Week of 18th January

This week we have completed 3 months on our mission. Already the time is going fast and we love the work we are involved in.
We had a FHE this week with the American couples to list the sites in Sweden that are a must to see. Most of the museums are closed on Mondays so we have to take advantage of the one Saturday a month we are not assigned to the temple and see some of Sweden. It was a very fun evening and we certainly have a lot to see and enjoy.
One of the American couples went home this week. Manny and Carol Nelson have only been here three months but they have some health issues and cannot get or afford their medications here in Sweden. It was very sad to see them go. They are from Orem so we will see them again. We had a pizza going away party for them which was very fun and lots of laughs. Kay Soderquist and I were in charge of the food so we went to two pizza places so we could see what they had and the prices. Only one problem, the night we went we did not take anyone with us and we could not read the menu and no one spoke English! We had to go back the next day to order and Kent Soderquist went with us this time. It was excellent pizza. We bought 4 family size pizzas and the bill was over $100 plus 20K to deliver them. Oh well, the Nelson’s were worth it.
Chuck certainly has the gift of Tongues in learning languages. He can now do the ordinances (from memory) in English and Swedish and some in Spanish. I am so proud of him. I can do a few in Swedish and I am pleased about that! At least it is a start! I try to say at least one phrase a day to one of the Swedish sisters in their language. Sometimes they say ‘good’ other times they smile and correct me!
This week has been busy at the temple but we also have had a large traveling group here for their week. We also have had a darling couple here who live in Ireland.
She is from Latvia and he is from Lithuania and they have been married for 7 months. They were so fun to watch. She went to Lithuania on her mission so that is what language they speak plus English. We became very close to them. They attended every session during the week except one and then they did baptisms. They hope to come back in August, Anna and Julius Garneliene (Ransheva).
Our beautiful friend (adopted Swedish daughter)
Mikaela Nilsson came to the temple the last part of the week and again we got to help her do the ordinances for her family. She still is the only member in her family, but very strong. She is 31 and just broke up with her boyfriend because he did not want to go to the temple or study the scriptures and did not want to go with her anymore! So sad but she deserves someone who is strong also. She will come back in two weeks. So glad we were reunited with her.
Saturday was so busy at the temple. We had double 10:00 sessions and it was wonderful. Chuck was busy all day and I helped with ordinances for Mikaela’s names and then did sealings. I participated in about 17 couple sealings, about 20 daughters to parents and about 15 sons to parents. Yea! Families are forever.
Sunday was a spiritual day. With the help of a translator I took several notes during Sacrament meeting. “God needs to know that when He lets go of your hand that you will still follow Him”. “Along with free agency comes accountability”. We and the Soderquists were invited to Pres and Sys Evensen’s apartment for dinner. It was wonderful and we sat around after the meal for several hours and talked and laughed. Laughing is good for the soul!
How blessed we are to have such an awesome family at home, along with great friends and then to be here in Sweden making new friends. Yes, we love our mission. Hej dä