Starting from Scratch, Skype, Students, Swedish

Starting from Scratch, Skype, Students, Swedish?

 

Missionary work has its ups and downs, this week definitely had its fair share of both. Monday started the week off well with P-day adventures. We explored the Naval Base near our apartment, then treated ourselves to the Karlskrona's famous ice cream. I got lemon and pralines- heaven. It has proven dangerous that the ice cream shop is literally across the street from our apartment. No regrets... until the scale. haha.

 

We set a new "Vision" for Karlskrona this week. In the past months of being here in Karlskrona, we have talked and taught many people. But none of them have been "sticking". For one reason or another, they haven't been truly prepared. So we set new goals and got excited for this next transfer we have together. We will be baptizing someone before June 15th. We don't know who we will baptize or how we will find them, but we have faith that it will happen if it God's will. We are excited to find new people!

 

This week I was able to Skype my family for Mother's Day! The connection was less than perfect, but it was such a good feeling to see the people that I love the most. After talking with my family, I always feel a new desire to work hard and do better.

 

This Friday, the graduating students here in Sweden participated in a tradition of wearing their graduation hats and gathering together in the city and partying. There were hundreds and hundreds of students in the same hats blowing whistles and talking. There was definitely alcohol involved, which made everyone super loud and annoying. But on a high note, they were friendly and were open to talk about God. haha.

 

The language barrier is a HUGE thing as a missionary. And not even just with Swedish. In this city, I honestly think that I would use Arabic more than Swedish because there are so many immigrants from the Middle East. It is disappointing to truly want to talk to someone, but not being able to because they don't speak a single bit of Swedish or English, and I don't speak Bosnian or Arabic or Italian. Shame!

 

I love all of you so much! Thank you for being the best!!

 

 

Getting ready to Skype!

 

 

Pizza Party!

 

 

We live in such a beautiful area!

 

 

I love my AMERICAN SWEATER!

 

 

P-day Adventures!

 

 

Couples put locks on bridges and throw the keys in the ocean.

 

 

No amount of time devoted to the Lord will be regretted.

Funny story of this week:

 

The Elders helped us fix our bikes. One tire had been completely stolen a couple months ago, so we haven't been able to use them. Then this week, they were ready to ride. Yesterday, we had to get around town, so Syster Anderson had the brilliant idea of using the bikes. First, we had to get the bikes from our apartment on the third floor, down the stairs. There is no way to effectively describe me trying to transport the bike down those levels. But let's just say that there was screaming and lots of falling. If only we had an elevator.

 

Once we got onto the first floor and on the street, Sister Anderson was ready to go. She had already ridden a bike in her last area. She elegantly mounted the bike with her skirt, then began to ride. No problems.

 

I, on the other hand, struggled. Imagine me. Five feet, three inches. In a SKIRT. Trying to jump on a bike that is obviously meant for a giant elder. With prayers and faith, I got on and only fell once.

 

Shout out to Sister Anderson for being an awesome teacher!! :) 

 

 

Sister Andy and I with our newly-made friend. She is a foreign exchange student studying in the area. She is from Utah and we have mutual friends. It's a Small World!

 

I love Sweden!

 

We visited a ward member who lives on an island. We had to take a ferry to get to her house! There, we helped her rake up seaweed for her garden. 

 

 

I wish that all of you could be here in Karlskrona right now. It is heaven. I am serving in the prettiest place in the whole world. The sun is shining, the water is sparkling, the temperature is just that perfect temperature. Not too cold for a sweater, and not too hot to sweat. I can't complain!

 

Okay, funny story along with this picture. We were helping a member clean out her closet when I saw this AMERICAN sweater. I told her that I thought it was hilarious and she gave it to me! It is officially my favorite piece of my wardobe! hahaha. #Merica.

 

 

We have fun at bus stops.  

 

 

Us crossing on our GPS. haha

 

 

This week has been a humbling week! Another one of those...

 

We have one investigator. Ett. Uno.  

 

But guess what? He is doing GREAT. He has been reading and praying and has been progressing very well. He is genuine and is sensitive to the spirit. He says that after he meets with us, he is always happier and more optimistic about the future. He also says that he has felt a "good feeling" while reading about Joseph Smith.

 

This upcoming week, I am excited to FIND some people to teach! We have been working hard and sometimes, it is a little frustrating not seeing very much come from it. But I know that it will all be worth it. That no amount of time devoted to the Lord will be regretted.