Week of November 30th

Wow here comes Christmas! This Christmas will be very different without family, the excitement of grandkids with want lists, family and church parties and friends. All the homes have lights in every window and it is so awesome to see. As far as Sweden is concerned we are now in the second week of celebrating the season.
Monday we went to Stockholm with the Malmstroms so could walk us through the process of using the train and how not to get lost. It seems everyone wants to take care of us, and we let them!
We saw the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace, saw the church with St. George slaying the Dragon, the littlest street in Stockholm, streets lined with tent shops, the big store NK Christmas window display (like ZCMI) and walked down cute little cobblestone streets. We even saw a street that is so small that you can stand in the street and touch the buildings on both sides of the street.
Wednesday we started a Swedish class for the ladies but it was our first time so most of the husbands came for support. Sister Klarin is the teacher and she will be very good. We take them at Pre Oscarson’s house. After the lesson was over she asked the guys not to come back because she was the teacher and they were trying to be too helpful. I am excited to receive some help in speaking this musical language.
Chuck asked Brother Klarin if he knew where we could find a guitar and he said a man in the second ward repairs and sells them. Chuck called and he brought two over. We talked him into renting them as we will have no way to get them home. We signed no contract and he does not know exactly when we go home but said just call and he will come and get the money. We did bring a couple of books and it is fun to be able to practice again.
We had a glorious week at the temple. Sat we were very busy with big youth groups doing baptisms. I worked the clothing counter and washed towels and suits and folded and restocked the shelves. While I was waiting for the second group to come and listening for the washer to be done I was talking to this cute little lady from Sweden. She is losing her memory, and kept losing her family name cards, so I decided I would try some Swedish on her as she would not remember if I was correct or not! When she would understand me her face would light up and she would say ‘bra, bra’ (good, good).
Church services are still hard to get much out of except when they provide a translator for us. Same in Sunday School and RS and Priesthood. This Sunday was fast Sunday and the spirit was very strong. So grateful for the church and for the help it gives us in our lives.
Hope you all had a great week also and we will talk again next week! Thanks for your emails and letters. We love you!