The Frozen Tundra

Back to the good old frozen tundra it is! Luckily it hasn't snowed much lately! Upon arrival there were two feet of snow on my poor California car and Tori was not too happy to start up! The semester is going strong, two weeks in and still straight A's. I feel like it is going to be a great semester... despite the white frozen stuff. 

Picture Perfect

This weekend has been great! My Best Friend (Brittany) came up to Rexburg to visit me! It's been great to have her here. We started off the 4th, almost immediately after her plane landed with the great opportunity to use my photography skills to photograph our friend's (Bethany) family. It was a great way to start of the 4th of July weekend. With more than 500 pictures taken and wonderful times had; the 4th started with some Perfect Pictures. We picnicked it out by the Snake River in Idaho Falls waiting for the fireworks to begin. Played a few rounds of "Go Fish" with the few random kids who came creeping as we were playing Speed. One little boy couldn't read the big numbers, so I helped him out a bit! The day was great. Then on the 5th, we started out the day with a trip to Monkey Rock. (aka a snow run-off with a little waterfall) That was fun, and now we look like little red Lobsters. Today has been a blast! I feel like Sunday will forever remain as my favorite day of the week. Since it is the first week of the month, it was Fast and Testimony meeting. Since the semester is winding down and many of us are going to be off track next semester, testimony's were shared with thankful hearts for the people around them. This ward really is great with getting to know one another and finding small and simple ways of serving. I have really grown to love this ward. This past week I spent my free time preparing for the photo shoot and preparing a lesson for Relief Society. I was so nervous I just couldn't keep my hands from shaking. Even this morning I was unsure of the absolute outline for my lesson. My mind was just running with Ideas from what I had studied. It was a great relief to have so much participation in class that I was able to follow the Spirit and direct the discussion where others needed it to go. I seriously love teaching! It's something about discussions and marker boards that just gets me excited to share what I have loved learning about!

Here is a sample of this weekend: Enjoy!

View of Sunset from Rexburg Temple

Rexburg Temple

Contrasting Clouds

Creepy Bug

Patriotic Temple

Natural Star

Our Fireworks

Idaho Falls Fireworks

REXBURG!

Well, I've been up at school since returning from our family cruise in January! It's been great to be back in school, hanging out, doing homework and all those other things that come along in college! My car came, Her name is Rosie! Brianna and I tend to have adventures in our onesies, ok so maybe one, but more are in the works! The weather here seriously can't make up its mind. The last one is all in one day!

What's New?

For an RM... (Responsible Member) like myself (ok, Im working on it still, but a new twist on an old acronym is always good right?) there are a whole lot of things new. Well to be honest not as many as expected. But Im working on it alright?! I've got a job! That's new. Point for me! I've been spending lots of time with family. Sharing my testimony all along the way! Its been interesting to see how my mission has effected my ability to speak with those "scary strangers" I never would EVER in my craziest dreams talk to before my mission. Conversations come up easily and I am absolutely in LOVE with sharing this gift I have in my heart! 

Beach Adventure with Mom once when we got off work early!

Visiting WA to see Dad and getting back on the Tugs bright and early!

A Traditional Juker Thanksgiving! Missed Mom though!

Seeing my Kaiser for the first time in about three years! He remembered me!

Odie, Grandmas dog, He is spoiled but sure is a cutie!

Hunting for our Christmas tree!

Monica and I were Tree Protectors, Protecting our tree from the sketchy looking people!

Once we had our tree full of character inside!

Visiting the Los Angeles Temple with my family and enjoying the Christmas lights there.

My Tribute to Sweden! I sure do miss it!

Home?!

Its been a few days and it feels so different, but also so much the same! Crazy how time flies!

Vi ses!

From: Jennifer Juker <jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 8:49 AM
Subject: Vi ses!

Nära och Kära

This week is crazy! Time flew by and its been so filled with miracles and I love it!

I måndags we had some finding activities to find our spot for our girls camp activity on saturday. It took us a while and a couple maps but we did find the perfect place. We were on our way back to change into our missionary clothes when we saw this couple moving scaffolding from one house to the next. They didn't see happy at all. So we stopped and asked if we could help them. They only had a few pieces left, so of course they declined our help but the Spirit was there and their faces reflected that. He smiled and said thanks anyway. It was a special experience to me because it was so little, to just ask someone if we could help but it made their day. Now they wave when we ride past. Its great!

i tisdags we were able to visit Hans in Bie for the first time with Syster Ridl. He has been busy so its been difficult to get ahold of him. But on the bus out there we picked up Sister Palomino. She came and sat with us on the bus. There used to be a bigger language barrier but there isnt anymore and so its great. We are able to talk and understand eachother. As we were going through a grove of trees I noticed how much they had changed since last week when we came to Bie. Right away it reminded me of how everything in the world wittnesses of God. It really hit me, I never thought of the seasons like that before but it was so apparent to us both. With Hans we talked about the Spirit again. He has been praying and reading. He had a few questions but it seems like he has really got a hold of the seed of faith. Im excited to see it grow. With the bus schedule and our appointment going long we missed the bus. He showed us some pictures from the historic badhus in Bie and insisted that we go and see. So we did. He gave us some apples and they were the craziest apples I have ever seen. They were so white the skin was practically see through. They were like the texture of styrofoam. It was yummy. We came home and ate lunch, did studies before going to meet Alex. We had called him and he told us that he was just lazy and thats why he hadnt answered the phone or sms. It frustrated us a little bit but we set up another appointment with him because he wanted to and then he didnt even come. Its frustrating because he just doesnt actively persue anything. We were then able to visit Cat, who has been sick and since our sunday was so full we were not able to visit her. She is a sweet lady and really wants to get to the temple. Tithing is the only thing thats holding her back.

I onsdags was a bit of a random day because our normal days for planning this week was taken over by a lot of other things so we did a bit of weekly planning on wednesday as well as preparing my talk for sunday. Rosmery could finally meet so we were able to be there. They were so cute as they got their calander for family prayer that we gave Angelina about a month ago and it was completely full with stickers. Meaning they had prayed every night that month. It was a special experience. Leif is still a little standoffish towards the gospel but he is still very nice with us and still supports Rosmery 100%. We are going to try to find out whats holding her back next time. We had a youth activity where Myriam and Cynthia came. They wanted to play an american card game so we taught them scum and really enjoyed it. They told us that they appriciate us taking time to be with them. It was a nice reminder that they do care about us as well.

I torsdags we had a great district meeting about the Armor of God. As the others got here I saw one of our investigators on the street that we havent had much contact with for the last month so I introduced Syster Ridl and talked with him for a while. His name is Michael, he is somewhat interested in our church and has learned lots from living in Utah about our church. He says the only thing wrong with our church is its doctrine and not changing. It was a bit commical. We will see how it all goes down. Syster Hill gave it and we talked more specifically of how we can have our invesitigators more fully put on the armor. It was really awesome to do! Amber met us after district meeting so we could show her the place and nail in the last nails for our Personal Progress day on saturday. We were invited to the Relief Society activity where Lotta showed us all how to crochet these little animals. It was super cute and we were able to strengthen the members there in their talent building. We then went to Amina's as she wanted to feed us. She wasnt home so we were hungry and got to fend for ourselves at home.

I fredags we had time to make sure our members who were helping with our activites were ready to go and it was great. Amber had a few things she had forgot so we helped her with that before meeting with the Palominos for dinner at there place. They are awesome. A nephew is staying with them Edwardo and he seems to be interested in church. Fernando clarified things to him in Spanish and then he came to church with Augustine and Fran as well.

I lördags our activity went awesome! It started off slow but ended full blown! Our Young Women are busy but all those who are active attended and we had a non member there the whole day who loved it and she wants to come to activities now. (Clara) Our members were very responsive in all aspects and that made the day all the more better. They wrote handwritten letters to the girls for our Individual Worth activity. Marita came and talked about emergency preparedness, camping and salvation. Amber made an awesome relay race for our Divine Nature. Lotta came and helped us with Good Works and taught us how to make hearts for kids in the hospital. Maria came and talked about Integrity and Virtue. The spirit was present and the girls really enjoyed it.

Igår was a more difficult day. A time to say goodbye I guess you could say. We had Hans and Lars-Inge surprise me by being at church. It was a sweet experience. I was the last speaker and it was a unique feeling knowing that this was the last time I'd be in this position. We were then able to teach Young Womens because Amber caught the flu. We watched Finding Faith in Christ and it was a special spirit there as well. We gave Clara a Book of Mormon at the end and she accepted it graciously and gave me a big hug. Brought some tears in my eyes. It was a sweet experience. I hope she continues to come. Myriam invited us over for Flygande Jakob which I had never eaten before so she taught us how to make it. It was delicious but a little bit weird. We then met with Cat and Jock to say goodbye and write in my buddy book. They then offered to cook us lunch tomorrow so we will be seeing them on tuesday.

Challenge time! There is so much that we can spend our time doing. Time is one of the most precious gifts we have been given, are we using it for the most important things? Its something that Ive been assessing lately and its easy to get off track but with repentance and effort its even easier to get it back.

Love you all so much! Thank you for your continued support throughout my mission. Its been one of the most rollarcoastic time of my life but I wouldnt change a day of it for the world! Its awesome. Its weird to close this for the last time. I guess Ill see you soon!

Love you All!

Syster Juker

Underverk!

Jennifer Juker	9/10/12
to john, me

Nära och Kära,

This last week was so full of adventures it was crazy. A busy week makes for time flying and its all too crazy to think about!

Last Monday we had a planned lesson with Alex but he never showed up and he never responded. We still are not sure what is wrong there. But at the same time as he ditched us we realized an entirely important element was missed during shopping. Toilet paper. So we decided that on the way to visit our next appointment Amina. We would stop by a nearby store and pick some up. Now I just imagine the swedish population seeing this happening. Two syster missionaries in skirts with helmets booking it up through the parking lots on their bikes passing a group of 3 men speaking english, when one turns and yells, "Hey, you guys are American Mormon missionaries! Get over here and talk to us!" After a bit of deliberation and a couple silent prayers we decided to go talk with them. Turns out they had been contacted before and recognized us. Robert, Kelvin and James all have met the missionaries and wanted us to answer some of their questions. It was unexpected but it seemed we were being lead by the Spirit. We dont usually go to that store either! Robert invited us to dinner that night at his place with his wife and daughter. We had another appointment but we are working it out to visit them soon. We then were able to visit Amina. She always has the most unique questions. This time it was a bit more about prayer. We watched "Finding Happiness" and it was a bit too advanced swedish for her so we clarified it and talked about the stories in the book that she is still reading. It was nice to see that she is beginning to understand some of the differences we have.

I tisdags we were asked if we could meet with Amber and talk about our Personal Progress activity so that we can be together on things and be ready for it. We were finally able to meet with Annick. She has been away from church for a couple months and we have had a hard time getting into contact with her. She is our Young Womens president so we wanted to make sure she felt included in this activity. When we were there it was a sweet experience as we heard that she had been meeting members as she is on her way here or there and they all express how much they miss her. Then also our Ward Mission leader has sent cards to invite them back and members SMS her and tell her she is missed. She got a bit emotional about it and told us that it is only the lack of work and popularity of them calling her in to work on sundays that keeps her from coming. She is very excited that we have this activity planned and is also planning to attend!

I onsdags we had an opportunity to do some more service for Jock and Cat. They are in the process of moving and both got really sick with some necessary items still at the old place. We were able to help get those to them and clean up the apartment a bit as a surprise so they wont have to stress as much once they are feeling healthy again. With our Youth Activity, they now are in institute so they wanted to do a pizza night. They all signed up to bring things and it worked out well all at the church. Amber was able to come and attend as well. The Young Women really enjoy these activities we are just trying to come up with activities that the young men would like to attend. We thought pizza would certainly get their attention but it did not.

I torsdags we had an awesome Zone Meeting. Its pretty much zone conference without the leadership as President and the Assisstents. Now I have always had a really difficult time with role plays. Pretty much my entire mission I have struggled with it. I had the opportunity to do splits and role play with Syster Winterton. It was a very special experience. I ended up being my own investigator, (which I hadnt ever done before) and she followed up and we really felt the spirit as we tried to resolve his concern about baptism.

I fredags, after a great weekly planning session we were able to visit the Palominos. They are always so willing to feed us and have us over so we were a bit worried about how to get them to church again. They live a 20 minute bus ride away and have 5 kids and so its a bit difficult to take the bus system. We came with the idea of talking about things we do to strengthen our faith and a talk from the september liahona. It really helped as after dinner we discussed the things that they recognized as faith strengtheners. The traditional answers were given and then sacrament attendance was brought up and partaking of that great ordinance. We have invited them every time to come to church but it hasnt ever been accepted really. So we talked with the kids about it and as we were leaving Augustine made a point to say,  "See you on sunday!" It was a sincere prayer that they would be able to make it. This time we made it to the bus stop in time and made the bus home which we were thankful for.

I lördags, the final preparations for our personal progress night and a few appointments cancellations. We were a while away from home and it began raining. It was a bit depressing, no one was out and then the power was out in the building we walked in to. It was a bit of a sad day.

Igår we saw a bunch of miracles! The Palominos came! Mariela, Maria-Fernanda, Fransisca, and Augustine all came together. We had our branch counsel and got a lot of feed back and help planned for our investigators and with our Personal Progress activity. Syster Ridl was able to help translate in young womens and I was able to be in Sunday School and help strengthen our members. We set up times this week to meet with our Ward Mission Leader and Ulf and Birggita. Solveig took us to Högsjö so we could teach her husband Lars-Inge. He is awesome, just having a difficult time understanding the love of God and Christ. He doesnt see how it could work. Lars and Annalie came and ate with us there. We had a nice time teaching with them and then being able to strengthen them as they drove us to the church afterwards.

So many miracles and awesome adventures being had here in Katrineholm its tough to get it all in in a simple letter. But the short of it is its a blessing to be here and working so hard and seeing miracles happen. Its great! Love you guys tons! Hope you all have a great week and you find somebody to serve. Its pretty crazy to think about sometimes how rushed we are to get things done. But I know that if we slow down a little bit and pray for a chance to serve someone you will always find those opportunites! (thats a challenge btw!)

Love you all!

Syster Juker