print out of the roads close to where we needed to be. But we got there without a problem and we sat outside of a pizza place in Värnamo with him. When he opened the door we were surprised when he opened the door because we were not sure what to expect but he wasn't really what we expected. He is a great man of almost 70 named Leif. He has a girlfriend in Umeå and she told him what's up and he jumped to it. They have known each other forever and now is their chance. The happiness on his face as he talked about his Siv was great to watch. His eyes just lit up with each story about them. We invited him to church and he turned us down this time because he got free tickets to a soccer game. But he will try to come this week. 

We have been working with Marcos also. He is about ready for baptism but he asked if we could move it to another week because he is out of town this next weekend. It is really funny because he has had a baptismal calendar with the time and subject of each meeting we needed to have before he would be prepared to be baptized. But we are working with him and getting it all figured out. He has been so prepared its been great to see someone who when we introduce something to him he can already explain the spiritual importance of that commandment. Heavenly Father does bless us more than we realize when we are trying to do our best even in difficult situations. 

We met with Lasse, Syster Pool's cousin who had some questions about how we change the bible because in the bible Jesus drank wine. We explained modern revelation and it all made sense to him. He really is enjoying coming to church and learning more and more. Syster Pool set him up with a cool Book of Mormon timeline and he is going to try praying this week. Its pretty great! 

On thursday we had a great district meeting where we listened to a talk with 12 points of overcoming Satan. It was great and really opened our eyes to the simple things that we do each day and how incremental they are for our spiritual protection! Just reading the scriptures helps us to keep our focus on those things that are good and let those unimportant things that Satan tries to distract us with go. Also with Johannes we have turned it into language study and a spiritual thought because we have taught him everything and the ward is now focussing on him. So this week we worked with him and he helped with our pronounciation. It will be good. Even thought its super frustrating to not hear the sounds that everyone else hear so easily! 

On Saturday we spent a lot of the day in service! We left before 8 to help some nonmembers move. It was a great experience to help in a situation where a small family is going through a difficult time and she couldnt lift anything and they were moving an entire house to another house across town. It was a great way to just relieve my worries by helping someone else. We got dirty and lifted tons of stuff. But we had a real "mormon move" as they refered to it as. The YSA were there and our investigator Marcos came to help as well. It was great. Syster Reynolds and I got to be the ones in charge of stacking everything into the trailer. It wasn't up to ups standards but it was fun anyway! We then came to the building to help clean, it was our ward activity to help prune everything and get it all ready for summer. So many people were there and it went great. 

On sunday we had ward conference and that was great. I saw a bunch of people from my different areas back to visit for stake callings and such. We ate lunch together afterwards and were able to talk with many of the members before teaching Marcos the 10 commandments and the Law of Chastity. That was interesting because he had never heard of pornography and we had to figure out how to explain it to him. Like I said he has been prepared. We then visited Berit a widow in our ward. She was super cute and showed us a bunch of her pictures on her laptop and a couple of the books that she is working on writing. We got to show her that she is loved still and be with her on the Swedish Mothers day. I think that the widows in the ward really enjoy seeing us on sunday nights. They have all asked if we could come to each of their houses in the coming weeks. Its great to feel needed.

As a challenge for this week, read 2 Nephi 2:24, think about how you can apply that to your life today. It has been a great source of comfort and strength to me in times when I am unsure of what I can do to possibly continue to tred the water of life. He knows what He is doing. Even though I don't really understand everything I know that I can rely on the fact that He does. I have a little brain compared to lots of people but I know through my heart and faith that this is true. It sounds silly and possibly like something that people make up just so that they can begin to comprehend the things that they cannot understand intellectually. I know that that is not the case. I know that God is our loving Father in Heaven. That we are his children and that He has a plan for why we are here and with those things that we are doing. If we take the time to talk with Him in prayer and ask for some understanding on the subject He will open His windows and pour down the blessings of understanding that we are all waiting for. He has helped me know what I can do in so many different situations in my life from before my mission to daily on my mission. He is always willing to give more information if we are but willing to ask in faith. Test it out and you'll see that I'm right because I know thats the truth through the Holy Ghost. 

Hope you have a great week!

love

Syster juker

"The Test"

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	May 21
to john, me

Nära och Kära! 

It would seem that everything is thrown at you when you are down; but this is not the case. The kitchen sink is still firmly attached and Äldste Reynolds is fixing our cabinet! This week just pretty much felt like that country song "If you're going through Hell". Luckily We have the gospel as a center in our lives and can rely on those truths that we know and be better each and every day despite the difficulties that arise. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? I feel stronger after having gone through this last week.

I måndags, it was an interesting day of quietness with my companion and I. I did some letter writing and cleaning as she napped. We went and did emails at the church before attending an open house for Markus who has gone for his mission. It ended up being a great blessing to be there. We were having a rough time and our ward members could see it. We were able to bring a card over for one of our older members and serve her a little bit. Then we got to chat with the neighbor because we parked in front of their house. We chatted with many of the ward members before Anita stole my companion and took her to her bedroom. I had a bit of a panic moment where I couldnt find my companion. Then she came out and Anita called me in. We were able to have a bit of a Momma Time with her because she knew something was wrong. Our ward really cares about us and takes great care of us. Melanie gave us big hugs and told us to call her as she was leaving. It was great to feel the love of the ward for us as individuals and not as the ones who bring strangers to church. 

I tisdags We taught Marcos and he is still amazing and understands everything. This week he didnt fall asleep and he stayed awake through the whole plan of salvation and really enjoys it. We went out and visited Marie but she wasn't there. We ended up leaving a "Forgetmenot" magnet at her door because we had just taught her about them and she loves gardening and it made me think of her! (Thanks Mom for sending it to me=)) We were then invited to Gabriella's apartment for dinner with a bunch of the girls in our ward who get together monthly and it rotates who hosts its. Last time something was wrong and we couldnt attend. We had to have missed out because it was a blast and the spirit was really strong. We shared a scripture about keeping ourselves happy by remembering the word of God and being thankful and praying. Then we shared experiences. It was really cool. We then needed to do some planning and got that done at home.

I onsdags we had the opportunity to see Sture Nillson teach a bible class about our religion. He invited us to come and help out so we came. It was awesome to see the members as the teachers and see the type of questions generated from the group. It gave me ideas on how to start conversations with young people. We will see how that goes. We then got organized to go visit Li Farman. He is a chinese man who doesnt really understand swedish. So we got Wilson to come and teach him in Chinese. It was interesting because he only can communicate in Chinese and Swedish (Li) and Wilson communicates in Chinese and English. So we got to help Wilson teach Li about the restoration. We had a bit of a counsel with Syster Reynolds, Pool and I. It made me thankful that we just have to rely on the spirit and not have to deal with a counsel of people on what we should talk about next. It was an awesome experience to see a once less active member take control and teach another person about the gospel. As we were leaving Wilson told us that as he was putting his shoes on they were talking about baptism and how Li knows that is what he needs. It will be cool to see what happens next time we get the chance to meet. We then had dinner at a members house who has never been apart of a missionary lesson but willingly opened up their home for us to have a family home evening with Marcos. It was a great experience to have the support of the ward once we have gained a friendship with them. Then they trust us and are willing to work side by side with us. 

I torsdags it was a bit of a hectic day. We had district meeting at a different time and had the meeting first. Im still not sure why, but it worked out alright. Syster Pool and I missed the bus because it was a holiday and we didnt make it in time. So we got to walk to the church in the rain. It was a fun beginning to an interesting day. We had a district meeting on Patience. (coincedence??? I think not) It went well and we learned a lot. We were both reminded that we need to be patient with ourselves as well as other people even when it is difficult. There was a quote mentioned about noticing that the things that take time to grow last the longest. If we think of a flower and a tree. That is how we feel at the end of this week. We are working on a big tree and it will last a lifetime once these trials pass us. We then had some time to do some area book work that we needed before meeting with Johannes again. He still has some problems with faith and science. Äldste and Syster Reynolds came and gave him some ideas to work on. He is slowly improving but now the ward is going to begin to focus on him and we are going to learn swedish from him. It will be great! 

I fredags was hectic as well as we went to do our weekly cleaning with Torstan and Edith. Edith went to the temple alone and Torstan was by himself so the Reynolds came to talk with him as we cleaned their apartment. It was scarey when we got there the TV was on really loudly and he wouldnt answer the door or the phone. We called his daughter and she said he probably can't hear you. Just knock harder and talk to him through the mail box. So we tried. He didnt answer. We were scared that something had happened but he just never answered or anything. We went to look from the outside of the building to see if the doors were opened or if we could see something. There was nothing we could do because the door was locked so we left. Telling Rosemary that we were worried. She ended up getting a hold of him finally and we were able to reschedule. Sure enough he was just watching TV with headphones on and couldnt hear us. He told us that he was in the Spirit world. It was funny but probably true at the same time. Meanwhile Marcos came an hour later then expected so we taught him and it went awesome. He just understands the gospel unlike so many other investigators its pretty awesome to witness. We then had some food finally before meeting with our Ward Mission leader and getting an update on the wards interest in our activity idea. The presidencys are supposed to contact us. Meanwhile we are going to do it with the young people. I don't know what they are called in english The ladybugs in swedish. Its like achievement day age kids. Thats the plan for wednesday evening. We then went to do some weekly planning but I felt super sick and laid down for a minute. Syster Pool let me sleep and we ended up not getting weekly planning done then.

I lördags we had a early dinner or late lunch with the Hegyessy's It wasnt ready on time but when it was done it was delicious. I didnt eat much because I still wasn't feeling well but it was as delicious as usual. We gave them a homemade thank you card that impressed them a bunch. We then were able to go back and do weekly planning. It went well and we worked some problems out and are going to try to do better as a companionship. 

I söndags we got to sing in church and we joked that the difficulties of this week were because of the song. Its called "The Test" by Janice Kapp Perry. I love the song but it definitely made this week more difficult then it needed to be. We got to church early to practice and we sounded a bit rough. Luckily we were able to practice again before sacrament meeting. It ended up sounding good and many people gave us compliments. We were able to get talking with a lot of ward members after church and many of them came up to us to thank us for the song. We were able to get a bunch organized for the week. It was great. We ate a dinner from a member at the Reynolds house and then went and visited the widows of our ward. They were all gathered at ones house. It was an awesome experience to share a spiritual message with them and get to know them better. It was just a random idea Syster Pool had and it ended up really great. One even asked if we could come and visit her house next week. So we gladly appriciated that offer. We came home did some language study and that was about it. 

Today we visited IKEA, It was my first time ever and I think I really like the place. I could get used to it. As for a challenge this week, I'd like to challenge you to do something that you don't usually do spiritually. Be that Pray, read or go to church. Assert yourself and do what your spirit needs to be uplifted as well as your body =) I know that as we do things we don't normally do we are blessed and we are able to become that which our Father in Heaven wants us to become. 

Thanks for your support! Love you all

Love
Syster Juker

The Dark Forest!

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	May 14
to john, me

Nära och Kära

Wowzers has this week been difficult! Its been a deep dark adventure and we are still working through the end of this wild forest! Heavenly Father has really helped us though and given us strength when we have needed it most. That's what He does whenever we have the faith to ask Him.

I måndags we spent the evening with the YSA. We have an idea for a ward activity so this week was like our pitch week. We met with a bunch of the ward at different times to see if it will work. First was the YSA. Syster Pool showed them her skills and I wasnt feeling so well so I helped turn some ropes and the YSA were pretty receptive to the whole idea. Some more skilled then others but It was fun to see them work on it and to work on different things with them. Jennifer and I worked on a simple trick and I accidently messed it up a lot and got tied up, It was pretty funny. The YSA got to see us as normal people with different talents and things. It was a cool opportunity to share with them.

I tisdags we had the lesson with Marcos. He fell asleep. I was writing on the board about the Plan of Salvation and we were getting into why we are on earth now and I turned back to him, midway through a sentence to see him with his mouth open and his head back on the couch. Syster Pool interjected "Är du trött idag?" meaning "Are you tired today?" To which he explained that he didn't sleep very well the last few nights and that it had all caught up with him. We summed up that portion of the plan, because he just was having difficulties paying attention and not falling asleep. He was grateful that we understood and told us that he would try harder to sleep well before we met again. After his lesson we met up with Rachelle, Sandra, Äldste Reynolds and us to practice our song for sunday. We were asked to sing "The Test" by Janice Kapp Perry. I love that song and it reminds me of Mom. They wanted solos and we didnt even have the music written out. I volunteered. I surprised myself when the answer came out, "Ja," I figure Heavenly Father will help me out with this one! We then had the great opportunity of meeting with the Relief Society to teach them jumprope and give them a taste. It was awesome to see all the Relief Society women in getting their exercise and really enjoying themselves. I got to teach Syster Reynolds how to spin the rope so all the women could work on jumping in. They have skills! We were really impressed! Most of them asked where they could buy a jumprope to keep it up with. So we are working on figuring that one out here. 

I onsdags we had an interesting day. We both started to not feel well. Just really drained and gross. We met with Lasse (Syster Pools cousin) at a coffee shop. He had recieved a Book of Mormon last sunday and had some questions for us. It was an awesome experience to meet with him. He talked about how it would be difficult to give up coffee to be a member of our church. But we haven't even talked about the Word of Wisdom yet. He did some research online on the church websites and wikipedia and had a lot of different questions about why we use such an old system like tithing. Why don't you just go out and ask for donations on the street like so many other churches. I wasnt really sure of a definitely answer besides its the way God plans for it to work, it works and I know it does, so I dont really have a problem with it. He pretty much accepted that and said That makes sense I guess I can say that too. It was awesome. We got to know him a little bit better and it turns out that he has been to every church in Jönköping over the last 10 years looking for a church. But he had never been in ours because he thought it was closed to only members. He shared with us that those feelings changed the second he walked in the doors on Sunday. The ward was so welcoming and awesome it was great and now he wants to come back each sunday. As we were leaving he said something about Do I have to go to all 3 hours or can I choose? The inevitable, we were kind of saddened by that, once we answered he said it was because he was working and he might show up late this time. The relief cloud came and we were again excited. Because of the lateness of the season we did some more song practice for Sunday before our time with the Young Men and Young Women. It went well and Syster Pool joined me for my solo part so now Im not alone it was great! We then worked with the young people in the ward. It was terribly difficult with the young men. They wouldnt listen and within 3 minutes of getting a rope tried to choke eachother. Their leaders were doing other things and so the young men didnt have much respect for us. It was a bit annoying. The Young Women were great and we really enjoyed playing and showing them different tricks. Afterwards we met with Isabell to start a program of studying Preach my Gospel with her. She is super excited. She said that she has been less active for 8 months and wants to get her testimony back. She said she feels a hunger and a thirst for the gospel and that this program will help her with just that. We are super excited for just that. As we got home that night we both felt super sick.

I torsdags och fredags we spent it in our apartment pretty sick. It was interesting because we had different symptoms but felt just as bad as each other. I had a cough and a stuffy face and Syster Pool was just drained physically and really tired. We had upset stomachs and it was just horrible feeling. We drank lots of fluids and ate what we could. It was a long couple of days and its still wearing off. 

I lördags we made it out of our apartment and to the church to teach Wilson and Li about missionary work. We read with them the story of Ammon to get them excited and talked about how he became a great missionary after the sheep experience. It gave them insentive to continue reading the scriptures. They also said things about how they have difficulty applying the scriptures to themselves and not just reading it as a story. So later that night we brought it up to the Reynolds and they talked about having an english scripture study night with them during the week. I think that would be of great help for them. We also met with Johannes, we are pretty sure that the ward needs to pick him up and get him to church now. He has lots of questions that we can't answer and that are not necessarily all that important to know for certain. They kind of just hang him up a bit.  Niklas talked with our ward counsel and they are going to try to get a calling lined up for him. We will see how it goes. The Reynolds invited us over for dinner and it was greatly appricated all food that was easy on the stomach and for the first time in a few days we were actually hungry for it. They are wonderful! 

Igår was a great day! We had tons of YSA in our ward for Markus' farewell and we had non members and Lasse came as well! Wilson and Li came and attended two hours of church! They are still working on attending priesthood. Its difficult because they don't understand swedish. We had a great dinner with Mattias' family and then I got to talk with all of you! It was so great to see  you all! Even though it made me miss you a whole lot more. It was great to see your smiling faces and to chat with you all for a while. I sure do miss you guys and love you all a lot though!

Challenge time! Its from the scriptures 2 Nephi 9:52- I read it a while ago in personal study and I found it to be a recipe for happiness. 1) remember Gods words- so study your scriptures 2) Pray continually by day- talk to Him throughout the day each day 3) Give thanks- so say thanks for the many blessings we recieve and then our hearts will rejoice! Ive seen it on my mission as I have taken those times to talk to him throughout the day and to study his words and be thankful I have been happier and the day has gone better. Thats the cool thing is that its a promise written in the scriptures! If we get it done we will be able to feel the blessings! I know it because I have tried and tested it!

I love you all and hope you have a great week! Remember to say your prayers! 

Love you,
Syster Juker

I Got to Mow!

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	May 7
to me, john                                                                                                                                 May 7

Nära och Kära!

Well this week was an interesting adventure! I was in Karlskrona for part of it and it just was an experience all its own. 

I måndags we celebrated Valborgsmässoafton, pretty much the celebration of spring coming. It was a great experience with the YSA. I was able to translate a bit for the Reynolds as they don't know swedish. Then Syster Pool and I talked with the YSA's during the celebration and we got a couple referalls to go stop by. We will see how that goes. They had an acapella choir and a cool band there to play as well. The evening ended with Fireworks and with us being home on time thanks to a ride from the Reynolds. It was a really typical swedish event. There was music that people could dance too, but no one did. The only ones that did were the YSA. It was interesting. Not many people talked to one another, only those they knew. Äldste Reynolds talked to a few people and I helped translate. It was quite an experience. 

I tisdags we had some study time that went really well and we were able to work on our Twelve Week program. It takes a lot of time but I feel like we are both learning a lot and becoming better missionaries because of it. We met with Marcos at the church. He was the miracle from last week. When we met he had already read the introduction and the testimonies in the front of the Book of Mormon. We took some time to get to know him and heard is really cool story. He was abandoned in Peru when he was little. (He and his little sister) He was adopted by a swedish home and separated from his sister. Though he has a great attitude about it. He really has strong beliefs in the family and in many of the principles that is known as Chirsts Gospel. It was a great lesson where we just talked about his concerns and tied it to the restoration. He wants to learn more and prepare to be baptised on the 26. Its a great experience to meet someone who is so prepared for the gospel. Even though he may not know it quite yet. We then made our travel time to Karlskrona. It took forever it seemed but we were able to get some ideas for the week out. I met up with Syster Ridl in Alvesta and we made our way back to Karlskrona. It seemed to be a double booked train. On trains there are open spaces where they connect where usually baggage and things can be and if you need to stretch you can stand. We were the lucky few who got to stand in there. It was entertaining to get on in sardine formation. I was the lucky one to stand dead center in the empty space. As the train took off I quickly realized why no one stood there. I was train surfing for quite a while. Got a great work out on my legs though. We got home in time to eat dinner and plan. Karlskrona seems like a nice area.

I onsdags was an interesting experience as our plans changed a whole lot throughout the day. We ended up riding the bikes up to the school and checking on their Swedish Class flyers and running into a lot of their investigators. It was pretty funny. We didn't have any solid plans for the day so I thought we would try to teach them but it didn't end up that way. We did some following up and a few were worried that Syster Winterton had left but we reassured them that it was just temporary. We did some organizing of the ward list so that they can know who they can visit in the areas that they are in. It really worked out well and we got it applied here in Jönköping too. Im excited to put it into action this next week. We had a lesson with Sharif and Hamid. They are great people and Hamid seems to really understand the gospel. He knows how to teach Sharif. They are great. We taught about commandments and it went really well and Sharif is living them all already. 

I törsdags we made our way back to Jönköping and it worked out really well, never missed anything. It was great. We got back at about 1pm and had our district meeting with Börås, It was about using the scriptures in lessons. It was something we are working on this week. We want to use them more then just quote them. So it is really applicable to us and our goal right now. We had a meeting with Bröder Salo (Niklas, our ward mission leader) It was a great experience. We brought up our idea for our ward activity. It was brought about by the increased interest in jumproping the other monday before the Rasmussens left. We are going to make it happen. Niklas is behind us and all of the leaders of the other organizations are as well. Its going to be a great activity! We begin with the YSA tonight actually and the primary on wednesday. Its going to be great! We ate dinner with the YSA  before teaching Johannes about fasting. He really wants to do it but isn't sure if he can  because of the medications he is taking for his heart. (turns out the doctor said it didn't matter, but then he fainted and couldnt make it to church. But he is ok now.)

I fredags we met with Marcos again and he had a few more questions about his baptism and then we taught him about the återställesen. It went well and he is reading in the Book of Mormon. At the end of his lesson he told us how he was sure that he couldn't make it to church this sunday but that he would be next sunday. About 2 hours later he called and said he had his schedule mixed up and that he would be able to come. He is really enjoying learning so much about the church. Syster Wiklöf, her husband is again in the hospital and she is having troubles with it. We went over and she shared with me something that helped her while I was away. She told me that she missed me and that just made my heart melt. She is such a sweet lady. We helped clean and she fed us lunch. She really is a great woman of faith. I have learned a whole lot just from her diligence and faith. Its great! We did a bit of apartment renovation and took out a bunch of clutter that has been around our apartment and now it feels much more like home. 

I lördags we had plans fall through but were able to do weekly planning and finish our new ward list. Its working pretty great for us. We worked on our ward activity and did some really great planning. I really have learned to enjoy making plans and setting goals. Its a great way be be productive. 

Igår We had a great attendance at church. We were able to meet Syster Pools 2nd cousin once removed. He was really nice. We had Marcos come for all three hours of church as well. Our ward has changed a lot since I first came here. It seems like before it was the ward and the missionaries on oppositie teams. Now its like we are one super team. They are always looking for ways to help and are watching out for us. Its a great feeling to have the support of the ward finally. It took some time but I think we are getting a better grip on it. After the meetings we were able to help the bishops wife figure out our dinner list and help a few other members figure things out. It was great. Then the Robayos had us over for dinner again because they are going to Columbia and will be gone and wanted to be sure they said goodbye to us for the time being. That family is such a powerhouse of faith. It feels close to a second home. We love seeing them.

Today we were able to go secondhand shopping and to write emails. Its been a chill day but we needed it. Oh I was able to mow the lawn of the church a little. (it was a little bit of a goal for me and Juan helped me accomplish it!)

So this weeks challenge is to go to church! Its the best way to recharge those spiritual batteries that are always running low by the end of the week. I have seen how much church attendance means to those investigators and even just with me. No matter how bad the week seems to have gone. It always gets better if I attend church. Its the way Heavenly Father can show you his love and that you can show him your own love for him. I am so thankful for the opportunity we have to go to church. I feel at the top of the world in the beginning of each week and I know its because we have Heavenly Father on our side more fully when we do what He says. Its a great feeling!

I hope you have a great week! I love you all!

Love,

Syster Juker