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

One for the Books

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	Apr 30
to john, me

Nära och Kära!

I really am so thankful for each and every one of you. I hope you know that. No matter the situation I am in I can always think of the examples you have set for me as I have grown up. You made your way and made the best decisions you could do at the time you were given. Its a pretty cool thing that people around us can learn so much from the decisions we make in our own lives. You may not ever really recognize those who follow your life. (like twitter=)) I have learned so much from those people I have been around (aka you) SO thank you so much for being the example for me. You rock!

This week was an emotionally and physically drainning week. We went through lots of problems and difficulties, sad times and happy times. It was just a rollercoaster I guess you could say. But we made it out alive and a whole lot stronger then before!

I måndags wow last monday was great! We had a surprise farewell party for the Rasmussens planned. It was great! We were finishing our emails as the ward members were in the cultural hall getting ready. We then were to join the meeting the Rasmussens were in. So we asked how long they needed us to take. They said 15 minutes. Our part usually only takes 5. It was great to let the spirit work and get some really good ideas from them as we just asked a lot of questions about how we can help here in Jönköping. We left first from the meeting and grabbed Sabrina and we went in the cultural hall. We got the music started and we waited. It was a great experience to see the ward come together to show their apprication for them. They have forever changed our ward! We played games and we enjoyed ourselves. They had forgotten their camera so I used mine and got a bunch of great pictures for them. It was fun! Syster Rasmussen wanted to see Syster Pools jump rope skills. When it seemed like everyone left she changed her clothes and began to jump. It was pretty crazy how quick the gym filled up again with practically our whole ward. It was great! It was like an inpromptu ward activity. Everyone got in on it, from the bishop to the little kids people had to hold to jump with. It was great. Now the ward wants us to teach the Young Women and the Relief Society. Its great. The Bishops wife came up to me as Syster Pool was rocking it and asked, "Vad kan du göra?" It was funny, I couldnt think of anything so impressive so it was good to laugh and say, "inte detta". 

I tisdags. I was sick, I felt horrible had a great headache and stomach ache. I got up and did studies but couldnt do anything else. I felt sick. We stayed in the apartment, we had Pauline (one of our less actives) call and ask how I was doing. It was great because we were not sure how she was. She is a nurse and offered her ideas on how to get be to be doing better. She says small meals often. So Im working on it and carrying food with me. So far so good. Syster Pool was able to prepare some lesson plans that she hadnt had time to figure out. So she felt accomplished and then that evening Äldste Rasmussen came and gave me a blessing before I went to sleep for the evening. 

I onsdags, I still wasnt feeling top notch but I felt a whole lot better then on tuesday. We had a lunch with the Wallgrens. They are super fun to be around. We had stinging neddle soup again. It really is delicioius but just different. We had a great discussion about the Book of Mormon. Then Syster Wallgren showed us what age we need to get the stinging neddle at in order for it to taste the best. It was cool. They really have to be babyplants. We then were heading to Råslätt to visit our Chinese friends. Äldste and Syster Rasmussen were driving us to the bus stop so we could catch the bus but as we rounded the corner the bus was just arriving. So Äldste Rasmussen took us to the next bus stop. It was pretty interesting. We practically fell out of the car at a corner to catch the bus. We ran out and tried to wave them down but he didnt notice us. So the Rasmussens were kind enough to lend us a ride and took us there. We were able to meet with Shell a less active and got her another Book of Mormon. Then Wilson, who is making lots of progress in his testimony. Then with Julia and got her another Book of Mormon. Its great to just have appointments back to back in the same area. It was rainy so it was a blessing that we could be in so often as well. As we were waiting for the bus back to town. The timer things both showed 1 minute. We had never taken the green line before so we decided to do it. After a few minutes we realized why we didnt take that line. It took us through the other side of town. Luckily we were going to eat so it was just our dinner time that was infringed upon. We got to then meet with our ward mission leader and get ideas on what we can do. Our ward counsel meeting is coming up so he is ready to share our ideas again. 

I torsdags We had our district meeting with Börås and the Zone leaders. It took a while for everyone to gather but we had already decided where we were going to eat. So It saved a good amount of time. We tested out a new greek restaurant. It was a recommendation from a member and it was cheap and delicious and healthy. It was a cool experience too. The Elders decided it was even better then Kebab pizza. Which really says a lot! We had a great lesson of Äldste Rautio on hope and he shared a song that really was powerful. The Rasmussens came late but we were able to share the song with them as well before Li came. Last time we taught him he told us he wanted to learn more about the prophet. So we read an article out of the Liahona about President Monson. It was a great spiritual experience to see him be able to see the prophet as a real person striving to do the best he can. We had dinner with the YSAs and the Rasmussens for the last time. It was really a fun time. Johannes came and we were able to talk to him about Tithing and then the conversation went to Adam and Eve somehow. He has a hard time believing that we all came from 2 people. Especially without defects and things. He says science has proved that there are 7 female dna pools that explains a whole lot of people and differences but thats not what it says in the BIble. It was an interesting experience just sharing our testimonies about what we do know. He is going to research it with the church and try to find an answer to it. We hope it will all work out.

I fredags The Rasmussens invited us over to have breakfast with them. It was interesting to see how stressed they were and try to offer help. We helped start some laundry and got some food from the store with Syster Rasmussen. They are awesome missionaries and have really helped us so much! She needed some recipes typed up for the YSAs so we helped get that done before heading out to the Wiklöfs to help clean. Ulla asked if we could take a 2 week pause from meeting again so we are praying for her as well. The Wiklöfs had lunch prepared when we arrived. She grabbed some weeds that were sitting on the counter and explained that we were going to have a little different kind of salad today. She explained the different types of weeds and handed it to me telling me to share it with my companion. I was glad to do so. We ate a couple leaves of different weeds, one was sour and the other tasted like grass. We literally ate a weed salad. It reminded me of the salad that Dad likes that pretty much looks like weeds. It was good anyway. We cleaned there apartment and then did some weekly planning before catching a bus out to Bottnaryd to meet with Pauline. She has a testimony of the gospel and its great but sometimes lets others get in the way of it. So we talked about the sacrament and invited her to come to church. 

I lördags we had some great studies before doing some work in our area book and finishing weekly planning. We had companionship inventory and some tears were shed as we opened up to eachother. It was a good experience. We then met with Sabrina. She decided that our purpose was complete when it came to her. She wants to be friends but doesnt need the spiritual stuff anymore. We bore testimony and the spirit was strong. Then it would seem out of no where something would happen and her concentration was comprimised. She choked and coughed, someone walked in the room, her phone. All signs pointed to the adversary trying to diminish the spirit. We talked about reading the Book of Mormon and how she now has the proof that will change the world. We read Moronis challenge with her and commited her to praying more often and reading. She says she really wants too. After the lesson we were having a difficulty seeing the bright side of things. So we got the train tickets set up for our exchanges next week. The lady with SJ was great and got it all perfectly. She questioned as one of the bookings said that one person was only going to be in their destination for 10 minutes before going back to their area. Its going to be great. We are all looking forward to it. We went home and I made dinner, I made homemade maccaroni and cheese for the first time so it was cool. It was a difficult day to say the least.

Igår there were some major miracles in the ward of Jönköping yesterday! We came early to the church to greet our members. They really seem to like seeing us as they arrive at the building. As it was nearing the beginning of the meeting Wilson arrived (he had a personal goal to attend all three hours of church!) then a member told us, "There is a nonmember in the back you should go see," So we did. It turns out that a member gave him a Book of Mormon 15 years ago and invited him to church but nothing ever happened with it. He then was asked another time by that persons son and he came and stayed the whole time! We had 5 less actives at church whom we have been working with! As we turned at the end of the meeting to talk with Markus I noticed someone else who was not a member. Syster Pool was with Anita who was talking with Markus so she was in capable hands. I went to introduce myself to the other person. It ended up being our less active members husband, who wants him to become a part of the church! It was great! Not only did we have all of these less active members and new people there but our ward opened up and took care of a lot of things. In the first meeting we didnt have translation available for some reason. I sat next to Markus to answer his questions with Syster Pool of course. Then she asked Lars to translate for Wilson. Our new pair Äldste and Syster Reynolds came and were announced and as soon as they were a ysa went and translated for them. It was great to see the ward come together to help eachother out. We then had an amazing dinner with the Robayos and a fantastic lesson with Johannes and his mom Marie. She is great! We are going to try to set up something so we can help her out in her garden and get to know her better so we can teach her without him because its difficult to keep the spirit sometimes with him around. 

As a challenge this week Id like you all to count your blessings. Keep track of the things you are grateful for and then make the appropriate person know that you are thankful. We learned that it helps your ammune system to be grateful. Try it out! Let me know how it goes! 

Love you and hope you have a great week!

Love,

Syster Juker

We are Here to Have JOY!

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	Apr 23
to me, john

Nära Och Kära,

Hello Family and Friends! This week has been an interesting week. Lots of fun things, different things, and difficult things. I guess thats this thing we call life though right?! I love life! No matter the situation, it takes but seconds for everything to change! Im sure glad that I am not responsible in keeping track of all those probabilities and that Heavenly Father knows what He is doing! Aren't you?

I måndags we had our zone pday! It was a lot of fun. We were able to go to Göteborg and play some sports with the missionaries in our zone. Syster Pool took a couple of her jump ropes. It was great because I am not so skilled with the art of ultimate frisbee. So Syster Pool taught be some of her skills and we were able to play around with them. People came up and asked if they could jump with us. It was cool! It gave us an idea for contacting people in our own area on a sunny day. We will see what happens with that. While we were jumping rope it began snowing-I called the game for me as my fingers were turning white. We needed to eat before catching our train it was a great test of faith as we changed super fast grabbed some food and practically sprinted to the train. Heavenly Father answered our prayers and we were able to make the train on time. We made it back to have FHE with the YSA. Lois Herrey came and talked about happiness and how to achieve it. The lesson was really good. Even though we were really tired, he inspired the YSA to follow their dreams and to work hard for them. He shared his experience as he and his brothers won a competition here in sweden and how that was their goal. It was cool. We were able to talk with Juan for a while and got him feeling better about his day and remembering his testimony. It was great

I tisdags, this was an incredible day. We were a bit sore from jump rope on monday but we were determined to find some of our lost members in Huskvarna. We went to that part of town with many names of less actives and old investigators to get ahold of. We headed out the door with a sunny day ahead of us. We hopped on the bus and could see a weather change in the air as the clouds rolled in. As we walked to find a member it began to rain. I didnt have my raincoat so it was a bit damp. We got to what we thought was his house, and he hasnt lived there for two years. I felt said that no one knew that he had moved. But we were able to talk to a man who ran the apartment building. He wasn't too interested but welcomed us to Sweden as we were outside looking at the map and the weather changed once again but this time hail. Yup hail in april- It just makes sense doesn't it? Ok not really to me but its what happened. We then continued to find other people. At one point we both mentioned how we were a little sore. As we looked at the street signs to compare it with the map and where we needed to be it seemed that all the streets lead downhill except one. It was a pretty steep incline too. We didnt want to take the hill, but it was the only way so in the rain we headed up the hill. We talked with a few people on the way and couldnt find the addresses or people who knew who we were looking for. It was a bummer. We needed to head back because we were having a lunch with a member and I wanted a waterproof jacket. We picked it up on the way to the Nilssons. They fed us stinging neddle soup. It sounds gross, (well at least to me it did) but it tastes delicious and is full of iron. So it will help Mom! We challenged our members to give away a Book of Mormon to which they excitedly agreed. We then had a language lesson with Leif. He really knows his languages. We shared a thought about service because he spends most of his time in the service of others. We are super thankful for him and wanted him to know.

I onsdags we had a great day in Råslätt! We first had an early lunch with Annalisa. She is a great missionary herself and is working on all of those around her. I wish every member could be so active in sharing their testimonies! We then went to Råslätt where we met with Julia. She is working on becoming more active in church. She seems to really enjoy when we are able to come and visit her at her apartment. We are not sure whats holding her back yet but we are closer to figuring it out. We then taught Li on a bench outside. The weather calmed down a bit. We went through the baptismal questions with him. It was a random idea that Syster Pool had, it went really well. We just asked him what each thing meant and how he felt about it. We determined where we are lacking a little bit and now we know how to help more specifically. We then came back to the church to get our report copied for Niklas. Sabrina was there and we were able to talk with her. Since her wallet incident she is a little more hesitent to talk with us. It really is a bummer. She is going to pray to know if she wants to continue to meet and learn more. So we are really praying for her. We then met with Niklas and got some ideas running about our investigators. He wants to help more so we have asked him to contact those who would like to be in on teaches. He is great.

I torsdags we pretty much switched our thursday and friday because friday was zone conference. We spent the morning serving the Wiklöfs. They are great, Torstan made jokes about how close he is to death. He just has faced it it seems. He made fun of my name. "Det är Juker liksom ett skoj?" It was really funny. He asked for help on his computer and we were able to help him. Then we made our way back home for lunch and to finish our studies. We got them done and did weekly planning to prepare for next week. We had Shell (a less actve) cancel on us so we were able to do more of our planning session. We then headed to the church to have dinner with the YSA. It went well and we were able to hear a few bear their testimonies about things. It was cool. We spoke with the Rasmussens about the plans for travelling to conference and then a few ideas to help us out.

I fredags was our zone conference! It was great! The theme was The Plan of Salvation and I learned so much it was great. We were asked to read through the Plan of Salvation and come with questions that we had about it. No matter what they were. It was pretty funny because we did something like that for district meeting with the Rasmussens but about Preconceptions of the swedish people. We just threw them away and talked about how to forget them. It was cool but I sort of thought that thats what was goign to happen there. Instead President and Syster Newell had a great presentation where pretty much all of my questions were either answered or clarified to where it doesnt matter so much to me anymore. I had a really great interview with President Newell where he really helped me to see things differently. He really is great!

I lördags we had a lunch with the Malms. They are a great family and I enjoy hearing their testimonies. Suprisingly they had some children home and so they were with as we shared our spiritual thought. We were able to give a couple Mormons Boks out and they have two weeks to give them away. Its pretty awesome. We taught Wilson and invited him to Conference, he is working on his thesis so he wasnt able to attend that evening. It really was great though, I learned a lot and Syster Pool had a great two hour language study!

Igår We had our stake conference and the speakers were great and I really learned a lot. Sadly I left my study journal at home so I can't share the insights now but I will at another time. The best was a story of a business call to a man at home. You know one of those of the hurried sort. A little boy answers the phone, the business man asks, "Can I talk to your Dad?" the boy says "No". "How about your Mom?" "No," says the boy, "shes talking to the fireman and the police." The business man begins to think Whats going on there? When he hears this huge sound, "Whats happening?" He questions the boy. "Its the helicopter, they are looking for me!" He talked about how sometimes this is how we act. We try to hide ourselves until the whole force is after us. It was great. We then ate lunch with the Thörns. They are going to give away Books of Mormons as well. We are excited to see how it goes with the members sharing their testimonies with those around them. We finished studies and had a family home evening with the Robayos about the Restoration. They are a great family and always willing to participate in anything we do. They are like our home away from home. They are working on becoming Member missionaries as well. The program is working well!

Challenge Time- This weeks challenge comes from a random thought I had recently. The best thing is that Prayer is available even more often than seven eleven Thats the only way I have been able to make it through my mission. Without prayer I feel so alone and worthless. (all because of satan) but with prayer and scripture study I learn of my true identity and are able to rememeber who I am in Gods eyes not through my own eyes. Think about how you have been doing with your prayers. Is there room for improvement? What can you do? I know that as our prayers become more regular and more sincere the blessings from Heaven become more recognizable to us and we feel more whole.

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

Love

Syster Juker

Quotes Help Life

Jennifer Juker jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net	Apr 16
to john, me

Nära och Kära,

This week was pretty different. We had some difficulties but we have overcome them and look forward to starting a new week! Heavenly Father assures us this week will be better, We´ve got a feelin'!

I måndags we had an accident with alarm clocks and none went off. I got up and began to clean a bit while Syster Pool slept. I still dont like waking other people up. We got a late start but luckily it didn't matter so much we just did studies later which ran into pday time a little but it all worked out in the end. We wrote some letters at home and were able to get our shopping done. I got to shoot some hoops before deciding to go and get emails done. I really do miss playing basketball or volleyball! Ive got to bring those sports here and see what happens. They really like innebandy here. Its pretty fun but Im not so coordinated with a stick. We then met with Maggis and had our counsel meeting which went really well before being asked to give the lesson in FHE. We had about 5 minutes to prepare it was pretty intense. We luckily had both read an article from the Liahona and it worked out well. Syster Pool led the discussion and did it really well. We felt a little overwhelmed and talked things over that night. It went well

I tisdags we got to meet with our Chinese members. Li and wilson came to the church. We taught them individually and we really enjoyed talking with them and explaining a little more in depth the lessons they had before they were baptised. They asked some really good questions and we were able to answer them. They are making progress in a big way! They passed the sacrament and want to do it again and more regularly. Its really a special experience to see the growth in members as the spirit is able to help us explain things in such a way that they understand it and want to make a change. Ive  been able to appriciate the time when we can see so much growth and to point it out. Sometimes its hard to see it in yourself and thats why we should pay attention to those around us so that we can give them recognition to the things that they have done right. We were going through our area book the other day and I placed some calls. It was looking kind of bleak when all of a sudden in the middle of our old investigator section there was actually a less active member. I found her number, called her and set up an appointment. We met today and it was pretty great. Her name is Shell, she is chinese and has been on exchange in Norway. She is super nice and right away said something about the building feeling like home and that she had finally come back. It was cool. We asked her if she would like to meet and get back active in church and that really is her desire. Its super great!

I onsdags we met in the morning with Sabrina and Syster Rasmussen. We talked about the Word of Wisdom. She is pretty much living it 99% just has a problem with it being so strict with graduation coming up. She really takes care of herself otherwise. She has really grown spiritually since we first began meeting with her. She knows what she is here to do and practically no one can get in the way of her and her aspirations. We then went home and prepped for our meeting with our bishop. We were meeting with him after our ward activity. I felt really sick so I was laying down as Syster Pool was writing stuff down we were talking about. All of a sudden I was waking up! I had accidently fallen asleep and she had let me. I think I needed it but it was definitely a weird feeling. We then were blessed with a lesson with a referral named Li. We went with Syster Rasmussen to his appartment and were able to go in and teach. It was in swedish because I still cannot speak chinese (despite so many we have in this ward, im working on it!) He spoke fast and with a chinese accent so it was really difficult for Syster Pool to understand so I got to do about an hour of speaking. It was great! But my voice could feel it afterwards. He wants to read the Book of Mormon so we got him one in Chinese and our plan is to come back with someone who speaks chinese because when we challenged him to baptism he just said, "Ja, Ja, Ja, Bra!" just like he wasnt understanding. Luckily though we have two coming back less active members who both speak his language and live in his area so we just have to get the timing right. We then went to the church seeing as we were asked to be the judges of the Scouts and Ladybug talent show. It was super cute and entertaining to see all the different acts. From dancing to sword fighting to magic and oragami, our ward had it all! We rated with a scale from 1 to 5 with 5 being the best. Part way through we realized that not all the judges were using that same scale. So we all had a good laugh and did some fixing of our numbers. We really had fun participating and the primary children really seemed to enjoy having us be apart of it. They all talk with us now and one of them is willing to help us with our swedish whenever we see him. Its going to be great! Afterwards we met with the bishop to be sure we were on the same page. We talked about Ward missionaries, less actives, part members and really got a lot accomplished that we can do for next week. We want to get a ward activity going on this spring that will involve the whole ward. We talked about a Play in a Day or a Cultural Olympics. Our ward Mission leader is on board and wants to get it going as well. Its going to be cool to see what happens!

I torsdags we had our district meeting with our new district leader Äldste Rautio. He told us a few days earlier that it would be on Celestial Marriage. We laughed at it at first, then a couple nights later Äldste Norr told us of how serious his companion was about it and how he had been studying. So we decided we should probable prepare a little as well. It went really well and we all learned a lot. We were working on talking about our investigators to get help when Sabrina walked it. It was incredibly bad timing but it ended up working ok as she went directly to play piano. We chatted a bit, got ideas and ended the meeting so they could catch their bus. We had a meeting scheduled with Niklas but had some time before that. We asked Sabrina if we could teach her and she agreed. We had a great lesson on fasting. (we had fast sunday this last sunday) the spirit was strong it was great! We then had dinner with the ysa! It was tacos. Tacos at home when we all get back are going to be different. We have lots of different things Swedes eat on their tacos like, peppers, pinapple corn etc its pretty delicious! We then taught Johannes and it was an interesting lesson. He is super funny (a stand-up comedian) I can hardly ever control the laughter. We taught Word of wisdom and Law of Chastity he kept cracking jokes. It was pretty funny. He got the point and we all got to laugh a bit as all the difficult paragraphs with negative things about it came to Syster Pool to read and I got all the promised blessings it was pretty great!

I fredags we were blessed with a new teaching scedule with an old investigator that our member has kept track of. It went alright and we are going to meet again. It looks promising. We then had planning and English Night with the YSA. We realized why we try to not be out late on a friday night because of the amount of alcohol intake lots of people have late at night. Sadly, some how someone stole Sabrinas wallet and its looking pretty dark for her reaction to the church.

I lördags we were able to have a great brunch with the Hegyessys. Like real American style! It was delicious! We then went out to the island again and were able to visit the Walls. The spiritual thought went well and we were pretty happy that they were accepting of what we had to say.

Igår we had a great fast and testimony meeting and we were able to feel the spirit strongly as the missionary moms in our ward all bore their testimonies in sacrament meeting. It was great! I felt my batteries recharged! Im so thankful for church! It always helps me feel better after a long tough week! I am so thankful for our membership in this church and am so excited to help everyone come closer to Christ!.

This weeks challenge- Think about this "You may be the only Book of Mormon someone gets to read." I love it!

Have a great week! 
Love 
Syster Juker