Midsommar!!

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	June 25
to me, john

Nära och Kära,
I am in love with Katrineholm! It is a great little place and everyday is an adventure! 
Last Pday we just took it easy after doing emails early and in the evening had an FHE with a less active Ulf. Many times this week I have been reminded of those things I never thought I could do. Like speak a different language and be understood and actually teach someone. Its been a battle but Heavenly Father has helped all along the way. It is evident that without the Spirit these things wouldnt happen. Anyway it was a great lesson. We then decided that we would fix our bike tire so we could find some new less actives to work with. It was a little frustrating just because we bought an innertube to change it but it was the wrong size and the store was already closed. So we jerry rigged it with elmers glue and some bandaids. It actually worked for what we needed it to. We got a couple return appointments too. Heavenly Father blesses diligence.
I tisdags we were stood up in the morning! The temporary patch didnt hold over night so we rode into town with our bike pump and having to pump it up every so often. We made it work out though and got everything sorted out and fixed. Its pretty cool the knowledge that my parents have instilled in me about bikes. I never knew that I knew so much about fixing a bike. We had a great lesson with our investigator Alex. Its different being in an area where I have to learn so much about so many people and plan for them too. I am so thankful for the spirit and how much it really helps in all those things. I don't have to know so much about them I just have to be living worthy and listening enough to follow the guidence our Heavenly Father has to give us. We made a tentive plan for our youth activity on wednesday and then had dinner with the Bishops family. They are great and so loving! I really am enjoying the opportunity to get to know them and work with them. Then we met Åsa, shes less active and has some problems she is working on them. It was a great experience to get to know her. After we had talked and we were getting ready to leave she talked directly to me and told me about the spirit that she feels from me as being peace and happiness. It was awesome to hear because it felt for a while back that I was loosing that. She said when she gets sad she might call just to talk. Im excited to work with her!
I onsdags that was an adventure. We decided that we were going to go visit some less actives we have in a nearby town Valla. We searched the apartment for a map and couldnt find one. So we got on the bus and asked the bus driver about the town. (we are friends with pretty much every bus driver here, its awesome!) We talked with a man for a while when we got off and he pointed us to a Svenska Kyrkan to find a map. We looked around town a bit and he assured us that they would have one. So we gave in. We came in and in the entry way talked with a few people just about Valla and if we could find a map. It felt weird being in another church but they were kind enough to help us out and point us in the right direction. We found one and she wasn't home and her phone number doesnt work. We are checking with the branch members to see if anyone knows about her. We then needed to head home because we had forgotten a part of our activity for the youth. As we were home those who were in charge of fika cancelled on us and we had to fix that situation. Syster Spjut luckily makes great cupcakes and they don't take long at all to cook. So we got those done and headed to the church right in time. The plan was to do american picnic games...Evidently that is too much unlike svensk culture to do those kinds of things so they really didnt like it. We had fika and were able to teach them a bit about the primary answers of Reading the scriptures, saying your prayers and going to church. Alex came and he wanted to do something so a few members organized a soccer match and we were able to play with them. It was cool to see how much we could keep the gospel in conversation. Gilbert is preparing for a mission and was asking questions about preparation. We were thankful we could be there and help teach them. We stopped by Cat afterwards to see if she wanted the left over cupcakes. She sadly didnt answer. There are a family of gypsies who live in the same apartment complex as she does. Evidently they didn't like the missionaries before but as we were getting ready to get back on our bikes they asked us what we believed. We got to teach them more about the prophet and about the Holy Ghost because they were not sure the difference between a prophet and a normal person because we can all receive our own revelation. So that was a great experience. I dont think Ive been in an area where in one day Ive made cupcakes, ridden my bike to deliver them, played soccer and taught gypsies. Katrineholm is great!
I torsdags we had our district meeting first we taught Hans, he has been investigating for something like 10 years and more recently in the last 7 months. He reminds me of my Grandpa and we are thankful for Heavenly Fathers guidence with him as well. We were unsure what to talk about but all thoughts turned to the Book of Mormon and he asked us for something he could read about faith. We gave him Ether 12 and he seemed really excited to read it. We had district meeting in Norrköping. I went from having no travel time to having a lot of it. So that was different. We talked about Celestial Marriage and how we can help our investigators make that step. We role played it and it actually gave us some insights for Hans. We were able to do some studies before visiting Amina. We are helping her with Swedish and she is reading the Childrens version of the Book of Mormon Stories. Its pretty awesome to be with her and feel the Spirit. She is muslim and is amazing! 
I fredags was Midsommar we were able to travel to Stockholm to celebrate and it was a whole lot of fun. We made zone shirts and it was great to help out. We pretty much helped keep traffic under control as people were parking. We stopped and greated every car. It was cool to have that connection with everyone as we were then celebrating with them and dancing around the pole. Summer is clearly here now as most every missionary is now sunburnt, including me! 
I lördags we had a great time with the Palamino family. They are less active and we were able to visit them and get to know them. He is a doctor, she speaks a lot of spanish and some swedish. I sadly speak no spanish and los of swedish. It made things interesting. We were able to play a bit with the family as brunch was made. We ate and they shared recipes for cherry pie because we wanted to make one. In planning in the morning we were unsure of how to approach the family all in all in a spiritual way. The idea came to my mind to share a personal story about how the scriptures had helped us in our lives and ask them to share and experience as well. When the time came I began. I shared Alma 33:7 about praying in your closets. Syster Spjut then went and we went around the group. His wife and two of his children then testified of the scriptures and the spirit was so strong you could cut it with a knife. It became his turn and he got a bit choked up with emotion. He shared experiences of how the spirit is the only way he can do his job sometimes. He shared Mosiah 2:17 about service, it was a tender moment for all who were there. He could feel the spirit and it was a sweet experience to see the connections he and his wife made during that time. The buses went all but often to get back home so we came prepared with our area book to begin our weekly planning session. We found a great park and got to work for a while before the bus came to take us home where we then finished our planning.
I söndags, we got a few late night texts and or calls and were asked to fill in for members in primary and young womens. So we prepared lessons for both and were excited to teach. Then to our surprise one of the Area presidency members and his wife came to our branch for church. Now church is only 2 hour long and there really isnt many members when everyone comes so it was kind of an empty house. So we ended up doing a combined second hour and really learned a lot from them. We had lunch at the church and Gilbert wanted some help with Preach My Gospel, so we talked to him about doing a program kind of thing with him to help him be prepared for teaching the gospel. Hes excited for it! We got to meet with Cat again and she was happy to see us. She wasnt feeling well so had missed church and was worried that we were not going to come. We got to talk about animals and she really has a big heart for them and we turned it into a spiritual lesson as we listened to a song about Christ. It happened to be one of her favorites which has helped her a lot during difficult times. Guidence from the Spirit is sweet and makes things so much easier! We went on a walk with Pauline and talked with her about her plans for the summer and just want to be a support for her right now in a time of difficulty. She is a sweetheart and really wants to do whats right. We then got to meet with Rosmery and Leif our investigator family who comes almost every week. They are so caring and great. He really enjoys nature and science so for some reason it always gets pulled that way. He explained that thats how he knows that there is a God. We then took up the point that if you look at just the seasons of the world you can tell that he is there because in the darkest of winters there is always the hope of spring. Just like in our lives when things are difficult we can rely on Him and know that everything will work out because He loves us and knows what we need better than we do even if that is hard to admit! 
Today we had a cherry pie adventure and it was yummy, a pain but yummy! The rain keeps pouring and the systers in Katrineholm keep smiling and laughing! Its great!
This weeks challenge comes from a talk that I found that I absolutely love and I found to be pretty inspiring. Its by Richard C. Edgelyhttp://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-rescue-for-real-growth?lang=eng Think about what you can do to become stronger and then do it! I know that as we strive to always do better daily and weekly our Heavenly Father Smiles and blesses us more then we realize!
Love you all thanks for everything! Have a great week!
Love
Syster Juker

When I Was a Bit of an Idiot, No One Put Me Down

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	Jun 18
to me, john

Nära och Kära
This weeks letter is coming at you directly from Katrineholms public library! It feels more like a pday when we right emails in a library. Yeah, thats a little weird but let me 'splain. At least when I write my letters it is almost as if you go into another room. Yup now I sound crazy! You get to, for an hour or so focus on those people near and dear to you AND related to you! You can focus on them and how you can help them and just hear about whats going on. When at the center or church building you are in a familiar area and it is harder to get that focus going. So thus, I like this library thing! 
As you all well know I didnt get transfered on wednesday but rather saturday so Its been an interesting week. Syster Pool and I spent a lot of time out teaching and meeting with people who wanted to say goodbye and such. It was an interesting experience to leave an area which felt so much like home. But Katrineholm feels like a family and I love it!
I tisdags we were able to help remind Shell about reading the scriptures everyday to recieve strength. It was cool to hear from David and add to my testimony of that! Anyway she tries to read and she marks those things that touch her heart. It was cool to see that those things that we felt like she needed to understand were also being applied in her life. Then we met with Maggis and began a Preach My Gospel program with her to prepare her for her short term mission. She felt like she wouldnt be prepared so she asked us to help her. She is going to be a great asset to the mission come september. We had dinner with Niklas and his family as a going away of sorts and that was cool. We were being picked up by a family in the ward afterward to be taken to their home. They ended up being 30 minutes late and called to let us know. So we took an unplanned walk around the block to talk to people. No one was interested but we talked with a lot of people. As we were finishing up, and nearly back to the church there was a busy group of people in a park. We were a little confused by the amount of cameras present, but as we came closer it became clear. ELEPHANTS in the PARK!!! Three Huge ones! It was cool. We could have gotten close enough to touch them. It was cool. In the pictures they look fake but they are not I promies.
I onsdags we had a lunch with the Reynolds and Annalisa. It was awesome to help Annalisa express herself in english and then translate for the Reynolds. They really have become friends and its great to see Annalisa smile even more when she sees her new friends. We again helped the Reynolds with some language study before meeting with Juan. He was really able to open up to us about his mission and things. We showed him a Mormon Message about Being Rescued by Christ. I loved that one. (will probably be my challenge for the week) We met with Lasse with Oskar after that and he is doing great really reading everything he can from the church. A member helped him download a Liahona app for his ipad so now he reads that each night as well. We are trying now to just get the focus back to the Book of Mormon. 
i torsdags we had an amazing district meeting with Äldste Ririe and Norr. They both are inspiring missionaries. We were able to learn a lot from them and help make changes to become better. I loved it. We talked about turning our contacts into teaches and we did role plays as we walked back to the trainstation. It really helped a lot. We were able to meet with Kjell one last time for me before travelling here. It was cool to be able to testify to him about how the work here in sweden will become more active just like it is in Utah. We even got a return appointment to show him the Second Harvest DVD. It will be great. We had language study in teh evening with Johannes and we showed him Elder Hollands testimony of the Book of Mormon. It seemed to have made an impact on him because he had never seen anyone lay it out so flatly before. That also is a great one to watch!
i fredags we had some trouble in river city and we were not sure what to do. We visited the Robayos since they had returned and I wanted to say goodbye. We updated Niklas on the Missionary work and attended an Open House for our graduating seniors. It was definitely an experience to see Studenten (graduation) celebrations there in Jönköping. There were a lot of people with music really enjoying themselves. It was interesting. I got packed up and said a prayer that I would be able to make it here in tack with all of my bags. 
i lördags was a crazy day. I was able to study a little before heading to the train station. Syster Pool helped me with my bags and I got on my first train pretty much without problem. Then it came close to where I needed to make a connecting train. I was a little nervous so I got up to get organized early. There were only two people who got off the train. Me and this burly man with loud music. I thought about asking him but shyed away from it. He ended up asking me and helping me off the train! Prayers are answered! Then Äldste Albrichson and Chipman helped me to the next train. Then came time to get off in Katrineholm. There were lots of people and I was unsure how I was going to get off. So again I got organized early and two men came up and started talking with me about my bags and how it was possible to have those suitcases so full. It made me laugh, as I explained I was a missionary. They preceeded to tell me that the only reason why they got up was to help me off the train. I know Heavenly Father answers prayers. Its happened time and time again on my mission. Its great. As for being in Katrineholm its great! I love the small town atmosphere. We had a couple appointments in the afternoon and we had to sprint to catch a train but it was all an adventure and we made it! Im thankful to be here! 
igår since Katrineholms a branch we have two hours of church. The ward is incredibly loving and I love being here! We were able to spend the evening with a few families. It was great to get to know them. Im going to love being here! Can't say it enough! Syster Spjut is amazing! We have a lot in common and we get along great! Im excited to work it here!
Challenge time... http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#rescued-by-christ and http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#testimony-of-the-book-of-mormon These two together represent a lot of the testimony that I myself have. Although I am not an aposle and am no where near as cool as George the falconer I know that Jesus Christ is Gods Son and that through him we can overcome everything and we will overcome everything that is in our way. I know that because I have prayed about it and because I have tested it. Thats the only way. The proof to this knowledge for me comes from reading and praying about the Book of Mormon. Some people would make you think that to have faith is silly or just people trying to find solace in something. I know that it has helped me so much and that without it life is a whole lot harder. I hope you can read this and feel a renewed hope and desire to read your scriptures and to pray for it works!
Love you all and thanks for all your support!
Love
Syster Juker

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